The Problem and Solution for Willful Sin

John 8:1-11
1 Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2 but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3 As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and Pharisees brought a woman they had caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. 4 "Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the very act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?" 6 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, stone her. But let those who have never sinned throw the first stones!" 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. 9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to her, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?" 11 "No, Lord," she said. And Jesus said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more."
The New Living Translation

Hebrews 10:26
10:26
Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received a full knowledge of the truth, there is no other sacrifice that will cover these sins.

If and when we sin on purpose (willful sin) we are fighting against our own knowledge of what sin is and agains the Holy Spirit and all heaven. We are backsliding. We are in endanger of resisting the leading of the Holy Spirit more and more until we may not be able to hear Him at all. He will continue to call us to repentance, no matter what, yet He will not force us to repent. He will not force us to hat our sin. He will not force us to trun away from our sin. He forgives us when we ask and then calls upon us, "Go and sin no more".

James 4:17
Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

Are you Backslidden?

`Have you wandered far from God? Arise and go to your Father. He will meet you a great way off. If you take even one step toward Him in repentance, He will hasten to enfold you in His arms of infinite love. His ear is open to the cry of the contrite soul. The very first reaching out of the heart after God is known to Him. Never a prayer is offered, however faltering, never a tear is shed, however secret, never a sincere desire after God is cherished, however feeble, but the Spirit of God goes forth to meet it. Even before the prayer is uttered or the yearning of the heart made known, grace from Christ goes forth to meet the grace that is working upon the human soul.’ (COL205-6)

`What sins are too great for His pardon? He is merciful, and as such is infinitely more ready and more pleased to pardon than to condemn.' (2SM231)

`Desponding soul, take courage, even though you have done wickedly. Do not think that perhaps God will pardon your transgressions and permit you to come into His presence. God has made the first advance. While you were in rebellion against Him, He went forth to seek you. . . . The soul, bruised and wounded and ready to perish, He encircles in His arms of love and joyfully bears it to the fold of safety.' (COL188/9)

`Do not listen to the enemy's suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better; until you are good enough to come to God. If you wait until then, you will never come. When Satan points to your filthy garments, repeat the promise of Jesus, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37.’ (COL205)

`The Lord is full of compassion for His suffering ones. What sins are too great for His pardon? He is merciful, and as such is infinitely more ready and more pleased to pardon than to condemn. He is gracious, not looking for wrong in us; He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are but dust. In His boundless compassion and mercy He heals all our backslidings, loving us freely while we are yet sinners, withdrawing not His light, but shining on us for Christ's sake.’ (2SM231)

`Now He invites you. Now, just now, He calls upon you to return unto Him without delay, and He will graciously pardon and heal all your backslidings.’ (1T430)

`Return faithless people; I will cure you of your backsliding.' (Jeremiah 3:22)

`The shepherd who discovers that one of his sheep is missing does not look carelessly upon the flock that is safely housed, and say, "I have ninety and nine, and it will cost me too much trouble to go in search of the straying one. Let him come back, and I will open the door of the sheepfold, and let him in." No; no sooner does the sheep go astray than the shepherd is filled with grief and anxiety. He counts and recounts the flock. When he is sure that one sheep is lost, he slumbers not. He leaves the ninety and nine with the fold, and goes in search of the straying sheep. The darker and more tempestuous the night and the more perilous the way, the greater is the shepherd's anxiety and the more earnest his search. He makes every effort to find that one lost sheep.

`With what relief he hears in the distance its first faint cry. Following the sound, he climbs the steepest heights, he goes to the very edge of the precipice, at the risk of his own life. Thus he searches, while the cry, growing fainter, tells him that his sheep is ready to die. At last his effort is rewarded; the lost is found. Then he does not scold it because it has caused him so much trouble. He does not drive it with a whip. He does not even try to lead it home. In his joy he takes the trembling creature upon his shoulders; if it is bruised and wounded, he gathers it in his arms, pressing it close to his bosom, that the warmth of his own heart may give it life. With gratitude that his search has not been in vain, he bears it back to the fold.’ (COL187-8)

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`The blood of Jesus is pleading with power and efficacy for those who are back-slidden, for those who are rebellious, for those who sin against great light and love. Satan stands at our right hand to accuse us, and our Advocate stands at God's right hand to plead for us. He has never lost a case that has been committed to Him. We may trust in our Advocate; for He pleads His own merits in our behalf. Hear His prayer before His betrayal and trial. Listen to His prayer for us; for He had us in remembrance.’ (7BC948)

Welcome back to the fold - dear friend. Always remember that the church is a hospital for sick people - and we all are sick - no exceptions. If you never realised that, read Romans 3:10-18.

Jesus Forgives Our Sins

For all have sinned ...

In what way has God dealt with penitent sinners?
"He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities." Psalms 103:10.

Why has He dealt thus with men?
"For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him." Psalms 103:11.

What is God ready to do for all who call upon Him?
"For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee." Psalms 86:5.

When Abraham asked God to spare Sodom if He should find ten righteous persons therein, what did the Lord say?
"And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake." Genesis 18:32.

What prayer did Moses offer in behalf of Israel?
"Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now." Numbers 14:19.

What reply did the Lord immediately make?
"And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word." Numbers 14:20.

When David confessed his great sin, what did God do for him?
"I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin." Psalms 32:5.

Does the lord forgive sins when they are confessed to Him?
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

How full is the Lord's forgiveness, when one fulfills the conditions?
"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:7.

In what special manner has God shown His willingness to forgive the sinner?
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.

What does this wonderful manifestation on the part of God, vouchsafe to us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32.

Why has such full provision been made?
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.

When the prodigal son, in the parable, repented and turned toward home, what did his father do?
"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." Luke 15:20.

Upon the son's asking to be made only a hired servant, what order was issued in behalf of the penitent one?
"But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." Luke 15:22-24.

Is God willing to do for His children as earthly parents are for theirs?
"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" Luke 11:13.0

How many receive forgiveness from God?
"For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Matthew 7:8.

Does the Lord forget the cries of those who call upon Him?
"Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee." Isaiah 49:15.

Forgiven, but then Made a Mistake?

`Do not entertain the thought that because you have made mistakes, because your life has been darkened by errors, your Heavenly Father does not love you and will not hear you when you pray. He says, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out."

The fact that one has erred, does not make him less dear to the heart of God.

"The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." His heart of love is touched by our sorrows, and even by our utterance of them. Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear; for He holds up worlds, He rules over the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, that they cannot find deliverance in Jesus. The demoniacs of Gadara, in the place of prayer could utter only the words of Satan; but yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need is unheeded.’ (ST06-18-02)

`You have made some mistakes, but because of some failures you should in nowise misjudge your capabilities nor distrust the strength that you may find in God. If it is apparent that you have made mistakes, it is your privilege to turn these failures into victories by avoiding the same in the future.’ (3T495)

Remember ,For those who have sinned and have made mistakes, there is a Jesus who is willing to pardon and forgive. Let us lift him up as the Redeemer of mankind.

`If one who daily communes with God errs from the path, if he turns a moment from looking steadfastly unto Jesus, it is not because he sins willfully; for when he sees his mistake, he turns again, and fastens his eyes upon Jesus, and the fact that he has erred, does not make him less dear to the heart of God.' (RH12-05-96)

`You are not to entertain the thought that because you have made mistakes and your life has been darkened with errors, your heavenly Father does not love you and therefore has forsaken you. No! I tell you NO! Jesus loves you still. His eye is upon you, and He "will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it." ’ 1 Cor. 10:13. (12MR34)

`The one who is easily tempted, and is most inclined to err, is the special object of His solicitude.' (Ed294)

`The fact that he has erred, does not make him less dear to the heart of God.' (RH12-05-96)

`If you have made mistakes, you certainly gain a victory if you see these mistakes and regard them as beacons of warning. Thus you turn defeat into victory, disappointing the enemy and honoring your Redeemer.' (COL332)

`Whatever the mistakes or failures of the past, we may, with the help of God, rise above them. With the apostle we may say: "This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13, 14. (MH516)

But . . . if you have made a mistake, it is vitally important that you deal with others and their mistakes in just the manner in which you would like God to deal with you.

`Because [others] have made mistakes, shall we leave them alone to bear the consequences of their miscalculations? Is this the way in which Jesus has dealt with us?’ (6T463)

`Have we ourselves never made mistakes? Have we never been in the pit of despondency?’ (PUR03-13-02)

`Because men have made mistakes, they are not to be uprooted. The blessing of God heals; it does not destroy.’ (GCB04-02-03)

`If one does a piece of work that is not wholly perfect, shall his friends and acquaintences pull it to pieces, speaking of it scathingly and contemptuously? The one who has made mistakes may be doing his very best. Did Jesus treat the imperfect work of His disciples thus? If He should treat erring human beings as they too often treat one another, what would become of them?’ (PUR 02-09-05)

`We should study the way in which Jesus worked. He did not refuse to work for those who made mistakes; His works of mercy were done for every class, the righteous and the unrighteous. For all alike He healed disease and gave lessons of instruction if they humbly asked Him.’ (WM85)

`Let not men, when dealing with those who have made mistakes, work on the supposition that under similar circumstances they would have done much better.’ (SpM275)

`God's word is, "Honor all men. Love the brotherhood." Show all men respect, even though they do not reach the standard you have set for them. They may have made mistakes, but is your life faultless? Have you censured your own errors as severely as you have censured the errors of others?’ (RH03-17-03)

`If there is one who has made mistakes, our hearts should go out to him. We should let him see that we have for him that love which was revealed in the life of Christ. We may think that a brother has done something very wrong. Perhaps he has. But do you think that you will make him see his wrong by shunning his society, by leaving him to himself, where the enemy can work upon his mind and his conscience? We should try to come just as close to him as we can. With all the soul-winning power that God has given us, we must draw him to Christ, remembering that we ourselves have made mistakes. We have all gone out of the way. We have all had our times of trouble, of blindness, of affliction.’ (2SAT263)

`Every heart renewed by the Spirit of God would not only love God but love his brother, and if that brother made mistakes, if he erred, he must be dealt with after the gospel plan. Every step must be followed according to the directions given in the Word of God. "'Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.’ Gal. 6:1 (TDG157)

`In order to have the wax take a clear, strong impression of the seal, you do not dash the seal upon it in a hasty, violent way; you carefully place the seal on the plastic wax and quietly, steadily press it down until it has hardened in the mold. In like manner deal with human souls. The continuity of Christian influence is the secret of its power, and this depends on the steadfastness of your manifestation of the character of Jesus. Help those who have erred, by telling them of your experiences. Show how, when you made grave mistakes, patience, kindness, and helpfulness on the part of your fellow workers gave you courage and hope.

`Until the judgment you will never know the influence of a kind, considerate course toward the inconsistent, the unreasonable, the unworthy. When we meet with ingratitude and betrayal of sacred trusts, we are roused to show our contempt or indignation. This the guilty expect; they are prepared for it. But kind forbearance takes them by surprise and often awakens their better impulses and arouses a longing for a nobler life.’ (MH494-5)

Whatsoever is Good, Think on These Things

Fearful?
`Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case before the Lord. Your spirit will be braced for endurance. The way will be open for you to disentangle yourself from embarrassment and difficulty. The weaker and more helpless you know yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His strength. The heavier your burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon your Burden Bearer.
`Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.' (Isaiah 41:10)
`Circumstances may separate friends; the restless waters of the wide sea may roll between us and them. But no circumstances, no distance, can separate us from the Saviour. Wherever we may be, He is at our right hand, to support, maintain, uphold, and cheer. Greater than the love of a mother for her child is Jesus' love for His redeemed. It is our privilege to rest in His love, to say, "I will trust Him; for He gave His life for me." (MH72)
`Human love may change, but Jesus's love knows no change. When we cry to Him for help, His hand is stretched out to save.’ (MH72)
`Doubts and fears grow by indulgence, and the more they are indulged, the harder are they to overcome. It is safe to let go every earthly support and take the hand of Him who lifted up and saved the sinking disciple on the stormy sea.’ (4T558)
`Whether on the land or on the sea, if we have the Saviour in our hearts, there is no need to fear. Living faith in the Redeemer will smooth the sea of life, and will deliver us from danger in the way that He knows to be best.' (DA336)
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`Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.' (Isaiah 41:10)
`Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. Do not be afraid, for I am with you.' (Isaiah 43:1-5)
"The mountains may depart,And the hills be removed;But My loving-kindness shall not depart from thee,Neither shall My covenant of peace be removed,Saith Jehovah that hath mercy on thee." (Isaiah 54:10)

Isa 11:6 - Show Context
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
Isa 65:25 - Show Context
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.
The King James Version (Authorized)

Listen to my prayer, O God

Psalm 55:1-23
View commentary related to this passage
Psalm 55
For the choir director:
A psalm[a] of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.
1 Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! 2 Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. 3 My enemies shout at me, making loud and wicked threats. They bring trouble on me and angrily hunt me down.
4 My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me. 5 Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking. 6 Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! 7 I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness.

Interlude
8 How quickly I would escape—far from this wild storm of hatred.
9 Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city. 10 Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city. 11 Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.
12 It is not an enemy who taunts me—I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me—I could have hidden from them. 13 Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. 14 What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.
15 Let death stalk my enemies; let the grave[b] swallow them alive, for evil makes its home within them.
16 But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. 17 Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice. 18 He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me. 19 God, who has ruled forever, will hear me and humble them.

Interlude
For my enemies refuse to change their ways; they do not fear God.
20 As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises. 21 His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers!
22 Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
23 But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me.

Footnotes:
Psalm 55:1 Hebrew maskil. This may be a literary or musical term.
Psalm 55:15 Hebrew let Sheol.
New Living Translation (NLT)


How to make the Gospel real in our lives.
"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." Rev 3:21

How did Jesus overcome?
Born of Spirit - Word of God - Indwelling Spirit - Prayer - Resisting Temptation

He Was Born of Spirit
Christ had a Divine nature - We can share in it
Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
2 Pet 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Jesus was born of the Spirit - So should we be
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Eze 18:30–31 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Ezek 36:25–29 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.

Jesus Died To Self - So should we
Before we can be reborn we must die to self.
Rom 6:3–14 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Rom 8:10–11 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Rom 12:1–2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Phil 3:8–12 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
How are we to be born of the Spirit ?
1 Pet 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Psa 33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
Heb 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Gen 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
2 Cor 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Faith is taking God at His Word and living it
Jesus overcame temptation thru God's Word.
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Heb 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Matt 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Through The Word of God (back to the top)
His Word says to us - I can do all things
Matt 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Matt 19:25–26 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Matt 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
1 Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Cor 10:4–5 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

What does this Word do For us ?
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
1 Pet 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
1 Thes 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
2 Pet 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Psa 17:4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
Psa 119:9–11 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
John 6:57–58 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Ps 1:1–3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
2 Tim 3:15–17 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
God's Indwelling Spirit (back to the top)

What happens when God's Word dwells in us ?
Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
John 17:21–23 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
Rom 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Col 3:3–4 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Col 1:26–27 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
1 John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Prayer (back to the top)
What else did Jesus do - Prayer
Heb 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
Matt 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Phil 4:6–7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Col 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
1 Pet 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 1 Thes 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
John 14:13–14 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Matt 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
John 16:23–24 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Matt 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Why then don't I always overcome when I pray ?
James 4:3–4 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
James 4:7–10 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Resisting Temptation (back to the top)
Jesus also resisted temptation - a battle
2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2 Cor 10:4–5 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Heb 12:1–2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
1 Cor 9:25–27 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
1 Pet 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
Heb 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Heb 5:7–9 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

What is this battle against : SELF
John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

At which point can we stop the fight and say we have attained salvation ?
Matt 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
1 Pet 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

But...What about the idea that some preach,... "once saved always saved" ?
Eze 18:24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
Matt 18:23–35 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Conclusion (back to the top)
Eph 6:10–14 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
1 Pet 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Eph 6:15–18 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Phil 2:12–13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
1 John 3:2–5 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
Prov 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Jesus Anointed and Jesus Betrayed

Jesus Anointed at Bethany
View commentary related to this passage

Mark 14:1 It was now two days before Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The leading priests and the teachers of religious law were still looking for an opportunity to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. 2 “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.”
3 Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating,[a] a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.
4 Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. 5 “It could have been sold for a year’s wages[b] and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.
6 But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? 7 You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them. 11 They were delighted when they heard why he had come, and they promised to give him money. So he began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

The Last Supper

12 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go to prepare the Passover meal for you?”
13 So Jesus sent two of them into Jerusalem with these instructions: “As you go into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 At the house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ 15 He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is where you should prepare our meal.” 16 So the two disciples went into the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, and they prepared the Passover meal there.
17 In the evening Jesus arrived with the twelve disciples.[c] 18 As they were at the table[d] eating, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, one of you eating with me here will betray me.”
19 Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one?”
20 He replied, “It is one of you twelve who is eating from this bowl with me. 21 For the Son of Man[e] must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!”
Footnotes:
Mark 14:3 Or reclining.
Mark 14:5 Greek for 300 denarii. A denarius was equivalent to a laborer’s full day’s wage.
Mark 14:17 Greek the Twelve.
Mark 14:18 Or As they reclined.
Mark 14:21 “Son of Man” is a title Jesus used for himself.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright ©

Get to Know the True Jesus Christ

Mark 13:14-37
View commentary related to this passage
14 “The day is coming when you will see the sacrilegious object that causes desecration[a] standing where he[b] should not be.” (Reader, pay attention!) “Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. 15 A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. 16 A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. 17 How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. 18 And pray that your flight will not be in winter. 19 For there will be greater anguish in those days than at any time since God created the world. And it will never be so great again. 20 In fact, unless the Lord shortens that time of calamity, not a single person will survive. But for the sake of his chosen ones he has shortened those days.
21 “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. 23 Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time!
24 “At that time, after the anguish of those days,
the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, 25 the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.[c]
26 Then everyone will see the Son of Man[d] coming on the clouds with great power and glory.[e] 27 And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world[f]—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.
28 “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. 29 In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. 30 I tell you the truth, this generation[g] will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
32 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 33 And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert[h]!
34 “The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. 35 You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. 36 Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. 37 I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”
Footnotes:
Mark 13:14 Greek the abomination of desolation. See Dan 9:27; 11:31; 12:11.
Mark 13:14 Or it.
Mark 13:25 See Isa 13:10; 34:4; Joel 2:10.
Mark 13:26 “Son of Man” is a title Jesus used for himself.
Mark 13:26 See Dan 7:13.
Mark 13:27 Greek from the four winds.
Mark 13:30 Or this age, or this nation.
Mark 13:33 Some manuscripts add and pray.
New Living Translation (NLT)

How can one recognize a false Christ?

Jesus warned that in the last days there will arise counterfeit Christs who would masquerade as the Messiah and claim to be the savior of the world. It's in the Bible, Matthew 24:4 & 5. "Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many."

In the New Testament, the original Greek word for Christ is 'Christos'. The same word in Old Testament Hebrew is 'Mashiach', which in English is rendered as 'Messiah'. The literal translation of both Greek and Hebrew is "the anointed one". It is the title and identity which Jesus acknowledged during his ministry in Palestine. It's in the Bible, John 4:25 & 26 NAS. "The woman said to Him, 'I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.' Jesus said to her, 'I who speak to you am He.' "

Shortly before his crucifixion, Jesus preached his great prophetic discourse regarding profound events that would occur at the end of the age just prior to his Second Coming. As recorded in Matthew 24:23-26 NIV, Jesus warned, "At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. So, if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it."

Jesus emphasized that the false Christs will perform great signs and miracles, and will manifest terrible deception. Many Christians think that as long as they believe in 'Jesus Christ', they will be shielded from the deception of the last days. However, the deceit proliferates due to the fact that there are actually two Jesus Christs, not just one. Some people are deceived into following the wrong Jesus. It's in the Bible, 2 Corinthians 11:3 & 4 NIV. "Just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough." The apostle Paul is here speaking to the Christians of the early church. He warns them concerning false apostles who were preaching about a Jesus who is not the real Jesus of the Bible. This other Jesus is a fictitious Jesus, a fabrication of the corrupt imaginations and erroneous thinking of the spurious apostles. The gospel associated with this other Jesus is a different gospel; it is not the gospel recorded in the Bible and preached by the true apostles. Further, this false gospel is accompanied by an empowerment of the spirit, but it is a counterfeit spirit, it is not the Holy Spirit of the divine Trinity.

Who are the followers of the other Jesus really serving? The answer is found in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NIV, "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. Is it not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve." The 'other Jesus' is a counterfeit Jesus devised by Satan, a false Jesus who can even masquerade as an angel of light.

Just prior to the day of Jesus' Second Coming, there is going to appear visibly on Earth a great counterfeit Christ. It's in the Bible, 2nd Thessalonians 2:3 & 4 NIV. "Don't let any one deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God." In this profound prophecy of Last Day events, the Bible says there is going to be a rebellion, an apostasy, a great falling away from the faith. In conjunction with this apostasy, there will be an appearing of the 'Man of Lawlessness', also known as the 'Man of Sin', the Antichrist. This magnificent false Christ will set himself up in God's temple and counterfeit the ministry of Jesus.

What will happen to this false Christ, and how will we recognize him? 2nd Thessalonians 2:8-10 NIV informs us, "And then the Lawless One will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus Christ will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the Lawless One will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refuse to love the truth and so be saved." The followers of the counter-feit Messiah are deceived because they refuse to love God's truth as revealed in his Holy Bible.

Jesus emphasized that it is not enough to simply profess the "name" of the Lord in order to enter into heaven. There needs to be a "doing" of the Father's will. It's in the Bible, Matthew 7:21 NIV. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Jesus also declares in John 6:40 NIV, "For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." Thus there needs to be a "looking to the Son", a contemplation upon the real Jesus, upon his life, and a belief in the words he spoke. Affirmed Jesus, John 5:24 NIV, "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."

Tragically, the counterfeit Christians will in all sincerity regard themselves to be genuine believers actively doing the work of Christ. They will even prophesy in the name of Jesus, cast out demons in the name of Jesus, and work miracles in his name. It's in the Bible, Matthew 7:22 & 23 NAS. "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.' " The followers of the false Christ practice lawlessness. They break God's law, they disregard the commandments of Jesus. In contrast, Jesus declares in John 14:21 NKJV, "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."

The Great War between Good and Evil

Proverbs 10:27-28
View commentary related to this passage
27 Fear of the Lord lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.
New Living Translation (NLT)

There is a Great War, that is more horrible than any other war, the war between good and evil.

Main Events

The entire universe is embroiled in a war between good and evil.

The war began ages ago in Heaven. (Rev 12:7-9)

The war spread to Earth in Eden. (Ge 3:14,15)

Enmity - "The quality of being an enemy; the opposite of friendship; ill will; hatred." (Webster's Dictionary 1828)

God wrestles with His people to pull them from destruction. (Ge 32:24-30, Mic 6:2)

Jesus secured the ultimate victory through His sacrificial death on the cross. (Jn 12:31-33, Jn 19:30, Col 2:14,15)

Evil beings intensifed their attacks after the cross. (Rev 12:9,12,17)

Evil will be eradicated from the universe. (Rev 20:10, Rev 21:3-5, Eze 28:17-19, Mal 4:1-3)

Good

God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) (Dt 6:4, Mt 28:19, Jn 10:30, Jn 14:9-11, Jn 17:21,22)

God is (holy, just, love) (Rev 15:4, Rev 15:3, 1Jn 4:8)

Jesus

Fully and equally God (Jn 1:1,14,17, Col 2:9, Rev 1:8) ("I AM" Ex 3:13,14 and Jn 8:58,59)

Creator (Col 1:15-17, Heb 1:1,2)

Redeemer (Col 1:13,14)

Sanctifier (2Co 3:18, Eph 4:11-13)

The Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn 14:6)

Fully man (Heb 2:14-18, Heb 4:15,16, 1Jn 4:2,3, 2Jn 1:7)

Note on Heb 2:18: Succor - "Literally, to run to, or run to support; hence, to help or relieve when in difficulty, want or distress; to assist and deliver from suffering; as, to succor a besieged city; to succor prisoners." (Webster's Dictionary 1828)

The only Mediator between God and man (Jn 1:18, 1Co 10:1-4, 1Ti 2:5, 1Pe 1:10,11)

Holy Spirit (Jn 15:26, Jn 16:12-15, Ro 8:9-11, 1Co 6:19,20)

Holy angels (Lk 15:10, Heb 1:13,14, Rev 12:7, Rev 19:11-14)

Human agents

Children of God (Mt 5:44,45,48, Jn 1:12,13)

The body of Christ (the Church) (1Co 12:27, Eph 1:22,23)

The bride of Christ. (Jer 3:14,20, Hos 2:19, 2Co 11:2, Eph 5:31,32, Rev 21:2,9,10)

Ambassadors of Christ (2Co 5:17-20)

The Bible (God's written, authoritative truth) (Ps 138:2, Jn 17:17, 1Th 2:13)

Fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-24)

Evil

Lucifer (shining one), Devil (slanderer), Satan (adversary) (Isa 14:12-15, Eze 28:13-17, Rev 12:9,10)

Slander - "A false tale or report maliciously uttered, and tending to injure the reputation of another by lessening him in the esteem of his fellow citizens, by exposing him to impeachment and punishment, or by impairing his means of living; defamation." (Webster's Dictionary 1828)

Fallen angels (demons) (Rev 12:3,4,9 compare Rev 1:20) (many millions (Rev 5:11)) (Eph 6:12)

Human agents

Children of men (Ge 6:2, Ps 4:2,3)

Note on Ps 4:2 - Leasing - "Falsehood; lies" (Webster's Dictionary 1828)

Children of the devil (Jn 8:39-44, Eph 2:2, 1Jn 3:7-10)

Harlots (false churches) (Rev 17:5)

Harlot - "A prostitute. In Scripture, one who forsakes the true God and worships idols." (Webster's Dictionary 1828)

Destruction

Satan is the destroyer of God's people. (Job 1:6-22, Da 7:25, Da 8:23-25, Jn 8:44, 1Pe 5:8, Rev 12:9,12,17, Rev 13:4,7,8,15, Rev 17:5,6)

The persecution of the early church accelerated the spread of the gospel. (Ac 8:1-4)

Temptation (to cause us to disobey God)

Satan is the temper. (Mt 4:3, 1Th 3:5)

Common to all men (first part of 1Co 10:13) (Jesus, Mt 4:1, Heb 4:15)

Ultimately caused by our own evil desire (Jas 1:14,15)

There is always a way out. (last part of 1Co 10:13, Jas 4:7)

Deception (to dilute the truth with falsehood)

Satan is the father of lies. (Jn 8:44)

False doctrines (Ac 20:29-31, 1Ti 4:1,2, 2Ti 4:3)

A false church system (2Co 11:13-15, Rev 13:4,6,8,9, Rev 17:4-7,15, Rev 18:1-4)

Notes on Rev 17:4 - Fornication - "The incontinence or lewdness of unmarried persons, male or female; also the criminal conversation of a married man with an unmarried woman." (Webster's Dictionary 1828) (bold emphasis added)

Incontinent - "Not restraining the passions or appetites, particularly the sexual appetite; indulging lust without restraint or in violation of law." (Webster's Dictionary 1828)

Conversation - "General course of manners; behavior; deportment; especially as it respects morals." (Webster's Dictionary 1828)

Miracles, signs, and wonders. (2Th 2:9-12, Rev 13:8,13,14, Rev 16:13,14, Rev 19:20)

Deceive even the elect, if that were possible (Mt 24:24)

Fruit of the sinful nature (Gal 5:19-21)

The Blood of the Martyrs Cries Out Today

The blood of the martyrs cries out today for justice. (Ge 4:9,10, Rev 6:9,10, Mt 23:1,2,27,29-35 and Jesus)

How long before justice will be accomplished? (2Pe 3:9,10)

The martyrs remembered

Abel (Ge 4:8-10)

The stoning of Zacharias (2Ch 24:20,21)

The stoning of Stephen (Ac 7:54-60)

The upside-down crucifixion of Peter (Jn 21:18,19)

The beheading of Paul

The lions of the Roman Coliseum

Nero's, tar-coated, human candles

The Roman Church's torture and burning of "heretics"

Nameless others (Heb 11:35-37)

The crucifixion of Jesus

Our Response

The Cross reveals God's true character and Satan's true character. (Lk 22:3,4, Jn 3:16, Jn 15:13, 1Co 1:18)

Each person chooses loyalty and obedience to God or to Satan. (Mt 4:8-10, Ac 5:29)

There is no middle (neutral) ground (Mt 12:30)

Hate evil ways. (Ps 97:10, Am 5:14,15, Ro 12:9, Rev 2:6)

Although we are to hate evil deeds, we are to love our enemies. (Mt 5:44)

We must understand, however, that the war is rooted in wicked, supernatural beings who will not change.

We must test everything by the Bible. (Isa 8:20, Ac 17:10,11)

We must put on the whole armor of God. (Eph 6:13-18)

Christ- Resurrection of His Own

Mark 12:18-37
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Discussion about Resurrection

18 Then Jesus was approached by some Sadducees—religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. They posed this question: 19 “Teacher, Moses gave us a law that if a man dies, leaving a wife without children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother’s name.[a] 20 Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children. 21 So the second brother married the widow, but he also died without children. Then the third brother married her. 22 This continued with all seven of them, and still there were no children. Last of all, the woman also died. 23 So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her.”
24 Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God. 25 For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven.
26 “But now, as to whether the dead will be raised—haven’t you ever read about this in the writings of Moses, in the story of the burning bush? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said to Moses,[b] ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’[c] 27 So he is the God of the living, not the dead. You have made a serious error.”

The Most Important Commandment

28 One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. 30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’[d] 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[e] No other commandment is greater than these.”
32 The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. 33 And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.”
34 Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Whose Son Is the Messiah?

35 Later, as Jesus was teaching the people in the Temple, he asked, “Why do the teachers of religious law claim that the Messiah is the son of David? 36 For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said,
‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.’[f]
37 Since David himself called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with great delight.
Footnotes:
Mark 12:19 See Deut 25:5-6.
Mark 12:26 Greek in the story of the bush? God said to him.
Mark 12:26 Exod 3:6.
Mark 12:30 Deut 6:4-5.
Mark 12:31 Lev 19:18.
Mark 12:36 Ps 110:1.
New Living Translation (NLT)

Let us review the principal result of man's fall.
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Romans 5:12.

In what condition is man while in the grave?
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." Ecclesiastes 9:10.

What has been promised in order that man may be redeemed from this condition?
"I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes." Hosea 13:14.

Through whom will come this redemption from the grave?
"For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." 1 Corinthians 15:21,22. (John 5: 26-29).

What would be the result to the dead had not Christ procured their release from the grave?
"For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished." 1 Corinthians 15:16-18.

Where are the dead when they hear the voice of Christ calling them to life?
"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice. And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." John 5:28,29.

How many distinct classes will have a resurrection?
"And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust." Acts 24:15.

How long do the others wait after the first resurrection?
"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. "But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection." Revelation 20:4,5.

When are the righteous recompensed?
"And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just." Luke 14:14.

In what condition did David expect to rise?
"As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness." Psalms 17:15.

What great contrast will be seen between the present body, and the one to be put on at the resurrection?
"So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body." 1 Corinthians 15:42-44.

After whose body will the resurrected ones be fashioned?
"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." Philippians 3:20,21.

What will the righteous do upon rising from the grave?
"Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead." Isaiah 26:19. (1 Corinthians 15:55).

How long will they be permitted to live?
"Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection." Luke 20:36.

What will become of those who are unworthy of a part in the first resurrection?
"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Revelation 21:8.

What will then take place?
"The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." 1 Corinthians 15:26.

How will the righteous ever afterward appear?
"Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." Matthew 13:43.