| Author | Message | ||
| Pnoga Registered user Username: Pnoga Post Number: 216 Registered: 1-2007  |
In these verses below take note that the words Testimony, Witness and Testify all have the same meaning and are in fact the same word marturia mar-too-ree'-ah From G3144; evidence given (judicially or generally): - record, report, testimony, witness. 1Jn 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 1Jn 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. (Jesus’ own words Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. Joh 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.) 1Jn 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. How beautiful and true, if you Believe in Jesus Christ, put your faith in His completed works, His righteousness, and believe he took your punishment for your sins, and love one another as He loved us, you are keeping all the commandments that God requires of us. In Fact I would go so far as say when you Believe in Jesus Christ you are worshipping the one and only true God, Not making any graven images since Christ is the exact representation of God Himself, You enjoy Sabbath in Christ. To believe in Jesus is the same as to Love God with all your heart, mind and soul. Jesus my friends is God’s Law in our Hearts through the work of the Spirit. The Stone that the builders rejected became the chief cornerstone. 1Jn 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1Jn 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 1Jn 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 1Jn 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1Jn 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 1Jn 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 1Jn 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1Jn 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 1Jn 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 1Jn 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1Jn 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 1Jn 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 1Jn 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 1Jn 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 1Jn 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 1Jn 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1Jn 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 1Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1Jn 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us. 1Jn 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 1Jn 4:21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. 1Jn 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 1Jn 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 1Jn 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 1Jn 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1Jn 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 1Jn 5:6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 1Jn 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 1Jn 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 1Jn 5:9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 1Jn 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 1Jn 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1Jn 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 1Jn 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 1Jn 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 1Jn 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 1Jn 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. 1Jn 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. 1Jn 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. 1Jn 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. 1Jn 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 1Jn 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Rev 1:2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. ( The word of our Testimony, our witness Rom 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Rom 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. Rom 10:5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. Rom 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above) Rom 10:7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ) Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. My friends, We have learned that Salvation is through Christ alone. Belief and Faith in Jesus and Love for one another. If you do those things you have the Holy Spirit in you. For the Spirit is the Testimony of Jesus. Peace in Christ Paul | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 9470 Registered: 12-2003  |
Thank you, Paul. I am SO offended by the Adventist misuse of "spirit of prophecy". It is blasphemous. They have substituted EGW for the Holy Spirit and the message of Jesus, and they have called Sabbath the "seal of God"—a mark which is only the Holy Spirit according to the Bible (Ephesians 1:13-14 and Ephesians 4:20). Colleen | ||
| Pnoga Registered user Username: Pnoga Post Number: 217 Registered: 1-2007 |
I forgot to include the word 'record' it as well as Testimony, Testify, and witness is the same Greek word Maturia | ||
| Pnoga Registered user Username: Pnoga Post Number: 218 Registered: 1-2007 |
Colleen, I couldn't agree with you more. It is blasphemous to claim that EGW is the spirit of prophecy. That is why I love 1 John it clearly reveals what the commandments of God are and that the Spirit is the Testimony of Jesus. Jesus even said in the Gospel of John chpt 16 that the comforter (Spirit) will come and make all things known, He will reveal the things to us that Jesus said that the apostles could not bear now. He also said that the Spirit will convict us of Sin, Righteousness, and Judgement. Of Sin because we do not believe in Jesus (Not Sabbath keeping or 10 commandments) Righteousness because He is going to the Father (Saved by His righteousness not ours) and Judgement because the ruler of this world has already been judged. One can clearly see why blaspheming the Holy Spirit is very dangerous. The Spirit is the truth. | ||
| Agapetos Registered user Username: Agapetos Post Number: 1734 Registered: 10-2002  |
1st John 3:23 is interesting because it breaks God's commands down into two things: 1) Believe in His Son 2) Love one another [as He loved us] When we look then at Matthew & Mark, we hear the question posed to Jesus, "What is the greatest commandment?" Jesus answered: 1) Love God 2) Love your neighbor as yourself He then said that all the Law & Prophets hang on these two commandments. Do you see the parallel between the "two" commandments in 1st John and in Matthew/Mark? The first involves loving God, and the second involves loving mankind. The "two commandments" are the same commandments. The first reading (Matthew/Mark) is spoken before the cross, and the second is spoken after the revelation of the cross (1st John). When stated by Christ in the gospels, the commands are taken from the Law. Christ was not fully revealed to everyone as God the Son, and the extent of His love (as shown to us on the cross) was not yet demonstrated. During His ministry He proclaimed and prepared people for a deeper understanding of the two great commandments. The two commandments would not change, but rather they would be deepened. Midway through John's gospel, the Jews asked Jesus "what must we do to do the works God requires?" and Jesus replied, "Believe in the One He has sent." The first command is to believe in God and love Him. And as He was preparing to go to the cross, He told His disciples, "Love one another as I have loved you", setting the stage for a deeper revelation of what "love" is. And so John would later write, "This is how we know what love is." Thus in Revelation we see the dragon being upset with those who: 1) Have the faith of Jesus / testimony of Jesus 2) Obey God's commandments It's the same "two commandments" as seen in Matthew/Mark & 1st John. Satan is angry at people who love God and love Him enough to love their neighbors (and enemies). Interestingly, Jesus said that the second commandment is "like the first". We get a clear picture of that in the parable of the sheep & goats where loving our neighbors is in fact "loving God". When we don't love our neighbors, God takes it personally. (Interestingly, the "sheep" and "goats" are decided not by correct doctrinal profession, but by loving God enough to love neighbors). This is what 1st John repeats over and over -- that we cannot "love God" (who we can't see) if we don't love our neigbhors (who we can see). When we look at things apocalyptically, then, we realize that THIS is the crux of what all the mess is about. THIS is why the enemy is upset. He is not upset because we observe some obscure correct-day-of-worship; nor is he upset because we support some people's "right" to their ancient land. No, he is upset when we love God and love our neigbhors with the same love with which God loved us while we were His enemies. Anything else is a distraction in these last days. Making the "last days" about anything else but these two commands is a distraction from the gospel. Making the "end" about a shadowy ceremony or about a nation's people is a distraction from the gospel business of loving God and loving our neighbors/enemies as God loved us. In Jesus! Ramone | ||
| Jrt Registered user Username: Jrt Post Number: 135 Registered: 10-2008 |
Ramone, Important thoughts you have written here. Thanks for posting! Keri | ||
| Pnoga Registered user Username: Pnoga Post Number: 220 Registered: 1-2007 |
Thanks Ramone, You put into words exactly what the scripture verses I posted are saying. Great commentary. Thanks, Paul | ||
| Agapetos Registered user Username: Agapetos Post Number: 1735 Registered: 10-2002 |
Thanks. You know, I am just struck in re-reading the "commandment" Jesus picked as first above all others... "Love the Lord your God with all you heart, all your strength, all your soul and all your mind..." In the post-cross restated version, it is "Believe in the One He has sent." But this command to "believe" does not mean mere doctrine or mental assent. When the NT cries, "Believe!", the Spirit is saying just as much as the OT command to "love God with all your heart/strength/mind/soul". This is stated over and over by Jesus in the gospels, also by Paul, and most notably by James & Hebrews: that "believe" is not merely mental assent, but casting your whole life upon Him in trust and love. I am struck also by how SIMPLE all of this is, you know? As we move closer to the end of this age, we are going to understand the book of Revelation more and more. And it is not extra information involving obscure commands or specific nations, but rather as the end draws near what is crucial and fundamental --the gospel!-- will be magnified as THE thing. If someone's explanation of "Revelation" or "Daniel" or any of those things wanders away from the gospel and the two great commandments, it is a distraction away from the heart of God! (>_<) Bless you in Jesus! Ramone | ||
| Akweavers Registered user Username: Akweavers Post Number: 105 Registered: 8-2008 |
Thanks all of you for these posts. It's shines the light on the true meaning of testimony of Jesus and what keeping His commandments really means. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 9483 Registered: 12-2003 |
Yes, Ramone, I agree. As the end of the age approaches, the gospel will increasingly become the focal point, the great divide upon which the world will divide. Jesus is the great offense to human wisdom. He is the One who polarizes humanity. People worried about days and control and observances and modified/false gospels and idolatry will find themselves in the same camp. Colleen | ||
| Agapetos Registered user Username: Agapetos Post Number: 1736 Registered: 10-2002 |
Lord, how I wish it was only Adventists who were distracted about the end! (>_<) But no, the simple gospel and the simplicity of the "two commandments" is something that is going to pierece the WHOLE body of Christ, because we have ALL been distracted so often, and NONE of us want to look at the places where WE have been distracted. We have all wandered from the gospel especially when thinking of, speaking of and preaching of the "end times". God is calling us ALL to repentance, and His "correction" about these things comes "to the house of God" before it comes to "the world" (1 Peter 4:17). This is why the two witnesses prophesy in sackcloth, they are wearing OUR REPENTANCE for having added things to the gospel, particularly in the end times. For the gospel to go out "to the nations" as Christ said in Matthew 24, it must be set free from any things that add shadows or focusing on nations according to the flesh, because these things distract from the gospel and say, "Well, you need the gospel, but you also need to know about or do THIS special thing or special chosen people." I believe the "two witnesses" are people who carry the Spirit and the Word alone, and wear the garments of REPENTANCE for having carried "other things" with our preaching to the nations (such as Adventism and dispensationalism) besides the gospel. Our "end times" messages are not swords that pierce our hearts. They make us feel righteous about our actions & establishments, and tell us how wicked and sinful the non-believing world is. Like ancient Judea, we are looking outside "at the Romans" as being the big problem, instead of asking God to turn His sword on us, too, so that we may be cut to the heart with His love for them, so that anything we do not need may be cut off in order that they may hear His love for them. The words Christ spoke built on the two commandments --on who He is and what His love is-- were enough to make the most zealously religious of the "chosen people" put Him to death. Yet "sinners" flocked to Him. Today the "sinners" of the world run away from "church" as quickly as possible, and "church" attracts the religious and judgmental, just like in the Jewish establishment in Christ's day. Today churches have become "the establishment". Like the Jews of Christ's time, churches still carry the message of salvation. But it is a double-edged sword, and by Peter said (1Pt.4:17) it is churches that are going to feel that sword before the world does. When I was an Adventist on the way out of Adventism, I looked at the words to Charles Wesley's "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" and realized with grief the terrible irony that we were calling for Him to come, but with our focuses elsewhere we would not be prepared for Him to come! Now that I have left Adventism I realize it is not only Adventists who have been distracted, but many, many, many churches, especially dispensationalists and others focused on Israel instead of on the CROSS in the end times! Today WE are "the establishment", and we sing, "Come, Jesus" but we don't know that He is going to come and SHAKE US before He shakes the world. Just as He Himself and His love shook the establishment, the two commandments are going to be an OFFENSE to many ("most" in Jesus' words) people who profess "the faith" but do not wanted to be filled with His agape love. What a sword, these two commandments! Come, Lord! In Jesus, Ramone |
