HOW TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR ENTERING THE KINGDOM OF GOD
"If live men know what dead men know, the whole world would be Born Again Christians."
(Don Blackwell, World Video Bible School)
We are born naturally to die physically and our soul will go to hell if nothing is done.
In order to be eligible to enter heaven (referred to Third Heaven where God resides), we will need to be:
- BORN AGAIN (where pass Sin Records are wiped clean by the Blood of Jesus and Holy Spirit comes to live within us)
- TRANSFORMATION - Righteous Living or Be Holy by keeping God's commandments enabled by the Holy Spirit
- KEEP THE FAITH till the end
"If live men know what dead men know, the whole world would be Born Again Christians."
(Don Blackwell, World Video Bible School)
We are born naturally to die physically and our soul will go to hell if nothing is done.
In order to be eligible to enter heaven (referred to Third Heaven where God resides), we will need to be:
- BORN AGAIN (where pass Sin Records are wiped clean by the Blood of Jesus and Holy Spirit comes to live within us)
- TRANSFORMATION - Righteous Living or Be Holy by keeping God's commandments enabled by the Holy Spirit
- KEEP THE FAITH till the end
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We shall discuss in more detail about
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Please note we do not go to church to get information but to get TRANSFORMATION.
(1) BORN AGAIN
Jesus is clear that we have to be Born Again if we were to enter the Kingdom of God.
John 3: 5 (KJV)
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John shows that The vital signs of the new birth are faith in Jesus Christ, love for others, and obedience to God’s commandments.
The videos below by Pastor Robert Morris addressing the major questions in Born Again.
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This video below from Pastor Jenkins also tries to inform us it is useless to go to Church and do good works if we are not Born Again.
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For those interested in a more meaty sermon on Born Again, you can refer to a Sermon 45 called New Rebirth from John Wesley (1703 - 1791).
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(2) Why many christians are not Born Again today?
Many christians today including some pastors are in name only and are not born again. WHY? This is because the christians today have been lied to for almost 2000 years with the ingress of Anti-Christ activities. There were a few antichrist groups during the time after the Apostholic period but most of them did not survive. However, the first successful anti-Christ activity was the Roman Catholics. It was ushered in by political help of Emperor Constantine around 300 AD. The Catholics broke all major God's Commandments, put a pope above God, made it into a religion and run it like a corporation with hierarchy. This was the reason why we saw less of the work of Holy Spirit that Jesus talked about. After that came more variations of it like Islam, later on Reformation in 1500s was born out of rebellion and after that an explosion of rebellion from within the church creating false doctrines and groups like Lutherans, Presbyterian, Baptist, Mormons, Jehovah Witness and the list goes on and on.
Remember, the devil only come to STEAL, KILL AND DESTROY. This enemy will do anything to destroy us with the same old tactics which is lying to us with some truths. So, the key is slipping in a few lies into some truths. Since he was successful with using this technique of deceiving us for almost 7500 years, why should he change it.
So, contamination of the church from within is usually REBELLION and PRIDE in nature in the name of INTELLECTUALS. This is like a cancer cell working from the inside. Today, with most people having busy and stressful lives, it is virtually impossible for anyone to find the truth....kind of like searching for a Diamond ring in City Garbage Dump. So, many innocent "Christians" becomes STILL BORN instead of BORN AGAIN. In another words, many will be deceived and ended up in hell.
Many christians today including some pastors are in name only and are not born again. WHY? This is because the christians today have been lied to for almost 2000 years with the ingress of Anti-Christ activities. There were a few antichrist groups during the time after the Apostholic period but most of them did not survive. However, the first successful anti-Christ activity was the Roman Catholics. It was ushered in by political help of Emperor Constantine around 300 AD. The Catholics broke all major God's Commandments, put a pope above God, made it into a religion and run it like a corporation with hierarchy. This was the reason why we saw less of the work of Holy Spirit that Jesus talked about. After that came more variations of it like Islam, later on Reformation in 1500s was born out of rebellion and after that an explosion of rebellion from within the church creating false doctrines and groups like Lutherans, Presbyterian, Baptist, Mormons, Jehovah Witness and the list goes on and on.
Remember, the devil only come to STEAL, KILL AND DESTROY. This enemy will do anything to destroy us with the same old tactics which is lying to us with some truths. So, the key is slipping in a few lies into some truths. Since he was successful with using this technique of deceiving us for almost 7500 years, why should he change it.
So, contamination of the church from within is usually REBELLION and PRIDE in nature in the name of INTELLECTUALS. This is like a cancer cell working from the inside. Today, with most people having busy and stressful lives, it is virtually impossible for anyone to find the truth....kind of like searching for a Diamond ring in City Garbage Dump. So, many innocent "Christians" becomes STILL BORN instead of BORN AGAIN. In another words, many will be deceived and ended up in hell.
(3) "Born-Again"-ism
by Richard R. Ochs
There is much talk these days about the rapid growth of the cults. Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science, Mormonism, the Unification Church, and a host of lesser-known groups are making converts at astounding rates. Yet, the combined effect of all these groups is overshadowed by a movement that in the last few years has grown to include over 30% of the U.S. population. The amazing development of what might be called "Born-againism" is affecting all sectors of our society. In fact, if the latest figures presented in the religious polls are accurate, the current Born-again phenomenon could well be viewed as the fastest growing cult in America. Born-againism has permeated fundamentalist denominations as leaven in dough, and expanded into the culture at large. Candidates espouse it in order to get votes, entertainers use it to attract crowds, pro-football players proclaim it to give respect to their Sunday afternoon brutality, and the business world promotes it in order to make money. Even the secular press, radio, and T.V. have found it fashionable to occasionally slip the little words "born again" into their speech and print.
That the world has jumped on the Born-again Bandwagon in order to exploit it is sad but not surprising. We really shouldn't expect anything else from the spiritually blind worldling. The real tragedy is that the whole mess was spawned and spread by the "Church" and is now lauded as a great revival of Christianity.
The truth is that much of contemporary evangelicalism, like the church of Sardis, appears to be alive, but actually is dead. (Rev. 3:1) And we can't blame the athieists, the agnostics, or the liberals for this condition. No, the fault lies with the supposed "Bible believers." Error has been preached as truth and propagated with cultish zeal. As a result multitudes have believed a lie and are headed for hell from fundamentalist church pews with a Bible in their hands and a prayer on their lips. Many others have become disillusioned with all the hypocrisy and false "fulfillment", and have concluded that there is really nothing to this "born-again" stuff after all.
Truth turned to error
But doesn't the Bible teach that we must be born again? Was this not an absolutely fundamental teaching of our Lord, His apostles, and the Church down through the ages? Yes, of course it was, and without this there is no true Christianity. But error cloaked in Biblical terms is still error. In the case of the current born-again movement, Scriptural terminology is being used to teach just the opposite of its original meaning. The great doctrine of man's need for regeneration (i.e. miraculous new birth) is being presented in a way that denies the very point it is supposed to teach. Stated simply the error is this—that men are born again as a result of something they do. This something may be "going forward" at the close of an evangelistic message, making a "decision" for Christ, or "repenting" and "believing" the gospel. Whatever the requirement that is put before the sinner, the impression is given that sinful man himself is the one who brings about regeneration.
The sad results of such a teaching can be seen all around us. Evangelists who believe that men dead in sin can and will turn to God if the right kind of emotional and psychological inducement is presented, push and pressure lost people into making "decisions." Whatever is necessary to get people to come forward, or raise their hand, or sign a card, is tried by today's "soul winners." Highly emotional meetings, prolonged appeals, repeated musical choruses, and even the deceitful tactic of having counselors strategically placed in the audience to come forward at the time of the "appeal"—all smack of the techniques of crowd psychology.
Those who do come forward (or raise their hand, or sign a card) are then coached into believing that God has come into their lives, and that they are now "saved." Deep down, though, they know that nothing has really happened. The evangelist has done something, the lost person has done something, but God has done nothing. There has been no miracle. The person may give mental assent to the doctrine of the new birth and try to rejoice in it, but there has been no supernatural passing from death to life. (Eph. 2:4-51 This is why most of the "converts" of this kind of "born-againism" show no real zeal for God, and many fall away completely after a month or two.
That some people are brought into the kingdom in these situations is no doubt true. But it is in spite of these methods, not because of them. If we turn to the section of Scripture most often quoted regarding the new birth we find the Lord teaching just the opposite of the modem "soul-winner."
You must be born again
In the third chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus tells Nicodemus, "You must be born again." What did the Lord mean by this statement? First of all, it should be noted that Jesus said nothing of any action or decision that Nicodemus must make, nor did He even tell him to repent and believe the gospel. As a matter of fact, Jesus was not telling Nicodemus to do anything! "You must be born again!" was not a command Nicodemus was to obey, it was simply a statement of fact. Nicodemus, in his blindness, misunderstood this statement and asked how anyone could do such a thing as that—a man "cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" To this Jesus said in effect, "I'm not talking to you about you doing anything, I'm talking about God doing something." "I'm talking about the Spirit of God coming and miraculously generating life, in you. You being flesh can only produce flesh. Only the Spirit of God can produce the spiritual birth you must have in order to enter the Kingdom of God, and God's Spirit blows where He wishes." (John. 3:1-8)
The modern evangelist's techniques and teachings are conspicuously absent in this account. The Lord gave Nicodenius no "Four Spiritual Laws," nor any instructions on "How to be Born Again," and He certainly used no manipulative tricks. He was concerned to emphasize just one thing. Regeneration is a miraculous work of God's Spirit.
We can, and must, tell men to turn from their sins and believe the Gospel, but in doing this we should realize that when a man does repent and believe, it is the result of God's prior regenerative working within him. If this were not the case, if man must actually initiate his own salvation, then it would be impossible to escape the conclusion that men do not need regeneration at all, but possess in themselves an innate goodness which causes them to seek after God. Though it be ever so slight, this goodness is then the ultimate reason why one man is saved and another is lost. But the apostle Paul clearly teaches the contrary when he writes:
There is none righteous, not even one;
There is none who understands,
There is none who seeks for God...
There is none who does good,
There is not even one. (Rom 3:10-12)
Here Paul states plainly that there is no "spark of goodness" in man that causes him to respond to the gospel. In fact, man, blinded by sin and Satan, does not even understand the gospel. He is in total rebellion against God and His truth. If regeneration were contingent upon man first desiring God, no one would ever be born again, for "there is none who seeks for God." Moreover, if man must ultimately be given credit for coming to God, Christianity is turned into just one more of the world's man-centered religions or cults which teach salvation by works. And such man-centered systems offer a false hope, for it is simply impossible for sinful man to make himself different than he is—he needs a new heart, he needs to be "Born again!"
Again, it should be stressed that we are certainly to tell men to seek God. We must tell them to believe and receive Christ. But these commands will fall on spiritually deaf ears unless God first generates life through the inward workings of His Holy Spirit.
You may protest that this makes God the ultimate determiner of who is saved. To this the apostles and prophets with one voice cry, "Amen!" "Salvation is from the Lord." Christians, as John puts it in the opening chapter of his gospel, are people, "who were born not...of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (Jn. 1:13) That's why we give thanks to God when someone is converted. We know that God has graciously wrought a miracle— the sovereign, supernatural miracle of the new birth.
This truth should give us confidence to present the pure gospel, knowing that it is not up to us to somehow maneuver and manipulate men into Christianity. It should also bring us to our knees before the God Who is sovereign in salvation. Only He can remove the heart of stone and give a new heart. Only He can give life to the dead. Only He deserves the blessing, glory, and honor.
by Richard R. Ochs
There is much talk these days about the rapid growth of the cults. Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science, Mormonism, the Unification Church, and a host of lesser-known groups are making converts at astounding rates. Yet, the combined effect of all these groups is overshadowed by a movement that in the last few years has grown to include over 30% of the U.S. population. The amazing development of what might be called "Born-againism" is affecting all sectors of our society. In fact, if the latest figures presented in the religious polls are accurate, the current Born-again phenomenon could well be viewed as the fastest growing cult in America. Born-againism has permeated fundamentalist denominations as leaven in dough, and expanded into the culture at large. Candidates espouse it in order to get votes, entertainers use it to attract crowds, pro-football players proclaim it to give respect to their Sunday afternoon brutality, and the business world promotes it in order to make money. Even the secular press, radio, and T.V. have found it fashionable to occasionally slip the little words "born again" into their speech and print.
That the world has jumped on the Born-again Bandwagon in order to exploit it is sad but not surprising. We really shouldn't expect anything else from the spiritually blind worldling. The real tragedy is that the whole mess was spawned and spread by the "Church" and is now lauded as a great revival of Christianity.
The truth is that much of contemporary evangelicalism, like the church of Sardis, appears to be alive, but actually is dead. (Rev. 3:1) And we can't blame the athieists, the agnostics, or the liberals for this condition. No, the fault lies with the supposed "Bible believers." Error has been preached as truth and propagated with cultish zeal. As a result multitudes have believed a lie and are headed for hell from fundamentalist church pews with a Bible in their hands and a prayer on their lips. Many others have become disillusioned with all the hypocrisy and false "fulfillment", and have concluded that there is really nothing to this "born-again" stuff after all.
Truth turned to error
But doesn't the Bible teach that we must be born again? Was this not an absolutely fundamental teaching of our Lord, His apostles, and the Church down through the ages? Yes, of course it was, and without this there is no true Christianity. But error cloaked in Biblical terms is still error. In the case of the current born-again movement, Scriptural terminology is being used to teach just the opposite of its original meaning. The great doctrine of man's need for regeneration (i.e. miraculous new birth) is being presented in a way that denies the very point it is supposed to teach. Stated simply the error is this—that men are born again as a result of something they do. This something may be "going forward" at the close of an evangelistic message, making a "decision" for Christ, or "repenting" and "believing" the gospel. Whatever the requirement that is put before the sinner, the impression is given that sinful man himself is the one who brings about regeneration.
The sad results of such a teaching can be seen all around us. Evangelists who believe that men dead in sin can and will turn to God if the right kind of emotional and psychological inducement is presented, push and pressure lost people into making "decisions." Whatever is necessary to get people to come forward, or raise their hand, or sign a card, is tried by today's "soul winners." Highly emotional meetings, prolonged appeals, repeated musical choruses, and even the deceitful tactic of having counselors strategically placed in the audience to come forward at the time of the "appeal"—all smack of the techniques of crowd psychology.
Those who do come forward (or raise their hand, or sign a card) are then coached into believing that God has come into their lives, and that they are now "saved." Deep down, though, they know that nothing has really happened. The evangelist has done something, the lost person has done something, but God has done nothing. There has been no miracle. The person may give mental assent to the doctrine of the new birth and try to rejoice in it, but there has been no supernatural passing from death to life. (Eph. 2:4-51 This is why most of the "converts" of this kind of "born-againism" show no real zeal for God, and many fall away completely after a month or two.
That some people are brought into the kingdom in these situations is no doubt true. But it is in spite of these methods, not because of them. If we turn to the section of Scripture most often quoted regarding the new birth we find the Lord teaching just the opposite of the modem "soul-winner."
You must be born again
In the third chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus tells Nicodemus, "You must be born again." What did the Lord mean by this statement? First of all, it should be noted that Jesus said nothing of any action or decision that Nicodemus must make, nor did He even tell him to repent and believe the gospel. As a matter of fact, Jesus was not telling Nicodemus to do anything! "You must be born again!" was not a command Nicodemus was to obey, it was simply a statement of fact. Nicodemus, in his blindness, misunderstood this statement and asked how anyone could do such a thing as that—a man "cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" To this Jesus said in effect, "I'm not talking to you about you doing anything, I'm talking about God doing something." "I'm talking about the Spirit of God coming and miraculously generating life, in you. You being flesh can only produce flesh. Only the Spirit of God can produce the spiritual birth you must have in order to enter the Kingdom of God, and God's Spirit blows where He wishes." (John. 3:1-8)
The modern evangelist's techniques and teachings are conspicuously absent in this account. The Lord gave Nicodenius no "Four Spiritual Laws," nor any instructions on "How to be Born Again," and He certainly used no manipulative tricks. He was concerned to emphasize just one thing. Regeneration is a miraculous work of God's Spirit.
We can, and must, tell men to turn from their sins and believe the Gospel, but in doing this we should realize that when a man does repent and believe, it is the result of God's prior regenerative working within him. If this were not the case, if man must actually initiate his own salvation, then it would be impossible to escape the conclusion that men do not need regeneration at all, but possess in themselves an innate goodness which causes them to seek after God. Though it be ever so slight, this goodness is then the ultimate reason why one man is saved and another is lost. But the apostle Paul clearly teaches the contrary when he writes:
There is none righteous, not even one;
There is none who understands,
There is none who seeks for God...
There is none who does good,
There is not even one. (Rom 3:10-12)
Here Paul states plainly that there is no "spark of goodness" in man that causes him to respond to the gospel. In fact, man, blinded by sin and Satan, does not even understand the gospel. He is in total rebellion against God and His truth. If regeneration were contingent upon man first desiring God, no one would ever be born again, for "there is none who seeks for God." Moreover, if man must ultimately be given credit for coming to God, Christianity is turned into just one more of the world's man-centered religions or cults which teach salvation by works. And such man-centered systems offer a false hope, for it is simply impossible for sinful man to make himself different than he is—he needs a new heart, he needs to be "Born again!"
Again, it should be stressed that we are certainly to tell men to seek God. We must tell them to believe and receive Christ. But these commands will fall on spiritually deaf ears unless God first generates life through the inward workings of His Holy Spirit.
You may protest that this makes God the ultimate determiner of who is saved. To this the apostles and prophets with one voice cry, "Amen!" "Salvation is from the Lord." Christians, as John puts it in the opening chapter of his gospel, are people, "who were born not...of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (Jn. 1:13) That's why we give thanks to God when someone is converted. We know that God has graciously wrought a miracle— the sovereign, supernatural miracle of the new birth.
This truth should give us confidence to present the pure gospel, knowing that it is not up to us to somehow maneuver and manipulate men into Christianity. It should also bring us to our knees before the God Who is sovereign in salvation. Only He can remove the heart of stone and give a new heart. Only He can give life to the dead. Only He deserves the blessing, glory, and honor.
(4) How to be Born Again?
God is holy and our goal is to be in His presence. One of the requirements is to be BORN AGAIN.
Those who are serious about being Born Again, they will often ask in their prayers and intensely seeking for it.
God has given us 3 methods of ASK, SEEK and KNOCK. Only God can give us Born Again experience and no one else.
When these people find it, they will often experience a powerful experience:
- removal of bondage of their sins (a sudden victory over sins)
- a new heart (a love for God and people)
The evidence of removal of bondage of their sins will become apparent in their lives. For example, some will suddenly have no more drug addiction problems, sexual addiction stopped, smoking stopped etc etc. So, they will no longer crave or want to sin anymore. It is a supernatural experience from the work of the Holy Spirit to enable normal sinful humans to stop sinning. Hence, Jesus has set us free from bondage of sins.
For every Born Again, it is crucial that they keep their records clean continuously.
There is a process or journey everyone has to go through to have the Born Again experience.
Although the gift of Born Again is from God, we have to play our part.
God is holy and our goal is to be in His presence. One of the requirements is to be BORN AGAIN.
Those who are serious about being Born Again, they will often ask in their prayers and intensely seeking for it.
God has given us 3 methods of ASK, SEEK and KNOCK. Only God can give us Born Again experience and no one else.
When these people find it, they will often experience a powerful experience:
- removal of bondage of their sins (a sudden victory over sins)
- a new heart (a love for God and people)
The evidence of removal of bondage of their sins will become apparent in their lives. For example, some will suddenly have no more drug addiction problems, sexual addiction stopped, smoking stopped etc etc. So, they will no longer crave or want to sin anymore. It is a supernatural experience from the work of the Holy Spirit to enable normal sinful humans to stop sinning. Hence, Jesus has set us free from bondage of sins.
For every Born Again, it is crucial that they keep their records clean continuously.
There is a process or journey everyone has to go through to have the Born Again experience.
Although the gift of Born Again is from God, we have to play our part.
There is also a pastor name David Pawson who tried to explain us a step by step approach to be Born Again.
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God in His infinite Wisdom has shown us various examples in history for the last 7500 years on how this process will take place.
For examples, we will illustrate the Born Again journey with the parables of
(a) Conception till birth of a child
(b) Passover
(c) Tabernacles of Moses
(d) Solomon's Temple
For examples, we will illustrate the Born Again journey with the parables of
(a) Conception till birth of a child
(b) Passover
(c) Tabernacles of Moses
(d) Solomon's Temple
(a) Conception till birth of a child
There is a parallel we can draw from conception till birth of a child with spiritual birth process in Born Again that Jesus spoke of in John 3. The only difference is spiritual birth is something we cannot see or know the exact timing while birth of a newborn baby is easily witnessed.
There is a parallel we can draw from conception till birth of a child with spiritual birth process in Born Again that Jesus spoke of in John 3. The only difference is spiritual birth is something we cannot see or know the exact timing while birth of a newborn baby is easily witnessed.
a. Sperm = Seed = The Gospel / Message of the Kingdom heard and accepted
b. Fetus develops in from Nutrients provided by mother's blood = Blood of Christ |
c. Fetus in Waterbag = Baptism
d. Fetus growing = Knowledge increase |
e. Baby born = Born Again
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(b) Passover
There is a parallel we can draw from the history of Passover in our Born Again experience.
to be updated
There is a parallel we can draw from the history of Passover in our Born Again experience.
to be updated
(c) Tabernacles of Moses
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Tabernacle means “tent,” “place of dwelling” or “sanctuary.” It was a sacred place where God chose to meet His people, the Israelites, during the 40 years they wandered in the desert under Moses’ leadership. It was the place where the leaders and people came together to worship and offer sacrifices.
The Tabernacles only has ONE GATE to enter from. Characteristics of our Journey of Salvation is as follows: (a) ONE Gate = Jesus is our only Way (b) Altar of Blood Offering = Jesus Blood offered for our sins (c) Laver (Basin) with Water for cleaning = our Water Baptism (d) Annointed Oil = Jesus baptize us in Holy Spirit |
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(a) The Gate
(b) Brazen Altar (c) Laver (Basin) (d) Menorah (Lampstand) (e) Table of Showbread (f) Golden Altar of Incense (g) Holy of Holies and the Veil (h) Ark of the Covenant |
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Exodus 30:22-33 New International Version (NIV)
Anointing Oil
22 Then the Lord said to Moses, 23 “Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels[b] of fragrant calamus, 24 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. 25 Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil. 26 Then use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law, 27 the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense, 28 the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand. 29 You shall consecrate them so they will be most holy, and whatever touches them will be holy.
30 “Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests. 31 Say to the Israelites, ‘This is to be my sacred anointing oil for the generations to come. 32 Do not pour it on anyone else’s body and do not make any other oil using the same formula. It is sacred, and you are to consider it sacred. 33 Whoever makes perfume like it and puts it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from their people.’”
Anointing Oil
22 Then the Lord said to Moses, 23 “Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels[b] of fragrant calamus, 24 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. 25 Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil. 26 Then use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law, 27 the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense, 28 the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand. 29 You shall consecrate them so they will be most holy, and whatever touches them will be holy.
30 “Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests. 31 Say to the Israelites, ‘This is to be my sacred anointing oil for the generations to come. 32 Do not pour it on anyone else’s body and do not make any other oil using the same formula. It is sacred, and you are to consider it sacred. 33 Whoever makes perfume like it and puts it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from their people.’”
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(d) Solomon's Temple
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The Solomon's Temple
to be updated 
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(5) Evidence of being Born Again
This video (about 20 minutes) describes clearly the evidence and characteristics of those who are Born Again. Nothing in this video will wow us with wit or special effects but it speaks the truth to set us free.
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How to be sure?
How tragic it would be if we went through life thinking we were saved and then woke up on Judgment Day to find out we were mistaken! But the Bible teaches that this will be the case with many people. Christ said, "Many will say unto Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity" (Matt. 7:22-23).
However, we do not have to go through life without the assurance of salvation. In 1 John 5:13 the apostle says, "These things have I written unto you...that ye may know that ye have eternal life." How then can we have this assurance? This is the most important question we will ever face in life because our eternal destiny is at stake! The Bible teaches that those who remain unsaved will spend eternity in a place of perpetual torment (Matt. 25:46; Rev. 14:9-11). The reason for this is because their sin has not been paid for, and God's perfect justice requires that payment be made for sin ("the wages of sin is death" Rom. 6:23). Therefore, it is vital that we know the answer to this question. This is why the Apostle Peter wrote, "Give diligence to make your calling and election sure" (2 Pet. 1:10).
It is true that we must believe in Christ in order to become saved (Acts 16:31), but how can we be sure we have savingly believed in Him? Certainly we cannot rely upon our feelings since feelings can be misleading. Some might suggest we can be sure by acknowledging the facts of the gospel or saying "the sinner's prayer." However, the Bible teaches that it is not possible to be saved without being regenerated. Christ said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). Therefore, we cannot know we have savingly believed in Christ until we know we are born again.
But what does it mean to be born again? Is this some kind of emotional experience? No, the Bible teaches that being born again means our life is changed. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we read, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." The Bible also tells us what changes will take place in our life when we are born again.
First, we will not habitually commit sin.
"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin."—1 John 3:9
"How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?"—Romans 6:2
Though we will continue to sin because of indwelling corruption, we will no longer practice it for its dominion has been broken in our life, and God has instilled in our heart a hatred for it.
Second, we will seek to live a holy life by obeying God's Word.
"Everyone that doeth righteousness is born of Him."—1 John 2:29
"And hereby do we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments."—1 John 2:3
We will not obey God's Word perfectly as long as we still have a sinful nature. But we will obey it purposefully because of an ongoing, earnest desire to do God's will.
Third, we will love others, regardless of who they are or what they have done.
"Everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."—1 John 4:7-8
"We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren."—1 John 3:14
Since God is love He has given us a desire to love others, especially believers. We may not always feel love towards them, yet we will show love by seeking to do them good when we have the opportunity.
Fourth, our affections will not be set upon the things of the world.
"If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."—1 John 2:15
"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit...But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His."—Romans. 8:5, 9
Though we can and should enjoy the things of the world God has given us, our heart will not be set upon them because Christ is our all in all.
These changes are not the cause of our salvation for we are saved by Christ (as our propitiation and as the giver of the gift of perfect righteousness) through faith—even that is not of ourselves but is a gift from God (Eph. 2:8-9). Rather, these changes are the evidence that we truly have been born again. If they are not evident in our life, it is likely we have not savingly believed in Christ. And therefore, it is vital that we diligently read the Bible until we are assured of having saving faith in Him. The Bible says, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Rom. 10:17). A good place to start is 1 John and James for they deal extensively with the changes that result from being born again.
How tragic it would be if we went through life thinking we were saved and then woke up on Judgment Day to find out we were mistaken! But the Bible teaches that this will be the case with many people. Christ said, "Many will say unto Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity" (Matt. 7:22-23).
However, we do not have to go through life without the assurance of salvation. In 1 John 5:13 the apostle says, "These things have I written unto you...that ye may know that ye have eternal life." How then can we have this assurance? This is the most important question we will ever face in life because our eternal destiny is at stake! The Bible teaches that those who remain unsaved will spend eternity in a place of perpetual torment (Matt. 25:46; Rev. 14:9-11). The reason for this is because their sin has not been paid for, and God's perfect justice requires that payment be made for sin ("the wages of sin is death" Rom. 6:23). Therefore, it is vital that we know the answer to this question. This is why the Apostle Peter wrote, "Give diligence to make your calling and election sure" (2 Pet. 1:10).
It is true that we must believe in Christ in order to become saved (Acts 16:31), but how can we be sure we have savingly believed in Him? Certainly we cannot rely upon our feelings since feelings can be misleading. Some might suggest we can be sure by acknowledging the facts of the gospel or saying "the sinner's prayer." However, the Bible teaches that it is not possible to be saved without being regenerated. Christ said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). Therefore, we cannot know we have savingly believed in Christ until we know we are born again.
But what does it mean to be born again? Is this some kind of emotional experience? No, the Bible teaches that being born again means our life is changed. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we read, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." The Bible also tells us what changes will take place in our life when we are born again.
First, we will not habitually commit sin.
"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin."—1 John 3:9
"How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?"—Romans 6:2
Though we will continue to sin because of indwelling corruption, we will no longer practice it for its dominion has been broken in our life, and God has instilled in our heart a hatred for it.
Second, we will seek to live a holy life by obeying God's Word.
"Everyone that doeth righteousness is born of Him."—1 John 2:29
"And hereby do we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments."—1 John 2:3
We will not obey God's Word perfectly as long as we still have a sinful nature. But we will obey it purposefully because of an ongoing, earnest desire to do God's will.
Third, we will love others, regardless of who they are or what they have done.
"Everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."—1 John 4:7-8
"We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren."—1 John 3:14
Since God is love He has given us a desire to love others, especially believers. We may not always feel love towards them, yet we will show love by seeking to do them good when we have the opportunity.
Fourth, our affections will not be set upon the things of the world.
"If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."—1 John 2:15
"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit...But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His."—Romans. 8:5, 9
Though we can and should enjoy the things of the world God has given us, our heart will not be set upon them because Christ is our all in all.
These changes are not the cause of our salvation for we are saved by Christ (as our propitiation and as the giver of the gift of perfect righteousness) through faith—even that is not of ourselves but is a gift from God (Eph. 2:8-9). Rather, these changes are the evidence that we truly have been born again. If they are not evident in our life, it is likely we have not savingly believed in Christ. And therefore, it is vital that we diligently read the Bible until we are assured of having saving faith in Him. The Bible says, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Rom. 10:17). A good place to start is 1 John and James for they deal extensively with the changes that result from being born again.
Godly Character Qualities (by GOL)
This is a list of some of the godly character qualities for Born Again to model after. Remember, however, our goal is not moralism or behaviorism. These character qualities are a reflection of the new man, a regenerate heart. We want to realize that external character, obedience or “polish” without a new heart is nothing but a works righteousness and legalism.
Character Qualities
Alertness vs. Unawareness
Being aware of that which is taking place around me so I can have the right response to it (Mark 14:38)
Attentiveness vs. Unconcern
Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided attention to his words and emotions (Hebrews 2:1)
Availability vs. Self-centeredness
Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving (Philippians 2:20–21)
Boldness vs. Fearfulness
Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God (Acts 4:29)
Cautiousness vs. Rashness
Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions (Proverbs 19:2)
Compassion vs. Indifference
Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others (I John 3:17)
Contentment vs. Covetousness
Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness (I Timothy 6:8)
Creativity vs. Underachievement
Approaching a need, a task, an idea from a new perspective (Romans 12:2)
Decisiveness vs. Double-mindedness
The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God (James 1:5)
Deference vs. Rudeness
Limiting my freedom in order not offend the tastes of those whom God has called me to serve (Romans 14:21)
Dependability vs. Inconsistency
Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice (Psalm 15:4)
Determination vs. Faintheartedness
Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition (II Timothy 4:7–8)
Dligence vs. Slothfulness
Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it (Colossians 3:23)
Discernment vs. Judgment
The God-given ability to understand why things happen (I Samuel 16:7)
Discretion vs. Simplemindedness
The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes which could result in undesirable consequences (Proverbs 22:3)
Endurance vs. Giving up
The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best (Galatians 6:9)
Enthusiasm vs. Apathy
Expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit (I Thessalonians 5:16,19)
Faith vs. Presumption
Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it (Hebrews 11:1)
Flexibility vs. Resistance
Not setting my affections on ideas or plans which could be changed by God or others (Colossians 3:2)
Forgiveness vs. Rejection
Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me (Ephesians 4:32)
Generosity vs. Stinginess
Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes (II Corinthians 9:6)
Gentleness vs. Harshness
Showing personal care and concern in meeting the need of others (I Thessalonians 2:7)
Gratefulness vs. Unthankfulness
Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life (I Corinthians 4:7)
Hospitality vs. Loneliness
Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those whom God brings into my life (Hebrews 13:2)
Humility vs. Pride
Recognizing that it is actually God and others who are responsible for the achievements in my life (James 4:6)
Initiative vs. Unresponsiveness
Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it (Romans 12:21)
Joyfulness vs. Self-pity
The spontaneous enthusiasm of my spirit when my soul is in fellowship with the Lord (Psalm 16:11)
Justice vs. Fairness
Personal responsibility to God’s unchanging laws (Micah 6:8)
Love vs. Selfishness
Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward (I Corinthians 13:3)
Loyalty vs. Unfaithfulness
Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those whom He has called me to serve (John 15:13)
Meekness vs. Anger
Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God (Psalm 62:5)
Obedience vs. Willfulness
Freedom to be creative under the protection of divinely appointed authority (II Corinthians 10:5)
Orderliness vs. Disorganization
Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency (I Corinthians 14:40)
Patience vs. Restlessness
Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it (Romans 5:3–4)
Persuasiveness vs. Contentiousness
Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks (II Timothy 2:24)
Punctuality vs. Tardiness
Showing high esteem for other people and their time (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Resourcefulness vs. Wastefulness
Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard (Luke 16:10)
Responsibility vs. Unreliability
Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me (Romans 14:12)
Reverence vs. Disrespect
Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me (Proverbs 23:17–18)
Security vs. Anxiety
Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away (John 6:27)
Self-Control vs. Self-indulgence
Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:24–25)
Sensitivity vs. Callousness
Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me (Romans 12:15)
Sincerity vs. Hypocrisy
Eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives (I Peter 1:22)
Thoroughness vs. Incompleteness
Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected (Proverbs 18:15)
Thriftiness vs. Extravagance
Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary (Luke 16:11)
Tolerance vs. Prejudice
Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity (Philippians 2:2)
Truthfulness vs. Deception
Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts (Ephesians 4:25)
Virtue vs. Impurity
The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word (II Peter 1:3)
Wisdom vs. Natural Inclinations
Seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference (Proverbs 9:10)
This is a list of some of the godly character qualities for Born Again to model after. Remember, however, our goal is not moralism or behaviorism. These character qualities are a reflection of the new man, a regenerate heart. We want to realize that external character, obedience or “polish” without a new heart is nothing but a works righteousness and legalism.
Character Qualities
Alertness vs. Unawareness
Being aware of that which is taking place around me so I can have the right response to it (Mark 14:38)
Attentiveness vs. Unconcern
Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided attention to his words and emotions (Hebrews 2:1)
Availability vs. Self-centeredness
Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving (Philippians 2:20–21)
Boldness vs. Fearfulness
Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God (Acts 4:29)
Cautiousness vs. Rashness
Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions (Proverbs 19:2)
Compassion vs. Indifference
Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others (I John 3:17)
Contentment vs. Covetousness
Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness (I Timothy 6:8)
Creativity vs. Underachievement
Approaching a need, a task, an idea from a new perspective (Romans 12:2)
Decisiveness vs. Double-mindedness
The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God (James 1:5)
Deference vs. Rudeness
Limiting my freedom in order not offend the tastes of those whom God has called me to serve (Romans 14:21)
Dependability vs. Inconsistency
Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice (Psalm 15:4)
Determination vs. Faintheartedness
Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition (II Timothy 4:7–8)
Dligence vs. Slothfulness
Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it (Colossians 3:23)
Discernment vs. Judgment
The God-given ability to understand why things happen (I Samuel 16:7)
Discretion vs. Simplemindedness
The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes which could result in undesirable consequences (Proverbs 22:3)
Endurance vs. Giving up
The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best (Galatians 6:9)
Enthusiasm vs. Apathy
Expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit (I Thessalonians 5:16,19)
Faith vs. Presumption
Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it (Hebrews 11:1)
Flexibility vs. Resistance
Not setting my affections on ideas or plans which could be changed by God or others (Colossians 3:2)
Forgiveness vs. Rejection
Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me (Ephesians 4:32)
Generosity vs. Stinginess
Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes (II Corinthians 9:6)
Gentleness vs. Harshness
Showing personal care and concern in meeting the need of others (I Thessalonians 2:7)
Gratefulness vs. Unthankfulness
Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life (I Corinthians 4:7)
Hospitality vs. Loneliness
Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those whom God brings into my life (Hebrews 13:2)
Humility vs. Pride
Recognizing that it is actually God and others who are responsible for the achievements in my life (James 4:6)
Initiative vs. Unresponsiveness
Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it (Romans 12:21)
Joyfulness vs. Self-pity
The spontaneous enthusiasm of my spirit when my soul is in fellowship with the Lord (Psalm 16:11)
Justice vs. Fairness
Personal responsibility to God’s unchanging laws (Micah 6:8)
Love vs. Selfishness
Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward (I Corinthians 13:3)
Loyalty vs. Unfaithfulness
Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those whom He has called me to serve (John 15:13)
Meekness vs. Anger
Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God (Psalm 62:5)
Obedience vs. Willfulness
Freedom to be creative under the protection of divinely appointed authority (II Corinthians 10:5)
Orderliness vs. Disorganization
Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency (I Corinthians 14:40)
Patience vs. Restlessness
Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it (Romans 5:3–4)
Persuasiveness vs. Contentiousness
Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks (II Timothy 2:24)
Punctuality vs. Tardiness
Showing high esteem for other people and their time (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Resourcefulness vs. Wastefulness
Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard (Luke 16:10)
Responsibility vs. Unreliability
Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me (Romans 14:12)
Reverence vs. Disrespect
Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me (Proverbs 23:17–18)
Security vs. Anxiety
Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away (John 6:27)
Self-Control vs. Self-indulgence
Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:24–25)
Sensitivity vs. Callousness
Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me (Romans 12:15)
Sincerity vs. Hypocrisy
Eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives (I Peter 1:22)
Thoroughness vs. Incompleteness
Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected (Proverbs 18:15)
Thriftiness vs. Extravagance
Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary (Luke 16:11)
Tolerance vs. Prejudice
Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity (Philippians 2:2)
Truthfulness vs. Deception
Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts (Ephesians 4:25)
Virtue vs. Impurity
The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word (II Peter 1:3)
Wisdom vs. Natural Inclinations
Seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference (Proverbs 9:10)
Men that play together become competitive with each other. Men that go to war together become brothers.
(6) Hurdles to being Born Again
The hurdles to being Born Again become crucial for those intensely seeking it.
We shall discuss some of the hurdles here:
- Interested but not intensely seeking
There is a difference between interested versus passionately / intensely seeking it.
Our actions say a lot about whether we are just merely interested or
- Never ask God for it
John 16:24 NIV
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
James 4: 2-3
You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
- Unrepented Sins
Unrepented Sins can block us from reaching our Born Again experience. Examples of Unrepented Sins:
- Unteachable Attitude
Signs of Unteachable Attitudes (click here for details):
Being unteachable is a sign of a proud heart. Men and women who refuse to receive correction, necessary rebuke, and godly counsel are people who are destined to fall. Many verses in Scripture back this assertion.
Proverbs 11:14, for starters, tells us that, "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."
Proverbs 12:15 tells us, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise."
- Self Righteous
It is easier for prostitutes, murderers, thieves and etc to come into the Kingdom of God than Scholars and "Educated" people.
Perhaps the video below can illustrate the reason why scholars/educated people (mainly Moralists) are more at risks of being deceived by their own thoughts than those Hedonists.
The hurdles to being Born Again become crucial for those intensely seeking it.
We shall discuss some of the hurdles here:
- Interested but not intensely seeking
There is a difference between interested versus passionately / intensely seeking it.
Our actions say a lot about whether we are just merely interested or
- Never ask God for it
John 16:24 NIV
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
James 4: 2-3
You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
- Unrepented Sins
Unrepented Sins can block us from reaching our Born Again experience. Examples of Unrepented Sins:
- Fornication (e.g. Unmarried couples living together)
- Homosexual relations (e.g. gay couples living together)
- Adultery
- Strife
- Causing division
- Gossips
- Self as God
- etc etc
- Unteachable Attitude
Signs of Unteachable Attitudes (click here for details):
- Thinking That Your Way Is the Best, Even If You Find It Failing
- Getting Offended for Being Corrected
- Appearing Receptive to Instruction, Correction, and Rebuke, But Secretly Rejecting It in Your Heart
- Cannot take instruction from those in lower positions
- Gets offended when someone tries to teach you something you already know
- Pretend to know what’s being taught, even when you don’t
- You feel certain tasks are beneath you, so you don’t need to learn them
- You try to “one-up” the one giving instruction by proving you know more than they do
Being unteachable is a sign of a proud heart. Men and women who refuse to receive correction, necessary rebuke, and godly counsel are people who are destined to fall. Many verses in Scripture back this assertion.
Proverbs 11:14, for starters, tells us that, "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."
Proverbs 12:15 tells us, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise."
- Self Righteous
It is easier for prostitutes, murderers, thieves and etc to come into the Kingdom of God than Scholars and "Educated" people.
Perhaps the video below can illustrate the reason why scholars/educated people (mainly Moralists) are more at risks of being deceived by their own thoughts than those Hedonists.
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The hurdles to being BORN AGAIN merits our attention because it is a prerequisite to enter the Kingdom of God.
A video below from David Pawson discuss Believers ending up in hell.
A video below from David Pawson discuss Believers ending up in hell.
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Example of Sins in the Bible
For those who think that they can meet the requirements of God, then they should not commit any sin. Otherwise, there is only one direction to go....HELL. To give you an examples of what sin is, please see some of the examples of sins from The Bible.
1. IDOLATRY — the making of any created thing to be your "god;" settings your ultimate love upon, finding your ultimate security in, or giving your ultimate allegiance to any created thing(s), whether material, human, or formal false religious gods. Attributing uniquely divine attributes to created entities or things; worshiping such as God. Idolatry is a a sin of atheism as by necessity it effectively makes "gods" out of created things. (Is. 45:18; Ex. 20:3 Dt. 5:7; 6:5,14; 17:2-7; 27:15; Acts 21:25; 1 Cor. 5:11; 12:2; 2 Cor. 6:16; 1 Thes. 1:9; 1 Jn. 5:21; Rev. 2:14,20; 9:20)
2. BLASPHEMY — attacking or otherwise showing disrespect toward God and His character, in word or deed. Includes charging God, who alone is eternal, infallible, omnipotent and omniscient, and does what is right (especially in the light of eternity), with being immoral. Such as many angry atheists do, effectively presuming omniscience and superior wisdom and judgment. (Mk. 7:22; Lv. 24:16; 1Ki. 21:10; Mt. 12:31; Acts 26:11; James 2:7)
3. TAKING THE NAME OF GOD IN VAIN — misusing or misappropriating God's name and authority for any purpose, such as invoking the name of God/Christ to give authority to the unholy curses or purposes of man. Includes falsely speaking prophecy in the name of the LORD. It is a form of the sin of profanity. (Lv. 19:8,12; Dt. 18:20a; 20:7; Jer. 20:1-6; 28:1,2,10-17;29:24-32)
4. PROFANITY — irreverence or being contemptuous in word or deed toward what God calls holy, sanctified. (Lev. 19:12; 21:23; Neh. 13:17-18; Ezek. 23:26; 44:23; Mal. 2:10,11; Eph. 4:29; 1Co. 7:14; 1Tim. 4:7; 6:20;; Heb. 12:16)
5. BEING A FALSE PREACHER — one who entices others to practice false religion, to go after other gods; apostasy, or which teach contrary to salvific Scriptural Truths. (Dt. 13:6-12; Mt. 23:15; Acts 13:10; 2Cor. 11:13-15) Akin to the sin of misdirecting people, from making the blind wander out of the way to maliciously giving false directions. (Dt. 27:18; Mt. 15:14)
6. WITCHCRAFT — the practice of witches; occultic magic: Ouija boards, astrology, palmistry, necromancy, divination, etc.; also likened to rebellion. (Ex. 22:18; Lv. 19:31; 20:6,27; 1Sam. 15:23) See here.
7. CHILD SACRIFICE TO IDOLS, FALSE GODS (see #1) — basically includes abortion (most of which are done for convenience), or directing them to laws and ideologies contrary to God's word, and which directs them on the path of damnation. (Lv. 18:21; 20:2; Dt. 12:31; 18:10)
8. REBELLION AGAINST PARENTS — Cursing, disrespect, or constant rebellion against parents (except where obedience is required due to conflict with God's word) (Ex. 20:12; 21:15, 17; cf. Lv. 20:9; Dt. 21:18; 27:16)
9. DISOBEDIENCE TO AUTHORITY — Disobedience to just judgments by God-ordained authority. (Dt. 17:9,10a, 11b,12; Josh 1:18; Rm. 13:1-7; 1Pet. 2:13,14)
10. MURDER — premeditated killing with malice; intentional unlawful and or unjust killing of another human; homicide with malicious forethought. (Ex. 21:12-14: Lv. 24:17; Num. 35:31; Dt. 19:11,12; Jn. 8:44; 1 Tim. 1:9; 1 Pet. 4:15; 1 Jn. 3:15) Includes murdering one in their thoughts. (Mk. 7:21)
11. NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE — death of another caused by one's own negligence. (Ex. 21:29)
12. HOMOSEXUAL RELATIONS — sexual activity between persons of the same gender; seeking to join same genders in marriage (cf. here and here (Lv. 18:22; 20:13; Rm. 1:26,27; 1 Tim. 1:10)
13. EFFEMINANCY — men unnaturally taking on female characteristics and behavior, contrary to the distinctive nature of opposite genders God created, and thus their complimentarity. (1 Cor. 6:9; cf. Dt. 22:5)
14. BESTIALITY — sexual relations between humans and animals. (Ex. 22:19; Lv. 18:23; 20:15; Dt. 27:21)
15. ADULTERY — violation of the marriage bed; extramarital sexual relations in heart or actions (includes lusting by pornography). (Lv. 20:10; Dt. 22:23-25; Mk. 7:20-23; Jn. 8:3-5; Gal. 5:19; 1 Cor. 6:9)
16. FORNICATION — sexual intercourse before marriage: also adultery and spiritual unfaithfulness. (Gn. 34; Mt. 19:9; Mk. 7:20-23; Acts 15:20; 21:25; Rm. 1:29; 1 Cor. 5:1,11; 6:13,19; 7:2; Gal. 5:19; Eph. 5:3; Col. 3:5; 1Thes. 4:3; Rev. 9:21; 14:8; 17:2,4; 18:3; 19:2);
17. SEXUAL UNCLEANNESS — all unnatural, impure or otherwise illicit (such as unmarried) sexual activity, in heart or deed. (Mk. 7:20-23; 2Cor. 12:21; Gal. 5:19; Eph. 5:3; Col. 3:5)
18. DECEIT, LYING — dishonesty in every form; being a false witness. (Dt. 19:15; Mk. 7:22; 14:1; Acts 13:10; Rm. 1:29; 1 Tim. 1:10; 1Thes. 2:3; 1Pet. 2:1,22; 3:10; Rev. 2:2; 14:5; 21:8)
19. FALSE PRETENSE IN MARRIAGE Marriage under the pretense of being a virgin. (Dt. 22:20)
20. LASCIVIOUSNESS — lustful, wanton; captivating lust. (Gal. 5:19; Eph. 4:19; 1Pet. 4:3; Jude 1:4)
21. COVETOUSNESS — Selfish lusting for things, whether pleasure (food, sex), possessions or power/prestige. (Lk. 12:15; Rm. 1:29; 2 Cor. 9:5; Eph. 4:19; 5:3; Col. 3:5; 1 Thes. 2:5; 2 Pet. 2:3,14; 1Jn. 2:16)
22. THEFTS — stealing; the unlawful taking of anything material, intellectual, etc. (Ex. 20:15; Lv. 19:11; Dt. 19:14; Dt. 27:17; Ezek. 22:29; Mk. 7:22; Jn. 12:6; Eph. 4:28; 1 Pet. 4:15)
23. PERVERTING JUSTICE — perversion of what is just and right for the afflicted, especially to the stranger, fatherless or widow (Ex. 22:22-24; Dt. 27:19)
24. HATRED — Unholy bitter aversion, animosity, antagonism, resentment. (Rm. 1:29; Gal. 5:20; James 4:4)
25. VARIANCE (archaic) — contentious spirit; refusal to submit to truth, or just rulings by lawful authority. (Rm. 1:29; 1Cor. 3:3; Gal. 5:20; Titus 3:9; Dt. 17:8-13)
26. EMULATIONS — unholy zeal; selfish ambition, strife to excel at the expense of another. (Num. 12; Gal. 5:20; Phil. 2:14)
27. WRATH — Carnal turbulent, violent passions of unholy anger, indignation. (2 Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5:20; Col. 3:8)
28. STRIFE — fleshly disputations; selfish contention for superiority. (Gal. 5:20; Rm. 1:29; 13:13; 1 Cor. 1:11; 2 Cor. 12:20; Phil. 1:15; 2:24; 1Tim. 6:4; 3:9; 1 Pet. 5:5)
29. SEDITION — carnal assembly of rebellious spirit in opposition to lawful authority: fleshly factious uprising; (Num. 12; 16; Rm. 16:7; 1 Cor. 3:3; Gal. 5:20)
30. HERESIES — unholy factions holding false doctrine opposed to established fundamental truths. (Gal. 5:20; Titus 1:3)
31. SIMONY — purchasing (by money or favors) ecclesiastical offices or power. (Acts 8:18-24)
32. ENVYINGS — Craving what others have, whether pleasure, possessions, or prestige (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life: 1Jn. 2:16)) even if you have no done nothing to deserve such (as with the devil seeking God's position). This is often used interchangeably with jealousy, but which can be feeling that what others give belongs to you or your interest instead of someone or something else, rightly or not (the coach was jealous for the devotion some of his talented players showed to video games). (Gal. 5:21; Num. 16:3,7; Mt. 27:18; Mk. 15:10; Rm. 1:29; Phil. 1:15; 1Tim. 6:4; Titus 3:3; 1Pet. 2:1)
33. DRUNKENNESS — the state of being drunk; under the influence of intoxicating substances which alter the senses for recreation. "Even the cares of the world, when they intoxicate the mind" (Adam Clarke). (Ga. 5:21; Dt. 21:20; Lk. 21:34; 1 Cor. 5:11; 6:10; Eph. 5:18; 1 Thes. 5:7)
34. REVELINGS — boisterous, indulgent festivities, carousing, loud merry-making, partying. (Gal. 5:21; Ex. 32:1-8; Rm. 13:13; 1Pet. 4:3)
35. PRIDE — haughtiness; egotism; conceit. Seeing yourself better than you really are. (Mk. 7:22; Ps. 12:3; 101:5; 119:21; 123:4; 138:6; Prv. 6:17; 15:25; 16:5; 21:4,24; 28:25; Eccl. 7:8; Is. 2:12)
36. FOOLISHNESS — frivolous or irresponsible behavior. (Mk. 7:22; Prv. 12:23; 22:15; 24:9; 27:2; Eccl. 7:25; 1 Pet. 2:15)
37. EXTORTION — forced extraction of money, sex, things, by manipulation; coercion. (1 Cor. 5:11; Lk. 18:11; Mt. 23:25; 7:15)
38. REFUSING TO FORGIVE — holding a grudge, harboring personal resentment, a bitter spirit against persons due to past injuries (see Hurt and Resentment); pressing charges in heart, especially despite ignorance or repentance on the other person's part. (Lv. 19:18; Mt. 6:12-15; 18:23-35; Heb. 12:15) This does not exclude bringing issues to a person or the church that should be addressed as being wrong in principle, and in the interest of peace and righteousness, (cf. Mt. 18:15-17) but a forgiving spirit, not a resentful one, is required in the light of God's forgiveness of us, and not seeking satisfaction for injuries is the higher standard. (Lk. 23:34; Acts 7:50; 1Co. 6:7)
39. EVIL THOUGHTS — any evil thoughts, or imaginations, including unwarranted suspicions; seeking vengeance; illicit sex fantasies; planning evil. (Mk. 7:21; Mt. 9:4; James 2:4)
40. THE ULTIMATE SIN OF DAMNATION - Rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, and the only One who can save you from all your sins.
John. 3:18, 36 - He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on Him.
"In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day" (2Thes. 1:-10).
(7) Carnal Christian
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Carnal Christians do not make it to heaven.
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