Romans 15:12 ; Isaiah 11:10 – ALL NATIONS COME TO JESUS!

Romans 15:12 (NLT) And in another place Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne* will come, and he will rule over =>THE GENTILES<= "THEY WILL" place their hope on him.” (BELIEVE ON, AND TRUST HIM) = BE SAVED!

"GENTILES" Greek word 1. ethnos (1484), whence Eng., “heathen,” denotes, firstly, “A MULTITUDE"
Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W. (1996). Vine's complete expository dictionary of Old and New Testament words (2:262). Nashville: T. Nelson.

“GENTILES” —  (Heb., usually in plural, goyim), meaning in general "ALL NATIONS" EXCEPT THE JEWS"
Easton, M. (1996, c1897). Easton's Bible dictionary. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc

So this prophecy from Isaiah is confirmed in the New Testament in Romans that this "GREAT MULTITUDE" even "ALL THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD” OTHER THAN JEWS WILL PUT THEIR TRUST IN THE SAVIOR JESUS "the heir to David’s throne"

In another scripture I will share later; it says that "ALL" of Israel will be saved. That my friend makes up "ALL THE WORLD" - SAVED! Which would agree with the context of Isaiah where this verse is taken from, where in the verse just prior to this one it says.

"Isaiah 11:10 (NLT)  In that day the heir to David’s throne will be a banner of "SALVATION TO ALL THE WORLD". The "NATIONS WILL RALLY TO HIM"”

Here in Romans it is further clarified that this salvation to all the world is accomplished or completed, when the nations rally or come to him, they will "put there hope, trust, or faith in Him" completing the prophecy of the redemptive purpose of God in Christ.

Peace, Grace, and Love to you,

Rev. Dennis D. Caldwell

Isaiah 11:9 - “WE’RE ALL COVERED”

 

v Isaiah 11:9b (KJV) for “the earth” shall “be full” of the knowledge of the LORD, “as” the waters cover the sea.

v Isaiah 11:9 (God’s Word) “The world” will “be filled” with the knowledge of the Lord “like” water covering the sea.

v Isaiah 11:9b (The Message) “The whole earth” will “be brimming” with knowing God-Alive,  a “living knowledge of God” ocean-deep, ocean-wide.

v Isaiah 11:9 (CEV) “Just as” water fills the sea, the land will “be filled” with people who “know” and “honor” the LORD.

v Isaiah 11:9 (NLT)

for as the waters fill the sea,

                        so “the earth”

                       will be “filled”

                      with people

                      who know the Lord

 

I chose the “King James Version” for the first reference to this verse because it is so widely accepted as “The” Bible. Although if you used the “original 1611 KJV” you would find it very hard to read as not only words have changed their meaning but even letters also. So the original bible many think they have is not so original. With a little research you would find that much of the KJV is even a copy of some earlier bibles. I said that to say, we would do well to use all the available resources we have to get an accurate understanding of the word of God; which actually cannot be bound by a leather cover.

Looking at this section of scripture from various angles gives us a very clear understanding of what is really being said here; and it is absolutely glorious as the very next verse says.

First we see that it is agreed by many translations considering the context that we are talking about the “WHOLE EARTH OR WORLD”

Then we see that the whole world is to be “FILLED” with something. Now to fill something you are saying that whatever it is filled with occupies the entire space or area; the whole thing.

So we have “THE ENTIRE EARTH” is to be “FILLED” with “THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD” or “ALL THE PEOPLED” (FULL AMOUNT) In the world or earth will have this “knowledge of the LORD”.

What kind of knowledge or knowing are we talking about here. We need to dig a little deeper to find out. The word used here for “knowledge” is  דֵּעָה (dē∙ʿā(h)); in the “Louw-Nida Greek-English Lexicon” it says of this word in this context  “knowledge, i.e., information about a person, with a focus on the relationship with that person (Isa 11:9+)” So this text is saying that “ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD WILL HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD” through this knowledge of Him!

Now just so we would know for sure just how complete this will be the Lord gives us an illustration to clarify our thinking so that there will be no misunderstanding about what He means by this. The illustration is by comparison, and is this: The earth will be “AS FULL” of people having a relationship with him through this knowledge of Him (in today’s language we would also say “they are saved”) “AS THE SEA IS FULL OR COVERED WITH WATER”. Well now, just how much water is in the sea? Or, how much of it is covered with water? I think any sober minded person would have to say “ALL OF IT”.

It takes a lot of filing to get through the calloused religious mind  with which we have ALL been hypnotizes; by swinging the pendulum of their false ideas and doctrines of God and the bible in front of our eyes all our lives. This is not easy to get over, and you won’t do it in a day; let me tell you by experience.

But now we can obviously see that “GOD” is saying “IN THE BIBLE” that “ALL PEOPLE  IN THE WHOLE WORLD WILL HAVE A SAVING RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM” not just some chosen few as is widely taught by religion.

 

Peace, Grace, and Love to you,

Rev. Dennis D. Caldwell

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeremiah 31:34 “ALL WILL KNOW THE LORD”

Jeremiah 31:31-34 (TNIV)  "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I WILL MAKE A NEW COVENANT” with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.  (32)  It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the LORD.  (33)  "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.  (34)  NO LONGER will they teach their neighbors, or say to one another, 'Know the LORD,' because “THEY WILL “ALL” KNOW ME”, from the LEAST of them to the GREATEST," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will REMEMBER THEIR SINS NO MORE." (The Greek word for “know” here is used in a variety of ways, but here it is used to refer to a very intimate relationship with someone. It is the word used many times for a husband and wife having sexual relations; so it is a very strong relational word – not just head knowledge)

Most any Christian Church will teach these verses in Sunday School classes and from the pulpit as referring to all the world coming into a “New Covenant” with God through Christ, and they can “Trust Christ to forgive their sin” believing what these verses say and how they are referred to in the New Testament. However when you ask them about verse 34 and say “then, this is saying “ALL” will know the Lord” isn’t it? They will quickly tell you “Oh no, that is only speaking of Israel and Judah” quickly and conveniently changing their interpretation of this passage according to the question you ask to protect their doctrine of selective salvation, while unknowingly (for the most of them, I think) hiding the truth.

Isn’t it a little double-tongued (a serpent has one of those) to say that verse 31 speaking of the “New Covenant” was not just referring to Israel and Judah; but was referring to ALL mankind coming into a new covenant with God. Then turn around and say verse 34 is only referring to Israel and Judah and that it is not referring to “ALL” mankind. This double-minded answer is exactly what I am told by the challengers of the doctrine of Universal Reconciliation. Also many books and commentaries written by highly honored scholars in biblical studies will say this also (while secretly knowing better). This is plain, simple common sense; If “THEY WILL ALL KNOW ME” in verse 34 is not referring to all mankind but only Israel and Judah; then “ALL MANKIND” are not under “THE NEW COVENANT” referred to in verse31 and the rest of the worlds peoples are still under the law, and the blood of Jesus did nothing for them and they are not forgiven and still in their sin. Then only Israel and Judah were covered by the blood of “THE NEW COVENANT”. If we would follow this logic, this is the conclusion we would have to come to. Either this passage is referring to “ALL HUMANITY” or all humanity is not covered by the new covenant or the blood of Jesus. You cant have both interpretations in the same passage and reverse meanings according to the question. These scriptures are a unit, all part of the same topic –  i.e. “God making a new covenant”. Now this is either only referring to Israel and Judah or it is referring to all mankind; it cannot be separated and still make any kind of sense as a whole. I hear the opponents shouting Context, Context, Context! all the time. OK, let’s keep it in “CONTEXT”…… Are “WE ALL” under a New Covenant or not? If so, then verse 34 is saying “WE WILL –“ALL”- KNOW THE LORD” (have an intimate understanding relationship with the Lord)

2Co 11:3-4 (WEB)  But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.  (4)  For if he who comes preaches another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or if you receive a different spirit, which you did not receive, or a different "good news"(Gospel), which you did not accept, you put up with that well enough.

The serpent spoke lies about God’s word changing its meaning.

Belief in Christ is simple or single – “This Jesus” is the savior of ALL the world. Jhn 1:29-34; 3:16-17; 4:42 12:32 - Mat 16:15-18 - 1Jhn 4:14

When the disciples wanted to call down fire on some that did not believe like them Jesus said to them Luk 9:55-56 WEB  But he turned and rebuked them, "You don't know of what kind of spirit you are.  (56)  For the Son of Man didn't come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."

Albeit many preachers and teachers of the bible teach and preach with fervor and great animation, a gospel (good news) that puts most of the people living in the world today and ninety percent of all who lived in the past into a eternal burning Hell with no hope of relief or salvation. Which is not good news for the world at all; but is bad news for most of the people who have lived or ever will live on this planet. Because according to their teaching of the bible and the requirements they put on salvation; most will spend eternity in a fiery Hell. That my friends is NOT GOOD NEWS – but “ANOTHER GOSPEL” which is no gospel at all.

Peace, Grace, and Love to you,

Rev. Dennis D. Caldwell

Rev 21:5 “ALL THINGS NEW”

 

Rev 21:5 And He who sits on the throne said,

"Behold, I am making "ALL THINGS NEW"

 

Notice this says “Make-ing” The word in the original is in the Present Tense in the Indicative Mood - represents contemporaneous action, as opposed to action in the past or the future. In moods other than in the indicative mood, it refers only to continuous or repeated action. This speaks of an “ongoing” event – not a one time thing as most have “assumed”

What does "ALL THINGS" not include?

Would not “ALL THINGS” include ALL people? ALL spirits? Try to broaden your thinking a little bit when you read things that GOD says; He is concerned with more than just our little family, nation, religion, dimension, and realm in which we live and have our consciences. When He speaks, He speaks from an infinite realm beyond our comprehension.

When something stops growing, renewing, refreshing, and revitalizing it is dead. So are the outdated stagnate doctrines that have kept God in a box...... It is totally illogical to accept new understanding, knowledge, perceptions and insights of everything from medical, historical, geographical, to technological things. Then have the arrogant audacity to think we already know everything there is to know about God and reject any “new revelation” as false doctrine and heretical. Yeah, and the sun revolves around the earth, and the world is flat too…….

Peace, Grace, and Love to you,

Rev. Dennis D. Caldwell

Ephesians 4:10 “ FILL UP ! ”

Eph 4:10 (King James Version 1611) He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might FILL “ALL” THINGS.

 

Eph 4:10 (Jewish New Testament) The one who went down is himself the one who also went up far above all of heaven in order to FILL ALL things

 

Ephesians 4:10 (The Living Bible) The same one who came down is the one who went back up, that he might FILL ALL THINGS EVERYWHERE WITH HIMSELF, from the VERY LOWEST to the VERY HIGHEST

 

Eph 4:10 (Bible in Basic English) He who went down is the same who went up far over ALL the heavens so that he might MAKE ALL THINGS COMPLETE. (whole)

In “John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible” says “The Arabic version renders it, "that he might fill all creatures"

In “William Barclay's Daily Study Bible” speaking of Eph 4:1-10 and the purpose of these scriptures he says “the Church is to fulfill her great task of being Christ's instrument of universal reconciliation between man and man, and man and God within the world”.

Whoever you are, wherever you are now; say "The Spirit of Christ has filled me with His presence and made me completely and complexly whole" And the Lord will, as the apostle Peter put it in his first sermon, speaking of God pouring out His Spirit on “ALL” flesh or mankind in Acts 2:28 “You will make me full of gladness with your presence”. David in Psalms 23:5 says his cup is completely full, even to running over! And so are we when we become aware of the presence of the Lord in us and in ALL. There is peace and grace and love within us and with others; that without this knowledge is impossible to experience. First I believed in my mind that these scriptures are true and accepted the fact that the Spirit of Christ fills me. Then mysteriously I began to know these scriptures are true, and so I also affirm "The Spirit of Christ has filled me with His presence and made me completely and complexly whole" PRAISE GOD!  This is a sacred secret; a mystery, God is revealing and will have to be known to the nations, the sacred secret and mystery is CHRIST IN YOU  ALL Col 1:27

Peace, Grace, and Love to you,

Rev. Dennis D. Caldwell

Isa 45:24 Angry at God?

Isa 45:24 “SURELY”, shall one say, in the LORD “I HAVE RIGHTEOUSNESS” and strength: even "ALL" those who raged against Him "WILL COME" to Him ashamed of their unbelief – (IN GOD'S SAVING POWER)

This verse is a continuation of where we left off last in Isa. Chapter 45 verse 23 saying “EVERY knee will bow and EVERY tongue confess or give their allegiance to God”. This verse is saying even those “who raged against, or were angry at God will come” which would include the atheist, and agnostics. It is saying there is a “SURE” time coming when even ALL these will say “in the LORD, I HAVE RIGHTEOUSNESS” and will believe, making it possible to be ashamed of their unbelief. It also includes those who had been hurt by the church that condemned them every time they turned around or tried to be honest about their thoughts, lives, habits, and feelings and so; had turned against God in anger and unbelief in His goodness, desire or ability to save sinners like us. Because this unconditional love is not what they had seen in the so called Christians they had known. And they certainly had not seen any “unconditional” love or grace from the supposed leaders of these churches who were apparently perfect in all their ways.....So giving up on such a high standard for acceptance; these turned from church to the world where at least they would be understood and accepted; and could have an honest conversation with someone without fearing being shunned afterwards because of their weaknesses or imperfections.

This self-righteous crew of clergy has brought more condemnation in the hearts and minds of the people, than they have the Grace and Love of God. “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world” Jhn 3:17; Bringing the Love of God and Forgiveness of sins through Christ Jesus. Let the Spirit of God finish the work from the inside; don’t try to do it in the flesh on the outside – this never works and is void of any power. The Spirit of God and Christ on the other hand has all the power of the universe at His disposal. So think again the next time you see someone who has seemingly turned their back on God to the point of disbelieving anything about God at all and living as if they were angry at the world. God here says He has a plan for them also – eventually they will come.

Peace, Grace, and Love to you,

Rev. Dennis D. Caldwell

Isa 45:22-23 - GOD SWEARS

Isa 45:22-23 (NIV) "Turn to me and BE SAVED, “ALL” you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I HAVE SWORN, my mouth has uttered in all integrity A WORD THAT WILL NOT BE REVOKED: Before me EVERY KNEE WILL BOW; by me EVERY TONGUE will swear (allegiance & give praise)

This irrevocable promise of GOD is repeated twice in the New Testament in Rom. 14:11 and Php 2:10-11.  confirming this unmistakable, clear promise of ultimate Universal Salvation and Reconciliation with GOD.

What we have here is a “COMMAND” from the Almighty Who holds all power, authority, time and eternity in his hand. GOD says “ TURN TO ME AND BE SAVED! ALL YOU ENDS OF THE EARTH” He did not say “I wish they would all get saved even to the ends of the earth”. In the very beginning of creation GOD said “LIGHT BE! AND LIGHT WAS” this is a literal translation of Gen. 1:3 the word “let” is not actually there.  When The Almighty Speaks or commands a word it is done. So it is as good as a to have been sworn or or promised. The scripture here goes on to make this clear with GOD saying He had Sworn this and it would not be revoked. The LORD goes on to specify how this will take place.  “EVERY” KNEE WILL BOW AND “EVERY” TONGUE WILL CONFESS AND SWEAR ALLEGIANCE TO HIM” Now whether this is literal or metaphorical you decide for yourself – either way, “IT WILL” take place with the same results. It might as well be written in stone; it is good as done; THE MOUTH OF THE LORD HAS SPOKEN!

Speaking of the surety of the word and promises of God concerning our salvation through Jesus the writer of Hebrews in the New Testament also says:

                                                         Heb 6:17-20 NIrV  So God took an oath when he made his promise. He wanted to make it very clear that his purpose does not change. He wanted those who would receive what was promised to know that.  (18)  God took an oath so we would have good reason not to give up. We have run away from everything else to take hold of the hope offered to us in God's promise. So God gave his promise and his oath. Those two things can't change. He couldn't lie about them.  (19)  Our hope is certain. It is something for the soul to hold on to. It is strong and secure. It goes all the way into the Most Holy Room behind the curtain.  (20)  That is where Jesus has gone. He went there to open the way ahead of us. He has become a high priest forever, just like Melchizedek.

This promise and oath of GOD is that ALL WILL COME TO SUBMIT TO HIM AND HIS KINGDOM eventually; either in this life or in the ages to come after we cross over to the next phase of our journey home. Where our Heavenly Father is patiently waiting for us to come to our senses, leave the pig pen of doubt and self degradation. Father is eagerly watching for the first glimpse of our coming toward Him so that He can run to greet us home. Father knows “WE WILL” eventually come. Because in His love, providence, Grace He is working behind the scenes to be sure this will come about – He promised on oath; and God cannot lie.

If traditional theology is correct in teaching an exclusive Gospel that excludes most of humanity from a relationship and eternity with God on the basis of their not “getting saved” according to their particular formula in this life. If we must follow any of the formulas, catechisms or doctrines of any denomination; it would be impossible for most of the human race throughout the many past ages to have known these teachings. Therefore most of humanity will be lost to an eternal hell for no fault of their own, according to the teachings of most traditional theology. This is a blatant denial of the clear teaching of the above verses and promise of God.

Why would God; knowing all things, command all to look to him and be saved if he knew there would be billions that never would? Even the thought is absurd and illogical!

Through these scriptures GOD is revealing His benevolent redemptive purpose and plan for ALL MANKIND; which is bringing ALL into his eternal kingdom and royal family as the Loving Heavenly Father of ALL.

Peace, Grace, and Love to you,

Rev. Dennis D. Caldwell

Psalms 22:27 Global Heart Warming

Psalms 22:27 “ALL” the ENDS of “THE WORLD” shall remember and TURN UNTO the LORD “ALL” and the KINDREDS of the NATIONS shall WORSHIP BEFORE THEE.

The "Contemporary English Version" has:

“EVERYONE” ON THIS EARTH will remember you, LORD. PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD will TURN and WORSHIP YOU,

A NET Bible study note on this verse says:

“Another option (cf. NIV, NRSV) is to take the forms as imperfects and translate, "ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE EARTH will acknowledge and turn...and worship."

The “MESSAGE BIBLE” paraphrases this passage like this:

Down-and-outers sit at GOD's table and eat their fill. Everyone on the hunt for God is here, praising him. "Live it up, from head to toe. Don't ever quit!" From the four corners of the earth people are coming to their senses, are running back to GOD. Long-lost families are falling on their faces before him. GOD has taken charge; from now on he has the last word. All the power-mongers are before him --worshiping! All the poor and powerless, too --worshiping! Along with those who never got it together --worshiping! Our children and their children will get in on this As the word is passed along from parent to child. Babies not yet conceived WILL HEAR THE GOOD NEWS—THAT GOD DOES WHAT HE SAYS. (Psa 22:26-31 MSG)

1Jn 4:14 says “And we have seen and testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.” so if God does what He says; then The Son of God is the Savior of the world! That’s GOOD NEWS that everyone from the down-and-outers to those yet conceived need to hear. And when they do and it is completed, there will be a jump-up-and-down, get-down-on-your-face worship party all over this world !

Many bible scholars and commentators know that these particularly plain scriptures are teaching that God will eventually save the whole world. It is too obvious to deny. I believe they just don’t know how to appropriate it into their theology so they just leave it alone. 

“It is evidently his grand consolation that Jehovah will be known throughout all places of his dominion. “All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord. Out from the inner circle of the present church the blessing is to spread in growing power until the remotest parts of the earth shall be ashamed of their idols, mindful of the true God, penitent for their offences, and unanimously earnest for reconciliation with Jehovah. Then shall false worship cease, “and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee”

The Treasury of David

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)

 

this language is in accordance with what is uniformly said of him and his work, that the world would be converted to the living and true God.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible - Albert Barnes (1798-1870)

not only the nations of the world shall receive the Gospel as a revelation from God, but each family shall embrace it for their own salvation. They shall worship before Jesus the Savior,

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Adam Clarke, LL.D., F.S.A., (1715-1832)

If ALL the people in a church building from one end to the other and all corners, and ALL their kinfolks and families; turned to the LORD and began to worship before Him; Wouldn’t you say they were ALL saved? Well if you are Baptist; some got saved, the others rededicated. If you came home from that church service I think you would tell people “the whole church repented, got saved and had a Holy Ghost party worshiping before the LORD today”

Why would anyone want to look at this verse speaking of this magnificent global revival in any other way than the glorious truth it so unmistakably proclaims?

Peace, Grace, and love to you,

Rev. Dennis D. Caldwell

Psalms 65:2 - ALL WILL COME

Psa 65:2 (TNIV) You who answer prayer, to you "ALL PEOPLE" will come

This verse reveals the truth that it is certain that “ALL PEOPLE” will eventually come to the father. I am sure some will say “Oh yes, but that only means the Christians – the ones that have believed, prayed “the sinners prayer”, been baptized, and go to, and support the Church regularly. Well that is being quite presumptuous and “adding” a lot of “ifs” that I do not see here. Requiring all or any one of these negates this word of God all together. Now consider John 6:37-38 quoting Jesus as saying

“ALL that the Father gives me “WILL COME” to me, and “WHOEVER” comes to me “I WILL NEVER DRIVE AWAY”. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but “TO DO THE WILL OF HIM WHO SENT ME. And “THIS IS THE WILL” who sent Me, that of “ALL”which He has given Me I should “LOSE NOTHING”

We need to ask “how many did the Father give Jesus?” since ALL that Father God has given Him WILL COME and He will accept them and keep them, promising to “NEVER” drive them away, therefore “NOT LOSING ONE”. Remember the parable of the 99 sheep? “NEVER” here is translated from a compound Greek word - ou mḗ; A negative expression consisting of ou (G3756) = not, and mē (G3361) = not. A double negative, strengthening the denial, meaning not at all, no never, not under any circumstances will He lose one. Back to the question of “how many did the Father give Jesus?” John and Jesus answer that for us as a double witness to this truth. John says in John 3:35

“The Father loves the Son and has given “ALL THINGS” into His hand.”

Then of Jesus the scriptures later says in John 13:3

“Jesus knowing that the Father had given “ALL THINGS” into His hands, and that He had come from God and went to God,”

We now need to ask “what is the will of God for all people” since that is the subject here. Also Jesus said He came “TO DO” the will of the Father. Our brother and Apostle Paul answers that under inspiration of the Holy Spirit writes in 1Ti 2:3-4 (CLV)

“for this is ideal and welcome in the sight of our Savior, God, “WHO WILLS THAT” “ALL MANKIND” BE SAVED and come into a realization of the truth”

I believe that removes all disputes, requirements, regulations, and religiosities that would keep ALL PEOPLE from coming to God as Psalms 65:2 says and means. My question would be; “why would so many argue against such a plain and wonderful truth?”

Peace, Grace, and Love to you,

Rev. Dennis D. Caldwell

ROMANS 11:32 – CONFINED IN YOUR MIND

                                                                                      

Romans 11:32 (ALT) For "GOD" confined ALL in unbelief leading to disobedience, “SO THAT” He should "SHOW MERCY TO ALL"

Have you ever wondered why you just keep doing some of the things that you really wish you didn’t? Or, have you ever wondered why you doubt God sometimes when you know deep down in your heart that He loves you and is well able to take care of any problem in your life? The answer to these difficulties lies in the verse quoted above.

As the 1912 “Weymouth New Testament” puts it Rom 11:32 (WNT)  For God has locked up all in the prison of unbelief, that upon all alike He may have mercy. The original Greek here used for the word in the version above as “confined” KJV has “concluded” and here “locked up in prison” is:

# G4788

sugkleiō

Thayer Definition:

1) to shut up together, enclose

1a) of a shoal of fishes in a net

2) to shut up on all sides, shut up completely

The word was used to describe catching fish in a net in Luke 5:6

Therefore the word of God is saying he purposely placed us ALL in a condition making it “IMPOSSIBLE” to believe and therefore obey him……that’s what it says; no way around it. The passage goes on to say the reason He did it was so that He could “HAVE MERCY ON ALL”. Now hang on to your seat for what I am about to say…..consequently, God is not, will not, and cannot put the total blame on you for your unbelief because He is responsible for putting you and me and everyone in that same condition although we are still making our choices in that condition; God can now “HAVE MERCY ON ALL”, showing kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them.

You cannot help yourself in these areas can you? The key here is in what I just said. “You cannot HELP YOURSELF” only God is able to give you the gift of faith which will lead to the obedience to overcome these behavior flaws. The word here translated in some versions as disobedience and others as unbelief is the same word and can mean either one. They go hand in hand; one is the product of the other. In “Strong’s Greek Dictionary” it is G543 apeitheia ap-i'-thi-ah meaning disbelief (obstinate and rebellious): - disobedience, unbelief. This is the condition all people are purposely put into by divine will. You might even say “it is being human”. This is the soulish physical, natural part of us that is in conflict with the spiritual side of us all the time.

Why, you may ask, did God put us in such a predicament? First of all; to show that He really is not playing favorites with anyone and desires to save ALL alike; God has put ALL HUMANITY together in the same sinking boat of self-righteousness so that we will have to take a leap of faith toward the only one that can walk out on the water, pull us up, and save us. But even the faith to do this is a gift; (we do not naturally have faith – we are naturally fearful) as when Jesus told Peter to “come” to him on the water – Peter came; but not before the invitation; before that he was “terrified”. Jesus said in John 6:44 "NO ONE CAN come to me unless the Father who sent me DRAWS him” The word used there for “draw” is literally “to drag” as in a net.

# G1670

 helkō

Thayer Definition:

1) to draw, drag off

2) metaphorically, to draw by inward power, lead, impel

Jesus said later in this same chapter:

John 6:64-65 NIV  Yet there are SOME OF YOU WHO DO NOT BELIEVE." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him.  (65)  He went on to say, "THIS IS WHY I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father HAS ENABLED HIM."

In other words God has to “ENABLE YOU” to believe, have faith and obey because it is impossible for you being “imprisoned or penned in, by your unbelieving state”

So guess what, God gets the Glory for it all; and we ALL get the gift of eternal life completely by His Grace through the faith He will give us ALL. Through the MERCY He has promised and is able to have “UPON ALL”. This is the crux or the whole verse and redemptive purposes of God; as the above verse says - “SO THAT” (this is the purpose of what he is doing) He could “HAVE MERCY UPON ALL”. So that he could save ALL HUMANITY equally without favoritism (Acts 10:34, Rom 2:11, Eph. 6:9, Jas 2:9) God’s mercy is not national, cultural, religiously prejudice, or exclusive; on the contrary, according to Rom 11:32 God’s mercy is totally “INCLUSIVE” of “ALL”. This verse is nestled in the context of Paul speaking of taking this “GOOD NEWS” to the “NATIONS” and that “until the fullness or ALL of them come in” verses Rom. 11:11-13, 25 not just one people group or belief system. And so through Gods unconditional Love, Grace, and Mercy ALL will come to him.

The GOOD NEWS is; Jesus also said

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32

NOW YOU KNOW THE TRUTH. Be a disciple (student, learner, and thinker) and be SET FREE! 

Peace, Grace, and Love to you,

Rev. Dennis D. Caldwell