Marking Off the Bounds (προορίζω)

Often translated as “predestined”, it is a word that means boundaries or region (Matthew 4:13), with a preposition added to express something that is done beforehand. It does not inherently imply a destination, but a boundary or area; therefore, using “predestine” to define it adds a meaning that does not exist in the original word.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of theological baggage that has been added to this word. It is used to imply that God predetermined who would be saved and therefore who would not. However, when we keep it in context, we find that this is not true. The first thing we need to do is remove the erroneous definition of “predestined” and use the proper definition, “marking off the bounds beforehand”. Then we need to pay attention to context, especially with the difference in singular and plural subjects.

We see a good example of the proper use of this word when Peter was defending himself and John before the leaders of Israel for preaching the resurrected Christ because he uses “marked off beforehand” when discussing what they were permitted to do to the Messiah concerning the plans of the leaders.

… to do as much as your hand and your determinate will marked off beforehand to come to be – Acts 4:28.

They had already set boundaries concerning what they were planning on doing with Christ before they sent the guards to arrest Him on the night in which He was betrayed.

In Romans, God’s plan is laid out for us in how, according to His purpose, He calls because those who He foreknew He marked off their bounds. They are not predestined to salvation, but according to His purpose, those that will be saved will […]

Marking Off the Bounds (προορίζω)Luther Walker2023-11-25T08:04:18-08:00

2 Corinthians Ministers of a New Covenant

The Saints In Corinth Are Paul’s Letter Of Commendation, 2 Corinthians 3:1-4

Do We Begin Again To Commend Ourselves To You? 2 Corinthians 3:1

Are We Introducing Or Demonstrating Ourselves To You Again?

Did Paul Need To Prove To Them Who He Is Again

Does He Need A Letter Or Recommendation For Them Or From Them?

They Know Who Paul Is, For They Are His Letter, 2 Corinthians 3:2

They Are Written In His Heart

All Can See This By Experiencing It And Reading It

While All See They Are An Epistle Of Christ, 2 Corinthians 3:3

The Epistle They Are Is Not Written With Ink

It Impacts The Heart, Which Affects Our Actions

Our Heart Is Our Center, Where Our Spirit And Soul Combine And Where Our Person Resides

It Is Always Those Around Another Person Who Show Who That Person Really Is

Paul’s Confidence Is Through Christ Facing God, 2 Corinthians 3:4

God is the One Who Made Us Sufficient Ministers of a New Covenant, 2 Corinthians 3:5-6

God is the One Who Made us Sufficient, 2 Corinthians 3:5

Sufficient – One who is qualified

The Centurion Speaking to Christ Concerning His Servant, Matthew 8:8

Those who are sufficient (qualified) to teach, 2 Timothy 2:2

As with Paul, our sufficiency is through Christ, not ourselves

Our Credentials mean nothing if we are not speaking the truth

The sufficiency we have comes from God And is Shown by Those We Impact Through Living Out Who We Are in Christ

Ministers of a New Covenant,

2 Corinthians Ministers of a New CovenantLuther Walker2023-12-14T08:19:09-08:00

Romans

The Letter to the Saints in Rome

Originally penned by the Apostle Paul through the leading of the Holy Spirit

Translation by Pastor Luther Walker

PDF Version

This translation is intended to give a clear understanding of the original language, taking into consideration all available manuscripts to reproduce the original letter Paul wrote to Rome. The original language should always be considered the only authority by which each word, phrase, and all other parts of speech are based upon. Where additional information is needed to better explain the meaning and use of a word, a footnote has been added.
Because the book of Romans was originally a letter, it has been returned to its original form to reduce confusion to the reader by breaks in the middle of sentences and concepts caused by the addition of chapters and verses. However, to ensure ease in finding sections within the letter while still avoiding breaking the original form of the letter, the chapters and verses have been superscripted along with the addition of paragraphs and punctuations. Brackets and paratheses are used for clarification within the text.

Within this letter we find the Gospel of the Christ, which goes beyond initial salvation into the Christian life. Paul explains why humans who reject God are so corrupt in their lifestyles, the fact that they will face judgment for their actions, and that we as Saints should reject their way of life, choosing to be holy and follow God rather than men. Paul also explains the fact that we have a Sin Nature. A part of us that seeks to do the things that are […]

RomansLuther Walker2021-06-10T13:07:35-07:00

The Law of the Christ – Theological Forum 2018

The Law of The Christ – Download paper in PDF.

The Law of The Christ

Caring for Members of the Body

Pastor Luther Walker

In the book of Galatians[1] Paul states that the bearing of another person’s weight[2] is filling up again the law of the Christ; yet, in Romans he writes that a Christian is not under any quality of law[3]. How do we reconcile passages of Scripture that seem to contradict each other? What does Scripture mean when it states a Christian is not under any quality of law, yet then indicates there is a law of the Christ and a law of the Spirit? Is a Christian under law or not? Ultimately this leads to the underlying question, “As a Christian, what are the guidelines for my life?” To better understand the rules of our household[4], that is to say God’s expectation for how the saved are to live their life today, we can examine how the word “law” is used in Scripture along with its normal meaning and use in everyday life so we know the difference between being under the Mosaic Law or any quality of law and filing up again the Law of the Christ by loving another saint while fulfilling the law the Spirit of life by our walk.

Since we are in the Dispensation of Grace, not the Dispensation of Law, the standard for our household is different. Scripture is very clear on the fact that a Christian is not under the Mosaic Law or any quality of law[5]; however, there is still a standard by which those who are a […]

The Law of the Christ – Theological Forum 2018Luther Walker2018-11-11T22:50:12-08:00

The Basics of the Christian Life – Salvation

Salvation

Salvation comes by faith through grace. Today a person is saved by believing that Christ died for their sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4¹. God is offering salvation by grace, not works2. Grace is God’s attitude whereby He gives a benefit without the consideration of merit. In other words, you cannot earn salvation because God is not offering salvation based upon works, who you are, or even who you will become – no merit is considered3. What God requires for salvation is that you take Him at His Word. Faith is the undergirding4 of that which is hoped for, the evidence of accomplished deeds5 not seen and is always based upon a promise6. Direct faith at Christ through the facts of the good news by which we are saved (believing that He died for your […]

The Basics of the Christian Life – SalvationLuther Walker2016-10-12T06:02:30-07:00

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