A Few Thoughts about Hell

Some facts

B1 Created for devil and his angels

C1 Matthew 25:41 EMTV Then He will also say to those on the left, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

C2 Evidently some fallen angels are in a holding cell with chains of darkness. Some have mocked the idea of chains of darkness, because they have never seen one. There are a lot of things we have not seen. 2 Peter 2:4 NRSV For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of deepest darkness to be kept until the judgment. The word hell used here is Τάρταρος Tartaros̄, and it means (the deepest abyss of Hades) [Strong].

B2 Is a place of torment. It is described as a place

C1 Of fire. See Matthew 25:41, 2 Peter 2:4, Luke 16:24, and Revelation 20:14-15.

C2 Of darkness See Matthew 8:12, Matthew 22:13, 2 Peter 2:17, Jude 1:6, 13.

C3 Of sorrow See Matthew 13:50.

C4 Of torment See Matthew 8:29 and Revelation 14:11.

B3 Consider hell as a prison for eternity. Hades is jail where lawbreakers await trial. The initial judgment is when one dies (Hebrews 9:27). Those who refused to believe Jesus will go to Hades. There they will wait until the trial and sentencing at the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11 and Romans 2:16).

C1 Hades/Sheol See Luke 16:23, Acts 2:27 (Psalm 16:10), Revelation 1:18, and Revelation 20:13-14.

C2 Law of Fire See Revelation 19:20 and Revelation 20:14-15. See Barnes comment on 2 Peter 2:4.

C3 For further information, you can read from the questions at Eschatology :: Questions about Death, Heaven, Hell, and Future Life (click “Additional Bible FAQs” then Eschatology).

B4 Jesus paid the penalty for lawbreaking. It is applied to those who meet His conditions. The conditions are faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone. Those who do not trust in Jesus Christ will go there to be punished for their sins (crimes by breaking God’s laws).

B5 The anti-Christ and False Prophet go there 1,000 years before the devil and his angels. See Revelation 19:20.

B6 The residents are conscious. Hell is described as torment. Matthew 13:41-42 (weeping and gnashing), Revelation 20:10, 1 Samuel 28:11-15, Isaiah 14:9-11, Acts 2:27.

B7 Hell never ends. The sentence imposed is eternal, forever, and never ending. God warned them and plead for them, but they refused God’s conditions because of pride and love of sinful pleasure. Daniel 12:2, Matthew 25:46, Revelation 14:11.

B8 It is a place God has cursed. Compare Matthew 25:41.

The loving God sentences people to hell, because of sin. Revelation 21:8.

The loving God warns all about hell and that they are going there. Mark 9:28 and Matthew 10:28.

The loving God sees most people refuse His offer of salvation.

B1 Some would refuse to look and so die. Numbers 21:8-9 NLT Then the LORD told him, “Make a replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to a pole. All who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!” 9 So Moses made a snake out of bronze and attached it to a pole. Then anyone who was bitten by a snake could look at the bronze snake and be healed!

B2 Matthew 23:37 NIV Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.

B3 Isaiah 30:15 NRSV For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength. But you refused.

The loving God sees most people remain proud and love sinful pleasure. John 3:19, 2 Thessalonians 2:12, and 2 Timothy 3:1-2.

The loving God sees most people justify their sin. Compare Genesis 3:12, Psalm 94:7, and Ezekiel 9:9.

The loving God sees most people blame others for their own sin. Genesis 3:12.

The loving God pleads with all people to repent. Matthew 4:17.

The loving God punishes living people for their repeated sins and hardening their hearts by allowing them to sin even more. Romans 1:18-32.

Matthew 11:28-30 NRSV Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

A Few Thoughts about Identifying Fakes

John 7:24 NKJV Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.

Do Scriptures teach us how to identify fake friends, partners, marriage possibilities, business partners, etc.?

A society and every person doing God’s will leads to

B1 Peace See Romans 2:10 and Colossians 3:15.

B2 Our lives being decent (the opposite of shame) and orderly (the opposite is confusion and chaos) See 1 Corinthians 14:40, Romans 13:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:12, etc.

Decisions need to be done God’s way, that is in wisdom, love, and holiness. We can be taught wisdom especially by the principles taught in the book of Proverbs. Love is taught by identifying who and what we are to love the greatest and is identified by the actions of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a. Holiness is conforming to God’s rules especially as taught by Jesus and His Apostles (the New Testament).

Two articles teach us better than I could ever do.

B1 Exposing Evil

B2 Fake Friends

Some verses about judging/judgment

B1 Judge by truth. We need to seek out the truth. Proverbs 29:14 NKJV The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.

B2 Careful examination of the facts. Proverbs 18:17 WEB He who pleads his cause first seems right; until another comes and questions him.

B3 Partiality is evil and condemned by God. We can’t make good decisions if we have evil motives. James 2:3-4 NKJV and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say to the poor man, "You stand there," or, "Sit here at my footstool," 4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

B4 The decision cannot be predetermined. Proverbs 18:13 NRSV If one gives answer before hearing, it is folly and shame.

B5 We must make decisions with the correct standard. Matthew 7:1-2 NLT Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.

B6 What Jesus said directly or through His apostles is the standard. John 12:48 EMTV He that rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word which I spoke, that word will judge him in the last day.

A few verses about decisions

B1 The Bible has many principles for making decisions.

C1 We know the 10 Commandments covers all sins. Each commandment is a set and there are many subsets. For example, “You must not murder.” Hate in thoughts, desires, words, or deeds towards innocent people and animals are subsets and are condemned. A decision that would express hate would be wrong. Any “friend” that would hurt, abuse, control in any way would be wrong, so we are not to be friends with such. Some people call truth hate, but Have I now become your enemy because I am telling you the truth? Galatians 4:16 NLT. Compare 1 Kings 18:17-18 and 1 Kings 21:20, etc.

D1 Any person that acts this way must be avoided. A wise choice would be to decline friendship with such. Proverbs 21:19 NLT It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.

D2 Proverbs 22:24-25 NLT Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, 25 or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.

C2 The same could be said for not bearing false witness, this would include slander, a person bragging about themselves and inflating their resume, etc.

D1 Proverbs 26:18-19 NLT Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon 19 is someone who lies to a friend and then says, “I was only joking.”

D2 1 Samuel 2:3 GW Do not boast or let arrogance come out of your mouth because the LORD is a God of knowledge, and he weighs our actions.

B2 If our “friend” is not a person whose thoughts, desires, words, and deeds honor God, we must avoid them. This would include blasphemy, cursing, lying about His character, causing others to curse God, etc. 1 Corinthians 10:31 GW So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything to the glory of God.

B3 Those who are wise (in God’s opinion) should be our friend.

C1 Proverbs 13:20 GW Whoever walks with wise people will be wise, but whoever associates with fools will suffer.

C2 That wisdom should meet this criteria. James 3:17 GW However, the wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure. Then it is peaceful, gentle, obedient, filled with mercy and good deeds, impartial, and sincere.

B4 Characteristics of someone wise

C1 Is a believer

C2 Knows the Scriptures (by reading and studying daily)

C3 Interprets the Bible in its plain, normal sense

C4 Prays

C5 Has the fruit of the Spirit. See Galatians 5:22-26.

C6 Also, the Holy Spirit gifts some believers with wisdom. See 1 Corinthians 12:7-8.

C7 Will listen to a person without interruption except to clarify. Ask questions to clearly understand what the person is saying, then applying Scripture to the problem. The Scriptures might teach a law, a principle, or an example. (Note, some people need counseling for an issue and will need the professional counsel of a social worker, etc. It is not evil to do so. Nevertheless, be aware and test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21)).

A Few Thoughts about satan’s Program

As soon as any person believes and trusts Jesus Christ alone for salvation, satan begins his program to destroy that faith.

Truth into doubt

Freedom into slavery

Joy into sorrow

Paul states in 2 Corinthians 2:11 NIV in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

How does he do this?

B1 Manser suggests:

C1 The process of seduction (The outline below Manser’s but I edited it for my blog and added the verse itself).

D1 A thought planted

E1 Genesis 3:2-5 ESV And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.

E2 Matthew 4:3 ESV And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.

E3 James 1:14 ESV But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

E4 1 John 2:15 EMTV Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

D2 An advantage promised

E1 Genesis 3:4-5 NASB77 And the serpent said to the woman, “You surely shall not die! “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

E2 Matthew 4:6 NIV If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

D3 Attraction

E1 Genesis 3:6 NIV When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

E2 1 John 2:16 NIV For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

D4 Persistence on the part of the seducer

E1 Matthew 4:8-9 NIV Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me.

E2 Genesis 19:9 NIV Get out of our way," they replied. "This fellow came here as a foreigner, and now he wants to play the judge! We'll treat you worse than them." They kept bringing pressure on Lot and moved forward to break down the door.

E3 Judges 16:15-16 NIV Then she said to him, "How can you say, 'I love you,' when you won't confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven't told me the secret of your great strength." 16 With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was sick to death of it.

D5 Yielding

E1 Genesis 3:6 NIV When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

E2 James 1:15 NIV Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

B2 The seduction itself comes from satan’s agents—unclean spirits (demons), false teachers, false pastors, false prophets, false people, abusers, etc.

C1 They use false signs to attempt to authenticate their lies. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 EMTV The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all deceit of unrighteousness among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

C2 They use false appearance to appear righteous. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 EMTV And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

B3 Some believers, in the Bible, who have been tested

C1 Job is our most complete narrative of this. Satan acts as his own agent plus using other agents to murderer, etc. Satan accuses and lies about Job, makes a false claim, and gets permission to harm Job. The purpose was to destroy Job’s faith, to get him to curse God. Satan did NOT HAVE TO harm Job, but he wanted to.

C2 Satan was his own agent when he tempted the Lord Jesus.

C3 Peter was tempted.

C4 David was tempted.

C5 You and I are tempted.

C6 All this from satan’s agents to get us to weaken or better yet deny the faith.

Why does God allow this?

B1 Testing has an effect. James 1:2-5 ESV Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

B2 Testing has a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

B3 Testing and remaining faithful, with God’s help, has a reward. James 1:12 New Matthew Bible Happy is the man who endures in temptation, for when he is proved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Why me?

B1 Mystery of Iniquity/lawlessness

B2 Some comments and suggestion. It could be

C1 The anti-Christ

C2 satan’s activities

C3 evil

C4 counterfeit Christianity

C5 the purpose and reason of iniquity

B3 Some quotes

C1 Vincent: The mystery of lawlessness is the mass of lawlessness yet hidden, but which is to reveal itself in the person and power of Antichrist. The position of the word is emphatic, emphasizing the concealed character of the evil power.

C2 Hope Bible Church:

The mystery of iniquity that has been working in this world for a long time will culminate after the rapture of the Body of Christ with Satan being manifest in the flesh (the Antichrist). The mystery of iniquity hinders many people from ever seeing the great mystery of the Body of Christ. It is clear from the context in which it is mentioned that the mystery of iniquity has to do with spiritual deception (please read 2 Thessalonians. 2:1-12).

The mystery of iniquity is not open and blatant “lawlessness” (as the modern versions translate it). It is iniquity in the form of RELIGION. It has to do with Satan’s religious system that began with Cain and will climax with the Antichrist of whom Cain was a type. It goes all the way back to Babylon, the fountainhead of all idolatry (Revelation 17:5). Throughout the ages, it shows up in different forms and is always in opposition to what God is doing.

What do we do to stay faithful?

B1 Recognize that it is possible for satan’s agents to ruin us.

B2 Be alert.

B3 TRUTH—know it, believe it, and practice it.

C1 There needs to be a standard of truth.

C2 The Bible is only source that is 100% truth. There are many who have proven so, for example

D1 How Accurate is the Bible?

D2 New Evidence the Gospels were Based on Eyewitness Accounts

D3 Is Bible True (the results of a search at Cold Case Christianity)

C3 We must know the Bible well to know truth from error.

B4 If we succumb—recognize, confess, make things right.

Remember

B1 We have a savior. Philippians 3:20 NKJV For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

B2 We have a helper, the Holy Spirit. John 14:16-17 EMTV And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may abide with you forever, 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, because He abides with you and shall be in you.

B3 We have an armor. See Ephesians 6:10-18.

B4 We have a family. Galatians 6:2 EMTV Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.

B5 We have a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

B6 We have promises. Hebrews 13:5 NIV Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.

A Few Thoughts about Mark 4:18-19

Mark 4:18-19 MKJV And these are those being sown among thorns; such as hear the Word, 19 and the cares of this world, and the deceit of riches, and the lust about other things entering in, choke the Word, and it becomes unfruitful.

When the Lord Jesus teaches, He uses many different methods. Here He illustrates spiritual and practical principles of life.

The Lord Jesus speaks of seeds being sown and some landing among thorns. He compares these seeds to people who hear God’s message and believe, but something happens. Instead of growing and being productive, their life turned into seeking and worrying about gaining possessions. Because of this, the important things in life and eternity are neglected, even might be lost.

Why does this happen?

B1 All starts well but some begin drifting away from their original intentions.

C1 The Galatians started well but drifted quickly beginning to believe some additions were needed besides believing the Gospel. One of these was the necessity of obeying the Law. Galatians 1:6 NLT I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News.

C2 Some drift because of competing loyalties. See 1 John 2:15-17, 2 Peter 2:1, and 1 Timothy 4:1.

C3 Some drift because of evil influences from family, friends, false pastors, misinformed Christians, lusts, etc. All of which come from satan. Satan has his agents and programs to destroy Christians. See 1 Peter 5:8.

B2 Loss of first love.

C1 Revelation 2:4 EMTV Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

C2 Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.

B3 Reordering of priorities. See Matthew 6:33, Romans 12:2, Luke 12:34, Matthew 6:10.

C1 Luke 10:41-42 GW The Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha! You worry and fuss about a lot of things. 42 There's only one thing you need. Mary has made the right choice, and that one thing will not be taken away from her."

C2 John 14:15 NRSV If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

B4 Spiritually starving because of not reading and studying Scripture.

C1 Psalms 119:130 LITV The entering of Your Word gives light, giving discernment to the simple.

C2 1 Peter 2:2 WEB as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that with it you may grow. The word pure has the idea of without deceit, without guile (Compare 1 Peter 2:1 “without guile”).

C3 Hebrews 5:11-14

B5 Becoming addicted to earthly things.

C1 Romans 12:21 NLT Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

C2 2 Peter 2:19 NRSV They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption; for people are slaves to whatever masters them. [Emphasis—mine. The principle taught is a person can become enslaved to all types of things—power, money, sex, drugs, abuse, work, success, etc.]

B6 Bad teaching from pastors and teachers.

C1 2 Peter 2:1-3 NLT But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. 3 In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed.

C2 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NLT These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.

B7 Other evil influencers.

C1 1 Corinthians 15:33 EMTV Do not be deceived: "Evil associations corrupts good habits.

C2 Proverbs 12:26 NRSV The righteous gives good advice to friends, but the way of the wicked leads astray.

B8 Recurrence of former habits.

C1 Proverbs 26:11 NIV As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly. Compare 2 Peter 2:22.

C2 2 Timothy 4:10 NIV for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.

How do we avoid this happening to us?

B1 Pray for ourselves and for others

C1 Colossians 1:10-12 NLT Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. 11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.

C2 2 Thessalonians 3:5 LEB Now may the Lord direct your hearts toward the love of God and toward the patient endurance of Christ.

B2 Rely on the grace of God

C1 We cannot assume God’s help. We must rely on it. “God help me.” Psalms 55:22 NLT Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

C2 James 4:6 EMTV But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

B3 Encourage others and let them encourage you. Listen to them. These people might be our spouse, our parents, our children, etc. Don’t ignore their concerns. Don’t argue. Listen. Pray about it. We may learn some very important things about ourselves.

C1 1 Thessalonians 5:11 GW Therefore, encourage each other and strengthen one another as you are doing.

C2 Hebrews 10:24 NIV And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

C3 Colossians 3:16 NRSV Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.

B4 Read and study the Scriptures. Some suggestions. Always be a little skeptical. Here is one source. Daily Quiet Time Bible Study

B5 When understanding we are drifting away, pray for forgiveness, and God’s help to be faithful.

C1 1 John 1:9 EMTV If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

C2 Proverbs 28:13 NLT People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

B6 Make a conscious effort to be alert to temptation.

C1 Luke 21:34-36 WEL Be very careful for yourselves lest at any time your hearts be weighed down by overindulgence, drunkenness, and the worries in this life, so that day comes upon you unexpectedly. 35 “For like a snare it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole world. 36 “Therefore, watch carefully and always pray that you may be considered worthy to escape these things that will come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man.

C2 Hebrews 2:1 NIV We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

B7 Realize that being steadfast and faithful is important.

C1 Luke 9:62 NRSV Jesus said to him, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."

C2 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 HCSB A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God’s mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful.

Psalm 54:4 NIV Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.

A Few Thoughts about Rebirth

This refers to the new creation of a believer.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Galatians 6:15 NIV Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.

Salvation, reconciliation with God, forgiveness of sins, a hope and future in the Kingdom of God, etc. is only though grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.

Creation in the Bible is to have something out of nothing, a causing to exist what was not.

The old creation (if we can name it that)

B1 Material. This would include atoms and such. See Colossians 1:16-17.

B2 Good. God examined and judged creation to be good. See Genesis 1:31.

B3 Took 6 days then had 1 day of rest. See Exodus 20:11.

B4 The universe became contaminated by sin. If a world class painter completes a masterpiece. People are in awe of the quality of execution of the piece, design, composition, and technique. It is admired by all. Someone then comes and slices part of the canvas or spray paints a few spots on it. Even though it might be small, it is ruined. It is no longer perfect. One seemingly small sin (eating a piece of fruit) ruined God’s creation. Adam was warned. He knew and understood what God wanted. There was no need for Adam to eat that fruit willfully and deliberately. Adam did not believe God (that there would be punishment). Adam was not loyal to God (disobedience). Adam thought God would not know (foolishness). It had results—death.

C1 Physical—living things and become compost. Everything loses perfection as time advances.

C2 Spiritual—loss of fellowship with God. Humans became alienated and enemies of God. Romans 5:10.

C3 Soul—sin in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. This is putting ourselves first. Though there may be altruism, the basic condition is me first. Original sin is not inheriting Adam’s sin and its penalty, but rather acquiring a sin nature. Adam and Eve were no longer perfect and sinless, which means they could not have a child who was perfect and sinless.

D1 James 3:16 NRSV For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind.

D2 1 Corinthians 14:33 NRSV for God is a God not of disorder but of peace. (As in all the churches of the saints.

D3 Galatians 5:19-21 EMTV Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are: adultery, fornication, immorality, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, 21 envies, murders, drinking bouts, revelries, and the like; which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

The punishment for sin is death.

B1 Adam died. Genesis 5:5 MKJV And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years. And he died.

B2 So all humans do. Hebrews 9:27 EMTV And just as it is appointed for men once to die, and after this judgment.

There is a need for and bestowing a New Creation

B1 That is God’s desire, and why He sent Yeshua, God the Son, to be the Savior. See: 31 Reasons Why Christ Came

B2 Reform is nice but not does pay the penalty for our sins. The entire being of every human is corrupt and unable to seek God. There is no hope, no future good, no peace. There is just the haunting sense of impending doom and fear of death. See Romans 3:10-18.

B3 God wants people to repent—all people. (John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9, Romans 5:8, 1 Timothy 2:3-4, 1 Timothy 4:10, etc.)

B4 God initiates salvation by convicting them of their sin and opening their understanding. See Acts 16:14 and John 16:8.

B5 At that point, each individual has been enabled by God’s power to believe or not believe, to resist or not resist. Compare Acts 26:14, Acts 7:51, Titus 5:19.

B6 The new creation cannot be given by our efforts as for example keeping God’s laws. See Galatians 6:15.

B7 When someone believes, they receive forgiveness of sins, adoption by God, reconciliation, and a hope for the future. All this because of God’s love, mercy, and grace. He decrees that by freely believing one can receive all this. See Galatians 3:26-29.

B8 Everything is new in the heart (soul and spirit). See Romans 6:6-14.

B9 Eventually, we will have a new body as well. See Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Corinthians 15:44, and 1 Corinthians 15:51-57. Compare John 20:19.

B10 Eventually, we will have a new earth, heaven, environment, etc. See Isaiah 65:8, Isaiah 66:17, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:4, and Luke 20:36.

B11 This is why we must live a new life. Ephesians 4:24-32 NLT Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.

26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry,

27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.

29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.

32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

A Few Thoughts about Suppressing Truth

Romans 1:18 NIV The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness.

B1 Suppress

C1 The Greek word is κατέχω katéchō. It means to prevent free movement. This movement is bound and held down. It also means to repress (Wuest).

C2 The truth is deliberately being held down, repressed, and prevented from being acknowledged and revealed.

C3 In our passage, it is the truth about God. It can be applied to all truth, for example, a person’s sins, fraudulent science, false prophets, false teachers, false pastors (who don’t want to be exposed), etc.

C4 An example of telling the truth and suppressing it. John 8:45-46 NRSV But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?

B2 Where do lies come from?

C1 From the devil. The first liar evidently is the devil. John 8:44 NRSV You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

C2 From the human heart. The heart is the soul, the immaterial part of every human.

D1 Luke 6:45 NIV A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

D2 Matthew 15:18-20 NKJV But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 19 "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. 20 "These are [the things] which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man."

B3 Why do they do this?

C1 Why Do People Lie?

C2 Love evil. Psalm 52:3 NLT You love evil more than good and lies more than truth.

C3 Love darkness, that is, repression, suppression, covering up truth. John 3:19 NLT And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.

C4 Hate light, that is, truth being exposed. John 3:20 NLT All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. Vincent’s Word Studies notes on John 3:20-21: There the plural is used: doeth evil things; evil being represented by a number of bad works. Here the singular, the truth, or truth; truth being regarded as one, and “including in a supreme unity all right deeds.” There is also to be noted the different words for doing in these two verses: doeth evil (πράσσων); doeth truth (ποιῶν). The latter verb contemplates the object and end of action; the former the means, with the idea of continuity and repetition. Πράσσων is the practice, while ποιῶν may be the doing once for all.

C5 Have a sin nature that all humans are born with. Psalms 58:3 NLT These wicked people are born sinners; even from birth they have lied and gone their own way.

B4 What is the danger of suppressing the truth?

C1 More apt to believe lies.

C2 Searing the conscious. It will be easier to lie and not feel guilty.

C3 Justifying evil actions.

C4 Substitute subjective opinions as the standard of truth.

C5 All the above increases sin. Note the downhill motion of sin in Romans 1.

D1 Realization of truth. The Holy Spirit opens all hearts and minds to understand some facts about God. Compare 1 Corinthians 2:18-20 and John 16:8-11.

E1 Romans 1:19 NLT They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them.

E2 Acts 16:14 NIV One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.

E3 2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

D2 Taught truth. God teaches them truth. (Romans 1:19-20). This includes

E1 God’s existence

E2 God’s eternal power which includes

F1 Omnipotence

F2 Power in ability

F3 Aseity (no beginning or end of existence. He is existent of Himself)

F4 Eternity (always existing)

E3 Power as the source of life

E4 Power in wisdom (omnisapience)

E5 Power in knowledge (omniscience)

E6 Power and authority as creator, king, judge, etc.

E7 Jesus’s ministry which showed authority over demons, weather, sickness, death, trick questions, temptations, etc.

E8 Power and authority to forgive sins and recreate a person’s heart (soul) when they believe. Compare Luke 18:13 and 2 Corinthians 5:17.

E9 Godhead which refers to what we call the Trinity. Compare John 1:1 and John 1:14, etc.

D3 Suppress truth (Romans 1:18)

D4 Refuse to give God credit for what He has done (creation and providence for example). (Romans 1:21)

E1 Also, not giving thanks for all He has done, is doing, and will do.

E2 Compare Acts 14:17 NLT but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.

D5 Empty imaginations to dream up things which bring about all goodness and creation, yet excludes Jesus as being that creator. (Romans 1:21)

D6 Foolishness leads the heart to be darkened. It is a punishment and result of rejection. (Romans 1:21). This was the reason for parables (Mark 4:12)

D7 Self arrogance when dealing with possible solutions to problems and questions. They do not accept Bible truth but do accept other suggestions (Romans 1:22). Compare Isaiah 44:9-20.

D8 Choose and make gods (Romans 1:23). This would include gods of science, philosophy, etc. Compare Acts 17:29 and Galatians 4:8.

D9 God gives them up, delivers, and takes truth away from them (Romans 1:24). These rejecters start worshiping fleshly desires. Compare: Romans 1:24 GW For this reason God allowed their lusts to control them. As a result, they dishonor their bodies by sexual perversion with each other.

D10 Romans 1:25 has the following effects from suppressing truth—to believe falsehood and to worship and serve the creature (pantheism). This is a type of spiritual blindness.

D11 Believe and practice all types of sex (Romans 1:26-27). God gives them up these sins. Giving them over to these sins is punishment resulting in even greater deceptions. Psalms 81:12 NLT So I let them follow their own stubborn desires, living according to their own ideas.

D12 The idea of God is still in their mind but thinking about God causes mental and emotional distress (Romans 1:28). Isaiah 30:11 GNB Get out of our way and stop blocking our path. We don't want to hear about your holy God of Israel.

D13 Next down the ladder of sin is that their lives become nothing but selfish (egotism), resulting in a long list of evil, hurtful attitudes, and evil actions. Compare the NLT: Romans 1:29-31 NLT Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. 30 They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. 31 They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy.

D14 Finally, they realize God’s disapproval, yet give God the finger and do what they want, encourage others to join them, and have no concern for the future (Romans 1:32). Compare

E1 2 Thessalonians 2:12 NLT Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth.

E2 Isaiah 57:20-21 GW But the wicked are like the churning sea. It isn't quiet, and its water throws up mud and slime. 21 There is no peace for the wicked," says my God.

E3 Revelation 22:12-15 Phillips “See, I come quickly! I carry my reward with me, and repay every man according to his deeds. I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the Beginning and the End. Happy are those who wash their robes, for they have the right to the tree of life and the freedom of the gates of the city. Shut out from the city shall be the depraved, the sorcerers, the impure, the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practises a lie!

B5 What is the solution?

C1 Recognize truth. Thoughts, desires, words, and deeds are either truth or lie. A part lie is a lie. Saying true words to deceive is a lie. A standard is needed to help us. That standard is God, the Creator.

D1 1 John 2:21 NRSV I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and you know that no lie comes from the truth.

D2 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

C2 Expose lies. Ephesians 5:11 NRSV Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

C3 Tell the truth and practice the truth. The more we tell the truth, the more we will tell the truth. Zechariah 8:16 NLT But this is what you must do: Tell the truth to each other. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and that lead to peace.

C4 Note the comparison. We are to recognize lies, avoid lies, speak the truth, and do truth in the spirit of love. Ephesians 4:14-15 GNB Then we shall no longer be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful people, who lead others into error by the tricks they invent. 15 Instead, by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way to Christ, who is the head.

C5 Realize that all lies sometime and somewhere will be exposed. Proverbs 12:19 NLT Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.

C6 We are to guide and help each other back to truth. James 5:19-20 NLT My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, 20 you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

C6 Seek for pastors and teachers that tell and teach truth. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

John 14:6 NRSV Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

A Few Thoughts about Praying for Jesus’s Return

Revelation 22:20 NLT He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

2 Peter 3:12a ...waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God…

As Christians we don’t pray for the death of the wicked. Ezekiel 33:11 NLT As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?

As Christians we want Yeshua Messiah to come and

B1 Destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 NLT But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.

B2 Destroy death. Hebrews 2:14-15 ESV Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

B3 Punish those who refuse to believe and have caused suffering to believers. 2 Thessalonians 1:4-6 NLT We proudly tell God's other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. 5 And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. 6 In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you.

B4 Bring His kingdom of peace. Isaiah 9:7 NIV Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

B5 Save us from the evils and curse of this present world. Hebrews 9:28 NRSV so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Compare 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.

B6 Creating a new body that does not decay, have pain, sorrow, etc. Philippians 3:20-21 NRSV But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Compare 1 Corinthians 15:51-52.