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Reconcile (καταλλάσσω)

Reconcile (καταλλάσσω) involves the settlement of disputes or differences between two or more individuals or groups. It is often facilitated by a third party. An agreement is reached that satisfies all persons involved in the dispute, thereby restoring a sense of cooperation and harmony.

In the marriage relationship among saints when there is a dispute that results is a separation, they are not to marry another. Rather, they are to stay unmarried or be reconciled to each other, 1 Corinthians 7:11. However, if an unbelieving spouse abandoned the marriage, the believer is free to remarry another believer, 1 Corinthians 7:15.

God demonstrated His love towards us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us, Romans 5:8. Through the death of Christ, the righteousness of God was satisfied, permitting reconciliation, Romans 5:9. Therefore, since when we were enemies He made reconciliation for us through His blood, how much more through His life will we be saved, Romans 5:10. He was raised three days later, proving that His sacrifice was acceptable to God and, therefore, we are justified through Him, Romans 4:25. It was necessary that Christ died for our sin because without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin, Hebrews 9:22. Without the shedding a blood a settlement could not be garnered that would satisfy all parties.

In this dispensation, those who are saved are given the ministry of reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:18. God was in Christ reconciling the world, not imputing their trespasses, and has given to us the word of reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:19. We supplicate on behalf of Christ to those who do not believe to be reconciled to God, 2 Corinthians 5:20.

Adam’s sin brought death unto all humans, […]

Reconcile (καταλλάσσω)2024-07-04T06:46:30-07:00

Not Striking against (ἀπρόσκοπος)

While Paul was defending himself before Felix against accusations from the Jews, he spoke of his conscience. He strives to have a conscience that does not strike at, hence, cause offense, God or men, Acts 24:16.

Although we understand that food does not defile a person, if someone lacks this knowledge, we are not to use our freedom to cause offense to ( a strike against) their conscience. Instead, whatever we eat or drink it is to be in a way that expresses a proper opinion of God, not striking against the conscience of the Jews, Greeks, or Church of God, 1 Corinthians 10:32.

As we grow in love our full experiential knowledge and perception abound more and more so that we are able to approve the things that differ. In doing this, we will live out the life we have in Christ in a sincere manner and without offense to another until the day of Christ as we are filled up with the fruit of righteousness that is through Jesus Christ, Philippians 1:10.

‘Not striking against’ (ἀπρόσκοπος) is a concept often translated in English as ‘not offending’. However, ‘offense’ is also used for different words, such as ‘scandalizing’ (Matthew 18:7), and ‘trespass’ (Romans 4:25). Therefore. it is important to discern what Paul is referring to when he states we are not to give offense to any of the races. ‘Not strike against’ is a negation of the word ‘to strike’, which is used of dashing a foot against stone, Matthew 4:6, or stumbling while walking at night, John 11:10. ‘Aproskopos’ is predominately use concerning the conscience. Paul strived to have a good conscience before God and men, that did not strike against them; therefore, does not […]

Not Striking against (ἀπρόσκοπος)2024-06-13T07:07:50-07:00

To Ruin (φθείρω)

Ruin (φθείρω) expresses corruption by causing physical harm or financial destruction.

When it comes to our conduct during our time on earth, we need to pay attention to our works. Are they based upon who we are in Christ or seeking the fulfillment of the flesh? We are the Holy of Holies of God. One of the aspects of our salvation is the Trinity indwells us. Therefore, if someone brings to ruin the Holy of Holies of God, which is our bodies, He will bring them to ruin, 1 Corinthians 3:17. Our works matter. We reap what we sow. We are not to be so foolish as to think that we can live like the devil’s children while enjoying the things of eternal life. If your life is in ruin, look at the works you are producing.

What agreement does the Holy of Holies of God have with false gods and idols? What part do unbelievers have with believers? God said, He will walk among us, and we will be His people, 2 Corinthians 6:16. I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, 2 Corinthians 6:18. Therefore, having these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from the filthiness of the flesh and spirit that the unsaved run after while we bring holiness to maturity in our lives. Ensuring that our works are causing no one to come to ruin, physically or financially, or fraudulently taking advantage, 2 Corinthians 7:2.

Those who we associate with are important to vet. Bad company brings to ruin useful habits, 1 Corinthians 15:33. We are to awake to righteousness and stop sinning. Those who continue in a sinful lifestyle are ignorant of God, to their shame.

Through […]

To Ruin (φθείρω)2024-05-23T06:08:33-07:00

Sheol (שְׁאֹ֖ול) – Hades (ᾅδης)

Where the worm does not die

Sheol is the Hebrew word that describes the place in the center of the earth where humans who have died reside. Within its compartments are unbelievers and some of the fallen angels who are bound, waiting for final judgment. Prior to the resurrection of Christ, all those who were saved resided in Paradise, which was in the upper chamber of Sheol. Hades is the Greek word for the same place, which comes across into English as hell. However, the English concept only refers to the lowest part of Sheol, where the unsaved humans reside.

Sheol has three chambers. The lowest part is where the fire burns (Deuteronomy 32:22) and the unsaved reside. This is the place where the worm does not die. Worm refers to the sin nature of a human, not a physical worm (Isaiah 66:24). The abyss is the holding area for fallen angels, and within the abyss is a pit for malignantly evil angels. Paradise is the residence of those who were saved before the resurrection of Christ.

During Christ’s earthly ministry to the Jews, the unbelieving ones kept pressing for a sign even though He had given substantial evidence to them that He was the Messiah. In response, Jesus states that no sign will be given to them except the sign of Jonah. As Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights, Matthew 12:39-40. In Peter’s first address to Israel after the resurrection of Christ, he quotes the prophecies concerning Christ and Hades. King David, who was a prophet of […]

Sheol (שְׁאֹ֖ול) – Hades (ᾅδης)2024-05-12T06:55:50-07:00

The Truth Will Set You Free

In the Gospel of John, the author records a statement from Jesus to the Jews who believed Him. If they abide in His word, they will know the truth, and the truth will set them free.

Therefore, Jesus said toward the Jews believing Him, “If you abide in My word, truly you are My disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

The response of the unbelieving Jews was to refute their need for freedom immediately. However, all those who sin are slaves to sin, John 8:33. The sin referred to here is not the acts of sin that a person does. Instead, it is specific to the sin nature of a person. All those doing sin (the act of lawlessness) are slaves to the sin [nature].

As the steward of our dispensation, Paul is given instructions on how to have victory over the sin nature. In Romans chapters six through seven, he writes of his experience with applying the doctrine of the truth in comparison to how the law works against the sin nature. Through this, we clearly understand what Jesus was referring to as the truth. The truth is a specific doctrine that frees a person from slavery to commit sin so that he is able to produce righteousness.

The first aspect of this doctrine is to know. Those who abide, feel at ease, in His word must know it.

Know that we have died with Christ and have been raised to walk in newness of life.

Or do you not know that as many as have been immersed into Christ Jesus, into His death have been immersed? Romans 6:3

Therefore, we have been buried with Him through the immersion into the death, in order that just as […]

The Truth Will Set You Free2024-05-05T13:07:49-07:00
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