King Solomon studied for Bible answers, and the search allowed him to gain wisdom from God.
1. Will you tell me about the new names Christ will give in Heaven?
Before explaining the new names we get, it is important to see out what happens when a person does not have a new name. The scene is the Great White Throne Judgement, and the books are open for all to read. This is the second resurrection, Resurrection of the Dead. It takes place one thousand years after the first resurrection. "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."
(Revelation 20:6)
(Revelation 20:6)
The defendants before God are those who rejected His Son, Jesus Christ. "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:12-15)
The books are those of each person's life and the Book of Life, also known as the Lamb's Book of Life. In the Book of Life are all the names of those accepted in Jesus Christ. The name of each of God's children is written there and was not blotted out. The names of those who rejected Christ were blotted out, as though they never were in the book. "Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book." (Exodus 32:32-33)
All who rejected Jesus Christ will stand before God in judgement, and will be able to look for their name in the Book of Life. In agony, each will only find their name in the book of their works. The two types of books become dual witnesses against them, one because of their sins or works and the other because they have no name in it. The Book of Life does not know them. "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:23) "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:15)
The key to finding your name in the Lamb's Book of Life is in the white stone Christ gives to each of God's children at the first resurrection. "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." (Revelation 2:17) Yes, each of God's children will get a new name, and the new name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Again, we have two witnesses. First, Christ gives the new name in a stone, and second, the new name is in the Book of Life. "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."
(Revelation 3:5) "Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." (Luke 10:20)
The new name is not just an identifying tag as our names are on earth. The new name means something; it says something. The new name totally describes the person. It is a special name that no other creature has, and only the bearer of the name knows what it is. The white stone with the new name in it expresses what God thinks of that person. The name symbolizes what God has done in them. It is even a means of personal worship and praise between Christ and the bearer. The new name denotes the individuality of the person who bears it. The name is a picture of the person's soul an position in the body of Christ. " A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth." (Ecclesiastes 7:1)
Jesus Christ's new name is the same way. "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself." (Revelation 19:11-12)
The books are those of each person's life and the Book of Life, also known as the Lamb's Book of Life. In the Book of Life are all the names of those accepted in Jesus Christ. The name of each of God's children is written there and was not blotted out. The names of those who rejected Christ were blotted out, as though they never were in the book. "Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book." (Exodus 32:32-33)
All who rejected Jesus Christ will stand before God in judgement, and will be able to look for their name in the Book of Life. In agony, each will only find their name in the book of their works. The two types of books become dual witnesses against them, one because of their sins or works and the other because they have no name in it. The Book of Life does not know them. "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:23) "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:15)
The key to finding your name in the Lamb's Book of Life is in the white stone Christ gives to each of God's children at the first resurrection. "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." (Revelation 2:17) Yes, each of God's children will get a new name, and the new name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Again, we have two witnesses. First, Christ gives the new name in a stone, and second, the new name is in the Book of Life. "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."
(Revelation 3:5) "Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." (Luke 10:20)
The new name is not just an identifying tag as our names are on earth. The new name means something; it says something. The new name totally describes the person. It is a special name that no other creature has, and only the bearer of the name knows what it is. The white stone with the new name in it expresses what God thinks of that person. The name symbolizes what God has done in them. It is even a means of personal worship and praise between Christ and the bearer. The new name denotes the individuality of the person who bears it. The name is a picture of the person's soul an position in the body of Christ. " A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth." (Ecclesiastes 7:1)
Jesus Christ's new name is the same way. "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself." (Revelation 19:11-12)
Are we not to be conformed to the image of God's Son? Of course we are. "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."
(Romans 8:29) Are we not to be in Christ as He is in His Father? Of course we are. "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." (John 17:20-21)
Have you seen through the secret of the new name yet? We, as individuals making up a body, are the bride of Christ. Our new name is meshed with His name. We will have His name. His name alone is worthy of glory. We will be one in Him as He is in His Father and His Father in us.
Yes, beloved of God, even our old names pass away. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Will you receive a white stone with your new name from Jesus Christ? First, you must accept Jesus Christ as Lord and savior. "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17)
2.Did God create this world, or did evolution get it to where it is?
Today, what we have are three groups of thought on this subject. One is evolution; the second is creation, and a third is trying to mesh the first two into one. People really get confused trying to sort these out so that they can find understanding. "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." (1 Corinthians 14:33)
On this particular subject, we have both man's and God's input on how the world was established. In weighing the two major views, we must keep two things in mind. Man looks at what is and tries to determines what was. God knows what was and says what will be.
I could write lengthily comments to explain the details of the views, but when done, there would still be confusion. Therefore, let me get right to the point. If you do not believe God's Word, no need for you to waste your time by reading further.
For plants and animals to develop over a long period of time, they must have a favorable environment. They must have air, light, heat, and a food source to allow them to grow and evolve. No objection to the logic of what you just read? Good.
Now, look at what God said when He had the scriptures written. "And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day." (Genesis 1:11-13) Did you catch the point that all plants were yielding seeds after their kind, full grown plants? Now, pay attention. Look what God did on the fourth day. "And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day." (Genesis 1:14-19)
Friend, how did all those plants get to be full grown without any light, heat, days, or nights? Did you see that? God did not put the sun, moon, and stars in place until the forth day. Even if one day is counted as a thousand years, as some try to do, it then means the plants were in total darkness and without heat for a thousand years.
Jesus Christ is The Son of God. Jesus tells how He was with God when He created the earth, all things on it, and made the universe. "When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men." (Proverbs 8:27-31) John confirmed this. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:1-3) People want to know about God and act good, but deny His power. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:5-7) God made all the things that we can see from things that are not visible to us. "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." (Hebrews 11:3)
Neighbor, you have a decision to make. Do you believe what God said or what men try to prove? "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." (Colossians 1:9-17)
3.Why is it when I read The Bible that I cannot understand it?
Most people try to read the Bible as they would read a novel. The Bible was written to give us instructions, not entertainment. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17) God gave us the Bible to be studied, applied to our lives, and prove God's will for us. "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (Acts 17:11)
God is the author of the Bible: He wrote it through His servants. Knowing God makes it easy to understand His scriptures. When reading the scriptures, one must have the right attitude towards God. He must look for what the Bible says rather than search for support of what he thinks is right. One must read the Bible as though he were listening to God. "Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil." (Proverbs 3:7) "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." (Proverbs 12:15)
As far as the spelling of words, the english is close enough that most anyone can decipher the meaning, i.e., labor, labour and color, colour and show, shew. The biggest help to a reader might be to understand the "eth" on the end of words. The "eth" means continuously (doeth, thinketh, believeth, and so on). In the case of do, doeth would mean to do forever, not just one or two times. The word "hath" simply means has.
Paul summed up his walk with Christ like this. "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you." (Philippians 3:13-15)
5.Why do I keep having doubts about whether or not I am really saved?
"And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (1 John 5:11-12)
True love neither expects nor looks for anything in return. A child of God gives to his Lord out of the joy of his heart. He gives only to bring pleasure to God. He does not give to impress anyone, not even himself. When a true servant of Christ gives, none will know except the Lord. When you give the correct way and in the right Spirit, the Lord has given His Word to reward you openly. Any other method of giving is foolish and contrary to God's Word. Under such circumstances, the gift is vain. Your reward, therefore, is vanity, and you have your just reward.
Now, Paul brought out an interesting point in scriptures. He said that we could only know a portion of Jesus Christ for now, but in Heaven, we would know all about Him as He now knows us. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." (1 Corinthians 13:12) This point or ability goes far beyond just sight with the eyes. We will know all that Jesus Christ knows, and this means everyone of us. Since we will know everyone inside and out, we should have no problem recognizing each other.
Look at this description of Jesus Christ. "And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength." (Revelation 1:12-16)
The above description of Christ does not match what He looked like while He walked on this world. There is obviously a difference in worldly bodies and glorified bodies, yet they are still recognizable. John summed up the question of bodies in the scriptures when he wrote this. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear , we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2)
Will you receive a white stone with your new name from Jesus Christ? First, you must accept Jesus Christ as Lord and savior. "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17)
2.Did God create this world, or did evolution get it to where it is?
Today, what we have are three groups of thought on this subject. One is evolution; the second is creation, and a third is trying to mesh the first two into one. People really get confused trying to sort these out so that they can find understanding. "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." (1 Corinthians 14:33)
On this particular subject, we have both man's and God's input on how the world was established. In weighing the two major views, we must keep two things in mind. Man looks at what is and tries to determines what was. God knows what was and says what will be.
I could write lengthily comments to explain the details of the views, but when done, there would still be confusion. Therefore, let me get right to the point. If you do not believe God's Word, no need for you to waste your time by reading further.
For plants and animals to develop over a long period of time, they must have a favorable environment. They must have air, light, heat, and a food source to allow them to grow and evolve. No objection to the logic of what you just read? Good.
Now, look at what God said when He had the scriptures written. "And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day." (Genesis 1:11-13) Did you catch the point that all plants were yielding seeds after their kind, full grown plants? Now, pay attention. Look what God did on the fourth day. "And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day." (Genesis 1:14-19)
Friend, how did all those plants get to be full grown without any light, heat, days, or nights? Did you see that? God did not put the sun, moon, and stars in place until the forth day. Even if one day is counted as a thousand years, as some try to do, it then means the plants were in total darkness and without heat for a thousand years.
Jesus Christ is The Son of God. Jesus tells how He was with God when He created the earth, all things on it, and made the universe. "When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men." (Proverbs 8:27-31) John confirmed this. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:1-3) People want to know about God and act good, but deny His power. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:5-7) God made all the things that we can see from things that are not visible to us. "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." (Hebrews 11:3)
Neighbor, you have a decision to make. Do you believe what God said or what men try to prove? "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." (Colossians 1:9-17)
3.Why is it when I read The Bible that I cannot understand it?
Most people try to read the Bible as they would read a novel. The Bible was written to give us instructions, not entertainment. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17) God gave us the Bible to be studied, applied to our lives, and prove God's will for us. "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (Acts 17:11)
God is the author of the Bible: He wrote it through His servants. Knowing God makes it easy to understand His scriptures. When reading the scriptures, one must have the right attitude towards God. He must look for what the Bible says rather than search for support of what he thinks is right. One must read the Bible as though he were listening to God. "Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil." (Proverbs 3:7) "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." (Proverbs 12:15)
As far as the spelling of words, the english is close enough that most anyone can decipher the meaning, i.e., labor, labour and color, colour and show, shew. The biggest help to a reader might be to understand the "eth" on the end of words. The "eth" means continuously (doeth, thinketh, believeth, and so on). In the case of do, doeth would mean to do forever, not just one or two times. The word "hath" simply means has.
Now, what about all the strange names in the Bible? Most folks do not understand what or who they are. A quick solution to this is to download a concordance. It gives the definition of every word in the Bible. I recommend Strongs from this site http://www.AnswersInGenesis.org/OnlineBible. They also have the Bible and a Bible dictionary to help the reader understand the scriptures.
We must study God's word with reverence to get understanding. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15) Neighbor, If you study the Bible correctly, you will avoid confusion and find wisdom in God. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)
4.Is there any way I can ever get close to The Lord again?
This is a question that every Christian probably asked at least once. As time passes, we remember the day of our salvation and want to recapture that wonderful and fulfilling event. We ask ourselves what we did or did not do to lose the euphoria. Let us see what God said would cause us to change our position with Him. "Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?" (Malachi 3:7) "And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful." (Mark 4:18-19)
It is as though when we have assured salvation we then turn back to our worldly cares. After a while, we become friends with the world and wonder where God went. "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." (James 4:4)
So, one day we wake up and ask, how did I get so far from God; where is He? Then, we start trying to get back like the prodigal son did. He went back and found that his Father saw him as though the son had never left. "And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." (Luke 15:14-20)
The facts that caused you to get away from God are always the same. The answer that causes you to turn to God is always the same. The way that causes you to reach for God is always the same. "It may be they will present their supplication before the LORD, and will return every one from his evil way: for great is the anger and the fury that the LORD hath pronounced against this people." (Jeremiah 36:7) "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)
Do you recall what happened inside of you just before Christ saved you? You became single-minded and, at salvation, received Light from God. "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." (Matthew 6:22) "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." (James 4:8)
The way to God has never changed. The gate is straight and the path is narrow. To find it, one must be single-minded. To walk it, one must be single-minded. This single-mindedness must be on Christ. "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matthew 7:14)
God calls to all His children to return to Him. "I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee." (Isaiah 44:22) "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8: 35-39)
5.Why do I keep having doubts about whether or not I am really saved?
Your doubts are caused by two possibilities. First, the questioning of whether or not God has saved you changes nothing. The problem is you have not accepted His work as final in your life. Your flesh looks at what is going on around you, or you are feeling guilty for something, and the doubts creep in again. The solution is not that you need to be saved (forgiven of all sins) again. You need to believe God and what He has done in your life. He is all powerful and able to keep what He has committed to; you are not. "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one." (John 10:27-30)
Eternal salvation is of God; it is not of one of His creations, you. "In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." (Psalms 62:7) When God gives eternal life to a person, the person is created a new (man) creature, and God is responsible for the new creature's eternal life, not the old man of the flesh. The flesh has only eternal death and knows it has no salvation, thus the war between flesh and spirit. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3:6)
"Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake." (John 14:11) If you have believed on Christ and accepted Him, let your salvation be settled in His care and stop worrying.
The second possibility of your doubt has root in your misunderstanding two thing about God. Read this next verse very carefully. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6) The two things are: (1) must believe God is and (2) that He rewards those who come to Him with sincere intent. If either one of the two requirements is left out, you are just praying to yourself and not to God.
Look at this example of how two men prayed and the results of their prayers. "And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee (a preacher), and the other a publican( a tax collector). "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Luke 18:9-14) The Pharisee "prayed thus with himself." He did not pray to God; he did not believe God existed. The Pharisee told of his goodness; he did not want anything from God, prideful spirit. The Publican "smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner," contrite heart. He was ashamed of his sins and wanted God to do something about them. The Publican needed and wanted help. He believed God is and that God would forgive him. The Publican got it right on both points, and God rewarded him.
Another example of two people trying to get it right with God at the same time is when Christ was on the cross between the two thieves. You can look at it in your Bible. (Luke 23:39-43) You will see the same elements in their words and hearts. One was heard and saved; the other was prideful and lost.
Another example of two people trying to get it right with God at the same time is when Christ was on the cross between the two thieves. You can look at it in your Bible. (Luke 23:39-43) You will see the same elements in their words and hearts. One was heard and saved; the other was prideful and lost.
Friend, have you ever called on God, believing that He is? Have you ever called on God, believing that He will reward your humble request? If you have never met both of the stated requirements, you have good reason to doubt whether or not you have God's salvation. Friend, you need to answer this question within your own heart. "Why do I keep having doubts about whether or not I am really saved?"
6.What is the secret to getting God's ear, so He will answer my prayers?
Before revealing the unhidden truth behind answered prayer, first look at why prayers are not answered. That way you can make sure to avoid these mistakes and not have to wonder why your prayers went unanswered.
Selfishness is one of the primary reasons for unanswered prayer. When the context of a prayer is centered on one's self, the heart is selfish. Such a heart is looking at what it can get rather than what it can give. The heart of God is giving, which is the result of Him being love. "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:16) How can God, Who is the light of love, have fellowship with the darkness of selfishness?
Look at what James said about selfish prayer. "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." (James 4:3) The language is very plain. If a prayer is focused on self, the prayer goes unanswered, and rightfully so, because God is not glorified in answering a selfish prayer.
Pride is another reason prayers go unanswered. Do you recall the parable that Jesus gave us about the Pharisee's prayer? Jesus said, "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." (Luke 18:11-12) The Pharisee was his own god.
The Pharisee stood, prayed to himself, bragged, and boasted of himself. Read the above paragraph again. Look at the fullness of the Pharisee's pride, and see why he only prayed to himself. Do you think God turned His ear and answered anything the Pharisee said? Jesus said he prayed with himself, not with God. The Pharisee did not want to pray to God even though he said "God." Woe to you if your prayer is focused on your doings or being. If your prayer is, count on God not answering it.
Disobedience in the manner of prayer is another problem in getting Christ to hear. The Lord gave a very specific way to communicate with Him. You might pray the right words, but if the prayer is done incorrectly, you have your just reward, but nothing of God. Read carefully what Jesus said about how to pray. "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." (Matthew 6:6-7) Jesus never prayed so that others could hear His prayer, and you will not find any place in the Bible where a prophet or an apostle prayed outside his closet either. Jesus always prayed with His Father in secret and taught others to do the same. If you want your prayers answered by man, Satan, or yourself, pray to be seen, outside your closet, as the Pharisee did. Do not be deceived; man and Satan can also answer prayer. Then, who gets the glory?
Before praying, always remember these two scriptures. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) The Lord knows when a heart is right before Him, and He knows when He will have the glory of answered prayer.
Here is something that might be a secret to you, but God made it plain from the beginning. Christians do not have a monopoly on answered prayer. God conversed with Cain after he killed his brother, Abel. Christ spoke to Satan and to devils in the Gospels. Pride tells a saint that God favors the saints and not sinners. Such pride puts a hedge of pride between the saint and God. The Creator of heaven and earth is God; He is over all things. He set all principles and powers in place. Therefore, He will bless any person doing what He said and doing it the way He said. "For there is no respect of persons with God." (Romans 2:11) Christ said, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:44-45) Christians do not have a monopoly on prayer or on God. Thinking God owes you something will only cause your prayer to fall flat at your own feet. Conceit will let you stand in the same place as the Pharisee.
Now that we know the basic principles of what not to do in praying, let us move on and look at what God requires for Him to hear and answer a prayer.
There is only one thing God requires, and it has two conditions. Faith is the one thing required. The proof of faith is by two conditions or witnesses. This is found in the book of Hebrews. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6) Faith-filled prayer always has two witnesses, believing that God is and intently expecting Him to answer the prayer.
There is only one thing God requires, and it has two conditions. Faith is the one thing required. The proof of faith is by two conditions or witnesses. This is found in the book of Hebrews. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6) Faith-filled prayer always has two witnesses, believing that God is and intently expecting Him to answer the prayer.
It is no great thing to believe that God is. Many people believe God exists, and so do the devils or demons. "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" (James 2:19-20) Believing that God exists is not faith. It is a step in the right direction, but believing alone is not faith. Faith that pleases God also requires that a heart matches His, a heart of love. The devils believe in God, but they also are filled with all manner of evil. The devils even know Christ. Look what one group of devils said to Jesus when they saw Him. "And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?" (Matthew 8:29) Did you notice that the devils knew they would not be rewarded; they have no faith.
When Jesus Christ saved you, you had faith that pleased God. Your prayer said that you saw God as holy and glorified. Your prayer confessed your belief that He heard you and would act on your need. You needed His forgiveness, and you believed that God would reward you. Your prayer was unselfish, and it glorified God. You were willing to give up your life for His. Your heart was right before God. All this sounds real simple. In fact, it is. "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight." (Luke 10:21) After salvation, the problem is that religion steps in, and the child becomes wise and prudent. Bewildered, the saint does not understand why God is so far away. Shame, Shame! The Lord has never moved from His place.
When Jesus Christ saved you, you had faith that pleased God. Your prayer said that you saw God as holy and glorified. Your prayer confessed your belief that He heard you and would act on your need. You needed His forgiveness, and you believed that God would reward you. Your prayer was unselfish, and it glorified God. You were willing to give up your life for His. Your heart was right before God. All this sounds real simple. In fact, it is. "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight." (Luke 10:21) After salvation, the problem is that religion steps in, and the child becomes wise and prudent. Bewildered, the saint does not understand why God is so far away. Shame, Shame! The Lord has never moved from His place.
When you pray, keep your prayer simple and to the point. The Lord is not impressed with your wisdom or many words. "Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples, Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation." (Luke 20:45-47)
"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Psalms 37:4) When your heat is aligned with God's, you will have the desires of your heart. Godly desires will be different from those you had when you were away from God.
"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Psalms 37:4) When your heat is aligned with God's, you will have the desires of your heart. Godly desires will be different from those you had when you were away from God.
Well, now you know how to get God's ear and have answered prayers. God does not change. "For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." (Malachi 3:6) The same elements of your prayer at salvation will get God's ear every time. Jesus prayed in this manner and taught us to do the same. "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matthew 6:9-13)
7.What is all this talk about tithing, love offerings, and giving?
Many organizations use donated money to continue the organization and solicit more money for growth. This means is not limited to just churches or ministries. Political, social, medical, and other organizations ask for money so that they can further their agendas, whatever they might be. Those running these organizations will have to answer to God as to the true purpose of their work. Therefore, we will not comment on whether or not their work is parallel with God's plan.
The following answer will, however, be centered on what and how an individual tries to give or does not give. We will look at what God really did when He gave the commandment to tithe. In doing so, He linked giving to love. The process of giving is a spin-off from love, not lust. Love gives of itself; lust takes for itself. When the word love is used here, it refers to God's love which embodies the fruit of the Spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23)
With the introduction behind us, there is the word "tithe." It simply means a tenth of one's gain, no more and no less. It could be a tenth of a harvested wheat crop, a tenth of services provided to a person, a tenth of take home pay, or a tenth of anything a person actually receives.
The word "tithe" is first seen in the laws God gave to Moses for Israel. "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD." (Leviticus 27:30)
When God started the tithing system, He had already divided the Israelites into twelve tribes. One tribe He set apart to do His work, Levites. The Levites were not allowed to own land. Therefore, they could not have crops, cattle, fruit trees, etc. They had no means of gain or income except what God provided to them. So, God commanded that the other eleven tribes and the Levites give a tenth of all their gain to Him. A tenth is easier to calculate than an eleventh or twelfth.
Then, He established a means for the Levites to have what was given to Him. God did not need it. However, God wanted the tithe given to Him first, not to the Levites, so that the people would keep His commandments and, thereby, show their love for Him. He wanted them to give Him their treasure. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:21) You can read about how God set this up in the books of Exodus and Leviticus. The tithe was to promote God and His work among the people. It also kept their minds on God since He was getting a tenth of their treasure.
Then, He established a means for the Levites to have what was given to Him. God did not need it. However, God wanted the tithe given to Him first, not to the Levites, so that the people would keep His commandments and, thereby, show their love for Him. He wanted them to give Him their treasure. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:21) You can read about how God set this up in the books of Exodus and Leviticus. The tithe was to promote God and His work among the people. It also kept their minds on God since He was getting a tenth of their treasure.
Now that you know what tithing is about, giving will be the next subject. Christians are not under the Mosaic Law as were the Israelites. But, God has not changed and neither has man. Man's heart is still where his treasure is.
God wants man's attention. God being the Creator and knowing what is best for us, it is right that God have a portion of our gain. Jesus said that we are to give to God what is God's. "And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar‘s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him." (Mark 12:17) Paul also told us about giving. "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." (1 Corinthians 16:2) "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
God wants man's attention. God being the Creator and knowing what is best for us, it is right that God have a portion of our gain. Jesus said that we are to give to God what is God's. "And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar‘s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him." (Mark 12:17) Paul also told us about giving. "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." (1 Corinthians 16:2) "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
We know that we are to give, and our giving should be to God. Two questions still remain about giving, quantity and how to give. The Lord knew it would take at least a tenth of a person's gain to get their heart focused on Him. I think He has already set the minimum quantity to be given. Love, fruit of the Spirit, is expressed in actions. How much do you love God?
Christ told us very plainly how we are to give to God. He was very clear that our giving alms, money, was to be done privately, without fanfare. He even gave us the warning and the blessing if we obey His will. "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly." (Matthew 6:1-4)
Christ told us very plainly how we are to give to God. He was very clear that our giving alms, money, was to be done privately, without fanfare. He even gave us the warning and the blessing if we obey His will. "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly." (Matthew 6:1-4)
You should ponder this. If your right hand knows what your left hand gives, did you give God's way? Both hands are parts of the same body. The right hand and the left hand receive direction from the same mind. How can your hand give so that your mind is unaware of the giving (Matthew 6:3)? When you tally or keep books on your giving, did you give in secret?
God knows how to give. He gave the gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
God knows how to give. He gave the gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
8.In Heaven, will I have the same form of body as now with legs and arms?
From the scriptures, we can see that we will have a body or covering of some kind. It will be suitable for that environment just as our bodies are best for this environment. The covering has specific enough features that we can identify each other.
This conclusion comes from what Jesus told us in the scriptures. Take a look in your Bible at Luke 16:19-31. It is what Jesus told us about two men, one in Heaven and one in Hell.
We see in these scriptures that individual features were identifiable such as finger, eyes, and tongue. We also see that the individuals in the account had names and spoke to one another.
This conclusion comes from what Jesus told us in the scriptures. Take a look in your Bible at Luke 16:19-31. It is what Jesus told us about two men, one in Heaven and one in Hell.
We see in these scriptures that individual features were identifiable such as finger, eyes, and tongue. We also see that the individuals in the account had names and spoke to one another.
Look at this description of Jesus Christ. "And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength." (Revelation 1:12-16)
The above description of Christ does not match what He looked like while He walked on this world. There is obviously a difference in worldly bodies and glorified bodies, yet they are still recognizable. John summed up the question of bodies in the scriptures when he wrote this. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear , we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2)
9.Why can't I decide for myself the best yardstick for right and wrong?
There was never a time when man had the ability to correctly chose his own standard of morality. God gave Adam and Eve one commandment, and they disobeyed it. In the next generation, Cain killed his own brother. Fleshly man cannot set standards to properly govern himself. Those three mentioned and the balance of fleshly man have never followed the path of the Spirit. Only in Christ can a person love his neighbor as himself.
Man's natural state, in the flesh, eliminates him from being the standard by which others must live. Christians having a fleshly body while on this earth are also eliminated because the cannot measure up either. Only Jesus Christ in His fleshly body was ever able to keep the full law of the Spirit. Only He is worthy of being the world's role model.
Man's natural state, in the flesh, eliminates him from being the standard by which others must live. Christians having a fleshly body while on this earth are also eliminated because the cannot measure up either. Only Jesus Christ in His fleshly body was ever able to keep the full law of the Spirit. Only He is worthy of being the world's role model.
One cannot trust thoughts or feelings to give the right answers. Both are subject to the heart. Man's fleshly heart has a problem. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) There is only One who can know man's heart and judge what is best for man. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
Do you find it strange that not one of us even knows the true motives behind our thoughts and feelings? No need to feel bad; we all still have a sin nature, even though we might be saved. That is why God said "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5) He knows we cannot chose correctly between right and wrong. "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered." (Proverbs 28: 26)
We have learned that all men and women have desperately wicked hearts, no matter how nice a person might seem. Since our hearts are deceitful and untrustworthy, we need some one else's heart we can rely on. We need a role model as a standard for us to follow. The only person who can be this role model is one who has a pure heart. That person is Jesus Christ. He walked sinless through this world. He is the Word of God. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men." (John 1:1-4)
The written Word of God is the Holy Bible. It is our standard for living, and we can trust it. It is God breathed for our benefit. It is up to us to use it to determine right from wrong. We cannot of ourselves know right from wrong. What or who will you choose to be your yardstick, a measure of right and wrong?Do you find it strange that not one of us even knows the true motives behind our thoughts and feelings? No need to feel bad; we all still have a sin nature, even though we might be saved. That is why God said "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5) He knows we cannot chose correctly between right and wrong. "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered." (Proverbs 28: 26)
We have learned that all men and women have desperately wicked hearts, no matter how nice a person might seem. Since our hearts are deceitful and untrustworthy, we need some one else's heart we can rely on. We need a role model as a standard for us to follow. The only person who can be this role model is one who has a pure heart. That person is Jesus Christ. He walked sinless through this world. He is the Word of God. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men." (John 1:1-4)
10. If a person commits suicide, will God forgive them?
The only people God ever forgives for anything are those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Their names are in the Book of Life through the blood of Jesus Christ. Only these ones are forgiven of sins, never to be remembered. "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." (Revelation 3:5) "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life." (Revelation 21:27)
Because of God's Holiness, sin is sin and is in opposition to God. "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." (James 2:10) No sin is forgiven by God except they are washed in the blood of Christ. If you think about His forgiveness, God doesn't see the forgiven sins, because they were cleansed in Christ's blood. They are as though they never were. That is why God sees those in Christ as spotless and without sin. "For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." (Hebrews 9:13-15)
Suicide is premeditated murder caused by anxiety, fear, or despair. Christians have God's promise that He will keep them from reaching such depths of confusion. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7) "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." (2 Corinthians 4:7-10)
"But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust." (1 Timothy 1:8-11)
Because of God's Holiness, sin is sin and is in opposition to God. "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." (James 2:10) No sin is forgiven by God except they are washed in the blood of Christ. If you think about His forgiveness, God doesn't see the forgiven sins, because they were cleansed in Christ's blood. They are as though they never were. That is why God sees those in Christ as spotless and without sin. "For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." (Hebrews 9:13-15)
Suicide is premeditated murder caused by anxiety, fear, or despair. Christians have God's promise that He will keep them from reaching such depths of confusion. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7) "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." (2 Corinthians 4:7-10)
"But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust." (1 Timothy 1:8-11)
