chesed

The difference with Peter is he had not witnessed the resurrection nor had yet received the power of the Holy Spirit … but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” — Acts 1:8

For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, — Hebrews 10:26 The context of the Epistle to the Hebrews is heavy persecution (sort of like ISIS tagging your door.) So these Jewish Christians were tempted to turn back to Moses and the law, while abandoning faith in Jesus Christ. The author of the epistle wants to remind them that in Christ stands better promises, a better covenant, a better sacrifice etc. The sin in question in v.26 is turning away from Christ and His sacrifice to escape persecution (denying Christ) not committing other sins which are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. If one denies Jesus what sacrifice for their sins will they have? Bulls and goats?

Right, no one, absolutely no one could pass the test under the law. The law reveals our sin thus showing us our need for faith in Jesus i.e. the One who kept the law in our stead and offers His righteousness as a free gift. Rom 5.

What is OC OL/ NC NL? If it's what I think it is God's grace and faith have been in effect under both Covenants.

Did you say this in the third post from the top?..; ”We should be Grateful that Jesus decided to give an easier way to get into Heaven than the Old Covenant.”

Coheir, I wouldn’t say it was a new way, but He made it clear through His teachings that no one by their own righteousness was righteous enough. Sorry to say, some still think they can pull it off.

Being proud that you don’t sin is also sin… “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” — Luke 18:10-14

Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. You need to read carefully Romans chaps:1-3. You will see there, ALL have sinned and have fallen short of God's glory, so there is ONLY ONE who has done the will of His Father. Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. These are not born again (hence: 'I never knew you'). Besides these show the carnal fruit of pride and self-works( have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name we have cast out devils? and in thy name we have done many wonderful works?). These people were trusting in their own works rather than giving glory to the Son. Like I said read and reread Romans chapters 1-3. It's the heart of the Church's faith.

It also hurts babes in the Lord to cast doubts on their assurance. As far as the narrow way goes, I like to say “The way is as narrow as the cross is wide”. There really is no other way than Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

That matters little as Paul is referring to the righteousness needed for fallen mankind to stand before a Holy God. It takes the PERFECT RIGHTEOUSNESS of Jesus Christ which no man has but which God gives as a gift found in His Son. Good works (James) is a fruit only born again believers can produce. IOW the justification Paul speaks of, only comes as a free gift on account of the righteousness of Jesus Christ. The justification James speaks of gives evidence that God is working in us as believers. Php 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; Php 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Ok, so you are saying it's 'headquarters' is in a localized city? What city would that be? NY, Hollywood Paris, Bruxelles Neom ??

If it was a city, how would all of God's people come out of her? (Rev 18:4) see also Isa 52:11

I would take Babylon to be an emblem of the world's system, rather than a localized city. Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Rev. 18:4-5 If it was a city, it would be the most populous and godly city in the world for all God's people to fit.

Yes, we do dumb things as babes in the Lord. I've never seen CC as leaning towards Calvinism, but that is just me.

WW Church of God to Walter Martin, wow, he included a chapter on that group in his classic Kingdom of the Cults. I'm a semi-mod over at Chrisianforumsite. Their emphasis is on 'peace amongst the brethren'.

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Yes, I think we would be as God if we knew everything at once. There will be continual learning.

I sort of believe the number of people possessing Christ (life) remains somewhat constant whereas the professing faction of Christendom is dropping. No worry, a bit of persecution will weed out one from the other.

I believe Acts 8 &15 sets a standard for Church governance. Also there will be a falling away (sadly) as that Day approaches. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1Ti 4:1)

I love cake...

My dad was an atheist hard core right up to His EXIT from this world. I was an agnostic, never able to completely deny any existence of God. My dad wanted me committed when he found out I came to faith...but my previous involvements with drugs, the occult, gambling and sexual perversions etc., was fine with him, because I was doing 'what I wanted to do'.

Also notice I said in the post at the top of this page I said ‘My take on the question: (Actually not mine, but Jesus' take). ..Thus quotes by Jesus. Actually, as I grow in God’s word, I find much of Paul’s teachings embedded in the words and actions of Jesus. I always run with the conviction that there are no contradictions between Paul and Jesus.

Admittedly, I haven't read through this whole thread and even though I quoted Matthew, I am quite Pauline in my theology.

1 Jesus, thy blood and righteousness my beauty are, my glorious dress; mid flaming worlds, in these arrayed, with joy shall I lift up my head. 2 Bold shall I stand in that great day; who can a word against me say? Fully absolved through these I am from sin and fear, from guilt and shame. 3 Lord, I believe your precious blood, which at the very throne of God pleads for the captives' liberty, was also shed in love for me. 4 Lord, I believe, were sinners more than sands upon the ocean shore, you have for all a ransom paid, for all a full atonement made. 5 When from the dust of death I rise to claim my mansion in the skies, this then shall be all my only plea: Jesus has lived and died for me. 6 Jesus, be worshiped endlessly! Your boundless mercy has for me, for me and all your hands have made, an everlasting ransom paid. 7 O let the dead now hear thy voice; Now bid thy banished ones rejoice; Their beauty this, their glorious dress, Jesus, thy blood and righteousness. Nicolaus L. von Zinzendorf (1700-1760) Translated by John Wesley (1703-1791)

Why Yoga? John 14:27 (KJV) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.