THE GOSPEL

[Doug]

This is the gospel by which we are saved.

1 Corinthians 15 contains Paul's gospel:

[1Co 15:1, 3-4 KJV] 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; ... 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

We are all sinners who cannot save ourselves.

See Romans 3:23 Titus 3:5 Romans 5:6

[Rom 3:23 KJV] 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

[Tit 3:5 KJV] 5 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;

[Rom 5:6 KJV] 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Christ died for our sins; He was our substitute; He paid the full penalty and debt for our sin by his blood sacrifice.

See 2 Corinthians 5:21 Romans 3:24 Romans 3:25 Romans 3:26

[2Co 5:21 KJV] 21 For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

[Rom 3:24-26 KJV] 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; 26 To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

He was buried.

He rose again for our justification (to declare us righteous) and forgiveness of all our sin. He gives us His righteousness and eternal life.

See Romans 4:25 Ephesians 1:7 Romans 4:22 Romans 4:23 Romans 4:24 1 Corinthians 1:30

[Rom 4:22-25 KJV] 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

[Eph 1:7 KJV] 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

[1Co 1:30 KJV] 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

All we have to do is believe the gospel.

See Romans 4:5 1 Corinthians 1:21 Ephesians 1:13

[Rom 4:5 KJV] 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

[1Co 1:21 KJV] 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

[Eph 1:13 KJV] 13 In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Believing is being persuaded that something is true.

See Romans 4:20-22

[Rom 4:20-22 KJV] 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

The moment you believe you have eternal life.

Titus 1:1 Titus 1:2 Titus 3:7

[Tit 1:1-2 KJV] 1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

[Tit 3:7 KJV] 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Trust the gospel of your salvation. Place your faith in Jesus Christ, in his blood, in his death and his resurrection.

 

[mailmandan]

Amen! The gospel message is the "good news" of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes.. (Romans 1:16) To "believe" the gospel is to trust in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of our salvation.

 

[MatthewG]

Hello to the Original Poster,

While yes this is the good news, there also encompasses the merit of eschatology and Yeshua having to come return to gather the bride! There is good news because in that time to escape the wrath was to believe on the one whom sent Yeshua. Today the great news is the victory of Yeshua overcoming all things, hell, sin, death, Satan! And all things become a new in him. I think it would be ashamed not to consider what else was written in there concerning those saints in that day and age as well.

Either way what people believe concerning those things is between them and Yahavah, and the good news is the death, burial and resurrection today; and that all things have been restored because God in and through Christ bringing reconciliation to the world which he is not mad or angry with any group of people.

It’s just the tree of life or the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Everyone must choose, faith or no faith.

 

[FaithWillDo]

This is the gospel by which we are saved.

Dear Doug,
There is a pathway that Christ causes His Elect to travel to their salvation. That pathway begins when Christ comes to a person and freely gives them the Early Rain of the Spirit. He gives the person this gift without their permission and without their asking for it. Paul's Damascus Road experience is an example of how Christ gives a person the Early Rain of the Spirit.

AFTER Christ has given a person the Early Rain of the Spirit, their heart and mind will be changed. They will then have a "measure of faith" and will make a confession of faith when presented the Gospel. Without this free gift of the Spirit, no one would ever accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.

The verses below apply:

1Cor 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Spirit.

Rom 3:10 As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

1Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

But since the Early Rain of the Spirit leaves a person carnally minded, spiritually blind and unconverted, they will remain a babe and will easily fall prey to Satan's deceptions. It cannot be avoided.

Isa 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts (converted Elect believers). 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11 For with stammering lips and another language (Christ's spiritual language) will he speak to this people. 12 But the word of the LORD was unto them (babes who draw milk) precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken (by Satan).

Mat 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself SEVEN other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

The spiritual symbol of an unclean spirit represents a spirit which teaches Satan's false truth through lies and deceptions.

Since a new believer remains spiritually blind (Mark 8:21-25) after receiving the Early Rain of the Spirit, they cannot replace their worldly false beliefs with the truth of Christ. ONE unclean spirit leaves but comes back with SEVEN more. The number "seven" represents perfection. In this case, the number seven represents the perfection of Satan's lies/deceptions which come to a believer by the indwelling of the spirit of anti-Christ. Now, instead of ONE unclean spirit within the believer, they now have EIGHT. The number eight is a spiritual symbol which represents a new spiritual condition. In this case, the new spiritual condition is worse than the first.

This "worse than the first" spiritual condition causes the believer to become a False Prophet, a Man of Sin, a Minister of Satan and a Seven Headed Beast with Ten Horns & Crowns.

To restore and convert a fallen away babe, Christ will come to them a second time (called the Second Coming of Christ) and pour out the Latter Rain of the Spirit. This is the baptism of the Spirit that the Apostles received on the Day of Pentecost and is what Paul received after being in Damascus for three days.

After the babe receives the Latter Rain of the Spirit, Christ will appear to them and gather the newly born child of God to heaven. This is a spiritual change of dwelling place and not a physical change. After the child of God is gathered to heaven, judgment will fall on the person to remove all the things within them that has made them carnally minded and sinful. Mat 24:37-41 and Rev 19:11-21 describe this judgment event. After the person's judgment is complete, the person will be converted and saved.

You said:
All we have to do is believe the gospel.

If you are implying that a person has "works" to perform in order to receive their salvation from Christ, that is not true. Mankind has no works of their own to perform to be saved because Christ is the one who does all the works. The works that Christ does are spiritual works which He performs "within" a person. He is the one who causes the person to "will and do of His good pleasure" and He is the one who causes the person to make a confession of faith. He leaves nothing up to the person's "will".

Phil 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Prov 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

When Christ is ready to save a person, He will give them the Early Rain of the Spirit which will cause them to "believe". Christ will then return at a later time to the "babe" after their time of waiting is complete (like waiting on the Bridegroom to return). When Christ "comes again" to them, He will pour out the Latter Rain of the Spirit, followed by His judgment. This is what must happen for a person to be converted & saved and it all happens solely by the works of Christ. Christ is the Savior and He does all the works of saving us. Mankind has no choice in the matter because it is God's "will" to save us all and His "will" will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

John 1:13 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Dan 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according to his will in the army of the heavens, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Job 23:13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, that will he do.

Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

You said:
Believing is being persuaded that something is true.

"Believing" is more than just recognizing that Jesus is the Christ - it is also having "faith" to trust Christ to do all the things that He has said He will do.

Has Christ given you the necessary faith to believe these scriptures below?

Rom 5:18 so then as it was by one offence towards all men to condemnation, so by one righteousness towards all men for justification of life. 19 For as indeed by the disobedience of the one man the many have been constituted sinners, so also by the obedience of the one the many will be constituted righteous.

1Cor 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Phi 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 and that every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

1Tim 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Or do you believe that a person's salvation requires certain "works" from them, therefore, Christ cannot possibly save all mankind regardless of what these verses above proclaim?

Joe

 

[Doug]

Amen! The gospel message is the "good news" of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes.. (Romans 1:16) To "believe" the gospel is to trust in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of our salvation.

Very good

 

[Doug]

Hello to the Original Poster,

While yes this is the good news, there also encompasses the merit of eschatology and Yeshua having to come return to gather the bride! There is good news because in that time to escape the wrath was to believe on the one whom sent Yeshua. Today the great news is the victory of Yeshua overcoming all things, hell, sin, death, Satan! And all things become a new in him. I think it would be ashamed not to consider what else was written in there concerning those saints in that day and age as well.

Either way what people believe concerning those things is between them and Yahavah, and the good news is the death, burial and resurrection today; and that all things have been restored because God in and through Christ bringing reconciliation to the world which he is not mad or angry with any group of people.

It’s just the tree of life or the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Everyone must choose, faith or no faith.

You said "having to come return to gather the bride!

Who is the bride of Christ?

[Rev 21:9-10 KJV] 9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. 10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

The Bride is Jerusalem

You said " in that time to escape the wrath was to believe on the one whom sent Yeshua.

[Jhn 20:31 KJV] 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

The Jews had to believe on the name of Christ
believe he was the Christ The Son of God

 

[Doug]

Dear Doug,
There is a pathway that Christ causes His Elect to travel to their salvation. That pathway begins when Christ comes to a person and freely gives them the Early Rain of the Spirit. He gives the person this gift without their permission and without their asking for it. Paul's Damascus Road experience is an example of how Christ gives a person the Early Rain of the Spirit.

AFTER Christ has given a person the Early Rain of the Spirit, their heart and mind will be changed. They will then have a "measure of faith" and will make a confession of faith when presented the Gospel. Without this free gift of the Spirit, no one would ever accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.

The verses below apply:

1Cor 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Spirit.

Rom 3:10 As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

1Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

But since the Early Rain of the Spirit leaves a person carnally minded, spiritually blind and unconverted, they will remain a babe and will easily fall prey to Satan's deceptions. It cannot be avoided.

Isa 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts (converted Elect believers). 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11 For with stammering lips and another language (Christ's spiritual language) will he speak to this people. 12 But the word of the LORD was unto them (babes who draw milk) precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken (by Satan).

Mat 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself SEVEN other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

The spiritual symbol of an unclean spirit represents a spirit which teaches Satan's false truth through lies and deceptions.

Since a new believer remains spiritually blind (Mark 8:21-25) after receiving the Early Rain of the Spirit, they cannot replace their worldly false beliefs with the truth of Christ. ONE unclean spirit leaves but comes back with SEVEN more. The number "seven" represents perfection. In this case, the number seven represents the perfection of Satan's lies/deceptions which come to a believer by the indwelling of the spirit of anti-Christ. Now, instead of ONE unclean spirit within the believer, they now have EIGHT. The number eight is a spiritual symbol which represents a new spiritual condition. In this case, the new spiritual condition is worse than the first.

This "worse than the first" spiritual condition causes the believer to become a False Prophet, a Man of Sin, a Minister of Satan and a Seven Headed Beast with Ten Horns & Crowns.

To restore and convert a fallen away babe, Christ will come to them a second time (called the Second Coming of Christ) and pour out the Latter Rain of the Spirit. This is the baptism of the Spirit that the Apostles received on the Day of Pentecost and is what Paul received after being in Damascus for three days.

After the babe receives the Latter Rain of the Spirit, Christ will appear to them and gather the newly born child of God to heaven. This is a spiritual change of dwelling place and not a physical change. After the child of God is gathered to heaven, judgment will fall on the person to remove all the things within them that has made them carnally minded and sinful. Mat 24:37-41 and Rev 19:11-21 describe this judgment event. After the person's judgment is complete, the person will be converted and saved.

You said:
All we have to do is believe the gospel.

If you are implying that a person has "works" to perform in order to receive their salvation from Christ, that is not true. Mankind has no works of their own to perform to be saved because Christ is the one who does all the works. The works that Christ does are spiritual works which He performs "within" a person. He is the one who causes the person to "will and do of His good pleasure" and He is the one who causes the person to make a confession of faith. He leaves nothing up to the person's "will".

Phil 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Prov 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

When Christ is ready to save a person, He will give them the Early Rain of the Spirit which will cause them to "believe". Christ will then return at a later time to the "babe" after their time of waiting is complete (like waiting on the Bridegroom to return). When Christ "comes again" to them, He will pour out the Latter Rain of the Spirit, followed by His judgment. This is what must happen for a person to be converted & saved and it all happens solely by the works of Christ. Christ is the Savior and He does all the works of saving us. Mankind has no choice in the matter because it is God's "will" to save us all and His "will" will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

John 1:13 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Dan 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according to his will in the army of the heavens, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Job 23:13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, that will he do.

Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

You said:
Believing is being persuaded that something is true.

"Believing" is more than just recognizing that Jesus is the Christ - it is also having "faith" to trust Christ to do all the things that He has said He will do.

Has Christ given you the necessary faith to believe these scriptures below?

Rom 5:18 so then as it was by one offence towards all men to condemnation, so by one righteousness towards all men for justification of life. 19 For as indeed by the disobedience of the one man the many have been constituted sinners, so also by the obedience of the one the many will be constituted righteous.

1Cor 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Phi 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 and that every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

1Tim 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Or do you believe that a person's salvation requires certain "works" from them, therefore, Christ cannot possibly save all mankind regardless of what these verses above proclaim?

Joe

You said If you are implying that a person has "works" to perform in order to receive their salvation from Christ, that is not true.

I did not imply that

You said When Christ is ready to save a person, He will give them the Early Rain of the Spirit which will cause them to "believe".

Where does Paul speak of this early and latter rain?

You said "Believing" is more than just recognizing that Jesus is the Christ - it is also having "faith" to trust Christ to do all the things that He has said He will do.

I said
Trust the gospel of your salvation. Place your faith in Jesus Christ, in his blood, in his death and his resurrection.

I did not say we just recognize Jesus is Christ that was what Israel had to believe before the cross.

We have to believe the gospel.

All we have to do is believe the gospel.

See Romans 4:5 1 Corinthians 1:21 Ephesians 1:13

Believing is being persuaded that something is true.

See Romans 4:21

 

[MatthewG]

Hello @Doug,

Yes, the bride continues to call just as the spirit does. The bride was taken and the wrath fell upon Israel in 70Ad. Thank you for your reply, we tend to cut away a lot of the bible when we go by single notions.

Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

 

[FaithWillDo]

You said If you are implying that a person has "works" to perform in order to receive their salvation from Christ, that is not true.

Dear Doug,
Where does Paul speak of this early and latter rain?

The Early and Latter Rain concept is contained in the farming analogy which teaches the pathway to salvation. James uses this analogy in James chapter 5.

Rain is a "spirit" word (John 6:63) which represents the Holy Spirit.

Paul doesn't use the farming analogy very much in his teachings (he uses the marriage analogy) but he does refer to "rain" in the verses below.

Acts 14:17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain (both the Early and Latter Rains) from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food (bread & New Wine) and gladness.

Heb 6:7 For the earth (carnal mankind) which drinketh in the rain (the Early Rain) that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs (babes/new believers) meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

This is the related verse to Heb 6:7:

Deu 32:2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain (Early Rain) upon the tender herb (babes/new believers), and as the showers (Latter Rain) upon the grass (converted believers):

As for your other comments, mankind has no works to perform to be saved. Christ supplies everything - even our confession of faith. To carnal mankind, the truth of Christ is "foolishness" and they can't accept it (or even understand it). Because all mankind is in this carnal and sinful condition, Christ will come to a person and freely give them the Early Rain of the Spirit.

The Early Rain of the Spirit is a "small amount" or "measure" of the Spirit:

Job 37:6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain (Early Rain), and to the great rain (Latter Rain) of his strength.

Joel 2:23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in Jehovah your God; for he giveth you the former rain (Early Rain) in just measure, and he causes to come down for you the rain, the former rain and the latter rain, in the first month.

Since the Early Rain of the Spirit is given in measure, it will leave the person carnally minded, spiritually blind and unconverted - but it will give the person a "measure of faith" (and other spiritual gifts) so that they will call Jesus "Lord" when presented the Gospel. Without the Spirit, no person can call Jesus "Lord" (1Cor 12:3).

The Apostles (and many other Jews) received the Early Rain of the Spirit (the small amount/not the baptism) when they walked with Christ. It was the Early Rain of the Spirit that caused them to believe.

The verses below refer to the time when Peter made a confession of faith:

Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

It is only with the Holy Spirit indwelling a person (even a small amount like the Early Rain) that they can recognize Jesus as the Christ and call Him "Lord". Without this gift, a person will remain an unbeliever until they die.

If a person claims that they made a free will decision to call Jesus "Lord" apart from the Spirit indwelling them, they are stealing from the work that Christ did within them beforehand.

Prov 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

Christ prepares a person's heart by giving them the Early Rain of the Spirit. Afterwards, when they are presented the Gospel, they will make a confession of faith. It seems to the person that they make this decision from their supposed free will ability but this is not true. They made their decision because Christ caused it to happen by giving them the Early Rain of the Spirit beforehand. This is how Christ begins the salvation process within a person. It happens solely because Christ decided to do it and not because of anything that the person decided.

In this age, Christ is calling "many" people to be saints but He only chose a "few" of them to actually become saints.

Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

The "many" who are called to be saints are given the Early Rain of the Spirit which will cause them to make a confession of faith. This is when a person will enter the church. But soon afterwards, Satan will come to them and deceive them. This will cause them to "fall away" and become "worse than the first". They cannot avoid it happening due to their remaining spiritual blindness and carnal mindedness.

For a "few" of the "many" who have been chosen for salvation in this age, Christ will come to them a second time and pour out the Latter Rain of the Spirit. This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and is what Peter and the others received on the Day of Pentecost. Judgment immediately followed to complete their conversion.

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT POST...

 

[FaithWillDo]

You said If you are implying that a person has "works" to perform in order to receive their salvation from Christ, that is not true.

CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS POST...

In the marriage analogy, the Early Rain of the Spirit occurs when a person is betrothed to Christ and when they are made into a "chaste virgin".

2Cor 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Paul uses this analogy in some of his teachings. The "chaste virgin" then has to wait for the Bridegroom to return for the marriage/salvation event. But since the "chaste virgin" will spiritually fornicate with Satan before the Bridegroom appears, Christ will come to those who are chosen (the few) a second time and restore them with the Latter Rain of the Spirit. This is the extra flask of oil mentioned in the Parable of the Ten Virgins. After the person is restored, Christ will appear to them because the Latter Rain of the Spirit will heal their spiritual blindness. Christ will then gather His virgin to heaven and the marriage will occur. This will be followed by the marriage supper where Christ will feed His new bride his bread and New Wine (Truth). Judgment will then commence to complete His bride's conversion. This spiritual process of salvation is taught in Revelation chapter 19.

Back to Paul, notice how Paul addresses his letter to the Corinthian church.

1Cor 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

Paul says that the Corinthian believers have been "called to be saints" because they have only received the Early Rain of the Spirit. Their calling and election has not yet been made sure by their "confirmation" of receiving the Latter Rain of the Spirit:

Psa 68:9 Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful Rain (Latter Rain), whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance (elect status), when it was weary (fallen away).

The Corinthian believers are not saints yet but Paul is confident that they will be.

Now notice what Paul says in the next few verses:

1Cor 1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you (Early Rain/confession of faith): 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (like a virgin waiting on the Bridegroom): 8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end (Latter Rain), that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The "Day of the Lord" is when Christ judges a person. If a believer has both the Early and Latter Rains of the Spirit, they will be "blameless" (not condemned by the Law) during their time of judgment.

The "type" taught by Christ in John 8:3-11 about a woman taken in adultery teaches when a person comes out from being condemned by the Law. The woman represents carnal mankind. When Christ writes in the earth the first time, He is symbolically writing His Law of the Spirit in the woman's heart. This is the Early Rain of the Spirit. When Christ writes in the earth a second time, this represents the woman receiving the Latter Rain of the Spirit. After Christ writes in the earth the first time, the Pharisees (who administer the Law) still accuse the woman of sin. After Christ writes in the earth the second time, the Pharisees drop their stones and leave. This represents that the woman is now blameless before the Law.

As James says, it takes both the Early and Latter Rains for a person to be made ready to be harvested into the Kingdom of Heaven.

James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receives the EARLY and LATTER RAIN. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

Like Paul, James was writing to "babes" (called to be saints) who had only received the Early Rain of the Spirit. James was encouraging his flock to be patient until the Lord returns with the Latter Rain of the Spirit.

This is also what Paul is saying in the verse below:

Heb 9:28 So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Christ only "appears" to a person after they have received both the Early and Latter Rains of the Spirit. When Christ appears, He will gather His virgin to heaven for the marriage to take place. This is the conversion event when a person is saved.

One final point. In the NT letters, the "babes" (for the most part) were remaining faithful while they waited for the Lord to return. But shortly after Paul's death, the spirit of anti-Christ came and devoured the babes in the churches. This is the coming apostasy that Paul mentioned in Acts 20:29-31. Nothing in the churches has changed since that time. All the churches in the world are still apostate and they teach a false gospel which mixes works with faith. When a babe accepts this false gospel, they are spiritually fornicating with Satan and are committing the one and only sin that leads to death (a loss of salvation). This is how Satan has built his apostate church which masquerades as the true church to this world. These false prophets, who are "many", are very deceptive. Don't think that you or anyone else can avoid falling prey to them. It is not possible.

Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 “Take note: I have told you in advance.

The only reason that the Apostles were not deceived was because they were all converted prior to the spirit of anti-Christ coming into the church. After a person is converted (no longer a babe), they will come out from Satan's deceptions and will never be deceived again.

Joe

 

[Verily]

This is the gospel by which we are saved.

1 Corinthians 15
15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

We are all sinners who cannot save ourselves.

See Romans 3:23 Titus 3:5 Romans 5:6

Christ died for our sins; He was our substitute; He paid the full penalty and debt for our sin by his blood sacrifice.

See 2 Corinthians 5:21 Romans 3:24 Romans 3:25 Romans 3:26

He was buried.

He rose again for our justification ( to declare us righteous) and forgiveness of all our sin. He gives us His righteousness and eternal life.

See Romans 4:25 Ephesians 1:7 Romans 4:22 Romans 4:23 Romans 4:24 1 Corinthians 1:30

All we have to do is believe the gospel.

See Romans 4:5 1 Corinthians 1:21 Ephesians 1:13

Believing is being persuaded that something is true.

See Romans 4:21

The moment you believe you have eternal life.

Titus 1:1 Titus 1:2 Titus 3:7

Trust the gospel of your salvation. Place your faith in Jesus Christ, in his blood, in his death and his resurrection.

Ever notice how he begins the gospel at Jesus death and ressurection rather than at his birth (or the beginning of the days of his flesh) rather.

 

[Doug]

Amen! The gospel message is the "good news" of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes.. (Romans 1:16) To "believe" the gospel is to trust in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of our salvation.

Amen back
Well said exactly on point
All we have to do is believe what God has said

 

[Behold]

This is the gospel by which we are saved.

1 Corinthians 15
15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

We are all sinners who cannot save ourselves.

See Romans 3:23 Titus 3:5 Romans 5:6

Christ died for our sins; He was our substitute; He paid the full penalty and debt for our sin by his blood sacrifice.

See 2 Corinthians 5:21 Romans 3:24 Romans 3:25 Romans 3:26

He was buried.

He rose again for our justification ( to declare us righteous) and forgiveness of all our sin. He gives us His righteousness and eternal life.

See Romans 4:25 Ephesians 1:7 Romans 4:22 Romans 4:23 Romans 4:24 1 Corinthians 1:30

All we have to do is believe the gospel.

See Romans 4:5 1 Corinthians 1:21 Ephesians 1:13

Believing is being persuaded that something is true.

See Romans 4:21

The moment you believe you have eternal life.

Titus 1:1 Titus 1:2 Titus 3:7

Trust the gospel of your salvation. Place your faith in Jesus Christ, in his blood, in his death and his resurrection.

Thank you for sharing : Paul's Gospel, as there is no other, regarding the Church age, in "the time of the Gentiles".

and i would welcome the reader to notice something very specific.

Notice that there is no WATER BAPTISM found, in Paul's Gospel.

 

[Doug]

in that time to escape the wrath was to believe on the one whom sent Yeshua.

Yes, during Christ's earthly ministry He only was sent to Israel
To escape wrath Israel had to repent and be baptized to be cleansed
Israel had to believe that Jesus was Christ, the Son of God for eternal life
They had to only believe on His name

[Jhn 1:12 KJV] 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:
[Jhn 20:31 KJV] 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
[1Jo 3:23 KJV] 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.
[1Jo 5:13 KJV] 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

 

[Doug]

Today the great news is the victory of Yeshua overcoming all things, hell, sin, death, Satan! And all things become a new in him. I think it would be ashamed not to consider what else was written in there concerning those saints in that day and age as well.

Yes, today we glory in His redemption and blood

What was written in the Old Testament was for Israel and for our learning but not always for our obedience
Paul was given the mystery of the Body of Christ, the church in this dispensation,
In the books from Paul, we find our instructions and commandments.

 

[Doug]

Either way what people believe concerning those things is between them and Yahavah, and the good news is the death, burial and resurrection today; and that all things have been restored because God in and through Christ bringing reconciliation to the world which he is not mad or angry with any group of people

Yes

 

[Doug]

Thank you for sharing : Paul's Gospel, as there is no other, regarding the Church age, in "the time of the Gentiles".

and i would welcome the reader to notice something very specific.

Notice that there is no WATER BAPTISM found, in Paul's Gospel.

I so agree and am encouraged by your reply
My understanding in a nutshell is that Christ was sent to the lost sheep of Israel and He and the twelve preached the gospel of the kingdom in which believing Israel would enter the promised Davidic kingdom on earth for a thousand years
To Paul it was revealed by Christ the mystery that would form the Body of Christ by the gospel given unto Paul which is promised position in the heavenly places

[1Co 1:17 KJV] 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

Baptism was not part of the gospel if it was he would have preached it as such

 

[Behold]

Baptism was not art of the gospel if it was he would have preached it as such

You'll find that within what is called "Christianity".. you have this false idea that water is required for Salvation.
So, the Catholic Church teaches that you are "born again BY Water" which is demonic theology, as you are actually born again by the Holy Spirit.
What they do, is they try to pretend that their Priests have magical power to turn the water into a Salvation experience.

And then you have the "others", who are affiliated with the "cult of Mary" concept, that salvation and water are "ONE".. and most of these denominations try to us Acts 2:38 as their "position" on Water Baptism "is required for Salvation".

So, what REAL bible students do, is just ignore all this cult teaching and learn Paul's Gospel, and everything is made CLEAR.

 

[Doug]

You'll find that within what is called "Christianity".. you have this false idea that water is required for Salvation.
So, the Catholic Church teaches that you are "born again BY Water" which is demonic theology, as you are actually born again by the Holy Spirit.
What they do, is they try to pretend that their Priests have magical power to turn the water into a Salvation experience.

And then you have the "others", who are affiliated with the "cult of Mary" concept, that salvation and water are "ONE".. and most of these denominations try to us Acts 2:38 as their "position" on Water Baptism "is required for Salvation".

So, what REAL bible students do, is just ignore all this cult teaching and learn Paul's Gospel, and everything is made CLEAR.

Yes what does scripture say as to what we think

 

[Behold]

Yes what does scripture say as to what we think

There are 4 "mindsets".

1.) There is the natural mind.. the carnal mind that is in the unbeliever, and this mind is blinded by the devil "lest the light of the glorious Gospel Of Jesus Christ should shine into them"..

"Shine into them" = enlighten them and bring them to the "knowledge of the Truth" so that they can BELIEVE it.

2nd Mind... "is the carnal mind" in the CHRISTian, and that is the same as you find in the unbeliever.
Paul says the born again have to renew their minds or they keep that same (Natural) mind.... and that will produce a lot of unrest and anxiety because you have the Spirit in them, "at war" with their natural mind.... and you get...>>>"that which i want to do, i can't , and that which i hate, i do""

3rd Mind.. Paul says this mind is "as many as be perfect"... who are the "fullness of the Stature of Christ"...
And that is a person, born again, who has learned sound doctrine so well, so thoroughly... starting with Hebrews 13:9... and Romans 3:21-28... and 2 Corin 5:19.. and Romans 4:8..... that they can never be deceived...and they have "worked our their salvation"..

4th Mind.... "Fallen from Grace"... And that is a born again Christian, who has left a higher position regarding understanding NT Truth, especially regarding SALVATION, and now they are in a lower "fallen" place, in their understanding... = a carnal mind... and "in the flesh".
This one has been deceived by a Heretic, and has become a part of a Cult Theology. "ISMs"..........Like a Calvinism, or a Mormonism.