Explain, "The unpardonable sin".

[Ahwatukee]

The unpardonable sin was committed by the Pharisees and scribes in regards to when Jesus was casting out demons. They said that He was casting out demons by the prince of demons, Beelzebub, which is another name for Satan. And since Jesus was casting out demons by the Spirit of God, they were saying that the Holy Spirit was an evil Spirit.

===========================================
And the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul, ” and, “By the prince of the demons He drives out demons.”

23So Jesus called them together and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24If a kingdom is divided against itself, it cannot stand. 25If a house is divided against itself, it cannot stand. 26And if Satan is divided and rises against himself, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27Indeed, no one can enter a strong man’s house to steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house.

The Unpardonable Sin:

28Truly I tell you, the sons of men will be forgiven all sins and blasphemies, as many as they utter. 29But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of eternal sin.”

30Jesus made this statement because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”
===============================================

Therefore, in order for anyone to commit the unpardonable sin, they would have to make the same claim as the Scribes and Pharisees, which was that Jesus was casting out demons through the prince of demons. Since He was casting them out by the Spirit of God, then they were calling the Holy Spirit evil. That said, no one can accidentally or carelessly commit this sin. They would have to deliberately make the same claim as the Scribes and the Pharisees.

Not believing in Christ is not an example of the unpardonable sin. It just means that the individual has refused the only way of salvation and they therefore remain in the same condemned state that they've always been in.

 

[garee]

According to Matthew 12 and parallel passages, the unforgivable sin is blaspheming the Holy Spirit. People are confused about what that means because 'blasphemy' is a little used word. But Jesus in the Matthew version rewords it for us-- "but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him ".

Augustine wrote a nauseatingly long argument in which he argued against the possiblity of blaspheming the Holy Spirit by unreasonably redefining a wide array of things as blaspheming the Holy Spirit, then arguing against a plain sense understanding of what it means.

Many people are influenced by this, so we have people now defining blaspheming the Holy Spirit redefined as unbelief, rejecting the gospel, dying in unbelief, or just something impossible to do. The idea of a sin being unforgivable does not fit with some people's systematic theology or else is so scarey they seek to do away with it from their doctrine.

But we can see what the Lord Jesus was warning against. In this particular case, those opposing Him were saying He cast out devils by Beelzebub. The Spirit by Whom He was casting out demons was the Holy Spirit, but they equated the Spirit with the prince of devils.

We should be careful not to speak ill of the Spirit or to accuse Him of being a devil when we see His works.

Thanks for that. I would agree we should be careful how we hear. Redefining even one word, editing without the authors permission is a form of plagiarism Robing the authorship of God is considered blasphemy . Resisting the Holy eternal Spirit like those in Hebrews 6 crucifying' Christ over and over as if one demonstration of him and the father working to bring us the gospel of peace fell short of the glory of God.

Not popular but does seem to pan out. A perfect example or demonstration is used in Mathew 16 it fits the description of blasphemy in chapter 12 .

The Lord speaking through the mouth of his prophet the Son of man , Jesus. The Father rebuked Satan and forgave Peter of his blasphemy against the Son of man, the temporal. No power is attributed to the Son of man. When Jesus disappeared that window closed . We walk by faith.

Matthew 12:31-32 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Resisting the Spirit from working in us to both will and do his good pleasure is never forgivable. It make salvation un-available . We can murmur but must get over it. Or like Adam and Eve refuse to abide in it for a little false pride. we do not want to face that consequence . We are being delivered from it.

 

[Dino246]

Thanks for that. I would agree we should be careful how we hear. Redefining even one word, editing without the authors permission is a form of plagiarism

Like the word, "parable"?

 

[garee]

Like the word, "parable"?

The kingdom of God does not come after what the eyes see . That would apply to the wrath of God. It reveals those who place the corrupted things of this world specifically in respect to flesh in invisible holy place of the glory of God . This included the corrupted flesh of the Son of man. That he inherited from his mothers corrupted flesh.

The things of God must be distinguished from those of men.

God will not share his hidden glory with corruption. (dead, lifeless spiritless) . He has no needs yet satisfies all.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things .Romans 1:20-22

Some glory in the flesh even of the Son of man the abomination of desolation . Jesus said one is Good Master ,God . Call no man earth Good Master as the teaching Lord

How does the word of God define a parable? What tools are needed to discover?

Para means to bring along side. Compare something to another. Like the word Paraclete. The Holy Spirit as advocate or counselor. He who comes along side and comforts us .

I would ask. Do we compare the literal as to what the eyes see to the literal historical or are we to walk by faith?.

Is the kingdom of God here today under the sun ?

What is opposite the wrath. . The gospel from faith to faith. Not the letter of the law to the letter. or that seen to the same.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.Romans 1:16-17

 

[Dino246]

The kingdom of God does not come after what the eyes see . That would apply to the wrath of God. It reveals those who place the corrupted things of this world specifically in respect to flesh in invisible holy place of the glory of God . This included the corrupted flesh of the Son of man. That he inherited from his mothers corrupted flesh.

The things of God must be distinguished from those of men.

God will not share his hidden glory with corruption. (dead, lifeless spiritless) . He has no needs yet satisfies all.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things .Romans 1:20-22

Some glory in the flesh even of the Son of man the abomination of desolation . Jesus said one is Good Master ,God . Call no man earth Good Master as the teaching Lord

How does the word of God define a parable? What tools are needed to discover?

Para means to bring along side. Compare something to another. Like the word Paraclete. The Holy Spirit as advocate or counselor. He who comes along side and comforts us .

I would ask. Do we compare the literal as to what the eyes see to the literal historical or are we to walk by faith?.

Is the kingdom of God here today under the sun ?

What is opposite the wrath. . The gospel from faith to faith. Not the letter of the law to the letter. or that seen to the same.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.Romans 1:16-17

You couldn't simply address the word "parable" without writing a novella?

 

[presidente]

Resisting the Spirit from working in us to both will and do his good pleasure is never forgivable. It make salvation un-available . We can murmur but must get over it. Or like Adam and Eve refuse to abide in it for a little false pride. we do not want to face that consequence . We are being delivered from it.

While it is highly unadvisable to resist the Spirit, Jesus did not say that resisting the Spirit was unforgivable. The unforgivable sin is blasepheming against the Holy Ghost. It is good that Saul of Tarsus was forgiven for kicking gainst the pricks.

 

[massorite]

Thank you for confirming what I suspected all along. Christ created His Church and all you want to do is attack it.

Say what you want. You questioned my salvation as if you were God Himself and I put you in your place as God would have done to someone like you who thinks they are so high and mighty that they are in a position to do the job of God by questioning my salvation just like they questioned the righteousness and integrity of Christ You think of yourself to be above folks enough that you can question their salvation. This is not the first time I have read where you have questions someone's salvation which shows you do feel that you are above those whom salvation you have questioned. Questioning someone's salvation even though you are completely ingnorant of who they are or the condition of their heart is the designated job of Satan.
Christ does a better job of calling you what you are.
Mat 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Mat 23:24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
Mat 23:25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Mat 23:26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
Mat 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Take that and chew on it for a while.

 

[chanchuinchoy]

Say what you want. You questioned my salvation as if you were God Himself and I put you in your place as God would have done to someone like you who thinks they are so high and mighty that they are in a position to do the job of God by questioning my salvation just like they questioned the righteousness and integrity of Christ You think of yourself to be above folks enough that you can question their salvation. This is not the first time I have read where you have questions someone's salvation which shows you do feel that you are above those whom salvation you have questioned. Questioning someone's salvation even though you are completely ingnorant of who they are or the condition of their heart is the designated job of Satan.
Christ does a better job of calling you what you are.
Mat 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Mat 23:24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
Mat 23:25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Mat 23:26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
Mat 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Take that and chew on it for a while.

I am intoxicated by your bombastic english, mr. professor

 

[massorite]

I am intoxicated by your bombastic english, mr. professor

Well thank you very much. At least I was speaking in a fashion you could understand and apply to yourself.

 

[ScottyPchristian]

I would think if they refuse to obey the commandments found in sola scriptura (all things written in the law and the prophets) as the one source of Christian faith .Its a dark place no light. Its not a matter of picking them apart but bringing into the light that could draw them together with the Protestant's .

Sola scriptura is the reforming authority in any generation or reformation. It worked in both the 1st. century and 15 th.

Not on Jot or tittle will be removed and given over to a law of the fathers (oral traditions of men that they must according to the written law of the fathers call the oral tradition "Sacred Divine" it as a law of the fathers does make the tradition of God without effect. In that way no man can serve two teaching masters. One is our father, the teacher in heaven .

I agree with all of that, but how do we convince Catholics to trust in Gods Word alone when they've always been taught that it's dangerous to study the Bible without a priest to explain what it all means.
I've found Catholics to be the hardest people to share the Gospel with. We can thank the prosperity preachers for that, the Catholics look at them and think that all evangelicals and protestants are the same.
One Catholic friend said that the RCC is the only faithful Church, because it upholds the sacred traditions such as marriage between a man and woman and their opposition to abortion and euthanasia etc. Again, it's those progressive Churches who ordain gay and lesbian ministers that give them the wrong idea about us.
So we have an uphill battle, as Bible believing Christians.

 

[p_rehbein]

God has His unpardonable sin, and I have mine.............

He who drinks the last cup of coffee and does not make a new pot shall be doomed forevermore!

 

[ScottyPchristian]

Say what you want. You questioned my salvation as if you were God Himself and I put you in your place as God would have done to someone like you who thinks they are so high and mighty that they are in a position to do the job of God by questioning my salvation just like they questioned the righteousness and integrity of Christ You think of yourself to be above folks enough that you can question their salvation. This is not the first time I have read where you have questions someone's salvation which shows you do feel that you are above those whom salvation you have questioned. Questioning someone's salvation even though you are completely ingnorant of who they are or the condition of their heart is the designated job of Satan.
Christ does a better job of calling you what you are.
Mat 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Mat 23:24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
Mat 23:25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Mat 23:26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
Mat 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Take that and chew on it for a while.

I'm not sure why you went on the defensive when I asked if you were a member of a Church. I didn't mean to touch a nerve, I just wanted to know if you belong to the body of Christ through a local Church.
I don't see why any believer wouldn't want to join Christ's body, He is the tree and we are the branches. The apostles never taught anyone to become a monk in some secluded monastery and neither did Christ Himself. What benefit can an isolated monk be to a lost world, where Gods people are hungry and thirsty and unbelievers are spiritually starved.
I understand you may have had some bad experiences in Churches which may or may not have preached Gods Word faithfully. But we can't just give up on Church altogether, because we don't like some of the people. That's saying that you're "holier than thou" and we know that comes from PRIDE.

 

[garee]

I agree with all of that, but how do we convince Catholics to trust in Gods Word alone when they've always been taught that it's dangerous to study the Bible without a priest to explain what it all means.
I've found Catholics to be the hardest people to share the Gospel with. We can thank the prosperity preachers for that, the Catholics look at them and think that all evangelicals and protestants are the same.
One Catholic friend said that the RCC is the only faithful Church, because it upholds the sacred traditions such as marriage between a man and woman and their opposition to abortion and euthanasia etc. Again, it's those progressive Churches who ordain gay and lesbian ministers that give them the wrong idea about us.
So we have an uphill battle, as Bible believing Christians.

The Holy Spirit does the convincing. We can plant the incorruptible seed by which men are born again .

They have no born again doctrine or interest. Their sufferings they are taught continues after their last breath for a unknown amount of time or kind of sufferings. Doing despite to the grace of God. The damnable or judgeable heresy.

They have different seeds and a different foundation founded on dead men that they commune with as workers with familiar spirts. They they must according to a law of their fathers call "patron saint". . the worship-able legion . (3500 and rising)

Bottom line sola scriptura is their nemesis

Because the Catholic church is under a "law of the fathers" (men) The worship-able ones or venerable. Our Father in heaven looses his Holy place as as our Lord and teacher. Their fathers usurping the authority of Him not seen giving it to corrupted flesh and blood. The Bible describes that as the abomination of desolation

The pew sitters must seek the approval of flesh and blood flesh and blood and not the law of our Father in heaven (sola scriptura) By faith.

God's law is the one source of faith by which we can believe God and have no need for another master that would challenge the the authority of sola scriptura.

When it comes to their own book of the law the book (their master teaching aid ) The non venerable pew sitters can study it seeing. . it leads to the conclusion of their own private source of faith (necromancy.)

Words like "Sacred " a key word used regularly it would moves a person to the place of wonderment (limbo)

Catholic are aware that oral traditions can make the word of God without effect. Adding the word "Sacred" takes away the sting of the God's law.

In their book of their fathers (legion) law They are taught that the Sacred Tradition of corrupted men have the same Divine source as the law of our Father not seen .

But like in the garden the spirit departs he is not a man . No man can serve two teaching masters . Either the law of God or that of men

When discussing biblical laws with their fathers words like "Sacred" are avoided in the discussion just like the word patron saint .. the subject usually is changed seeing it affects their kind of reasoning after another law. . .

Interestingly when looking at their book of the law ( law #80) .Right from the beginning the word Sacred takes its place.

Even adding the what they must call "Sacred Tradition" first in order to give the illusion they are not opposing each other.

www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/80.htm
80 "Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture, then, are bound closely together, and communicate one with the other. For both of them, flowing out from the same divine well-spring, come together in some fashion to form one thing, and move towards the same goal."

 

[massorite]

I'm not sure why you went on the defensive when I asked if you were a member of a Church. I didn't mean to touch a nerve, I just wanted to know if you belong to the body of Christ through a local Church.
I don't see why any believer wouldn't want to join Christ's body, He is the tree and we are the branches. The apostles never taught anyone to become a monk in some secluded monastery and neither did Christ Himself. What benefit can an isolated monk be to a lost world, where Gods people are hungry and thirsty and unbelievers are spiritually starved.
I understand you may have had some bad experiences in Churches which may or may not have preached Gods Word faithfully. But we can't just give up on Church altogether, because we don't like some of the people. That's saying that you're "holier than thou" and we know that comes from PRIDE.

I didn't say anything about being upset or feeling defensive about your questioning if I attend a church or not and I answered your question. You questioned my "standing with the Lord" Your words not mine, "I'm not sure about your standing before the Lord ". This is why I put you in your place and gave you what you asked for, by letting you know that you are not God and you have no idea of what my standing before the Lord is and I quoted the words of Christ as my example. I would never question the standing of any believer "before" the Lord because it is not my job and only God knows the true condition of a man's heart. Determining the standing/condition of a believers heart is a job reserved for God only.
I am very confident about my standing before the Lord in that I am right where He wants me to be. But I did get righteous indignation at your self righteousness. Questioning my standing before the Lord is the same thing as questioning my salvation before the Lord. I have seen other conversations on CC when the salvation or as you said "standing before the Lord" is questioned and the person who's salvation was questioned went on the defensive about their standing with the Lord. But I will not defend my standing before the Lord with you or anybody else because you are not God.

 

[ScottyPchristian]

The Holy Spirit does the convincing. We can plant the incorruptible seed by which men are born again .

They have no born again doctrine or interest. Their sufferings they are taught continues after their last breath for a unknown amount of time or kind of sufferings. Doing despite to the grace of God. The damnable or judgeable heresy.

They have different seeds and a different foundation founded on dead men that they commune with as workers with familiar spirts. They they must according to a law of their fathers call "patron saint". . the worship-able legion . (3500 and rising)

Bottom line sola scriptura is their nemesis

Because the Catholic church is under a "law of the fathers" (men) The worship-able ones or venerable. Our Father in heaven looses his Holy place as as our Lord and teacher. Their fathers usurping the authority of Him not seen giving it to corrupted flesh and blood. The Bible describes that as the abomination of desolation

The pew sitters must seek the approval of flesh and blood flesh and blood and not the law of our Father in heaven (sola scriptura) By faith.

God's law is the one source of faith by which we can believe God and have no need for another master that would challenge the the authority of sola scriptura.

When it comes to their own book of the law the book (their master teaching aid ) The non venerable pew sitters can study it seeing. . it leads to the conclusion of their own private source of faith (necromancy.)

Words like "Sacred " a key word used regularly it would moves a person to the place of wonderment (limbo)

Catholic are aware that oral traditions can make the word of God without effect. Adding the word "Sacred" takes away the sting of the God's law.

In their book of their fathers (legion) law They are taught that the Sacred Tradition of corrupted men have the same Divine source as the law of our Father not seen .

But like in the garden the spirit departs he is not a man . No man can serve two teaching masters . Either the law of God or that of men

When discussing biblical laws with their fathers words like "Sacred" are avoided in the discussion just like the word patron saint .. the subject usually is changed seeing it affects their kind of reasoning after another law. . .

Interestingly when looking at their book of the law ( law #80) .Right from the beginning the word Sacred takes its place.

Even adding the what they must call "Sacred Tradition" first in order to give the illusion they are not opposing each other.

I'm very aware of the many heretical teachings of the RCC, and I thank you for bring some of them out in your comments. I do have a burden to share the good news with my Catholic friends and relatives, but as I mentioned before it's quite difficult because they have been led to believe that only Romanism has the authority to interpret the scriptures.

When I challenge their beliefs, they trow up all kinds of barriers and defenses and it's doesn't take long to reach a dead end. So I find myself praying for them, as there doesn't seem to be anything left to do for them.

 

[ScottyPchristian]

I'm very aware of the many heretical teachings of the RCC, and I thank you for bring some of them out in your comments. I do have a burden to share the good news with my Catholic friends and relatives, but as I mentioned before it's quite difficult because they have been led to believe that only Romanism has the authority to interpret the scriptures.

When I challenge their beliefs, they trow up all kinds of barriers and defenses and it's doesn't take long to reach a dead end. So I find myself praying for them, as there doesn't seem to be anything left to do for them.

I still don't know where your at, I simply wanted to know if you're still walking with the Lord or if your backsliden. That's not to judge you, I'm trying to encourage you to join the body of Christ of you're currently on the outside.
I know we all face challenges, and sometimes we question our faith. And I got the sense that you walked away from the Church because someone didn't live up to your expectations. If that be the case, I would urge you to repent and find a faithful Church where you could seek membership.
I know you wouldn't like my Church, because the elders would give you the third degree and you would have to prove yourself worthy over a long time before they would accept your membership application. It sounds like you would rebuke them for "judging" you, but Christ commands us to judge everyone. He said, we are to judge every tree by it's fruits and every tree that doesn't bare good fruit will be cut down and thrown into he fire where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. He was saying that all those who call them selves Christian but don't bare good fruit will be cast into hell.
So I would prefer the rebuke of a friend, than the praise of fools. I worry that you took offense when I asked about your standing, and the fact that you didn't come clean about your part in the body of Christ.

 

[garee]

I'm very aware of the many heretical teachings of the RCC, and I thank you for bring some of them out in your comments. I do have a burden to share the good news with my Catholic friends and relatives, but as I mentioned before it's quite difficult because they have been led to believe that only Romanism has the authority to interpret the scriptures.

When I challenge their beliefs, they trow up all kinds of barriers and defenses and it's doesn't take long to reach a dead end. So I find myself praying for them, as there doesn't seem to be anything left to do for them.

Thanks for the reply

It would seem you are on what I would call the "light road" . Jesus says lying spirits come out by prayer and fasting both need .The disciples were fasting according to a law of the father a oral tradition of men.

Fasting is defined as bringing the gospel of faith (sola scriptura) It does the unseen work of forming Christ in those who do receive his mercy and grace this is when His Spirit is working with them making the burden lighter as they rest in him.

Prayer I beleive can challenge our ability to love. And the first and foremost work of love is, patience, it then can be kind .God' love is long suffering you could say eternal . Casting our sin away as far as East is from West. The long suffering work of love keeps no record of wrong suffered. Its us that need to be reminded we have forgiven a person .

Its one of those shake the dust wash you feet and be ready for another opportunity .Love is long suffering

Catholicism makes his sufferings without affect.

Keep up the faith that works in us then it will not let you down . We can it will not. Prayer and fasting. ( Isaiah 58 the fasting parable)

Makes a great study It would seem according to verse 4 "to make your voice to be heard on high". brings the thing on high down to our level . Today fasting is some kind of idea that not eating something could help someone else. That does not represent the gospel. But rather a temporal change in diet .

 

[Dino246]

Fasting is defined as bringing the gospel of faith (sola scriptura)

Where is that in Scripture? The normal meaning of "fasting" is simply not eating food.

 

[garee]

I still don't know where your at, I simply wanted to know if you're still walking with the Lord or if your backsliden. That's not to judge you, I'm trying to encourage you to join the body of Christ of you're currently on the outside.
I know we all face challenges, and sometimes we question our faith. And I got the sense that you walked away from the Church because someone didn't live up to your expectations. If that be the case, I would urge you to repent and find a faithful Church where you could seek membership.
I know you wouldn't like my Church, because the elders would give you the third degree and you would have to prove yourself worthy over a long time before they would accept your membership application. It sounds like you would rebuke them for "judging" you, but Christ commands us to judge everyone. He said, we are to judge every tree by it's fruits and every tree that doesn't bare good fruit will be cut down and thrown into he fire where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. He was saying that all those who call them selves Christian but don't bare good fruit will be cast into hell.
So I would prefer the rebuke of a friend, than the praise of fools. I worry that you took offense when I asked about your standing, and the fact that you didn't come clean about your part in the body of Christ.

You are defining back sliding as not being in a large assembly of more than two or three. Rather than denying Christ falling from the position of Grace .Not falling from the person of grace. Christ cannot deny his ownself if he has begun the good work of salvation in us he will finish it. He is our confidence. We defend it. It works in us to defend us giving us that supernatural armor not seen by the world

Two or three gathering together under the hearing of faith "the authority of God" make up a sect or denomination. Two or three million need the same kind of law to govern them no matter on the size. A family is considered a nation, a division, sect, denomination .It can change from generation to human generation .

The Jews that were used to represent faith or no faith (fools) in mankind. the new nation came from the Amorites and Hittites.

As new creatures we are to know no man after the flesh. We do not wrestles against corrupted flesh and blood and neither are we supported by it .

Large assemblies can be used as a good tools to learn how we can walk together in agreement as one. It does not answer the call to getting the gospel out into the whole world. The believers are the temple, gathering together simply enlarges the spiritual house she is made up of many lively stone. The temple not made with human hands .

Some called "of the number" are those that walk by sight like David .When he numbered the people rather than walking by faith. Many where destroyed . Using the work of gathering as a self edifying sign of strength and turned it into idol worship . We must be carful as we are warned of those who say we do need a man or men to teach us.

In Hebrew 11 a list of men who were moved by the faith of Christ. Beginning with the well know prophets and then in the end speaks of men wandering in the dessert hiding some in caves in whom Christ said were not worthy of this world

Kingdoms as denominations in the valley and caves and the multitude in the mountains are called together to put aside their differences. Get the gospel out. Let the sparks fly

 

[garee]

Where is that in Scripture? The normal meaning of "fasting" is simply not eating food.

Not really . The fast is one day set a side that a person can to the good work of getting out the gospel. Sharing his food and sharing the bread of life making their burden lighter . At the time of Christ three kosher meals were used.

In one parable the word sabbath(rest) is replaced with the word week destroying the doctrine of the fast used to represent the gospel .The person in the parable was boasting in pride that he ate only two of the three allowable that represent (manna ) meals , the same one day tithes were paid.

Luke 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

The word week destroys the use of the word sabbath . Nine times King James records that damage of changing a non time senititive word rest into week .

Sabbath.... rest. a non time sensitive word . There was not even a Greek word for week at that time. Time week was added or mistranslated

We would have to begin with the ceremonial law regarding the fast the foundation. Why a fast,. How, what did it point to as prophecy?