Is Paul or Jesus your main guide?
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Paul is not the life of a Christian, Christ is. Paul spoke what God revealed to him. The words of Paul are the the word of God. The gospels and Revelation were the last books of the bible to be written. The early church had the verbal testimony of the apostles but not the written record. I think it unnecessary to make a distinction between the epistles and the gospels. It's all scripture and it's all profitable.
Focusing on one at the expense of the other leads to an unbalanced view. Paul even warns us against overemphasising one apostle over another, or even claiming to follow Christ exclusively. That is the start of divisiveness and is unhealthy.
Focusing on one at the expense of the other leads to an unbalanced view. Paul even warns us against overemphasising one apostle over another, or even claiming to follow Christ exclusively. That is the start of divisiveness and is unhealthy.
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John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Divisiveness, only the dividing of the wheat from the tares, the sheep from the goats and Light from darkness. Unhealthy can't be the case, for the Life is in the Son, if you have the Son you have Life, which is the opposite of "unhealthy".
Divisiveness, only the dividing of the wheat from the tares, the sheep from the goats and Light from darkness. Unhealthy can't be the case, for the Life is in the Son, if you have the Son you have Life, which is the opposite of "unhealthy".
The question is misleading.
Jesus did not write anything. (unless you say that the Spirit of Christ spoke through all the writers in which case He wrote it all) There is no such thing as having to choose between what Paul wrote and what Matthew, Mark, Luke or John wrote (since again, Jesus did not write any of it, but Mark wrote what Jesus said, or Luke, etc) So to suggest that one chooses between something Paul wrote vs something Luke wrote and calls it Paul or Jesus doesn't make sense to the thinking person.
What is being suggested is that Paul said something that contradicts another writer. But this is not true. What is true is that if you believe what Paul wrote you do also agree with the teachings of Christ that were recorded by Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and yes Paul also.
The better question is do you follow a bad interpretation of a scripture that the writer never intended, or do you do the diligent work of hermeneutics to ascertain the intended meaning of the author in it's original context. Which of course would be the intended meaning of the Holy Spirit that inspired said author. And when you do this you will discover that there is no case where Paul contradicted the teachings of Christ. If someone thinks so, it only means they don't understand what they are reading yet.
Jesus did not write anything. (unless you say that the Spirit of Christ spoke through all the writers in which case He wrote it all) There is no such thing as having to choose between what Paul wrote and what Matthew, Mark, Luke or John wrote (since again, Jesus did not write any of it, but Mark wrote what Jesus said, or Luke, etc) So to suggest that one chooses between something Paul wrote vs something Luke wrote and calls it Paul or Jesus doesn't make sense to the thinking person.
What is being suggested is that Paul said something that contradicts another writer. But this is not true. What is true is that if you believe what Paul wrote you do also agree with the teachings of Christ that were recorded by Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and yes Paul also.
The better question is do you follow a bad interpretation of a scripture that the writer never intended, or do you do the diligent work of hermeneutics to ascertain the intended meaning of the author in it's original context. Which of course would be the intended meaning of the Holy Spirit that inspired said author. And when you do this you will discover that there is no case where Paul contradicted the teachings of Christ. If someone thinks so, it only means they don't understand what they are reading yet.
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Is your forgiveness conditional on forgiving others, or is it based upon what Christ did at the cross?
Matthew 6
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Colossians 1
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Matthew 6
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Colossians 1
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
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Is your forgiveness conditional on forgiving others, or is it based upon what Christ did at the cross?
Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Mat 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Mat 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Luk 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Luk 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
Luk 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Mat 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Mat 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Luk 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Luk 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
Luk 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
If you do not forgive others you will not be forgiven does not contradict Paul. Paul speaking the same teachings of Christ said not to be deceived, that if you practice these things you will not inherit the kingdom of God.
If you are a drunkard and claim to be saved you wont be, If you don't forgive others but claim to be forgiven you aren't. So simple. Why the confusion? Paul did not suggest that you could sin and still go to heaven.
The suggestion that Paul taught that you don't have to forgive others to be forgiven is nonsense and can't be found in anything Paul wrote.
1 Cor 6 Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men a 10nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
He could just as well have said "or he that does not forgive others...." We get his point. There were those at that time that were trying to teach that they could fornicate with the temple prostitutes and still be believers in Christ and still claim the salvation of Christ, and that fornicating would not keep them from the salvation and inheritance promised to believers. Not just those who once were guilty of these things but even those who were still doing it would be saved, and he told them don't be deceived by that lie.
Of course you won't be forgiven if you don't forgive others. That is Christianity 101 and Paul certainly did teach it. If you think he did not that means you don't understand what it is you think Paul was saying.
If you are a drunkard and claim to be saved you wont be, If you don't forgive others but claim to be forgiven you aren't. So simple. Why the confusion? Paul did not suggest that you could sin and still go to heaven.
The suggestion that Paul taught that you don't have to forgive others to be forgiven is nonsense and can't be found in anything Paul wrote.
1 Cor 6 Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men a 10nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
He could just as well have said "or he that does not forgive others...." We get his point. There were those at that time that were trying to teach that they could fornicate with the temple prostitutes and still be believers in Christ and still claim the salvation of Christ, and that fornicating would not keep them from the salvation and inheritance promised to believers. Not just those who once were guilty of these things but even those who were still doing it would be saved, and he told them don't be deceived by that lie.
Of course you won't be forgiven if you don't forgive others. That is Christianity 101 and Paul certainly did teach it. If you think he did not that means you don't understand what it is you think Paul was saying.
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Amen! Excellent example! God's Method Of "study" Makes It Even Better!:
Matthew 6
14 "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
↑
This is Prophecy/Law
Rightly Divided (2 Timothy 2:15) From “Things That DIFFER!” {online}:
This Is GRACE In "The Revelation Of The Mystery!"
↓
Colossians 1
13 "Who Hath Delivered us from the power of darkness, and
Hath Translated us Into The Kingdom Of His Dear SON:
14 In Whom we have Redemption through His BLOOD,
even the Forgiveness of sins"
+
Eph 4:32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, Even As God For CHRIST's Sake Hath [Already] Forgiven you."
--------------------------------------------
More Distinctions → here!
GRACE And Peace...
Matthew 6
14 "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
↑
This is Prophecy/Law
Rightly Divided (2 Timothy 2:15) From “Things That DIFFER!” {online}:
This Is GRACE In "The Revelation Of The Mystery!"
↓
Colossians 1
13 "Who Hath Delivered us from the power of darkness, and
Hath Translated us Into The Kingdom Of His Dear SON:
14 In Whom we have Redemption through His BLOOD,
even the Forgiveness of sins"
+
Eph 4:32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, Even As God For CHRIST's Sake Hath [Already] Forgiven you."
--------------------------------------------
More Distinctions → here!
GRACE And Peace...
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No case, yes, just bad interpretation of course.
Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Mark 12:27 He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.
No blood offering, of beast or bird, or man, can take away sin, for how can the conscience be purged from sin by the shedding of innocent blood? Nay, it will increase the condemnation.
The priests indeed receive such offering as reconciliation of the worshippers for the trespasses against the law of Moses, but for sins agains the Law of God there can be no remission, save by repentance and amendment.
1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
-Blood Sacrifice is leaven from the pharisees:
Matthew 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Ezekiel 5:6 And she hath changed my judgments into wickedness more than the nations, and my statutes more than the countries that are round about her: for they have refused my judgments and my statutes, they have not walked in them.
-Corruption of the covenant of Levi:
Malachi 2:8 But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.
-Blood Sacrifice is not what our Father in Heaven wants:
Psalms 51:16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Isaiah 1:11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.
-Blood Sacrifice was not commanded by our Father:
Jeremiah 7:22 For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices:
-Blood sacrifice is "of fools" and evil:
Ecclesiastes 5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
-Blood sacrifice is an abomination:
Proverbs 6:16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Isaiah 66:3 He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Mark 12:27 He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.
No blood offering, of beast or bird, or man, can take away sin, for how can the conscience be purged from sin by the shedding of innocent blood? Nay, it will increase the condemnation.
The priests indeed receive such offering as reconciliation of the worshippers for the trespasses against the law of Moses, but for sins agains the Law of God there can be no remission, save by repentance and amendment.
1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
-Blood Sacrifice is leaven from the pharisees:
Matthew 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Ezekiel 5:6 And she hath changed my judgments into wickedness more than the nations, and my statutes more than the countries that are round about her: for they have refused my judgments and my statutes, they have not walked in them.
-Corruption of the covenant of Levi:
Malachi 2:8 But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.
-Blood Sacrifice is not what our Father in Heaven wants:
Psalms 51:16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Isaiah 1:11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.
-Blood Sacrifice was not commanded by our Father:
Jeremiah 7:22 For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices:
-Blood sacrifice is "of fools" and evil:
Ecclesiastes 5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
-Blood sacrifice is an abomination:
Proverbs 6:16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Isaiah 66:3 He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
I think that the principle can be understood from 1 Cor 6. But if you are familiar with Paul that should have reminded you of other similar passages that Paul wrote such as Gal 5...
19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
As you can see from the text above having unforgiveness in your heart toward someone would be equal to any of these other examples Paul gives (such as hatred, dicord.. etc) Just as his examples of (kindness, forbearance, suggest forgiveness would be one of the commandments that Jesus taught).
If you look at these examples as an exhaustive list and tell yourself that if your sin is not in the list that it is then allowable, you have missed the point. These are samples to make a point. The list could be much longer but we all get it.
No one can say that they can practice hatred and still go to heaven.
They will not inherit the kingdom of God
No one can practice unforgiveness and still inherit the kingdom of God. They must forgive others as God has forgiven them and this is the fruit that the Spirit will produce in the hearts of those who have the Spirit. Those who do not have forgiveness don't have the spirit for it is the same to say I hate my brother as it is to say I do not forgive my brother and these are those who are called liars if they say they know God and do not forgive their brothers.
It's Christianity 101. And Paul taught it.
19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
As you can see from the text above having unforgiveness in your heart toward someone would be equal to any of these other examples Paul gives (such as hatred, dicord.. etc) Just as his examples of (kindness, forbearance, suggest forgiveness would be one of the commandments that Jesus taught).
If you look at these examples as an exhaustive list and tell yourself that if your sin is not in the list that it is then allowable, you have missed the point. These are samples to make a point. The list could be much longer but we all get it.
No one can say that they can practice hatred and still go to heaven.
They will not inherit the kingdom of God
No one can practice unforgiveness and still inherit the kingdom of God. They must forgive others as God has forgiven them and this is the fruit that the Spirit will produce in the hearts of those who have the Spirit. Those who do not have forgiveness don't have the spirit for it is the same to say I hate my brother as it is to say I do not forgive my brother and these are those who are called liars if they say they know God and do not forgive their brothers.
It's Christianity 101. And Paul taught it.
I'll give another example how orders have changed. Are we to give unreservedly to others or is work is there responsibility required?
Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
or...
2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
or...
2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
No contradiction. Paul also taught them to give to those who were in need, and I know that you know that so don't ask me to show you the scriptures as you can find them for yourself. So in context we will give to them who would have a need that we can meet. Paul giving them advice in a local setting where some were needing to be told to work does not negate or contradict what he said in another setting where he took up a collection for the needy or when he told them to receive and help some fellow workers who refused help from the gentiles. James also taught about giving to the needy based on what Jesus taught as well. There is no contradiction.
Jesus told the leper to go show himself to the priest as commanded by the Law. If Jesus heals you of leprosy today you dont have to show yourself to the priest. That would be correct. But that does not mean that Jesus teaching is contradicted by anything Paul taught.
Jesus told the leper to go show himself to the priest as commanded by the Law. If Jesus heals you of leprosy today you dont have to show yourself to the priest. That would be correct. But that does not mean that Jesus teaching is contradicted by anything Paul taught.
Are you asking Paul? That is not what Paul taught. The Blood of Christ washed us from these sins, so don't do them anymore. If you do, you have turned your back on the Blood and think you can get in without the wedding garment. If you are covered by the Blood you won't be doing these things anymore. So simple even a child could understand it.