COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2]  DISCOURSE ON SALIENT ASPECTS OF GOD (YHWH) AND HIS SON, 

[1]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 840A]

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;  4  Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.   2 Corinthians 1:3 – 4,  [authorized King James Bible; AV]

There is only one true God, Almighty God (YHWH), and he is the comforter of all that rest their hopes in him as testified to at Ephesians 4:6, [AV] “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”  Yes, he is per Exodus 34:6, [AV] “And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,”  He has great patience as shown by Romans 15:5, [AV] “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:”  He per 2 Corinthians 7:6 – 7, [AV] “Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;  7  And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.”  And, Ephesians 6:22 - 23, [AV] “Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.  23  Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO, 

1) http://iris89.conforums.com/ 

2) http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/ 

3) http://religioustruths.lefora.com/ 

4) http://religioustruths.boardhost.com/ 

5) http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/ 

6) http://religioustruthsbyiris.createmybb3.com/ 

7) http://religioustruths.forumotion.com/ 

To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/thread/1417398076/last-1417398076/Digital+Book+On+18+Part+Follow+Christ+Bible+Study 

Your Friend in Christ Iris89 

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2]   DISCOURSE ON SALIENT ASPECTS OF GOD (YHWH) AND HIS SON, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves):

There is only one God.  The Bible clearly states:  [footnote 1, see appendix]
“11  Now I know that Jehovah is greater than all gods; yea, in the thing wherein they dealt proudly against them.” (Exodus 18:11 ASV – American Standard Version of 1901)
“11  Now, I know, that, greater, is Yahweh than all the gods,—Even in the thing wherein they were arrogant over them.” (Exodus 18:11 Rotherham)

“3  For Jehovah is a great God, And a great King above all gods.
4  In his hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the mountains are his also.
5  The sea is his, and he made it; And his hands formed the dry land.
    6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before Jehovah our Maker:” (Psalms 95:3-6 ASV)
“3  For, a great GOD, is Yahweh, And a great king, above all gods.
4  In whose hand, are the hidden recesses of the earth, And, the peaks of the mountains, are his;
5  Whose, is the sea, for, he, made it, And, the dry land, his hands, did form.
    6 Enter! let us bow down, and bend low, Let us kneel, before Yahweh our maker;” (Psalms 95:3-6 Rotherham)

“1 ¶ And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, Jehovah appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” (Genesis 17:1 ASV)
“1 ¶ And it came to pass that, when Abram was ninety and nine years old, Yahweh appeared unto Abram, and said unto him, I, am GOD Almighty,—Walk, thou before me and become thou blameless:” (Genesis 17:1 Rotherham)

“3  and I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, as God Almighty; but by my name Jehovah I was not known to them.” (Exodus 6:3 ASV)
“3  I appeared, therefore, unto Abraham unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, as GOD Almighty,—although, by my name Yahweh was I not made known to them;” (Exodus 6:3 Rothrham)
“ And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.” (Exodus 6:3 AV)

“6  one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.” (Ephesians 4:6 AXV)
“6  One God and Father of all—who is over all, and through all, and in all.” (Ephesians 4:6 Rothrham)
“ One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:6 AV)

“6  yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we unto him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him.” (1 Corinthians 8:6 ASV)
“6  Yet, to us, there is one God the Father, of whom are all things, and, we, for him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and, we, through him.” (1 Corinthians 8:6 Rotherham)
“ But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” (1 Corinthians 8:6 AV)

“5  For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus,” (1 Timothy 2:5 ASV)
“5  For there is, one, God, one, mediator also, between God and men,—a man—Christ Jesus:” (1 Timothy 2:5 Rotherham)
“ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 AV)

Jesus Christ is the Son of God:” The Bible clearly states:

Matthew 4:3  And, coming near, the tempter said to him,—If thou art God’s, Son, speak! that, these stones, may become, loaves.
Matthew 4:6  and saith to him—If thou art God’s, Son, cast thyself down,—for it is written, To his messengers, will he give charge concerning thee; and, on hands, will they bear thee up, lest once thou strike, against a stone, thy foot.
Matthew 8:29  and lo! they cried aloud, saying, What have we in common with thee, O Son of God? Hast thou come hither, before the right time, to torment us?
Matthew 14:33  And, they in the boat, bowed down to him, saying—Truly, God’s Son, thou art!
Matthew 26:63  But, Jesus, was silent. And, the High-priest, said unto him: I put thee on oath, by the Living God, that, to us, thou say—Whether, thou, art the Christ, the Son of God.
Matthew 27:40  and saying—The man that taketh down the Temple and in three days buildeth it! Save, thyself! If thou art God’s, Son, come down from the cross.
Matthew 27:43  He hath put confidence upon God, Let him rescue him, now, if he desireth him; for he said, I am, God’s Son.
Matthew 27:54  Now, the centurion, and those with him watching Jesus, seeing the earthquake and the things coming to pass, were violently affrighted, saying—Truly, God’s Son, was, he!
Mark 1:1 ¶ Beginning of the glad-message of Jesus Christ.
Mark 3:11  and the impure spirits, as soon as they beheld him, were falling down to him, and crying aloud, while he was speaking, Thou, art the Son of God!
Mark 15:39  Now the centurion, who was standing near, out over against him, seeing, that, thus, he ceased to breathe, said—Truly, this man, was God’s son!
Luke 1:35  And answering, the messenger said unto her—The Holy Spirit, shall come upon thee, and, the power of the Most High, shall overshadow thee; wherefore, even that which is to be born, Holy, shall be called, Son of God.
Luke 3:38  of Enos, of Seth,—of Adam; of God.
Luke 4:3  And the adversary said to him—If thou art God’s, Son, speak unto this stone; that it become bread.
Luke 4:9  And he led him into Jerusalem, and set him upon the pinnacle of the temple,—and said to him—If thou art God’s, Son, cast (all from the Rothrham)

Matthew 4:3  And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Matthew 4:6  And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Matthew 8:29  And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
Matthew 14:33  Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
Matthew 26:63  But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Matthew 27:40  And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
Matthew 27:43  He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
Matthew 27:54  Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
Mark 1:1  The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
Mark 3:11  And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.
Mark 15:39  And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
Luke 1:35  And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Luke 3:38  Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.
Luke 4:3  And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
Luke 4:9  And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: (all from the AV – Authorized King James Version)

Jesus Christ is not God.”  The Bible is very clear and speaks of them as two separate entities:

“6  yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we unto him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him.” (1 Corinthians 8:6 ASV)
“6  Yet, to us, there is one God the Father, of whom are all things, and, we, for him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and, we, through him.” (1 Corinthians 8:6 Rotherham)
“ But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” (1 Corinthians 8:6 AV)
[clearly the scripture states “One God, the Father,” and “one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.”  Very clear that that two separate individuals are being spoken of here.]

“5  For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus,” (1 Timothy 2:5 ASV)
“5  For there is, one, God, one, mediator also, between God and men,—a man—Christ Jesus:” (1 Timothy 2:5 Rotherham)
“ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 AV) [clearly the scripture states “One God,” and one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus,” Very clear that that two separate individuals are being spoken of here.]

“19  We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in the evil one.
    20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” (1 John 5:19-20 ASV)
“19  We know that, of God, are we; and, the whole world, in the wicked one, is lying.
    20 We know, moreover, that, the Son of God, hath come, and hath given us insight, so that we are getting to understand, him that is Real,—and we are in him that is Real, in his Son Jesus Christ. This, is the Real God, and life age-abiding.” (1 John 5:19-20 Rothrham)
“19  And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
    21 20  And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” (1 John 5:19-20 AV)
[clearly the scripture states “we are of God,” talking of the Father (YHWH), and “And we know that the Son of God is come,” Very clear that two separate individuals are being spoken of here.]

“14  And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth.
15 ¶ John beareth witness of him, and crieth, saying, This was he of whom I said, He that cometh after me is become before me: for he was before me.
16  For of his fulness we all received, and grace for grace.
17  For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
    18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” (John 1:14-18 ASV)
“14  And, the Word, became, flesh, and pitched his tent among us, and we gazed upon his glory,—a glory, as an Only-begotten from his Father. Full of favour and truth.
15 ¶ (John beareth witness concerning him, and hath cried aloud, saying—the same, was he that said—He who, after me, was coming, before me, hath advanced; because, my Chief, was he.)
16  Because, out of his fulness, we all, received, even favour over against favour.
17  Because, the law, through Moses, was given, favour and truth, through Jesus Christ, came into existence.
    18 No one, hath seen, God, at any time: An Only Begotten God, The One existing within the bosom of the Father, He, hath interpreted him.” (John 1:14-18 Rothrham)
“14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
15 ¶ John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
16  And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
17  For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
    18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” (John 1:14-18 AV)
[clearly the scripture states “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,”  and “but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. “ talking of the Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves); and “No man hath seen God at any time;” and “which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” The first clearly saying that no one has seen God (YHWH) at any time, but they clearly have seen his Son who the scriptures clearly shows is declaring him.  Very clear that two separate individuals are being spoken of here.]

Summary of preceding, As can clearly be seen from the preceding, that the following are clearly fact:

1. that there is only one true God.  [Almighty God (YHWH]
2. Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  [One Son of God (Yeshua or YHWH saves)]
3. Jesus Christ is not God.  [That there are two separate and distinct spirit beings that are not part of a 3 in 1 monstrosity]

A question some through ignorance may ask:

Some may not understand the significance of only begotten and even go so far as to erroneously take it to mean he was not created; whereas, the Bible clearly says he, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) was the first of creation, “ And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;” (Revelation 3:14 AV):

Now let’s look at the facts:

A Bible Dictionary defines it as follows:
How he is the “only-begotten Son.” Jesus’ being called the “only-begotten Son” (Joh 1:14; 3:16, 18; 1Jo 4:9) does not mean that the other spirit creatures produced were not God’s sons, for they are called sons as well. (Ge 6:2, 4; Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:4-7) However, by virtue of his being the sole direct creation of his Father, the firstborn Son was unique, different from all others of God’s sons, all of whom were created or begotten by Jehovah through that firstborn Son. So “the Word” was Jehovah’s “only-begotten Son” in a particular sense, even as Isaac was Abraham’s “only-begotten son” in a particular sense (his father already having another son but not by his wife Sarah).—Heb 11:17; Ge 16:15. [Insight, Vol 2]

The International Encyclopedia of the Bible defines it as follows:
ONLY BEGOTTEN  on'-li be-got-'-'n (monogenes):
Although the English words are found only 6 times in the New Testament, the Greek word appears 9 times, and often in the Septuagint. It is used literally of an only child: "the only son of his mother" (Luke 7:12); "an only daughter" (Luke 8:42); "mine only child" (Luke 9:38); "Isaac .... his only begotten" (Hebrews 11:17). In all other places in the New Testament it refers to Jesus Christ as "the only begotten Son of God" (John 1:14,18; 3:16,18; 1 John 4:9). In these passages, too, it might be translated as "the only son of God"; for the emphasis seems to be on His uniqueness, rather than on His sonship, though both ideas are certainly present. He is the son of God in a sense in which no others are. "Monogenes describes the absolutely unique relation of the Son to the Father in His divine nature; prototokos describes the relation of the Risen Christ in His glorified humanity to man" (Westcott on Hebrews 1:6). Christ's uniqueness as it appears in the above passages consists of two things:

He reveals the Father:
"No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him" (John 1:18). Men therefore behold His glory, "glory as of the only begotten from the Father" (1:14).

He is the mediator of salvation:
"God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world that we might live through him" (1John 4:9; John 3:16); "He that believeth not (on him) hath been judged already" (John 3:18). Other elements in His uniqueness may be gathered from other passages, as His sinlessness, His authority to forgive sins, His unbroken communion with the Father, and His unique knowledge of Him. To say that it is a uniqueness of nature or essence carries thought no farther, for these terms still need definition, and they can be defined only in terms of His moral consciousness, of His revelation of God, and especially of His intimate union as Son with the Father.

The Bible:
“ And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;” (Revelation 3:14 AV)
[this clearly shows that he is “the beginning of the creation of God” so anyone presuming he was not created is in gross error that could be taken as blasphemy]

“ Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:” (Colossians 1:15 AV)

Appendix:

Footnote 1:

More than Bible version is being used in the section There is only one God.  The Bible clearly states: To show different renderings still have the same significance and to compensate for a superstition, see details below:

Some persons are surprised to see God's name in their Bibles. This often is because their Bibles are one that seldom uses God's name. The KJV, for example uses God's name by the title "Lord" and "God", it always puts this title in capital letters, as "LORD", which sets it apart from the common words.


But why? you may ask, "is God's name not used in every place that it occurs in the original Bible text? Why are the titles Lord and God generally used in its place? "The American Revisers", after a careful consideration were brought to the unanimous conviction that a "Jewish Superstition", which regarded the Divine Name, as too "sacred" to be uttered, ought no longer to dominate in the English Bibles or any other versions......This personal name with its wealth of sacred associations has been removed from our Bibles.


Yet, think of this, should we use God's name, even though we may not be saying it exactly the way it was originally pronounced? Well, we use the names of other persons in the Bible, even though we do not say them in the way the names were pronounced in the original Hebrew. For example, "Jesus" name is pronounced "Yesh'ua" in Hebrew. Likewise, it is proper to use God's name, which is revealed in the Bible, whether we pronounce it "Yahweh" in Hebrew or "Jehovah" in english, or in some other way common in our language. What is wrong is to "fail" to use these names. Why? Because those who do not use the names of "Jesus" or "Yahweh" could not be identified with the ones whom God takes out to be "a people for his name", Acts 15:14 We should not only know the name of God and his Son, but praise it before others, as Jesus did when on earth. Matthew 6:9; John 17:6,25 Revelation 14:1
[http://anyboard.net/soc/religion/christian/chapel/posts/277.html ]

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – AT WWW.JW.ORG

COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2]   CONTINUATION OF  DISCOURSE ON SALVATION, FOUND AT COMBINATION OF VOL. 841A


[1]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 842A]

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.  Matthew 24:21,  [authorized King James Bible; AV]

And those coming out of the great tribulation are as per John’s question, Revelation 7:13 – 15, [AV] “And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?  14  And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.  15  Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.”  And Daniel 12:1, [AV] “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO, 

1) http://iris89.conforums.com/ 

2) http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/ 

3) http://religioustruths.lefora.com/ 

4) http://religioustruths.boardhost.com/ 

5) http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/ 

6) http://religioustruthsbyiris.createmybb3.com/ 

7) http://religioustruths.forumotion.com/ 

To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/thread/1417398076/last-1417398076/Digital+Book+On+18+Part+Follow+Christ+Bible+Study 

Your Friend in Christ Iris89 

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2]   CONTINUATION OF  DISCOURSE ON SALVATION, FOUND AT COMBINATION OF VOL. 841A

ALL ARE IN THE NEED OF SALVATION THROUGH GOD’S (YHWH’S) SON:
This is brought out clearly as:

“ 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 AV)

And:

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;” (Romans 3:23-25 AV).  It was clearly necessary for Almighty God (YHWH) to send his Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) as the scriptures show, “ As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 AV).   It should be noted that God (YHWH) himself, sent his own Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves, since salvation of obedient mankind was so important to him due to his love of mankind.

KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S (YHWH’S) WORD NECESSARY FOR SALVATION:

The scriptures highlight the fact that knowledge of God’s (YHWH’s) word is necessary for salvation:

“ And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3 AV)

In fact, we must continue to progress in knowledge in order to gain salvation:

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3  If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” (1 Peter 2:2 AV).  This fact was highlighted as follows, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.  13  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.  14  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15  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.” (2 Timothy 3:12-15 AV)

SALVATION AVAILABLE TO MEN OF ALL NATIONS:

Salvation is not the exclusive ‘prize’ of any one group, but is clearly available to all meeting the scriptural requirements:

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
    10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9-10 AV).

And:

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
    2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2 AV).

These scriptures clearly highlight the following very important facts:

Fact 1, Salvation is available to men of all nations, “lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;”

Fact 2, That we have an advocate with the Father (YHWH), “lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;” clearly showing that we have Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) as an advocate with the supreme figure of all the universe, Almighty God (YHWH) and we should not try and lower the supremacy of Almighty God (YHWH) and thus violate the Third Commandment of the Ten Commandments “ Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3 AV).

Fact 3, That our advocate is “the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

IS SALVATION EARNED?

Some may mistakenly feel salvation is earned, but it is actually the gift of God’s (YHWH’s) undeserved kindness toward mankind:

“ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
    14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:11-14 AV)

And:

“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4  But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
    3 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” (Titus 3:5 AV)

And Last:

“ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:19 AV)

Now the above scriptures from Titus and 2 Timothy bring out the following important facts:
Fact 1, The grace of God (YHWH) came in the form of his Son, “ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” (Titus 2:11 AV).

Fact 2, That Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH) is a great, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” who is subordinate only to his Father (YHWH) in heaven as plainly shown by the fact that he figuratively will sit at his Father’s (YHWH’s) right hand, “ But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;” (Hebrews 10:12 AV)

Fact 3, “ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his” that we have a sure foundation for our faith.

NOT ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED:

Many feel that once saved they no matter what will remain saved for all of time, but is that so?  The following scripture clearly shows otherwise:

“ But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13 AV)

And:

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37  For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38  Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
    39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:35-39 AV)

And:

“ 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 Corinthians 9:27 AV)

And:

“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.
13  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
    14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14 AV)

Clearly these scriptures bring out the following important facts:

Fact 1, That we must continue to work out our salvation as it is not a one time thing, “ 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.” (Philippians 2:12 AV)

Fact 2, We must bring body into subjection and not give in to sexual lust, “ 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.”  Which clearly shows there is danger that we can fall out of a saved condition.

Fact 3, We must maintain a faithful course to the end to really be saved, “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.”

NOW FAITH IS NOT A PASSIVE THING, BUT MUST BE DEMONSTRATED:

The scriptures clearly demonstrate to have faith we must have consistent works:

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15  If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16  And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21  Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22  Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24  Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25  Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
    26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:14-26 AV)

And:

“ For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:10 AV)

These scriptures highlight the following:

Fact 1, “so faith without works is dead also” and if dead it is worthless and this is made even clearer by “ And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 10:22 AV)

Fact 2, Abraham demonstrated his faith and it was counted as good works, “21  Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?  22  Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?  23  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.”

Fact 3, “ For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

DELIVERANCE FROM THE BONDAGE OF DEATH BY RESURRECTION IS A SALVATION:

This is highlighted in the scriptures:

“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;
8  Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
    9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” (Hebrews 5:7-9 AV). 

This scripture clearly shows the following two items:

Item 1, That the Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) had to learn obedience by the things “which he suffered;”

Item 2, That even the Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves), “offered up prayers and supplications” to his Father (YHWH).

He, the Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves), made himself known to the Apostle Paul as follows:

“And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” (Revelation 1:17-18 AV)  Here the Son clearly showed that he had been given authority over all except his Fathey (YHWH) by his Father (YHWH) to carry out his assignment, “But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14  And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.  15  Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.  16  For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17  And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.  18  Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.  19  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.  20 ¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  21  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  22  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  23  But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.  24  Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.  25  For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.  26  The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.  27  For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28  And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:12-28 AV)

In fact, the scriptures clearly show:

“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
    29 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 AV).  This shows that all who gain salvation will have a resurrection unto life; what better could one ask for?

SALVATION, HOWEVER SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN FORGRANTED:

The warning of Hebrews should be constantly remembered by all:

“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
    27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” (Hebrews 10:26-27 AV)

Also, the resurrected ones need to keep in mind the following:

“And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8  And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
9  And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
10  And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
11 ¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
    15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:7-15 AV)

We however at the present time must keep in mind:

“ And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 AV)

And:

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
    16 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.” (Matthew 23:13-15 AV)

And:

“ Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” (Matthew 23:33 AV) 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – AT WWW.JW.ORG

COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2]   DISCOURSE ON THE HOLY SPIRIT: NOTE, PART 2 IS AT VOL 845A. 


[1]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 844A]

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.  9  By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:  10  For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.   Hebrews 11:8 – 10,  [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Abraham put faith in God’s word to him given at Genesis 12:2, “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:”  As Abraham said at Genesis 23:4 - 6, [AV] “I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a buryingplace with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.  5  And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him,  6  Hear us, my lord: thou art a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead.”  Yes, Abraham had faith in Almighty God’S (YHWH’s) given to him at Genesis 17:6, [AV] “And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.”   

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO, 

1) http://iris89.conforums.com/ 

2) http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/ 

3) http://religioustruths.lefora.com/ 

4) http://religioustruths.boardhost.com/ 

5) http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/ 

6) http://religioustruthsbyiris.createmybb3.com/ 

7) http://religioustruths.forumotion.com/ 

To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/thread/1417398076/last-1417398076/Digital+Book+On+18+Part+Follow+Christ+Bible+Study 

Your Friend in Christ Iris89 

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2]   DISCOURSE ON THE HOLY SPIRIT:

INTRODUCTION

Many persons either wonder what the Holy Spirit/Ghost referred to in the Bible is.  Some thing it is a spirit being, but can not see how one could be baptized by a spirit being and/or have a spirit being in them " And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:4 AV).  Others feel the Holy Spirit/Ghost can not be a person but must be God's active force.  Let's take a look at what the Bible has to say on the matter.

WHAT SOME WRITERS SAY

First, we will consider what Dr. Ron Roth, Ph.D., author of  the book the "Holy Spirit" has to say.   "The Holy Spirit is the active force of God's energy in each of us, guiding and directing us from within. If we can learn to listen to the urgings of Spirit and follow them, our daily lives will become much easier and more fulfilling. The energy of the Holy Spirit can assist us to be great healers, enthusiastic entrepreneurs, motivating speakers and teachers, great artists, innovators, or inventors. Just to be aware of the workings of the Holy Spirit on an everyday basis will lead to an awareness of our own limitless possibilities, for the very reason that at the core of our being we are Spirit, emanations of divine light.

If we can begin to understand how the Spirit operates continuously in our lives, then our daily existence will become less stressful and more relaxed, filled less with drudgery and more with enchantment, and we in turn can become more creative and begin to enjoy a new sense of purpose, fulfillment, and enthusiasm. In place of that stress and drudgery will come a sense of peace, harmony, balance, and tranquility arising from the knowledge that we are protected, guided, loved, and never abandoned. Once you learn to recognize the presence of the Spirit within, you will exude joy as your desires for success and fulfillment spur plans that seem to evolve from nowhere at the instigation of the Spirit.  [http://www.joyofsects.com/holy_spirit.shtml, by - Ron Roth, Ph.D., author of "Holy Spirit"]

A book critique of John Milton's book 'Paradise Lost' had this to say with regard to how Milton dealt with the subject of the Holy Spirit, "Milton's speaker invokes the muse, a mystical source of poetic inspiration, to sing about these subjects through him, but he makes it clear that he refers to a different muse from the muses who traditionally inspired classical poets by specifying that his muse inspired Moses to receive the Ten Commandments and write Genesis. Milton's muse is the Holy Spirit, which inspired the Christian Bible, not one of the nine classical muses who reside on Mount Helicon-the "Aonian mount" of I.15. He says that his poem, like his muse, will fly above those of the classical poets and accomplish things never attempted before, because his source of inspiration is greater than theirs. Then he invokes the Holy Spirit, asking it to fill him with knowledge of the beginning of the world, because the Holy Spirit was the active force in creating the universe."  ["Paradise Lost," by John Milton - preface]

The beginning of Paradise Lost is similar in gravity and seriousness to the book from which Milton takes much of his story: the Book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible. The Bible begins with the story of the world's creation, and Milton's epic begins in a similar vein, alluding to the creation of the world by the Holy Spirit. The first two sentences, or twenty-six lines, of Paradise Lost are extremely compressed, containing a great deal of information about Milton's reasons for writing his epic, his subject matter, and his attitudes toward his subject. By invoking a muse, but differentiating it from traditional muses, Milton tells us a lot about how he sees his project. In the first place, an invocation of the muse at the beginning of an epic is conventional, so Milton is acknowledging his awareness of Homer, Virgil, and later poets, and signaling that he has mastered their format and wants to be part of their tradition. But by identifying his muse as the divine spirit that inspired the Bible and created the world, he shows that his ambitions go far beyond joining the club of Homer and Virgil. Milton's epic will surpass theirs, he says, drawing on a more fundamental source of truth and dealing with matters of more fundamental importance to human beings. At the same time, however, Milton's invocation is humble, expressing his dependence on God's grace in speaking through him. Milton thus begins his poem with a mixture of towering ambition and humble self-effacement, simultaneously tipping his hat to his poetic forebears and promising to soar above them for God's glorification.  [http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/paradiselost/section1.html]

HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT RELATE TO ALMIGHTY GOD (YHWH)?

A question many ask is how does the Holy Spirit relate to Almighty God (YHWH) and his Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves)?  The Bible makes it quite clear that the HOLY SPIRIT emanates from Almighty God (YHWH) himself.  We are told that when God created the heavens and the earth that the Spirit of God [HOLY SPIRIT] hovered over the deep " And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." (Genesis 1:2 AV).  In fact, the HOLY SPIRIT is God's (YHWH's) active force.  Now let's back up for a moment, all power originates with God " For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:" (Romans 1:20 AV) which clearly shows that all power comes from Almighty God (YHWH).  Now, there are two types of power Yahweh (YHWH) has: latent or potential power which is unlimited "17  Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: 18  Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, is his name," (Jeremiah 32:17-18 AV), and active power or force.  This active power is called the Holy Spirit as it originates with God (YHWH).  He has given a little of it to every living creature " Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." (Ecclesiastes 12:7 AV), and when a creature dies it returns to him.   We are clearly told at " Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17 AV) that the Lord [YHWH] is the Lord of the Spirit, and this shows once more that the HOLY SPIRIT comes from the Father (YHWH); and not of itself, but rather, a part of the very eminence of Almighty God (YHWH).

Several instances clearly show that the HOLY SPIRIT is God's active force:

" And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die." (Genesis 6:17 AV)

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  2  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  3  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4 AV)

" And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:31 AV)

" And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." (Genesis 1:2 AV)

" Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth." (Psalms 104:30 AV)

" For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Peter 1:21 AV)

" And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers," (Acts 28:25 AV)

All of these scriptures clearly show that the HOLY SPIRIT is indeed a force, God's active force, and not a spirit being.

In addition to the above, the Bible's use of "Holy Spirit" indicates that it is a controlled force that Yahweh God uses to accomplish a variety of his purposes. To a certain extent, it can be likened to electricity, a force that can be adapted to perform a great variety of operations.

God uses his spirit to enlighten those who serve him. David prayed " Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit [ru'ach] is good; lead me into the land of uprightness." (Psalms 143:10 AV)

When 70 capable men were appointed to help Moses, God said to him: " And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit [ru'ach] which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone." (Numbers 11:17 AV)

Bible prophecy was recorded when men of God were "20  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  21  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost [Greek, from pneu'ma]." (2 Peter 1:20-21 AV).   In this way the Bible was  " All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (2 Timothy 3:16 AV).  And Holy Spirit guided certain individuals to see visions or to have prophetic dreams  " The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue." (2 Samuel 23:2 AV), 28 ¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.   29  And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. " (Joel 2:28-29 AV), " And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying," (Luke 1:67 AV), " Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus." (Acts 1:16 AV), " Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." (Acts 2:33 AV).  The Holy Spirit impelled Jesus to go into the wilderness after his baptism, " And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness." (Mark 1:12 AV).   The spirit was like a fire within God's servants, causing them to be energized by that force. And it enabled them to speak out boldly and courageously, " But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin." (Micah 3:8 AV), "55  But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, "56  And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.  57  Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58  And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.  59  And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.  60  And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:55-60), " This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John." (Acts 18:25 AV), " Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;" (Romans 12:11 AV), " Quench not the Spirit." (1 Thessalonians 5:19 AV).   By his spirit, God carries out his judgments on men and nations. " So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him." (Isaiah 59:19 AV).  And God's spirit can reach everywhere, acting for people or against them. "7 ¶ Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?   If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.    9  If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10  Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.  11  If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.  12  Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee." (Psalm 139:7-12 AV).

IS THE HOLY SPIRIT THE THIRD PERSON OF A GODHEAD?

Many who believe in the Trinity doctrine, think that the Holy Spirit is the third person of a Godhead, equal to the Father and to the Son. As the book Our Orthodox Christian Faith says: "The Holy Spirit is totally God."

However, In the Hebrew Scriptures, the word most frequently used for "spirit" is ru'ach, meaning "breath; wind; spirit." In the Greek Scriptures, the word is pneu'ma, having a similar meaning. Do these words indicate that the Holy Spirit is part of a Trinity?  Of course not.

Some may ask whether there Bible verses that speak of the Holy Spirit in personal terms? Yes, but note what Catholic theologian Edmund Fortman says about this in The Triune God: "Although this spirit is often described in personal terms, it seems quite clear that the sacred writers [of the Hebrew Scriptures] never conceived or presented this spirit as a distinct person."

In the Scriptures it is not unusual for something to be personified. Wisdom is said to have children, " But wisdom is justified of all her children." (Luke 7:35 AV).   Sin and death are called kings, " Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come." (Romans 5:14 AV).   At Genesis " If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him." (Genesis 4:7 AV), thus personifying sin as a wicked spirit crouching at Cain's door. But, of course, sin is not a spirit person; nor does personifying the Holy Spirit make it a spirit person.

Similarly, at "6 ¶ This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.  7  For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.  8  And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one." (1 John 5:6-8 AV) not only the spirit but also "the water, and the blood" are said to be "witnesses." But water and blood are obviously not persons, and neither is the Holy Spirit a person.

In harmony with this is the Bible's general usage of "Holy Spirit" in an impersonal way, such as paralleling it with water and fire, " I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:" (Matthew 3:11 AV), and " I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." (Mark 1:8 AV).   People are urged to become filled with Holy Spirit instead of with wine, " And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;" (Ephesians 5:18 AV).   They are spoken of as being filled with Holy Spirit in the same way they are filled with such qualities as wisdom, faith, and joy, " Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business." (Acts 6:3 AV), " For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord." (Acts 11:24 AV), " And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost." (Acts 13:52 AV). "  And at " By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned," (2 Corinthians 6:6 AV) the Holy Spirit is included among a number of qualities. Such expressions would not be fitting if the Holy Spirit were actually a person.

Then, too, while some Bible texts say that the spirit speaks, other texts show that this was actually done through humans or angels "19  But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.  20  For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." (Matthew 10:19, 20 AV), " And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers," (Acts 28:25 AV), and "2  For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3  How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4  God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?" (Hebrews 2:2).  The action of the spirit in such instances is like that of radio waves transmitting messages from one person to another far away.

Now it is easy to see why the Catholic position on the Holy Ghost is clearly without merit as stated, "The doctrine of the Catholic Church concerning the Holy Ghost forms an integral part of her teaching on the mystery of the Holy Trinity, of which St. Augustine (De Trin., I, iii, 5), speaking with diffidence, says: "In no other subject is the danger of erring so great, or the progress so difficult, or the fruit of a careful study so appreciable". The essential points of the dogma may be resumed in the following propositions:
* The Holy Ghost is the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity.
* Though really distinct, as a Person, from the Father and the Son, He is consubstantial with Them; being God like Them, He possesses with Them one and the same Divine Essence or Nature.
* He proceeds, not by way of generation, but by way of spiration, from the Father and the Son together, as from a single principle.
Such is the belief the Catholic faith demands. [The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VII ]
Of special interest is the Catholic encyclopedia's statement, "Though really distinct, as a Person, from the Father and the Son, He is consubstantial with Them; being God like Them, He possesses with Them one and the same Divine Essence or Nature." They in reality are admitting in essence that he is different or distinct from the Father (YHWH) and the Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves), quite interesting.

Another writer has this to say,' ""Lacks personal identification -- Since God himself is a Spirit & is holy & since all his faithful angelic sons are spirits & are holy, it is evident that if the 'Holy Spirit' were a person there should reasonably be given some means in the Scriptures to distinguish & identify such spirit person from all these other 'Holy Spirits.' It would be expected that, at the very least, the DEFINITE article ['the'] would be used with it [i.e. words 'Holy Spirit'] in all cases where it is not called 'God's Holy Spirit' or is not modified by some similar expression. This would at least distinguish it as THE Holy Spirit. But, to the contrary, in a large number of cases [47 in the Kingdom Interlinear] the expression 'HOLY SPIRIT' appears in the original Greek WITHOUT the ARTICLE, thus INDICATING ITS LACK of PERSONALITY."' [http://www.geocities.com/athens/forum/8318/sfa.html]

WHAT THE INTERNATIONAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE BIBLE HAS TO SAY [a public domain source]

The expression Spirit, or Spirit of God, or Holy Spirit, is found in the great majority of the books of the Bible. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word uniformly employed for the Spirit as referring to God's Spirit is ruach meaning "breath," "wind" or "breeze." The verb form of the word is ruach, or riach used only in the Hiphil and meaning "to breathe," "to blow." A kindred verb is rawach, meaning "to breathe" "having breathing room," "to be spacious," etc. The word always used in the New Testament for the Spirit is the Greek neuter noun pneuma, with or without the article, and for Holy Spirit, pneuma hagion, or to pneuma to hagion. In the New Testament we find also the expressions, "the Spirit of God," "the Spirit of the Lord," "the Spirit of the Father," "the Spirit of Jesus," "of Christ." The word for Spirit in the Greek is from the verb pneo, "to breathe," "to blow." The corresponding word in the Latin is spiritus, meaning "spirit."

I. Old Testament Teachings as to the Spirit.
1. Meaning of the Word:
At the outset we note the significance of the term itself. From the primary meaning of the word which is "wind," as referring to Nature, arises the idea of breath in man and thence the breath, wind or Spirit of God. We have no way of tracing exactly how the minds of the Biblical writers connected the earlier literal meaning of the word with the Divine Spirit. Nearly all shades of meaning from the lowest to the highest appear in the Old Testament, and it is not difficult to conceive how the original narrower meaning was gradually expanded into the larger and wider. The following are some of the shades of Old Testament usage. From the notion of wind or breath, ruach came to signify:
(1) the principle of life itself; spirit in this sense indicated the degree of vitality:
"My spirit is consumed, my days are extinct" (Job 17:1; also Judges 15:19; 1 Samuel 30:12);
(2) human feelings of various kinds, as anger (Judges 8:3; Proverbs 29:11), desire (Isaiah 26:9), courage (Joshua 2:11);
(3) intelligence (Exodus 28:3; Isaiah 29:24);
(4) general disposition (Ps 34:18; 5l:17; Pr 14:29; 16:18; 29:23).
No doubt the Biblical writers thought of man as made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and it was easy for them to think of God as being like man. It is remarkable that their anthropomorphism did not go farther. They preserve, however, a highly spiritual conception of God as compared with that of surrounding nations. But as the human breath was an invisible part of man, and as it represented his vitality, his life and energy, it was easy to transfer the conception to God in the effort to represent His energetic and transitive action upon man and Nature. The Spirit of God, therefore, as based upon the idea of the ruach or breath of man, originally stood for the energy or power of God (Isaiah 31:3; compare A. B. Davidson, Theology of the Old Testament, 117-18), as contrasted with the weakness of the flesh.

TO READ THE REMAINDER OF THIS DOCUMENT,DISCOURSE ON THE HOLY SPIRI, PART 2, GO TO COMBINATION OF VOL 845A. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – AT WWW.JW.ORG

COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2]  DISCOURSE ON THE HOLY SPIRI, PART 2, THE FIRST PART IS VOL 844A 


[1]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 845A]

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.   Matthew 24:9, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

This scripture is speaking about conditions that will exist at the conclusion of the end times, and additional information is given at Matthew 10:17, [AV] “But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;” showing a terrible time for Almighty God’s (YHWH’s) faithful followers done under the control of Satan the Devil.  This time is shortly at hand, and will be followed by God’s Kingdom that Jesus (Yeshua) showed we should pray for at Matthew 6:9 – 10, [AV] “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO, 

1) http://iris89.conforums.com/ 

2) http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/ 

3) http://religioustruths.lefora.com/ 

4) http://religioustruths.boardhost.com/ 

5) http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/ 

6) http://religioustruthsbyiris.createmybb3.com/ 

7) http://religioustruths.forumotion.com/ 

To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/thread/1417398076/last-1417398076/Digital+Book+On+18+Part+Follow+Christ+Bible+Study 

Your Friend in Christ Iris89 

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2]    DISCOURSE ON THE HOLY SPIRI, PART 2, THE FIRST PART IS VOL 844A

2. The Spirit in Relation to the Godhead:
We consider next the Spirit of God in relation to God Himself in the Old Testament. Here there are several points to be noted. The first is that there is no indication of a belief that the Spirit of God was a material particle or emanation from God. The point of view of Biblical writers is nearly always practical rather than speculative. They did not philosophize about the Divine nature. Nevertheless, they retained a very clear distinction between spirit and flesh or other material forms. Again we observe in the Old Testament both an identification of God and the Spirit of God, and also a clear distinction between them. The identification is seen in Psalms 139:7 where the omni-presence of the Spirit is declared, and in Isaiah 63:10; Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:27. In a great number of passages, however, God and the Spirit of God are not thought of as identical, as in Genesis 1:2; 6:3; Nehemiah 9:20; Psalms 51:11; 104:29 f. Of course this does not mean that God and the Spirit of God were two distinct beings in the thought of Old Testament writers, but only that the Spirit had functions of His own in distinction from God. The Spirit was God in action, particularly when the action was specific, with a view to accomplishing some particular end or purpose of God. The Spirit came upon individuals for special purposes. The Spirit was thus God immanent in man and in the world. As the angel of the Lord, or angel of the Covenant in certain passages, represents both Yahweh Himself and one sent by Yahweh, so in like manner the Spirit of Yahweh was both Yahweh within or upon man, and at the same time one sent by Yahweh to man...

3. The Spirit in External Nature:
We consider next the Spirit of God in external Nature. "And the Spirit of God moved (was brooding or hovering) upon the face of the waters" (Genesis 1:2). The figure is that of a brooding or hovering bird (compare Deuteronomy 32:11). Here the Spirit brings order and beauty out of the primeval chaos and conducts the cosmic forces toward the goal of an ordered universe. Again in Psalms 104:28-30, God sends forth His Spirit, and visible things are called into being:
"Thou sendest forth thy Spirit, they are created; and thou renewest the face of the ground." In Job 26:13 the beauty of the heavens is ascribed to the Spirit: "By his Spirit the heavens are garnished." In Isaiah 32:15 the wilderness becomes a fruitful field as the result of the outpouring of the Spirit. The Biblical writers scarcely took into their thinking the idea of second causes, certainly not in the modern scientific sense. They regarded the phenomena of Nature as the result of God's direct action through His Spirit. At every point their conception of the Spirit saved them from pantheism on the one hand and polytheism on the other.

4. The Spirit of God in Man:
The Spirit may next be considered in imparting natural powers both physical and intellectual. In Genesis 2:7 God originates man's personal and intellectual life by breathing into his nostrils "the breath of life." In Numbers 16:22 God is "the God of the spirits of all flesh." In Exodus 28:3; 31:3; 35:31, wisdom for all kinds of workmanship is declared to be the gift of God. So also physical life is due to the presence of the Spirit of God (Job 27:3);. and Elihu declares (Job 33:4) that the Spirit of God made him. See also Ezekiel 37:14 and 39:29. Thus man is regarded by the Old Testament writers, in all the parts of his being, body, mind and spirit, as the direct result of the action of the Spirit of God. In Genesis 6:3 the Spirit of God "strives" with or "rules" in or is "humbled" in man in the antediluvian world. Here reference is not made to the Spirit's activity over and above, but within the moral nature of man.

5. Imparting Powers for Service:
The greater part of the Old Testament passages which refer to the Spirit of God deal with the subject from the point of view of the covenant relations between Yahweh and Israel. And the greater portion of these, in turn, have to do with gifts and powers conferred by the Spirit for service in the ongoing of the kingdom of God. We fail to grasp the full meaning of very many statements of the Old Testament unless we keep constantly in mind the fundamental assumption of all the Old Testament, namely, the covenant relations between God and Israel. Extraordinary powers exhibited by Israelites of whatever kind were usually attributed to the Spirit. These are so numerous that our limits of space forbid an exhaustive presentation. The chief points we may notice.
(1) Judges and Warriors.
The children of Israel cried unto Yahweh and He raised up a savior for them, Othniel, the son of Kenaz:
"And the Spirit of Yahweh came upon him, and he judged Israel" (Judges 3:10). So also Gideon (Judges 6:34): "The Spirit of Yahweh came upon (literally, clothed itself with) Gideon." In Judges 11:29 "the spirit of Yahweh came upon Jephthah"; and in 13:25 "the Spirit of Yahweh began to move" Samson. In 14:6 "the Spirit of Yahweh came mightily upon him." In 1 Samuel 16:14 we read "the Spirit of Yahweh departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Yahweh troubled him." In all this class of passages, the Spirit imparts special endowments of power without necessary reference to the moral character of the recipient. The end in view is not personal, merely to the agent, but concerns theocratic kingdom and implies the covenant between God and Israel. In some cases the Spirit exerts physical energy in a more direct way (2 Kings 2:16; Ezekiel 2:1; 3:12).
(2) Wisdom for Various Purposes.
Bezalel is filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom and in understanding to work in gold, and silver and brass, etc., in the building of the tabernacle (Exodus 31:2-4; 35:31); and the Spirit of wisdom is given to others in making Aaron's garments (Exodus 28:3). So also of one of the builders of Solomon's temple (1 Kings 7:14; 2 Chronicles 2:14). In these cases there seems to be a combination of the thought of natural talents and skill to which is superadded a special endowment of the Spirit. Pharaoh refers to Joseph as one in whom the Spirit of God is, as fitting him for administration and government (Genesis 41:38). Joshua is qualified for leadership by the Spirit (Numbers 27:18). In this and in Deuteronomy 34:9, Joshua is represented as possessing the Spirit through the laying on of the hands of Moses. This is an interesting Old Testament parallel to the bestowment of the Spirit by laying on of hands in the New Testament (Acts 8:17; 19:6). Daniel is represented as having wisdom to interpret dreams through the Spirit, and afterward because of the Spirit he is exalted to a position of authority and power (Daniel 4:8; 5:11-14; 6:3). The Spirit qualifies Zerubbabel to rebuild the temple (Zechariah 4:6). The Spirit was given to the people for instruction and strengthening during the wilderness wanderings (Nehemiah 9:20), and to the elders along with Moses (Numbers 11:17,25). It thus appears how very widespread were the activities of the redemptive Spirit, or the Spirit in the covenant. All these forms of the Spirit's action bore in some way upon the national life of the people, and were directed in one way or another toward theocratic ends.
(3) In Prophecy.
The most distinctive and important manifestation of the Spirit's activity in the Old Testament was in the sphere of prophecy. In the earlier period the prophet was called seer (ro'eh), and later he was called prophet (nabhi'). The word "prophet" (prophetes) means one who speaks for God. The prophets were very early differentiated from the masses of the people into a prophetic class or order, although Abraham himself was called a prophet, as were Moses and other leaders (Genesis 20:7; Deuteronomy 18:15). The prophet was especially distinguished from others as the man who possessed the Spirit of God (Hosea 9:7). The prophets ordinarily began their messages with the phrase, "thus saith Yahweh," or its equivalent. But they ascribed their messages directly also to the Spirit of God (Ezekiel 2:2; 8:3; 11:1,24; 13:3). The case of Balaam presents some difficulties (Numbers 24:2). He does not seem to have been a genuine prophet, but rather a diviner, although it is declared that the Spirit of God came upon him. Balaam serves, however, to illustrate the Old Testament point of view. The chief interest was the national or theocratic or covenant ideal, not that of the individual. The Spirit was bestowed at times upon unworthy men for the achievement of these ends. Saul presents a similar example. The prophet was God's messenger speaking God's message by the Spirit. His message was not his own. It came directly from God, and at times overpowered the prophet with its urgency, as in the case of Jeremiah (1:4).
There are quite perceptible stages in the development of the Old Testament prophecy. In the earlier period the prophet was sometimes moved, not so much to intelligible speech, as by a sort of enthusiasm or prophetic ecstasy. In 1 Samuel 10 we have an example of this earlier form of prophecy, where a company with musical instruments prophesied together. To what extent this form of prophetic enthusiasm was attended by warnings and exhortations, if so attended at all, we do not know. There was more in it than in the excitement of the diviners and devotees of the surrounding nations. For the Spirit of Yahweh was its source.
In the later period we have prophecy in its highest forms in the Old Testament. The differences between earlier and later prophecy are probably due in part to the conditions. The early period required action, the later required teaching. The judges on whom the Spirit came were deliverers in a turbulent age. There was not need for, nor could the people have borne, the higher ethical and spiritual trutHoly Spirit which came in later revelations through the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah and others. See 2 Samuel 23:2; Ezekiel 2:2; 8:3; 11:24; 13:3;. Micah 3:8; Hosea 9:7.
A difficulty arises from statements such as the following:
A lying spirit was sometimes present in the prophet (1 Kings 22:21); Yahweh puts a spirit in the king of Assyria and turns him back to his destruction (Isaiah 37:7); because of sin, a lying prophet should serve the people (Micah 2:11); in Micaiah's vision Yahweh sends a spirit to entice Ahab through lying prophets (1 Kings 22:19); an evil spirit from Yahweh comes upon Saul (1 Samuel 16:14; 18:10; 19:9). The following considerations may be of value in explaining these passages. Yahweh was the source of things generally in Old Testament thought. Its pronounced monotheism appears in this as in so many other ways. Besides this, Old Testament writers usually spoke phenomenally. Prophecy was a particular form of manifestation with certain outward marks and signs. Whatever presented these outward marks was called prophecy, whether the message conveyed was true or false. The standard of discrimination here was not the outward signs of the prophet, but the truth or right of the message as shown by the event. As to the evil spirit from Yahweh, it may be explained in either of two ways. First, it may have referred to the evil disposition of the man upon whom God's Spirit was acting, in which case he would resist the Spirit and his own spirit would be the evil spirit. Or the "evil spirit from Yahweh" may have referred, in the prophet's mind, to an actual spirit of evil which Yahweh sent or permitted to enter the man. The latter is the more probable explanation, in accordance with which the prophet would conceive that Yahweh's higher will was accomplished, even through the action of the evil spirit upon man's spirit. Yahweh's judicial anger against transgression would, to the prophet's mind, justify the sending of an evil spirit by Yahweh.

6. Imparting Moral Character:
The activity of the Spirit in the Old Testament is not limited to gifts for service. Moral and spiritual character is traced to the Spirit's operations as well. "Thy Holy Spirit" (Psalms 51:11); "his Holy Spirit" (Isaiah 63:10); "thy good Spirit" (Nehemiah 9:20); "Thy Spirit is good" (Psalms 143:10) are expressions pointing to the ethical quality of the Spirit's action. "Holy" is from the verb form (qadhash), whose root meaning is doubtful, but which probably meant "to be separated" from which it comes to mean to be exalted, and this led to the conception to be Divine. And as Yahweh is morally good, the conception of "the holy (= Divine) one" came to signify the holy one in the moral sense. Thence the word was applied to the Spirit of Yahweh. Yahweh gives His good Spirit for instruction (Nehemiah 9:20); the Spirit is called good because it teaches to do God's will (Psalms 143:10); the Spirit gives the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2-5); judgment and righteousness (Isaiah 32:15); devotion to the Lord (Isaiah 44:3-5); hearty obedience and a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26); penitence and prayer (Zechariah 12:10). In Psalms 51:11 there is an intense sense of guilt and sin coupled with the prayer, "Take not thy Holy Spirit from me." Thus, we see that the Old Testament in numerous ways recognizes the Holy Spirit as the source of inward moral purity, although the thought is not so developed as in the New Testament.

7. The Spirit in the Messiah:
In both the first and the second sections of Isaiah, there are distinct references to the Spirit in connection with the Messiah, although the Messiah is conceived as the ideal King who springs from the root of David in some instances, and in others as the Suffering Servant of Yahweh. This is not the place to discuss the Messianic import of the latter group of passages which has given rise to much difference of opinion. As in the case of the ideal Davidic King which, in the prophet's mind, passes from the lower to the higher and Messianic conception, so, under the form of the Suffering Servant, the "remnant" of Israel becomes the basis for an ideal which transcends in the Messianic sense the original nucleus of the conception derived from the historic events in the history of Israel. The prophet rises in the employment of both conceptions to the thought of the Messiah who is the "anointed" of Yahweh as endued especially with the power and wisdom of the Spirit. In Isaiah 11:1-5 a glowing picture is given of the "shoot out of the stock of Jesse." The Spirit imparts "wisdom and understanding" and endows him with manifold gifts through the exercise of which he shall bring in the kingdom of righteousness and peace. In Isaiah 42:1, the "servant" is in like manner endowed most richly with the gifts of the Spirit by virtue of which he shall bring forth "justice to the Gentiles." In Isaiah 61:1 occur the notable words cited by Jesus in Luke 4:18, beginning, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me" etc. In these passages the prophet describes elaborately and minutely the Messiah's endowment with a wide range of powers, all of which are traced to the action of God's Spirit.

8. Predictions of Future Outpouring of the Spirit:
In the later history of Israel, when the sufferings of the exile pressed heavily, there arose a tendency to idealize a past age as the era of the special blessing of the Spirit, coupled with a very marked optimism as to a future outpouring of the Spirit. In Haggai 2:5 reference is made to the Mosaic period as the age of the Spirit, "when ye came out of Egypt, and my Spirit abode among you." In Isaiah 44:3 the Spirit is to be poured out on Jacob and his seed; and in Isaiah 59:20 a Redeemer is to come to Zion under the covenant of Yahweh, and the Spirit is to abide upon the people. The passage, however, which especially indicates the transition from Old Testament to New Testament times is that in Joel 2:28,32 which is cited by Peter in Acts 2:17-21. In this prophecy the bestowal of the Spirit is extended to all classes, is attended by marvelous signs and is accompanied by the gift of salvation. Looking back from the later to the earlier period of Old Testament history, we observe a twofold tendency of teaching in relation to the Spirit. The first is from the outward gift of the Spirit for various uses toward a deepening sense of inner need of the Spirit for moral purity, and consequent emphasis upon the ethical energy of the Spirit. The second tendency is toward a sense of the futility of the merely human or theocratic national organization in and of itself to achieve the ends of Yahweh, along with a sense of the need for the Spirit of God upon the people generally, and a prediction of the universal diffusion of the Spirit.

CONCLUSION

Remember the sense of the Holy Spirit is the active force or power of God.

Heb.9:14 does not denote a third person of the Godhead either. The HOLY SPIRIT went into Jesus at His incarnation and went back to the Father when Jesus gave it back to Him on the cross when He died. At His resurrection the HOLY SPIRIT was restored to Jesus forever.

Don't misunderstand me - the HOLY SPIRIT is definitely OF God - but not a separate person as man at various church councils of an apostate church has tried to make that part of God since the 4th century! The Spirit of the Son is Holy as is God the Father - who is pure Holy Spirit. Where do you find a separate HOLY SPIRIT to deal with this dual Godhead?

The HOLY SPIRIT is the POWER of both the Father and of the Son, because he gives some to his  Son so he also will have the power to  control of the universe - the heavens and the earth.  This would be required in order that the Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) would be able to carry out his commission "23  But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.  24  Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.  25  For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.  26  The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.  27  For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.  28  And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all." (1 Corinthians 15:23-28 AV).  Remember his responsibilities and commission are straight from the Father or the Son and not of himself.

The primary purpose for the Word of God is for the reconciliation of mankind to God the Father through His plan of salvation - through Jesus Christ. It is spiritual from beginning to end. Hence that which is done by either the Father or the Son is from their Spirit and reference to the Spirit - naturally being Holy - is frequent - being the very power of them both. Not that of a third person of the Godhead.



"13  All the saints salute you.  14  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. <<The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.>>" (2 Corinthians 13:13-14 AV) falls right in with what Jesus said in " Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." (John 16:13 AV), when Jesus said the HOLY SPIRIT would speak only that which He heard. Hence all communication from the HOLY SPIRIT is as he dwells in us acting as intercessor, "26 ¶ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  27  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Rom.8:26-27 AV).   However,  it is Jesus Christ who is really our only intercessor or mediator! " Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:34 AV), " For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" (1 Timothy 2:5 AV), and " Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25 AV).   When taken in context with John.16:13, Jesus  (Jeshua or YHWH saves) tells the HOLY SPIRIT, dwelling in all believers, and the HOLY SPIRIT then tells us. When we pray to the Lord - the HOLY SPIRIT interprets our 'groanings and pains' back to our mediator or intercessor, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) Christ.

Remember, it is God who gives the spirit and to whom it wants, " Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." (Ecclesiastes 12:7 AV).   This should give you a pretty clear prospective that the idea the HOLY SPIRIT is a third person of the Godhead is in fact really false dogma.

If Jesus is clearly identified as the Son of God - then how is the Holy Spirit related to God the Father? Would he not be identified as the brother of the Father - or perhaps the uncle of Jesus?   Definitely, since Jesus is the 'one and only' Son of God, the Holy Spirit is not another son to the Father, " And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14 AV), " No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." (John 1:18 AV), " For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16 AV), " He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:18 AV), and " In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him." (1 John 4:9 AV).   In the very beginning of creation, the scriptures tell us the Spirit of God hovered over the deep. However, this is after we have been told, God created the heavens and the earth.  It is clear from that point on, God the Father (YHWH) is not only Spirit, but the HOLY SPIRIT is his active force.  Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) maked it very clear that God the Father (YHWH) is His Father when it was said that the HOLY SPIRIT overcomes Mary, the virgin who will then be with child - unless the HOLY SPIRIT is the very active force of the Father (YHWH) himself?

For example, why isn't the Holy Spirit in the same greetings within the epistles by the Apostles, the same as God the Father (YHWH) and Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves)? As seen by the Trinitarians does that not seem to be an unforgiveable insult to the alleged third party of the Godhead?

Why is it said of the Holy Spirit that he will not speak on his own, but strictly only that which he hears, John 16:13.   Doesn't that clearly state that what he hears comes from either God the Father or God the Son?   Of course it does.

Why must Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) leave in order for the HOLY SPIRIT to come to the apostles?  Since the Father (YHWH) and the Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) fellowship together, why can't the HOLY SPIRIT do the same?  It is clear from the scriptures Jesus was in the beginning, and that he was with the Father (YHWH).  What happened to the HOLY SPIRIT? " The same was in the beginning with God." (John 1:2 AV) and " And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." (John 17:5 AV); In fact, the HOLY SPIRIT doesn't even appear as a third person of the Godhead in the New world God has created in "22  And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.   23  And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." (Rev.21:22-23 AV).   Why not?

Do you suppose it is because the Spirit, Holy from either the Father (YHWH) or that portion of his power he gave to Son, the man Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) must leave in order to send the HOLY SPIRIT to dwell within every believer?

We find in the scriptures the HOLY SPIRIT goes out from the Father (YHWH) in " But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father (YHWH), even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father (YHWH), he shall testify of me:" (John 15:26 AV).   If the HOLY SPIRIT is a third person of the alleged Triune God, why is it we are told the Spirit of Truth comes from the Father?

Interestingly  we are told that Jesus breathed on His disciples to receive the HOLY SPIRIT, in "21  Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.  22  And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:Jn.20:21-22. Now this HOLY SPIRIT was to clearly indwell each of the disciples. Please explain to me how an alleged third person of the Trinity can do this."

Obviously, the HOLY SPIRIT is Almighty God's (YHWH's) active force or power in motion of which he givea a portion to his Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) to carry out his assignment "22  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  23  But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.  24  Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.  25  For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.  26  The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.  27  For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.  28  And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all." (1 Corinthians 15:22-28 AV).


LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – AT WWW.JW.ORG

COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2]  DISCOURSE ON THE RANSOM PROVIDED BY CHRIST AND WHY NECESSARY 


[1]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 847A]

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,  Hebrews 12:1,  [authorized King James Bible; AV]

The weights we must lay aside are described at 1 Peter 2:1 - 3, [AV] “
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,  2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:  3  If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”  And we should take heed per Hebrews 3:12, [AV] “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”  We must per 1 Timothy 6:12, [AV] “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO, 

1) http://iris89.conforums.com/ 

2) http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/ 

3) http://religioustruths.lefora.com/ 

4) http://religioustruths.boardhost.com/ 

5) http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/ 

6) http://religioustruthsbyiris.createmybb3.com/ 

7) http://religioustruths.forumotion.com/ 

To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/thread/1417398076/last-1417398076/Digital+Book+On+18+Part+Follow+Christ+Bible+Study 

Your Friend in Christ Iris89 

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2]    DISCOURSE ON THE RANSOM PROVIDED BY CHRIST AND WHY NECESSARY:

INTRODUCTION:

Many know that salvation can only come through Jesus (Yeshua) Christ as his Father (YHWH) has appointed him the only mediator between God (YHWH) and man as testified to at  to at 1 Timothy 2:5, "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" (The Webster Bible); And this is further affirmed at Ephesians 3:11-12, "for through him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father." (American Standard Version,(ASV).  He is the only savior, apart from him there is no other as shown by John 4:42, "and they said to the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy speaking: for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world." (ASV); And affirmed at Titus 1:4, "to Tite, most dereworthe sone bi the comyn feith, grace and pees of God the fadir, and of Crist Jhesu, oure sauyour." (Wycliffe-One of the first English Bibles).  However, before he could become our savior, a ransom had to be paid.  Why so?

THE NEED OF A RANSOM:

Let's let the Bible explain why there was a need for a ransom to be paid before any of mankind could be saved.  The Bible shows at Romans 5:12, "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." (The Webster Bible); And it is shown that all men have sinned, and this is testified to at Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (The Webster Bible).  In other words all of mankind is under inherited sin as shown by Psalms 51:5, "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me." (ASV); Therefore, Psalms 49:7-9 shows, "None `of them' can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him; 8(For the redemption of their life is costly, And it faileth for ever;) 9 That he should still live alway, That he should not see corruption." (ASV)

GOD (YHWH) HIMSELF MADE PROVISION FOR A RANSOM:

Since God (YHWH) could not break his own law of like for like, he provided for a ransome for all obedient mankind as testified to at 1 John 4:14, "And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father hath sent the Son `to be' the Saviour of the world." (ASV); And affirmed at Matthew 1:20-21, "But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins." (ASV).

His making provisions to provide a ransom in the form of his only begotten son was an expression of his love for mankind as shown by John 3:16-17, "
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him." (ASV); And affirmed at 1 John 4:9-10, "Herein was the love of God manifested in us, that God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world that we might live through him.  10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son `to be' the propitiation for our sins." (ASV); And at Romans 5:8, "But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (ASV).

PRICE PAID FOR RELEASE FROM BONDAGE TO SIN AND DEATH - THE RANSOM:

Jesus (Yeshua) came to give his life as a ransom as testified to at Matthew 20:28, "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered to, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (The Webster Bible); And at 1 John 3:5, "And ye know that he was manifested to take away sins; and in him is no sin." (ASV); And at Romans 3:24, "being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:" (ASV); And at Hebrews 2:14-15, "Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15    and might deliver all them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (ASV).

Jesus' (Yeshua's) human life was represented by his blood being poured out onto death as a ransom as shown at John 10:11, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep." (ASV); And at 1 Peter 1:18-19, "knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb without spot, `even the blood' of Christ:" (ASV); And at Ephesians 1:7, "in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace," (ASV); And at Revelation 5:9, "And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood `men' of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation," (ASV).

CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS AS A SACRIFICE ON MAN'S BEHALF, HE WAS SINLESS:

That he was sinless and thus could serve as a sacrifice for our sins was shown at Hebrews 7:26 and 9:25-26, "For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;" and "nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place year by year with blood not his own;  26 else must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once at the end of the ages hath he been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself."(ASV); And at 1 Peter 2:22, "who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:" (ASV); And at 1 John 4:10, "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son `to be' the propitiation for our sins."

Since Jesus (Yeshua) was sinless, his life could provide the ransom price for the perfect human life Adam lost and which he could have passed along by inheritance to his children as shown by 1 Timothy 2:5-6, "For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, `himself' man, Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself a ransom for all; the testimony `to be borne' in its own times;" And at Phillipians 2:7-8, "but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient `even' unto death, yea, the death of the cross." (ASV); And at 1 Corinthians 15:22, "For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive." (ASV).

After his resurrection by his Father (YHWH), a distinct spiritual being, Christ presented the value of his sacrifice to his Father (YHWH) in heaven as shown at Hebrews 9:11-12 & 24, "But Christ having come a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation,
12 nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption." And "For Christ entered not into a holy place made with hands, like in pattern to the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear before the face of God for us:" (ASV); And at Romans 8:34, "who is he that condemneth? It is Christ Jesus that died, yea rather, that was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (ASV); And at Ephesians 5:2, "and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell." (ASV).

THE PURPOSE AND THE BENEFITS OF THE RANSOM:

Jesus (Yeshua) gave up his life for us as foretold at Isaiah 53:12, "portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors: yet he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (ASV); And at Hebrews 2:9, "But we behold him who hath been made a little lower than the angels, `even' Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for every `man'." (ASV); And at Galacians 1:4, "who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil world, according to the will of our God and Father:" (ASV).

RANSOM PERMITTED FORGIVENESS OF SINS:

That Jesus (Yeshua) was the one who would take away sins was testified to at John 1:29, "On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!" (ASV); And at Ephesians 1:7, "in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace," (ASV); And at 1 John 1:7, "but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (ASV); And at 1 John 2:1, "My little children, these things write I unto you that ye may not sin. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:  2 and he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the whole world." (ASV); And at Revelation 7:9-10 & 14, "After these things I saw, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of `all' tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, arrayed in white robes, and palms in their hands;  10 and they cry with a great voice, saying, Salvation unto our God who sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb" and "And I say unto him, My lord, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they that come of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (ASV).

RECONCILIATION TO GOD (YHWH):

Jesus (Yeshua) was first with respect to being the first of God's (YHWH's) children that God (YHWH) caused to be created and the first to be resurrected as testified to at Colossians 1:18-20, "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  19 For it was the good pleasure `of the Father' that in him should all the fulness dwell;  20 and through him to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, `I say', whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens." (ASV); And at 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, "But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation." (ASV); And at Romans 5:10, "For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by his life;" (ASV).

This makes possible the general resurrection for mankind with opportunity for eternal life as affirmed at Hebrews 9:26-28, "else must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once at the end of the ages hath he been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this `cometh' judgment;  28 so Christ also, having been once offered to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time, apart from sin, to them that wait for him, unto salvation." (ASV); And at John 5:26-29, For as the Father hath life in himself, even so gave he to the Son also to have life in himself: 27    and he gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is a son of man. 28    Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, 29 and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment." (ASV); And at Romans 14:9, "For to this end Christ died and lived `again', that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living." (ASV); And at Acts 24:15, "having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust." (ASV).

EFFECTS OF SIN REMOVED DURING CHRIST 1,000 YEAR RULE:

During the thousand year rule of Christ, the effects of sin on the earth will be removed as foretold at Revelation 21:2-4, "made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, `and be' their God:  4 and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away." (ASV).

This will pave the way for everlasting life for those who manifest faith and obedience as testified to at John 3:16 & 36, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life." And "He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him." (ASV); And at Hebrews 5:9, "and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation;" (ASV).

WE MUST HAVE APPRECIATION FOR THE RANSOM AND CHANGE OUR COURSE OF LIFE ACCORDINGLY:

We must show appreciation for Jesus' (Yeshua's) ransome sacrifice as shown at Hebrews 9:14, "how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish unto God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (ASV); And at Revelation 7:14-15, "And I say unto him, My lord, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they that come of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.  15 Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them." (ASV); And at Titus 2:13-14, "looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14    who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works." (ASV); And at 1 Corinthians 6:20, "for ye were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body." (ASV); 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and he died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again." (ASV); And at 1 John 4:11, "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (ASV).

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – AT WWW.JW.ORG