God's Word: Believe it, Reject it, or Explain why it does not mean what it says.

[backNforth]

Curtis, who have you trusted for your translation?

and

the time you spend posting would be better spent studying from actual Bible scholars:

What man of God would ever submit to the "wisdom" of any "actual Bible scholars" who have corrupted the covenant and led many astray?

But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts. (Mal. 2:8).

BTW, preservation has nothing in common with any "translation."

Is the Bible inspired by man or God?

God, of course, as that applies only to the free discourse uncopyrighted word of God i.e. the majority text.

 

[Rhema]

God, of course, as that applies only to the free discourse uncopyrighted word of God i.e. the majority text.

Curtis can't even read the majority text, and neither can you.

How absurd a post you made. None of the Greek manuscripts are copyrighted (unlike the KJV).

BTW, preservation has nothing in common with any "translation."

How can you say, "We are wise, and the TORAH of the LORD is with us," when, in fact, the false pen of the scribes has made it into a lie?​

- Jeremiah 8:8 NRSV~

Allow me to ignore your next post that shall no doubt be filled with rants, raves, and ad hominem. Hie thee back to thine conspiracy cave.

Rhema

 

[backNforth]

Wisdom comes from above and not from Rhema's lack of discernment, brow beatings and incessant agenda-driven gaslighting.

Allow me to ignore your next post...

Please do.

 

[Rhema]

Wisdom comes from above and not from Rhema's lack of discernment, brow beatings and incessant agenda-driven gaslighting.

You do not disappoint.

 

[backNforth]

Allow me to ignore your next post that shall no doubt be...

Yet again, you couldn't control yourself.

To take a handful of passages, rip them from their context and ignore the rest of the 66 books proves absolutely nothing.

They are "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind," thus they believe they must bring something to the "scholar's" table. Most "scholars" are not interested in the HOLY Bible.

Like it or not, everyone is dependent upon the scholarship of the translation team of their favorite English (or otherwise) translation.

Not everyone. Inasmuch as publishing newer versions and translations of the bible is a matter of profit, the more modern versions conform to standards of contemporary scholarship and church membership lifestyle, the greater the profit will be. The battle of Christian faith today is indeed centered on the authority and infallibility of the word; “Yea, hath God said…?"

...the NYT best seller list...

Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (Luke 16:5).

Then I guess you are cursed since your translation(s) were made by men, unless you wish to tell me exactly what English translation was inspired by the Holy Spirit. Tell me, PLEASE. It would be fantastic to know which English Translation GOD wrote (besides mine, which isn't published yet).

Those here with discernment would be wise to avoid such sucker bait disguised as "scholarship." The mischaracterization of the issue is intended to pull you into the slaughterhouse of the critics. Jesus hates the doctrine which replaces the New Testament priesthood of all believers with a class of clergy or a class of professional scholars who attempt to “conquer” the common “people” with their credentials.

God didn't inspire any of man's "translations." He inspired his word, which we have today and which we have always had in his vernacular Bibles.

Who is teaching who?

Now you're closing in on the culprit...

 

[backNforth]

.

 

[Butch5]

It would seem that @complete is an Acts 28 Christian that rejects anything OT or Jewish to be spiritual.

Rhema
(An interesting take on your "us" "them" division.)

I believe Chris holds to Dispensationalism. I'm not certain though.

I think the us/them division is clear in chapters 1and 2. Paul’s explaining how God has made one new man of the two, Jew and Gentile.

I think you may find this interesting.

https://pfrs.org/commentary/Eph_1_3.pdf

 

[Rxlx]

All Bibles have Creation, Fallen Angels and Nephilim, Flood, Noah, Ten Lost Tribes, Jesus's birh and mission to find and gather the Ten Lost Tribes and Revelation - which is when all Jews, Muslims, Hindus, JWs, Mormons, Buddhists, etc get destroyed and the Ten Lost Tribes are gathered from England and America and colonies to join the few Jews of Joshua and Benjamin who will live under the reign of Jesus and the 144,000 First Resurrected Martyrs during The Millennium.

 

[complete]

Israel was given the Law

14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. The Holy Bible: King James Version, Ro 7:14.

28 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. 3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. 4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. 5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. 6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. 7 The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. 8 The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. 9 The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways. 10 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee. 11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee. 12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. 13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: 14 And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Dt 28.

' And it shall come to pass,
if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God,
to observe and to do all His commandments which I command thee this day,
that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee,
if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
(Deut. 28:1-2)

'Blessed shalt thou be in the city,
and blessed shalt thou be in the field.
Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body,
and the fruit of thy ground,
and the fruit of thy cattle,
the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.
Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in,
and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.'
(Deu 28:3-6)

'The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee
to be smitten before thy face:
they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.
The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses,
and in all that thou settest thine hand unto;
and He shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto Himself,
as he hath sworn unto thee,
if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in His ways.'
(Deu 28:7-9)

'And all people of the earth shall see
that thou art called by the name of the LORD;
and they shall be afraid of thee.
And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods,
in the fruit of thy body,
and in the fruit of thy cattle,
and in the fruit of thy ground,
in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.'
(Deu 28:10-11)

'The LORD shall open unto thee His good treasure,
the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season,
and to bless all the work of thine hand:
and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail;
and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath;
if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God,
which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:
And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day,
to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.'
(Deu 28:12-14) KJV version

Hello @Butch5,

Yes, thank you for quoting this passage of Scripture, which shows the nature of the blessings open to Israel as a nation, if they observed the conditions given, namely, 'to observe and to do all His commandments' commanded of them on that day..

* Compare these blessings, and the sphere in which they will be enjoyed, with the words of Ephesians,

'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings
in heavenly places in Christ:'
(Eph 1:3)

* There is no comparison.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[complete]

@Rhema

What is the correction?​

Paul says that God has blessed Israel with 'all spiritual blessings', 'in heavenly places'.​

Paul says that God has blessed us with 'all spiritual blessings', 'in heavenly places'.​

It would seem that @complete is an Acts 28 Christian that rejects anything OT or Jewish to be spiritual.

Rhema
(An interesting take on your "us" "them" division.)

'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings
in heavenly places in Christ:'
(Eph 1:3)

Hello Rhema,

Thank you for pointing out the correction I had made. For in my original post I had mistakenly used the word, 'Israel,' instead of the word actually used in Scripture, which was the word, 'us'.

You are correct, I am an acts 28 dispensationalist: but reject your further conclusion, (quote) 'that rejects anything OT or Jewish to be spiritual'. That is incorrect.

Within the love of Christ our Saviour,
Now risen and glorified
and sat at God's right hand.
Chris

 

[Butch5]

' And it shall come to pass,
if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God,
to observe and to do all His commandments which I command thee this day,
that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee,
if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
(Deut. 28:1-2)

'Blessed shalt thou be in the city,
and blessed shalt thou be in the field.
Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body,
and the fruit of thy ground,
and the fruit of thy cattle,
the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.
Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in,
and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.'
(Deu 28:3-6)

'The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee
to be smitten before thy face:
they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.
The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses,
and in all that thou settest thine hand unto;
and He shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto Himself,
as he hath sworn unto thee,
if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in His ways.'
(Deu 28:7-9)

'And all people of the earth shall see
that thou art called by the name of the LORD;
and they shall be afraid of thee.
And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods,
in the fruit of thy body,
and in the fruit of thy cattle,
and in the fruit of thy ground,
in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.'
(Deu 28:10-11)

'The LORD shall open unto thee His good treasure,
the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season,
and to bless all the work of thine hand:
and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail;
and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath;
if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God,
which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:
And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day,
to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.'
(Deu 28:12-14) KJV version

Hello @Butch5,

Yes, thank you for quoting this passage of Scripture, which shows the nature of the blessings open to Israel as a nation, if they observed the conditions given, namely, 'to observe and to do all His commandments' commanded of them on that day..

* Compare these blessings, and the sphere in which they will be enjoyed, with the words of Ephesians,

'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings
in heavenly places in Christ:'
(Eph 1:3)

* There is no comparison.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

I'm sorry, what are the blessings you're speaking of? How do I compare? Can you elaborate on what the blessings in Ephesians 1:3 are?

I would also ask how it can apply to the Ephesians when Paul speaks of these things in the past tense

 

[complete]

I'm sorry, what are the blessings you're speaking of? How do I compare? Can you elaborate on what the blessings in Ephesians 1:3 are?

I would also ask how it can apply to the Ephesians when Paul speaks of these things in the past tense

' And it shall come to pass,
if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God,
to observe and to do all His commandments which I command thee this day,
that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee,
if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
(Deut. 28:1-2)

'Blessed shalt thou be in the city,
and blessed shalt thou be in the field.
Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body,
and the fruit of thy ground,
and the fruit of thy cattle,
the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.
Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in,
and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.'
(Deu 28:3-6)

'The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee
to be smitten before thy face:
they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.
The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses,
and in all that thou settest thine hand unto;
and He shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto Himself,
as he hath sworn unto thee,
if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in His ways.'
(Deu 28:7-9)

'And all people of the earth shall see
that thou art called by the name of the LORD;
and they shall be afraid of thee.
And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods,
in the fruit of thy body,
and in the fruit of thy cattle,
and in the fruit of thy ground,
in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.'
(Deu 28:10-11)

'The LORD shall open unto thee His good treasure,
the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season,
and to bless all the work of thine hand:
and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail;
and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath;
if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God,
which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:
And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day,
to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.'
(Deu 28:12-14) KJV version

Hello @Butch5,

Yes, thank you for quoting this passage of Scripture, which shows the nature of the blessings open to Israel as a nation, if they observed the conditions given, namely, 'to observe and to do all His commandments' commanded of them on that day..

* Compare these blessings, and the sphere in which they will be enjoyed, with the words of Ephesians,

'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings
in heavenly places in Christ:'
(Eph 1:3)

* There is no comparison.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

Hello @Butch5,
Forgive me answering by resending my previous post, but the blessings of both Israel and Ephesians 1:3 are the subject of the entry (above). Also the place of their enjoyment is made clear, which is either in the land in relation to Israel or in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus, for the Church which is the Body of Christ: and either in basket and store, or in the case of Ephesians 1:3, spiritual in nature. So for me to add my two-penny-worth of understanding to this record is extraneous to requirements I feel. The Word of God explains itself I find.

So I will let this stand as stated.
Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[Butch5]

Hello @Butch5,
Forgive me answering by resending my previous post, but the blessings of both Israel and Ephesians 1:3 are the subject of the entry (above). Also the place of their enjoyment is made clear, which is either in the land in relation to Israel or in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus, for the Church which is the Body of Christ. So for me to add my two-penny-worth of understanding to this record is extraneous to requirements I feel. The Word of God explains itself I find.

So I will let this stand as stated.
Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

I see the blessings for Israel in Deuteronomy 28. I don't know what you're referring to regarding Ephesians 1:3.

The word "places" is not in the Greek text. The word translated heavenly is an adjective in the neuter gender. It would be better translated heavenly things. It also has the definite article. It would read, 'with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly things.' This is not talking about anyone being in heaven. The heavenly things are the same heavenly things that Israel was blessed with. Just like the believer, the Jew was blessed by Christ. John said no man has seen God at any time, the only begotten Son has made Him known. It was the Son who dealt with Israel all through the Old Testament. It was the Son, Christ, who blessed Israel in the Old Testament.

You didn't answer my question. How does this apply to the Ephesians when Paul spoke of these things in the past tense? Notice also that verse 3 is conditioned on verse 4.

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: King James Version, Eph 1:4.

The spiritual blessings are based on the fact that God had chosen them before the foundation of the world. That is not a reference to the Ephesians. As a matter of fact, Paul said they were without God before Christ.

11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: King James Version, Eph 2:11–12.

How could the Ephesians possibly be chosen before the foundation of the world by God and at the same time be without God and Christ?

The context simply doesn't allow for the passage to be speaking of the Ephesians or Christians.

 

[complete]

I see the blessings for Israel in Deuteronomy 28. I don't know what you're referring to regarding Ephesians 1:3.​

'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:'
(Eph 1:3)

Hello @Butch5,

In Ephesians 1:3. the blessings are described as being spiritual blessings, and not like Israel's blessings, who are blessed in basket and store. The bounty of the spiritual blessings is implied in the word, 'All', 'All spiritual blessings'. They will be enjoyed 'in heavenly places', or the heavenlies, where Christ is, far above all heavens. Furthermore they will be enjoyed, 'in Christ'.

The word "places" is not in the Greek text. The word translated heavenly is an adjective in the neuter gender. It would be better translated heavenly things. It also has the definite article. It would read, 'with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly things.' This is not talking about anyone being in heaven. The heavenly things are the same heavenly things that Israel was blessed with. Just like the believer, the Jew was blessed by Christ. John said no man has seen God at any time, the only begotten Son has made Him known. It was the Son who dealt with Israel all through the Old Testament. It was the Son, Christ, who blessed Israel in the Old Testament.​

* The words, 'heavenly places' can be translated,' heavenlies'. Our Lord ascended 'far above all heavens', and that is where we are in spirit, in Him, now. Where He is at God's right hand.

You didn't answer my question. How does this apply to the Ephesians when Paul spoke of these things in the past tense? Notice also that verse 3 is conditioned on verse 4.​

* I can't recollect you asking this question, if I missed it, I aplogise.
* The blessings have already been given, 'in Christ', but will be ours when we are with Him in resurrection glory.

4 According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: King James Version, Eph 1:4.​

​

The spiritual blessings are based on the fact that God had chosen them before the foundation of the world. That is not a reference to the Ephesians. As a matter of fact, Paul said they were without God before Christ.​

11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: King James Version, Eph 2:11–12.​

​

How could the Ephesians possibly be chosen before the foundation of the world by God and at the same time be without God and Christ?​

​

The context simply doesn't allow for the passage to be speaking of the Ephesians or Christians.​

* The Ephesians, like all Gentiles, were indeed, 'without God in the world.' (Ephesians 2:12). Yes, God in His foreknowledge knew in advance, of the future existence of The Church which is The Body of Christ, and provisioned accordingly, in Christ, before the foundation of the world. How amazing is that!

Thank you,
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[complete]

' For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ
for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption,
and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law,
and the service of God, and the promises;
Whose are the fathers,
and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came,
Who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.'
(Rom 9:3-5)

Hello @Butch5, (reply 2)

Are these not also wonderful privileges which Israel have received:-

1) The adoption
2) The glory
3) The covenants
4) the covenants
5) the giving of the law
6) the service of God
7) the promises
8) Whose are the fathers
9) Of whom concerning the flesh Christ came.
10) God's own inheritance . (Deut. 9:29)
-----------------------------------------

* The spiritual blessings of Ephesians 1:3, could also include the following, for they are blessings indeed for the Church which is The Body of Christ:-

(Eph 1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
(Eph 1:4) According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world,
that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love:
(Eph 1:5) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself,
according to the good pleasure of His will,
(Eph 1:6) To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved.
(Eph 1:7) In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins,according to the riches of His grace;
(Eph 1:8) Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
(Eph 1:9) Having made known unto us the mystery of His will,
according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself:
(Eph 1:10) That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one
all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
(Eph 1:11) In Whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him
who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
(Eph 1:12) That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
(Eph 1:13) In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation:
in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
(Eph 1:14) Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession,
unto the praise of his glory.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[Butch5]

' For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ
for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption,
and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law,
and the service of God, and the promises;
Whose are the fathers,
and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came,
Who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.'
(Rom 9:3-5)

Hello @Butch5, (reply 2)

Are these not also wonderful privileges which Israel have received:-

1) The adoption
2) The glory
3) The covenants
4) the covenants
5) the giving of the law
6) the service of God
7) the promises
8) Whose are the fathers
9) Of whom concerning the flesh Christ came.
10) God's own inheritance . (Deut. 9:29)
-----------------------------------------

* The spiritual blessings of Ephesians 1:3, could also include the following, for they are blessings indeed for the Church which is The Body of Christ:-

(Eph 1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
(Eph 1:4) According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world,
that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love:
(Eph 1:5) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself,
according to the good pleasure of His will,
(Eph 1:6) To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved.
(Eph 1:7) In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins,according to the riches of His grace;
(Eph 1:8) Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
(Eph 1:9) Having made known unto us the mystery of His will,
according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself:
(Eph 1:10) That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one
all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
(Eph 1:11) In Whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him
who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
(Eph 1:12) That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
(Eph 1:13) In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation:
in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
(Eph 1:14) Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession,
unto the praise of his glory.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

Hi Chris, if you read the rest of chapter one, it's Paul's prayer that God would also bestow on the Gentiles those things he spoke of in verses 3-12. Now, why would he pray for God to do that if he had just said that God had already done that.

 

[Butch5]

'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:'
(Eph 1:3)

Hello @Butch5,

In Ephesians 1:3. the blessings are described as being spiritual blessings, and not like Israel's blessings, who are blessed in basket and store. The bounty of the spiritual blessings is implied in the word, 'All', 'All spiritual blessings'. They will be enjoyed 'in heavenly places', or the heavenlies, where Christ is, far above all heavens. Furthermore they will be enjoyed, 'in Christ'.

* The words, 'heavenly places' can be translated,' heavenlies'. Our Lord ascended 'far above all heavens', and that is where we are in spirit, in Him, now. Where He is at God's right hand.

Even so, it's in the neuter gender. Thus is not a place. It's a thing. Paul is not speaking of location. Alos, spiritual is an adjective. It simply means to have qualities of the spirit.

* I can't recollect you asking this question, if I missed it, I aplogise.
* The blessings have already been given, 'in Christ', but will be ours when we are with Him in resurrection glory.

Yes, they were given to Israel. As I pointed out the Ephesians could not have been chosen before the foundation of the world and at the same time been without God and Christ.

* The Ephesians, like all Gentiles, were indeed, 'without God in the world.' (Ephesians 2:12). Yes, God in His foreknowledge knew in advance, of the future existence of The Church which is The Body of Christ, and provisioned accordingly, in Christ, before the foundation of the world. How amazing is that!

Thank you,
In Christ Jesus
Chris

This is speculation.

 

[complete]

Hi Chris, if you read the rest of chapter one, it's Paul's prayer that God would also bestow on the Gentiles those things he spoke of in verses 3-12. Now, why would he pray for God to do that if he had just said that God had already done that.

Hello there @Butch5,

They had received their calling and it was the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God that they needed, in order to fully know and acknowledge what had already been given to them in Christ Jesus. So no, I do not accept your interpretation of Ephesians one.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[complete]

Even so, it's in the neuter gender. Thus is not a place. It's a thing. Paul is not speaking of location. Alos, spiritual is an adjective. It simply means to have qualities of the spirit.

Yes, they were given to Israel. As I pointed out the Ephesians could not have been chosen before the foundation of the world and at the same time been without God and Christ.

This is speculation.

No speculation, @Butch5,

Not on my part, We do not agree, that is obvious, so I will leave it there.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[Butch5]

Hello there @Butch5,

They had received their calling and it was the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God that they needed, in order to fully know and acknowledge what had already been given to them in Christ Jesus. So no, I do not accept your interpretation of Ephesians one.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

Well, you can be wrong. That's your prerogative.