Thursday, February 22, 2024

Remission of sins by God's grace through faith in the shed blood of Christ vs by baptism of water



In the discussion of **remission of sins**, two significant approaches emerge: **through the shed blood of Christ** and **by baptism of water**. Let's explore both perspectives:

1. **Remission of Sins through the Shed Blood of Christ**:
   - **Characteristics of Jesus Christ**:
     - **Jesus is God in flesh**: The Bible affirms that God was manifest in the flesh through Jesus, who is both divine and human¹.
     - **Eternal Existence**: Unlike other religious figures, Jesus existed in eternity past¹.
     - **Creator of the Universe**: Jesus played a role in creating all things in heaven and on earth¹.
     - **Sinless Life**: Jesus is the only one to have lived a sinless life¹.
     - **Exclusive Way to God**: Jesus declared Himself as the exclusive way to heaven, emphasizing that no one can come to the Father except through Him¹.
     - **Blood Atonement**: Ephesians 1:7 states that we have redemption through His blood, and nowhere does the Bible say that water (baptism) can wash away sin; forgiveness is always by blood¹.

2. **Remission of Sins by Baptism of Water**:
   - Some believe that water baptism is essential for the remission of sins. Acts 2:38 mentions baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
   - However, it's crucial to recognize that the Bible consistently emphasizes the role of **Jesus' shed blood** in forgiveness. Hebrews 9:22 states, "without shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins" ⁴.
   - Water baptism symbolizes cleansing and identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation but does not directly wash away sins.

In summary, while water baptism holds symbolic significance, the **ultimate source of forgiveness** lies in **Jesus' sacrificial blood**. His shed blood provides redemption and remission of sins, making Him the central figure in our reconciliation with God.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 2/23/2024
(1) LESSON 4 The Importance of Jesus Christ and His Shed Blood - 7 Steps to God. https://www.7stepstogod.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/lesson4.pdf.
(2) CONNECTING THE BLOOD OF CHRIST AND WATER BAPTISM. http://fishers-churchofchrist.com/resources/articles/2020/01/26/connecting-the-blood-of-christ-and-water-baptism.
(3) The Blood of Christ - Bible Charts. https://www.biblecharts.org/sermons/thebloodofchrist.pdf.
(4) Chapter Twenty Seven - The Meaning of the Blood of Jesus Christ - CBCG. https://www.cbcg.org/booklets/the-christian-passover/chapter-twenty-seven-the-meaning-of-the-blood-of-jesus-christ.html.

Sunday, February 18, 2024

The Court of Heaven - learning to bring Injustices done to the Kadazan to the Court of Heaven

Plea for Justice in the court of heaven

## A Plea for Justice in His Courts of Heaven

### Chapter

The chapter begins with a message of gratitude for support and an invitation to learn more about the ministry. The author discusses the importance of legacy and inheritance, sharing personal experiences with tours to Israel and efforts to support IDF soldiers and Holocaust survivors. The chapter emphasizes the ministry's commitment to being a voice for truth and justice, particularly in relation to Israel. The author also introduces the theme of pleading for justice in the courts of heaven.

### Chapter

Part 2 of chapter 1 discusses different types of prayer, including communion, supplication, intercession, spiritual warfare, prayer of agreement, and the prayer of consecration. The author emphasizes the importance of balance in understanding and practicing these different types of prayer in everyday life. The chapter also includes a prayer for anointing and clarity in teaching about the courts of heaven.

### Chapter

Part 3 of chapter 1 delves into the concept of being Watchmen on the wall, continuously aware and praying for the house. The author discusses the importance of understanding biblical judgment and justice, emphasizing the need for individuals to cleanse themselves before entering the courts of heaven. The chapter also explores the idea of judgment and the biblical principle of giving and receiving in measure.

### Chapter

Part 4 of chapter 1 discusses the importance of understanding biblical principles of judgment and justice in the context of the courts of heaven. The author emphasizes the need for individuals to have clean hands and pure hearts when entering the courts of heaven, and highlights the significance of interceding for the poor and needy. The chapter also touches on the idea of authority and the power of prayer in the courts of heaven, urging readers to embrace their role as representatives of God in seeking justice and righteousness.

### Chapter

Part 5 of chapter 1 delves into the importance of maintaining clean hands and a pure heart in the pursuit of justice in the courts of heaven. The author emphasizes the need to avoid idolatry and to prioritize seeking the Lord's face over seeking material gain. The chapter also discusses the significance of spending time in prayer and the courts of heaven to make wise decisions and prevent potential pitfalls. Additionally, it highlights the concept of gates and everlasting doors in the courts of heaven, symbolizing the authority and power given to believers to access heavenly blessings and manifestations on earth.

### Chapter

Part 6 of chapter 1 discusses the importance of seeking justice in the courts of heaven, particularly in relation to financial matters and personal struggles. The author emphasizes the need for believers to engage in prayer, supplication, and spiritual warfare to address injustices and receive blessings. The chapter also highlights the significance of gratitude and communion with God in seeking justice and restoration in various aspects of life. The author encourages readers to identify specific needs and bring them before the courts of heaven for resolution.

### Chapter

Part 7 of chapter 1 delves into a spiritual exercise where believers are guided to enter the court of mercy in the courts of heaven. Through symbolic actions like writing requests in blood, receiving a signet ring, and sealing requests with wax, believers are encouraged to seek justice and blessings from God. The chapter emphasizes the importance of clean hands and a pure heart in receiving blessings and healing in the courts of heaven.

### Chapter

Part 8 of chapter 1 focuses on the importance of sowing seeds of faith and thanksgiving in response to receiving blessings and healing in the courts of heaven. Believers are encouraged to show their gratitude to the Lord through giving and to stay patient and faithful as they await the fulfillment of their petitions. The chapter ends with a reminder about an upcoming worship service and celebration.

Friday, February 16, 2024

CNY 2024

 


Happy CNY 2024 - IB family lunch on Sunday