10 Disciplines Find God’s Truths in context
of Entire Bible
Disciplines to find God’s truths without being
led astray, leading others astray
1. God made a spiritual plan to save, make us His children before He created this universe, everything in it, including us.
God’s spiritual plan of salvation is only found in the
Bible, only found when we use the context within the entire Bible (Gen – Rev).
We have made an outline of God’s spiritual plan of salvation, by making a
diagram of the 7 Kingdoms God will use to make us His holy children. Then using
12 of these diagrams to show what has happened, is happening, and will happen
in the future; from God planning His new creation, to His eternal New Heaven
and Earth we where will be eternally with our God. It is surprising how all the
spiritual truths come together within this outline, when we use the context of
the entire Bible as the main primary reference. For all God’s spiritual truths are
within the Bible. See 7 Kingdoms God Uses to Save Us
*This is what we speak, not in words taught us by
human wisdom but in words taught by
the Spirit, expressing spiritual
truths in spiritual words.
1Co
2:13 NIV+
*And He said, "To
you it has been given to know the mysteries
of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that 'Seeing they may
not see, And hearing
they may not understand.'
Lk
8:10 NKJV+
*Brothers, I
could not address you as spiritual but as worldly--mere infants in Christ. I
gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 1Co 3:1-2 NIV+
God’s spiritual plan of salvation is only written and found in the context of the entire Bible (Gen-Rev).
*For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Col 1:9 NASB+
*which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles
and prophets by the Spirit. Eph 3:5 ESV+
*for you have been born again not of seed which is
perishable but imperishable, that is,
through the living and enduring word
of God. 1Pe 1:23 NASB+
Note; There is one section of verses (Mk
16:9-20) in the Bible translations we use (ESV+, NASB+, NIV+, NKJV+) that
should not be part of the Bible. In the footnotes of these Bibles, it clearly
states that these verses were not in some of the earliest manuscripts of Mark.
Since many of these verses are out of context with the Bible, especially
Mk 16:18; and have no other supporting verses in the Bible, they were most
likely added by a Scribe who was copying the book of Mark. No one should drink
poison or hold dangerous serpents to prove our God will save believers from
getting sick or dying; we should not use it our worship services, and is not a
sign or proof of the power of our God and be used to bring unbelievers to Him.
We also do not believe anything in the any of these verses (Mk 16:9-20) which
were added later should be construed as truth either, for they are not part of
the original book/scroll of Mark. We must eliminate satan’s attempt to manipulate the Bible, manipulate
us with these verses.
[Some of
the earliest manuscripts do not include 16:9-20.]
ESV+
*And these signs
shall follow them that believe; Mk 16: ptn 17 KJV
*They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; Mk 16:ptn 18 KJV
Just like satan
tried to trick Jesus into jumping off a cliff which could physically kill
Jesus. We like Jesus should use other verses in the correct context of the
entire Bible; which tell us we should not tempt our God by doing something to
see if He will save us.
*and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,
“ ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’
and “ ‘On their hands they will bear you
up, lest you strike your foot
against a stone.’ ” Matt 4:6 ESV+ satan/devil quoted Ps 91:11-12
*Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the
test.’ ” Matt 4: ESV+
Jesus quoted Dt 6:16
#Example:
God’s plan of salvation shows us the most important
spiritual truths in the Bible; how much Jesus loved us, that He willingly gave
His life as atonement for the sins of all who would believe in Him as their
Savior, and obey His Father’s commands. The less important physical truths were
that Jesus was killed, was crucified as demanded by the Chief Priests, and
carried out by the Roman government through Pontius Pilate.
*Wishing to satisfy
the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged,
he handed Him over to be crucified. Mk 15:15 NASB+
*"Or do you think
that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve
legions of angels "How
then will the Scriptures be fulfilled,
which say that it must happen this way?" Matt 26:53-54 NASB+
*and live a life of
love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Eph 5:2 NIV+
#Example:
God’s spiritual plan shows us how His plan to save us will
be physically implemented on earth. We cannot figure out our God’s spiritual
plan of salvation by trying to figure out what physically has or will happen on
earth; because it is a spiritual plan, made by a spiritual God, using spiritual
power and spiritual kingdoms that we cannot see or physically understand. Yet
many want physical proof before they will believe in our God, or His words in
the Bible.
Many Bible leaders, teachers, colleges,
some who may be Christians but need stronger faith, those who claim to be
Christian but are not, and unbelievers; no longer have the faith to trust the
spiritual truths in the Bible, without physical proof. They now want 2 physical
proofs to confirm verses or chapters in the Bible are true, or they question
them, or do not believe they are true. They No longer have the faith to believe
in the Bible’s spiritual truths, knowing the physical evidence to prove these
truths of the Bible will be found when our God wants us to find it.
*Jesus
said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and
yet have believed.” Jn 20:29 ESV+
2. Only the Holy Spirit can
explain God’s absolute spiritual truths to us in the Bible.
We should pray to our Heavenly Father before we begin reading or studying the Bible, ask Him to fill us with the Holy Spirit. So the Holy Spirit can open our hearts, our minds so we can understand what our Heavenly Father wants to show, teach, and reveal to us at this time.
* Now we
have received not the spirit of the
world, but the Spirit who is from
God, that we might understand the
things freely given us by God. And
we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit,
interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 1Co
2:12-13 ESV+
*Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who has blessed us with
every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places
in Christ, Eph1:3 NKJV+
3. The Bibles we
should use to understand what our God wants us to know through the Holy Spirit
The Bible was written about spiritual and physical events which began around 6,000 years ago with creation of the universe, and continues with all the events which will happen until God’s New Heaven and Earth. There are 66 different books/scriptures/scrolls/letters/events in the Bible which were written by the different men God chose to write His plan of salvation, over a 4,000 year period (Rev last written around 95AD). The Holy Spirit guided the men God chose to put His truths together in the Bible for us to read so they would be in context with each other. The Old Testament has 39 books and covers God’s plan of salvation before Jesus died on the cross to atone for our sins; the New Testament has 27 books about God’s plan of salvation to have His Son become man, Jesus and shed His blood to atone for our sins.
*But know this first
of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men
moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 2Pe 1:20-21
NASB+
The Old Testament was written mostly in the Hebrew language with a very small amount of Aramaic language in it. The New Testament was written mostly in the Greek language, with even less Aramaic language in it. The Holy Spirit guided the men who wrote the Bible so it remained God’s absolute truth, and in the context of the entire Bible showed us God’s plan of salvation; will still continue to reveal more to truths to us till Jesus returns for us.
Each one of these 66 books (recorded writings) had to
be translated into the language of the people so they could read it. Then the
Holy Spirit helped Christian leaders put all of these writings together and
further divide these books/writings into chapters, then
verses, so the truths of God’s plan of salvation in the Bible could more easily
be read, studied, and put in context with the entire Bible.
A. For accuracy use literal word for
word translations where the translator’s assumptions and opinions are limited. Where a
conflict arises between different literal word by word translations use the
translation which best fits the context of God’s spiritual plan of salvation in
the entire Bible.
B. For ease of reading: literal word by word, thought by thought translations
where the translator can more freely express their assumptions and opinions to make the
Bible easier to read. Always use them with a literal word for word
translation(s) which should be deemed correct if there is a discrepancy or
conflict between them on any verse(s).
C. Never use a paraphrase
translation which is just the translator’s assumptions and opinions of what is
being said, and not a literal translation of the Bible.
We use 7 different translations to read
and study with; viewing 5 of them at once on our computer screen through our
web-search program. The copyright at bottom of page gives more publishing and
copyright information on these translations; NKJ and ASV are no longer under
copyright laws.
5 literal word by word Bibles to
read and study with (listed in order
we deem most literal); American Standard Version (ASV), New American Standard
Bible (NASB+), English Standard Version (ESV+), King James Version (KJV), New
King James Version (NKJV+)
2 literal word by word, thought by
thought (some assumptions made by translators for easier reading) Bible;
use only with a literal word by word translation to confirm or reject what it
says. New International Version 1984 translation (NIV+) [no longer published],
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV+)
3a. Different translations of the Bible should be used together to compare the verses we are reading, as this helps us find their correct meaning, and keeps them in the context with the entire Bible. We recommend using at least 4 different translations as follows:
3 - Literal Word by Word Translations (Our
preference order; ESV+ - NASB+ - NKJV+ - KJV – ASV)
At least 2 – English Standard Version (ESV+) or New
American Standard Version (NASB+) or American Standard Version (ASV)
At least 1- New King James Version (NKJV+) or King James Version (KJV)
1 – Literal Word by Word, Thought by Thought Translation - Do not use alone without a Literal Word by Word Translation to compare it with
At least 1 of these – New International Version (NIV)
or New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Never use a Paraphrase Translation of the Bible for instead of translating the original text of the Bible; the Translator becomes the author and uses their own understanding of what was written in their own words to rewrite the Bible.
You do not have to have all of these
written Bible translations though they are good to have, especially if you like
to read instead of look at a computer; try to get some of these Bible with
references. But it is much easier and quicker to find them on the internet
websites which provide a word-search program. This allows you to find any
verses or words in the Bible by just listing them; there are many different
websites available, we have one you can go to at the bottom of our home page.
#But the best way is to have a web-search program on
your computer, though they can be expensive and do not always have the Bible
translations you may want to use. We use an older CD disc program Bible
Explorer Premium Edition from WORDsearch corp.
which has all of the Bibles we like above in it, yet being an older program are
hard to find. Sometimes they can be found, we found the Bible Explorer
Limited Edition from WORDsearch corp. (does not
have all the Bibles we use; only very good ESV+, older ASV, KJV) on Amazon for
$75, see hyperlink below though they sell out fast. But if you can find these
program discs, understand computers or know someone who does, even though they
were made for XP and Vista they can be put on window 10 using their
compatibility program.
https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Explorer-Limited-Access-Riches/dp/1932213546
Web-search programs can also have cross references to
help us as is explained in 4. below; keep us in context
of the entire Bible as explained in 5. below. For then
we have a computer as our mind, which is faster, more accurate than our human
brains will ever be in locating meanings of words and finding verses in the
Bible.
#Example:
By using different translations we can find the
clearest and best translation of verses. KJV translation of the Bible in
1Corinthians 13:13 tells us that charity is greater than having faith in our
God, which can mislead one to think we can be saved by our works, by giving to
others less fortunate. However all five of the other translations (ASV, ESV+,
NASB+, NKJV+, NIV+ (1984 version) we use, have the correct word, love, in this
verse. Giving us the correct meaning that loving our God above all things is
the greatest thing we can do for our God, for it is the goal and culmination of
our faith and hope in Him.
*And now abideth faith, hope,
charity, these three; but the greatest
of these is charity. 1Co 13:13
KJV
*But now faith, hope, love, abide these
three; but the greatest of these is love. 1Co 13:13 NASB+
*Jesus replied:
"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is
the first and greatest commandment.
Matt
22:37-38 NIV+
3b. Use Strong’s Dictionary for Hebrew, Greek, word definitions; better
to use a Concordance with a Lexicon
Since the original transcripts which
make up the Bible were written in Hebrew, Greek, with a small amount of Aramaic
in them. Dr. Strong (biblical language expert) made a dictionary and a
concordance (in 1890) by listing and numbering all the basic root words of
Hebrew and Greek; and then giving the meaning of each numbered word in our
English language. His books have been widely accepted, and we can use them to
help us understand what the Bible is telling us. We do not even have to
remember the Hebrew or Greek word or how to say them,
merely use their numbers to compare how they are used in different places in
the Bible. A concordance use Strong’s definitions shows each place the Hebrew
or Greek root word is used; which gives us an insight to their meaning, helps
us know what is being said in English.
A Strong’s book with a dictionary can be
used, but much quicker and easier to use a computer program on the internet to
do this, even better to use a concordance/lexicon which shows every verse a
word was used in the Bible with different translations of the Bible. We like to
use this one on the internet: http://www.eliyah.com/lexicon.html
Best way is to have a computer program
on your computer to do this, though might get expensive. Our web-search program
(Bible Explorer Premium Edition from WORDsearch
corp.) has a Strong’s dictionary with the NASB+ translation which we can click
on and get the numbered meanings while we can still looking at the verse. Then
if we want details we go to the internet lexicon above. .
#Example: Using Strong’s dictionary we can get the
word Hades and his number for it G86, and can see
which translations have used this word’s meaning correctly. Hades refers to a
place where unbelievers’ spiritual beings (souls and spirits) go when their physical body
and mind die to await the White Throne Judgment. At the White Throne Judgment
their spiritual beings will be reunited with their physical bodies raised from
the dead, judged and then cast into the Lake of Fire, which is Hell (Geena
pronounced gehenna) Strong’s (G1067); the place Jesus
tells unbelievers physical bodies will go after being united with their
spiritual being.
*And the sea gave up the dead who
were in it, Death and Hades gave up the
dead who were in them, and they were
judged, each one of them, according
to what they had done. Then
Death and Hades were thrown into the
lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. Rev 20:13-14 ESV+
*And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. Matt 5:30 NIV+
And if your hand causes you to
sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two
hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable
fire. Mk 9:43 ESV+
How Hades is translated in different Translations;
Hades (Greek); where unbelievers’ spiritual beings go
after they physically die. Used 10 times in Bible; Strong’s Greek G86 Hades
Matt 11:23 - Matt 16:18 - Luke 10:15 - Luke 16:23 - Acts
2:27 - Acts 2:31 - Rev 1:18 - Rev 6:8 - Rev 20:13 - Rev 20:14
NASB+ and ASV 10 times correctly used Strong’s Greek
word Hades G86
NKJV+ used Hades G86 11 times; incorrectly used Hades
G86 instead of death in 1Co 15:55
ESV+ Correctly used Hades G86 8 times; incorrectly
used other words for Hades 2 times; incorrectly used Hades instead of death in
1Co 15:55
NIV+ Correctly used Hades G86 5 times; incorrectly
used other words 5 times
KJV 10 times incorrectly used Strong’s word Hades G86
replaced it with Hell G1067; incorrectly used Hades G86 instead of death in 1Co
15:55
4. First let the
Bible interpret itself with cross references, before using other means to
interpret the Bible
Finding all the places that pertain to a certain word or verse, helps understand that word or verse in the context of s God’s complete plan of salvation in the entire Bible. Using this principle we can make a rough outline of God’s true plan of salvation from the beginning to the end of the Bible. Then using this outline it is easier to interrupt and understand other verses as we read and study them by plugging them into our outline; though sometimes we have to adjust our outline with these new verses to keep it in context with God’s great plan of salvation. As we confirm or adjust our outline with these verses we continue to understand more and more of our God’s great plan of salvation for us. Our outline uses God’s 7 Kingdoms to show all the events in the entire Bible from creation to God’s New Heaven and Earth; which keeps the entire Bible (Gen-Rev) in context.
You can buy Bibles with cross references; separate
books which have them. Much better are cross reference Bibles on the internet
which cross reference verses on the verse you are reading, so you can click on
them in small parenthesis of the verse and read them while still remaining on
the verse.
Best cross references: are those which you can put on
your own computer and are combined with a web-search program. You can click on
them in small parenthesis of the verse and read them while still remaining on
the verse. We use Bible Explorer 4
#Examples
God promised
Israel that it would be a nation until the sun and moon no longer shine; and
God keeps His promises. The nation of Israel will exist and always be a
separate people, a separate nation, even when not living on the promised land
of Israel God gave them. This context is kept throughout the Bible and only
when God creates a New Heaven and Earth will the sun and moon no longer shine
or be needed, for the brilliance of the Lord God will give God’s children
light.
*This is what the Lord says, he
who appoints the sun to shine by day,
who decrees the moon stars to shine by
night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar-- the Lord Almighty is his name: "Only if these decrees vanish from my sight," declares the Lord, "will the descendants of Israel ever cease to be a nation before
me. Jer 31:35-36 NIV+
*There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun,
for the Lord God gives them light.
And they shall reign forever and ever. Rev
22:5 NKJV+
Do not be
misled by those who say all were all made one through Jesus, and all children
of God are now part of Israel. For this is referring to the spiritual truth
that all who have received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, our eternal spiritual being becomes holy, so we
become spiritually one with Jesus. And because we are spiritually one with Jesus;
we become spiritually one with all of our brothers and sisters who are one with
Jesus.
*There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:28 NASB+
*The Spirit
Himself bears witness with our
spirit that we are children of God,
Ro 8:16 NKJV+
Yet our physical beings can never become holy, we can
never become one with Jesus or any other believer who are spiritually one with
Jesus.
*I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 1Co 15:50 ESV+
*If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit
is alive because of righteousness.
Ro
8:10 NASB+
Our physical
mortal body and mind will live under God’s physical laws on the earth until
they die. There will always be physical men and women (though many are trying
to physically make men women, and women men) until we all receive spiritual
glorified bodies when Jesus returns for us. Those teaching or saying that
Israel is no longer a physical nation forget that children of God have both a
physical being which is mortal and will never come into Heaven; and a spiritual
being which is eternal, will come into Heaven, and will someday live within a
glorified spiritual being.
See Israel Will Always Be a Nation
We should first let the Holy Spirit guide us in the
verses we are reading and studying, then use the complete context of the entire
Bible to help us understand what our God would have us know; before we use
human commentaries/books/writings no matter how prestigious the authors. For
they can give us ideas which can lead us astray of what the Holy Spirit wants
us show or reveal to us; never let anything take priority over what our God’s
absolute plan of salvation give us within the context of the entire Bible. Use
all legitimate Christian based history, archaeology, astronomy, only as
secondary help in understanding the Bible; and only if it follows the context
of the entire Bible.
#Example:
Never use the writing of Josephus
(Flavius Josephus; born 37AD died 100AD) as an accurate authority to define
what has happen in the Bible before using the full context within the Bible
itself. Josephus was a non-Christian Jewish traitor who later worked for the
Roman government and wrote articles about their culture along with the Jewish
culture. His articles had some truths, some lies in them, contained much bias
to redeem himself from being a Jewish traitor at Masada. Then when his writings
were uncovered, some scholars made them into books with chapter and verses just
like the Bible; and many Bible scholars and colleges both Christian and
non-Christian, have now used these unreliable writings them to redefine what
the context within the entire Bible tells us, uses unreliable writings to
override the truths of the Bible.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Flavius-Josephus
5. The context of the entire Bible (Gen-Rev) must agree with itself; words, verses, and concepts have to be in context with the rest of the Bible to be the absolute spiritual truths of our God. We cannot just read one verse and completely understand what it means, what our God’s plans are for us; without the help of other confirming verses which help explain the complete meaning of this verse, while keeping it in the context of the entire Bible (Gen-Rev). No one can expand or detract the meaning of a word or verse without it agreeing with God’s spiritual plan of salvation, found only in the context of the entire Bible.
#Examples
Satan tried to deceive Jesus by taking some verses
from Old Testament Scriptures out of their context. Jesus merely use other verses from the Old Testament Scriptures to put
the correct context of the absolute truths in our Bible which our Heavenly
Father would have us know; defeating satan.
*Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' "Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Matt 4:5-7 NIV+
*"You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested Him at Massah. Dt 6:16 NASB+
Today we should do like Jesus did, check the meaning
of verses through the context of the entire Bible;
- So we are not led astray by believers who have not
used the full context of the entire Bible and be misled by them.
- So we are not deceived by those trying to use the
Bible to pull us away from our God; includes satan and his demonic hoard, and the socialists who
now are taking over the world and want nothing to do with God.
- So we are not deceived by those who claim to be
Christians, but really want the worldly pleasures of this world, money, sexual
immorality with abortion; and try to manipulate the verses in Bible to accept
their sinful desires. Their votes in the 2021 U.S. elections put in an anti-god
socialistic government which will end our religious freedoms and bring us into
a one world government; which the beast/antichrist/man of sin man will become
ruler of and reign over the world for 3½ years trying to kill all believers.
Until Jesus returns and gives us glorified spiritual bodies, take us to be with
Him forever.
Yet information from legitimate Christian based
history, archaeology, astronomy, can be used as secondary help in understanding
the Word. Providing the meaning derived remains in context with all of the
Word.
#Example:
We know that Jesus was born during the
reign of King Herod, but the Bible does not tell us the exact time. Gold coins
have been recovered showing King Herod reigned until 4 BC. This helps us
confirm Jesus was born before 4 BC, most believe between 4-6
BC.
*Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in
the days of Herod the king, behold,
wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, Matt 2:1 NKJV+
5a. Do not accept any
interpretation or allow anyone to expand the meaning of a verse, without
confirming it is true by using the context of the entire Bible.
Example:
Many use John 3:16 to tell the story of God’s plan of
salvation, and we believe it is a beautiful verse about our Heavenly Father and
Jesus love for us. Yet it still needs the context of the entire Bible for it to
fully be understood. For one must understand what believe means; for even satan demons believe Jesus is the
Son of God.
*Jesus
asked him, saying, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion," because many demons had entered him. And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss.
Lk 8:30-31 NKJV+
* Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And
He permitted them. Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine,
and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned. Lk 8:32-32 NKJV+
We must love our God (Father, Jesus (Father’s Son),
above all things, and because we love Him obey His commands; give up our human
will and accept the Holy Spirit into our hearts. See 4 Things which Make Us God’s
Children
*"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. Jn 14:15 NASB+
*For I
have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I
should speak. Jn 12:49 NKJV+
And only those
who strive to follow God’s commandments, are sorry when we commit them, ask
Jesus to forgive us and try even harder not to commit them, will become
children of God, remain children of God.
*Blessed
are those who do His commandments, that
they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the
gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral
and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. Rev 22:14-15 NKJV+
5b. God’s truths in the Bible will not contradict themselves, we have made a mistake deciphering their meaning if they do. We must find the mistake we have made and correct it so the context of the entire Bible agrees with itself.
When those who were faithful to God, and obeyed His
ceremonial laws of the Old Covenant, physically died; their spiritual being
(soul and spirit) could not enter into God’s Kingdom in Heaven. Their spiritual
being went to God’s Rest/Abraham’s Bosom to wait for Jesus atoning grace on the
cross to have their sins completely removed; so their spiritual beings could
come into God’s Holy Kingdom in Heaven. After Jesus redeemed us from our sins
on the cross, when any physically die who love our Savior above all things,
obey His commands; Jesus forgives our sins and our spiritual being becomes
holy. When we physically die, Jesus will take our spiritual being taken
directly into the Kingdom of God in Heaven to be with Him eternally. See A. Verses 3b.
*No one has
ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.
Jn 3:13 ESV+
*Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal
inheritance, since a death has
occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first
covenant. Heb 9:15
All the souls and spirits of the faithful in Abraham’s
Bosom followed Jesus human spiritual being into Heaven; after Jesus’ human body
and mind died on the Cross, His human spiritual being had endured the torture
of Hades, then proclaimed victory in the Abyss and became the first human
spiritual being to come into His Father’s Spiritual Kingdom in Heaven.
*So it was that the beggar died, and was carried
by the angels to Abraham's bosom.
The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Lk
16:22-23 NKJV+
*Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of
captives, and he gave gifts to men.”
(In saying, “He ascended,” what does it
mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who
descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might
fill all things.) Eph 4:8-10 ESV+ See topics in God’s 7 Kingdoms
6. Actions a word produces, symbolic references, and parables used in the context of God’s spiritual plan of salvation; can more accurately show the meaning of words in the Bible. Then using word definitions of the secular world at the time they were used, or in today’s language; especially to word meanings which are unique to the Bible, and are given distinct meanings which relate God’s plan of salvation.
#Example:
The word baptize is unique word to our
Christian beliefs, refers to 7 different baptisms
which happen in the Bible; does not always mean immersed in water as many
believe. It must be defined by the actions it produces in context with the
entire Bible. It can also be a symbolic reference to us when we have their sins
forgiven, so we can spiritually receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We
can then symbolically show how our sins were forgiven, washed away so our so
our spiritual being becomes perfectly holy; by being immersed in water, having
water poured on our head, or sprinkled over us as Jesus asked us to do.
Baptism can also refer to those of the
Old Covenant who were baptized into Moses by following him through the cloud
God gave them to follow, after saving them by holding back the sea for them to
pass through. And only Pharaoh’s army was immersed in water.
*For I do not want you
to be unaware, brethren, that our
fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and
all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 1Co 10:1-2 NASB+
*The waters returned and covered
the chariots and the horsemen;
of all the host of Pharaoh that had
followed them into the sea, not one of them remained. Ex 14:28 ESV+
Baptism can also refer to all the trials
and tests God will use to strengthen our faith so we can remain children of
God. Jesus used the word baptism to symbolically refer to the troubles He would
have to endure to atone for our sins; to give up His physical life by being
beaten and crucified, then face the agony of Hades to redeem believers from our
sins. The same baptism satan
and the world put us through, and only those who love our Savior above all
things and because of this love obey His commands will be able to endure this
baptism.
*Jesus
said to them, “You do not know
what you are asking. Are you able to
drink the cup that I drink, or to be
baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” Mk 10:38 ESV+
*But I
have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! Lk 12:50 NKJV+
*And he
who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not
worthy of Me. He who finds his life
will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake
will find it. Matt 10:38-39
NKJV+
*and if
children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be
glorified together. Ro 8:17 NKJV+
#Example:
We must understand the symbolism within the Lamb of
God, for it explains their meaning. When Jesus is/was called the Lamb of God,
it means He would give His life on the cross. In the Old Covenant a sacrificial
lamb was sacrificed as the means by which the sins of those who believed in God
were forgiven. Jesus became our sacrificial lamb with His onetime sacrificial
death on the cross as atonement for believers’ sin forever. In the New Covenant
of grace, Jesus blood has become the only means by which the sins of believers
can be forgiven, no other sacrifice or works will ever be needed.
*Then came the first day of Unleavened Bread on
which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Lk 22:7 NASB+
*The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of
the world! Jn 1:29 NKJV+
7. Know who is talking and whom they are talking to. Many words and phrases are used to describe the same person or event. It can be hard to understand who or which particular event is being referred to. We must determine what person is being referred to, or what is happening by the context in which these words are used.
Example:
When Jesus tells His listeners to obey the Pharisees,
who had taken over the authority God gave Moses over Israel; Jesus is talking
to the Jewish people who at that time were under the Old Covenant laws God gave
Moses. Not to us who are under the atoning grace of the blood Jesus shed on the
cross for our sins; for Jesus alone is our High Priest, we come directly to Him
to have our sins forgiven.
*Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. Matt 23:1-3 NASB+
*Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast
our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to
sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted
as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne
of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 4:14-16 ESV+
Example:
Lord can refer to our Heavenly Father, to His Son or to Jesus (after the Father’s Son became man, became Jesus). It is not always easy to know who is being referred to as Lord in the Bible, unless you know who is talking and whom they are talking about.
In the verse below, since we know King
David is talking, the 1st Lord in the verse is our Heavenly Father,
and the 2nd Lord is referring to Jesus. For Jesus will sit on King
David’s Throne in Jerusalem in His 1,000 year Kingdom on earth, and David will
rule under Him.
*David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: "'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet."' Mk 12:36 NIV+
*And behold, you will conceive in
your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call
His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest;
and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He
will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no
end." Lk 1:31-33
NKJV+
8. The newest books, chapters, and verses take precedence over the older Books, chapters, verses in the Bible; for God has continued to reveal more of His plan of salvation at the correct time. Though some of the verses in the older books of the Bible foreshadowed what has and will take place in the future. The Bible was written about spiritual and physical events which began around 6,000 years ago with creation of the universe, and continues with events which will happen until God’s New Heaven and Earth. It was written over a span of around 4,000 years.
*But know this first
of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men
moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 2Pe 1:20-21
NASB+
The Old Testament was written mostly in the Hebrew language with a very small amount of Aramaic language in it. The New Testament was written mostly in the Greek language, with even less Aramaic language in it. The Holy Spirit guided the men who wrote the Bible so it remained God’s absolute truth, and in the context of the entire Bible showed us God’s plan of salvation; will still continue to reveal more to truths to us till Jesus returns for us.
In the New Testament, God’s New Covenant of Christ’s
atoning grace after Jesus died on the cross to atone for our sins; replaces the
Old Covenant ceremonial laws and works which were required in the Old Testament
to be saved.
*For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it
is the gift of God-- not by works,
so that no one can boast. Eph 2:8-9 NIV+
Yet we are still under our God’s moral laws which were
given us by our Heavenly Father in the Old Testament and were not part of the
ceremonial laws which Jesus has fulfilled and are needed no more.
*"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. Jn 14:15 NASB+
*For I
have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I
should speak. Jn 12:49 NKJV+
Here are some
more moral commands our Heavenly Father has given us, which Jesus expanded on,
often clarified. This includes the many sins of abortion (killing babies in the
womb) and sexual immorality which many congregational denominations, leaders,
and members who claim to be Christians but are not and the ungodly world are
pushing on us now. The same thing Paul was facing and condemning during his
life; sexual immorality has and will be one of satan’s favorite ways to turn us away from Jesus,
make many his children. Jesus even told us those who are married and sexually
lust after another are committing adultery (Mt 5:28).
*But the
cowardly, unbelieving, abominable,
murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and
brimstone, which is the second death."
Rev 21:8 NKJV+
*Do you not know
that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?
Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals,
nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards,
nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 1Co 6:9-10 NKJV+
#Example:
When Jesus tells His listeners to obey the Pharisees,
He is talking to the Jewish people who at that time were under the ceremonial
laws and works God had given them. This does not refer to believers after
Jesus’ atoning death on the cross; for we are now on the cross, who are under Christ’s grace.
*Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. Matt 23:1-3 NASB+
8a. The older writings also
foreshadow our God’s plan of salvation in the entire Bible; for what has been
done will be done again.
*What has been is
what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under
the sun. Is
there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in the ages before us. Eccl 1:9-10 ESV+
#Example:
The Passover
Meal symbolized Jesus as the lamb who would be slain to atone for our sins.
This Passover Meal foreshadowed the meal Jesus instituted the night before He
gave His life, was crucified to save us from our sins; which we still celebrate
today. The Lord’s Supper foreshadows the Marriage Supper of the Lamb which is
still to come; when our Savior returns, gives us glorified bodies and brings us
into His Father’s Kingdom.
*And He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; Lk 22:15 NASB+
*And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matt 26:26-28 NKJV+
* But I say to you, I
will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's
kingdom." Matt 26:29
NKJV+
*Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage
supper of the Lamb!'" Rev 19:9
NKJV+
9. We are responsible
for reading and studying the Bible. We should learn how to find God’s plan of
salvation that is only found in the full context of the entire Bible (Gen-Rev).
So we can we understand what our God wants us to know, and receive
the new revelations the Holy Spirit continuously wants to give us when we read
and study the Bible. For if we do not continue to read and study the Bible,
what knowledge we have will be taken from us, and given to those who diligently
read and study the Bible.
*Rejoice
always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all
circumstances; for this is the will
of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1Thess
5:16-18 ESV+
*For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be
known and come to light. Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.” Lk 8:17-18 ESV+
9a. We should read/study
alone, with our family; if possible with a friend(s), a small group, or a Bible
study where Bible verses can be peacefully discussed.
Very hard to discuss Bible
verses within a larger congregation, whether at a service or Bible class; they
only follow what a denomination or the leader believe, often put theology,
history, archaeology, astronomy, or other physical sciences ahead of the
spiritual context of the entire Bible.
Very hard to get them to use any of the disciplines
above, seldom use a web-search Bible program to enhance a Bible study. Yet
knowledge of God will increase until Jesus returns for us, and we need to
continually learn more about our God’s great love for us, what he would have us
do, and a greater understanding of His plan of salvation for us.
*"But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal
the book until the time of the end; many
shall run to and fro, and knowledge
shall increase." Da 12:4 NKJV+
We are all responsible for reading, studying and
learning about our God through the context of the entire Bible; are responsible
for telling others about our great God.
*until we all reach unity in
the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole
measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we
will no longer be infants, tossed
back and forth by the waves, and
blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness
of men in their deceitful scheming. Eph 4:13-15 NIV+
*Instead, speaking
the truth in love, we will in all
things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Eph 4:15 NIV+
10. We must accept that which we do not know, cannot understand, by faith. We will never be able to completely understand our God’s spiritual plan of salvation for us; there will be parts we will only know when we get to Heaven. Yet we can use the best potential meanings by noting them as not proven but that we; strongly believe them, believe them, or are not sure but think they are correct. Until the Spirit reveals the complete truth to us or they are revealed to us when Jesus takes us to Heaven.
*For we
know in part and we prophesy in part,
but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 1Co 13 9-10 ESV+
*as we
look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.
For the things that are seen are
transient, but the things that are
unseen are eternal. 2Co 4:18 ESV+
*for
we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would
rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 2Co
5:7-8 ESV+
Copyright
2011, amended 2012, 2013, 2021 by Ron Borkey
+ESV “Scripture
quotations marked [ESV] are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version,”
copyright © 2001 by
Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good New Publishers. Used by
permission. All rights reserved.”
+ NEW AMERICAN
STANDARD BIBLE (1995 Update) Copyright © 1981, 1998 The
Lockman Foundation, A Corporation Not for Profit,
+ NIV Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW
INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984
International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights
reserved.
+ NKJV "Scripture taken from the New King James
Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by
permission. All rights reserved."
*New Revised Standard Bible Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National
Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. All rights
reserved.
Some words in the verses from these
Bibles may be emphasized with bold letters.