GALATIANS 5:25 IN CONTEXT: Verse 23 "Now before the time for this trusting faithfulness came, we were imprisoned in subjection to the system which results from perverting the Torah into legalism, kept under guard until this yet-to-come trusting faithfulness would be revealed. 24 Accordingly, the Torah functioned as a custodian until the Messiah came, so that we might be declared righteous on the ground of trusting and being faithful. 25 But now that the time for this trusting faithfulness has come, we are no longer under a custodian."
-----------------Next we look at the word "custodian"
The Torah functioned as a custodian until the Messiah came. The word translated custodian is "paidagogos" in Greek. Literally 'boy-leader'. In Ancient Greece a paidagosis would be a harsh disciplinarian hired to do a job and the boy was required to obey him.
The Torah, because it was perverted into legalism served in the role of a harsh disciplinarian providing some protection but generally making the person aware of many sins. Now, no longer under legalism, but rather in Messiah we should turn from legalistic rule following and embrace God on the basis of our trusting and faithfulness in Jesus.
Just because we are no longer under a harsh disciplinarian - a custodian, (legalism of any sort) this does not mean we are free to live a lawless life. Rather we follow the example of faithfulness Jesus displayed.
John 14:23,24: Jesus says, Anyone who loves Me **WILL OBEY MY TEACHING**. My Father will love them, and We will come to them and make Our home with them. Anyone who does not love Me will not obey My teaching!"
Matthew 28:18-20: Jesus says, "**ALL AUTHORITY** in heaven and on earth has been given to **ME**. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations...Teaching them to **OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU**. And surely I am with you always!!"
I Corinthians 9:21: I am under **CHRIST'S LAW**!!
Galatians 6:2: Fulfill the **LAW OF CHRIST**!!
Galatians 3:23-25: "Before faith came, we were held prisoners by the {**OT**} law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, *WE* ARE NO LONGER UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE {**OT**} LAW!!"
*WE* ARE NO LONGER UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE LAW!!
Galatians 2:14-16,20,21; Paul said, When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs? We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners' know that a man is NOT justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.!"
Galatians 2:20,21: The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
Galatians 3:10-13: "All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith." The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, "The man who does these things will live by them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us!
Galatians 3:23-25: "Before faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, *WE* ARE NO LONGER UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE LAW!!"
Hebrews 7:18,19: The former regulation is SET ASIDE because it was weak and useless; for the law made nothing perfect, and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.!
Hebrews 8:8,9,13: "The time is coming." says the Lord, "when I will make a New Covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah".... By calling this Covenant "NEW", He has made the first one OBSOLETE; and what is OBSOLETE and aging will soon disappear."
Hebrews 8:6: But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which He is Mediator is SUPERIOR TO THE OLD ONE, and it is founded on better promises.
Colossians 2:16,17: Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you **EAT** or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a *SHADOW* of the things that were to come, the reality, however, is found in Christ!!!
**WE ARE NO LONGER UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE LAW** GALATIANS 3:25** IN THE OT LAW IN EXODUS 20:2 GOD SAYS, "YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME." HOWEVER, IN THE NT OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST IS CALLED **LORD** OVER 200 TIMES AND **GOD** 7 TIMES**!!
**WE ARE NO LONGER UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE LAW** Galatians 3:25
In the Old Covenant Law in Exodus 20:2: God says, "You shall have no other gods before Me!"
However, in the New Covenant our Lord and Savior is called **LORD** over 200 times and also **LORD OF LORDS* in Revelation 17:14. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is also called **GOD** **SEVEN TIMES** in the inspired New Testament in the following Scriptures and the {*7*} times Jesus is called **GOD** will be numbered {*1*} thru {*7*}.
And God the Father Himself called our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ **GOD** in Hebrews 1:6 below!! It was also prophesied in the OT in Isaiah 9:6 that Jesus would be called **MIGHTY GOD** in the future!!
Isaiah 9:6--7: For unto us a **CHILD** is born, to us a **SON** is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor ,**MIGHTY GOD**! and **PRINCE OF PEACE**. Of the greatness of His government **THERE WILL BE NO END**. He will reign on David's throne and over His Kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness **FROM THAT TIME ON AND ****FOREVER****.
John 1:1-3,18: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the {*1*} **WORD WAS GOD**. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that as been made...No one has ever seen God, but the One and only Son, who is {*2*}**HIMSELF GOD** and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known!
John 20:27-29: Jesus said to the doubting Thomas, "Put your finger here in My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe!" Thomas said to Him, My Lord and {*3*} **MY GOD**!" Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed, blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed!" {And so since Chuckles does not believe he is not blessed by Jesus!!}
Hebrews 1:1-3,6,8: In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us **BY HIS SON**, whom he appointed **HEIR OF ALL THINGS**, and **THROUGH WHOM HE MADE THE UNIVERSE**. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the **EXACT** representation of His being, sustaining al things by **HIS POWERFUL WORD! After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven... When God brings His firstborn into the world He says, "Let all God's angels **WORSHIP HIM**.... About the Son He says, "Your throne, {*4*}**O GOD**, will last for ever and ever, a scepter of justice will be the scepter of **YOUR KINGDOM**!"
Titus 2:13,14: We wait for the **BLESSED HOPE**--the glorious appearing of our **GREAT {*5*} GOD AND SAVIOR**, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify a people that are **HIS VERY OWN**, eager to do what is good!!
Philippians 2:5-10: In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Who being in very nature {*6*} **GOD**, did not consider Equality with {*7*} **GOD** something to be used to His own advantage; rather He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance like a man, he humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death--even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the **HIGHEST PLACE** and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus **EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW**, in heaven and on earth!! {Including Chuckles!!}
Hebrews 1:1-4,6: In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many tomes and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us b His Son. Whom He appointed heir of all things, and through Whom He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the **EXACT**representation of His being, and **SUSTAINING ALL THINGS BY HIS POWERFUL WORD**! After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Se He became as much superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is superior to theirs... God says, ""LET ALL GOD'S ANGELS **WORSHIP HIM**!"... About the Son God says, "Your throne, **O GOD**, will last **FOREVER**
Revelation 5:11-14: Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and then thousand times ten thousands They encircled the throne and the Living Creatures and the Elders. In a loud voice they were saying: :Worthy is the **LAMB** who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea and all that is in them, saying: "To Him who sits on the throne and to the**LAMB** be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" The Four Living Creatures said "**AMEN**," and the Elders fell down and worshiped.
Revelation 22:8,9: John said, " fell down to **WORSHIP** at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, "Don't do that I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this Book. **WORSHIP GOD**!"
It is interesting to note that only Jesus and His Father were **WORSHIPED BY EVERYONE IN HEAVEN** in Revelation 5:11-14 above; while the holy spirit is not even mentioned.
And why would everyone in heaven be worshiping the **LAMB JESUS** when it is a terrible sin to worship anyone but **GOD**!!
The **WORSHIP** of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ can also be found in Matthew 2:2,8,11; 14:33; 28:9,17 Luke 24:52 and John 9:38!! {Any worship of the holy spirit can not be found in God's Word!!}
Jesus is called **GOD** 7 times in God's Word and is called **LORD** over 200 times in the New Testament, and is **WORSHIPED** 10 times in the New Testament, and God's Word tells us to only **WORSHIP GOD** in Revelation 22:8,9 below!! While the holy spirit is never called **GOD** or **LORD** in God's Word and is **NEVER WORSHIPED** in God's Word!!
Revelation 3:21: Jesus says, "To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with Me on **MY THRONE**, just as I overcame and sat down with **MY FATHER ON HIS THRONE**!! {These are the **ONLY 2 THRONES** in the eternal New Jerusalem as per Revelation 22:3!!!}
Revelation 22:3: The **THRONE OF GOD** AND OF THE **LAMB** will be in the City ! {The **ETERNAL NEW JERUSALEM**} If the holy spirit was God he would certainly have a throne in the Eternal New Jerusalem!!
**JESUS CHRIST OUR GREAT GOD AND SAVIOR ALSO HAS COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT**:
Mark 1:7-8: John the Baptist said, "After me comes the One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down an untie. I baptize with water but **HE WILL BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT**!"
John 1:32-34: Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the spirit come down and remain is the One who will **BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT**.' I have seen and testify that this is God's Chosen One."
John 16:12-15: Jesus says, "I have much more to say to, more than you can now bear. But when he, the spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. **HE WILL NOT SPEAK ON HIS OWN**, he will only speak what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify Me because it is **FROM ME** that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said the spirit will **RECEIVE **FROM ME** WHAT HE WILL MAKE KNOWN TO YOU**!!"
Note: Jesus Christ is called the **LAMB** 30 times in the book of Revelation and the holy spirit is called the **7 SPIRITS** 4 times in Revelation:
Revelation 3:1: Jesus says, "These are the words of Him who **HOLDS** the **7 SPIRITS OF GOD**!" {See John 16:12-15 above!}
Revelation 4:5: In front of the {Father's} **THRONE** 7 lamps were blazing. These are the **7 SPIRITS OF GOD**.
Revelation 5:6: The **LAMB** had 7 horns and 7 eyes which are the **7 SPIRITS OF GOD** sent out into all the earth! {See John 16:12-15 above}
And so Jesus **HOLDS** the 7 spirits of God or holy spirit which **HE SENDS** out into all the earth when He **BAPTIZES WITH THE HOLY SPIRIY OR 7 SPIRITS OF GOD** all the new converts whom the Father has called and chosen!
Hebrews 1:1-4,6: In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many tomes and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us b His Son. Whom He appointed heir of all things, and through Whom He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the **EXACT**representation of His being, and **SUSTAINING ALL THINGS BY HIS POWERFUL WORD**! After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Se He became as much superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is superior to theirs... God says, ""LET ALL GOD'S ANGELS **WORSHIP HIM**!"... About the Son God says, "Your throne, **O GOD**, will last **FOREVER**
Revelation 5:11-14: Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and then thousand times ten thousands They encircled the throne and the Living Creatures and the Elders. In a loud voice they were saying: :Worthy is the **LAMB** who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea and all that is in them, saying: "To Him who sits on the throne and to the**LAMB** be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" The Four Living Creatures said "**AMEN**," and the Elders fell down and worshiped.
Revelation 22:8,9: John said, " fell down to **WORSHIP** at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, "Don't do that I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this Book. **WORSHIP GOD**!"
It is interesting to note that only Jesus and His Father were **WORSHIPED BY EVERYONE IN HEAVEN** in Revelation 5:11-14 above; while the holy spirit is not even mentioned.
And why would everyone in heaven be worshiping the **LAMB JESUS** when it is a terrible sin to worship anyone but **GOD**!!
The **WORSHIP** of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ can also be found in Matthew 2:2,8,11; 14:33; 28:9,17 Luke 24:52 and John 9:38!! {Any worship of the holy spirit can not be found in God's Word!!}
Jesus is called **GOD** 7 times in God's Word and is called **LORD** over 200 times in the New Testament, and is **WORSHIPED** 10 times in the New Testament, and God's Word tells us to only **WORSHIP GOD** in Revelation 22:8,9 below!! While the holy spirit is never called **GOD** or **LORD** in God's Word and is **NEVER WORSHIPED** in God's Word!!
Revelation 3:21: Jesus says, "To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with Me on **MY THRONE**, just as I overcame and sat down with **MY FATHER ON HIS THRONE**!! {These are the **ONLY 2 THRONES** in the eternal New Jerusalem as per Revelation 22:3!!!}
Revelation 22:3: The **THRONE OF GOD** AND OF THE **LAMB** will be in the City ! {The **ETERNAL NEW JERUSALEM**} If the holy spirit was God he would certainly have a throne in the Eternal New Jerusalem!!
**JESUS CHRIST OUR GREAT GOD AND SAVIOR ALSO HAS COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT**:
Mark 1:7-8: John the Baptist said, "After me comes the One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down an untie. I baptize with water but **HE WILL BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT**!"
John 1:32-34: Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the spirit come down and remain is the One who will **BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT**.' I have seen and testify that this is God's Chosen One."
John 16:12-15: Jesus says, "I have much more to say to, more than you can now bear. But when he, the spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. **HE WILL NOT SPEAK ON HIS OWN**, he will only speak what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify Me because it is **FROM ME** that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said the spirit will **RECEIVE **FROM ME** WHAT HE WILL MAKE KNOWN TO YOU**!!"
Note: Jesus Christ is called the **LAMB** 30 times in the book of Revelation and the holy spirit is called the **7 SPIRITS** 4 times in Revelation:
Revelation 3:1: Jesus says, "These are the words of Him who **HOLDS** the **7 SPIRITS OF GOD**!" {See John 16:12-15 above!}
Revelation 4:5: In front of the {Father's} **THRONE** 7 lamps were blazing. These are the **7 SPIRITS OF GOD**.
Revelation 5:6: The **LAMB** had 7 horns and 7 eyes which are the **7 SPIRITS OF GOD** sent out into all the earth! {See John 16:12-15 above}
And so Jesus **HOLDS** the 7 spirits of God or holy spirit which **HE SENDS** out into all the earth when He **BAPTIZES WITH THE HOLY SPIRIY OR 7 SPIRITS OF GOD** all the new converts whom the Father has called and chosen!
**IS THE HOLY SPIRIT **CO-EQUAL** WITH GOD THE FATHER AND OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST**??
It is interesting to note after the 4 Gospels and Acts there are 22 letters and the Book of Revelation that are inspired by God. In each of these books there is an **INTRODUCTION** by **GOD THE FATHER** and our **LORD JESUS CHRIST** and the holy spirit, who many say is **CO-EQUAL** with **GOD THE FATHER ** and our **LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST**, is not even mentioned once!!!
Romans 1:7: Grace and peace to you from **GOD OUR FATHER** and from the **LORD JESUS CHRIST**!
I Corinthians 1:3: Grace and peace to you from **GOD OUR FATHER** and the **LORD JESUS CHRIST**
2 Corinthians1:2: Grace and peace to you from **GOD OUR FATHER** and the **LORD JESUS CHRIST**
Galatians 1:3: Grace and peace to you from **GOD OUR FATHER** and the **LORD JESUS CHRIST**!
Ephesians 1:3: Grace and peace to you from **GOD OUR FATHER** and the **LORD JESUS CHRIST**!
Philippians 1:2: Grace and peace to you from **GOD OUR FATHER** and the **LORD JESUS CHRIST**
Colossians 1:3: We always thank **GOD THE FATHER** of our **LORD JESUS CHRIST**, when we pray for you!
I Thessalonians 1:1: To the church of the Thessalonians in **GOD THE FATHER** and the **LORD JESUS CHRIST**!
2 Thessalonians 1: Grace and peace to you from **GOD THE FATHER** and the **LORD JESUS CHRIST**!
I Timothy 1:2: Grace, mercy and peace from **GOD THE FATHER** and **CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD**!
2 Timothy 1:2: Grace, mercy and peace from **GOD THE FATHER** and **CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD**!
Titus 1:4: Grace and peace from **GOD THE FATHER** and **JESUS CHRIST OUR SAVIOR**!
Philemon1:3: Grace and peace to you from **GOD THE FATHER** and the **LORD JESUS CHRIST**!
James 1:1: James, a servant of **GOD** and of the **LORD JESUS CHRIST**!
I Peter 1:3: Praise be to the **GOD AND FATHER** of our **LORD JESUS CHRIST**!
2 Peter 1:2: Grace and peace be yours through the knowledge of **GOD** and of **JESUS OUR LORD**!
I John 1:3: Our fellowship is with the **FATHER** and with His Son, **JESUS CHRIST**!
2 John 1:3 Grace, mercy and peace from **GOD THE FATHER** and from **JESUS CHRIST**, the **FATHER'S SON**!
Jude 1:1: To those who have been called, who are loved in **GOD THE FATHER** and kept for **JESUS CHRIST**!
Revelation 22:16: "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony {All of Revelation} **FOR THE CHURCHES**!
And in Hebrews 1:1-8 there is more glorious introduction of **GOD THE FATHER** and the **LORD JESUS CHRIST**!
And in Hebrews 1:1-3,6,8; Paul is inspired to write: "In the past **GOD** {The *FATHER*} spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by **HIS SON**His, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. The **SON** is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word... God says, "Let all God's angels **WORSHIP HIM**!!" and about **HIS SON GOD** says, **YOUR THRONE**, **O GOD** will last for ever and ever!!" {The **THRONE** of Jesus will last **FOR EVER AND EVER** in the **ETERNAL NEW JERUSALEM**!!}
Revelation 3:21,22: Jesus says, "To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with Me on **MY THRONE**, just as I overcame and sat down with **MY FATHER ON HIS THRONE**!! These are the **ONLY 2 THRONES** in the eternal New Jerusalem as per Revelation 22:3 below!!! The holy spirit who many say are CO-EQUAL** with **GOD OUR FATHER** and our **LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST** does not have a **THRONE** in our **ETERNAL HOME IN THE NEW JERUSALEM**!!
NOTE: Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is called the **LAMB** 30 times in the Book of Revelation!
Revelation 22:3: The **THRONE OF GOD** and of the **LAMB**will be in the City! {In our **ETERNAL** Home in the New Jerusalem}
Revelation 21:22-23: I did not see a temple in the City, because the **LORD GOD ALMIGHTY** and the **LAMB** are its temple. The City does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of **GOD** gives it light and the **LAMB** is its Lamp!!
Chuckles and Satan teach that we are saved by our own good works and obeying Old Testament laws??
**BUT WHAT DOES GOD'S WORD SAY**??
**SALVATION IS 100% FREE WHILE ETERNAL HEAVENLY** REWARDS** ARE 100% EARNED**!!
**SALVATION IS 100% FREE**
Titus 3:3,4: At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and **LOVE** of God our Savior appeared , He saved us, **NOT BECAUSE OF RIGHTEOUS THINGS WE HAD DONE**, but because of **HIS MERCY**!!
John 1:12,13: To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God--children born not of natural descent, **NOR OF A HUMAN DECISION** or a husband's will but, **BORN OF GOD**!!
John 6:37,39,44,65: Jesus says, "**ALL** that the Father gives Me **WILL** come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will **NEVER** drive away... And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall **LOSE NONE** of all that He has given Me, but raise them up at the Last Day.... No one can come to Me **UNLESS** the Father who sent Me **DRAWS HIM**, and I will raise him up at the Last Day!!... No one can come to Me **UNLESS** the Father has **ENABLED THEM**!!"
Ephesians 2:8,9: For it is by **GRACE** you have been saved, through **FAITH**—and this **NOT FROM YOURSELVES**, it is the **GIFT OF GOD**—not by works. So that no one can boast. For we are **GOD'S WORKMANSHIP**, created in Christ Jesus to do **GOOD WORKS**, which God prepared in advance for us to do!
Romans 12:3: For by the **GRACE GIVEN ME** I say to every one of you. Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourselves with sober judgment, in accordance with the **FAITH GOD HAS DISTRIBUTED TO EACH OF YOU**... We have different gifts, according to the **GRACE GIVEN TO EACH OF US**!!
Romans 9:15,16,18: God says, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God's mercy...Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden. {But God's saints still preach God's Word to everyone}
John 15:16: Jesus says, You did not choose Me, but I **CHOSE YOU**and appointed you so that you might bear **FRUIT**--**FRUIT** that will last!!
Matthew 22:14: Jesus says, "MANY ARE INVITED**, but few are **CHOSEN**!"
Mar 13:20: Jesus says, "If the Lord had not cut short those days, no on would survive, but for the sake of the **ELECT**, whom He has **CHOSEN, He has shortened them!"
{The Lord has shortened the Great Tribulation from 3 1/2 years or 1278 days to 1260 days}
John 13:18: Jesus says, "I am not referring to all of you, I know those I have **CHOSEN**!
Ephesians 1:4-8; 11,12: In love He **PREDESTINED** us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will--to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves, In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding... In Him we were also **CHOSEN**, having been **PREDESTINED** in accordance to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity to the purpose of His will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be to the **PRAISE OF HIS GLORY**!!
I Thessalonians 1:4: For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has **CHOSEN YOU**, because our Gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction!
I Peter 2:9: But you are a **CHOSEN PEOPLE**, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you might declare the praise of Him who **CALLED YOU** out of darkness into His wonderful light!!
Revelation 17:14: They will make war against the **LAMB** but the **LAMB** will overcome them because He is **LORD** of lords and **KING** of kings and with Him will be His **CALLED** **CHOSEN** and **FAITHFUL** followers!! {Riding on white horses right after the Marriage Feast of the **LAMB** as per Revelation 19:7-20!}
Romans 6:23: The wages of sin is death, but the **GIFT OF GOD** is **ETERNAL LIFE**!
God's Word clearly teaches that faith, salvation, the Holy Spirit and eternal life are all 100 percent **FREE GIFTS OF GOD** and that the two main incentives for doing good works is being thankful to God for these amazing **FREE GIFTS** and to **EARN HEAVENLY ETERNAL REWARDS** which God has promised His chosen saints for faithful and loving service. Whereas those who believe in **SINLESS PERFECTION** believe that we have to earn our salvation and eternal life by doing **GOOD WORKS** and being **SINLESS** and that the only eternal reward is gaining eternal life by what we do; and if we commit even one small sin after we are saved we will loose our salvation and eternal life. And so man and not God becomes the Author and Finisher of our salvation.
**AND SO SALVATION IS 100 PERCENT **FREE** but **ETERNAL REWARDS** are 100 percent **EARNED**!!
Hebrews 11:1,6: Now faith is confidence in what **WE HOPE FOR** and the assurance about **WHAT WE DO NOT SEE**.. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him **MUST BELIEVE** that He exists and that **HE **REWARDS** THOSE WHO EARNESTLY SEEK HIM!
Ephesians 6:8: Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will **REWARD** everyone for what ever good he does!
Revelation 22:12 Jesus says, “Behold I am coming soon! My **REWARD** is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done!”
Matthew 16:27: Jesus says, “The Son of Man is going to come in His Father's glory with His angels and **THEN** He will **REWARD** each person according to what he has done!”
Luke 6:29,30,35,36: Jesus says, "If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to anyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back... Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting anything back. Then your **REWARD WILL BE GREAT**, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful. just as your Father is merciful!"
Luke 14:13,14: Jesus says, "When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be **BLESSED**. Although they cannot repay you you will be **REPAID AT THE RESURRECTION** of the righteous!"
2 Corinthians 5:9,10: We make it our goal to please Him... for we must all appear before the Judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive **WHAT IS DUE HIM** for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
1 Corinthians 3:13-15: His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his **REWARD**. If it is burned up he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
2 John 1:8: Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be **REWARDED FULLY**!
**HOW TO WIN ETERNAL TREASURES IN HEAVEN**
Luke 11:33,34: Jesus says, "Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a **TREASURE** IN HEAVEN** {Not Treasures on Earth} that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your **TREASURE** is, there your **HEART** will be also!"
I Timothy 6:17-19: Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be **GENEROUS AND WILLING TO SHARE**. In this way they will lay up **TREASURE** for themselves as a firm foundation **FOR THE COMING AGE**, do that they may take hold of life that is truly life!
Matthew 6:1-4; 19-21: Jesus says, "When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and the streets, to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will **REWARD** you!"... "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves **TREASURES IN HEAVEN**, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your **TREASURE** is, there your **HEART** will be also!"
HOW TO WIN ETERNAL HEAVENLY CROWNS**
I Corinthians 9:24-27: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes in to strict training. They do it to get a **CROWN** that will not last; but we do it to get a **CROWN THAT WILL LAST FOREVER**! Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize!
Revelation 3:11: Jesus says, “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your **CROWN**!”
2 Timothy 4:7,8: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the **CROWN** of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me **ON THAT DAY**—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing!
The **CROWN** of Life for those who persevere under trials and persecution:
James 1:12: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the **CROWN OF LIFE** that God has promised to those who love Him!
Revelation 2:10 Jesus says, “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer... Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the **CROWN OF LIFE**!”
Matthew 5:11,12: Jesus says, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your **REWARD IN HEAVEN**!”
Luke6:22,23: Jesus says, "Blessed are you when people hate you, when they reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and **JUMP FOR JOY**, because great is your **REWARD IN HEAVEN**!"
! Daniel 12:3: Those who impart wisdom will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness like the stars for ever and ever!!
Matthew 19:29: Jesus says, "Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children **FOR MY SAKE** will receive a **HUNDRED TIMES AS MUCH** and will inherit eternal life!!"
