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I trust the people that showed love to me and directed me to the Bible as the source of direction. Jesus, the Apostles words and the entire Bible give me the direction I am looking for. Thank you, I always check the things I believe with what Jesus says and the Apostles.
And that has to do with my question, how?
Context is everything with scripture, it is misleading to compare statements from various chapters and verses without taking into consideration the context to which the statements are made. What may appear to be contradictory may not be when context is taken into consideration. God loves and hates depending on the circumstances of an act, as we do, check the context.I agree with Ajax the instructions in the Bible, are in conflict with each other, they do not agree at all.
Still even though they don't agree, each scripture is an instruction that is beneficial for us.
I appreciate your comment about source of direction. Before I studied the Bible in earnest I was confused and had no real guidelines to my life even though I went to church and looked into religion. Now thanks to the Almighty God, I do have guidelines. I am thankful and happy for that.
Does that fit John’s context? Because John continues:
I can agree with the “world”; however such rampant illiteracy wouldn’t have existed among the Jews. I wouldn’t think so. Too many references in Scripture to ‘reading’ God’s laws. Or such implications.
My brother… I don’t think I follow you.
In the sense you are citing John 1:1, the Word was not the "second person" of God, but rather who the Almighty spoke through, or used to create all things. And in that sense, the Word can certainly be called a God, and in order to avoid confusion the term "a God" is applicable. Since it was the will of God expressed orally for the creation, yes, it makes sense to realize that the Word can aptly be called a God. Remember--Jesus had problems when he was accused of calling himself God, yet he referred to the Psalm which said they, too (judges) were termed as 'gods.'
Would you explain please, salvation is a free gift - not from any works, And at the same time obedience or observance to Jesus Gospel is necessary to be a follower of Christ. The Gospel of John and the Apostle Paul say this very thing. Thanks for any help you can give.
Since my sig line is making a similar point and distinction, I will offer my understanding.Would you explain please, salvation is a free gift - not from any works, And at the same time obedience or observance to Jesus Gospel is necessary to be a follower of Christ. The Gospel of John and the Apostle Paul say this very thing. Thanks for any help you can give.
May I ask what faith you are from? Or from what position do you believe?
I began as a Christian and still am one, but I've come to realize that many religions of other cultures, just like their languages, may be different but still effective. One's Christian faith is not diminished by meditation, yoga, etc.. To practice any religion, one must not just rely on their beliefs for understanding, but must experience directly the reality represented by such concepts that arise in their scripture, such as for example, Christ, agape, salvation, God, Tao, Oneness, Nirvana, etc.. On the scale of 1 to 10, religious belief stands at 1, direct experience stands at 9.
Hi, I think it does .. God's will and orders become known through the flesh (prophets and Jesus).
https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-SEB-76135
I agree (as far as I can agree).
One who does the will of the Father implies a relationship that is 'closer' to God than one who merely believes in God and says 'Lord' as though they imagine God is separate from them like another person. By 'closer' I mean they have had an experience of union with God, the God within, 'know ye not your body is the temple of God'.
I don't have a direct interest in what you just wrote, but I think your first quote "Superior virtue is like the Christian who does what Jesus teaches out of agape, not to attain anything, but out of divine love. They are saved." sounds more realistic.One who does the will of the Father implies a relationship that is 'closer' to God than one who merely believes in God and says 'Lord' as though they imagine God is separate from them like another person. By 'closer' I mean they have had an experience of union with God, the God within, 'know ye not your body is the temple of God'.
One who does the will of the Father is in union with God, the other* one may only do what they think the scripture means them to do because there is yet no experience of union. They yet see the Lord as being separate, whereas the one who has realized union with God knows they are an indivisible expression of God the Father, not just a belief, but in reality.
* I hope what I have written is consistent with the will of the Father.
