Tribulations Producing An Eternal Weight of Glory Far

Tribulations Producing An Eternal Weight of Glory Far Beyond all Comparison 2 Corinthians 4: 17 1

Faith – The Four Pillars Purpose: God’s purpose for mankind. Promise: God’s promise to mankind. Plan: God’s plan to fulfill His promise Preparation: God’s work to carry-out His Purpose Promise and Plan 2

Life has Purpose 1. Infinity of Space 2. Eternity of Time 3. Existence of Matter 4. Origin of Life 5. Purpose of Life 3

Life has Purpose • Some are beautiful, strong, healthy, and rich. • Others have common appearance, weak, infirm, disabled, and poor. • Is the purpose of our life to achieve & accumulate why do so many have so little. • And those who have, end up losing everything – certainly in death but some much sooner. • All suffer repeated afflictions, trials, sorrows • All grow old, infirm, and die 4

Why did God Create Man? Psalm 8: 4 What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him? Psalm 144: 3 O LORD, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You think of him? Job 7: 17 "What is man that You magnify him, And that You are concerned about him…? 5

Life has Purpose Hebrews 2: 6 But one has testified somewhere, saying, "WHAT IS MAN, THAT YOU REMEMBER HIM? OR THE SON OF MAN, THAT YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT HIM? Hebrews 2: 10 -13 For it was fitting for Him (God), for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory (children of God) to perfect the author of their salvation (Jesus Christ) through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies (Jesus Christ) and those who are sanctified (children of God) are all from one Father; for which reason He (Jesus Christ) is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying, "I (Jesus Christ) WILL PROCLAIM YOUR NAME TO MY BRETHREN (CHILDREN OF GOD), IN THE MIDST OF THE CONGREGATION I WILL SING YOUR PRAISE. " 13 And again, "I WILL PUT MY TRUST IN HIM. " And again, "BEHOLD, I AND THE CHILDREN WHOM GOD HAS GIVEN ME. " Genesis 1: 26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; …. 6

Life has Purpose 1. This physical life has a purpose. 2. God’s divine purpose 3. God’s purpose for mankind is to make us His sons 7

God’s Will and Purpose There are two aspects to God’s purpose for creating mankind. • God’s Will • God’s Purpose The two terms (will and purpose) are almost synonyms for each other. However, the subtle distinctions between the two are significant 8

Definition of Will Thelêma is a noun meaning will, desire, wish, or want. The root Greek word is Thelo, a verb meaning to desire. Scripture primarily uses this term. Boulomai is a verb meaning to will, to desire, wish, and want. Only used twice: James 1: 18 and Romans 9: 19 • Will is the desire, wish, or want to do something • Desire necessarily precedes the doing. • We don’t desire to do something (future tense) after we have done it (past tense). Or • We do what we want to do. Or • The Reason we do something is because we Desire something 9

Definition of Purpose The Greek word for purpose is prothesis meaning “a setting forth”. There are two root Greek words forming protehsis. • Pro: Before, ahead, front, prior • Tithemi: to place, set, or lay down – from the primary root the (ΘΕ) meaning put • Noun: The reason for doing something – that reason having been placed or put down in advance of the doing. • Verb: To intend to do something 10

Summary: God’s Will and God’s Purpose Will: Desire, Wish, Want. Therefore, will is the desire to do or obtain something Purpose: Reason Therefore, purpose is the reason for doing something. The purpose (reason) for doing something is because we will (desire) something – Reason is derived from Will. 11

Will Distinguished from Purpose Which comes first? Desire or Purpose Answer: The desire always precedes purpose or reason for doing of something Purpose or reason for doing anything is always derived from the desire to do it. Will or desire is foundational to purpose or reason Purpose is derived from Will and Desire 12

Example of Will and Purpose 1. 2. 3. 4. Desire: Good Child Action: Discipline my Child Purpose : Train my Child to be Good Conclusion: I discipline my child in conformity with the purpose (train) of my will (good child) 13

Scriptural Application Ephesians 1: 11 (NASV) …predestined according to His (God’s) purpose who works all things after the counsel (guidance) of His will, Ephesians 1: 11 (NIV)(God) … who works out everything in conformity with the purpose (counsel or guidance) of his will 14

Purpose of God’s Will John 12: 27 "Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Mark 14: 34 And He *said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; … Luke 22: 44 And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. Mark 14: 36 And He was saying, "Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will. " what You will Matthew 26: 42, 44 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done. “…. 44 …and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. Ephesians 1: 11 (God) … who works out everything in conformity with the purpose (counsel - guidance) of his will Hebrews 11: 2 … Jesus, …who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, … 15

Scriptural Example 1. God’s Desire: Sons 2. God’s Action: Save men 3. Purpose of Saving Men: Sons 4. Conclusion: God saves men in conformity with His purpose (sons) of His will (desire for sons). 16

Important Takeaway – A Spiritual Reality God’s purpose or reason for all He does and all His works is always according to His will (desire) and purpose. God’s will or desire is foundational to His purpose or reason for all His works Embrace this revelation. It is fundamental to understanding suffering in this life 17

Will (Desire) of God: Bring Many Sons to Glory Hebrews 2: 10 For it was fitting for Him (God the Father), for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation (Jesus Christ the Son) through sufferings. • • God brings many sons into glory Jesus Christ is the savior of the sons The appointing of God’s sons is 1) God’s desire, 2) accomplished through God’s work (God saving men) 3) through Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son. God saves men according to the purpose of His will, i. e. , make men His sons 18

Understanding God’s Will and God’s Purpose • What is Eternal Life? • What is Eternal Death? • Why do men need salvation? • How are men saved, i. e. , given eternal life? • How are men appointed to be the sons of God 19

What is Eternal Life? • The literal definition of eternal life is Union with God. • However, there is not a “proof text” verse that simply states this fact. • We must draw that conclusion from a broader understanding of God’s word. • To understand what eternal life is, we must begin with an understanding of what eternal death is. 20

What is Eternal Death – Holiness of God? Revelation 4: 8 …"HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS TO COME. " Revelation 21: 2, 27 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, … 27 and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it…. Revelation 22: 15 Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying. 21

Eternal Death – Sins Separate Us from God Isaiah 59: 2 But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God…. 2 Thessalonians 1: 8 -9 … those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord 22

Eternal Death Ezekiel 18: 20 The person who sins will die…. Romans 6: 23 For the wages of sin is death…. 23

Eternal Death - Torment Revelation 21: 8 "But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. " 24

Eternal Death – All Men Sin Psalms 14: 3 "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; Romans 3: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 25

Union with God is Eternal Life 1 John 5: 20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. • If sin separates us from God and that separation is eternal death. • Then the forgiveness and washing away of man’s sins removes the cause of our separation from God. • Then the removal of man’s sins allows reconciliation or union with God which is eternal life. • Union with Christ (in Him) is eternal life 26

Salvation consists of Two Divine Interventions 1. God’s Mercy by which another suffers death on our behalf – the death that we deserve. 2. God’s Grace by which He gives men the gift of eternal life – the life we do not deserve. Both are accomplished through Jesus Christ. • Christ died in our stead – the death we deserve • Christ gave us eternal life – the life we do not deserve 27

Mercy - Christ Died the Death Men Deserve Romans 5: 6 -8 … at the right time Christ died for the ungodly…. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us 1 Corinthians 15: 1 -4 Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel …. 2 by which also you are saved, …. 3 …. that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 28

Life is in the Blood Paying our penalty of death is not enough. We cannot be united to God if our sins still exist. God must remove our transgressions. Scripture reveals that God washes our sins away through the blood of Christ. • Life is in the blood. Leviticus 17: 11 • No forgiveness of sins without the shedding of blood. Hebrews 9: 22 • God gives us the blood for atonement of sins. Leviticus 17: 11 29

Grace: Christ’s Shed Blood Cleanses Sin Ephesians 1: 7 In Him (Christ) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace Romans 5: 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 1 John 1: 7. . . the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 30

Grace: Christ’s Blood Gives Men the Eternal Life When the Shed Blood of Christ cleanses sins away: • The cause of our separation (sins) from God is removed. • Being no longer separated from God, we have union with God • Since separation from God is eternal death • Union with God is eternal life 31

Baptism – Forgiveness of Sins through Christ’s Blood Acts 2: 38 … be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; …. . Ephesians 1: 7 In Him (Christ) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 32

Baptism – Wash Away Sins through Christ’s Blood Acts 22: 16 … be baptized, and wash away your sins, …. ' 1 John 1: 7. . . the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 33

Baptism – Salvation through Christ’s Blood 1 Peter 3: 21 … baptism now saves you…. Mark 16: 16 “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved …. Romans 5: 9 … having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved …. 34

Granting Eternal Life is the Same as Salvation Romans 6: 23 … the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 2: 8 … you have been saved through faith; …, it is the gift of God; 1 John 5: 11 …. God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 2 Timothy 2: 10 … obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus 35

Baptism – Union with Christ to Become Sons of God Galatians 3: 26 -27 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For (because) all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with (put on) Christ. 1 John 5: 20 And we know that the Son of God has come, … and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. John 14: 10 -11 "… I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. 11 "Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; …. John 17: 20 -21 "I do not ask (sanctification or cleansing of Apostles) on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word (God’s children); 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, …. 36

Baptism - Summary We cannot have union with God when we are dead in our sins: • When Baptized: Our sins are washed away in the blood of Christ • When Baptized: Having our sins washed away, we have union with God – eternal life • When Baptized: We enter into and have union with Christ • When Baptized: We are united to Christ, we are united to God. • When Baptized: United to God, we have eternal life 37

Transformed into the Image of God 1 John 3: 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, …. 2 Corinthians 3: 18 But we all, . . . beholding …the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image …. Philippians 3: 20 -21 … the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, …. Romans 12: 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 38

Divine Nature of God 2 Peter 1: 4 …you may become partakers of the divine nature, … 1 John 1: 5 … God is light 1 John 4: 8 … God is love. Revelation 4: 8 … holy is the Lord God 39

Divine Nature of God Matthew 13: 43 "Then THE RIGHTEOUS WILL SHINE FORTH AS THE SUN in the kingdom of their Father. Matthew 5: 16 16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, … Galatians 5: 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. 1 Corinthians 16: 14 Let all that you do be done in love. Ephesians 5: 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you 1 Peter 1: 15 -16 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY. " 40

Family of God Ephesians 2: 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household (family), 41

The Church is the Family of God Colossians 1: 24 … His (Christ’s) body, which is the church, …. Colossians 1: 18 He (Christ) is also head of the body, the church…. Ephesians 5: 23 … Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 1 Timothy 3: 15 … the household (family) of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 42

Children of God are God’s People 1 Peter 2: 9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; Titus 2: 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. 43

God Belongs to His Children Hebrews 8: 10 … AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. 44

God’s Presence Dwells with His Children 2 Corinthians 6: 16 …. God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. 45

The Sons of God are Heirs of God Romans 8: 16 -17 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, [17] and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, … Hebrews 1: 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things…. 46

Jesus the Son of God and the Sons of God 47

God’s Will - Desire Bring Many Sons into Glory Hebrews 2: 10 For it was fitting for Him (God), for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation (Jesus Christ) through sufferings. 1 Timothy 2: 3 -4 … God our Savior, 4 who desires (thelo - desire) all men to be saved … 1 Thessalonians 4: 3 For this is the will (thelô - desire) of God, your sanctification (cleansing); … 48

God’s Will - Desire Bring Many Sons into Glory Hebrews 2: 10 For it was fitting for Him (God), for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation (Jesus Christ) through sufferings. 1 Timothy 2: 3 -4 … God our Savior, 4 who desires (thelo - desire) all men to be saved … 1 Thessalonians 4: 3 For this is the will (thelô - desire) of God, your sanctification (cleansing); … 49

God’s Will - Desire Ephesians 1: 3 -5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, (thelematos - desire) 50

In Christ: Receive Grace Ephesians 1: 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. Ephesians 2: 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), Ephesians 2: 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 51

In Christ: Redemption – Forgiveness of Sins Ephesians 1: 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. …. Romans 3: 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 52

In Christ: Sanctified Ephesians 1: 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless … 1 Corinthians 1: 2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, … 53

In Christ: Receive Eternal Life Romans 6: 23 … the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Timothy 1: 1 Paul, … according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus, 1 John 5: 11 … God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 54

In Christ: Chosen for Salvation Ephesians 1: 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless … 2 Thessalonians 2: 13 … God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 2 Timothy 2: 10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. 55

In Christ: New Creatures 2 Corinthians 5: 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; 1 Peter 1: 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope (eternal life) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, Romans 6: 3 -5 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Galatians 3: 26 -27 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 56

In Christ: Receive All Spiritual Blessings Ephesians 1: 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, Romans 8: 16 -17 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Hebrews 1: 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, 57

In Christ: Resurrected & Seated with Christ Ephesians 2: 6 -7 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (where we receive spiritual blessings), 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace (lavished on us in Christ) in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 58

Two Resurrections Both Jesus and the other Sons of God experience two resurrections – spiritual and physical • Jesus was first resurrected from the grave and then secondly forty days later, He ascended into heaven • Sons of God are first raised with Jesus at baptism and then secondly on the last day, we are resurrected from the dead to ascend into heaven 59

Christ’s First Resurrection - Spiritual Luke 23: 43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise. " Matthew 27: 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Mark 15: 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed His last. John 19: 30 Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. 60

When Christ Died – Not Go Into Heaven John 20: 17 Jesus *said to her, "Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; …. 61

Christ’s Second Resurrection - Physical Acts 2: 22 -24 "Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, … you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. 24 "But God raised Him up again, …. 1 Corinthians 15: 3 -4 … Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 62

Christ’s Second Resurrection - Physical Acts 10: 40 -41 "God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 63

Christ’s Second Resurrection - Physical Acts 1: 1 -3 The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. 3 To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. Mark 16: 19 So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. Acts 1: 9 -11 And after He (Jesus) had said these things, He was lifted up. . . 10 …behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. 11 … This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven. " 64

Sons of God First Resurrection: Spiritual Colossians 2: 12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. Romans 6: 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 65

Sons of God First Resurrection: Spiritual Colossians 1: 13 -14 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 66

Sons of God First Resurrection: Spiritual 1 Corinthians 15: 51 -53 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Thessalonians 4: 16 -17 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 67

Christ Seated on Throne at the Right Hand of God Mark 16: 19 So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. Ephesians 1: 20 … He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, Acts 5: 31 "He (Christ) is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, …. Hebrews 8: 1 Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who (Jesus Christ) has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 68

Sons of God Seated on Christ’s Throne Revelation 3: 21 'He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 2 Timothy 2: 12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; …. Revelation 22: 5 … Lord God will illumine them (servants); and they will reign forever and ever. Romans 5: 17 … those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. 69

In Christ: Resurrected & Seated with Christ Ephesians 2: 6 -7 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (where we receive spiritual blessings), 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace (lavished on us in Christ) in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 70

In Christ: Inherit Eternal Life Ephesians 1: 10 -11 … In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, Matthew 19: 29 "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. 71

In Christ: Where Saints and Church Exist Philippians 1: 1 … To all the saints in Christ Jesus … Colossians 1: 2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ …. 1 Thessalonians 2: 14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus. . Colossians 1: 13 -14 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 72

In Christ: Sealed with the Holy Spirit Ephesians 1: 13 -14 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory. 73

Seal Defined Seal • Greek Word: sphragizô Definition: to seal, i. e. , set a seal on or to, put a seal on. • Root Greek Word: sphragis Definition: a seal, a signet - a small seal, especially one set in a ring, used instead of or with a signature to give authentication to an official document. 74

Seal: Certification of Authenticity & Truth John 3: 31 -33 "… He (Jesus Christ) who comes from heaven is above all. 32 "What He has seen and heard, of that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. 33 "He who has received His testimony (believers) has set his seal to this, that God is true. 1 Corinthians 9: 2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. John 6: 27 "Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal (of approval). " 75

In Christ: Sealed with the Holy Spirit Ephesians 1: 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, Romans 8: 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 2 Timothy 2: 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His, " …. 1 Timothy 3: 15 …the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 76

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