What is the arm of the Lord?

God is Spirit. The arm of the Lord is a metaphor for God’s power and strength. The arm of the Lord delivers and redeems. [Capital letters added in verses]

"Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a STRETCHED OUT ARM, and with great judgments:" - Exodus 6:6

"And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an OUTSTRETCHED ARM, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:" - Deuteronomy 26:8

"Thou hast with THINE AREM redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah." - Psalm 77:15

Then, the Lord speaks of power and redemption by His arm in a much greater way. His arm that saved and delivered His people from physical bondage in Egypt, defeating their enemies, was now going to save and deliver the souls of all humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin, defeating the devil.

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15

God had looked for a man that could redeem mankind, but there was none righteous, without sin, that could pay the price. So God Himself stepped in to pay the price. He did this by making Himself a body, the arm of the Lord.

"And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore HIS ARM brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him." - Isaiah 59:16

The arm of the Lord would not be a literal arm, but a holy human body containing God Himself, with all power and authority to deliver, redeem, and to save.

The prophet Isaiah describes the arm of the Lord. We find the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecies in God’s flesh/body – Jesus Christ – the arm of the Lord.

"Who hath believed our report? and to whom is THE ARM OF THE LORD revealed? ... He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." - Isaiah 53:1, 3-5

"The LORD hath made bare HIS HOLY ARM in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." - Isaiah 52:10

God’s holy arm is revealed to the world. It is Jesus Christ, bringing salvation to all the nations, reaching to the ends of the earth, saving us from sin by His gospel (Acts 2:38).

"But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath THE ARM OF THE LORD been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him." - John 12:37-41

By Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, we can find salvation by repentance, baptism in Jesus name for the remission of ours sins, and the gift of His Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).

Jesus, as the arm of the Lord, reaches out to humanity, redeeming us back to Himself from sin and death. There was no man that had the power to do this. Only the power and strength of God Himself revealed in a human body - Jesus, the arm of the Lord, could deliver and redeem us.

There are those that as young people were baptized in Jesus name for the remission of their sin and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. They know what they need to do to live for God. Yet, there may be one thing that they are struggling with to overcome. Some things we cannot do on our own – we need Jesus to help us. With us on our own, it is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

A young man came to Jesus to get his assurance that he had eternal life. Jesus told him that he needed to keep his commandments. The young man told him he had done so since his youth. Then the young man asked if there was anything he lacked. Jesus knew what was interfering with the young man’s total commitment, and told him what it was. The young man could not overcome this one thing that was hindering him from fully living for God. He walked away from God, sorrowful.

Yet, with God, it was possible for him to walk away from that one thing that was holding him back. For, with God all things are possible.

"And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? ... Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. ... And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible." - Mark 10:17, 21-22, 27

Jesus said come, take up the cross, and follow me. Later, Jesus took up a cross, crucifying his flesh for our sins. We follow Jesus when we repent of our sins, becoming dead to sins so we can live for what is right. We did this when we first came to God. We buried our sinful life when we were baptized in Jesus name. When Jesus filled us with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, He gave us the power we need to overcome temptation and keep the victory. By baptism, Jesus also gave us His name to call upon, whenever we need His help. And, we applied His blood to our life, to keep us clean of any sin that afterwards came into our life that we repented of. Jesus has fully equipped us to live victoriously.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13

Jesus got the victory for us at the cross, but it is our choice if we want to claim His victory for our own life. It is when we repent of our sins, are baptized in Jesus name to remit our sins, and receive God’s gift of His Spirit – the Holy Ghost - that we personally are delivered from the power of darkness. This is the glorious gospel of Christ!

The devil doesn’t want us hearing the gospel, and he definitely doesn’t want us obeying the gospel, when we claim the power of the blood of Jesus and of His Spirit.

"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." - 2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV

What is the gospel of Christ? Peter said it plainly on the Day of Pentecost:

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

With remission of our sins by the blood of Jesus applied by baptism in His name, and filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost, we no longer have death to fear.

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." - 1 Peter 2:9-10 KJV

"Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

“Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

“Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

“Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

“Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

“Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD.

“Praise ye the LORD." - Psalm 150:1-6 KJV

                       Praise ye the LORD!!!!

God created the universe. We call Him our Father. There is only one God. God’s name that is above all names is “Jesus,” for in His name “Jesus” God took on the form of flesh so that He could shed blood for our sins, destroying him who had the power of death - the devil, and delivering us from the bondage that resulted from fear of death and condemnation because of our sins. This body of flesh that God dwelt in is also called the Son of God.

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV

Before God came in flesh to redeem us, sin had separated us from Him. God made peace between us and Himself by the blood He shed on the cross.  

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." - Acts 20:28 KJV

This body of flesh is the image of the invisible God, in which all the fullness of God dwelt. If we want to see what the invisible God looks like, we look at Christ, His body of flesh.

"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail [mourn] because of him. Even so, Amen." - Revelation 1:7 KJV

When we become called by His name by being baptized in Jesus name, and when we are filled with the baptism of His Spirit, we become the body of Christ here on earth. The church is the body of Christ. The church is not a building, but rather the church is all believers that are baptized in Jesus name and filled with His Spirit. Christ is the head of the church, and we as believers are members of His body. He is the firstborn among many brethren.

"Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." - 1 Corinthians 12:27 KJV

Because God is in Christ, we can say all things were created by Him.

"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" - Colossians 1:13-23

What is the gospel that was preached by the apostles, and how do we have the hope of the gospel?

Peter preached the gospel on the Day of Pentecost, and this is what he said to do.

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ... Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:36-38, 41-42 KJV

From: Search For Truth Bible Study

Even though it seems that you are the only one following God's Word, Jesus rewards those that are His that remain faithful.

When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were the only ones that stayed faithful to God's commandments, refusing to bow before a golden image, God miraculously saved them from a fiery furnace. The Babylonian king decreed no one was to speak anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and the king promoted them in the province of Babylon. You can read about it in Daniel chapter 3.

When Elijah thought he was the only one left serving the Lord, God told Elijah He had yet 7,000 that refused to bow their knee to Baal, a pagan idol. "Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him." - 1 Kings 19:18 KJV

You are not alone! Don't compromise your faithfulness to God just because it appears everyone around you is. Jesus sees your faithfulness to Him! And He will be faithful to you!

Who is going to heaven?

The Bible says,

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV

Another translation clarifies some of these words: “Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.” - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NLT

The next words are the key words: “And such were some of you”. Notice it says, WERE some of you. We have a hope! We must wake up and realize we are putting our soul at great risk to continue following after the lusts of our flesh and indulging in sin. It is time to make a change.

If we want to go to heaven, we must turn from our sins by repentance, have our sins washed away by water baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus, and receive the power we need from God to overcome sin, the baptism of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38) Everyone was in sin before coming to Jesus and obeying His gospel. (Romans 3:23) Because of His great mercy, we can find forgiveness and a new life.

With a new life in Jesus, we find true joy, peace, and love. He is our Savior and our God that loves us more than we could ever love ourselves. By His cleansing blood and the power of His Spirit, we have the hope of going to heaven.

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." - Ephesians 5:25-27 KJV

Christ loved the church so much that He gave Himself for it – by suffering and dying on a cross. The story didn’t end with His death; He was buried, and then on the third day rose again. This is the Gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1Corinthians 15:1-4)

How does Jesus sanctify and cleanse His church? By our obedience to the Gospel. We repent of our sins, turning our back on them. We are buried in water baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins. We receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the Spirit of Jesus within us, speaking in tongues as His Spirit gives the utterance, just as the early church received the Holy Ghost in the book of Acts. (Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4)

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines the Greek word for “word” (“rhema”) in the second part of Ephesians 5:26 (above) as: “c. a series of words joined together into a sentence (a declaration of one’s mind made in words) B. a saying of any sort, as a message, a narrative; “cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,” acc. to promise (prop. on the ground of his word of promise, viz. the promise of the pardon of sins cf. Mark 16:16), Ephesians 5:26 …iq. ‘the gospel,’ Ephesians 6:17, Romans 10:8…”

“Sanctify” in this verse is defined by Thayer’s: “to purify by expiation, free from the guilt of sin.” (Expiation=atonement)

My understanding of Thayer’s definition is that by the Gospel (1Corinthians 15:1-5/Acts 2:38), we have the promise of Christ’s atonement applied to our life setting us free from the guilt of sin, and the power of His Spirit. (Acts 2:38-39, Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49)

By the atoning blood of Jesus applied to our life through His name at baptism, and by the power of His Spirit working daily in our life, Jesus one Day will present His church to Himself without spot or wrinkle, holy and without blemish. (Matthew 26:28, Luke 24:47-49, Acts 2:38-39, Revelation 1:5)

That Day will be here before we expect it – we must be ready for when Jesus returns. (Matthew 24:42-44, 2Peter 3:14, Jude 1:24-25, Colossians 1:21-23, 27-28, 1Corinthians 15:52, 1Thessalonians 4:16-17)

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12

The Original Plan of Salvation is JESUS!!

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12

The Deceitfulness of Pride

We must be so very cautious to not allow pride to creep into our thinking.

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." - Proverbs 16:18 KJV

It was by pride that Lucifer the devil fell into condemnation. He made five statements exalting himself, beginning with the words, “I WILL.”

"For thou hast said in thine heart,

“I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

“Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." - Isaiah 14:13-15 KJV

If we aren’t careful, we too can fall from pride.

Apostle Paul spoke of pride, when he gave instructions to Timothy on requirements for the office of a bishop.

"Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil." - 1 Timothy 3:6 KJV

("He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil." - 1 Timothy 3:6 NIV)

 "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." - Matthew 24:14

What is the gospel, and what does the Bible say about the gospel?

It is the Good News that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead on the third day, so that we could turn from our sinful way, bury our sinful nature by baptism in Jesus name, and arise to walk with Jesus with a new life, filled with His Spirit!

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

We are saved by the gospel – Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection – if we OBEY the gospel.

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." - Matthew 16:24

We deny our self by repenting of our sins, and turning our back on them. We take up our cross by crucifying our sinful nature. We follow Jesus in His resurrection to live a new holy life, walking in His Spirit.

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:1-4

Peter preached the gospel and how to obey it on the Day of Pentecost.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39

Those that reject Jesus, His sacrifice of suffering and death that He made for their salvation, so that they can keep their lifestyle of sin, cannot expect to be going to heaven.

"And to you who are troubled [suffering persecutions and tribulations] rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 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." - 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10

"And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" - Colossians 1:21-23

"But is now made manifest {made plain to us} by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles." - 2 Timothy 1:10-11

"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

“Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? [Abraham lived approximately 2000 years earlier.]

“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

“Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by." - John 8:56-59 KJV

Why did the Jews take up stones to cast at Jesus?

Because they understood that Jesus was letting them know He is God, the “I AM.”

"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." - Exodus 3:14 KJV

There is one God – His name is Jesus. He is our Father. He is Spirit. He is our Savior.

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:" - Deuteronomy 6:4

"…and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." - Isaiah 45:21-22

"I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour." - Isaiah 43:11

"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." - John 4:24

"But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand." - Isaiah 64:8

The Father took on the form of man as our Saviour to deliver us from death from our sins by dying in our place.

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15

The body the Father prepared for Himself carried His name, “Jesus.” The name “Jesus” means, “Yahweh-Salvation”, or “Yahweh-Savior” (“Yehashua”).

The name “Jesus” is above all of God’s names, for in the name of Jesus, God shed His blood so that all of humanity could be saved.

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:11

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:" - Colossians 1:14-15

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." - Acts 20:28

The man Jesus is the Father in a human body. “Jesus” is the name of the Father, as well as the name of the Father's body. Jesus is God. He is our Saviour.

"Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?" - John 14:9

"If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." - John 14:7

"I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive." - John 5:43

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" - Titus 2:13

When we worship Jesus, it is not only about praising Him; it is about sacrifice.

When Abraham and Isaac were headed to Mount Mariah, Abraham told his servants that they were going to worship.

"And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you." - Genesis 22:5 KJV

God had told Abraham to offer Isaac for a burnt offering. He was prepared to obey, for he took the wood for the burnt offering.

"And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

“And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him." - Genesis 22:2-3 KJV

When Abraham told his young men he and Isaac were going to go yonder and worship, Abraham was prepared to kill Isaac.

Isaac allowed Abraham to bind him on an altar, to present himself a sacrifice to God.

"And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son." - Genesis 22:9-10 KJV

Abraham’s prophesied, “God will provide HIMSELF a lamb for a burnt offering.”

"And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together." - Genesis 22:8 KJV

On that day on Mount Moriah God provided a ram to take the place of Isaac.

"And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son." - Genesis 22:13 KJV

2000 years later, God in the body of Christ, provided HIMSELF as a Lamb for an offering to take OUR place.

"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." - John 1:29 KJV

While Jesus was represented by the ram that died in Isaac’s place, WE are represented by Isaac that was a LIVING sacrifice.

While Isaac offered to give his life as a sacrifice to God, YET LIVED, we are to offer our life as a sacrifice to God – A LIVING SACRIFICE.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." - Romans 12:1 KJV

God, in His love and mercy, provided the ram as a sacrifice instead of Isaac. And God, in His love and mercy, provided Himself as a sacrifice instead of us. It is thus our reasonable service to be a living sacrifice for God.

How do we become a living sacrifice? We become dead to SIN and alive to God.

"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:11 KJV

We become holy and acceptable by His Spirit working in us.

We repent, are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and receive the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as His Spirit gives the utterance.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV (Acts 2:4)

Another translation of Romans 12:1 sums up our worship:

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him." - Romans 12:1 NLT

One of the meanings of the word “world” as it is used in the New Testament is, “the ungodly multitude; the whole mass of men alienated from God, and therefore hostile to the cause of Christ.” Another meaning is, “the whole circle of earthly goods, endowments riches, advantages, pleasures, etc, which although hollow and frail and fleeting, stir desire, seduce from God and are obstacles to the cause of Christ.” (Both of these definitions are from Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

This is what the Bible says about the “world” in this context.

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." - 1 John 2:15-17 KJV

When we covenant with Jesus, our Heavenly Father, we turn our back on the things of this world and give our hearts to Him. We are baptized in His name Jesus for the remission of our sins, and have received the Holy Ghost, God’s gift of His Holy Spirit to those that covenant with Him.

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with ALL thine heart, and with ALL thy soul, and with ALL thy might." - Deuteronomy 6:4-5 KJV (Capitals my emphasis)

God does not accept #2 position in our relationship with Him. We choose either to love the world and the pleasures of sin, or to love Jesus first of all.

"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." - James 4:4 KJV

When we covenanted with Jesus, we left the world behind us. Like Jesus, we are in the world but we are not of the world.

"They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." - John 17:16 KJV

The word “world” is translated from another word in the New Testament that means, “period of time, age.” This includes the meaning, “men controlled by the thoughts and pursuits of this present time...conformably to the age to which this (wicked) world belongs...the devil, who rules the thoughts and deeds of the men of this age... (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

By our old sinful nature, which was disobedient to God, we once walked being blinded by the god of this world, the prince of the power of the air.

"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:" - Ephesians 2:2 KJV

"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." - 2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV

By the gospel, we have been transformed. While we were once blind, now we see.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:2 KJV

Baptized in His name, and filled with His Spirit, we are now on the winning side with Jesus, our Heavenly Father and Creator of the universe.

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." - 1 John 4:4 KJV

By the gospel, we are born of God, born of water and of the Spirit, and are overcomers of this world.

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." - 1 John 5:4 KJV

While we are still in this world, we do not have enemies that we wrestle in the physical sense; we wrestle in the spiritual, keeping the victory and interceding for others to be set free from the world, praying for them in the Spirit.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:12 KJV

We say Goodbye to the world when we turn to Jesus. And one day, it may be very soon, it will be a final goodbye, as the songwriter said in the song, “Goodbye World Goodbye”. As the Bible says, “…And so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Here’s the song with special guest appearance by the author of the song:

https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=opensearch&p=Good-by+World+Good-by#id=4&vid=ea698ad616ae34a200d6a6dc973ee296&action=click

According to the Word of God, the devil appears where the Word is sown, to take the Word out of hearts.

This is why it is so important that we bring our thoughts into captivity during the preaching of the Word, so that our thoughts are not wandering away from what God is teaching us through His pastor.

God commands us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together (going to church) so that God can “perfect” us by the preaching of the Word.

It is during this time that we must bring our thoughts captive so that we can be saved. It is vanity to entertain our own thoughts “daydreaming” when God brought us to church to hear His pastor. When the Word is “taken” from us during this time of preaching, the Bible says it is the devil’s accomplishment. We have missed the holy Words of God that were delivered to us by the pastor to save our souls.

Scripture:

"And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts." - Mark 4:15 KJV

"Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved." - Luke 8:12 KJV

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" - 2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" - 1 Peter 5:8 KJV

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

"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." - Hebrews 13:17 KJV

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" - Ephesians 4:11-15 KJV

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." - Hebrews 10:23-25 KJV

Without the mercy of God applied by His blood in water baptism in Jesus name, a person will be judged by their own “righteousness.”

"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." - Isaiah 64:6 KJV   

Everyone is entitled to the Mercy of God. We must claim it by repenting and being baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins. Jesus died for EVERYONE. It is God’s will that NONE should perish, but that ALL should come to REPENTANCE.

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9 KJV

After we repent of our sins, they are remitted by water baptism in the name of Jesus. It is at baptism that we claim Jesus’ blood to wash away our sins.

"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood," - Revelation 1:5 KJV

Baptism is a blood covenant with God. (Romans 11:27/Hebrews 9:22/Matthew 26:28/Luke 24:47/Acts 2:38/Acts 10:43 -His blood is applied by His name)

When we repent, we turn to the Lord with all of our heart. Our life shows we have repented because we turn our back on the things of the world and determine to love and serve Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Mark 12:29-30)

When we are baptized in Jesus name, we have covenanted with Him. It is an eternal partnership with God – a blessed union and the best decision we could ever make in our whole life.

His gift to us, is His Spirit – love, joy, peace… power to overcome this world…and eternal life.

When Peter preached the Gospel on the Day of Pentecost, He preached the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

“And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:36-42 KJV

60 QUESTIONS ON THE GODHEAD WITH BIBLE ANSWERS

The following is from:

http://www.globaltracts.com/  

1. Is the word trinity in the Bible? No.

2. Does the Bible say that there are three persons in the Godhead? No.

3. Does the Bible speak of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost? Yes.

4. Do these titles as used in Matthew 28:19 mean that there are three separate and distinct persons in the Godhead? No, they refer to three offices, roles, or relationship to humanity.

5. Does the Bible use the word three in reference to God? Only one verse in the entire Bible does so-I John 5:7. It speaks of the Father, the Word (instead of Son), and the Holy Ghost, and it concludes by saying, "These three are one."

6. Does the Bible use the word one in reference to God? Yes, many times. For example, see Zechariah 14:9; Malachi 2:10; Matthew 23:9; Mark 12:29, 32; John 8:41; 10:30; Romans 3:30; I Corinthians 8:4; Galatians 3:20; I Timothy 2:5; James 2:19.

7. Can the mystery of the Godhead be understood? Yes. Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16.

8. Has the Christian only one Heavenly Father? Yes. Matthew 23:9.

9. Then why did Jesus say to Philip, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9)? Because Jesus is the express image of God's person. Hebrews 1:3. The Greek word for person in this verse literally means "substance."

10. Does the Bible say that there are two persons in the Godhead? No.

11. Does the Bible say that all the Godhead is revealed in one person? Yes, in Jesus Christ. II Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:19; 2:9; Hebrews 1:3.

12. Is the mystery of the Deity hidden from some people? Yes. Luke 10:21-22.

13. Who is the Father? The Father is the one God, particularly as revealed in parental relationship to humanity. Deuteronomy 32:6; Malachi 2:10.

14. Where was God the Father while Jesus was on earth? The Father was in Christ. John 14:10; II Corinthians 5:19. He was also in heaven, for God is omnipresent.

15. Did the prophet Isaiah say that Jesus would be the Father? Yes. Isaiah 9:6; 63:16.

16. When God said, "Let us make man in our image" (Genesis 1:26), was He speaking to another person in the Godhead? No. Isaiah 44:24; Malachi 2:10.

17. How many of God's qualities were in Christ? All. Colossians 2:9.

18. How may we see the God who sent Jesus into the world? By seeing Jesus. John 12:44-45; 14:9.

19. Does the Bible say that Jesus is the Almighty? Yes. Revelation 1:8

20. Whom do some designate as the first person in the trinity? God the Father.

21. Whom do some designate as the last person in the trinity? The Holy Ghost. But Jesus said that He was the first and last. Revelation 1:17-18

22. How many persons did John see sitting on the throne in heaven? One. Revelation 4:2.

23. If Jesus is the first and the last, why did God say in Isaiah 44:6 that He was the first and the last? Because Jesus is the God of the Old Testament incarnate.

24. Did Jesus tell Satan that God alone should be worshipped? Yes. Matthew 4:10

25. Does the devil believe in more than one God? No. James 2:19.

26. Does the Bible say that God, who is the Word, was made flesh? Yes John 1:1, 14.

27. For what purpose was God manifested in the flesh? To save sinners. Hebrews 2:9, 14.

28. Was Jesus God manifested in the flesh? Yes. I Timothy 3:16.

29. Could Jesus have been on earth and in heaven at the same time? Yes. John 3:13.

30. Does the Bible say that there is but one Lord? Yes. Isaiah 45:18; Ephesians 4:5.

31. Does the Bible say that Christ is the Lord? Yes. Luke 2:11.

32. Does the Bible say that the Lord is God? Yes. I kings 18:39; Zechariah 14:5; Acts 2:39; Revelation 19:1.

33. How could the church belong to Jesus (Matthew 16:18) and yet be the church of God (I Corinthians 10:32)? Because Jesus is God in the flesh.

34. Will God give His glory to another? No. Isaiah 42:8.

35. Was there a God formed before the Lord, or will there be one formed after? No. Isaiah 43:10.

36. What is one thing that God does not know? Another God. Isaiah 44:8.

37. What is one thing that God Cannot do? Lie. Titus 1:2.

38. How many Gods should we know? Only one. Hosea 13:4.

39. How many names has the Lord? One. Zechariah 14:9.

40. Is it good to think upon the name of the Lord? Yes. Malachi 3:16.

41. Does the Bible say that God alone treads upon the waves of the sea? Yes. Job 9:8

42. Why, then, was Jesus able to walk upon the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:25)? Because He is God the Creator. Colossians 1:16.

43. Is God the only one who can forgive sin? Yes. Isiah 43:25; Mark 2:7.

44. Why, then, could Jesus forgive sin in Mark 2:5-11? Because He is God the Savior.

45. Is Jesus the true God? Yes. I John 5:20.

46. If God and the Holy Ghost are two separate persons, which was the Father of Christ? Matthew 1:20 says that the Holy Ghost was the Father, while Romans 15:6, II Corinthians 11:31, and Ephesians 1:3 say that God was the Father. There is no contradiction when we realize that God the Father and the Holy Ghost are one and the same Spirit. Matthew 10:20; Ephesians 4:4; I Corinthians 3:16.

47. When Paul asked the Lord who He was, what was the answer? "I am Jesus." Acts 9:5.

48. When Stephen was dying, did he call God Jesus? Yes. Acts 7:59.

49. Did Thomas ever call Jesus God? Yes. John 20:28.

50. How could Jesus be the Savior, when God the Father said in Isaiah 43:11, "Beside me there is no Savior?" Because "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself." II Corinthians 5:19.

51. Does the Bible say that Jesus was God with us? Yes. Matthew 1:23.

52. Did Jesus ever say, "I and my Father are one?" Yes. John 10:30.

53. Can it be proved scripturally that Jesus and the Father are one in the same sense that husband and wife are one? No. The Godhead was never compared to the relationship of a husband and wife. Jesus identified Himself with the Father in a way that husband and wife cannot be identified with each other. John 14:9-11.

54. Does the Bible say that there is only one wise God? Yes. Jude 25.

55. Does the Bible call the Holy Ghost a second or third person in the Godhead? No. The Holy Ghost is the one Spirit of God, the one God Himself at work in our lives. John 4:24; I Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19; 12:13.

56. Can Trinitarians show that three divine persons were present when Jesus was baptized by John? Absolutely not. The one, omnipresent God used three simultaneous manifestations. Only one divine person was present--Jesus Christ the Lord.

57. Then what were the other two of whom Trinitarians speak? One was a voice from heaven; the other was the Spirit of God descending like a dove. Matthew 3:16-17.

58. What did the voice say at Jesus' baptism? "Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Mark 1:11. As the Son of God, Jesus was the one God incarnate.

59. Does the Bible say that God shed His blood and that God laid down His life for us? Yes. Acts 20:28; I John 3:16. God was able to do this because He had taken upon Himself a human body.

60. The Bible says that God is coming back with all his saints (Zechariah 14:5) and also that Jesus is coming back with all his saints (I Thessalonians 3:13). Are two coming back? No. Only one is coming back--our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13.

From: http://www.globaltracts.com/

Before Jesus stepped into our lives with His grace, we were dead in sin. When we repented of our sins, were baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost, we were made alive. (Acts 2:38, Romans 6:13)

"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;" - Ephesians 2:1

Before we obeyed God, we were living according to the world’s standards, which is ruled by the god of this world, the prince of the power of the air, which is satan.

"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." - 2 Corinthians 4:4

"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:" - Ephesians 2:2

Before we obeyed the gospel and came into the grace of God, we did what we wanted to, whether it pleased God or not. We led a sinful and ungodly lifestyle. By our nature, we were deserving of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

"Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." - Ephesians 2:3

But God stepped into our life and called us into His grace. While our lives were still full of sin, God loved us so much that He put on flesh and blood and died for us. (Hebrews 2:14-15, John 15:13)

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8

God was born a human being with the name which is above all His names, “Jesus.” God made for Himself a sinless human body. Because He was without sin, Jesus was able to take our place and pay the price for our sins on the cross. Because Jesus is God, He rose from the dead three days later. (Corinthians 15:3-4)

Because we have become dead to sin, washed by His blood, buried with Him in baptism, and filled with His Spirit, we too are now alive. (Romans 6:1-4)

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:" - Ephesians 2:4-6

In the ages to come, God can point to His Bride, the church, as the one He has poured His incredible wealth of His grace and mercy upon, as shown by His great sacrifice for us. (Ephesians 5:25-27)

"That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 2:7

It is by God’s mercy that we are saved. We cannot take credit for Christ’s suffering and death and for the blood He shed for our sins. Nor can we take credit for the gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. We did not earn His mercy by our works. God did the work. It is when we repent, and are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, that we can claim His blood to wash away our sins and receive the gift of His Holy Ghost. Our own good works and righteousness did not purchase our salvation: it is the gift of God. We cannot take any credit.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9

Because of the grace and mercy of Jesus, we can live our lives unto Him, His Spirit working through us to do His will and His good works.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10

"And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." - Romans 16:20 KJV

God is the “God of peace” because He made peace between humanity and Himself by putting on a body of flesh and blood so He could pay the price of our sins against Him, making peace between us, where before there was division from sin.

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself [God reconciled everything to himself]; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works [This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions], yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight [As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault]:

IF

“If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled [but you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it], and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature [all over the world] which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" - Colossians 1:20-23 KJV [brackets contain NLT translation]

We find peace and “the hope of the gospel” by Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, which we apply personally by repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and receiving the gift of God’s Spirit to live a new, holy life in Christ. This is what Paul preached. (Romans 6:1-13)

When Jesus made peace between us and Him on the cross, Jesus also conquered the devil.

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV

By the gospel, Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus abolished death, and brought us life.

"But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:" - 2 Timothy 1:10 KJV

When we obey the gospel, we step into life and immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 54-55) We become conquerors.

 We obey His gospel by being born again, born of water and of the Spirit. (John 3:5, Acts 2:38) We are born of water by water baptism in Jesus name. We are born of the Spirit when we are filled with His Spirit. (Acts 2:4, Acts 2:38)

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." - 1 John 5:4 KJV

This is how satan is bruised under our feet.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon translates “bruise satan under your feet” as, “to put Satan under foot and (as a conqueror) trample on him.”

"And they overcame [conquered] him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." - Revelation 12:11 KJV

It is by the gospel that we stand.

We have prepared ourselves (the preparation) by obeying the gospel that brings us peace with God, applying His blood, His name Jesus, and His Holy Spirit to our life so that we may walk in victory with Him!

"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;" - Ephesians 6:15 KJV

Our feet shod with the gospel on our feet to “to put Satan under foot and (as a conqueror) trample on him.”