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When is a person said to be chosen? Are only the saved ones chosen? Is it correct that God’s sovereign work of salvation begins among the chosen ones only? Is it possible that the chosen ones could die without being saved? Philippians 1:6 says “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Does it refer to the process of salvation or to those who are already saved?
It is interesting that usually when we read of the “elect” or “chosen ones” in the doctrine of the New Testament it is in the context of those who are already saved, and said to be “justified” (Rom. 8:33), “before him in love” (Eph. 1:4), “holy and beloved” (Col. 3:12), having personal “faith” (Tit. 1:1), sanctified by blood (1 Pet. 1:2). One exception to this would be 2 Tim. 2:10 which speaks of those who are elect, but have not yet obtained “the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory”. And yet the occasion of God’s decision to choose the elect is said to be “before the world’s foundation” (Eph. 1:4), and “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” (1 Pet. 1:2). This means that God chose us before we ever existed! It also shows that God’s sovereign work in the soul, culminating with salvation, begins among the elect; “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me” (John 6:37). I believe these passages shows us that generally those who are called “the elect” are those who by grace eventually come to Christ, believe the gospel, and are sealed with the Holy Spirit. But that begs the question, ‘Are any brought into eternal blessing without believing the gospel?’ We know that children who die go into the Father’s presence (Matt. 18:10). We know also that many saints in the Old Testament that lived and died long before Jesus Christ ever came into the world are in heaven now, eternally blessed. No doubt they were all chosen by God for blessing. The principle of Philippians 1:6 would show that it is God’s normal method to complete or perfect the work He begins. In the context of Philippians 1, it would be those who were already saved, and the completion of the work would be seen in their full conformance to the image of Christ, manifest in the day of display, “unto Jesus Christ’s day”. Nonetheless, the principle applies generally to all that God does. I believe salvation is preceded by the action of new birth. John 1:12-13 shows that those who received Christ “were born… of God”. No doubt those who are “born again” are the elect of God, the sheep who do respond when they hear the Shepherd’s voice (John 10:27). Can one of the elect die before the work of salvation is complete? Yes, for example, the death of an infant or unborn child. Can a quickened soul die before they believe the gospel? I don’t know that we can say absolutely, because scripture is silent on that question. However, I think we can see that God’s normal method is to complete a work once He begins.
I know that we must obey the authorities that God has set up to rule over us... but do we have to obey them if they are trying to make us do something that is against Scripture?
As a young person, I find it hard to transfer a conversation that is not pleasing to the Lord into something positive. For me personally, conversations like this happen with those that are older than I, and I’m unsure also how I should end that conversation. Is it my place to tell someone who should be respected that the topic brought up doesn’t honor the Lord? Do I just change the subject? … And if I go this route, is this not speaking out for the Lord? 1 Tim 5:1; Phil. 4:8.
Do it in a right spirit
Is it bad to love our life? Because we have it better than so many people in the world, so shouldn’t we love how good we have it? John 12:25 says, “He who loves his life shall lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” So are we supposed to hate our life?
We should be thankful for what the Lord has provided, but not love it in the sense of clinging to it selfishly. We should be willing to lay our lives down in service to Christ. John 12.
The Lord Jesus says in John 2:19 “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up,” Speaking of the temple of His body. Did the Lord Jesus somehow take part with God the Father in raising Himself? How can we understand this alongside the many verses that say that God raised Jesus? 1 Cor. 6:14 says, “and God hath both raised up the Lord …”
Is doctrinal evil worse than moral evil, and if so why don’t more Christians realize the seriousness of doctrinal evil?
If I have been praying for someone for a while now and there is nothing going on, what should I do?
When sickness or tiredness makes it impossible the whole family to make it to night meeting, is it better: A) To split up the family and one parent to take those who can go, or B) To stay home together as a family and maybe have a time of reading and prayer together instead?
When the Lord comes to take us home, will the people we know work/work for (who aren’t believers) know that we went to heaven?
How did God ‘speak’ to people in the Old Testament, and how does He speak to us today?
What are Biblically correct steps to take when there is emotional or physical abuse in a Christian marriage?
I know it’s always good to give the gospel, but there is this person I’ve given the gospel to and prayed for almost three years, and I’ve heard some brothers say that God has chosen us Christians ahead of time. Does this mean he may never get saved? What’s the point of hurting myself emotionally over and over?
Can we ever understand the entirety of God’s love? Ephesians 3:19; 1 Corinthians 2:16.
Why did Jesus need to pray to God when He was in constant fellowship with Him?
I'm into politics. Is that bad? Should I stop?
In the Lord's supper, should there be only one cup and one plate passed around, on the basis of only one cup being spoken of in the gospels. Also, is the unity of the body seen in the cup and in the broken bread, or is it only seen in the unbroken loaf.
How can we reconcile predestination with free will?
Why does the person praying say amen if it is meant for agreement?
Will anybody be sent alive into hell before the Great White Throne judgment.
Is there a time when we should stop praying someone? What is the difference between 1 Sam. 12:23 and Jeremiah 7:16?
In Christianity we have the instruction in 1 Tim. 2:1-2 to pray for all men. Jeremiah received a definite word from the Lord to cease praying for Israel, because they had turned away from Jehovah and served the Queen of Heaven (an idol). Israel had crossed the line, and therefore Jeremiah was no longer to pray for them. But only the Lord knows when that line has been crossed. 1 John 5 speaks of “a sin unto death”, which, if a soul commits, we are not required to pray for the person.
What is the significance of the Lord's blood being shed after He died?
In John 19:33-34 we find that the soldier pierced the side of Christ after He had died. The shed blood of Christ contained all the value of His sufferings and of His life laid down in sacrifice. The blood was also the evidence that He had died; “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul” (Lev. 17:11).
Are people going to hell going to experience different levels of punishment, according to their deeds on earth?
In Hebrews 10:28-29 we find that those who experience the blessedness of Christianity and then reject it will be punished more severely than others. In Luke 12:47-48 we have the difference between “things worthy of few stripes” and “many stripes”. In Rev. 20:12 we find that, at the Great White Throne, the dead are “judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works”. Then they are cast into the lake of fire. These scriptures clearly show that there are various levels of punishment in hell. The blessed truth for the Christian, is that the “stripes” we deserved were meted out on Christ (Isa. 53:5), who suffered the punishment we deserved!
Does 'unequally yoked' refer to more than just a believer and an unbeliever? Can it also mean a new believer with someone who has been studying the word for a long time?
The verse refers specifically to yokes between believers and unbelievers, but we can apply it to other yokes as well. Two people may be Christians, but their lives are heading in two different directions. This could make a partnership very difficult.
Is the conscience the best guide for the believer?
The conscience was given to fallen man so he could discern good and evil. However, conscience needs to be calibrated by the Word of God. This is especially true because of the corrupt cultures that men find themselves in. When people are raised in a corrupt culture, their consciences do not function properly (Isa. 8:19-20; Rom. 1:21). We find in Titus 1:15 that our conscience can become defiled, and thereby become less effective. Notwithstanding, conscience will always function to a certain extent, even if distorted; “Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another” (Rom. 2:15).
What qualities should I see in a young man who is interested in me before I become interested in him?
Many Christians wear the cross on a necklace or a ring as a symbol. Is it right for a Christian to do this?
https://www.realclearbible.com/qa-cross-necklace/
Are the sinners in Mark 2:15-17 different from 'wicked people' put away from the fellowship of the assembly?
https://www.realclearbible.com/qa-sinners-or-wicked-persons/
If we are not suffering in our Christian lives, are we living as we should according to Christ (2 Tim. 3:12)?
https://www.realclearbible.com/qa-suffering-persecution/
What is the meaning of Matt. 7:6… Not throwing our pearls to swine? What are pearls? Who are the swine? What is an example of this forbidden behavior? Does this conflict with the exhortations to preach the gospel to the lost?
https://www.realclearbible.com/qa-casting-pearls-before-swine/
Please explain the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost (Matt. 12:30-31) as it relates to sins not being forgiven? How does this co-exist with the thought of the blood of Christ forever dealing with all sin?
https://www.realclearbible.com/qa-blasphemy-against-the-holy-spirit/
If someone rejects the gospel now, will they have a second chance after the rapture? How do we know?
https://www.realclearbible.com/qa-unbelievers-after-the-rapture/
What is the meaning of 'taking away the words of the prophecy of this book' in Rev. 22:19? Is it possible for a believer to commit this sin and lose their salvation?
https://www.realclearbible.com/qa-taking-away-from-gods-word/
What should our position toward the Jews be in lieu of Matt. 27:25; 'His blood be on us and on our children'?
https://www.realclearbible.com/qa-our-position-toward-the-jews/
Since Israel is guilty of crucifying their Messiah, what practical effect did the Lord’s statement in Luke 23:34 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do' have upon the Jews?
https://www.realclearbible.com/qa-father-forgive-them/
Which do you think is more accurate? The Baptism of the Spirit of God was a corporate act on the day of Pentecost that… (1) was later extended to take in the Gentiles (Acts 10), or (2) would never be repeated. Gentiles were added to the Church later as any other Christians down through the centuries.
https://www.realclearbible.com/qa-baptism-of-the-holy-ghost/
2 Peter 1:21 says that 'holy men of God' were moved to write the scriptures. What about a case like Balaam where he uttered the words of God yet he was far from holy?
https://www.realclearbible.com/qa-holy-men-of-god/
Why was it necessary for Jesus to be glorified before the Holy Spirit could be sent?
https://www.realclearbible.com/qa-jesus-glorified-the-spirit-sent/
Explain the difference between the names Jesus Christ and Christ Jesus.
https://www.realclearbible.com/qa-jesus-christ-christ-jesus/
In the subject of forgiveness, are we as husband/wives supposed to forgive anything our spouse does to us, let’s say for example, adultery, how many times is too many?
It is important to understand that there is a difference between “anything our spouse does to us” and adultery. Adultery is the only justifiable cause for divorce, according to the word of the Lord Jesus (Matt. 5:32; 19:9). Why is that? Adultery breaks the bond that was formed in the sight of God when a man left his father and mother to cleave unto his wife, and they became one flesh. A wronged husbanded or wife in that case is free to remarry. However, that isn’t the only option. A wronged spouse may chose to mend the breach and continue as married. When there is repentance and reconciliation, this is a far better outcome. However, forgiveness is another question. We are always to forgive from the heart. Often wounds received from someone we love hurt more then those from mere acquaintances. But forgiveness is the foundation of our relationship with God, and therefore it is always the Christians responsibility to forgive from the heart, without any limit on the number of times (Matt. 18:22). However, it is often wise to withhold the expression of forgiveness until there is repentance (Luke 17:3), as otherwise we might cheapen the hurt and therefore embolden the other to repeat the sin.
In Gideon’s talk, he referenced 'But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses' (Matt. 6:15). From other verses we know we have eternal security, so what does that last part mean?
It is important to understand the difference between eternal or judicial forgiveness and what is called governmental forgiveness. Before the cross, generally when God’s forgiveness was spoken about is was in this aspect. Before the cross, eternal forgiveness could not be known. Old Testament saints never had the settled conscious knowledge of sins forgiven in the eternal sense (Eph. 1:7). This is why, in the gospels, the Lord emphasized “power on earth” such as in Matt. 9:2-6; because governmental forgiveness has to do with this life only, not for eternity. Governmental forgiveness is an aspect of forgiveness that pertains to the government of God. The principle of God’s government is summarized nicely in Gal. 6:7; “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (see also 1 Peter 3:12). Evil actions have consequences, and so do good actions. Governmental consequences do not extend into eternity; they are for this life only. Each one of us has accrued the governmental judgment of God over a lifetime of offenses committed against Him. But God is very gracious and patient, and has passed over those sins in a governmental sense, so we can live day to day free from governmental judgment. This exemption from many of the governmental consequences of our sin is called governmental forgiveness. For the believer, God has chosen to make governmental forgiveness dependent on: (1) a contrite spirit about our own failures, and (2) a forgiving spirit towards those who have offended us. The Lord Jesus taught this truth in His sermon on the mount; “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15; see also Luke 6:37). In Matt. 7:1-2 we learn that if we harbor a judgmental attitude, it will result in God judging us governmentally. In Mark 11:25 we learn that, without forgiveness for others in our hearts, even our prayers will be hindered. The Lord expanded on this subject in the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:21-35. In certain cases, a person may never be forgiven this side of heaven, such as when someone refuses to forgive their brother. If we harbor an unforgiving spirit, God will deliver us up to bitterness, anxiety, and resentment; these are destructive forces pictured by “the tormenters”. Generally, God is pleased to grant governmental forgiveness when we have a spirit of forgiveness toward others. A good example of this is Job. The Lord “turned the captivity of Job” when he prayed for his friends.
Someone asked me, 'What if I'm not predestined?' I didn't know how to respond. I don't understand predestination and how it works with free choice.
A couple of issues with the question. Predestination has to do with the final destination (conformed to the image of His Son), and election with the choice of individuals. Free choice is a misnomer because man’s will is not truly free. Adam lost free will when he ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge. Now man’s will is disposed to sin. God’s solution is to give man a new nature. This new birth or quickening is not by the will of man (John 1), but by the will and word of God. Nevertheless, man is a responsible moral agent – not a robot. We make real choices that have real consequences. Does man choose God, or does God choose man? We do chose to believe, but after we become a Christian we learn the truth of election, that God chose us before the foundation of the world (Eph 1). Election is a truth for believers; a family secret. A good scripture to turn them to would be John 6:37. Don’t worry about whether you were predestinated, just come to the Son, He has promised not to cast you out. But once you come, you find that you only came because you were elect: the Father’s gift to the Son.
Here is a question for consideration, What is mindfulness and what is it connected with? Is it wrong for a Christian to practice mindfulness? if it is wrong what can we do to protect our kids in public school, where it is becoming increasingly more prevalent, from it?
More of a request but can we talk about roles in the church and how to fulfill those?
1 Corinthians 14:26-37 speaks of letting men speak by 2 or 3, which I recently heard is why only 2 or 3 get up in the open meeting. Why does this not apply in a Breaking of Bread, or perhaps a reading meeting? Verse 27 refers just to speaking in an unknown tongue, verse 29 to prophets, but verse 26 leads off with a list of things brethren might have in a variety of meetings.
How to go back to God after drifting apart? Sometimes it feels so hard to follow Him after we mess up.
I know I’m saved, and I know that Christ died for me, and I know that He is always near me, but I cannot feel His presence. How do I fix that?
The expressions “just leave it with the Lord” or “take your burdens and leave them at the foot of the cross” are often used. I understand this expression being applied to past sin. How does this apply / is this possible when you are dealing with a trial that is/seems to be lifelong? Are we supposed to just be able to pray about something once and let it go?
There are times that as a gathered believer, I read God’s word and feel convicted to do something that I feel will bring glory to the Lord. However, as one under submission to the assembly’s authority, I find that at times, when my convictions are disagreed with, my personal exercises are overruled. This leaves me in a position of doing something that goes against my conviction, which for me (in a way) is sinning, because whatever isn’t of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). Is this how the assembly is meant to work? How do I navigate this?
Distinguish personal exercise from preference. Distinguish sin from submission to a higher authority.
What does it say in the Bible about cremation (being cremated)?
Burial vs. Cremation. Genesis 23 is the first instance in scripture where the details are given of the interment of the body of one who had died in faith. Notice that Abraham buries Sarah, and he doesn’t cremate her body. We have no scripture to say that cremation is morally wrong, yet it is interesting that in scripture, those of faith always buried their dead (e.g. Gen. 49:31). Burial, more than cremation, tends to have the resurrection of the body in view. It is also a sign of respect for the body (2 Sam. 21:12-14). Cremation was a Pagan practice, although for many years it has become popular in Christianized lands. Now, of course God can raise the dead regardless of the state of their body, whether buried or burned. Nothing is beyond the reach of His power. We also cannot make a rule about things the scripture doesn’t tell us. The important thing is that we treat the body with dignity, because God does, and will one day change it to be like Christ’s glorious body!
What is modesty? Is it just about the clothing?
“Modesty” is the quality of being reserved, of not showing off what one has. It is coupled with not attracting attention to ourselves. We might first think of modesty in relation to sexual attraction. Sexual beauty is God’s gift to a woman, and God intends that beauty to be reserved for her husband, as her gift to him, and not for anyone else. Displaying this beauty in public is one form of immodesty. As soon as the human nature came into a fallen condition (Gen. 3), Adam and Eve knew that they were naked. They were ashamed to be so even with no other people around, and made an effort to cover themselves, albeit insufficiently. God then made them coats of skin, to sufficiently cover their nakedness. The first clothing was made by God Himself, not to keep people warm, but to cover nakedness. Nakedness is a form of immodesty, because it offers to the public eye that which God has intended only for within a marriage. It is no surprise, at least in Western culture that fashion trends have steadily moved toward less of the body covered and more sheer or tight-fitting clothes that reveal the feminine form. It can be a real challenge for the Christian woman to dress in a way that covers nakedness (i.e. modesty) and also suits her femininity. Although it is a different subject, we gather from scripture that our clothing should reflect a distinction between the genders (for the principle, see Deut. 22:5). Immodest clothing often suits femininity but does so because it exploits the feminine form. Nevertheless, with the Lord’s help, a Christian woman can meet this challenge, and find clothing that is modest, feminine, and appropriate in public. There are other aspects of modesty, in addition to covering nakedness, such as wearing expensive or exotic clothing or jewelry. Perhaps this is more in line with what is meant by v.9, which goes on to list what were then the symbols of wealth; “plaited hair and gold, or pearls, or costly clothing”. In the day Paul was writing there was a very small middle class, and a huge lower class. It would be common to have a wealthy Philemon in the same assembly as a poor Onesimus. How important it would be for the wealthy women not to flaunt their wealth before others. In many cultures today the same things are worn by women to display wealth or status. In other cultures, there are different things that serve the same purpose. These things are not what God desires the Christian woman to be adorned with.
How can we be confident in the doctrine that we believe? Other Christians interpret passages about things like head coverings differently than we in the meeting do, and they are able to have peace before the Lord about that. What gives us authority to say we are right and others are not?
The church is the pillar and ground of the truth.
What is the difference between submission and obedience?
You never find the wife enjoined to obey her husband, but to submit, because obedience can have the thought of distance (such as a husband who treats his wife as a child). Submission implies a deeper subjection of the will, wheras obedience can be done with a wrong attitude. Not my well, but thine be done. Nevertheless, submission will manifest itself in obedience as in the case of Sarah (1 Pet. 3:6).
How do I know God is answering my prayers?
We know he hears us
How are we to treat friends or family members who have become apostate?
We cannot know definitely when someone becomes apostate. The Lord knows them that are his.
Based on the submission question, can we talk about the responsibility of the man to be subject to God in a relationship?
1 Cor. 11:3 the head of every man is Christ If the man is not subject to God, it will severely damage the relationship.
Ecclesiastes 3:8 says 'a time to hate'. I've always known hating anything to be wrong. Just wanting an explanation.
Ecclesiasties 1:3 shows us the the context is earthly wisdom. A revelation from God, but not of God. Work of the flesh – Gal 5:20. God hated Esau – Mal 1:3. Be angry and do not sin.
Before the law of Moses, were Old Testament believers saved by faith?
Romans 4
Can you lose your salvation?
John 10:25-27
Roughly, how long until Jesus comes?
Is it right to pray for a tangible sign of God's will like 'putting out a fleece' in Judges 6:37-40?
For when people say 'your guardian angel is watching over you', are guardian angels biblical?
In James 5:14-15 why don't the elders anoint and pray over everyone who has a fatal sickness? Example: cancer, premature babies. Is there a standard of illness that this would not be done?
In Mark 14:51-52 it talks about a young man dressed in a linen cloth, when he touches the Lord he runs away naked. What is the significance of this?
Sometimes in youth we can persist in our own strength longer than others. But eventually that strength gives our, and there is great shame for our greater persistance.
There's meetings that don't just require brethren to speak. What about assembly meetings, can the elder sisters speak?
What is being taught in Luke 16:8 in the story of the unjust steward? It seems like the person is being commended for cheating.
Having lost his stewardship by his unfaithfulness, and being still in possession of the goods, he uses them to make friends of his master’s debtors by doing them good. This is what Christians should do with earthly possessions, using them for others, having the future in view. The steward might have appropriated the money due to his master; he preferred gaining friends with it (that is, he sacrifices present to future advantage). We may turn the miserable riches of this world into means of fulfilling love. The spirit of grace which fills our hearts (ourselves the objects of grace) exercises itself with regard to temporal things, which we use for others. For us it is in view of the everlasting habitations. “That they may receive you” is equivalent to “that you may be received” — a common form of expression in Luke, to designate the fact without speaking of the individuals that perform it, although using the word they. – JND
If God has a preference over who He saves, why would He create those who He wont save? I understand that God gave us a free will to accept or reject the gift of salvation, but scripture says that He is not willing that any should perish. (Matt. 18:14, 2 Pet. 3:9). How can we say that God has a preference?
When I partake of the emblems on Lord's Day morning, am I signifying unity, fellowship, and agreement with the entire body of Christ (assembly, churches, and all Christians), only those in the assembly as a whole, or only those in the room at the time?
First, 1 Cor. 10:16 shows that we express that we have a part in the blood and body of Christ: i.e. His death was for me. Second, 1 Cor. 10:17 shows that by partaking of one loaf we give expression to the fact that we are one body, composed of many members. Third, in vv.18-22 we have the princle of identification, where when you eat at a table, you identify yourself with what that table represents. First Israel (v.18), then pagan altars (vv.19-20), then the Lord’s Table (vv.21-22). So when you partake of the emblems you express fellowship first with the Lord Himself, and also with all at the Lord’s Table. This is why its is terrible to extend fellowship to those who go on with evil doctrine/practice, because it is an attempt to associate the Lord with evil, and it also brings others into fellowship with evil.
What's the difference between Jesus being our intercessor and the Spirit being our intercessor?
The Spirit interceeds when we do not know what to pray for. He tunes our hearts to align with the feelings and thoughts of God, though it may be inexpressible in human language. Christ interceeds by praying for us. As our High Priest His intercession works to preserve us, and strengthen us. As our Advocate, His intercession works to restore us to communion when we fail.

The Spirit … takes part in the sorrowful experience that we are linked with creation by our bodies, and becomes the source of affections in us, which express themselves in groans that are divine in their character as well as human, and which have the value of His own intercession. And this grace shows itself in connection with our ignorance and weakness. – JND

What is the difference between good habits and trying to make a change in the strength of the flesh? Good habits (self discipline) are highly praised usually but trying to do something in the strength of the flesh is not. How can we tell if good habits/the strength of the flesh are simply that and not a change of heart? Thinking of this in regards to the passage Matthew 12 about the spirit leaving and then returning and finding the house swept and garnished and moves back in worse than before…also in regards to Judas Iscariot…the weeds that choke out the word, apostasy, etc. There have been times that I have made changes in my life to make fighting specific battles easier…but if my heart had really changed doesn’t it seem like the battle should be won? And the changes, are they just like sweeping and garnishing the house with no actual change?
This is a difficult question, and one Tami and I have discussed many times over the years. If you take verses like Romans 8:4-5 you could conclude that victory in the believer’s life will be automatic… but it doesn’t seem to work that way often! I think trying to form habits to avoid temptation could be attempted in the strength of the flesh, but it also could be done in the strength of the Spirit. Christ Himself had habits while here on earth (Luke 4:16). After expounding deliverance from sin in our lives, Paul then says “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (Romans 13:14). Clearly, we need to take positive action to “put on” and “make no provision”. Delieverance from sin is something that involves us: “know”, “reckon”, yield”. Addiction works for bad (old nature), but also for good (new nature). “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.” (Romans 6:19 KJV). One righteousness leads to another, and another, and the result is holiness. This is part of how we experience deliverance. The key is that we must do so as under grace, reckoning ourselves dead to sin, free from law, espoused to Christ, and our motive being to please Him. “The fruit of the Spirit is … self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). The desire to form habits (and to stick with those habits) can be very much the fruit of the Spirit working itself out in our lives. How can we tell if it is the flesh or Spirit at work? For myself I would say that if I have joy in doing it, it is the Spirit. What are your thoughts?
In regards to 1 Corinthians 15:52 where it mentions 'at the last trump'. I've been talking with someone recently who believes the rapture and the appearing are the same event which obviously creates all kinds of issues like going through the tribulation etc. This verse is about the rapture but they say 'well it says at the last trump' so that must mean the last trumpet judgement spoken of in Revelation. I've read Bruce and a few others on it and they all say this is an altogether different trumpet (the trump of God spoken of in 1 Thess. 4) but don't really give any supporting evidence other than it doesn't fit into the overall prophetic picture that is given throughout the rest of scripture. For the record I completely agree, however it doesn't seem like the greatest explanation for someone else who doesn't see that. At first I thought it might have to do with translation but it doesn't appear to be. Any thoughts as to why it was inspired to be written as 'at the last trumpet' instead of 'trump of God' like Thessalonians or something along those lines? I appreciate any other perspective you have or anything that has stood out to you regarding that distinct wording.
This is a great question! I’ve heard that before in a discussion with a friend who believes we will go through the tribulation. The “great sound of a trumpet” in Matthew 24:31 complicates it further! Here are a few thoughts:
1. The seven trumpets was a revelation given directly to John, who wrote (AD 95) decades after Paul wrote 1 Corinthians (AD 53). It would make no sense for Paul to refer to the “last trump” of the trumpet series (Rev. 11) when that vision had not been given, let alone written and sent to the seven assemblies of Asia!
2. The context of “the last trump” in 1 Corinthians 15 is the sleeping saints being raised and the living saints being changed. The “trump of God” in 1 Thess. 4 also has to do with the raising/changing, but also brings in the rapture. If we examine the “seventh trumpet” of revelation, there is no mention of saints being raised. It therefore would be a stretch to force them together!
3. The trumpets of Revelation are symbolic; “he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John” (Rev. 1:1). The last trumpet I take to be a literal noise that will be heard by the saints. He emphasizes it; “at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound”.
4. There are a number of allusions in 1 Corinthians 15 to Roman military matters. W. Kelly emphasizes this in his writings.
– The overall tone of the chapter has a military theme: “when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power (vv.24-25), “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death” (v.26), “after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus” (v.32), “Death is swallowed up in victory” (vv.54-55).
– The expression “baptized for the dead” is a military reference to enlistment of replacement troops to fill in the ranks of fallen soldiers.
– The “last trump” refers to the final signal given at which an army camp would break up and begin the march to another destination. A fitting image! Believers all across Europe were familiar with this reference.
5. This one is slightly more involved… The 24 elders, which would include the raised/changed believers, are seen in heaven before the first trumpet is blown, let alone the first seal is opened! How could the seventh trumpet involve the raising/changing/rapturing of the saints if they are previously shown to be in the glorified state, around the throne in heaven?