The Teachings of Jesus (TOJ)

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TOJ #38: Store your treasures in heaven. [Matt. 6:19-21//Luke 9:58] The point of this teaching is not so much the location but the definition of treasure {Luke 12:32-34}. Spiritual truths and moral virtues are more valuable than material possessions (Eph. 1:18, 2:7, 3:9&16, Col. 1:27, 2:2-3; TOJ #118).

TOJ #39: Be filled with spiritual light/truth. Matt. 6:22-23//Luke 11:34-36] This rather parenthetical analogy utilizing the light-darkness dichotomy seems to mean that our eyes are good and our souls enlightened if we see the glory of God and appreciate His truth (Psa. 119:105, John 1:4-9&14). Sharing our light with others was the emphasis in TOJ #19, and #186 teaches that Jesus is the light personified.

TOJ #40: Accept God’s lordship. [Matt. 6:24//Luke 16:13] Lordship is a 100% loyalty that excludes idolatry (Gal. 5:20, Eph. 5:5) or adoration of anything other than what God approves (Rom. 12:2). If we do not decide to love the Lord, we hate Him. There is no middle or third option, because they are qualitatively opposite. If we hear the gospel and do not choose to believe in Jesus, then God knows that in our heart we are rejecting Him. {John 3:18, 8:24} (See TOJ #122.) {Matt. 12:30//Luke 11:23}

TOJ #41: Do not worry. [Matt. 6:25-34//Luke 12:22-31] Worry is wrong. If we value eternal life highly, we will not worry greatly about troubles in this life. See TOJ #85. This truth is expressed in the Serenity Prayer: “Lord, grant me courage to change what I can, patience to endure what I cannot change, and wisdom to know the difference.” Note that Jesus did not say “do not work or sow or plan.” {John 14:1&27}

TOJ #42: Temper reproof with love so you will not be judgmental. [Matt. 7:1-5//Luke 6:37, 38b, 41-42] Jesus condemned hypocrisy (TOJ #134) or having a spiritual superiority complex (TOJ #31) more than any other sin (MT 23). However, he did not condemn repentant sinners (TOJ #53), and saints/Believers should be very careful that their explanation of divine wrath does not impugn God’s love as taught by Paul in Romans 5:5-10.

Jesus exemplified this teaching when He reproved the adulterous woman {John 8:11}. [Note that the NIV questions the reliability of Matt. 7:53-8:11, but the story certainly seems compatible with the character and TOJ.] As John 3:17 states, “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world.” Note that this teaching does not mean saints should not be discerning or reproving (John 7:24, 1Cor. 12:10, 2Cor. 13:6; cf. TOJ #101).
 
TOJ #44: Ask/seek/knock. [Matt. 7:7-11/LK 11:9-13] These three synonyms are three, four and five letter words for GRFS. Ask what is true, seek salvation, and knock on heaven’s door. (See Heb. 11:6) The parallel passage in Luke makes this clear, because instead of “good gifts” it says the Holy Spirit will be given to those who ask. (See TOJ #182.) Thus, sincerely seeking salvation is regarded by God as righteousness (cf. Rom. 4:3), probably because God knows that were a seeker given the opportunity to hear the gospel, he/she would believe and be saved or sanctified {John 17:17}.

A soul enters the path of salvation at the moment he/she decides to ask/seek/knock, but all primitive paths eventually converge onto the highway to heaven at the point of accepting Christ (TOJ #49). James 1:5&17 teaches this truth in terms of wisdom. Its converse is that those who are not truth-seekers will not LGW/satisfy GRFS. {Matt. 21:24-27//Mark 11:29-33//Luke 20:3-8, Matt. 22:18//Mark 12:15//Luke 20:23-24}

TOJ #45: Treat others like you want to be treated. [Matt. 7:12] This “golden rule” is equivalent to the “law of love” (TOJ #129), but the wording is so famous it should be listed separately. {Luke 6:31}

TOJ #46: Most people choose to reject GRFS. [Matt. 7:13-14] One hopes that Jesus was using hyperbole for effect, but the tragic truth is that many people choose hell. Why this is true, God only knows, but surely if it were possible to create souls any better than innocent and volitional, He would have done so. Some passages {Matt. 22:14, Luke 13:23-24, John 6:44&65} state this teaching in deterministic wording that is not consistent with the NT doctrine that all are called (John 3:16, 1Tim. 2:3-4, 2Pet. 3:9), though many choose not to accept God’s invitation (Luke 13:34) to enter heaven. The nearly identical twin of this truth is TOJ #67. {Matt. 24:12}

TOJ #47: Beware of false teachers. [Matt. 7:15-20] Many people allow themselves to be led astray by “wolves” (Ezek. 22:27) in sheepskins, who claim to be inspired by God—just as Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2Cor. 11:14)—because they do not evaluate their behavior {Luke 6:43-45}. Perhaps they are tricked by apparent miracles {Matt. 24:24} or fail to discern how their doctrine perverts GW. {Matt. 16:6-11//Mark 8:15//Luke 12:1} Whatever the reason, they are blind followers of blind guides {Matt. 15:13-14}. (See TOJ #138.) Only Jesus is the good shepherd who gives His life to save anyone who wants to be His sheep {John 10:11-13}. He is the key to a correct understanding of reality. {Luke 11:52}
 
TOJ #48: Not everyone who claims to be a Christian really is one. [Matt. 7:21-23//Luke 6:46] A person’s words and deeds manifest his/her genuine Faith or values. Many so-called Christians seem not to hunger to LGW. (See TOJ #13.) One hopes that they have not accepted a pseudo- or semi-gospel and become inoculated against the real thing or full gospel. {Matt. 12:33-35, Luke 13:26-27}

At this point Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with a parable about wise and foolish builders (found also in Luke 6:47-49 and already cited) that teaches again the importance of building our lives on God’s Word (TOJ #3).

Jesus’ Teachings in Galilee through His Spiritual Family
(Matt. 8:11-19:30 & // Passages)

Jesus’ statements in the eighth chapter of Matthew do not seem to contain teachings that are relevant or applicable generally until verses 11-12.

TOJ #49: God elects to save all who elect Jesus, whether Jew or Gentile. [Matt. 8:11-12] Electing Jesus means accepting or believing in Him as Messiah/Christ/Son of Man/Son of God/God the Son/Lord. (See TOJ #131.) {John 3:16b & 18, 8:24, 11:25-26, 16:27, 17:6} Paul indicated this election or choice by the phrase “in Christ” (Eph. 1:3-13). Of course, this statement of GRFS assumes a soul has the opportunity to hear the NT gospel. Otherwise, they are limited to perceiving a proto-gospel via general revelation (creation per Rom. 1:20 and conscience per Rom. 2:14-15). Election does not mean determination (see TOJ #136).

Although Jesus’ primary mission as Messiah was to the Jews (TOJ #88), His ministry to the Canaanite woman {Matt. 15:21-28} and the Parables of the Tenants {Matt. 21:43//Mark 12:9//Luke 20:16} and of the Wedding Banquet {Matt. 22:8-10} showed that His church would also include the Gentiles. He cited passages in the OT that indicate God’s plan of salvation has always encompassed all people {Luke 4:25-27}. (See TOJ #53.) The last person who elected to accept Jesus during His earthly ministry was the thief on the cross {Luke 23:43}.

This teaching was a major theme in the writings of Paul, who called it a mystery (Rom. 16:25-26, Eph. 3:6, Col. 1:26-27, 2:2 & 4:3) or secret wisdom (1Cor. 1:22-24). There had been hints of God’s universal plan of salvation in several of the OT prophets, especially Isaiah (Isa. 42:6, 45:2, 49:6, 66:23). However, after Israel returned to Judah from the Babylonian captivity, Ezra established a strict legalistic tradition that ignored such prophecies (Neh. 8&9). Thus, most Jews were not “primed and ready” to receive Jesus as even a prophet. (See TOJ #86.) {Matt. 10:18b, 11:28, Luke 13:29-30}
 
The TOJ re election:

Jesus is the Elect One (Matt. 3:17).
The elect pass God's test (Matt. 4:7, Deut. 6:16, Josh. 24:15).
They worship/serve only God (Matt. 4:10 & 6:24).
They repent of sin/unbelief/serving Satan (TOJ #8: Matt. 4:17).
They are blessed because of belief in Messiah (TOJ #9: Matt. 5:3-12).
Their goal is to become like Christ/completely loving/morally perfect (TOJ #21-30: Matt. 5:19-48).
They pray to God the Father for His will to be done (TOJ #34/Matt. 6:9-10).
They confess their sins and forgive those who offend them (TOJ #36/Matt. 6:12=Luke 11:4).
They value spiritual treasures rather than material possessions (TOJ #38/Matt. 6:19-21).
They reprove lovingly rather than judge falsely (TOJ 42/Matt. 7:1-5).
They found salvation when they sought God's will (TOJ #44/Matt. 7:7, cf. Heb. 11:6).
They were saved because they satisfied God's requirement for entering the narrow gate (TOJ #46/Matt. 7:13-14).
They were saved because they did not believe false teachers masquerading as angels of light (#47/Matt. 7:15-20, cf. 2Cor. 11:14).
They became elect when the elected to accept Jesus as Messiah/Christ/Son of Man/Son of God/God the Son/Lord. (See TOJ #131.)
{JN 3:16b&18, 8:24, 11:25-26, 16:27, 17:6} Paul indicated this election or choice by the phrase “in Christ” (EPH 1:3-13). Of course,
this statement of GRFS assumes a soul has the opportunity to hear the NT gospel. Election does not mean determination (cf. TOJ #136).

Although Jesus’ primary mission as Messiah was to the Jews (TOJ #88), His ministry to the Canaanite woman {Matt. 15:21-28} and the Parables of the Tenants {Matt. 21:43//Mark 12:9//Luke 20:16} and of the Wedding Banquet {Matt. 22:8-10} showed that His church would also include the Gentiles. He cited passages in the OT that indicate God’s plan of salvation has always encompassed all people {Luke 4:25-27}. (See TOJ #53.) The last person who elected to accept Jesus during His earthly ministry was the thief on the cross {Luke 23:43}.

This teaching was a major theme in the writings of Paul, who called it a mystery (Rom. 16:25-26, Eph. 3:6, Col. 1:26-27, 2:2 & 4:3) or secret wisdom (1Cor. 1:22-24). There had been hints of God’s universal plan of salvation in several of the OT prophets, especially Isaiah (Isa. 42:6, 45:2, 49:6, 66:23). However, after Israel returned to Judah from the Babylonian captivity, Ezra established a strict legalistic tradition that ignored such prophecies (Neh. 8&9). Thus, most Jews were not “primed and ready” to receive Jesus as even a prophet. (See TOJ #86.) {Matt. 10:18b, 11:28, Luke 13:29-30}
 
TOJ #50: Love God more than anything or anyone. [Matt. 8:20-22//Luke 8:60-62] This is the greatest TOJ or commandment. {Matt. 22:37-38} Loving God more than money or material things (TOJ #38) seems to be the point of Jesus’ comment to the first man. Regarding the second man, Jesus would have been unkind (Luke 6:35) to deny him permission to attend his father’s funeral. Thus, I agree with those who think his father was still alive, and he wanted to delay making a commitment to follow Jesus.

The account in Luke shows that perhaps Jesus detected a wavering desire to follow Him at all. Such ambivalence is portrayed in the Parable of the Great Banquet {Luke 14:16-24; also see v.26-33.} As Paul wrote (in 2Cor. 6:2): “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” (See Heb. 3:15, 4:7 & TOJ #62.)

Another illustration of this truth is the brief allusion {in Luke 10:41-42} to the different priorities of Mary (LGW) and Martha (housekeeping). The woman who anointed Jesus with perfume also showed her great devotion {Matt. 26:10-13//Mark 14:6-9//John 12:7}.
 
GWH said:
The TOJ re election:

Jesus is the Elect One (Matt. 3:17).
The elect pass God's test (Matt. 4:7, Deut. 6:16, Josh. 24:15).
They worship/serve only God (Matt. 4:10 & 6:24).
They repent of sin/unbelief/serving Satan (TOJ #8: Matt. 4:17).
They are blessed because of belief in Messiah (TOJ #9: Matt. 5:3-12).
Their goal is to become like Christ/completely loving/morally perfect (TOJ #21-30: Matt. 5:19-48).
They pray to God the Father for His will to be done (TOJ #34/Matt. 6:9-10).
They confess their sins and forgive those who offend them (TOJ #36/Matt. 6:12=Luke 11:4).
They value spiritual treasures rather than material possessions (TOJ #38/Matt. 6:19-21).
They reprove lovingly rather than judge falsely (TOJ 42/Matt. 7:1-5).
They found salvation when they sought God's will (TOJ #44/Matt. 7:7, cf. Heb. 11:6).
They were saved because they satisfied God's requirement for entering the narrow gate (TOJ #46/Matt. 7:13-14).
They were saved because they did not believe false teachers masquerading as angels of light (#47/Matt. 7:15-20, cf. 2Cor. 11:14).
They became elect when the elected to accept Jesus as Messiah/Christ/Son of Man/Son of God/God the Son/Lord. (See TOJ #131.)
{JN 3:16b&18, 8:24, 11:25-26, 16:27, 17:6} Paul indicated this election or choice by the phrase “in Christ” (EPH 1:3-13). Of course,
this statement of GRFS assumes a soul has the opportunity to hear the NT gospel. Election does not mean determination (cf. TOJ #136).

Although Jesus’ primary mission as Messiah was to the Jews (TOJ #88), His ministry to the Canaanite woman {Matt. 15:21-28} and the Parables of the Tenants {Matt. 21:43//Mark 12:9//Luke 20:16} and of the Wedding Banquet {Matt. 22:8-10} showed that His church would also include the Gentiles. He cited passages in the OT that indicate God’s plan of salvation has always encompassed all people {Luke 4:25-27}. (See TOJ #53.) The last person who elected to accept Jesus during His earthly ministry was the thief on the cross {Luke 23:43}.

This teaching was a major theme in the writings of Paul, who called it a mystery (Rom. 16:25-26, Eph. 3:6, Col. 1:26-27, 2:2 & 4:3) or secret wisdom (1Cor. 1:22-24). There had been hints of God’s universal plan of salvation in several of the OT prophets, especially Isaiah (Isa. 42:6, 45:2, 49:6, 66:23). However, after Israel returned to Judah from the Babylonian captivity, Ezra established a strict legalistic tradition that ignored such prophecies (Neh. 8&9). Thus, most Jews were not “primed and ready” to receive Jesus as even a prophet. (See TOJ #86.) {Matt. 10:18b, 11:28, Luke 13:29-30}
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This post seems to remain relevant for those playing ping-pong on the Free Will thread.
 
Jesus indicated GRFS in various ways, some stated in terms of faith (F) and some in terms of works (W):

From Matthew
  1. Repent (4:17, F),
  2. Recognize one’s spiritual poverty (5:3, F)
  3. Be righteous (5:20, W)
  4. Love your enemies (5:44, W)
  5. Serve God (6:24&33, W)
  6. Enter the narrow gate (7:13, F)
  7. Do God’s will (7:21 & 12:50, F&W)
  8. Hear and act (7:24, F&W)
  9. Confess Jesus (10:32, W)
  10. Love Jesus (10:37, F)
  11. Give life to Jesus (10:39& 16:24-25, F)
  12. Have no doubt (11:6, F)
  13. Come to Jesus (11:28, F)
  14. Learn from Jesus (11:29, W)
  15. Be for Jesus (12:30, F)
  16. Understand (13:23, F)
  17. Be good (5:48 & 13:38,43,49, W)
  18. Value salvation (13:44-46, F)
  19. Believe Jesus (16:16& 21:32, F)
  20. Become humble (18:3-4 & 19:14, W)
  21. Forgive others (18:35, W)
  22. Give to the poor (19:21, W)
  23. Follow Jesus (19:21&29, F)
  24. Yield fruit (21:43, W)
  25. Dress appropriately (22:11-14, cf. RV 16:15, W)
  26. Love God, neighbor & self (22:37-40, W)
  27. Hold out until the end (24:13, F)
  28. Keep awake (24:42 & 25:13, F)
  29. Be ready (24:44, F&W)
  30. Be trustworthy and useful (25:21&30, F&W)
  31. Help Jesus’ brothers (25:34-40, W)
  32. Be righteous/do right (25:46, F&W)
More from Mark and Luke

33. Accept the kingdom (10:15, F)
34. Believe the Gospel (16:16, F)
35. Receive baptism (16:16, W)
  1. Be hated (6:22-23, W)
  2. Lend (6:35, W)
  3. Judge not (6:37, W)
  4. Invite the poor to your party (14:13-14, W)
  5. Use wealth wisely (16:9, W)
  6. Stand firm (21:19, F)
From John
  1. Be born again (3:3&6, F)
  2. Come to the light (3:21, F)
  3. Obey the Son (8:51 & 14:15, W)
  4. Drink living water (4:14, F)
  5. Heed Jesus (5:24, W)
  6. Do right (5:29, W)
  7. Work for the food of life (6:27, W)
  8. Partake of the bread of life (6:33-35&51, F)
  9. Eat the flesh and drink the blood of X (6:54, F)
  10. Dwell within the truth (8:31&35, W)
  11. Hate self; serve Jesus (12:25-26, W)
  12. Accept Jesus’ words (12:47, F)
  13. Follow Jesus’ example (13:15-17, W)
  14. Dwell in Jesus and in love (15:5-10, F&W)
  15. Heed his command (15:10-12, F)
  16. Know God and Jesus Christ (17:3, F)
  17. Believe Jesus is Christ/Son (20:31, F)
 
The teachings of Jesus regarding GRFS imply MFW in the following ways:

From Matthew
  1. IF you Repent (4:17, F), you will be saved.
  2. IF you Recognize your spiritual poverty (5:3, F), you will be saved.
  3. IF you are righteous (5:20, W, you will be saved.
  4. IF you Love your enemies (5:44, W), you will be saved.
  5. IF you Serve God (6:24&33, W), you will be saved.
  6. IF you Enter the narrow gate (7:13, F), you will be saved.
  7. IF you Do God’s will (7:21 & 12:50, F&W), you will be saved.
  8. IF you Hear and act (7:24, F&W), you will be saved.
  9. IF you Confess Jesus (10:32, W), you will be saved.
  10. IF you Love Jesus (10:37, F), you will be saved.
  11. IF you Give your life to Jesus (10:39& 16:24-25, F), you will be saved.
  12. IF you Have no doubt (11:6, F), you will be saved.
  13. IF you Come to Jesus (11:28, F), you will be saved.
  14. IF you Learn from Jesus (11:29, W), you will be saved.
  15. IF you are for Jesus (12:30, F), you will be saved.
  16. IF you Understand (13:23, F), you will be saved.
  17. IF you are good (5:48 & 13:38,43,49, W), you will be saved.
  18. IF you Value salvation (13:44-46, F), you will be saved.
  19. IF you Believe Jesus (16:16& 21:32, F), you will be saved.
  20. IF you Become humble (18:3-4 & 19:14, W), you will be saved.
  21. IF you Forgive others (18:35, W), you will be saved.
  22. IF you Give to the poor (19:21, W), you will be saved.
  23. IF you Follow Jesus (19:21&29, F), you will be saved.
  24. IF you Yield fruit (21:43, W), you will be saved.
  25. IF you Dress appropriately (22:11-14, cf. RV 16:15, W), you will be saved.
  26. IF you Love God, neighbor & self (22:37-40, W), you will be saved.
  27. IF you Hold out until the end (24:13, F), you will be saved.
  28. IF you Keep awake (24:42 & 25:13, F), you will be saved.
  29. IF you are ready (24:44, F&W), you will be saved.
  30. IF you are trustworthy and useful (25:21&30, F&W), you will be saved.
  31. IF you Help Jesus’ brothers (25:34-40, W), you will be saved.
  32. IF you are righteous/do right (25:46, F&W), you will be saved.
More from Mark and Luke

33. IF you Accept the kingdom (10:15, F), you will be saved.
34. IF you Believe the Gospel (16:16, F), you will be saved.
35. IF you Receive baptism (16:16, W), you will be saved.
  1. IF you are hated (6:22-23, W), you will be saved.
  2. IF you Lend (6:35, W), you will be saved.
  3. IF you Judge not (6:37, W), you will be saved.
  4. IF you Invite the poor to your party (14:13-14, W), you will be saved.
  5. IF you Use wealth wisely (16:9, W), you will be saved.
  6. IF you Stand firm (21:19, F), you will be saved.
From John
  1. IF you are born again (3:3&6, F), you will be saved.
  2. IF you Come to the light (3:21, F), you will be saved.
  3. IF you Obey the Son (8:51 & 14:15, W), you will be saved.
  4. IF you Drink living water (4:14, F), you will be saved.
  5. IF you Heed Jesus (5:24, W), you will be saved.
  6. IF you Do right (5:29, W), you will be saved.
  7. IF you Work for the food of life (6:27, W), you will be saved.
  8. IF you Partake of the bread of life (6:33-35&51, F), you will be saved.
  9. IF you Eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ (6:54, F), you will be saved.
  10. IF you Dwell within the truth (8:31&35, W), you will be saved.
  11. IF you Hate self; serve Jesus (12:25-26, W), you will be saved.
  12. IF you Accept Jesus’ words (12:47, F), you will be saved.
  13. IF you Follow Jesus’ example (13:15-17, W), you will be saved.
  14. IF you Dwell in Jesus and in love (15:5-10, F&W). you will be saved.
  15. IF you Heed his command (15:10-12, F), you will be saved.
  16. IF you Know God and Jesus Christ (17:3, F), you will be saved.
  17. IF you Believe Jesus is Christ/Son (20:31, F), you will be saved.
Are these requirements additive or equivalent?
Should we pick only one or two to use as proof-texts or harmonize them all?
 
The quest for greater Christian unity per the prayer of Jesus in John 17 prompts me to identify the
top ten foundational Scriptures from which my interpretations of GW spring in theological order:

1. Formerly/at first I was without hope of salvation from meaninglessness and death. (Eph. 3:12b)
2. So I sought salvation and found God. (Matt. 7:7, Heb. 11:6b)
3. The loving God who wants all souls to learn the truth about how to be saved. (1Tim. 2:3-4, John 3:16)
4. Which is to believe that Jesus is Christ, whose death atoned for humanity’s sins. (1Tim. 2:5-6)
5. As taught in all inspired Scripture interpreted in light of this Gospel of salvation. (2Tim. 3:15)
6. Such interpretation of GW also teaches how to be godly after being saved. (2Tim. 3:16-17)
7. Which doctrine Jesus summarized as loving God, oneself and everyone else. (Matt. 22:37-40)
8. And which moral maturity Paul termed as the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (Gal. 5:13-23)
9. That requires persevering in saving faith and learning God’s Word. (Matt. 4:4, 10:22)
10. So that we will grant the prayer of Jesus for us to be one in our witness. (John 17:20-23)
 
Let us now compare the TOJ with the TOP.

TOJ #1: Jesus is the Son of God. [Luke 2:49, cf. John 3:16] Jesus’ first pupils were His parents. By the age of twelve Jesus realized that God was His heavenly Father (in fulfillment of Psalm 2:7). John 1:14 states that God’s Word/Spirit was incarnate in Jesus. Hebrews 1:3 says that Jesus is God’s Son, “the exact representation of his being.”

Insofar as it is possible for the almighty, immortal and invisible God (1Tim. 1:17) to reveal Himself in a mortal human (Rom. 1:3), that person is Jesus (1Tim. 2:5). Jesus is the fullest possible revelation of the superhuman God (Col. 1:19) in the human dimension (Phil. 2:7-8). And with God all things are possible that do not contradict who He is (Matt. 19:26, Heb. 6:18). The “insofar” of this theophany is sufficient, so that the Son of God (Matt. 3:17, 17:5) or Messiah/Christ may be considered as Immanuel (Matt. 1:23) or God the Son {John 5:17-27, 10:25-38, 14:9f., 17:1-5}. This means that God may be understood as a Triunity (See TOJ #7, #49, #52 & #178).


TOP #9: The Gospel of God is that Jesus was a descendant of David, who was revealed by His resurrection to be the Son of God and Christ the Lord. [Rom. 1:1-4] Paul said Jesus had a human nature, and was declared to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead. Thus, he should also be called Jesus Christ/Messiah our Lord.

God the Father and Christ’s Sonship are discussed in Hebrews 1:1-4. The Son of God also is mentioned by John (John 1:14, 3:16, etc.) and by Paul (Rom. 1:4, Gal. 2:20, 1Thes. 1:10). God the Father is over all creation (Eph. 4:6), God the Son is Immanuel or with humanity (Matt. 1:23), and the Holy Spirit is within all believers (Eph. 1:13). A single passage that comes closest to indicating this distinction is Ephesians 3:14-19.

TOP #260: Jesus is God’s Son, the manifestation of God’s Being and co-creator of the universe, which is sustained by God’s Word. [Heb. 1:1-3a] This verse seems akin to John 1:1-3, 14-18 & 34, 3:16-18, etc., but John also calls Jesus the Son of Man (John 1:51, 3:13-14) and equates these Sonships in John 5:25-27.

TOP #261: After providing humanity purification for sins, Jesus returned to reign in heaven over the angels as God’s firstborn Son. [Heb. 1:3b-14, 2:5-9] Paul referred to Christ’s reign in 1Cor. 15:20-28 (cf. Jude v. 25).
 
TOJ #2: Obey God’s will. [Matt. 3:15] Notice that the accounts of Jesus’ baptism in the other gospels (Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:31-34) omit this teaching. However, it is a major theme in John’s gospel. {John 5:17, 17:4} (See TOJ #34 & #153.) By being baptized Jesus taught John and others present that He obeyed God’s will for Messiah to identify with sinful humanity.

In John’s gospel Jesus called doing his Father’s will/work His “food” {John 4:34}. It included giving eternal life {John 5:19-21,36}. The work of dying Jesus called His “cup” {John 18:11}, which surely is what was “finished” on the cross {John 19:30}. Jesus also spoke of His coming obedience unto death (TOJ #54) as a “baptism”. {Luke 12:50, Mark 10:38-39, 14:36} Obeying God’s will as codified in most of the Ten Commandments is TOJ #107. Peter taught this truth via a negative example {in Matt. 16:23//Mark 8:33}.

TOP #12: A depraved mind is manifested by wickedness. [Rom. 1:28] The following three TOP list several forms of depravity.

TOP #13: Wickedness or evil includes the sins of greed, murder, strife, deceit and malice. [Rom. 1:29] Jesus condemned the hatred of the Pharisees as akin to murder and lying in John 8:44. and Paul said greed is a root of many sins in 1Tim. 6:10 (cf. 2Tim. 3:2).

TOP #14: Sins of God-haters or atheists also include gossip, slander, insolence, arrogance, and pride. [Rom. 1:30] Many OT passages identify pride as a root of many sins that precedes destruction (Pro. 16:18).

TOP #15: Additional sins include disobedience of parents and being senseless, faithless, heartless and ruthless. [Rom. 1:30b-31] Honoring one’s parents is one of the Ten Commandments (Exo. 20:12).

TOP #16: Those who sin deserve death. [Rom. 1:32, cf. 3:23]
 
TOJ #3: Learn God’s Word (LGW). [Matt. 4:4//Luke 4:4] This is the first of three truths Jesus tried to teach the devil during a period of testing in the desert (Mark 1:12-13). Satan first tempted Jesus to perform a miracle; just like he tempts us to want to walk by proof rather than by Faith (Matt. 24:24). However, Jesus indicated that God’s Word is the fuel, food {John 6:26-27} and medicine for souls, so if we do not LGW, then we will run out of gas, fail to grow and be spiritually sick. Or, in terms of another passage, our house (life) will be destroyed. {Matt. 7:24-27//Luke 6:47-49}

This TOJ prompts the question: what is God’s Word? The NT affirms most of the books in the OT, and most Christians affirm the books in the NT. The next TOJ indicates that “truth” is God’s Word.

Some people identify every word in the Bible with truth, but this view ignores the need for an infallible interpretation in order to establish an inerrant canon and to explain discrepancies, such as one instruction to pray for God’s will to be done (TOJ #34) and another to ask for anything (TOJ #51). A perfect revelation might also be expected to have included teachings to head off future controversies (such as “Thou shalt not murder babies in the womb”) or to answer crucial issues like “God does not prove His will to humanity because doing so would abrogate volition.” (Cf. the next TOJ.)

TOP #18: Those who ignore God’s urging of repentance will reap divine wrath on the day of judgment. [R0m. 2:3-5] God’s kindness or patience with sinners is meant to lead them toward repentance, which implies that sinners are able to repent because of God’s leading, and those who do not repent but instead stubbornly resist God’s leading are storing up wrath against themselves

TOP #21: Those who are self-seeking, who reject God’s truth and do evil will experience divine wrath or spiritual death. [Rom. 2:8-9, cf. 6:23a] Self-seeking may be termed “I-dolatry”.

TOP #46: Those who reject God’s will/POS will experience His wrath and destruction. [Rom. 9:22-29] Sodom and Gomorrah are cited as examples, and Paul cited Isaiah saying (in Isa. 10:22-23) only a remnant of Israel would be saved.

TOP #48: The Gospel is revealed to everyone in the world in various ways. [Rom. 10:14-18] Other verses indicating this truth include Col. 1:23, Rom. 10:13-18 & Gal. 3:8 (cf. TOP #281). Apparently Paul affirms God revealed in creation (Rom. 1:20) and conscience (Rom. 2:14-16) or what has been termed “general revelation” as functioning as a provisional or proto-gospel as being sufficient for saving those who seek God and find Him via this means, so that souls are “without excuse”.

TOP #72: Scripture was written to teach us to persevere in the hope of salvation. [Rom. 15:4-5a] Paul states this truth more fully in 2Tim. 3:14-17.

TOP #78: The Gospel seems foolish to unbelievers, but it is the wisdom of God. [1Cor. 1:18-25]

TOP #80: God revealed His secret wisdom by His Spirit or the mind of Christ. [1Cor. 2:1-16] This TOP combines “mystery” (TOP #74) with “wisdom” (TOP #78), which may be in the context of opposing Gnosticism that was common at that time.]

TOP #84: Do not go beyond what is written in Scripture. [1Cor. 4:6-7] Learning God’s Word requires teachability or humility to receive grace. Paul contrasted the wealthy believers with the poverty of himself, who was their spiritual father, as a warning against arrogance (v.8-19).

TOP #97: Apostles of Christ have the right to be supported by those to whom they minister God’s Word. [1Cor. 9:1-18] However, Paul did not exercise this right (v.15) in order to avoid accusation of profiting from preaching (v.18). This means churches should support their pastor/preacher (v.14, cf. TOP #242). Paul discerned this teaching of the Lord with regard to hospitality (in Matt. 10:10-15) also to be implied by the teaching of Moses not to muzzle an ox while it is treading out grain (v.9).

TOP #108: The gift of prophecy/preaching is better than speaking in unintelligible words. [1Cor. 14:1-33] By saying that five intelligible words are preferable to 10,000 words in glossolalia (14: 19), Paul seems to be hinting that the latter practice is problematic and should cease, but he does not want to offend anyone (cf. 8:11-13).

TOP #120: God’s normative method of conversion is via persuasion. [2Cor. 5:11] This method was practiced by Paul in the synagogue at Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-4) and in Athens at a meeting of the Areopagus (Acts 17:16-34)

TOP #132: Now that the Gospel has been revealed, the Mosaic law no longer keeps us prisoners. [Gal. 3:25] This truth is also taught in Heb. 7:18-10:1 by saying the old Mosaic law or covenant (not Abrahamic) has been superseded by the new covenant of Christ, the Gospel. Saving faith makes souls sons/children of God (TOP #38).

TOP #146: New believers need revelation beyond the Gospel in order to grow in knowledge of God. [Eph. 1:15-17] The way for Paul’s prayer to be answered is indicated in Eph. 4:11-16.

TOP #157: Christ gave various gifts regarding teaching God’s Word so that God’s people would grow spiritually and become mature. [Eph. 4:7-15, cf. TOP #202 &255] Although salvation is by faith, becoming spiritually mature is by good works or continuing to cooperate with the loving Spirit of God (cf. 2:10).

TOP #160: God’s normative method of conversion is via the gifts related to teaching His Word/Truth. [Eph. 4:20-24] Jesus indicated (in JN 14:26, 15:26 & 16:13) that GW is taught by the indwelling HS. This truth jibes with TOP #119 & 120.

TOP #161: Christians must speak the truth. [Eph. 4:25a] The reason Paul gives for this teaching is because they are members of one body (v.25b). This is a nuance akin to TOP #158.

TOP #169: Find out what pleases God, which is radiating the light of His Word. [Eph. 5:10&17] This is the opposite way of stating TOP #165. The way to please God is by exposing the deeds of darkness, although they are shameful to mention (v.11-12). Paul connected light with awaking from the dead and living wisely (Eph. 5:14-17a). Jesus taught Christians to be the light of the world (Matt. 5:14-16).

TOP #253: Christians should do their best to correctly handle the word of truth. [2Tim. 2:14-19] The parameters mentioned in this passage include: 1. Warning against and avoiding quarreling about words, 2. Avoiding godless chatter or teaching, 3. Denying the resurrection has already occurred, 4. Turning away from wickedness, 5. Pursuing righteousness, faith, love and peace, 6. Teaching those who disagree with the truth gently.

TOP #255: By learning Scripture Christians may be wise regarding correct doctrine, rebuking and righteousness, becoming equipped for doing good works. [2Tim. 3:14-17&4:5] This a significant nuance or elaboration of TOP #157 & 202. Paul applies it by charging Timothy with preaching God’s Word, correcting false doctrine, rebuking sin and encouraging persevering faith.

TOP #256: The time will come when many will reject true teachings in order to do what they desire. [2Tim. 4:3-4, Tit. 1:14] Instead, they will believe human traditions (cf. TOP #202, 204, 205), which Paul called “myths” here and in TOP #227 & 235.

TOP #257: Teach older and younger men and women sound doctrine. [Tit. 2:1-8] For older men this doctrine includes temperance, respectability and self-control that are listed for church leaders in TOP #233, plus faith, love and endurance that are listed as fruit of the Spirit in TOP #138. For older women the doctrine includes reverence (cf. #173), not slandering (cf. #165), sobriety (synonymous with self-control) and training younger women. Doctrine the younger women should be taught include love for husbands and children (cf. #173), self-control, purity (cf. Matt. 5:8, 2Cor. 11:2 & #245), industry at home, kindness (#138 & 166) and submission to husbands (TOP #232). The younger men should be taught including by example: self-control, doing good (#141), integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech (#164).
 
TOJ #4: Harmonize all truth. [Matt. 4:7a] Jesus implied this important logical principle to apply when seeking the correct understanding of GW by saying, “It is also written”.

If the Spirit of God inspired the biblical writers (2Pet. 1:20-21) and created the world (Gen. 1:1-3), then the best interpretation of a TOJ should harmonize the totality of revealed and scientific knowledge.

In his second temptation the devil quoted Scripture (Psa. 91:11-12) as though he were heeding the TOJ about LGW, but he attempted to deceive Jesus with a false interpretation so He would perform a miracle. Although Jesus did perform miracles, it was only as necessary in order to establish His church so that Christians could preach salvation via saving Faith in the Gospel/kerygma. (See TOJ #77 & #78.)

>>>TOJ #77: Do not expect God to prove Himself by means of miracles. [Matt. 12:39//MK 8:12//LK 11:29-32] Jesus characterized sign-seekers as wicked and adulterous {Matt. 16:2-4}. The reason is because evil people want proof. However, proof would be tantamount to being forced to follow God’s will from fear of damnation, which would not be free and genuine cooperation. Of course, only those who saw the miracle would be persuaded, and then only until the memory faded, so Jesus would have to work miracles for everyone now and then from then on if that way (rather than teaching the gospel/GW) were to be His “SOP” or normative method of conversion. (See TOJ #4.) Thus, God’s typical mode of operation is not performing miracles {Matt. 24:24}. (TOJ #78) This is the point of Abraham’s discussion with Lazarus {LK 16:29-31}.

God wants souls to live by Faith (2Cor. 5:7) and to freely reflect His love (1John 4:10-11), although He did perform deniable miracles in order to enable Moses to free the Israelites from Egypt (EX 7:3-5) and in order to establish the New Covenant (JN 2:11, 10:38, 11:4, 14:11, 20:30-31). These miracles include prophesying {JN 13:19, 14:29, 16:4}. We need to ponder this doctrine for several reasons: first, because we may tend to assume the improbability of a spiritual dimension; second, we products of modern science demand demonstrable evidence that something is true (cf. JN 4:48); third, we may wonder why God does not zap evildoers and disprove false preachers. [We can hope to learn the answers to such questions when we arrive in Heaven; cf. TOJ #92 :]

>>>TOJ #78: God normatively communicates via human teachers. [MT 12:41-42] (See TOJ #3 & #77.) The apostle Paul taught this truth (in 1CR 1:22-23) and indicated that some form of preaching/teaching of GW is available worldwide (via general revelation, RM 10:14-18). As Peter wrote (2PT 1:5-15), I find myself in need of continual reminding of this truth and others that will add goodness to my faith. {LK 11:31-32, JN 20:29}

TOP #219: Test everything and hold on to the good but avoid every evil. [1Thes. 5:21] Everything could include elements in extra-biblical cultures, which may have true insights regarding God and morality perceived via general revelation (cf. TOP #10 & 23). An example of Paul doing this may be seen when he was in Athens, where he commended religion, but then proclaimed what God commands and the day of judgment (Acts 17:22-31).

>>>TOP #5: God created the world including humanity, and in Him we have our being. [Acts 17:24-28]

TOP #3: God is manifested by His creation. [Acts 14:16-17//Rom. 1:20] Nature shows God’s kindness and divine blessings provide joy. Truth in Scripture and truth in science will harmonize.

TOP #268: Jesus was represented or foreshadowed in the OT by Melchizedek. [Heb. 5:6&10, 6:20, 7:1-17] The name in Hebrew means “king of righteousness”. In Gen. 14:18-20 Mel is called the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, who blessed Abram. Psa. 110:4 said the Lord will be a priest forever in the order of Mel.

TOP #273: The OC is set aside because salvation via law was imperfect, and it is replaced via Jesus by a better NC able to save completely. [Heb. 7:18-25, 8:6-13, 10:1-9] In 8:8-12 Paul quoted Jer. 31:31-34, and in 8:13 he called the OC “obsolete” and soon to disappear. In 10:1 he called the OC a shadow of the coming NC. Another way of saying this truth is that the NC surpassed (Matt. 5:20) and superseded the OC.

TOP #274: The OC sacrifices were ceremonial external regulations applicable until the NC was revealed. [Heb. 9:9-10] Such regulations should not be confused with moral teachings reaffirmed by the NT.

[etcetera]
 
TOJ #5: Life is God’s test. [Matt. 4:7b//Luke 4:12b] The verse of Scripture to which Jesus alluded (Deut. 6:16) shows that it is human souls who must prove to God whom they will serve (Josh. 24:15).

TOP #6: God commands repentance from ignorance and will judge humanity by means of Christ. [Acts 17:30-31]

TOP #10: Although God’s creation reveals His power and love, godless people suppress truth and exchange it for the lie of idolatry. [Rom. 1:18-25, cf. #3] This is what Adam and Eve did. Paul says men are without excuse, both because God’s eternal power and moral nature (love) are manifested by creation (Rom. 1:20, cf. Job 12:7-9). Apparently, creation combined with conscience or moral sense (Rom. 2:14-16) that manifests a moral Authority TOP #23)–and combined with OT law for the Jew (TOP #22)–serves as a provisional or proto-gospel (Col. 1:23, Rom. 10:13-18, Gal. 3:8), which is the revelational basis for divine salvation and judgment (TOP #24-26 & 281).

TOP #17: God’s judgment of sinners is based on Truth. [Rom. 2:2]

TOP #18: Those who ignore God’s urging of repentance will reap divine wrath on the day of judgment. [Rom. 2:3-5] God’s kindness or patience with sinners is meant to lead them toward repentance, which implies that sinners are able to repent because of God’s leading, and those who do not repent but instead stubbornly resist God’s leading are storing up wrath against themselves

TOP #19: On Judgment Day God will enforce just punishment via souls reaping what they have sown or done. [Rom. 2:5-6, cf. TOP #83 & #141] Punishment is just because God does not show favoritism (TOP #22). This truth is akin to karma (Gal. 6:7-9).

TOP #20: Those who persevere in seeking God’s salvation will receive eternal life. [Rom. 2:7-8&10, cf. 3:22-24 & 6:23b] Paul explains in detail that seeking to earn salvation by obeying moral law perfectly is impossible, so we should accept God’s plan of salvation/election (s/e) via faith in the Gospel of Christ’s atonement. Seeking echoes what Jesus commanded (in Matt. 7:7) and connects with the doctrine of perseverance (cf. Heb. 10:36 & Jam. 1:3-4).

TOP #21: Those who are self-seeking, who reject God’s truth and do evil will experience divine wrath or spiritual death. [Rom. 2:8-9, cf. 6:23a] Self-seeking may be termed “I-dolatry”.

TOP #22: For Jews, obeying the Mosaic Law will serve as the basis of divine judgment. [Rom. 2:9-13&16] Verse 11 teaches that “God does not show favoritism” (cf. Eph. 6:9, Col. 3:25, 1Pet. 1:17).

TOP #23: For Gentiles, their moral consciences will serve as the equivalent of the Mosaic Law for divine judgment. [Rom. 2:12-16] Sinful souls have a conscience or awareness of “the requirements of the law”, which may be combined with Romans 1:20 to teach that God’s power and moral nature or will may be perceived via creation and conscience (called natural revelation), thus those unfamiliar with God’s Word in Scripture have no good reason for resisting divine leading and choosing atheism/evil.

[etcetera]
 
TOJ #6: Worship only God. [Matt. 4:10//Luke 4:8] The account of the third temptation is slightly fuller in Luke (where it is mentioned second). What Satan claimed in Luke 4:6-7 are lies. God has not given all authority to Satan; Satan tries to usurp it (Rom. 13:1-5). The only power Satan and people have is permission to disobey and rebel against God’s authority within limits (Gen. 2:16-17, 3:22-24, 6:3, 11:6-9, Job 1:12, 2:6; TOJ #136).

>>> TOJ #136: Souls have free will. [Matt. 23:37//Luke 13:34] They may choose to understand God’s Word or not, to their own blessing or misery. God permits people to resists His will {John 19:11}. Although souls are influenced by both heredity and environment, they remain free/responsible to choose the curse of rejecting God (Deut. 30:19), which grieves Him greatly (Eph. 4:30). {John 7:17}. (See TOJ #71.)

TOP #54: Spiritual worship consists of offering one’s body to God as a living sacrifice of service. [RM 12:1] Part of this worship service is sharing truth including the following:

>>>TOP #1: God chose Israel for the purpose of providing the Savior Jesus, who was crucified but raised from the dead in fulfillment of prophecy, and through whom the good news regarding forgiveness of sins by faith in Him is proclaimed. [ACTS 13:16-39, 1CR 15:4]

>>>TOP #2: God offers salvation to the Gentiles. [ACTS 13:47, RM 1:16, cf. IS 49:6] In Ephesians Paul says this truth was a mystery now being revealed (EPH 3:1-9, cf. COL 1:25-2:2, TOP #144).

>>>TOP #3: God is manifested by His creation. [ACTS 14:16-17//RM 1:20] Nature shows God’s kindness and divine blessings provide joy.

>>>TOP #4: Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. [ACTS 16:31] Acts 17:3 clarifies that Jesus is the Christ/Messiah, who had to suffer and rise from the dead (cf. TOP #1). This question was also asked of Jesus (MK 10:17, LK 10:25 & 18:18). Romans 1:17 says salvation is “from first to last”, possibly meaning from the first moment of repentance at conversion until sanctification ends at death.

>>>TOP #5: God created the world including humanity, and in Him we have our being. [ACTS 17:24-28]

>>>TOP #6: God commands repentance from ignorance and will judge humanity by means of Christ. [ACTS 17:30-31]

>>>TOP #7: Keep watch and do not let wolves distort the truth. [ACTS 20:28-30a] Paul evinced awareness that the “gospel of God’s grace” (v.24) was a new and fragile revelation that risked being perverted.
 
TOJ #7: Accept Jesus as the Lord’s Messiah/Christ. [Luke 4:18-22, 43] This event is omitted in Matthew and Mark. By saying the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1-2 (cf. Isa. 49:5-7, 52:13) was fulfilled, Jesus was teaching that He is God’s Messiah {Matt. 16:16a//Mark 8:29//Luke 9:20}, whose mission is the next TOJ. Jesus asserted this teaching directly {in John 4:25-26}, and it was also taught by the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus. {John 11:25-44}

Another term for Messiah is Son (TOJ #1), which may be why those who doubted asked, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” Although Jesus’ role as God’s Messiah is equivalent to His role as God’s Son {Matt. 16:16-18}, both terms are significant enough to justify listing these teachings separately. (Also see TOJ #49, #52 & #131.)

TOP #4: Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. [Acts 16:31] Acts 17:3 clarifies that Jesus is the Christ/Messiah, who had to suffer and rise from the dead (cf. TOP #1). This question was also asked of Jesus (Mark 10:17, Luke 10:25 & 18:18). Romans 1:17 says salvation is “from first to last”, possibly meaning from the first moment of repentance at conversion until sanctification ends at death.

TOP #9: The Gospel of God is that Jesus was a descendant of David, who was revealed by His resurrection to be the Son of God and Christ the Lord. [Rom. 1:1-4] Paul says God graced him with apostleship for the purpose of calling all Gentiles to faith and obedience, including the Romans (v.5-6).

TOP #27: Those who have been justified via faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ (LJC) receive the Holy Spirit in their hearts (HS). [Rom. 5:1-5] This echoes Eph. 2:8 by describing s/e as justification through faith, Eph. 1:5 & 7 by using the phrase “through Jesus Christ”, and Eph. 2:14 by describing s/e as having peace with God. Verses 2 & 5 also echo Eph. 2:18 & 3:1 by describing s/e as having access to God’s grace via the Holy Spirit.

TOP #35: The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Rom. 6:23] Romans 6:15-23 describes s/e in terms of being slaves to whom one willingly obeys, whether to sin or to obedience of God’s teaching that leads to righteousness, which results in eternal life “in Christ Jesus our Lord”. For those who reject God’s gift, death is eternal.
 
TOJ #8: Repent of Sin/Believe GRFS. [Matt. 4:17//Mark 1:15 & Luke 4:43] Jesus was sent for the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel (good news) about how to be saved from death and hell to eternal life in the kingdom of God/heaven. Repentance or saving Faith was the central theme of Jesus’ preaching. {Mark 1:38} Salvation/heaven was signified by freedom from poverty, captivity, infirmity, sins and their just (miserable) consequences {Matt. 11:4-6//Luke 7:22-23}.

Many people scoff at this imperative invitation of Jesus, because “everything goes on as it has since the beginning” (2Pet. 3:3-4). Unfortunately for them, the miraculous proof they demand will be the second coming of Christ in judgment, when it will be too late to repent of sin/evil that results in the opposite of heaven (TOJ #195). The way to be saved is to repent of the sin of unbelief or atheism (2Pet. 3:10-13), and believe—not merely in God’s existence (Jam. 2:19), but—in the way that satisfies GRFS.

TOP #4: Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. [Acts 16:31] Acts 17:3 clarifies that Jesus is the Christ/Messiah, who had to suffer and rise from the dead (cf. TOP #1). This question was also asked of Jesus (Mark 10:17, Luke 10:25 & 18:18).

TOP #18: Those who ignore God’s urging of repentance will reap divine wrath on the day of judgment. [Rom. 2:3-5] God’s kindness or patience with sinners is meant to lead them toward repentance, which implies that sinners are able to repent because of God’s leading, and those who do not repent but instead stubbornly resist God’s leading are storing up wrath against themselves.

TOP #25: All have sinned by breaking moral law but may be justified by God’s grace through faith in Christ’s redemption or atonement. [Rom. 3:9-26] Verse 21 states that “the Law and Prophets testify” or prepare the way for the new revelation of righteousness from God apart from the Law, which takes up where Romans 1:17 left off. Verse 22a says that “righteousness from God” or s/e comes through faith “in Jesus Christ” (cf. Eph. 2:8), a phrase Paul used eleven times in Ephesians 1:3-14 to indicate s/e. Verse 22b says that God’s righteousness is given “to all who believe—there is no difference”” signifying that all sinners may believe or be s/e (cf. 1Tim. 2:3-4, John 3:16, Tit. 2:11), because there is no favoritism (#22).
 
TOJ #9: Blessed are Believers. [Matt. 5:3-12] Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (MT 5-7) begins with a series of blessings called the Beatitudes. (The verb “beatify” means to bless or make happy.) Believers have the Faith implied by “because of me” (v.11). Peter’s confession {Matt. 16:16-17} showed his Faith in Jesus as Messiah/Christ/Son of God. Although Believers experience many blessings in the midst of earthly troubles, God’s ultimate blessing is eternal life in heaven (TOJ #154), which is the proper reason or motivation for obeying God’s will, beginning with TOJ #7 & #8 {JN 13:17}. (See TOJ #198.)

>>>TOJ #154: Reality includes a spiritual dimension known as the kingdom of God/heaven. [Luke 17:20-21] It is invisible to scientific exploration, but it will become apparent at the end of earthly history (Rev. 21:1-2). {John 18:36}

>>>TOJ #198: Joy/peace is the God-given motivation for saving faith. [John 14:27, 15:11, 16:20-24, 33 17:13] Joy and peace speak of ultimate satisfaction rather than momentary emotion—the deep sense of fulfillment that will accompany the realization that life on earth was meaningful rather than a farce. Desiring happiness God’s way is self-love but not selfishness.

The Beatitudes might be viewed as one general teaching comprised of eight specific examples of ways all true Believers will be blessed, but we will consider each beatitude separately.

>>>TOP #39: As co-heirs with Christ, God’s children share in his sufferings and will share his glory. [Rom. 8:17-25] Paul described the time between present struggles and future liberation in terms of creation groaning like a woman giving birth as we hope for the redemption of our bodies (v.22-24), and he referred to the joy of heaven as God's glorious riches (Eph. 1:18, 3:16, Phil. 4:19, Col. 1:27, cf. 1Pet. 1:8-11).

>>>TOP #63: Bless those who persecute you and overcome evil with good. [Rom. 12:14&19-21] This is reminiscent of Jesus saying that believers are blessed and rewarded in heaven when they are persecuted (Matt. 5:11, cf. 1Pet. 2:19-21).

>>>TOP #189: Christians should be glad or rejoice despite circumstances involving suffering. [Phil. 2:17-18, 3:1, 4:4 & 10-12] This is the theme in PHP, beginning with 1:4, and it echoes Psa. 9:14.

>>>TOP #190: Hope for heaven is the proper motivation for having faith in Christ. [Phil. 3:9-11] This is why faith and hope (not sight, cf. 2Cor. 5:7) are regularly mentioned together or interchangeably (Rom. 8:24-25, 1Cor. 13:13, 1Tim. 6:17, Tit. 1:2, Heb. 11:1).
 
TOJ #10: Believers are humble/teachable. [Matt. 5:3//Luke 6:20] The term “poor in spirit” is associated with being contrite or repentant (in Isa. 57:15). It is the opposite of the sin of pride that precedes a fall from Eden (Gen. 3:23-24) to destruction (Pro. 16:18). It does not refer simply to physical poverty, because nowhere does the Bible teach that destitution is a virtue, merely that reliance on wealth can be tempting. The equivalence of humility and willingness to learn is indicated later by Jesus (TOJ #81; also see TOJ #31).

>>> TOJ #81: Be teachable/humble. [Matt. 13:3-23//Mark 4:3-9&13-20//Luke 8:5-8&11-15] In Matthew 11:29 the word “yoke” represents humility, while teachability is literally denoted by Jesus’ command to learn (cf. Pro. 11:2). The Parable of the Sower is a fictional story that conveys a literal truth related to several other TOJ: on LGW (TOJ #3), on perseverance (#60), on worry (#40), and on humility (#10). Three attitudes opposed to teachability include: a hard heart or closed mind (v.11-15), a shallow or insincere desire to learn, and worries or materialism. {Matt. 18:4//Mark 9:37}

>>>TOP #6: God commands repentance from ignorance and will judge humanity by means of Christ. [Acts 17:30-31]

>>>TOP #14: Sins of God-haters or atheists also include gossip, slander, insolence, arrogance, and pride. [Rom. 1:30] Many OT passages identify pride as a root of many sins that precedes destruction (Pro. 16:18).

>>>TOP #55: Believers should renew their minds so that they will appreciate God’s good, pleasing and perfect will. [Rom. 12:2]

>>>TOP #140: The temptation to have sinful pride in one’s spirituality should be resisted. [Gal. 5:26 & 6:1-5] This may be done by reproving other’s sins gently/lovingly while testing one’s own actions and attitudes. Paul said that those who LGW should share “all good things” or support the ministry of their teacher, which is TOP #97.

>>>TOP #159: Separation from God (and thus condemnation) is caused by willful darkness, futile thinking, ignorance and hardening of the heart. [Eph. 4:18] Paul noted that his readers were once such but are now children of light (Eph. 5:8), because they were taught (and chose to believe) the Gospel truth (Eph. 4:20-24).
 
TOJ #11: Believers are comforted (by God’s Holy Spirit). [Matt. 5:4//Luke 6:21b] The means of comfort is stated by Jesus in John 14:26-27. God’s comfort was prophesied in Isaiah 61:2 and Revelation 21:4.

Paul also found comfort in the realization that our grief is brief (1Cor. 7:29-31)! The term “mourn” connotes grief in response to the death of a loved one, but Paul connected “comfort” with suffering due to various troubles (in 2Cor. 1:3-7), and Peter tied the blessing of comfort to suffering for what is right (1Pet. 3:14) and for the sake of Christ (1Pet. 4:13-14) as in the eighth beatitude (TOJ #18). Ultimately, Believers will rejoice in heaven with the beggar, Lazarus {Luke 16:25}.

>>>TOP #95: This earthly existence is short and passing away, so unmarried believers are freer from concerns that might prevent undivided devotion to ministry for the Lord in the time remaining. [1Cor. 7:29-35]

>>>Paul began 2Corinthians by telling of trouble, suffering and being comforted by God while he travelled in the province of Asia (1:3-11).

>>>TOP #295: Blessed are those who suffer for doing what is right. [1Pet. 3:13-14, 3:16-17, 4:1&12-16] Paul spoke of suffering for the gospel (2Tim. 1:8) and sharing Christ’s suffering (Rom. 8:17-18), but this is a theme in 1Peter (cf. #299) that does not seem to depend on something Paul wrote.
 
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