Law, Covenant, & Testament 3

What is a testament?

Answer - Will, desire, or the details that capture the qualities of someone or something.

See Hebrews 9:16-17.

What is the old testament?

Answer: The old testament sealed the old covenant by sacrificial offerings.
See Hebrews 9:18-24.

What is the new testament?
Answer: The new testament sealed the new covenant by Jesus' sacrificial offering.
See Mark 14:24; Hebrews 9:28,18-24.

Are those who are under the both testaments connected in Christ?
Answer: Yes.
See Hebrews 9:15.

Conclusion - Law, Covenant, and Testament (parts 1-3)

2 types of laws were changed after Jesus death & resurrection:

Laws that penalized us (i.e. sin offerings). See Deuteronomy 31:26; Colossians 2:14.

Laws that foreshadowed Christ (i.e. Sanctuary items). See Hebrews 9:1-15; Luke 24:44-46.

So, God wants us to obey Him in all things (by faith).

Law, Covenant, & Testament 2

What's a covenant?
Answer - an agreement; committment.

What's the old covenant?
Answer - The agreement in which people commit to obey God by their "own works".  This overlooks how God empowers "obedience by faith" (aka righteousness).
See Exodus 19:3-8.

What's the new covenant?

Answer - The new agreement by which people get God to work in them & through them by faith. Meaning, God empowers their "obedience by faith" (aka righteousness).
See Hebrews 8:6-10.

Law, Covenant, & Testament

What gives us salvation?
Answer - God's power by faith. See 1 Peter 1:5; Romans 1:16.


What is the new law?
Answer - The law of faith. See Romans 3:27; Galatians 2:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:24.

What is the old law?

Answer - The law of works. See Leviticus 18:5; Galatians 3:12; Romans 10:5.

* Note: Works = "do", meaning trying to obey without the God's power by faith.

Does "the law of faith" exclude commandment keeping?

Answer - No. See Romans 3:31; 16:25-26; 1 Timothy 1:5-9.

Wine in Scripture 2

Scripture says what wine to avoid, & what wine to consume. Drinking "in moderation" is like evil spirits "in moderation".

Natural fermentation produces a low alcoholic content without extra additives. Until "granulated sugar", strongly alcoholic wine was rare. To make wine strongly alcoholic like what we have today (10%-15%), we must add a lot of sugar & yeast. 

True or False - The blood alcohol legal limit is .08%.

True, so the smallest amounts of alcohol makes us drunk. And now we know better, so there is no excuse for being under the influence of any spirit but God’s.  

In context, Scripture is consistent, & never approves of the slightest intoxication from cover to cover. Already, we know that the 2 biggest ingredients to boost fermentation, yeast & sugar, were not present in large enough quantities to naturally make the strong wine we have today. 

Meaning, even alcoholic wine during Biblical times cannot compare to any wine you can buy. Sometimes Scripture refers to acceptable wine as alcohol used to purify their water (from their wells), & sometimes it's grape juice. 

The luxury of running water compared to the germ-filled wells of Bible times should paint a clear picture. They basically only had 2 options to drink, water & wine, which were consumed by adults and children alike.

So, focus on what is stated (not what's not). Isaiah 65:8 doesn't even hint at getting drunk, alcohol, nor fermentation. Focus on the opposite with words like "cluster" & "new". 

You'd only try to think this Isaiah 65:8 wine is fermented if you've been misled to add inserts to the verse that aren't actually written...& that would be distorting the Word of God.

For further study, see Proverbs 23:29-35; Isaiah 5:1-2; Matthew 26:29; and Genesis 49:12. 

I pray that correct doctrine be spread In Jesus’ name. 

Wine in Scripture

The bottomless pit might include the excuses for eating & drinking practices.  I used to blurt, "Jesus made wine", & it’s jolting how quick I was to quote Scriptures that I hardly studied.

TRUTH or False - Jesus got people drunk.

Let’s look again at John 2:1-11.  The governor of the feast, tasted his drink, and told the groom, "…every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now."

I love the Original King James Version because it positions words purposely, almost strategically.  Does John say anyone was drunk at all?  They definitely drank their fill, but from the text alone, it is a stretch to say that their wine was even alcoholic.  

Jesus was here on a mission, so before turning Jesus into a bartender, keep reading. "Well drunk" means the guests had plenty to drink…& that’s all folks!

“Wine” appears 231 times in Scripture:

The New Testament, translated from Greek, uses two words for “wine” (both fermented & unfermented). 

GLEUKOS: Sweet wine, fresh juice 

     Acts 2:13  -- Unfermented

OINOS: Wine (generic) 

     Matthew 9:17 -- unfermented

     Ephesians 5:18 -- fermented.

The Old Testament has 3 Hebrew words for “wine”. 

YAYIN: Intoxicating, fermented wine (Genesis 9:21).

TIROSH: Fresh grape juice (Isaiah 65:8; Proverbs 3:10).

SHAKAR: Intoxicating, intensely alcoholic, strong drink (Numbers 28:7).

cont >>>

The Beast

By my research, Bible prophecy symbolizes and defines pieces of a puzzle.

A "mark" is synonymous with a memorial & a seal. Frontlets between the eyes (forehead) & hand are connected like faith & works. See "The Infamous Mark" later.

1) Truth or False - World History supports the same order of 4 kingdoms from Babylon to Rome as is prophecied (or foretold) in the Bible.

Truth - click the arrow below for proof.

My research includes over 35 clues that depict Rome as the 4th beast. 

2) Truth or False - Daniel 2 foretells Babylon as the 1st of 4 successive kingdoms. 

Truth - Babylon's king has a vision, and in verse 38, God's message is, "Thou art this head of gold." 

The names of the 4 kingdoms (or countries) are listed at the bottom of this page.

* Definitions: Metals = Kingdoms (or countries) in Daniel 2:38-40

Daniel 7 signifies the same succession of kingdoms as Daniel 2, but whereas these countries are metals in Daniel 2 Beasts in Daniel 7.

* Definitions: Beasts = Kingdoms (or countries) in Daniel 7:17, 18, 23

Revelation 17:3, 7 support the idea that since a Woman is a church, & Rome is the Beast, then the Catholic Church would "sit upon & be carried by"...Rome.

I - Babylon 603 B.C. to 539 B.C. "The Gold Kingdom " - Lion
II - Medes-Persians 539 B.C. to 331 B.C. "The Silver Kingdom” - Bear
III - Greece 331 B.C. to 168 B.C. "The Brass Kingdom " - Leopard
IV - Rome 168 B.C. to 476 A.D. "The Iron Kingdom " - Beast (cont.) >>>>

Power = God's Spirit

1) Truth or False - The Holy Ghost is the sacred Spirit of both the Father and the Son.

Truth - see "Spirit of your Father" in Matthew 10:20 & "Spirit of Christ" in Romans 8:9.

The longer you believe, & the more frequently you exercise your faith, the more you will attest to the claims made in these texts. – 1 Peter 3:17-18; 2:15-16; 4:2-6

2) Truth or False -  The Spirit's job function is it to give us power over sin.  

Romans 8:1-13, 26-27 proves that the Holy Spirit has a job to do too. See 1 John 2:16-17. What does this say about God’s Will...to you?

Well, it was Jesus' right-doing (righteousness) was empowered by the same Spirit, meaning we can fulfill all that He fulfilled (as in fully filled) and filled fully.

What is will?

desire, determination, control, intention of one who has authority

What is power?

might, force, strength, authority to enforce obedience

3) Truth or False - The Holy Spirit's job function is to give us power to do God's Will. 

Galatians 6:8 – receives Spiritual investment & returns Life

Romans 8:11 – raises the dead

Romans 8:26-27 – helps our infirmities; intercedes in areas of weakness

Romans 2:29 – circumcises the heart

Colossians 2:11-12 – performs the “operation” of God

Hebrews 9:24-28, 11 …the operation is made without hands

Hebrews 9:8-15 – Spirit purges the conscience

Hebrews 10:1-6, 10-17 – makes us perfect, sanctified, & sinless

Hebrews 8:10; Jeremiah 31:33 – writes (puts) God’s Laws inside of us

1 Corinthians 12:8-12, 28; 2 Corinthians 3:8 – gives Spiritual gifts

Revelation 3:18; John 16:13 – anoints, helps us see, shows us future things

John 16:8 - reproves (alerts, rebukes, corrects) the world of sin

John 1:12-13; 14:10-17, 26 – teaches us all things, comforts, guides us into all truth

Matthew 10:17-20 - speaks God's message through us

Acts 10:36-38 – anointed Jesus with power to do good & heal

Ephesians 4:29-30 - Seals you until the day of redemption

Truth - For more see Galatians 5:3-5.

Christ's Willpower

Basically, lustful pride leads us to exalt our selfish will over God’s Will. See 1 John 2:16 & Genesis 3:6, but what texts show how much Jesus was tempted?  Matthew 4:1-10 prove Jesus was tempted with everything:

1 - Jesus fasted 40 days...how hungry would you be?

Can you even imagine how tempting it was to get Himself some bread?

2 - How tempting was it to take all the power of the world, knowing how many fine women do anything for a wealth, security, power...or just nice gifts?

We use our shortcomings to manipulate enough as is, so how much more tempted would you be if you were the only begotten Son of God?

3 - How tempting would it be to escape from the plan of Salvation knowing that the plan was for Him to die, but not only die, but die brutally…while having the ability to save Himself?

How tempting would it be to give in to a change of plans?

So, Jesus answered the "Law of Sin & Death" by submitting to the Holy Spirit from His baptism at Luke 3:22, & is a role model for us in how to die in the Lord, die to self, & beat sin.

In beating sin, death is also defeated, that's why Jesus was Resurrected, & we see how Jesus let the Holy Spirit empower Him in Romans 8:11. For more see Hebrews 5:8-9, but you should be starting to see how big words like "God's righteousness" play a part in answering the Law of Sin & Death.

Jesus is the answer to "The Law of Sin & Death, & it should make sense now when we read Romans 8:2-3.  Clearly, Jesus is the remedy to the Law, but how is the Law “weak through sinful flesh”?

Romans 8:7, enmity is opposition, hostility, rivalry & resistance, & we are born preoccupied with being at war with what God wants us to do.  Clearly, Jesus had a role in answering the "Law", but did the Holy Spirit have a role as well?

As we transition into the role of the Holy Spirit, see Exodus 19:3-8, & notice the people did not promise “we will do” by God’s power, God’s Will, or anything about God.

Hebrews 8:6,10 where God promises what He will do, as He says, “I will make…I will put…I will write…& I will be…”, meaning God made a Way to assist us with keeping His commands. Read 1 Corinthians 15:56-58; Romans 8:9,11; John 14:10-17. (cont.'d)

Jesus's Willpower

Jesus is the answer to the "Law of Sin & Death" because He was able to do-right (righteousness) which makes Him worthy to live (eternally). 

How do we get God's righteousness? 

See Romans 3:22 to find that the answer is faith of (not just in) Jesus. What was Jesus' job? 

Hebrews 9:15; 2:9-18; 4:15 say He was tempted as we are, but why?

Well, succour means to "assist", & Jesus assisted us by fully filling & accomplishing perfection & victory.

Jesus had victory over all the 3 types of temptation:

1 - The Lust Of The Flesh is a craving for a sensation which feeds our addiction to things like gluttony over fasting, laziness over labor, fornication over abstinence.

More than that, these choices are made only in the interest of self satisfaction, even if the choice overrules God’s commands.

2 - The Lust Of The Eyes is the desire for objects. We prefer things that look good over things that don’t. The lust of the eyes has led to many over-valued items like jewelry, fashion, tattoos, cars, & houses.

This lust is coveting, & has led to the success of MTV Cribs, Real Housewives, Desperate Housewives, Pimp My Ride, & is also is why home loans take advantage of so many.

3 - The Pride of life is the desire for supremacy, power, clout, control, & command. Simply put, we don’t want to take orders from anybody, & we want to do things when we feel like it, & when we do it, we want to do it our own way. 

And if we do something wrong, we don’t want to be corrected, instead, we only want to hear what we did right…even if others have to stretch the truth to make up something good to say.

Also, this is why we would rather watch TV than have Bible study, & why we are quicker to cuss people out than pray for them.

"I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, & do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, & be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith..." - Philippians 3:8-11

Willpower 5

Think of your decision to get baptized in a similar way, & read Romans 4:11,16; 2:29, 26, 28-29.

The physical evidence of Abraham’s faith was shown after God had already recognized his Spiritual circumcision in Genesis 17:23.

Meaning, before we “do” anything, God gives us credit based on our thoughts & decisions. What does this mean to you? 

Well, as far as salvation goes, God judges what we decide to do before any visible actions occur.

God is all knowing, He can read our minds & know if we are sincerely committed.  For more, research Hebrews 8:10; Romans 4:2-5,20-25.  Who was “delivered for our offences”?

See Hebrews 9:13-15, to find who covered our offences, transgressions, or sins (since we are studying Sin & Death).

So, we can form some conclusions about the "Law of Sin & Death".  Now see how the Spirit makes us reflect the perfect image of our Lord Jesus in 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 & Galatians 2:20. 

We also know the "law" (in context) is not limited to the 10 Commandments, but is about do-ing to live eternally by Leviticus 18:5. 

You should be able to explain Galatians 3:21-25 now. 

Willpower 4

Think, if we do, we live but, if we "do-not" (or sin), then we see death.

That's why it’s called the Law of Sin & Death because we will sin (all have sinned), & Romans 6:23 states that the result of sin is death.

God says, "I regarded them not" in Hebrews 8:9-10.  Jesus' covers the sins before His Resurrection in Hebrews 9:15.  Meaning, before & after, we're covered. See Ezekiel 20:11-25.

Now, Genesis 26:5 states that Abraham was obedient to God’s Laws, & this was hundreds of years before the genesis of our faith was formed into a religion given to Moses.

But Abraham isn’t considered righteous just because he kept the Law…is he? Genesis 15:6 depicts the model example of righteousness “by faith“.

So, Abram (later Abraham) made the 1st & most important step, to decide to submit to God from a circumcised heart.

This proves that what counts to God is a made up mind, which is faith, then later, we see Abram's faith by what he agreed to do (which is works).  Abram's decision (faith) is recognized by God as an action (works), meaning, in this case, all Abram had to do was believe.

Righteousness is “to do right”, & the substance in Abraham’s heart, was a mark, a sign, & a seal of doing-right, even while all Abram did, was in his mind.

Willpower 3

God’s righteousness is made available in Jesus Christ. Jesus replaces our wrong-doing with His right-doing.

What did Jesus do, and how is it different from what the majority are doing? See Romans 10:3-5.

6) Truth or False – "Do” & “live" was this "schoolmaster" law of Galatians 3:12, the "law for righteousness" of Romans 10:5, & is originally in Leviticus 18:5.

Truth, and the problem was that this is a works-based law. God made all that Jesus "did right" available to us by faith.

So, the correct kind of faith results in actions that align with the works that Jesus did, meaning we should do (what He did) & live (as He lived).

See Galatians 3:22-23; Romans 3:23; 7:18; 8:3-4; Philippians 3:9.

7) Truth or False – We pattern after Jesus, & even Jesus had God’s help.

Truth, see Romans 8:11; John 14:10; Matthew 10:17-20

There is a huge difference between the way to Live Eternally by faith in God's power to do His will in us & through us....& the way to Live Eternally was by our own effort to do God's will, without God's Help.

The “Law of Sin & Death” is mainly about 2 words, "live", (as in Live Eternally).  The other word is "do", meaning, do what God wants (which impossible without God’s help). cont. >>>>

Willpower 2

3 - Truth or False - The Law in context of the "schoolmaster" text is found in the 10 Commandments.

False! See Galatians 3:23, & then verse 12 knowing that this law never appears in the 10 Commandments.

So, which law was our schoolmaster?

Well, the "law of works" is the easy answer.

4 - Truth or False - The Law in context of the "law for righteousness" text is found in the 10 Commandments.

False again. See Romans 10:4, & then verse 5 knowing that this law never appears in the 10 Commandments either.

5 -Truth or False - The Law being referred to in the phrase "Under the Law" is found in the 10 Commandments.

False! See Exodus 20:3-17.  What does this mean to you?

It means most Christians, even non-Christians have been lied to.

If God commands us to do something, and we do not do it, what is that called?

1 John 3:4; 5:17 give a compete definition of sin that includes unrighteousness and transgression of the law.

What is unrighteousness?

Wrong-doing is the easy answer, meaning righteousness is right-doing (or doing right).  

Willpower

The "law" that was done away with has been determined by most people to be either the 10 Commandments, the Ceremonial Law, or the Law of Moses.

1) Truth or False - The law (in context) is found in Leviticus 18:5; Galatians 3:12; & Romans 10:5.

Truth, & this law is called the "schoolmaster" in Galatians 3:12-24.  

In Romans 10:4-5, Christ is the end of this "law for righteousness" in Romans 10:4-5.

The "schoolmaster" or "law for righteousness' is a Law of Works.

*Definition - Righteousness = right-doing = righteous work.

So, what's the big issue? 

2 - Choose the best option:

a) Do all that God wants by the power of God

b) Try to do all that God wants without the power of God

Well, option b) is impossible "for all have sinned". Obedience is only achieved by belief in God's power to work in & through us.

This is why the schoolmaster (Law of Works) leads us to "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" (or Works by Faith). - cont.>>>>

The Beast

By my research, see "The Infamous Mark", the Bible symbolizes and defines pieces of the puzzle, and a "mark" is synonymous with a memorial & a seal. Frontlets between the eyes (forehead) & hand are connected like faith & works.

The Bible foretells the same exact order of 4 kingdoms from Babylon to Rome as is listed in basic World History books. 

Click on the arrow below for "Israel Map Throughout History" on Youtube.

Below is the 1st of over 35 clues that depict Rome as the 4th beast. Revelation 17:3, 7 support the idea that since a Woman is a church, & Rome is the Beast, then the Catholic Church would "sit upon & be carried by"...Rome.

I - Babylon 603 B.C. to 539 B.C."The Gold Kingdom " - Lion

II - Medes-Persians 539 B.C. to 331 B.C."The Silver Kingdom” - Bear

III - Greece 331 B.C. to 168 B.C.""The Brass Kingdom " - Leopard

1) IV - Rome 168 B.C. to 476 A.D."The Iron Kingdom " - Beast.

Why? Well, in Daniel 2, the King of Babylon has a vision of a metal image, and in verse 38, Babylon is the 1st of four successive kingdoms leading to Rome.

* Definitions - Metals represent Kingdoms in Daniel 2:38-40

Daniel 7 signifies the same succession of kingdoms as Daniel 2, but whereas these countries are metals in Daniel 2 Beasts in Daniel 7.

* Definitions - Beast represent Kingdoms (Countries) in Daniel 7:17, 18, 23