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ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
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#62
The 'only begotten' refers to Jesus as the Covenant Son. The One in Whom all the promises are found. Just like with Isaac who was Abraham's son. God called him the 'only begotten' (Gen. 22:2). But he wasn't the only son of Abraham. Ishmael was also his son. But as far as God was concerned, it was Isaac in whom all the promises are passed on.

So it is with Jesus Christ. He is the 'Only Begotten' as the Convenant Son. But concerning our relationship to God, Jesus is the 'firstborn among many brethren'. See the difference. Jesus is the first born, meaning there are others to follow who will be born.

We are not adopted into the family of God. We are born into it. We are true sons and daughters of God.

Quantrill
Can you give me an explanation of Eph 1:5?
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,181
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#64
I think when a new believer comes to Christ and learns about predestination that they ought to put that in file folder marked "For Future Reference." Trying to understand that just might keep us from making good choices.

I think we mistakenly think we can instantly unlock all the mysteries of how God works with His created universe. Either all scripture fits together into a coherent picture or we maybe just have misinterpreted it. We should quit trying to say this says this or that says that, definitely. Sometimes just note, and move on.

The hardest to overcome is our preconceived notions on what scripture really says. Traditional dogmas get in the way of our learning new truths. Satan has had a great deal of influence on traditional doctrines. Even the early creeds have errors misread into them. If we are to really understand what scripture tells us, we must have the Teacher: the Holy Spirit. :):cool::)
We all have different interpretations of the scriptures, but it is like you said, the views that most closely harmonize the scriptures would seem to be more in tune with the doctrine that Jesus taught. That is why we should discuss our views proving them scripture against scripture to defend the doctrine of Christ. I think that would be the reason for the forum.
 

Deade

Called of God
Dec 17, 2017
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yeshuaofisrael.org
#65
Doesn't this take the diety out of Yeshua, and if it doesn't, doesn't it elevate us to His diety status?
On one hand we say we are the children of God; then we turn right around and say it is blasphemous to call ourselves gods. If we become co-inheritors with Christ and called brethren would we not be part of the Godhead? Even Christ said so:

John 10:34 "Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?"

Jesus was referring to this:

Psalms 82:6 "I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High."

It seems strange to us. If God adopts us, we won't be His dogs we will be His sons. I think this is where we go wrong in describing the Holy Spirit. I do not feel the HS is a separate being of the Godhead, but it is what makes God: God. You can't separate the HS from the Father or from Christ. This interconnection is what gives God the unity. That unity will include us when all things are done. We will be God also.

This all sounds kind of out there, but when you meditate about it we begin to see it. Jesus turns right around and tells us we must be humble, and a servant to all, to achieve this high calling. He then set an example for us to follow Him in doing so. :cool:

Luke 14:11 "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
 
Mar 28, 2016
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#66
I would suggest when studying Exodus to remember that without parables Christ the anointing Holy Spirit as our teacher spoke not.

The Exodus account is used to represent to us our promise to enter the eternal land, the new heavens and earth .Egypt represents the whole world under the control of the father of lies typified by the Pharaoh. Using the things seen the temporal to represent that not seen the eternal.(2 Corinthians 4:18) He uses History in that way. We could call them historically true parables .
 

Deade

Called of God
Dec 17, 2017
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#67
I did in (Gen. 22:2). Compare that with (Rom. 8:29) that I forgot to document in my last post where it says, Jesus is the 'firstborn among many brethren'.

In one instance Jesus is the 'only begotten'. In another, He is the 'first born among many brethren'.

We are not adopted into the family of God. We are born into the family of God. Real sons and daughters of God...just like the Man Jesus Christ...our Brother.

Quantrill
I am still trying to figure out how Romans 8:29 fits with Romans 8:15: That says we have received the spirit of adoption. This scripture seems to tell us we are adopted:

Rom. 8:15 "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

But this calls us destined as natural children:

Rom. 8:29 "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."

Jesus even said we must be born again. When does the adoption happen? When does the new birth happen? We are given the Spirit of adoption when God calls us. At the resurrection at Christ's coming, is where we must be born again. Yes, I think that answers both. :)
 

Quantrill

Well-known member
Sep 20, 2018
988
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#68
I am still trying to figure out how Romans 8:29 fits with Romans 8:15: That says we have received the spirit of adoption. This scripture seems to tell us we are adopted:

Rom. 8:15 "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

But this calls us destined as natural children:

Rom. 8:29 "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."

Jesus even said we must be born again. When does the adoption happen? When does the new birth happen? We are given the Spirit of adoption when God calls us. At the resurrection at Christ's coming, is where we must be born again. Yes, I think that answers both. :)
I am still trying to figure out how Romans 8:29 fits with Romans 8:15: That says we have received the spirit of adoption. This scripture seems to tell us we are adopted:

Rom. 8:15 "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

But this calls us destined as natural children:

Rom. 8:29 "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."

Jesus even said we must be born again. When does the adoption happen? When does the new birth happen? We are given the Spirit of adoption when God calls us. At the resurrection at Christ's coming, is where we must be born again. Yes, I think that answers both. :)
I am still trying to figure out how Romans 8:29 fits with Romans 8:15: That says we have received the spirit of adoption. This scripture seems to tell us we are adopted:

Rom. 8:15 "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

But this calls us destined as natural children:

Rom. 8:29 "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."

Jesus even said we must be born again. When does the adoption happen? When does the new birth happen? We are given the Spirit of adoption when God calls us. At the resurrection at Christ's coming, is where we must be born again. Yes, I think that answers both. :)
The new birth happens the moment you place faith in Jesus Christ. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead raises you also, and gives life to your spirit. Born-again.

That Spirit that born you again is the same Spirit of adoption, which will eventually mature you into an adult son of God. That occurs at different times with each individual believer.

Adoption in Scripture speaks to the child of God becoming an adult son. When you drive through a small town and see a business labeled "John Smith and Sons Gun Smith". What do you envision? Do you see John Smith with several babies crawling around the floor as he tries and fix a gun? Or do you see John Smith and his grown sons all at work in their fathers business?

Quantrill
 

Deade

Called of God
Dec 17, 2017
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#69
The new birth happens the moment you place faith in Jesus Christ. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead raises you also, and gives life to your spirit. Born-again.

That Spirit that born you again is the same Spirit of adoption, which will eventually mature you into an adult son of God. That occurs at different times with each individual believer.

Adoption in Scripture speaks to the child of God becoming an adult son. When you drive through a small town and see a business labeled "John Smith and Sons Gun Smith". What do you envision? Do you see John Smith with several babies crawling around the floor as he tries and fix a gun? Or do you see John Smith and his grown sons all at work in their fathers business?

Quantrill
I will have to think more on this. in-deep-thought-smiley-emoticon.gif
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,167
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#71
I am still trying to figure out how Romans 8:29 fits with Romans 8:15: That says we have received the spirit of adoption. This scripture seems to tell us we are adopted
The word *adoption* in Scripture does NOT mean the same as is commonly understood -- children being taken into another family without any blood-relationship.

The Bible tells us that believers are actually children of God -- born of God, born from above, born of the Spirit, born again. So every genuine believer is already in the family of God, with God the Father as our Father, and Christ as our Advocate.

However, God has taken it one step further by His grace. Every child of God has also received all the rights and privileges of being an heir of God, and a joint-heir with Christ, That is biblical adoption. In earthly relationships (on the other hand) adopted children do not automatically become heirs, and may not even become heirs if there are actual children in that family.
 

Quantrill

Well-known member
Sep 20, 2018
988
300
63
#72
The word *adoption* in Scripture does NOT mean the same as is commonly understood -- children being taken into another family without any blood-relationship.

The Bible tells us that believers are actually children of God -- born of God, born from above, born of the Spirit, born again. So every genuine believer is already in the family of God, with God the Father as our Father, and Christ as our Advocate.

However, God has taken it one step further by His grace. Every child of God has also received all the rights and privileges of being an heir of God, and a joint-heir with Christ, That is biblical adoption. In earthly relationships (on the other hand) adopted children do not automatically become heirs, and may not even become heirs if there are actual children in that family.
Makes no sense. If we are actually children of God...then we are heirs. Adoption plays no role in that.

Quantrill
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,167
12,764
113
#73
Makes no sense. If we are actually children of God...then we are heirs. Adoption plays no role in that.
VINE'S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY
"Adoption" is a term involving the dignity of the relationship of believers as sons; it is not a putting into the family by spiritual birth, but a putting into the position of sons.

Please note how Paul shows the "position of sons" being that of "heirs of God" in the context of Rom 8:15: 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Among Hebrews, only the firstborn son was the legal heir. But here God makes each and every believer a legal heir.

'Among the early Hebrews, as well as among many other nations of antiquity, custom decided that the next of kin should enter upon the possession of the estate of a deceased person. The first-born son usually assumed the headship of the family, and succeeded to the control of the family property... Jewish Encyclopedia.
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
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Tennessee
#74
I just started Exodus and was wondering if you have any tips on what I should be thinking about and looking for as I set forth on this journey?

At least Exodus is more exciting than Leviticus. I have read the complete book of Exodus 4 times but can offer no tips over than to just grit your teeth and plod through it. I found it to be a very hard read but as it is part of the bible it has great scriptural importance. My favorite book in the OT is the Song of Solomon because I believe that I am romantically inclined. Ruth is a good read to as she knew how to get her man. The book of Numbers is interesting because of the talking donkey and Jonah is very amusing.
 

CharliRenee

Member
Staff member
Nov 4, 2014
6,687
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#75
At least Exodus is more exciting than Leviticus. I have read the complete book of Exodus 4 times but can offer no tips over than to just grit your teeth and plod through it. I found it to be a very hard read but as it is part of the bible it has great scriptural importance. My favorite book in the OT is the Song of Solomon because I believe that I am romantically inclined. Ruth is a good read to as she knew how to get her man. The book of Numbers is interesting because of the talking donkey and Jonah is very amusing.
Thank you Tourist for what you say about the different books have me excited about studying.
 

Quantrill

Well-known member
Sep 20, 2018
988
300
63
#76
VINE'S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY
"Adoption" is a term involving the dignity of the relationship of believers as sons; it is not a putting into the family by spiritual birth, but a putting into the position of sons.

Please note how Paul shows the "position of sons" being that of "heirs of God" in the context of Rom 8:15: 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Among Hebrews, only the firstborn son was the legal heir. But here God makes each and every believer a legal heir.

'Among the early Hebrews, as well as among many other nations of antiquity, custom decided that the next of kin should enter upon the possession of the estate of a deceased person. The first-born son usually assumed the headship of the family, and succeeded to the control of the family property... Jewish Encyclopedia.
I agree with the Scriptures you give. Because we are children of God we are heirs. As children we receive the Spirit of adoption, though as children we have not yet come into that adoption or adult son placement.

Quantrill
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#77
I am still trying to figure out how Romans 8:29 fits with Romans 8:15: That says we have received the spirit of adoption. This scripture seems to tell us we are adopted:

Rom. 8:15 "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

But this calls us destined as natural children:

Rom. 8:29 "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."

Jesus even said we must be born again. When does the adoption happen? When does the new birth happen? We are given the Spirit of adoption when God calls us. At the resurrection at Christ's coming, is where we must be born again. Yes, I think that answers both. :)
I believe it is reconcilable but takes a little work searching for the spiritual understanding as a allegory or parable, having it in respect to a new creation as you mentioned "born again" .