Fact About The End Time Remnant

[Michael The Disciple]

Todays Preachers and Teachers fight hard against the importance of keeping the commandments of God. They tell us this has nothing to do with salvation because our salvation from beginning to end only depends on the death of Jesus accepted by faith.

Yet in the book of the end time (Revelation) we find the remnant of saints identified as those who KEEP HIS COMMANDS.

Rev. 12:7

12:17 The dragon grew angry with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, who keep God’s commandments and hold Jesus’ testimony.

Those in the end time identified with the TESTIMONY OF JESUS are also identified as those who keep his commandments.

Rev. 14:11-13

They have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name. 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”
14:13 I heard the voice from heaven saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’”

Here those who take the mark of the beast are contrasted to those who have the FAITH OF JESUS, those who keep his commandments.

Here is our third witness from Gods end time book (Revelation) to this truth.

Rev. 22:12-15

22:12 “Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work. 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 22:14 Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city. 22:15 Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. Rev. 22:12-15

When Jesus comes he will reward each man according to his work, that is, what he has done. Those who he calls blessed are identified as those who have DONE HIS COMMANDMENTS.

Let us be quick to note Jesus says THEY WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO THE TREE OF LIFE!

And that THEY MAY ENTER INTO HIS CITY!


Now friends we could say that although these scripture portions are in the book of Revelation its truth is not limited to it. For that remnant of people who have the FAITH OF JESUS and are identified with keeping his commands are simply the SAINTS who had been doing this beforehand.

It seems the Lord is pointing this truth out to us they we may be kept from the end time error that one who is diligent to obey the commands of our God are "legalists" and "pharisees".

Rather we find the amazing but shocking truth the the end time remnant CONSISTS OF THOSE who not only hold the FAITH OF JESUS but also are keeping his commandments.

Is this important? Its important enough that Jesus says only those who do so will ENTER INTO HIS CITY AND PARTAKE OF THE TREE OF LIFE.

Let us not be deceived.

[Dedicated Mind]

I can't think of anyone who would disagree with you on this board. who are you referring to?

[Michael The Disciple]

I can't think of anyone who would disagree with you on this board. who are you referring to?

I hope everyone here agrees. If so let it be for reinforcing what they already know. If not they can be exposed to the truth.

[bbyrd009]

Amen.

[TGBTG]

I can't think of anyone who would disagree with you on this board. who are you referring to?
We have been asking MTD for a while now, what exactly are the COMMANDS we are to obey?
If a person is teaching truth and, yet they cannot teach the truth explicitly, then of what use is the "truth"?

In other words, if our salvation depends on keeping these COMMANDS, but yet you don't tell us what these COMMANDS are, then there's no point saying over and over "keep the commands."

And so I ask (just like Aquila has done before), what are these COMMANDS?

In my opinion, this scripture is quite clear
1 John 3
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

But we await MTD's list of the COMMANDS (from the scripture)...

[Timmy]

Exactly. Grace, schmace.

[TGBTG]

Continuing with the thought above:

It's like shouting in the streets "You have to be saved, you have to be saved." Someone then walks up to you saying "How can I be saved?"

And your response is "you have to be saved" Seriously??

What is the point of saying "you have to be saved" if you are not going to tell the person what they must do to be saved.

Again, if our salvation depends on these COMMANDS, then you should at least tell us what these COMMANDS are (if you care for our souls that are in danger of perishing).

[TGBTG]

Exactly. Grace, schmace.

??

[Aquila]

Jesus only indicates the following commands:

1. Be born again. This includes repentance and submission to water baptism. It comes with the promise of the Holy Ghost.

2. We are to love God with all our being and to love others as ourselves.

That sums it up.

I'd love to see Michael's list of commandments. Will they include commandments from the Law of Moses? Will they include the Ten Commandments? Will they include the cultural admonishments of Paul as found in the New Testament (such as head coverings in Corinth)? Will they include denomination specific commandments (such as no make-up or television)? Will they include pastor specific commandments (no motorcycles, no nude pantyhose, dress codes)? Will Michael's list include dietary commandments?

I'm waiting to see Michael's list so that we all can determine if we are really saved or not.

[Timmy]

??

Grace is, so they say, granted to those who don't deserve it. Right? Sounds like Mike doesn't think it will be granted, unless you keep the commandments, or else: "No grace for you!" Sounds like. (And, BTW, the Bible sounds like that, too. Look how Jesus will separate the sheep from the goats, e.g.)

[TGBTG]

Just for the record, believing on Jesus Christ as stated in 1 John 3:23 is not just mental belief. It is a full reliance, faith, and trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

[TGBTG]

Grace is, so they say, granted to those who don't deserve it. Right? Sounds like Mike doesn't think it will be granted, unless you keep the commandments, or else: "No grace for you!" Sounds like. (And, BTW, the Bible sounds like that, too. Look how Jesus will separate the sheep from the goats, e.g.)

oh ok...I see. I was really confused with "schmace"...lol

[TGBTG]

Jesus only indicates the following commands:

1. Be born again. This includes repentance and submission to water baptism. It comes with the promise of the Holy Ghost.
2. We are to love God with all our being and to love others as ourselves.

That sums it up.

I would think that the emboldened falls under "love God"

[Timmy]

Jesus only indicates the following commands:

1. Be born again. This includes repentance and submission to water baptism. It comes with the promise of the Holy Ghost.

2. We are to love God with all our being and to love others as ourselves.

That sums it up. . . .

They may sum it up, but these are not the only commands Jesus indicated. The others could be considered specifics on how to love God and others, though, granted. Feeding the hungry, taking in strangers, visiting prisoners, forsaking our families (if necessary), etc.

[TGBTG]

They may sum it up, but these are not the only commands Jesus indicated. The others could be considered specifics on how to love God and others, though, granted. Feeding the hungry, taking in strangers, visiting prisoners, forsaking our families (if necessary), etc.

1 John 3
17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

I think this would apply to what you brought up.

[bbyrd009]

I think it's easy to misunderstand that Christ came to fulfill the Law, and bring Grace; yet we constantly try to pit the two against each other. I always read the sep of sheep and goats as a reflection of Grace. At the same time, "be perfect," meaning that we are "returning" to perfection, aka the Law? Dietary and all, I thought.

Accept Grace, apply Grace to others, and work on personal conformity with the Law.
Just like we do with our own children?

[Timmy]

1 John 3
17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

I think this would apply to what you brought up.

Yep. ;)

[Timmy]

I think it's easy to misunderstand that Christ came to fulfill the Law, and bring Grace; yet we constantly try to pit the two against each other. I always read the sep of sheep and goats as a reflection of Grace. At the same time, "be perfect," meaning that we are "returning" to perfection, aka the Law? Dietary and all, I thought.

Accept Grace, apply Grace to others, and work on personal conformity with the Law.
Just like we do with our own children?

The Law? Dietary and all? Really? You know what The Law said to do about rebellious children, don't you?

[Aquila]

They may sum it up, but these are not the only commands Jesus indicated. The others could be considered specifics on how to love God and others, though, granted. Feeding the hungry, taking in strangers, visiting prisoners, forsaking our families (if necessary), etc.

All of those are acts of love for God and others. The point isn't to make a list of those things... but to walk according to the Spirit in that manner.

[bbyrd009]

Amen.
The Law? Dietary and all? Really? You know what The Law said to do about rebellious children, don't you?

Ya, that is where Grace is applied. The Law is for me, to work into; it's what I am, or should be "returning" to of my own free will, imo.

[Truthseeker]

I like to MTD explain how all them sinners are outside the cityM

[TGBTG]

I like to MTD explain how all them sinners are outside the cityM
What scripture are you referring to?

[Michael The Disciple]

So many act as if Gods word all boils down to a concept or two. When the whole counsel of God is rejected men fall right into the devils trap.

This should be so simple that any true Christian would be in agreement. The understanding that there is such a thing as Jesus having commands that are to be obeyed.

Those who cry for commandments to be shown demonstrate their lack of faith in Gods word. They read the Bible. They know what it says. The reality is they know but reject it.

Take this for an example.

Right in the heart of the context of my first post John the apostle by the Holy Ghost said this:

22:12 “Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work. 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 22:14 Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city. 22:15 Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. Rev. 22:12-15

As SOON as John mentions that ONLY those who DO his commandments are going to be saved he then gives a list of those who have lived APART FROM HIM and his commandments.


Its so very simple to people who are committed to Jesus and his teaching. And yet the Holy Spirit felt it neccessary to inspire John the apostle to IDENTIFY THE END TIME SAINTS WITH KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS OF JESUS.

No doubt this was done to attempt to awake many out of their sleep caused by the delusional teaching that men need do NOTHING to enter the kingdom.

In all the teaching concerning obedience LOVE is always the basis. Because one LOVES GOD they desire to keep his commands. Certainly all the law and prophets can be summed up in love toward God and his neighbor as Jesus said. Yet Jesus spelled out specific commands for his disciples to do. He must have thought this was NEEDFUL for their understanding.

Then he sent out his disciples with what men have called THE GREAT COMMISSION.

Matt. 28:18-20

“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 28:19 Go,* and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 28:20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

These things are accented in the sacred writings. The apostles of Christ were faithful to give us these commandments as much of their writings are for that very purpose. Those who immerse themselves in Christ are aware of them. They will have a fighting chance in the last and evil days that will come on the Church at the end of the last days.

[Truthseeker]

What scripture are you referring to?

22:15 Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. Rev. 22:12-15


Many believe the earth will be purified with fire before NJ comes done from heaven, but if that is true where all them sinners come from out side the city? Also why would there need to be leafs for the healing of he nations?

[Michael The Disciple]

I like to MTD explain how all them sinners are outside the cityM

Start another thread asking me that question and we will discuss it.

[Sam]

earth abides forever according to Ecclesiastes 1:4

earth may be "destroyed" by fire the way it was destroyed by "water" in Noah's day.

[TGBTG]

So many act as if Gods word all boils down to a concept or two. When the whole counsel of God is rejected men fall right into the devils trap.

This should be so simple that any true Christian would be in agreement. The understanding that there is such a thing as Jesus having commands that are to be obeyed.

Those who cry for commandments to be shown demonstrate their lack of faith in Gods word. They read the Bible. They know what it says. The reality is they know but reject it.

Take this for an example.

Right in the heart of the context of my first post John the apostle by the Holy Ghost said this:

22:12 “Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work. 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 22:14 Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city. 22:15 Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. Rev. 22:12-15

As SOON as John mentions that ONLY those who DO his commandments are going to be saved he then gives a list of those who have lived APART FROM HIM and his commandments.


Its so very simple to people who are committed to Jesus and his teaching. And yet the Holy Spirit felt it neccessary to inspire John the apostle to IDENTIFY THE END TIME SAINTS WITH KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS OF JESUS.

No doubt this was done to attempt to awake many out of their sleep caused by the delusional teaching that men need do NOTHING to enter the kingdom.

In all the teaching concerning obedience LOVE is always the basis. Because one LOVES GOD they desire to keep his commands. Certainly all the law and prophets can be summed up in love toward God and his neighbor as Jesus said. Yet Jesus spelled out specific commands for his disciples to do. He must have thought this was NEEDFUL for their understanding.

Then he sent out his disciples with what men have called THE GREAT COMMISSION.

Matt. 28:18-20

“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 28:19 Go,* and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 28:20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

These things are accented in the sacred writings. The apostles of Christ were faithful to give us these commandments as much of their writings are for that very purpose. Those who immerse themselves in Christ are aware of them. They will have a fighting chance in the last and evil days that will come on the Church at the end of the last days.

MTD, you keep saying the same thing over and over again. The Apostle John you referenced above said this by the Holy Ghost:

1 John 3
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

At least, we are quoting the scripture that states EXPLICITLY what we believe the COMMANDMENTS are.

You keep saying there are other COMMANDMENTS, but yet, you have not listed any. How can you say we need to keep the COMMANDS and yet not list a SINGLE one of them?

Do you realize we are basically asking you "what must we do to be saved?"
And yet, you can't tell us how to be saved?

How can you say "we are not committed to Jesus' COMMANDMENTS, but yet you won't even mention a SINGLE of those commandments?

If you care about our souls, and yet, you won't tell us what to DO to save our souls? okayyyyyy then.....

[TGBTG]

So many act as if Gods word all boils down to a concept or two. When the whole counsel of God is rejected men fall right into the devils trap.

This should be so simple that any true Christian would be in agreement. The understanding that there is such a thing as Jesus having commands that are to be obeyed.

Those who cry for commandments to be shown demonstrate their lack of faith in Gods word. They read the Bible. They know what it says. The reality is they know but reject it.

On the contrary, we don't reject it. We actually quote it:
1 John 3:23
And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

Yes, Jesus has COMMANDS, and there it is above.

Take this for an example.

Right in the heart of the context of my first post John the apostle by the Holy Ghost said this:

22:12 “Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work. 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 22:14 Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city. 22:15 Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. Rev. 22:12-15

As SOON as John mentions that ONLY those who DO his commandments are going to be saved he then gives a list of those who have lived APART FROM HIM and his commandments.

Gal 5
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Those things mentioned in Revelations are "works of the flesh." If a person is loving God, he won't be walking according to the flesh.

[TGBTG]

MTD, for the record, I understand your point about the "sexually immoral, idolaters, etc..."

What I'm driving at is that a person who loves God will strive to keep himself from these things (works of the flesh).
However, a person who is not practicing these things per se might not necessarily be loving God and his neighbors...

[Michael The Disciple]

MTD, for the record, I understand your point about the "sexually immoral, idolaters, etc..."

What I'm driving at is that a person who loves God will strive to keep himself from these things (works of the flesh).
However, a person who is not practicing these things per se might not necessarily be loving God and his neighbors...

Yes so there are specific commandments. What is it that people have come to think we can just minimize things that the scriptures say? Yes it certainly is true that a person who loves God will strive for obedience. Will keep himself from the works of the flesh.

A person not doing this may not be loving God or his neighbor.Yes.

But WHY PRAY TELL does the scriptures mention MANY COMMANDMENTS of things to do and yet we have people who act as if they know only of two things. Love God. Love neighbor?

These are commandments. They should be EMPHASIZED STRONGLY.

But why is it something considered WRONG and to fight over if we mention OTHER THINGS that are specifically mentioned in commandment or instruction form in scripture.

Take this for instance:


4:2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 4:3 For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, 4:4 that each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 4:5 not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who don’t know God. 1 Thess. 4:2-5

Was it not inspired for Paul to tell us this? Was he just saying it of his own mind? Why did he bother? Why did he not say to all the Churches in all of his writings at all times "Love God and love your neighbor"?

Why did he ever need to say anything else? Do you realize that his writings at times have commandment after commandment after commandment written in them?

Why do you and others feel driven to criticize such teaching? If you are a dedicated disciple to Jesus you can probably yourself open to practically anyplace in the New Testament and begin to see things Christians are commanded, instructed, or admonished to DO.

Its not as if this is merely MY TEACHING.

Ask yourself "Why did the Apostles feel it essential to gives us MANY SPECIFICS of things to do or not to do"?

Had they been disobedient to Christ because they said the things they did?

Was the apostle John doing something wrong by mentioning that those who had the faith of Jesus were those who kept his commandments?

Have you ever noticed in the apostolic writings that many things are given for the reader to do or not to do?

[Truthseeker]

MTD. Started thread so you can answer.

[Michael The Disciple]

MTD, you keep saying the same thing over and over again. The Apostle John you referenced above said this by the Holy Ghost:

1 John 3
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

At least, we are quoting the scripture that states EXPLICITLY what we believe the COMMANDMENTS are.

You keep saying there are other COMMANDMENTS, but yet, you have not listed any. How can you say we need to keep the COMMANDS and yet not list a SINGLE one of them?

Do you realize we are basically asking you "what must we do to be saved?"
And yet, you can't tell us how to be saved?

How can you say "we are not committed to Jesus' COMMANDMENTS, but yet you won't even mention a SINGLE of those commandments?

If you care about our souls, and yet, you won't tell us what to DO to save our souls? okayyyyyy then.....

There has never been an issue as to whether I can give you commandments. I said the first time this demanding to know commandments began that the reason I am not doing it is because as soon as I do those who are fighting against it will simply brush it aside and start a new argument over it.

REMEMBER I SAID THAT?

Having said that I will now give the benefit of the doubt that there are maybe some who dont read their Bibles much and had no good teaching that really may not understand that their are many commandments.

I do this fully knowing there will be some who will now say that because I am doing it I am a "legalist" or compare me with the Pharisees, and attempt to prove I dont know how to walk in the Spirit.

Yet in the spirit of sincerity peradventure some reading this may desire the whole counsel of God I will proceed.

Jesus spent one day in teaching the things we can read in Matt 5-7 that were given for his disciples to do and not do.

I cannot post all of them here because of the space/word limitations of the Forum. However I am telling you or whoever may be interested that you may go there and read for yourselves.

Now after giving them a days worth of teaching he tells them this:

Matt. 7:21-23

7:21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 7:22 Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ 7:23 Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’

Why does he reject them? They did not do the will of God. Instead they worked iniquity.

In context of our discussion it might be asked why did Jesus go through all the trouble of teaching the things he did to those people? According to some here he needed not do it. When they sat down to listen why did he not say:

"Love God and love your neighbor".

It would have saved him that day from the labor of saying all that he said. They could have got up and went away saying now we have all the knowledge we need. It would have allowed Matthew to write one sentence in his gospel instead of three chapters.

Jesus felt the need here to EXPAND on his commandments. At other times he felt the need to SUMMARIZE them. Its not a case of one or the other.

All that Jesus said was true and needful. This is why its neccessary for us to know the whole counsel of God and also how to rightly divide the word of truth.

Be back with more for those who care....

[Michael The Disciple]

Now let us look into one of Pauls epistles and see if we can find commandments for the saints to do or not do.

We will just start at this point and see if we can find anything.

Ephesians 4:25-32

4:25 Therefore putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor. For we are members of one another. 4:26 “Be angry, and don’t sin.”* Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, 4:27 neither give place to the devil. 4:28 Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need. 4:29 Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear. 4:30 Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 4:31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice. 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

Eph. 5:1-7

5:1 Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children. 5:2 Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance. 5:3 But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints; 5:4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks.

5:5 Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.

5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. 5:7 Therefore don’t be partakers with them.

In this scripture portion Paul gives teachings or "commandments" to the Ephesian saints. Telling them how to be. What to do or not do. Then he says the wrath of God comes on people because of these things.

Then we could start here and perhaps find some more:

Eph. 5:15-33

5:15 Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise; 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 5:17 Therefore don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 5:18 Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 5:19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 5:20 giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father; 5:21 subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.

5:22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body. 5:24 But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything.

5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it; 5:26 that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, 5:27 that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 5:28 Even so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. 5:29 For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly; 5:30 because we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones. 5:31 “For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. The two will become one flesh.”* 5:32 This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly. 5:33 Nevertheless each of you must also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Do any of these things seem like commandments? Yes they all do.

Maybe there is more?

Ephesians 6:1-9

6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 6:2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise: 6:3 “that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.”*

6:4 You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

6:5 Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; 6:6 not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 6:7 with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; 6:8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free.

6:9 You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.

What we can see is there are large portions of the apostles teaching given to them by Christ which is commandment after commandment or we might say instruction after instruction. Or we might say admonition after admonition.

The saints are not supposed to see this as something grievous. Rather they are to embrace and internalize them that their lives would be changed. That they through the power of the Holy Ghost would be changed into the image of Jesus.

Is this a good start? :highfive

[Michael The Disciple]

Who wants to be part of the end time remnant? The point of the thread is to demonstrate that in Revelation the Holy Ghost on various occasions identifies this remant as having the faith of Jesus and keeping his commandments.

We hear a lot about people believing in Jesus but little about keeping his commandments. When God sees his people he sees them as inseparable from his word.

Yet another example from the book of Revelation:

Rev. 20:4

20:4 I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as didn’t worship the beast nor his image, and didn’t receive the mark on their forehead and on their hand.

The end time saints are killed for their witness for Christ and his word. One is not a true disciple of Jesus apart from obedience to his teaching.

This remnant will be given immortality even eternal life. Those who are not obedient children to Jesus will never enter into the tree of life nor the New Jerusalem.

[bbyrd009]

Very nice! Complete enough, in spirit anyway, that you might describe how Grace fits in? Ty

[bbyrd009]

and I note that you managed to keep hair out of it, lol, ty.

[Timmy]

and I note that you managed to keep hair out of it, lol, ty.

And what about meat offered to idols? And blood?

[bbyrd009]

And what about meat offered to idols? And blood?

Hey; and how did pork suddenly become not "Smoke in God's nostrils?"
This is why I asked where Grace fits in--I would not contend with anyone about what they may eat, and believe one is covered by Grace there while in ignorance, but at what point am I abusing Grace? Of course, this is a personal line.

[Michael The Disciple]

Bump for Aquila.

You are in this thread. Now for what I said in response to you and others see posts 30, 32,33.