Lord, our Lord! What is a person, do you remember him?
THE RESCUE:
John 1:12 And to those who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the power to become children of God.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him: Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:36 He who believes in the Son has eternal life; and he who does not believe in the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
John 6:37 Everything the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will not cast out.
John 10:28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him: I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.
Acts 16:31 They said: believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you and your whole house will be saved.
Romans 3:23 Because all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 10:9,10 For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved; Because with the heart they believe unto righteousness, but with the mouth they confess unto salvation.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, whoever is in Christ is a new creation; the old has passed, now everything is new.
Ephesians 2:8,9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you, it is the gift of God: Not by works, so that no one can boast.
Titus 3:5 He saved us not by the works of righteousness that we would have done, but by His mercy.
1 John 5:12,13 He who has the Son (of God) has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that by believing in the Son of God you have eternal life.
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me.
JESUS CHRIST - SON OF GOD:
Isaiah 9:6 For a child is born to us; The Son is given to us; dominion on his shoulders and they will call his name: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
John 1:1,14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the only begotten from the Father.
John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 15:13 There is no greater love than if a man lays down his life for his friends.
Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.
Romans 5:8 But God proves His love for us by the fact that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. (See Isaiah 53 for a prophetic portrait of Jesus)
HOLY SPIRIT:
Luke 11:13 So if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.
John 7:38,39 Whoever believes in Me, as it is said in the Scripture, rivers of living water will flow from the womb. This He said about the Spirit, which those who believed in Him were to receive.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of everything that I have told you.
John 16:13 When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth; for he will not speak from himself, but he will speak what he hears, and he will announce the future to you.
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.
Acts 2:17,18“And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, and your young men will see visions, and your elders will be enlightened by dreams; and on my servants and on my handmaids in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy.
Acts 4:31 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.
Acts 5:32 We are His witnesses in this, and the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.
Acts 19:2,6 He said to them: Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? They said to him: We have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit. And when Paul laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit fell on them, and they began to speak with other tongues and prophesy.
2 Corinthians 3:17 The Lord is Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
GOD'S WORDS:
Joshua 1:8 Let not this book of the law depart from thy mouth; but study it day and night, so that you can do exactly what is written in it: then you will be successful in your ways and you will act prudently.
Job 23:12b He valued the words of his mouth more than his daily bread.
Psalm 119:11 I have hidden Your word in my heart, so as not to sin against You.
Psalm 119:89 For ever, O Lord, Your word is established in heaven.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Jeremiah 15:16 Your words have been found, and I have eaten them.
Matthew 4:4 And he answered and said to him, It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.
John 6:63 The spirit gives life, the flesh does not benefit a little; The words that I speak to you are spirit and life.
John 8:31,32 Then Jesus said to the Jews who believed in Him: If you continue in My word, then you are truly my disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Romans 10:17
1 Corinthians 10:11 All this happened to them as images; but it is described as an instruction to us who have reached the last centuries.
2 Timothy 2:15 Strive to present yourself worthy of God, a worker without reproach, faithfully teaching the word of truth.
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, love the pure spiritual milk, so that from it you may grow for salvation.
2 Peter 1:21 For prophecy was never uttered by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke it, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
IMPORTANT PRAYER:
Psalm 65:18,19 If I had kept iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have heard me. But God heard, heeded the voice of my prayer.
Jeremiah 29:13 And you will seek me and find me if you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me - and I will answer you, show you the great and inaccessible, which you do not know.
Matthew 7:7,8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and you shall find; knock, and it will be opened to you; For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
Matthew 18:19 Truly, I also say to you that if two of you agree on earth to ask for any deed, then whatever they ask, it will be for them from My Father in Heaven.
From Mark: 11:24 Therefore, I say to you: whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you will receive it, and it will be for you.
John 16:23 Whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you.
James 1:6,7 But let him ask in faith, not a little bit doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, tossed and tossed by the wind: Let such a person not think to receive anything from the Lord.
James 4:2b You don't have because you don't ask.
1 John 3:22 And whatever we ask, we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight.
1 John 5:14 And behold, what boldness we have towards Him, that when we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
VERA:
Job 13:15 Even though He kills me, I will still trust Him.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
Matthew 9:29 According to your faith, be it to you.
From Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him: If you can believe a little, all things are possible to him who believes.
Romans 4:20,21 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but remained steadfast in faith, giving glory to God. And being quite sure that He is strong and will fulfill the promise.
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing from the word of God.
2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith and not by sight.
Hebrews 10:35 Therefore, do not leave your hope, which has a great reward.
Hebrews 10:38 The righteous will live by faith.
Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the realization of things hoped for and the certainty of things not seen. And without faith it is impossible to please God; for it is necessary that he who comes to God believe that He exists, and reward those who seek Him.
1 John 5:4 And this is the victory that conquered the world, our faith.
LOVE OF JESUS:
Matthew 7:12 So in everything you want people to do to you, do the same to them; for in this is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus said to him: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind": This is the first and greatest commandment; The second is similar to it: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
John 13:35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 15:12 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
1 Corinthians 13:8 Love will never end.
1 Corinthians 16:14 Everything you do will be with love.
1 Peter 4:8 Most of all, have fervent love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins;
1 John 3:16 We have known love in this, that He laid down His life for us: and we must lay down our lives for our brothers.
1 John 3:18 My children! let us not love in word or tongue, but in deed and in truth.
1 John 4:8 He who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
(See 1 Corinthians 13 - the chapter on Love.)
FORGIVENESS:
Matthew 6:14,15 For if you forgive people their sins, then your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. And if you do not forgive people their trespasses, then your Father will not forgive you your trespasses.
Ephesians 4:32 But be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, then He, being faithful and just, will forgive us (our) sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD:
Psalm 110:10 The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord.
Proverbs 8:17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me will find me.
Matthew 11:28-30 come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest; Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls; For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 22:37 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.
John 14:23 Whoever loves Me will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.
Romans 7:4 So also you, my brethren, have died to the law by the Body of Christ, to belong to another who has risen from the dead, so that we bear fruit to God.
2 Corinthians 6:16 For you are the temple of the living God, as God said, "I will dwell in them and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
Ephesians 5:30 We are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.
James 4:8 Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.
COMMUNICATION:
Hebrews 10:25 Let us not leave our assembly, as is the custom of some; but let us exhort one another, and the more so, the more you see that day approaching.
Psalm 133:1 How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together, in unity!
Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their work. For if one falls, the other will lift up his companion. But woe to one when he falls, and there is no other to lift him up.
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in the midst of them.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another.
CERTIFICATE:
Psalm 125:6 With weeping, the one who brings the seeds will return with joy, bringing his sheaves.
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is the tree of life, and the wise attracts souls.
Ezekiel 3:17-19"Son of man! I made you a guardian of the house of Israel, and you will listen to the word from My mouth and you will discipline them from Me. When I say to the lawless man: "You will die to death!" And you will not discipline him and speak to warn the lawless person from the lawless his way, that he may live: that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, and I will seek his blood at your hands. and you saved your soul.
Daniel 12:3 And the intelligent will shine like the luminaries in the firmament, and those who turn many to the truth - like stars, forever and ever.
Matthew 4:19 Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.
Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city on top of a mountain cannot hide. And having lighted a candle, they do not put it under a vessel, but on a candlestick, and it gives light to all in the house. So let your light shine before people, so that they see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.
Matthew 9:37,38 Then he said to his disciples: the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. So pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
From Mark 8:38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.
From Mark 16:15 And he said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.
1 Corinthians 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, then I have nothing to boast about, because this is my necessary duty, and woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
2 Timothy 2:23 Avoid stupid and ignorant competitions, knowing that they give rise to quarrels.
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word, insist in time and out of time, rebuke, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and edification.
1 Peter 3:15 Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who requires you to give an account of your hope with meekness and reverence.
GIVING:
Proverbs 3:27,28 Do not refuse a favor to the needy, when your hand is able to do it. Do not say to your neighbor: "Go and come again, and tomorrow I will give," when you have with you.
Proverbs 11:24,25 Another sprinkles generously, and more is added to him; while the other is thrifty beyond measure, and yet grows poorer. A charitable soul will be satiated; and whoever makes others drink, he himself will get drunk.
Proverbs 19:17 He who does good to the poor lends to the Lord; and He will repay him for his good deed.
Malachi 3:10 Bring all the tithes to the house of storage, so that there will be food in My house, and although in this test Me, says the Lord of hosts: will I not open the openings of heaven for you and pour out blessings on you to excess.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, shaken together, shaken together and overflowing, they will pour into your bosom; for with what measure you mete, it will be measured to you again.
Acts 20:35 It is more blessed to give than to receive.
2 Corinthians 9:6,7 At the same time (I will say): whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; but whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each give according to the disposition of the heart, not with grief and not with compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. 1 John 3:17,18 But whoever has plenty in the world, but seeing his brother in need, closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? My children! let us not love in word or tongue, but in deed and in truth.
HOW TO FIND GOD'S WILL:
Book of Judges 6:37 So, I will spread the sheared wool here on the threshing floor: if the dew is only on the wool, and the whole earth is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand.
Psalm 31:8"I will instruct you; I will guide you in the way that you go; I will guide you; My eye is on you."
Psalm 119:130 The revelation of Your words enlightens, enlightens the simple.
Psalm 142:8 Show me the path that I should follow, for to You I lift up my soul.
Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
Proverbs 15:22 Without advice, enterprises will fail, but with a multitude of advisers, they will succeed.
Isaiah 30:21 And your ears will hear the word saying behind you, "Here is the way, walk on it," if you were to turn to the right, and if you were to turn to the left.
Luke 22:42 Father! Oh, that You would deign to carry this cup past me! however, not my will, but yours be done.
Romans 12:1,2 Therefore, I beseech you, brethren, by the mercy of God, present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may know what (is) the will of God, good, acceptable and perfect.
OBEDIENCE TO GOD:
1 Samuel 15:22 Are burnt offerings and sacrifices as pleasing to the Lord as obedience to the voice of the Lord? Obedience is better than sacrifice, and obedience is better than the fat of rams.
Job 36:11 If they listen and serve Him, they will spend their days in prosperity and their years in joy.
Isaiah 1:19,20 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the earth. But if you refuse and persist, the sword will devour you.
Luke 6:46 Why are you calling me: "Lord! Lord!" and do not do what I say?
John 13:17 If you know this, blessed are you when you do it.
John 14:15 If you love Me, keep My commandments.
John 15:14 You are My friends if you do what I command you.
Ephesians 6:6 Not with visible (only) helpfulness, like people-pleasers, but like servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.
Hebrews 5:8 Although He is a Son, yet through suffering he learned obedience.
POWER AND STRENGTH:
Psalm 67:36 The God of Israel - He gives strength and strength to his people.
Nehemiah 8:10 The joy of the Lord is your strength.
Psalm 36:39 From the Lord salvation to the righteous; He is their protection in times of trouble.
Isaiah 30:7b Their strength is to sit still.
Isaiah 30:15 In silence and hope is your fortress.
Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary, and strength to the weary.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will be renewed in strength; they will lift their wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not get tired.
Jeremiah 17:5 Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes the flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the Lord.
Zechariah 4:6b Not by armies and not by strength, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.
2 Corinthians 4:7 But we carry this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the superfluous power is attributed to God, and not to us;
2 Corinthians 12:9,10 But the Lord said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will much more willingly boast of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything in Christ (Jesus) who strengthens me.
PROTECTION:
Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you, and you be calm.
Psalm 33:8 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and delivers them.
Psalm 34:18 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them from all their sorrows.
Psalm 46:2,3 God is our refuge and strength, a quick helper in trouble. Therefore, let us not be afraid, even though the earth shakes, and the mountains move in the heart of the seas.
Proverbs 1:33 And the one who listens to me will live safely and calmly, without fear of evil.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous flee into it and are safe.
Isaiah 43:2 Will you cross the waters, I am with you, or cross the rivers, they will not drown you; if you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and the flame will not scorch you.
Isaiah 54:13 And all your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great peace will be with your sons.
(See Psalm 90 - Psalm of Protection.)
SUPPLY:
Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my Shepherd; I won't need anything.
Psalm 33:11 And those who seek the Lord do not endure the need for any good.
Psalm 36:3 Trust in the Lord and do good, and you will live on earth and be satisfied.
Psalm 36:25 I was young and old, and did not see the righteous left behind and his descendants asking for bread.
Psalm 67:20 Blessed be the Lord, who daily fills us with blessings.
Psalm 83:12b The Lord gives grace and glory; He does not deprive those who walk in integrity.
Matthew 6:25,26 Do not worry about what you will eat and drink for your soul, nor about what you will wear for your body. Is not the soul more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you much better than them?
Matthew 6:33 Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all this will be added to you.
Matthew 7:9-11 Is there a man among you who, when his son asks him for bread, would give him a stone? And when he asks for a fish, would you give him a snake? If then, being evil, you know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him.
Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his Son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not with him give us everything?
Philippians 4:19 May my God supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
TESTS, TEMPTATIONS AND TROUBLES:
Job 23:10 But he knows my way; let him test me, I will come out like gold.
Proverbs 1:10 My son! if sinners incline you, do not agree.
Proverbs 3:11,12 Do not reject the punishment of the Lord, my son, and do not be burdened by its reproof. For whom the Lord loves, he chastens and favors him, as a father does to his son.
Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray so that you do not fall into temptation: the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No other temptation has come upon you than that of man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength, but when tempted will give you relief, so that you can endure.
2 Timothy 2:3 Endure suffering like a good warrior of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 12:2,3 Looking to the author and perfecter of faith, Jesus, who, instead of the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Think of Him who endured such reproach from sinners, lest you become exhausted and weaken in your souls.
James 1:3 The testing of your faith produces patience.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he is tested he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him.
1 Peter 1:7 So that your tried faith may turn out to be more precious than gold that perishes, even though tested by fire, to praise and honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knows how to deliver the pious from temptation.
SUFFERING:
Psalm 33:20
Psalm 119:67 Before my suffering I erred; but now I keep your word.
Psalm 119:71 It is good for me that I suffered in order to learn Your statutes.
Romans 8:18 For I think that the current temporal sufferings are worth nothing in comparison with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:28 Moreover, we know that for those who love God, who are called according to His will, everything works together for good.
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our short-term light suffering produces eternal glory in an immeasurable excess.
2 Timothy 2:12 If we endure, then we will reign with Him; if we deny, He will also deny us.
1 Peter 4:19 So, those who suffer according to the will of God, let them surrender their souls to Him, as a faithful Creator, doing good.
COMFORT:
Psalm 22:4 If I go through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear evil, because You are with me; Your rod and Your staff - they comfort me.
Psalm 29:6 For His wrath is for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime: weeping dwells in the evening, but joy in the morning.
Psalm 119:50 This is a consolation in my distress, that Your word revives me.
Psalm 144:14 The Lord upholds all those who fall, and raises up all those who are cast down.
Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and heals their sorrows.
Isaiah 54:7 For a short time I left you, but with great mercy I will receive you.
Lamentations 3:32,33 But he sent grief, and he will have mercy according to His great goodness. For it is not according to the desire of his heart that he punishes and grieves the sons of men.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God and believe in me.
John 14:18 I will not leave you inconsolable; I will come to you. (KZhV)
2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we too may comfort those in all affliction with the comfort with which God comforts ourselves!
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace for help in time of need.
Hebrews 13:5b For He said, "I will not leave you, nor forsake you."
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.
Revelation 21:4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death; there will be no more crying, no crying, no sickness; for the former has passed.
HEALING:
Exodus 15:26 For I am the Lord, your healer.
Psalm 33:20 Many are the sorrows of the righteous, and the Lord will deliver him from them all.
Psalm 103:3 He forgives all your iniquities, heals all your diseases.
Psalm 106:20 He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their graves.
Isaiah 53:5b By His stripes we are healed.
Jeremiah 30:17 I will put plaster over you and heal your wounds, says the Lord.
Jeremiah 32:27 Here am I, the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything that is impossible for me?
Malachi 4:2 And for you who revere my name, the Sun of righteousness will rise and healing in its rays.
Matthew 18:19 If two of you agree on earth to ask for any deed, then whatever they ask, it will be for them from My Father in Heaven.
Luke 17:14 And as they went, they were cleansed.
James 5:14,15 Is any of you sick? let him call for the elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.
VICTORY OVER THE DEVIL:
Isaiah 59:19 If the enemy comes like a river, the breath of the Lord will drive him away.
2 Corinthians 2:11 So that Satan does not harm us; for we are not ignorant of his intentions.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For we, who walk in the flesh, do not fight according to the flesh; The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God to destroy strongholds; we subvert our intentions with them. And every lofty thing that rises up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought into the obedience of Christ.
Ephesians 4:27 And give no place to the devil.
Ephesians 6:11,12 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil; Because our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against authorities, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spirits of wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:16 And most of all, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery arrows of the evil one;
James 4:7 Resist the devil and he will flee from you;
1 Peter 5:8,9 Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour; Resist him with firm faith.
1 John 2:14 The Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
1 John 3:8 For this, the Son of God appeared, to destroy the deeds of the devil.
1 John 4:4 He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
DON'T FEAR:
Psalm 26:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life: whom shall I fear?
Psalm 33:5 I sought the Lord, and He heard me and delivered me from all my dangers.
Psalm 56:4 When I'm afraid, I put my trust in You.
Psalm 56:12 I trust in God, I am not afraid; what will a man do to me?
Psalm 117:6 The Lord is for me, I will not be afraid: what will a man do to me?
Psalm 29:25 Fear puts a net before people; but he who trusts in the Lord will be secure.
Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I trust in Him, and am not afraid.
Isaiah 26:3 You keep a firm spirit in a perfect world; for he trusts in you.
Isaiah 41:10 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, and I will help you, and I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.
John 14:27 Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, I give you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and chastity.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because there is torment in fear; He who fears is not perfect in love.
GRATITUDE:
Psalm 33:2 I will bless the Lord at all times; Praise be to Him without fail in my mouth.
Psalm 106:8 May they praise the Lord for His mercy and for His wonderful works for the sons of men!
1 Corinthians 10:10 Do not grumble, as some of them grumbled and died from the fighter.
Philippians 2:14 Do everything without grumbling and doubt.
Philippians 4:11 For I have learned to be content with what I have.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 Thank you for everything.
PRIDE, SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HUMILITY:
Proverbs 11:2 Pride will come, shame will come, but with the humble - wisdom.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and arrogance goes before a fall.
Daniel 4:34 He is able to humble those who walk proudly.
Matthew 23:12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Luke 6:41,42 Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not feel the beam in your eye? Hypocrite! first take the log out of your eye, and then you will see how to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
2 Corinthians 10:17 He who boasts, boast in the Lord.
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of arrogance or out of vanity, but out of humility of mind consider one another superior to yourself.
1 Peter 5:5b,6 Nevertheless, while obeying one another, clothe yourself with humility of mind, for God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. So humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.
POWER OF LANGUAGE:
Psalm 18:15 May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing before Thee, O Lord, my stronghold, my Redeemer!
Psalm 34:28 And my tongue will proclaim Your righteousness and Your praise all day long.
Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant speech is honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 17:27 The prudent is restrained in his words, and the prudent is cold-blooded.
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of language.
Proverbs 29:11 The foolish one pours out all his anger, but the wise one restrains it.
Matthew 12:34 For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
Matthew 12:36,37 For every idle word that people say, they will give an answer on the day of judgment: For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no rotten word come out of your mouth, but only good for edification in faith, so that it brings grace to those who hear.
2 Timothy 2:16 And get away from indecent idle talk; for they will prosper even more in wickedness.
2 Timothy 2:24 The servant of the Lord should not quarrel, but be friendly to everyone, instructive, gentle.
James 1:19 Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.
James 1:26 If anyone among you thinks that he is pious, and does not bridle his tongue, but deceive his heart, his piety is empty.
(See James 3 - the chapter on language.)
UNITY:
Psalm 133:1 How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together!
Ecclesiastes 4:9,10,12 Two are better than one; for they have a good reward for their labor. For if one falls, another will lift up his companion. But woe to one when he falls, and there is no other to lift him up. And if one begins to overcome one, then two will stand against him. And the thread, twisted three times, will not break soon.
Amos 3:3 Will two walk together without agreeing to each other?
Romans 12:5 Thus we many are one body in Christ, and individually members one for another.
Romans 14:19 Let us therefore seek that which serves for peace and for mutual edification.
Romans 16:17 I beg you, brethren, beware of those who create divisions and temptations, contrary to the teaching that you have learned, and turn away from them.
1 Corinthians 1:10 I beseech you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak one thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in one spirit and in one thought.
Ephesians 4:3 Trying to keep the unity of the spirit in the union of the world.
SEQUENCE:
Matthew 4:19 And he said to them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other; or he will be zealous for one, and neglect the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
Matthew 12:50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.
Matthew 19:29 And whoever leaves houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for the sake of My name, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit eternal life;
Luke 9:23,24 If anyone wants to follow Me, deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his soul (life) will lose it; and whoever loses his soul (life) for Me, he will save it.
Luke 9:62 No one who puts his hand on the plow and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God.
John 8:31 If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples.
John 15:8 My Father will be glorified by this, if you bear much fruit, and you will be my disciples.
2 Timothy 2:4 No warrior binds himself with worldly affairs in order to please the commander.
RELATIONSHIPS OF CHRISTIANS WITH THE WORLD:
Matthew 10:16 Behold, I am sending you as sheep among wolves: therefore be wise as serpents, and simple as doves.
John 15:19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may know what (is) the will of God, good, acceptable and perfect.
2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not bow under another's yoke with unbelievers. For what is the fellowship of righteousness with iniquity? What does light have in common with darkness?
2 Corinthians 6:17 Therefore, come out from among them and separate yourself, says the Lord, and do not touch the unclean, and I will receive you.
James 4:4 Adulterers and adulterers! Don't you know that friendship with the world is enmity against God! So whoever wants to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy to God.
1 John 2:15,16 Do not love the world, nor what is in the world: whoever loves the world does not have the love of the Father in him. For everything that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not from the Father, but from the world (this).
Among the Pharisees was someone named Nicodemus, one of the leaders of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said to Him: Rabbi! we know that you are a teacher who came from God; for such miracles as you do, no one can do unless God is with him. Jesus answered and said to him: Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus says to Him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born? Jesus answered: Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Don't be surprised at what I said to you: You must be born again. The Spirit breathes where it wants to, and you hear its voice, but you do not know where it comes from and where it goes: this is the case with everyone who is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered Him, “How can this be? Jesus answered and said to him, You are the teacher of Israel, and do you not know this? Truly, truly, I say to you, We speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, but you do not accept Our testimony. If I told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended to heaven but the Son of Man who descended from heaven, who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in Him is not judged, but the unbeliever is already condemned, because he did not believe in the name of the Only Begotten Son of God. The judgment is that light has come into the world; but people loved the darkness more than the light, because their deeds were evil; For everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works be reproved, because they are evil, but he who does what is right goes to the light, so that his works may be manifest, because they are done in God. (Gospel of John 3:1-21)
Therefore, whoever is in Christ is a new creation; the old has passed, now everything is new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
For this is good and pleasing to our Savior God, who wants all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself a ransom for all. Such was the testimony in its time, (1 Timothy 2:3-6)
My children! I am writing this to you so that you do not sin; and if anyone sins, then we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous; He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:1-2)
And you, who were dead in sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made alive with him, forgiving us all our sins, destroying by teaching the handwriting that was against us, which was against us, and he took it from the midst and nailed it to the cross; (to Colossians 2:13-14)
This word is true and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For to this end we labor and endure reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of the faithful. (1 Timothy 4:9-10)
But the gift of grace is not like a crime. For if by the transgression of one many were subjected to death, how much more will the grace of God and the gift of the grace of one man, Jesus Christ, abound for many. (Romans 5:15)
When the grace and love of mankind of our Savior, God, appeared, He saved us not according to the works of righteousness that we would have done, but according to His mercy, by the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, Whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we have become heirs of eternal life according to the hope. (to Titus 3:4-7)
And to those who received Him, to those who believe in His name, He gave the power to become children of God, who were born neither from blood, nor from the desire of the flesh, nor from the desire of a man, but from God. (Gospel of John 1:12-13)
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Concerning the question "Is it possible to lose salvation?" argue a lot. This happens, first of all, because this question is incorrectly posed. Most often, such questions are raised when people do not fully understand the Bible's teaching about the nature of salvation. Speaking of salvation, the Holy Scriptures never use the word "lose".
1) First, you can lose something that exists by itself. For example, you took a piece of candy, put it in your pocket, and later discovered that you had lost it. Imagine a different situation, you ate a candy and its contents, having got into your stomach, dissolved there, penetrating into your blood and further into every cell of your body. The molecules of the candy have become a part of your body, now, to some extent, they determine what your body is. In such a situation, it would be absurd to talk about whether it is possible to lose the eaten candy, since it has become part of you.
Something similar happens with salvation. Some people view salvation as something external, such as a plane ticket that a person has in his pocket and which will allow him to fly. In this situation, the possession of a ticket has absolutely nothing to do with who the person is, whether he is evil or good, etc. He simply has a ticket that he somehow acquired. He can lose this ticket or, if desired, throw it away. Biblical salvation is built on completely different principles. The Bible says that the salvation brought by Christ is not in his pocket or even in his brain, but it completely changes the nature of man. In order to have salvation, it is not enough just to change your mind about something or stop doing something. Jesus Christ spoke to Nicodemus about this:
Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3:5-6)
The prophets of the Old Testament spoke about the same, testifying about the coming salvation of the New Testament.
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their inwardness, and I will write it on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they will be My people. (Jer 31:33)
And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, according to which I will not turn away from them to do them good, and I will put My fear in their hearts, so that they will not depart from Me. (Jer 32:40)
The new birth is a phenomenon that occurs under the action of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in a reborn person "... whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ, that one is not His" says the apostle Paul in Rom. 8:9. This means that God himself lives in the reborn man, uniting by his Spirit with the renewed spirit of man and making him a renewed creation, which is characterized by the qualities of the Divine nature. Thus, speaking about the possibility of changing the status of a believer, one should not talk about whether or not to lose salvation, but about whether it is possible to reverse the process of spiritual birth.
2) The second reason why many problems arise with the question of the loss of salvation is that most people do not know the Bible's teaching about the results of salvation. Seeing that many people who profess to be believers sin in their real lives, they cannot compare the Biblical doctrine of salvation with the Biblical doctrine of sanctification. For many people, the question of salvation looks like the following logical construction -
1) Nothing unclean can enter heaven (Re 21:27)
2) Therefore, if a believer allows anything sinful in his thoughts, words or deeds, then he is lost.
This construction may actually be correct, but it is only correct if the person would be saved by his own righteousness. Most people recognize the fact that there is no person on earth who does not have sin (1 John 1:8). After all, sin is not only what a person does, violating God's commandments, but also what he does not do, or does not do at the proper level of quality or dedication. If man's salvation depends on his own righteousness, then there can be no saved on earth at all.
Some people try to get around this problem by arguing that the believer only perishes when he commits some "major" sin, and when he commits "minor" sins, then it's not so bad. But here another problem arises: which sin can we consider significant, and which not, and on what basis? The Bible says nothing about the division of sins into mortal and non-mortal.
Indeed, Holy Scripture teaches that human salvation is possible only as a result of accepting the absolute righteousness of Christ. This is why the Bible teaches about the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary took upon himself absolutely all our sins and paid the full price for them. At the same time, He gave to those who believed in Him His absolute righteousness,
From Him you are also in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption. (1 Cor 1:30)
For he made him who knew no sin for us [offering for] sin, that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Cor 5:21)
Thus, everyone who gets to heaven will get there only as a result of the righteousness of Christ, and not their own, human righteousness. The letter to the Hebrews says this:
For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified. (Heb 10:14.)
But if this is so, some will say, then doesn't this mean that a saved person can sin and still remain calm, that he will still go to heaven. Wouldn't that be a license to sin. No way! The apostle Paul said that he, too, was tried to be accused of something similar (Rom. 3:7-8). This is impossible, because the born-again person differs from unbelievers in that his new nature is opposed to sin. As soon as he sins, he always tries to be free from sin. This is very well stated in the first epistle of John, in which the author speaks of the qualities of a true Christian:
Whoever is born of God commits no sin, because his seed abides in him; and he cannot sin because he is born of God. (1 John 3:9)
It is very clear in the Greek text of the New Testament that the point here is that the man who is born of God does not abide in sin. He cannot be in sin because of his new nature. Such a person may sin in some situation (1 John 2:1), but since sin is unnatural for his new, Divine nature, he will certainly seek liberation from it, "The righteous man will fall and rise seven times" Proverbs 24:16.
Thus, the difference between a born again person and an unregenerate person is the desire to live without sin. One who has the nature of Christ can never rebel against God, because Christ is God and cannot rebel against Himself, this is the essence of His nature. When a Christian, through his unwatchfulness, falls under the influence of his flesh, his spirit will immediately seek to put to death the deeds of the body (Rom. 8:13). If a person has fallen and does not want to get up, if he does not care whether he commits a sin or not, this means that such a person was a Christian only in words, and not in deeds. John speaks of these:
They went out from us, but were not ours: for if they were ours, they would have remained with us; but [they went out, and] through that it was revealed that not all of us. (1 John 2:19)
Here, the apostle explicitly confirms that a person who leaves the Christian path has never really been born again.
Holy Scripture in many places says that a true Christian who knows God as his Father and who resists sin and follows Christ can fully rely on the righteousness of Christ and therefore can be completely sure that the Lord will keep him to the end. This is mentioned in many places in the Bible (John 6:37; 10:26-30; Rom 8:29-39; Phil 1:6).
Speaking of this, one cannot ignore the question of those passages of Scripture that warn of the danger of falling away and destruction. Reading texts like Heb. 6:4-6, etc., the question arises if a Christian cannot abide in sin and always tries to free himself from it and therefore will not perish, then why warn him about the danger of perdition? Indeed, if we consider these texts out of context and the entire teaching of Scripture, then it may seem that Scripture in these places contradicts itself. But, with a closer study of these passages, it becomes clear that the Lord uses these texts in order to save his children from destruction with their help (see Heb. 6:9). The point is that a saved person is one who responds to the Divine word. Therefore, God tells him - "do not go there, it is dangerous there." These warnings are needed as a means by which God helps the born-again person know what is sin and what must be circumvented and avoided. In other words, God uses the warnings about the danger of falling away as a tool by which He keeps His children from falling.
Be sober, stay awake, because your adversary the devil walks around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Resist him with firm faith, knowing that the same suffering happens to your brothers in the world. But the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, Himself, according to your short-term suffering, may he perfect you, yes, he will establish, yes, he will strengthen, and make you unshakable. (1 Peter 5:8-10)
You can learn more about this topic in the second lesson of the material on discipleship presented on our website. Also, if you want to have a clearer understanding of the Biblical doctrine of salvation, please listen to the sermon series "The Biblical Doctrine of Salvation" as well as the "Bread of Life" sermon.
In Jesus Christ, before the creation of the visible world, the Church of Christ was chosen. From the beginning, there was no list of those chosen by name in advance to salvation, but those who now have in their hearts the pledge of the Holy Spirit have been chosen. God knows in advance the outcome of each life path. But His knowledge does not affect the freedom of human choice.
"He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world" ( Eph 1:4)
"The Christian Church differs in the understanding of this dogma, especially with regard to Divine sovereignty and human responsibility"- writes the famous theologian G.K. Thyssen. He also believed that in no other area is there a greater divergence of opinion, and in no other study do the conclusions go as far as in this one.
Many Christian thinkers and theologians have drawn attention to the difficulty of understanding the dogma of salvation. Indeed, at first glance, the Bible contains two opposing points of view. Thus, the famous Swiss religious figure Calvin (1509-1564) was of the opinion that God's predestination is decisive in the matter of salvation. He formulated 7 doctrines:
1. Absolute authority of God (Ps 134:6; Dan 4:34; Heb 1:11)
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2. Purpose of election (Rome 8:29; Acts 13:48)
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3. Complete sinfulness (corruption) human (Eph 2:1-2)
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4. Unconditional Election: Those Who Do Not Respond Will Perish (Eph 1:4; 1 Tim 1:2-4)
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5. Calvin's limited atonement is justified by logic: if not all are saved, then Christ has failed.
6. Unlimited Grace: God does not save people against their will, but influences them in a way that creates an effective desire to come unto Christ.
7. Guaranteed Salvation (John 10:28-29)
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Other Bible texts can also be used in favor of Calvin's doctrines, for example: Jer 1:5; Jer 15:2; Mark 10:27; John 6:65; John 15:16; John 17:2; Acts 16:14; Jas 1:18; Rom 9:13; Eph 1:5; Eph 1:11; Eph 2:8; Phil 2:13; Col 1:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Tim 1:5; Rev 13:8 .
Calvin's views are held by many theologians, but they also have many opponents. For example, John Wesley (1703-1791) took the opposite view. "The doctrine of absolute predestination leads to the habitations of death" he claimed. In his sermon A Quiet Consideration of Predestination, he convincingly argues for the decisive importance of the will of man in determining his participation in eternity and satisfactorily interprets the texts of Scripture on which Calvin and his supporters rely.
Many scriptures can also be used to support Wesley's point of view, for example: Ex 32:33; Ex 45:22; Tue 11:26; Tue 30:15; Joshua 24:15; 1 Samuel 8:7; 2 Chronicles 15:2; 2 Chronicles 24:20; Ps 72:27; Jer 26:3; John 1:12; John 3:36; John 6:37; 1 Peter 1:5; 2 Peter 1:10; 2 Peter 2:21; 2 Peter 3:17; Col 1:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:10; 1 Tim 1:19; 1 Thessalonians 3:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:12; Heb 3:14; Heb 3:36; Heb 5:9 .
Approximately the same method, when defending their views on salvation, is followed by many theologians and preachers: they take one of the positions and try to satisfactorily, in defense of their views, interpret the arguments of the opposite side.
Apparently, this is why G.K. Lectures on Systematic Theology (1979 ed.) presents both points of view with criticism of each of them. Text is provided as a summary. “Oh, the abyss of riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How incomprehensible are His judgments, and how unsearchable are His ways!” ( Rome 11:33) . G. K. Thiessen does not dare to defend any of the positions here (although he himself adhered to some Arminian views). Here he takes an example from St. Paul: "Who are you, man, that you argue with God?" ( Rome 9:20) .
But if you carefully get acquainted with both groups of texts of the Bible, it is striking how close the texts are sometimes located in it, interpreted in favor of opposing views. Even earlier, the question arises, how could the Author of the Bible have two points of view on such an important issue?
In our opinion, this difficulty lies in the lack of understanding of the Divine mystery about salvation by our insufficiently enlightened mind, a superficial judgment of how God thinks and acts in that part of the salvation process that relates to Divine Providence. For it is known from the Scriptures that salvation depends both on a merciful God and on a sinner crying for mercy (not only Protestant but also Orthodox theologians will agree with this).
We will return to the question of how human fate is decided later, and now we will continue to consider how two extreme views on salvation are combined within the framework of one Bible, because "One Lord, One Faith" Eph 4:5) . It would look very strange if all these numerous, as it seems, contradictory statements were communicated to us only with the aim of once again emphasizing how inscrutable are the ways of the Lord, and how great is His power. But which Christian doubts this?
The second thing that raises questions in defending both doctrines is the complex interpretations of the opponents' texts that are heard from both sides. And although one cannot but agree with them (at least in part), there is no evangelical simplicity in these interpretations. This was not the language the Savior spoke to the common people who surrounded Him. And it is unlikely that any of the readers of theological treatises on this topic is able to easily understand and repeat their arguments. We believe that in such an important matter there should be a simple explanation of how salvation occurs. The unifying link must exist. Let's try to find it.
In our opinion, this is the text from Eph 1:4 , taken as an epigraph: . It was interesting to find that in part "Soterology" "Lectures ..." G.K.Thiessen, in the chapter "Purposes of God" This text is the first quotation from the Bible. It is a pity that G.K. Thiessen did not study it deeply enough within the framework of the topic of pre-election. A year before meeting him "Lectures..." it is this text that has been revealed to us as a key link in understanding pre-election and human choice, resolving the seeming contradiction in theological views.
This text contains great depth. What does it mean to choose us in Christ? Write in the book of life by name all those chosen for salvation? A Christian reading about this is inclined to agree with such good news, he mentally inserts his name there, and ... relaxes a little. And then he is ready to follow the reasoning of Calvin, especially about the impossibility of falling away from election, and at the same time intuitively feels the need, and even agrees with fear and trembling to work out his own salvation. (Phil 2:12) . As a result, most Protestant Christians are between two opinions about salvation, and are not able to clearly express and defend their views on this important issue.
How to avoid this trap? How should we properly understand "we in Him"? To resolve this issue, let us try to mentally penetrate into the original Divine Providence, pre-existence history and logically (fully aware of the incompleteness of logical constructions) explain to ourselves the origins of pre-election. A particular difficulty, almost impossibility of this task lies in the fact that the pre-existence (before the beginning of creation according to the book of Genesis) period is described in the Bible in just a few texts. And yet, on these separate fragments, we will try to build a consistent picture so that the plan for the salvation of mankind does not cause us the duality described above. The task is also complicated by the fact that in the pre-existence period there might not have been time as such (eternity), which means that it is difficult to talk about the sequence of events.
Prerequisites
1. From the book of Job it becomes clear to us that angels existed before the creation of the visible world, for "when he laid the foundations of the earth"(Job 38:4) "All the Sons of God shouted for joy" ( Job 38:7).
2. The Bible does not tell us the time of the creation of angels, and the question of who created them is not unambiguous.
3. It is written about Jesus Christ, the Son of God: "All things came into being through Him" John 1:3) . “By him was created everything that is in heaven and that is on earth, visible and invisible: whether thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or authorities” ( Col 1:16) . The traditional interpretation also includes angels with their hierarchy. However, there is no explicit text about this in the Bible. Therefore, we tend to believe that angels were created by God even when the Son of God "was in the bowels of the Father". Those. we exclude them from among those created by Christ, or Christ created them, being in the same hypostasis with the Father.
4. “For this reason the Son of God appeared, to destroy the works of the devil” ( 1 John 3:8) . “In order to reconcile everything to Himself through Him, to pacify through Him, by the blood of His cross, both earthly and heavenly” ( Col 1:20) . These two texts explain to us the purpose of the appearance of the Son of God into the pre-existent world. But what needed to be destroyed, and what to reconcile, if there were no fallen angels at His birth? This suggests that the fall of the angels happened before "Apparitions of the Son of God".
Possible sequence of events
The above premises, as well as other texts from the Bible, allow us to assume the following course of pre-existing events.
1. At the very beginning, the heavenly host was created: angels, archangels, seraphim, cherubim (1 Tim 6:16)
. They had free will.
2. An anointed (light-bearing) cherub stood out in their midst, who decided to take the place of God (Ezekiel 28:11-17)
. But he was cast down, and his tail carried away a third of the angels from heaven. (Rev 12:4)
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3. A lake of fire was prepared for him and his angels (Rev 19:20)
. Some of the angels were bound by the bonds of hellish darkness (2 Pet 2:4)
perhaps to plunge into this lake. The remaining angels, perhaps, demanded a fair trial for themselves, motivating their fall by the impossibility of resisting, and appealing to the justice of God, just as we meet in Job 1:6-12
when Satan reproached the Creator for injustice.
4. God's answer probably included a fair trial. It was not the Almighty Creator who was supposed to act as a judge, but one who was able to sympathize, who himself endured temptations (like Heb 4:15
), creation, free being. Man had to become such a judge, and in order to be able to resist him in the upcoming temptation from the devil, God in His Son gave victory over sin. Through Him, even those who believe can become perfect so that they have the right to judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3)
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5. After this, probably, the event takes place, about which it is written: "You are my Son, today I have begotten you" ( Heb 1:5)
. The Son of God creates the visible world and the invisible laws of nature, the whole universe and man (John 1:3)
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6. After fulfillment of the fullness of time (Gal 4:4)
, He incarnates in Jesus Christ, on Golgotha takes upon himself the sins of the world, having satisfied the just judgment of God, and carrying out the planned plan of victory over evil (Gen 3:15)
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7. Those who have accepted Christ by faith and are justified in Him will judge the angels (1 Corinthians 6:3)
. Before that, they themselves will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:10)
and those who love unrighteousness will stand before the judgment of the great white throne (Rev 20:12)
. The devil and his angels will be cast into the lake of fire, and with them also those who love unrighteousness. (Rev 22:15)
. And thus in the universe everything will be subject to God (1 Corinthians 15:28)
.
The essence of pre-election
The above sequence, in our opinion, satisfactorily explains the essence of pre-election. Before the creation of the visible world, with the description of which the book of Genesis begins, the Creator had a plan to save the Universe from the untruth that arose among the angels and the opportunity for the new creation, man, to stand in sin. This plan was to be realized in the only begotten Son of God, "slain from the foundation of the world" ( Rev 13:8) , and in due time incarnated in Jesus Christ. In His sacrifice for the sins of the world and the victory, which the Father knew in advance. In Jesus Christ, Who exists from the beginning of Being, the judges for the angels were also chosen - those who will accept Him. A very important thought: from the beginning there was no list of names of the elect in advance to salvation. But in Him there was an opportunity to be saved from sin, and with Him to reach eternity for a group of those who choose His path, voluntarily make their choice in favor of the love of truth, accepting it. (2 Thessalonians 2:10) . In the New Testament this group is called the Church. God knew in advance that there would be such. Election in Jesus Christ means that only those who abide in Him and have the pledge of the Spirit in their hearts are elected. (2 Corinthians 1:22) . Which can be quenched (1 Thessalonians 5:19) , insult (Eph 4:30) , blaspheme (Mt 12:31) . And, in the end, even having known the truth, it is possible to return to the world again (Heb 10:26) . The omniscient God knows the names of those who will stand, but His knowledge does not affect their ability to fall from grace of their own choosing, and under certain conditions He can even blot them out of the book of life. (Rev 3:5) . Thus, those who now have in their hearts the pledge of the Holy Spirit are chosen.
Interpretation of the texts of the Bible about pre-election.
So, the election of the Son of God before the creation of the world and in Him those who will respond to His call and remain faithful to Him to the end - the Church of Christ - is the essence of pre-election. It is from this position, with God's help, that we will test the arguments of the supporters of unconditional election.
Joshua 17:2“Yes to everything ... He will give eternal life”. God wants everyone in the world to be saved - the same thought. Further, Joshua 17:9 : "I'm not praying for the whole world". It's not about choosing in advance, but: "Keep them."
Ps 135:4 (Dan 4:34) “Which alone works great wonders, for His mercy endures forever”“Here we are talking about God's power, but not about pre-election.
Jer 1:5“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you came out of the womb, I sanctified you: I appointed you a prophet to the nations”- In the Jewish environment of that time there was no question of choice - they knew the God of their fathers and worshiped Him. God gave Jeremiah a special gift to speak on His behalf. Further in the text, there is no mention of compulsory appointment, rather Jeremiah's complaint is heard that he does not have enough skill to carry out the assignment.
John 6:65"Unless it is given to him from the Father"- Followed by Peter's words, John 6:68 : "To whom shall we go?" It was their choice.
John 10:28"He will not snatch out of my hand"“Only those who cling to her. "The Lord is with you when you are with Him" 2 Chronicles 15:2) . About the possibility of falling away, voluntary abandonment, we read, for example, in Rev 2:4 .
John 15:16"I chose you"- it was said to the 12 apostles.
Acts 16:14“The woman… who worshiped God listened, and the Lord opened her heart”- The Lord opened the heart of the one who honored and listened, i.e. was looking for him.
Acts 13:48 "who were ordained to eternal life"— To be understood in the context of
Jas 1:18- "Desiring, He begot us with the word of truth, so that we might be some firstfruits of His creatures". But His desire is not only for us, but for all people to be saved and reach the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim 2:4) . "Born Us"- rebirth from the Holy Spirit "through faith in the truth" ( 2 Thessalonians 2:13) . The context of the chapter is spiritual growth, not pre-election.
Rome 8:29"Whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son" This thought begins in Rom 8:28: "loving God". But where did they come from? These are those who "received the love of the truth for his salvation" ( 2 Thessalonians 2:10) . 2 Thes 2:30: "Whom He Called, Those He Justified"- this is not the only place about the call, see for example, Mt 11:28 , where it is clear that the call is addressed to all. Nor is it written that he justified without personal repentance. What is here? Assimilation Plan "loving" in the image of the Son, for glorification. But not in advance appointed to salvation.
Rom 9:13"As it is written: Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated"- Not about choosing in advance to salvation, but choosing a line for the blessing of the Abraham family. Esau was not cursed or condemned, although his descendants were corrupted and destroyed.
Eph 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:9"He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world". “Determined us…through…Christ”. In Him (in Christ) the Church was chosen — those who will remain faithful to Him to the end, the group who have received salvation.
Eph 1:11“According to the decree of Him who does all according to the will of His will”- these words cannot be understood as doing absolutely everything, otherwise the whole human choice, which is spoken of by numerous imperative verbs addressed to the sinner, comes down to a game of choice. Having given man true freedom, the Creator cannot make a choice for him. Desire to refer to the plan of salvation as a whole.
Eph 2:1"Dead in Crime"- considered together with 1 Corinthians 6:11: “So were some of you; but washed, but sanctified, but justified by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”. We are talking about the inseparable Adamic nature.
Eph 2:8"Saved by Faith... God's Gift". Salvation is not through works, but through faith - not unconditional. God's gift is not election, but salvation for those who will respond to the call. He called those who were saved to good works.
Phil 2:13“God works in you both willing and acting according to His good pleasure”- God produces desire in those who believe, but not in sinners. He rebukes them.
Col 1:12"who called us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light"“There is no mention of a special calling for us, but we are talking about our gratitude for the fact that He called us. This in no way cancels the universal vocation.
1 Thessalonians 1:3-4"Labour of love... and patience of hope... knowing your choice". Election is in Christ before the foundation of the world, those who will come to Him in response to His call.
2 Thessalonians 2:13"Through the sanctification of the Spirit and faith in the truth, He chose us to salvation"— In Jesus Christ. This is not about unconditional election, but through the faith of those who remain in Him, chosen from the beginning of the world.
2 Tim 1:9"He who saved us...according to his own purpose and grace"- we are talking about the salvation we did not deserve "before the age of ages." But “us” is by no means individual, but those who accept salvation and the love of God – the church.
Titus 1:2"In the hope of eternal life, which God, unchanging in word, promised before the ages"— He promised eternal life to those who receive Him and who remain "in Him."
Rev 13:8“And all who dwell on the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” This is God's plan of salvation realized in Jesus Christ. There is no hint here of specific names of people destined for salvation or condemnation from the beginning of the world.
Election and salvation
The explanations of the above texts seem to us satisfactory, and we can recognize the following conclusion about the final fate of man as fair.
Pre-election refers to the church of Christ, which was chosen in Him before the creation of the visible world. This is a group of those people who will believe, will receive grace in the future - for the judgment of the fallen angels. There is no personal election by God to salvation or condemnation, although He knows in advance the outcome of each life path. But His knowledge does not affect the freedom of human choice.
God is love (1 John 4:4) . Man was created in the image and likeness of God, created to communicate with his Creator, and is also capable of loving according to the choice of his heart. If a person opens it to God's love, he is filled with it, and through Christ is saved from sins and attains communion with Him in eternity. On the contrary, having loved the works of darkness and lawlessness (despite the repeated admonitions of God's messengers and the action of the Holy Spirit), he is subjected to judgment and eternal punishment with the devil, alienation from God in eternity.
"As it is written: Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated"
