Discourse on Repentance:

[iris89]

Discourse on Repentance:

WHY REPENTANCE IS NECESSARY:

The subject of repentance can not be understood unless we first understand why repentance is necessary; therefore, let’s look at what the scriptures have to say on the subject:

“ Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” (Romans 5:12 AV) which shows that repentance is necessary as sin entered the world.
This is also clearly shown by, “9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 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.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 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.
14 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 AV).

This is further made clear by, “ For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23 AV) therefore making clear we need to turn our lives from sin and repent.

LIVES MUST BE BROUGHT IN HARMONY WITH GOD’S (YHWH’S) WORD:

Let’s see what the Bible has to say with regard turning our life around.

First consider:

“This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4:17-24 AV) which clearly shows we must strip off the old personality with its works of uncleanness and greed. This would include depraved sexual lust, God dishonoring false dogma, greed, hate of fellow man, hedonism, lasciviousness, etc.

Now consider:

“ For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:” (1 Peter 4:3 AV) which just reinforces what was said in Ephesians, clearly showing we must turn our lives around and STOP walking in “lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries [these would include belief in false dogma, practices and traditions including hero worship]:”

Likewise:

“ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” (Colossiams 3:5-10 Av). This scripture once more clearly shows we must STOP practicing “fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” Therefore we can see for true repentance, we must cease and decease from practices that are NOT approved by God (YHWH).

TRUE REPENTANCE REQUIRED WHEN ONE TURNS TO GOD:

Clearly the Bible shows true repentance required when one turns to God; let’s review a pertinent scripture on this subject:

“ But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” (Acts 26:20 AV). Ah, here we see, we must do works that “meet for repentance.” What could some of these works be? Well some of these words would be ceasing to do the things one previously did that go against his laws and principles and that bring dishonor to him. What are some of these? Well as previously shown, these would be such things as lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries [these would include belief in false dogma, practices and traditions including hero worship], of course it would not be limited to simply not doing these wrongs, but would require effort to counteract the effects of your previous wrongs such as exposing false dogma, starting to love your fellow man, and ceasing to live a hedonistic life style and warning others against such things as deviant sex, illegal drug use, and other debasing things.

Remember:

“ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 AV). This should clearly behoove us to turn our life around. It should be clear that Almighty God (YHWH) takes no delight in those who refuse to do so. This is made clear, “11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? 12 Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. 13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. 14 Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; 15 If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. 16 None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.” (Ezekial 33:11-16 AV).

In fact:

“ I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7 AV), clearly shows that God (YHWH) and his Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) are made joyful by sinners who truly repent.

ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED FOR REPENTANCE:

We must gain accurate knowledge to strip off the old personality as clearly shown by:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Romans 12:1-3 AV) which clearly shows we must make our lives over to be acceptable to God (YHWH) and this can only be done by “not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” which we all know is through study to gain accurate knowledge so “not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind”. Likewise, “through the grace given unto me,” we should, “ So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” (Romans 12:5 AV).

To help others and ourselves to come to an accurate knowledge, we should:

“ 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 AV). We must study God’s (YHWH’s) word and let others in a spirit of neighbor love know the truth also.

Last, but definitely not least, we must:

“9 Be not guilty of falsehood one to another: having stript off the old man, together with his practices,
10 And having put on the new—who is being moulded afresh unto personal knowledge, after the image of him that hath created him,—“ (Colosians 3:9-10 Rotherham Bible)

CHRISTIAN TEACHING EMPHASIS REPENTANCE:

At “ And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14 AV) Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) gave the command to his true followers to witness to the nations and this is clearly emphasized as follows:

“Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15 AV). Therefore, for true repentance acceptable to God (YHWH) and his Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) to take place action on our part to make the word of God (YHWH) know to others is required.

In fact, this is so important that repentance can only take place:

“ And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47 AV)

This truth is further highlighted as:

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30 AV). From this we can see ignorance will no longer be tolerated clearly showing ignorance of God (YHWH) dishonoring dogma and of his laws and principles will no longer be tolerated by God (YHWH) or by his Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves). Therefore, it is truly important, as shown by this scripture to turn our life around.

Also, true repentance requires faith:

“And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21 AV) clearly that our leader, Christ Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) the only “ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 AV) “ taught publickly and from house to house”; therefore it is clear we to should “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Last, but not Least:

“ And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47 AV); which is in complete harmony with the commission Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) put on ALL his genuine followers as follows, “ And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14 AV)

WHAT HAPPENS IF IN A MOMENT OF WEAKNESS WE COMMIT A SIN?:

First we must remember our savior Jesus Christ (Yeshua or YHWH saves) is compassionate in carrying out his assignment given to him by his Father (YHWH), “19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:19-28 AV).

“ My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” (1 John 2:1 AV); clearly shows we have an “advocate with the Father” who will assist those genuinely trying to live their lives in harmony with God’s (YHWH’s) will so we should fear not in these cases.

This compassionate nature of our savior Jesus Christ (Yeshua or YHWH saves) is made even clearer by:

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galations 6:1-2 AV). As can be seen from this scripture that if one inadvertently takes a false step we are under obligation to “ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” This would be of no purpose if the errant one’s mistake could not be corrected.

Therefore, because we are all sinners, in order to merit the mercy and compassion of our leader Jesus Christ (Yeshua or YHWH saves) we must:

“ Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” (Revelation 2:5 AV), thus true repentance is the key to our savior extending his love and mercy to us.

NOW, WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR MERCY?:

First, we must confess our sins and wrong beliefs to God (YHWH) through his Son and only mediator between God and man, and not to some false mediator or go between such as a priest, statue of a saint or the Virgin Mary, etc.

“ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13 AV)

And:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:9 AV).

And:

“ I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.” (Psalms 32:5 AV)

So we can see from the above scriptures, it is necessary to confess our sins to God (YHWH) through his Son and only mediator between God and man, and not to some false mediator or go between such as a priest, statue of a saint or the Virgin Mary, etc.

HOWEVER, NO REPENTENCE IS POSSIBLE FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ACCEPT GOD’S MERCY AND THEN RETURN TO A WILLFUL PRACTICE OF DISBELIEF AND SIN:

It is clearly shown that it is impossible for those who once enlightened willfully return like “ But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:22 AV) to gain the benefits of repentance, or in other words, once saved is not always saved:

“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:” (Hebrews 6:4-11 AV)

And:

“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:26-31 AV)

And:

“For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:” (2 Peter 2:20-22 AV).

As can clearly be seen, as stated at the beginning of this section “it is impossible for those who once enlightened willfully return like “ But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:22 AV) to gain the benefits of repentance, or in other words, once saved is not always saved:”

MERCY AND COMPASION LIKE THE MERCY AND COMPASSION OF OUR SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST IS REQUIRED OF US:

Just as Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) extends mercy and compassion to us, we must also extend it to others:

“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
3 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” (Luke 17:3-4 AV)

And:

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15 AV)

Which clearly shows that if we are genuine followers of our leader and savior Jesus Christ (Yeshua or YHWH saves) we must be like him and extends mercy and compassion to others.

LAST, WHAT IS THE INDICATION OF TRUE REPENTANCE?:

Clearly we must first:

“ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 AV)

We must turn back from our former wrong course of action and false belief:

“When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.
14 Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right;
15 If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.
16 None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.” (Ezekial 33:13-16 AV)

And:

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekial 18:30-31 AV)

This need to turn your life around and repent is once more emphasized in the New Testament:

“ Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” (Acts 3:19 AV)

Last, but not least, remember we must confess our transgressions to God (YHWH) in prayer through his Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) who is the only “ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 AV), and as his assignment from his Father (YHWH) mediates towards us “ But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” (Hebrews 8:6 AV):

“ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13 AV)

Your Friend in Christ Iris89

[iris89]

Discourse on Salvation

SALVATION AN IMPORTANT SUBJECT:

Salvation is an important subject that all genuine Christians need to learn a lot more about. It is imperative that we all have a correct understanding on what is meant by Salvation in the Bible. Unfortunately, many have the wrong understanding and outlook on this Biblical subject.

So many look for a physical instead of a spiritual answer to many things in the Bible and overlook the definition even of a miracle. A Miracle is defined as an event that appears inexplicable by the laws of nature and so is held to be supernatural in origin or an act of God: "Miracles are spontaneous, they cannot be summoned, but come of themselves" (Katherine Anne Porter). [The American Heritage(r) Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition]

On a similar note, a BBC programme on Moses shows the doubting Thomas syndrome that appears to be permeating our society even among those who claim to be Christian. It appears that, while critics are now happy to concede that archeological findings confirm events like the ten plagues and the Exodus out of Egypt COULD have happened, they'll insist on rational explanations for them!

However, we can not be doubting about the subject of salvation, but must study the scriptures like the Bereans, " 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 AV). To that end, let's look into the subject of salvation.

WHAT IS SALVATION?

Let's examine the scriptures and determine exactly what salvation really is in the Biblical usage:

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 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.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:14-17 AV). Here we see that inorder to obtain salvation, we must believe in God's (YHWH's) Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) whom his Father (YHWH) sent into the world to provide a means of salvation for us." (Matthew 3:14-17 AV - Authorized King James Version).

Yes, salvation from bondage to sin with everlasting life in view:

"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:16-23 AV). These scriptures clearly show that the Biblical salvation is from bondage to sin and death; with the hope of everlasting life under a righteous kingdom with God's (YHWH's) Son as its king as we all pray for in the Lord's prayer, "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:9-10 AV).

We must seize the word of God (YHWH) and seize our opportunity for salvation as the scriptures clearly show:

"Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region." (Acts 13:46-49 AV)

WHO PROVIDES FOR SALVATION?

Now it is important that all genuine Christians understand who provides for salvation, and the scriptures show:

"The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
50 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." (Luke 1: 43-51 AV) Clearly shows that Jesus's (Yeshua's or YHWH saves's) the Son of God (YHWH) was provided as our means of salvation.

Likewise, the provider is directly identified as:

"Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; (Titus 1:1-3 AV). This clearly identifies Almighty God (YHWH) as the one who provided his Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) to serve as a ransom to release us from bondage in accordance with "And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12 Av).

This fact is further reinforced:

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord." (1 Timothy 1:1 AV). Here it is made clear that God (YHWH) is are actual savior, but he is working through his Son so we can look at his Son as our savior as he, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) is the only " For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" (1 Timothy 2:5 AV) who " taught publickly and from house to house"; therefore it is clear we to should "Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." (partial quote of Acts 20:21 AV).

OUR CHIEF AGENT OF SALVATION IS GOD'S (YHWH'S) OWN SON WHO HE PROVIDED FOR THAT PURPOSE:

That God (YHWH) provided his only begotten Son for that purpose is made clear:

" God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
5 ¶ For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.
6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
10 ¶ For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." (Hebrews 2:10 AV). This scripture clearly shows that God (YHWH) provided his own Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) for the purpose of our salvation and made him, the second highest ranking spirit being in all of heaven who figuratively sat at the right hand of God Almighty (YHWH), " Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;" (Hebrews 8:1 AV). This clearly shows Almighty God's (YHWH's) love for mankind in that he would provide his own Son as a ransom to make up for the perfect human life lost by Adam through disobedience, "And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." (Genesis 3:17-19 AV). Here it is clear that God (YHWH) and Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) are two separate and distinct spirit beings, and that God (YHWH) being the superior could clearly provide his only begotten Son that he had created as the " And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;" (Revelation 3:14 AV) as the ransom sacrifice due to his superior position.

Whereas, Almighty God (YHWH) could rise up his Son after he was executed, he likewise is able to do the same for us the next two scriptures prove:

"The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins." (Acts 5:30-31 AV)

And:

" Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25 AV)

Therefore, the scripture:

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14 ¶ And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world." (1 John 4:11-14 AV), brings out several very important facts effecting our salvation. They are:

Fact 1, "No man hath seen God at any time." Yet mankind has seen his Son who for a period of time lived among mankind.

Fact 2, He has given his Son's faithful followers, "Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit." Some of his active force.

Fact 3, That the Father (YHWH) sent his Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) on a mission to redeem obedient mankind from bondage to the inherited sin of Adam, "And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world."

ALL ARE IN THE NEED OF SALVATION THROUGH GOD'S (YHWH'S) SON:
This is brought out clearly as:

" Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12 AV)

And:

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 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;" (Romans 3:23-25 AV). It was clearly necessary for Almighty God (YHWH) to send his Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) as the scriptures show, " As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Romans 3:10 AV). It should be noted that God (YHWH) himself, sent his own Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves, since salvation of obedient mankind was so important to him due to his love of mankind.

KNOWLEDGE OF GOD'S (YHWH'S) WORD NECESSARY FOR SALVATION:

The scriptures highlight the fact that knowledge of God's (YHWH's) word is necessary for salvation:

" And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3 AV)

In fact, we must continue to progress in knowledge in order to gain salvation:

"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." (1 Peter 2:2 AV). This fact was highlighted as follows, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:12-15 AV)

SALVATION AVAILABLE TO MEN OF ALL NATIONS:

Salvation is not the exclusive 'prize' of any one group, but is clearly available to all meeting the scriptural requirements:

"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." (Revelation 7:9-10 AV).

And:

"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:2 AV).

These scriptures clearly highlight the following very important facts:

Fact 1, Salvation is available to men of all nations, "lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;"

Fact 2, That we have an advocate with the Father (YHWH), "lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;" clearly showing that we have Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) as an advocate with the supreme figure of all the universe, Almighty God (YHWH) and we should not try and lower the supremacy of Almighty God (YHWH) and thus violate the Third Commandment of the Ten Commandments " Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3 AV).

Fact 3, That our advocate is "the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."

IS SALVATION EARNED?

Some may mistakenly feel salvation is earned, but it is actually the gift of God's (YHWH's) undeserved kindness toward mankind:

" For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:11-14 AV)

And:

"For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
4 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" (Titus 3:5 AV)

And Last:

" Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." (2 Timothy 2:19 AV)

Now the above scriptures from Titus and 2 Timothy bring out the following important facts:
Fact 1, The grace of God (YHWH) came in the form of his Son, " For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men," (Titus 2:11 AV).

Fact 2, That Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH) is a great, "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" who is subordinate only to his Father (YHWH) in heaven as plainly shown by the fact that he figuratively will sit at his Father's (YHWH's) right hand, " But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;" (Hebrews 10:12 AV)

Fact 3, " Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his" that we have a sure foundation for our faith.

NOT ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED:

Many feel that once saved they no matter what will remain saved for all of time, but is that so? The following scripture clearly shows otherwise:

" But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." (Matthew 24:13 AV)

And:

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." (Hebrews 10:35-39 AV)

And:

" But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (1 Corinthians 9:27 AV)

And:

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 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,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14 AV)

Clearly these scriptures bring out the following important facts:

Fact 1, That we must continue to work out our salvation as it is not a one time thing, " Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12 AV)

Fact 2, We must bring body into subjection and not give in to sexual lust, " But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." Which clearly shows there is danger that we can fall out of a saved condition.

Fact 3, We must maintain a faithful course to the end to really be saved, "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him."

NOW FAITH IS NOT A PASSIVE THING, BUT MUST BE DEMONSTRATED:

The scriptures clearly demonstrate to have faith we must have consistent works:

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (James 2:14-26 AV)

And:

" For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10 AV)

These scriptures highlight the following:

Fact 1, "so faith without works is dead also" and if dead it is worthless and this is made even clearer by " And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 10:22 AV)

Fact 2, Abraham demonstrated his faith and it was counted as good works, "21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God."

Fact 3, " For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

See Part 2 on Salvation

[iris89]

Part 2 on Salvation

DELIVERANCE FROM THE BONDAGE OF DEATH BY RESURRECTION IS A SALVATION:

This is highlighted in the scriptures:

"Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" (Hebrews 5:7-9 AV).

This scripture clearly shows the following two items:

Item 1, That the Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) had to learn obedience by the things "which he suffered;"

Item 2, That even the Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves), "offered up prayers and supplications" to his Father (YHWH).

He, the Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves), made himself known to the Apostle Paul as follows:

"And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." (Revelation 1:17-18 AV) Here the Son clearly showed that he had been given authority over all except his Fathey (YHWH) by his Father (YHWH) to carry out his assignment, "But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 ¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all." (1 Corinthians 15:12-28 AV)

In fact, the scriptures clearly show:

"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of d**nation." (John 5:28-29 AV). This shows that all who gain salvation will have a resurrection unto life; what better could one ask for?

SALVATION, HOWEVER SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN FORGRANTED:

The warning of Hebrews should be constantly remembered by all:

"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." (Hebrews 10:26-27 AV)

Also, the resurrected ones need to keep in mind the following:

"And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
11 ¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 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.
13 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.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:7-15 AV)

We however at the present time must keep in mind:

" And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28 AV)

And:

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater d**nation.
16 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves." (Matthew 23:13-15 AV)

And:

Discourse on Salvation

SALVATION AN IMPORTANT SUBJECT:

Salvation is an important subject that all genuine Christians need to learn a lot more about. It is imperative that we all have a correct understanding on what is meant by Salvation in the Bible. Unfortunately, many have the wrong understanding and outlook on this Biblical subject.

So many look for a physical instead of a spiritual answer to many things in the Bible and overlook the definition even of a miracle. A Miracle is defined as an event that appears inexplicable by the laws of nature and so is held to be supernatural in origin or an act of God: "Miracles are spontaneous, they cannot be summoned, but come of themselves" (Katherine Anne Porter). [The American Heritage(r) Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition]

On a similar note, a BBC programme on Moses shows the doubting Thomas syndrome that appears to be permeating our society even among those who claim to be Christian. It appears that, while critics are now happy to concede that archeological findings confirm events like the ten plagues and the Exodus out of Egypt COULD have happened, they'll insist on rational explanations for them!

However, we can not be doubting about the subject of salvation, but must study the scriptures like the Bereans, " 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 AV). To that end, let's look into the subject of salvation.

WHAT IS SALVATION?

Let's examine the scriptures and determine exactly what salvation really is in the Biblical usage:

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 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.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:14-17 AV). Here we see that inorder to obtain salvation, we must believe in God's (YHWH's) Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) whom his Father (YHWH) sent into the world to provide a means of salvation for us." (Matthew 3:14-17 AV - Authorized King James Version).

Yes, salvation from bondage to sin with everlasting life in view:

"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:16-23 AV). These scriptures clearly show that the Biblical salvation is from bondage to sin and death; with the hope of everlasting life under a righteous kingdom with God's (YHWH's) Son as its king as we all pray for in the Lord's prayer, "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:9-10 AV).

We must seize the word of God (YHWH) and seize our opportunity for salvation as the scriptures clearly show:

"Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region." (Acts 13:46-49 AV)

WHO PROVIDES FOR SALVATION?

Now it is important that all genuine Christians understand who provides for salvation, and the scriptures show:

"The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
50 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." (Luke 1: 43-51 AV) Clearly shows that Jesus's (Yeshua's or YHWH saves's) the Son of God (YHWH) was provided as our means of salvation.

Likewise, the provider is directly identified as:

"Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; (Titus 1:1-3 AV). This clearly identifies Almighty God (YHWH) as the one who provided his Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) to serve as a ransom to release us from bondage in accordance with "And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12 Av).

This fact is further reinforced:

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord." (1 Timothy 1:1 AV). Here it is made clear that God (YHWH) is are actual savior, but he is working through his Son so we can look at his Son as our savior as he, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) is the only " For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" (1 Timothy 2:5 AV) who " taught publickly and from house to house"; therefore it is clear we to should "Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." (partial quote of Acts 20:21 AV).

OUR CHIEF AGENT OF SALVATION IS GOD'S (YHWH'S) OWN SON WHO HE PROVIDED FOR THAT PURPOSE:

That God (YHWH) provided his only begotten Son for that purpose is made clear:

" God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
5 ¶ For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.
6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
10 ¶ For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." (Hebrews 2:10 AV). This scripture clearly shows that God (YHWH) provided his own Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) for the purpose of our salvation and made him, the second highest ranking spirit being in all of heaven who figuratively sat at the right hand of God Almighty (YHWH), " Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;" (Hebrews 8:1 AV). This clearly shows Almighty God's (YHWH's) love for mankind in that he would provide his own Son as a ransom to make up for the perfect human life lost by Adam through disobedience, "And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." (Genesis 3:17-19 AV). Here it is clear that God (YHWH) and Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) are two separate and distinct spirit beings, and that God (YHWH) being the superior could clearly provide his only begotten Son that he had created as the " And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;" (Revelation 3:14 AV) as the ransom sacrifice due to his superior position.

Whereas, Almighty God (YHWH) could rise up his Son after he was executed, he likewise is able to do the same for us the next two scriptures prove:

"The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins." (Acts 5:30-31 AV)

And:

" Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25 AV)

Therefore, the scripture:

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14 ¶ And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world." (1 John 4:11-14 AV), brings out several very important facts effecting our salvation. They are:

Fact 1, "No man hath seen God at any time." Yet mankind has seen his Son who for a period of time lived among mankind.

Fact 2, He has given his Son's faithful followers, "Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit." Some of his active force.

Fact 3, That the Father (YHWH) sent his Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) on a mission to redeem obedient mankind from bondage to the inherited sin of Adam, "And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world."

ALL ARE IN THE NEED OF SALVATION THROUGH GOD'S (YHWH'S) SON:
This is brought out clearly as:

" Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12 AV)

And:

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 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;" (Romans 3:23-25 AV). It was clearly necessary for Almighty God (YHWH) to send his Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) as the scriptures show, " As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Romans 3:10 AV). It should be noted that God (YHWH) himself, sent his own Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves, since salvation of obedient mankind was so important to him due to his love of mankind.

See Part 3 on Salvation:

[iris89]

Part 3 on Salvation



KNOWLEDGE OF GOD'S (YHWH'S) WORD NECESSARY FOR SALVATION:

The scriptures highlight the fact that knowledge of God's (YHWH's) word is necessary for salvation:

" And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3 AV)

In fact, we must continue to progress in knowledge in order to gain salvation:

"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." (1 Peter 2:2 AV). This fact was highlighted as follows, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:12-15 AV)

SALVATION AVAILABLE TO MEN OF ALL NATIONS:

Salvation is not the exclusive 'prize' of any one group, but is clearly available to all meeting the scriptural requirements:

"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." (Revelation 7:9-10 AV).

And:

"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:2 AV).

These scriptures clearly highlight the following very important facts:

Fact 1, Salvation is available to men of all nations, "lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;"

Fact 2, That we have an advocate with the Father (YHWH), "lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;" clearly showing that we have Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) as an advocate with the supreme figure of all the universe, Almighty God (YHWH) and we should not try and lower the supremacy of Almighty God (YHWH) and thus violate the Third Commandment of the Ten Commandments " Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3 AV).

Fact 3, That our advocate is "the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."

IS SALVATION EARNED?

Some may mistakenly feel salvation is earned, but it is actually the gift of God's (YHWH's) undeserved kindness toward mankind:

" For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:11-14 AV)

And:

"For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
4 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" (Titus 3:5 AV)

And Last:

" Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." (2 Timothy 2:19 AV)

Now the above scriptures from Titus and 2 Timothy bring out the following important facts:
Fact 1, The grace of God (YHWH) came in the form of his Son, " For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men," (Titus 2:11 AV).

Fact 2, That Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH) is a great, "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" who is subordinate only to his Father (YHWH) in heaven as plainly shown by the fact that he figuratively will sit at his Father's (YHWH's) right hand, " But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;" (Hebrews 10:12 AV)

Fact 3, " Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his" that we have a sure foundation for our faith.

NOT ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED:

Many feel that once saved they no matter what will remain saved for all of time, but is that so? The following scripture clearly shows otherwise:

" But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." (Matthew 24:13 AV)

And:

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." (Hebrews 10:35-39 AV)

And:

" But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (1 Corinthians 9:27 AV)

And:

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 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,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14 AV)

Clearly these scriptures bring out the following important facts:

Fact 1, That we must continue to work out our salvation as it is not a one time thing, " Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12 AV)

Fact 2, We must bring body into subjection and not give in to sexual lust, " But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." Which clearly shows there is danger that we can fall out of a saved condition.

Fact 3, We must maintain a faithful course to the end to really be saved, "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him."

NOW FAITH IS NOT A PASSIVE THING, BUT MUST BE DEMONSTRATED:

The scriptures clearly demonstrate to have faith we must have consistent works:

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (James 2:14-26 AV)

And:

" For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10 AV)

These scriptures highlight the following:

Fact 1, "so faith without works is dead also" and if dead it is worthless and this is made even clearer by " And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 10:22 AV)

Fact 2, Abraham demonstrated his faith and it was counted as good works, "21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God."

Fact 3, " For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

DELIVERANCE FROM THE BONDAGE OF DEATH BY RESURRECTION IS A SALVATION:

This is highlighted in the scriptures:

"Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" (Hebrews 5:7-9 AV).

This scripture clearly shows the following two items:

Item 1, That the Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) had to learn obedience by the things "which he suffered;"

Item 2, That even the Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves), "offered up prayers and supplications" to his Father (YHWH).

He, the Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves), made himself known to the Apostle Paul as follows:

"And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." (Revelation 1:17-18 AV) Here the Son clearly showed that he had been given authority over all except his Fathey (YHWH) by his Father (YHWH) to carry out his assignment, "But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 ¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all." (1 Corinthians 15:12-28 AV)

In fact, the scriptures clearly show:

"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of d**nation." (John 5:28-29 AV). This shows that all who gain salvation will have a resurrection unto life; what better could one ask for?

SALVATION, HOWEVER SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN FORGRANTED:

The warning of Hebrews should be constantly remembered by all:

"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." (Hebrews 10:26-27 AV)

Also, the resurrected ones need to keep in mind the following:

"And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
11 ¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 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.
13 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.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:7-15 AV)

We however at the present time must keep in mind:

" And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28 AV)

And:

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater d**nation.
16 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves." (Matthew 23:13-15 AV)

And:

" Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the d**nation of hell?" (Matthew 23:33 AV)

Your Friend in Christ Iris89

[iris89]

The Subject of Resurrection

INTRODUCTION:

The resurrection hope is clearly set out in the Bible as shown at Hebrews 6:1-2, " Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." (Authorized King James Bible; AV).; and at Isaiah 25:8, " He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it." (AV).

In fact preChristian Old Testament (Hebrew) scriptures refer to such a hope.
Let's look at a few of these:

Isaiah 29:19, " Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead." (AV).

Daniel 12:13, " But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days." (AV).

Job 14:13, " O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!" (AV).

This article will proceed to prove there is a resurrection from the scriptures through use of 'Sola Scripture' writing style, i.e., by use of over 50% scripture.

ALL ARE REMEMBERED BY GOD (yhwh).

God (YHWH) keeps a record of all who have ever lived including those from before the common era as shown by 1 Kings 17:22-24, " And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived. 23 And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth. 24 And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth." (AV). And 2 Kings 13:20-21, " And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year. 21 And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet." (AV); and Hebrews 11:35, " Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:" (AV).

And the New Testament (Greek) clearly shows this same fact in complete harmony with the Old Testament as follows at John 6:38-40, " For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." (AV); and Luke 20:35-36, " But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: 36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection." (AV); and John 11:23-24, " Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:" (AV).

HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS OF RESURRECTIONS:

The Bible gives many accounts of resurrections that have occurred in the past, and here are some of them:

Acts 9:36-41, " Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. 32 ¶ And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. 33 And there he found a certain man named Æneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. 34 And Peter said unto him, Æneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. 35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. 36 ¶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up." (AV).

John 6:39-40, " And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." (AV).

John 11:38-45, " Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. 40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. 45 ¶ Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him." (AV).

CHRIST OPENED WAY FOR HEAVENLY RESURRECTION FOR THE CHOOSEN:

Christ opened the way for others to be raised from the dead as clearly shown from the following scriptures:

Acts 17:31-32, " Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. 32 ¶ And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter." (AV).

1 Corinthians 15:12-22, " Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 ¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (AV).

2 Corinthians 4:12-14, " So then death worketh in us, but life in you. 13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you." (AV).

JESUS' (YESHUA'S) RESURRECTION WITNESSED BY MANY:

The resurrection of Jesus (Yeshua) was witnessed by over 500 witnesses as shown by the following scriptures:

1 Corinthians 15:3-8, " For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time." (AV).

Matthew 28:1-10, " n the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me." (AV).

Acts 2:23-24, " Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it." (AV).

Acts 2:32, " This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses." (AV).

FIRST RISERS:

Now those who have died in union with Christ will rise first as shown by the following scriptures:

1 Corinthians 15:22-23, " For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming." (AV).

1 Thessalonians 4:14-16, " For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:" (AV).

GENERAL RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD OCCURS AFTER PRESENT WICKED WORLD REMOVED:

The general resurrection of the dead will occur after this system of things, the wicked world is removed as shown by the following scriptures:

Revelation 20:11-15, " And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 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. 13 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. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (AV).

And there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous as shown by the following scriptures:

Acts 24:15, " And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust." (AV).

John 5:25-30, " Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. 26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; 27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of d**nation. 30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." (AV).

RANSOM PROVIDED BY JESUS (YESHUA) PERMITS MANKIND TO BENEFIT FROM RESURRECTION:

Resurrection of the just and the unjust is only possible due to the ransom sacrifice provided by Jesus (Yeshua) as shown by the following scriptures:

Hebrews 9:26-28, " For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (AV).

Revelation 20:12-13, " 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. 13 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." (AV).

CONCLUSION:

This article was based on scripture alone in complete harmony with 2 Peter 1:19-21, " We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (AV). It is in fact actually a Bible study on a specific subject, the resurrection, and is based on reality, and not on myth such as a belief in the old middle eastern Moon god, 'Allah.'

Your Friend in Christ Iris89