In my post “Jesus, The Way & The Door” I made this statement,
Thank God for His Angel that brought His Gift of Repentance to a sinner like me from His Throne of Mercy and Grace. Salvation, Repentance & Faith ARE Gift’s of God that He forces no one to receive.
God’s Gift of Salvation
One of the most known and quoted verses of the Bible makes it clear that Salvation through Jesus is a “Gift of God”. Salvation isn’t a thing, or something we can do, it’s a person. His Name is Jesus, Yeshua in Hebrew means “Salvation”.
Simeon, Strongs H8095- (hearing, heard) is clothed, hears and is lead by God’s Holy Spirit. Simeon walks out Jeremiah 33:3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and [a]mighty things, which you do not know.’ (a – inaccessible)
Luke 2: 25-32 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he(Simeon) took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
29 “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation
31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
God gave me a love for Hebrew worship music years ago. As I listen, read and learn new hebrew words I can only imagine what it does to the heart of Father God to see and hear praise and worship from His Beloved in His City, Hashem- “The Name” Yeshua
If just the music doesn’t make you want to tap your feet, check for a pulse.
Galatians 2:15 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
Romans 12:3 3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
Ephesians 2:8 “By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”
I believe God gives to every person a measure of faith to believe in Jesus to be their Savior at some point in their life.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Believing Jesus is the Son of God is good and some people can say that and think it’s enough to get the into heaven but James says this,
James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
Demons don’t only believe in Jesus in their mind, they know Him intimately but will they be in heaven?
Acts 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know (G1097- Strongs, to know absolutely, a Jewish idiom for sexual intimacy between a man and woman) and Paul I know; (G1987- Strongs, to comprehend or be acquainted with) but who are you?”
God’s Gift of Repentance
Biblical repentance is turning away from sin and turning whole heartedly towards God. In our clever and sometimes wicked minds and hearts we think we have time to enjoy our sin of choice for a season. Then later in life we’ll “get right with God” only to find out the chains of sin are now stronger than you thought they would be. Bishop Drew has a saying, “sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay.”
It’s very true. I know this from my own personal experience. Don’t be fooled into thinking God will in a snap of a finger set you free from the sin you rejected His Spirit of Repentance over and over for years. Read my testimony if you want to hear how it might go with you, if God allows you to live long enough to do it. I thank God often that he didn’t let me die in my sins.
Acts 5:30-31 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
John 16:8-11 And when he (The Comfortor) is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: [9] Of sin, because they believe not on me; [10] Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; [11] Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
Acts 11:15-18 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”
18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted (G1325- Strongs,to give) to the Gentiles repentance to life.”
Peter clearly writes and credits the Holy Spirit as the bearer of the “Gift of Repentance”. In the Book of Enoch, he says that the Angel of Repentance and Hope is named Phanuel (Book of Enoch 40:9). That is an alternate spelling of the Angel of the God that Jacob wrestled with at the Jabbok when he was caught between a rock and a hard place. He was facing Esau with his 400 men. Did Jacob maybe understand that 400 was 100 times greater than 4, with 4 being related to a “moed – appointed time” God set as the 4th commandment says. All of us has a Moed to meet “before” (H6440- Strongs, the face, in the presence of)
Genesis 32: 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” 31 Just as he crossed over Penuel the sun rose on him, and he limped on his hip.
If you have a real encounter with God’s Angel of Repentance, there’s a good possibility you won’t walk the same again either, but the choice is up to you.
Today’s MyDailyBible verse was,
You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5:8 NKJV) #Bible https://www.mydailybible.org/dv/nkjv/2019-08-01.htm
As I read that the word “Establish” jumped off the page and said “Look at Me!!!” In the KJV it is written, “stablish” and is G4741- Strongs, to set fast that is (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction or (figuratively) to confirm: – fix
Thayer’s Definition – to make stable, place firmly, set fast, fix
Stablish is a word closely related to repent and repentance. The whole idea in repenting is to turn away from something and turn to something else, usually the opposite direction. In Christianity we repent of our sinful ways and turn to follow God’s way, that being Jesus Christ and the example He set for us.
So what is James telling us in this verse when he says, “Establish Your Hearts”. He is saying stop being wishy washy. Earlier in his epistle he says,
James 1:6-8 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
G4741 is used only 14 times in scripture and in most verses it describes the quality in a person that has become resolute in their decision to follow Jesus Christ in the way He desires to be followed. As immature Christians coming out of a life of sin or believing the doctrine of “we’re not under the law grace, that gives license for some sin of choice”, we are not as resolute as we should be in “Following Jesus”. Did you know that the Catholic church use to sell indulgences but now you can get them for free? https://churchpop.com/2018/01/09/how-to-obtain-a-plenary-indulgence-at-this-years-march-for-life-in-washington-d-c/
There are professing Christians that know exactly the things to avoid to have a more faithful walk with God but don’t. In a game like way or even because of bondage to sin that we sometimes think are only addictions, they fall again and again from time to time. They don’t mind a “little slip every now and then”.
To be “Established” in some of the 14 verses it’s mentioned in is expressed as an act of God, not something done on our part.
Luke 22:31-32 31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen (G4741) thy brethren.
Romans 1:9-11 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be “established”; (G4741)
Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to “stablish” (G4741) you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
1 Thessalonians 3:2, 12-13 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow labourer in the gospel of Christ, to “establish ” (G4741) you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:13 To the end he may “stablish” (G4741) your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
2 Thessalonians 2:17 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,17 Comfort your hearts, and “stablish” (G4741) you in every good word and work.
2 Thessalonians 3:3-4 But the Lord is faithful, who shall “stablish” (G4741) you, and keep you from evil. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
1 Peter 5:10-11 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, “stablish,” (G4741) strengthen, settle you.11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Jesus Himself gives us the admonition to become established, mature Christians in our walk with Him, STOP enjoying a “little slip” every now and then.
Revelation 3:2 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2 Be watchful, and “strengthen” (G4741) the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and REPENT. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
If Almighty God Sovereignly sends or if you have prayed asking God to send His Angel of Repentance to you and He has brought you such a Wonderful and Precious Gift, will you take it? It’s a Great Gift of God to be “Established in the Right Things” and “Set Free” from the wrong things of the heart.
There is another scripture about G4741 that tells us of Jesus’ walk as a man upon this earth and His attitude when He began His Last Walk to Jerusalem,
Like 9:51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly “set” (G4741) his face to go to Jerusalem,
The Apostle Luke statement seems out of place in the middle of Jesus’ ministry on earth but as he wrote his account, in hindsight he saw the “big picture”.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(51) When the time was come that he should be received up.—Literally, When the days of His assumption were being fulfilled. The noun is peculiar to St. Luke, and is derived from the verb used of the Ascension, in Mark 16:19, 1Timothy 3:16. It can here refer to nothing else, and the passage, as occurring in the midst of a narrative, is remarkable. It is as though St. Luke looked on all that follows as seen in the light of the Ascension. Every word and act was consciously a step forward to that great consummation.
Although we should be as resolute in being fully established according to God’s will and purpose for our life Father God, Jesus or the Holy Angels will Never force us to. We have every right and ability to defect, turn away from God’s desire for our life, remember John 3:16.
Jesus’ warning to the church in Sardis has been said before by Him and the Apostles every time you read, “the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
100 verses about Enduring Until the End
In The Word 