The Teachings of Paul (TOP)

[GWH]

TOP #254: In the last days people will reject God and be lovers of themselves (I-dolaters). [2Tim. 3:1-9] Symptoms of this terrible time include: love of money, pride, abusiveness, disrespect for parents, ingratitude, lack of love, forgiveness and self-control, slander and love of pleasure rather than of good. Such idolatry and its symptoms is related to TOP #10-15, 21, 101, etc.

>>>TOP #101: Flee from idolatry. [1Cor. 10:14-22] Compare v.14 with Jam. 4:7. Idolatry may be written and understood as I-dolatry or atheism, which includes being anti-Christ (1Cor. 8:46).

>>>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 #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 #11: Sinful desires include sexual lusts or perversions. [Rom. 1:24-27] This may be why A&E became aware of being naked following their sin.

>>>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).

 

[GWH]

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 #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. Eph. 2:10).

>>>TOP #202: Repentance or conversion should be followed by learning more of God’s Word (LGW) in order to avoid being deceived by false arguments or doctrine. [Col. 2:4-8, cf. TOP #255 & 256]. This truth, called discipleship or sanctification, is akin to TOP #155 & 157. The part of GW that is necessary to believe for salvation is the Gospel (which may be called the kerygma or preaching), and the additional learning that needs to occur for spiritual maturation is the “all truth” in JN 16:13 and the “all things/everything” in MT 28:20 (which may be called the didache or teaching).

 

[GWH]

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 #202: Repentance or conversion should be followed by learning more of God’s Word (LGW) in order to avoid being deceived by false arguments or doctrine. [Col. 2:4-8, cf. TOP #255 & 256]. This truth, called discipleship or sanctification, is akin to TOP #155 & 157. The part of GW that is necessary to believe for salvation is the Gospel (which may be called the kerygma or preaching), and the additional learning that needs to occur for spiritual maturation is the “all truth” in JN 16:13 and the “all things/everything” in MT 28:20 (which may be called the didache or teaching).

>>>TOP #204: Observing the Sabbath or other OT laws not reaffirmed in the NT is optional. [Col. 2:16-17 & 21-23, cf. Rom. 14, TOP #70] Such laws are optional because they are not part of the eternal moral code, but even observing those is not the way to obtain salvation and the HS.

>>>TOP #205: Do not be led astray by those who advocate false humility, angel worship or seeing visions. [Col. 2:18-19] This surely applies to those who elevate monasticism, adoration of saints and mysticism above faith in Christ.

>>>TOJ #138: False teachers will deceive many people. [Matt. 24:4-5, 11&23-24a//Mark 13:5-6] This TOJ is an extension of #47. The deceivers will include people who claim to be Christ or a prophet greater than Him. Some may even perform apparent miracles {Matt. 24:24b-25}. They will try to distract Believers’ focus from LGW {Matt. 24:26, Luke 17:23}.

>>>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 ultimate reality. {Luke 11:52}

Paul ended 2 Timothy by referring to his departure from earthly life as “being poured out like a drink offering” and having “fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith”, so he looked forward to receiving a heavenly crown on the day of Judgment (2Tim. 4:6-8). Then he gave some instructions and greetings.

 

[GWH]

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.

>>>TOP #233: Overseers and deacons of churches along with their wives must be mature Christians. [1Tim. 3:1-13, Tit. 1:5-9] The parameters cited by Paul include: monogamy, temperate, self-controlled/not quick-tempered, gentle/nonviolent, not overbearing/dictatorial, able to teach, hospitable, sober, peaceable, not a lover of money who pursues dishonest gain, able to manage his own family, not a recent convert and having a good reputation with nonbelievers. That these virtues also apply to wives is implied by the “one flesh” and helpmeet relationship indicated in Gen. 2:18&24). Thus, the wife of a deacon may be viewed as a deaconess (cf. Rom. 16:1). Most of these virtues are commanded for every Christian: monogamous (1Cor. 7:1-2), temperate (Eph. 5:18), self-controlled (Gal. 5:23), gentle/nonviolent (Gal. 5:23), hospitable (Rom. 12:13), sober/humble (Rom. 12:3), peace-seeking (Rom. 12:17-18), not greedy/money-loving (1Tim. 6:8-10), good parent (Eph. 6:4, Col. 3:21), having a good reputation (1Thes. 4:12). Only three of them seem specific to church leaders: able to teach (Eph. 4:11) a mature Christian (Eph. 4:13) and firm but not dictatorial (2Tim. 2:25 & 4:2, Tit. 2:7-8&15).

>>>TOP #138: The fruit of the Spirit is love in various manifestations. [Gal. 5:22-23] This teaching elaborates #135. The varieties of love include such qualities as joy TOP #189), peace (#64), patience (#155), kindness (#166), goodness (#187&188), faithfulness (#9&15), gentleness (#192) and self-control (Tit. 2:2-12 = TOP #214), which seems to mean sobriety. Paul pointed out that there are no laws against these attributes.

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).

>>>TOP #173: Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. [Eph. 5:21-33, Col. 3:18-19] Paul elaborates by saying wives should respect husbands, and husbands should love wives.

>>>TOP #165: Do not grieve God by exhibiting any form of hatred. [Eph. 4:30-31] The forms of hatred include bitterness, rage, brawling and slander.

>>>TOP #166: Imitate God/Christ by being kind, compassionate and forgiving. [Eph. 4:32-5:2] These are forms of love (cf. TOP #138).

The younger men should be taught including by example: self-control, doing good (#141), integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech (#164).

>>>TOP #141: A person reaps what he or she sows. [Gal. 6:7-10, cf. #19] This truth (cf. TOP #137 & 139) serves as a warning against what is called “cheap grace” or viewing God’s forgiveness as a license to sin. This TOP is akin to Eph. 2:10. Thus, genuine Christians will “do good to all people”, especially to fellow believers.

>>>TOP #164: Christians should not speak coarsely or unlovingly, but rather helpfully. [Eph. 4:29 & 5:4] James states this teaching in terms of moral filth and controlling one’s tongue (Jam. 1:21 & 3:8-10).

Paul’s instruction to slaves is TOP #177, and that God’s grace teaches us to live godly lives is in the vein of the relationship between saving faith and spiritual fruit (TOP #107, 130, 138, etc.).

 

[GWH]

TOP #258: Warn a divisive or argumentative person twice and then excommunicate him/her. [Tit. 3:9-11] This teaching is akin to TOP #85.

>>>TOP #85: A community of believers should not associate with immoral people who claim to be Christians. [1Cor. 5:1-13, Tit. 3:9-11] Sins cited include sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, slander, drunkenness and swindling (cf. TOP #13) in the first passage and arguing, quarreling and divisiveness in the second. Such excommunication is an appropriate of approved form of judging.

The conclusion of Titus mentions Artemas, Tychicus, Zenas and Apollos as connected somehow to Paul’s ministry, and he said that believers must lead productive lives so they may provide for daily necessities. He planned to spend the winter in Nicopolis.

 

[GWH]

The greeting in Philemon is unusual, because of the adjectives Paul attaches to the folks he named: brother Timothy, friend Philemon, sister Apphia, and fellow soldier Archippus. The epistle is also to the church that meets in Phil’s home, and it begins with the typical greeting and reference to prayers of thanks because of their faith and love.

The main purpose of the letter is to request that when its bearer Onesimus arrives that he would be welcomed as a Christian brother rather than as Phil’s slave and that Paul be charged with what he might owe. Thus, we may glean one new teaching from this epistle to be applied generally.

TOP #259: Slavery may be permitted by God when masters are not harsh or unfair, but emancipation is ordained by God when circumstances permit. [Philemon v.15-19] Paul’s instructions for slaves and masters are found in Eph. 6:5-9, Col. 3:22-4:1, 1Tim. 6:1-2 & Tit. 2:9 (TOP #177).

>>>TOP #177: Slaves (employees) should obey their earthly masters (bosses) as though they were obeying God/Christ. [Eph. 6:5, Col. 3:22, 1Tim. 6:1-2, Tit. 2:9] Slavery was common when Paul wrote, but his hope for Onesimus to be freed (in Philemon. v.8-18) as well as the reference to being free in v. 8 indicates that this command should apply to freed slaves or employees.

>>>TOP #178: Masters or bosses should treat their slaves or employees the way Christ would. [Eph. 6:9, Col. 4:1] Christ/God is the Master of both without favoring either.

 

[GWH]

Romans 9 includes three overlapping TOP.

TOP #44: Although many Jews reject the Gospel/Christ, God’s covenant with Abraham did not fail, because the children of Abraham includes (spiritually circumcised) Gentiles. [RM 9:1-33, cf. TOP #24] Paul explained that the reason Israelites are not saved is because they ignored God’s purpose in election or POS involving mercy (v.11-15) on those having faith in Christ and instead pursued righteousness by works or obeying the law (v.30-33).

TOP #45: God has the power to determine what is required for salvation, and He is just to destroy those who resist His will. [RM 9:16-29] Paul cites Scripture (EX 10:1) saying that God hardened Pharoah’s heart for the purpose of revealing divine power, and then he notes (v.20-21) that a potter has the right to make pottery for various uses.

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

Reposted for @brightfame and others.

 

[adamjordan53]

Let's pretend we all have a conscience and allow for some individuality. If I wear jeans, am I offending some holiness people who do not allow that and all the women must have a bun and ankle or below knee dresses only? And are they not believers in Jesus also albeit with rules to help people be that modest example of someone with no desires other than appearance?

Hmmm. That might be a cache 22 actually

Further, Paul would prob be shocked by todays wardrobes and that includes men. I remember one time in a church some years back, a guy in the 'worship' team had shorts on (Sunday am) and when he sat down, well you had to look elsewhere. It's a real hodge podge out there.

Should Christians maybe wear uniforms? Like girl scouts or the Salvation army?

In the end, and quite frankly, what I wear to church is a little more buttoned up then what I wear shopping or visiting. My natural tendency is not to dress provocatively but again, I am that way anyway, prob from too much male attention (my teeth were not crooked) that I didn't want.

I have seen an awful lot of things in different churches what percentage of day traders are successful (have moved quite bit) and I find the hair buns the most offensive.

The Teachings of Paul (TOP), found in the writings of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament, focus on faith, grace, and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul’s letters, such as those to the Romans, Corinthians, and Galatians, emphasize that righteousness comes through faith rather than strict adherence to religious law, highlighting the importance of inner transformation and spiritual devotion.

 

[GWH]

The Teachings of Paul (TOP), found in the writings of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament, focus on faith, grace, and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul’s letters, such as those to the Romans, Corinthians, and Galatians, emphasize that righteousness comes through faith rather than strict adherence to religious law, highlighting the importance of inner transformation and spiritual devotion.

Yes, and when the TOJ and the TOP are combined/harmonized, one has the best belief,
which the world will affirm when the anti-Christs are eliminated (Matt. 28:19-20 + 1Cor. 15:22-28).

 

[GWH]

The greeting in Philemon is unusual, because of the adjectives Paul attaches to the folks he named: brother Timothy, friend Philemon, sister Apphia, and fellow soldier Archippus. The epistle is also to the church that meets in Phil’s home, and it begins with the typical greeting and reference to prayers of thanks because of their faith and love.

The main purpose of the letter is to request that when its bearer Onesimus arrives that he would be welcomed as a Christian brother rather than as Phil’s slave and that Paul be charged with what he might owe. Thus, we may glean one new teaching from this epistle to be applied generally.

TOP #259: Slavery may be permitted by God when masters are not harsh or unfair, but emancipation is ordained by God when circumstances permit. [Philemon v.15-19] Paul’s instructions for slaves and masters are found in Eph. 6:5-9, Col. 3:22-4:1, 1Tim. 6:1-2 & Tit. 2:9 (TOP #177).

>>>TOP #177: Slaves (employees) should obey their earthly masters (bosses) as though they were obeying God/Christ. [Eph. 6:5, Col. 3:22, 1Tim. 6:1-2, Tit. 2:9] Slavery was common when Paul wrote, but his hope for Onesimus to be freed (in Philemon. v.8-18) as well as the reference to being free in v. 8 indicates that this command should apply to freed slaves or employees.

>>>TOP #178: Masters or bosses should treat their slaves or employees the way Christ would. [Eph. 6:9, Col. 4:1] Christ/God is the Master of both without favoring either.

Paul concluded Philemon by requesting that a guest room be prepared for a visit if he is released, and he mentioned a fellow Christian prisoner named Epaphras and fellow workers Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke. The epistle of Hebrews has no greeting, so its author and recipients are not named, but the quality of its content suggests Paul wrote it anonymously, because his ministry was supposed to focus on Gentiles. Thus, this enumeration will conclude by including presumed or possible TOP in Hebrews.

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.

 

[GWH]

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).

In chapter one angels are described as ministering spirits associated with wind and fire, whereas in Acts 2:2-3 the HS's presence is signified by wind and fire. The angelic role of serving the saints in Heb. 1:14 seems analogous to role of Comforter/Counselor ascribed to the HS in John 14:16&26 (cf. John 15:26, 16:12-15, Rom. 8:26-27).

TOP #262: The ministry of the Holy Spirit is associated with the function of angels. [Heb. 2:1-4] This passage alludes to a message spoken by angels (the Mosaic Law?) being succeeded by the message of salvation announced by the Lord (the Gospel?), which was confirmed to "us" (cf. "our" in v. 1) via his disciples and testified to by signs and gifts of the HS.

 

[GWH]

TOP #263: Jesus became human and shared their temptation and suffering so that his death could atone for the sins of humanity. [Heb. 2:14-18] Therefore Jesus is worthy of greater honor than Moses.


TOP #264: Believers may commit apostasy. [Heb. 3:6-4:11, 6:4-6, 10:19-39, 2Pet. 2:20-21] Apostates will never repent, and thus it must be the unpardonable blasphemy against the Holy Spirit referred to by Jesus in Matt. 12:31-32.

 

[p_rehbein]

One of the most important teachings of Paul was the need for readers to understand the difference between his two styles of teaching.
Thus sayeth the Lord
and
It would be better that/I would rather that
Everything Paul taught in his Epistles WERE NOT Commandments from God. Anyone who denies this has no understanding of Paul's own words:
2 Corinthians, Chapter 8:
10And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

 

[GWH]

One of the most important teachings of Paul was the need for readers to understand the difference between his two styles of teaching.
Thus sayeth the Lord
and
It would be better that/I would rather that
Everything Paul taught in his Epistles WERE NOT Commandments from God. Anyone who denies this has no understanding of Paul's own words:
2 Corinthians, Chapter 8:
10And hereinI give my advice:for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

Yes, you make a good point. Paul did not claim to be perfect (Phil. 3:12).
One place I think he opined was viewing Eve instead of both A&E as responsible for the original sin (per Gen. 3:6-7).

 

[GWH]

TOP #265: The word of God judges every soul’s motivation. [Heb. 4:12-13, 1Thes. 2:4] Motivation means volition or will or desire, which is signified by the heart (Rom. 1:24). Sinful desire is lust (Eph. 4:19). Righteous desire is faith/belief in God (Rom. 10:8-10). The proper motivation is love for truth (2Thes. 2:10).

TOP #266: Jesus was tempted to sin, but he did not sin or was made perfect. [Heb. 4:15, 5:7-9, 7:26-28 & 10:14] Jesus learned submission or obedience to God the Father from what he suffered as God the Son, culminating in his crucifixion. Even though his followers are viewed by God as sharing the righteousness of Christ (Rom. 3:21-5:1), they should strive to become morally perfect in practice (Phil. 3:12-17).

 

[GWH]

TOP #267: Believers should be confident that they are saved and may pray to God. [Heb. 4:16] This is called walking by faith in 2Cor. 5:7.

>>>TOP #119: Although we live by faith that we will go to heaven rather than by sight or already being there, God’s Holy Spirit gives us confidence and motivates us to please the Lord as we await the Judgment. [2Cor. 5:1-10, 2Tim. 1:12, Heb. 9:27] This TOP combines several others regarding saving faith (#4&20), immortality in heaven (#111&113), the gift of the Holy Spirit (#24&27), cooperating with God (#105&106) and the day of Judgment (#19&83).

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.

 

[GWH]

TOP #269: Immature Christians need to be weaned from the Gospel of imputed righteousness via saving faith (the kerygma) and learn teachings regarding actual righteousness via working faith (didache). [Heb. 5:11-6:3] This is a thematic teaching in the vein of perseverance and the process of sanctification (cf. TOP #10-15, 20-21, 29, 34, 41, 47, 50, 54-65, etc.).

>>>
GRFS may be denoted by the use of the Greek word kerygma, meaning proclamation or preaching, referring to the good news (Gospel) concerning salvation to heaven and from a just hell (the DOD, cf. Rom. 1:16, Gal. 1:6-12, Col. 1:21-23).

Teachings that are secondary or subsequent to learning GRFS may be indicated by another Greek word, didache, which means teaching. The didache may be very important and requisite for becoming spiritually mature, but it is not most important or necessary to know/believe in order to be saved.

>>>
TOP #11: Sinful desires include sexual lusts or perversions. [Rom. 1:24-27] This may be why A&E became aware of being naked following their sin.

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).

etcetera

 

[GWH]

TOP #270: Believers who commit apostasy (TOP #264) are like the unproductive soil in the Parable of the Sower and soils. [Heb. 6:4-8] This Parable was told by Jesus in Matt. 13:3-23 (TOJ #81).

>>>TOP #264: Believers may commit apostasy. [Heb. 3:6-4:11, 6:4-6, 10:19-39, 2Pet. 2:20-21] Apostates will never repent, and thus it must be the unpardonable blasphemy against the Holy Spirit referred to by Jesus in Matt. 12:31-32.

>>>TOJ #81: Be teachable/humble. [Matt. 13:3-23//Mark 4:3-9&13-20//Luke 8:5-8&11-15] In Matt. 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}

>>>TOJ #75: Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is unforgivable. [Matt. 12:25-32//Mark 3:29//Luke 12:10, Luke 11:17-22] Jesus attempted (in v.25-29) to show the Pharisees how their logic was perverted. The meaning of “blasphemy” is speaking against or insulting (Heb. 10:29), and speaking comes from the heart (see the next TOJ). Speaking against the Spirit of love is a symptom of hatred for God/Good, which is akin to calling good evil and evil good (Isa. 5:20). Jesus said the person who sins in this way is unforgiveable.

Paul taught that believers who intentionally commit apostasy or repudiate their Faith will never repent of such sin, so that also must be the unforgivable blasphemy (Heb. 6:4-6, 10:26-29). Because God’s Spirit no longer convicts them of Sin, “the final condition of that man is worse than the first.” {Matt. 12:45} Thus, there are two different ways of committing the one unforgivable sin of blaspheming the HS: one by unbelievers plus one by believers. (See TOJ #79.)

>>>TOJ #79: Remain filled with the Holy Spirit. [Matt. 12:43-45//Luke 11:24-26] Paul clarifies (in EPH 5:18) what Jesus implies. A new Believer grows spiritually by LGW and remaining Spirit-filled more and more of the time until his/her life is characterized by love as a mature Believer. (See Eph. 4:11-15) Jesus taught this truth again by saying (in John 8:11), “Leave your life of sin.” A Believer who becomes complacent about evil is in danger of committing apostasy. (See TOJ #60 & #75.)

>>>TOJ #60: Stand firm to the end. [Matt. 10:17-22] This passage teaches the need for perseverance rather than choosing to commit apostasy (Lesson 2). We must accept the risk of being rejected by anti-Christians without letting it quench our enthusiasm {Matt. 24:13, Mark 13:13}. Luke’s wording seems to imply a temporal benefit {Luke 21:18-19}. In John’s gospel the need for perseverance (and implicitly the possibility of apostasy) is indicated by the phrase “remain in me” {John 15:4-10}.

 

[GWH]

TOP #271: Although God is not unjust (TOP #221), salvation should not be taken for granted. [Heb. 6:10-12] Paul called this attitude being “lazy”, which is also called treating grace as “cheap”.

>>>TOP #221: God is just. [2Thes. 1:6, Heb. 6:10] The second verse says that God is not unjust, Eph. 6:9 defines justness as not showing favoritism and Rom. 3:25-26 says that God demonstrates his justice by justifying those who have/satisfy the condition of having faith in Jesus.

 

[GWH]

TOP #272: God’s purpose or plan of salvation is eternal. [Heb. 6:13-19] Paul said this truth is indicated by God’s oath to Abraham in Gen. 22:15-18, “…through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed…”. (Cf. TOP #26.)

>>>TOP #26: Abraham (a former Gentile) is the spiritual father of all who have faith in God and Jesus. [Rom. 4:1-25] Those who are forgiven are credited as sharing the innocence/righteousness of Christ by God (Rom. 4:3-11). Some call this “imputed” righteousness (TOP #25).

>>>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 Rom. 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 Eph. 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 (TOP #22).

Verse 23 teaches that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”, meaning that no one can be good enough to earn salvation because of their own merit, and verse 24 says sinners “are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (via faith per v.22, cf. 3:27-28); s/e is free because Christ paid the price/cost. Verse 25a explains the cost of redemption as being “a sacrifice of atonement” for those who have faith in Christ’s work of dying in their place, and verse 25b further explains that God demonstrated his just patience or forbearance in leaving unpunished those sins committed before the revealing of the Gospel (foreshadowed in Gen. 22:8 & 13), implying that sinners had/have the opportunity to believe and be s/e thereby demonstrating God’s justice/not showing favoritism (#22). Verse 26 continues to emphasize divine justice by declaring it three ways (“justice…, just…, justifies”), which justness is synonymous with righteousness (2Thes. 1:5-6, Heb. 6:10).