When God created "Night" and "Heavens" in Genesis 1, were they not good?

[gordon7]

God made the world and all things in it, as He is Lord of heaven and earth. God gives life to all, breath and all things. God made of one blood all nations of men to live on the face of the earth, determining the times before appointed, and their habitations. ( all was created at once in the beginning.)



Acts 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;


The body and its members have then the same care one for another, if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it, if one is honoured, all the members rejoice with it. ( there is equality only, in the body of Christ.)



1 Corinthians 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.



The scripture has testified all the world is the same, all concluded under sin.

The promise by faith of Jesus Christ then can be given to them that believe.

Before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up until the faith which afterwards should be revealed, the law brought us to Christ that we might be justified by faith, but after faith is come we are no longer under the law. ( as we are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.)

We then put on Christ, and there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for we are all one in Christ Jesus. If we are Christ's then are we Abraham's seed, ( by the promise of faith.) and heirs according to the promise.

In the times past we were Gentiles in the flesh, were called the uncircumcision by those in the circumcision of the flesh made by hands.

At that time we were without Christ, ( without faith) we were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, without God in the world.

But now in Christ Jesus, we were made near by the blood of Christ, for He is our peace who has made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition between us, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, for to make in Himself of two, one new man, so making peace.

That He might reconcile both to God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby, and came and preached peace to them that were far off ( Gentiles) and to them that were near. ( Israel.)

For through Him we both have access unto one Spirit by the Father.

Now we are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone.




Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Ephesians 2:1 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:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;






All people that are of the flesh, kill, and are killed. Only those of the Spirit, do not kill, and that Spirit is the life. ( Christ was put to death by those of the flesh, to live in those of the Spirit and never see death.)

That is the why many are killed, and are killing, because many are in the flesh, and not in the Spirit. ( if any one is a member of the Spirit, they have care for all the members, Jew and Gentile.)

If anyone is in the flesh, they have care for their own, not care for everyone.

If we talk of we, there is no longer Jew and Gentile, there is flesh or Spirit, all are made one, those of the flesh persecute those of the Spirit, therefore all killers are the same.

God manifests His children, those who love their brother  (Jew and Gentile.) are of God, and those who do not love, are of the devil. ( the Nazis of the devil.)

It is the message we heard from the beginning, to love one another. Not as Cain of that wicked one, and we know we pass from death to life when we love the brothers, and who does not love their brother abides in death.

Who hates their brother ( Jew and Gentile.) is a murderer, and we know no murderer has eternal life abiding in them. ( Jesus Christ is that eternal life, and is not abiding in haters/murderers.)

We perceive the love of God, as Christ layed His life down for us, and we should lay our lives down for the brothers. ( Jew and Gentile.)




Galatians 4:29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.

1 John 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

[gordon7]

For the administrator here and all administrators, the testimony of Christ gives faith, and faith gives the Spirit, all other is flesh, and is no faith and no Spirit. ( questions and debate/ disputes give strife.)

Everybody knows that all are responsible for the actions they do, if they do good, someone benefits from it, if they do evil, someone suffers.

If we had the devil as the judge, the devil rewards the evil doers now in this world, but if we believe that God will gain all soon, we know the love that Christ did in this world, which overcomes the evil that rules it, until Christ throws down what is evil, and takes what is His, as good triumphed over evil. ( Jesus Christ shows men are responsible for their acts, firstly of love, by believing in Jesus Christ, who loved us laying His life down for us to not die in our sins, or of hate and hurting others, in sins of coveting and killing, by not believing sincerely in Christ.)

[gordon7]

Does anyone know why we have to be told that God made the earth by His power, that He established the world by His wisdom, and stretched out the heavens by His discretion/understanding ?

Why in the book of Job, Job speaks of God, who alone spread out the heavens, who made Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, who does great things past finding out, yes, wonders without number ?

Then God can say in the book of Job, where were we, when He laid the foundations of the earth, and for us to declare if we have understanding ?







Isaiah 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

Jeremiah 10:12 He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

Jeremiah 51:15 He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.

Job 9:8 Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.
9 Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south.
10 Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number.

Job 38:4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.




What we are told is, God is wisdom, and when God created all that there is,. alone, by His wisdom, and power, man had no wisdom in it, nothing to do with all things that exist.

The wisdom of man is non existent, as man did not exist when God alone, created the earth and the heavens by His wisdom.


The world cannot know God by wisdom, mans wisdom was not there when God did all creation through His wisdom, and man has no wisdom  for anything.

That is why we are told it pleases God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. ( in the testimonies that God gave us, including that man was not present, when God alone created all through His wisdom, discretion and understanding.)

Gods demonstration of the Spirit and power, is that God is the Spirit and power that made the earth by His power, and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.

Mans wisdom is enticing only, as there is no Spirit and no power. ( it is testified to be in God alone.)

The wisdom of God is in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, ( it is hidden from the wise man, that man had no wisdom and no power, as it is in God alone.) which God ordained before the world. ( God alone made the earth by His power, and established the world by His wisdom.)

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those that love Him. ( God prepared the way to believe only in Him before man was made.)

God reveals these things to us by His Spirit, the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.






1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

1 Corinthians 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.






Now we are delivered from the power of darkness, being translated into the Kingdom of Gods dear Son, in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.

God's dear Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature, for by Jesus Christ were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, thrones, dominions, principalities and powers, all things were created by Him, and for Him. He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. ( Jesus Christ made the earth by HIs power, and established the world by His wisdom, and stretched out the heavens by HIs discretion and understanding.)

Jesus Christ is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things H might have the preeminence. ( man has no wisdom and cannot know God through wisdom, as Christ alone is the wisdom who created all things in His wisdom, when man was not existing, and in the grave, there is no wisdom.)

It pleased the Father that in Christ all fulness should dwell, and Christ made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Himself, things in earth, or things in heaven. ( as He made all.)






Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.




Remembering that God has prepared all these things for those who love Him.

He that loves another has fulfilled the law.

To not commit adultery, to not kill, to not steal, to not bear false witness, to not covet, to love our neighbour as ourselves.

Love works no ill to his neighbour, therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. ( Jesus Christ is the Spirit that created all in His wisdom alone, and alone reconciled us back to God through His own blood, for all things to dwell in Him, in earth and in heaven.)

Now our salvation is nearer than when we believed, let us cast off the works of darkness, as the day is at hand, put on the armour of light, walk honestly as in the day, not in strife and envying, but put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision to the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof.




Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

[Kingfisher]

A batter translation from the Hebrew: עֹשֶׂ֥ה שָׁל֖וֹם וּב֣וֹרֵא רָ֑ע "I make peace and create evil" (which is how the KJV translates it). It also makes your point even more strongly that "everything serves a purpose".

I don't speak Hebrew...Being cajun some tell me I barely speak English

Just looking at the words that are used for the comparisons, we have light compared to darkness. These are shown to contrast as opposites.

Then following that comparison we have peace...and evil. That God makes peace and (moral) evil doesn't seem to be a like comparison of contrast.

To get a better understanding for myself of the word peace that is being compared, I checked BibleHub. For definitions of the word translated from shalom it gives: completeness, soundness, welfare, peace. I don't see a definition in this usage for (moral) good which would contrast with (moral) evil.

How would a translation to compare and contrast (moral) good and (moral) evil come from these words?

[Fenris]

Ah, so in this understanding, God is responsible for His will and how that works out in the world, but those who act are blameworthy?

Yes, in that everything that happens serves God's purpose. Even the "bad" things. Which doesn't exempt bad people from their bad choices.

And it goes both ways. When one does a good deed in helping another person, it was God's will that the person be helped. But the person helping made that choice to do so, and so gains merit as a result.

The holiday of Purim is nearly upon us. And we read the book of Esther. The following exchange in chapter 4 is instructive. Mordecai beseeches Esther to help the Jewish people who are in peril, and makes the following argument:

He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to instruct her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.

She is hesitant to do so because the king has not called upon her in thirty days, and to go before the king unbidden could result in death.

Mordecai then says

"...if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"

What he's saying here is twofold. Firstly, that if it God's will that the Jews be saved, they will be saved, whether by you or someone else. But if you choose not to act, you miss out on the opportunity to be an instrument of God's will. And secondly, that God placed you in the royal household specifically so that you will be available to carry out this mission.

[Fenris]

I don't speak Hebrew...Being cajun some tell me I barely speak English

Ha! Well played.

To get a better understanding for myself of the word peace that is being compared, I checked BibleHub. For definitions of the word translated from shalom it gives: completeness, soundness, welfare, peace. I don't see a definition in this usage for (moral) good which would contrast with (moral) evil.

How would a translation to compare and contrast (moral) good and (moral) evil come from these words?

A word means what it means. רָ֑ע  means "evil". Not "calamity" or "disaster". The KJV and ASV among others translate the word correctly.

[Kingfisher]

A word means what it means. רָ֑ע  means "evil". Not "calamity" or "disaster". The KJV and ASV among others translate the word correctly.

Is there nuance to the word being translated as "evil"?

Specifically, what definition would you use for the word evil?

[Fenris]

Is there nuance to the word being translated as "evil"?

There are other Hebrew words for "disaster" or "tragedy". This word means "evil".  Since you like opposites, In Genesis 2:9 it talks about the tree of knowledge. It is described as the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil". What's the Hebrew word in that verse? The very same word in Isaiah 45:7.  רָ֑ע. It's not the tree of knowledge of good and "disaster" or "calamity". It's the tree of knowledge of "good and evil".

Genesis 6:5  And the Lord saw that the evil of man was great in the earth...

Same Hebrew word.

Genesis 8:21 “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth

Same word.

Gen 13:13 But the men of Sodom were evil

same word.

It's not an uncommon word in the bible, and the context is always like this.

[Kingfisher]

There are other Hebrew words for "disaster" or "tragedy". This word means "evil".  Since you like opposites, In Genesis 2:9 it talks about the tree of knowledge. It is described as the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil". What's the Hebrew word in that verse? The very same word in Isaiah 45:7.  רָ֑ע. It's not the tree of knowledge of good and "disaster" or "calamity". It's the tree of knowledge of "good and evil".

Genesis 6:5  And the Lord saw that the evil of man was great in the earth...

Same Hebrew word.

Genesis 8:21 “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth

Same word.

Gen 13:13 But the men of Sodom were evil

same word.

It's not an uncommon word in the bible, and the context is always like this.

Hey I got some homework to do now! Thanks for the helpful info Fenris

[gordon7]

Fenris:  "But the person helping made that choice to do so, and so gains merit as a result."

"The holiday of Purim is nearly upon us. And we read the book of Esther."



Jesus Christ triumphed over principalities, ( ordinances.) so no longer judgement exists in meat, or drink, or respect of a holyday, or of sabbath days, all of them revealed the way to Christ.




Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.




A list of the merit of faith is in the bible, the holydays, of pass over, by faith from the long list of witnesses, Rahab did not perish with those who believed not, she received the spies ( Hebrews) with peace.

Gedeon, Barak, Samson, Jephthae, David, Samuel and the prophets, through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, out of weakness were made strong ( the days of Purim.) waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

All of the witnesses obtained a good report through faith ( believed in God.) and received not the promise, God had provided a better thing for us.





Hebrews 11:28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

Hebrews 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

Hebrews 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.







Here is the testimony of Abraham.

God told Abraham He would make him a blessing, and in Abraham all families of the earth shall be blessed.

The King of Salem ( the high priest of God, king of righteousness, King of Salem, which is King of peace. Hebrews 7:1-2.) blessed Abraham, and blessed God, who delivered the enemies of Abraham into Abraham's hand. ( Abraham gave tithes of all to the King of peace.)

God showed how the seed of Abraham shall be, as the stars of heaven, and Abraham believed in the Lord, and the Lord counted it to Abraham as righteousness.

God told Abraham that His covenant is with Abraham, and Abraham will be a father of many nations. ( all families of the earth shall be blessed in Abraham.)

God spoke of Isaac before he was born, that God will establish His covenant with Isaac, for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

God said Abraham shall become a great and mighty nation, and all nations of the earth shall be blessed in him.

Because Abraham obeyed the voice of the Lord, ( believed in God) God swears, that in blessing He will bless Abraham, and in multiplying He will multiply Abraham's seed as the stars of the heaven, and Abraham's seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; and in his seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.






Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

Genesis 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Genesis 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

Genesis 18:17 And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

Genesis 22:16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.





If Abraham were justified by works ( His own merits, without it being by belief in God.) he cannot glory before God. The scripture testified Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto Abraham as righteousness.

Anyone who works ( without belief in God, the merit would be their own.) the reward is not of grace, but of debt. ( not a free gift from God of forgiveness, but repaying our own sins ourselves.)

He that believes on God who justifies the ungodly, our faith is counted for righteousness. ( that God will forgive our sins and not impute them to us.)

David described this blessing on man, to whom God imputes righteousness without works, ( without our own merits.) saying, blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered, blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Faith was counted to Abraham for righteousness, when Abraham was in uncircumcision. Abraham received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith he had being yet uncircumcised, that Abraham might be the father of all them that believe, ( believing in God for our merits.) though they also as Abraham was, be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed unto them also.

The promise that Abraham should be the heir of the world, was to Abraham and his seed through the righteousness of faith, not through the law.

It is if faith, to be by grace, so the promise is sure to all the seed, to those of the law, and to those of the faith of Abraham, the father of all, as it is written in Genesis, God made Abraham a father of many nations, before Him whom Abraham believed, even God, who quickens the dead, and calls those things which be not as though they were. (God spoke of Isaac before he was born, Abraham believed God could raise Isaac from the dead, and was willing to sacrifice him in belief.)

Abraham was fully persuaded that, what God had promised, God was able also to perform, therefore it was imputed to Abraham for righteousness. It was not written for Abraham's sake alone, that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to who it shall be imputed, if we believe on God that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, that in Isaac shall your seed be called: accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. ( the figure Abraham received for us all, was that his seed would be Christ, the only begotten of the Father, the first begotten of the dead. 1 John 4:9. Revelation 1:5.)






Romans 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Romans 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Romans 4:9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be impute,d unto them also:

Romans 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Romans 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.


Hebrews 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

[gordon7]

David spoke of those with a pure heart, to receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of our salvation. This is the generation of those who seek God.

David we heard, spoke of blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sin is  covered. Blessed is the man whom the Lord imputes not iniquity, and in whose spirit is no guile. ( the heart and Spirit is all important.)

God testified that the heart is deceitful above all, ( when it has the wrong spirit.) and desperately wicked, the Lord searches the heart, even to give to every man according to his ways, according to his doings.






Psalm 24:3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

Psalm 32:Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.


Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
10 I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.






God speaks of the new covenant to be made ( the everlasting covenant between God and Abraham through faith.)

This is the covenant, God will put His law in our inward parts, and write it in our hearts, to be to us a God, and we a people to Him. Then God can forgive our iniquity, and remember our sin no more.

God will give us one heart, ( in this new covenant.) and will pout in us a new Spirit, and take the stony heart out, and give us a heart of flesh, to walk in Gods statutes, to keep His ordinances, to do them, to be Gods people, and He to be our God. Those whose heart walks after the heart of their detestable things, and their abominations, are recompensed upon their own heads.

God sprinkles clean water on us, then we shall be clean: from all our filthiness, and from all our idols, He cleans us. A new heart He also gives us, and a new Spirit He puts within us: and  takes away the stony heart out of our flesh, and gives us an heart of flesh . He puts His Spirit within us, and causes us to walk in His statutes, and we shall keep His judgments, and do them.





Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord:
33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.


Ezekiel 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
20 That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.
21 But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord God.

Ezekiel 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

[gordon7]

Israel did not remember what God had done for them, when He delivered them from their enemy in Egypt.

All calamity, and disaster came on Egypt. ( evil) all destruction, God cast them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.




Psalm 78:42 They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy.
43 How he had wrought his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan.
44 And had turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink.
45 He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them.
46 He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust.
47 He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycomore trees with frost.
48 He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts.
49 He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.



Now it is easier understood what light and darkness are, the peace and the evil. ( God as testified and as we either believe in, or do not believe, does all those things.)

God took away His peace from the people, ( of Israel.) which is lovingkindness and mercies taken away.




Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.

Jeremiah 16:5 For thus saith the Lord, Enter not into the house of mourning, neither go to lament nor bemoan them: for I have taken away my peace from this people, saith the Lord, even lovingkindness and mercies.

[Fenris]

Hey I got some homework to do now! Thanks for the helpful info Fenris

Glad to help.

Listen, it's important that we read what the bible says, and base our theology on that. We should not to go the bible with an already existing theology and bend the text to meet what we already believe.

[Fenris]

Fenris:  "But the person helping made that choice to do so, and so gains merit as a result."

"The holiday of Purim is nearly upon us. And we read the book of Esther."

Jesus Christ triumphed over principalities, ( ordinances.) so no longer judgement exists in meat, or drink, or respect of a holyday, or of sabbath days, all of them revealed the way to Christ.

We don't observe the holiday of Purim from a sense of "judgment" but in remembrance of the events that occurred.

Esther 9:

 Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Ahasuerus , near and far, to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor. So the Jews agreed to continue the celebration they had begun, doing what Mordecai had written to them.

and further

For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the pur (that is, the lot) for their ruin and destruction. But when the plot came to the king’s attention, he issued written orders that the evil scheme Haman had devised against the Jews should come back onto his own head, and that he and his sons should be impaled on poles. (Therefore these days were called Purim, from the word pur.) Because of everything written in this letter and because of what they had seen and what had happened to them, the Jews took it on themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year, in the way prescribed and at the time appointed. These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews—nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants.

[gordon7]

No man can judge us in meat, or drink, in respect of a holiday, not of the new moon, or of sabbath days.



Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.




Jews observe Purim beginning with a day of fasting, Jews are also enjoined ( prescribed. ) to exchange gifts and make donations to the poor. ( according to Britannica.)



" The ritual observance of Purim begins with a day of fasting, Taʿanit Esther (Fast of Esther) on Adar 13, the day preceding the actual holiday."

"On Purim Jews are also enjoined to exchange gifts and make donations to the poor."



But we are to not let any man beguile us of our reward ( in heaven.)  by worshipping of angels.

We are dead to the rudiments of the world by Christ, to not be subject with ordinances ( which are for those who yet live in the world.)

To touch not, taste not, as they are all to perish with the using, after the commandments and doctrines of men. ( the doctrines of men, have us to worship angels, vainly puffed up by our fleshy mind, and not holding the head, which is Christ.)

Those things ( fasting.) have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.




Colossians 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.



Now we are shown the house of Jacob their transgressions and their sins.

The nation of Israel assumed they did righteousness, and not that they forsook the ordinance of their God.

They ask of God the ordinances of justice, taking delight approaching to God.

They say, why have they fasted, and God sees not their fast ? Why have they afflicted their soul, and God takes no knowledge ?

God answers, behold, in the day of their fast they find pleasure and do all they want.

Behold they fast for strife and for debate, to smite with wickedness, and they shall not fast that way, to make their voice to be heard on high.






Isaiah 58:1 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.
2 Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.
3 Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.
4 Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.



God testifying ( crying aloud like a trumpet.) to Israel, answers, is this the fast God has chosen. ( of Israel observing, in the doctrines and commandments of men.) for a man to afflict his soul. ( Colossians 2 shows these are ordinances of men, the neglecting of the body and not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh, but are a shadow of the things to come.)

Is the fast God has chosen to bow down heads and to spread sackcloth and ashes under us, is this what we call a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord. ( a day of holiday to the Lord?)

The fast God has chosen is to loosen the bands of wickedness ( not fast for strife and debate, and with the fist of wickedness, causing their voices to be heard on high.) to undo heavy burdens and to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke. ( of bondage.)

To give to the poor and to bring the poor that are cast out, to your house. When you see those who are naked, to cover them, to not hide form your own flesh.

If they take away from the midst of them the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if they draw out their soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall their light rise in obscurity, and their darkness be as the noon day.




Isaiah 58:5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?
6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.
9 Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day:
11 And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.



That was testified to Israel. ( to fast from wickedness, and to loosen heavy burdens.)

The Messiah testified further.

Jesus told us, the scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses' seat, and then all they bid us, to observe, that to observe and do, but to not do after their works, as they say it, but they do not do it.

The scribes are the ones ( guilty) of bonding heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, laying them on men's shoulders and they do not move them with one of their fingers, but all the works of the scribes is to be seen of men. ( for glory of men, not of God.)

Making broad their phylacteries, enlarging the border of their garments ( the fast Israel does is to cause their voice to be heard on high, Isaiah 58, causing Israel to know their transgressions and their sins.)

They love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.




Matthew 23:2 Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

Luke 11:46 And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.



The fast God chose ( unlike the lawyers chose, putting Israel under heavy burdens.) was to let the oppressed go free, to undo heavy burdens, and to break every yoke. Isaiah 58:6.

Now we see exactly why the Messiah ( Jesus Christ.) says to Israel, to come unto Him, all that labour and are heavy laden ( prescribed by the scribes and lawyers of Israel.) and Christ will give them rest, to take His yoke ( not the yoke of the fast Israel observes/ of doctrines and commandments of men.) and learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly in heart, and Israel would find rest for their souls, for the yoke of the Messiah is easy, and His burden is light. ( He is the deliverance in His glorious rest, which the Gentiles seek.)





Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Isaiah 11:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

Luke 24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?





Apostle Paul continues this testimony, to those who desire to be under the law.

Abraham had two sons, one by a bondmaid, and the other by a free woman. ( the son born of the bondwoman was born after the flesh, but the son of the freewoman was by promise ( promise of the Spirit.)

One covenant genders to bondage, Jerusalem which is not from above, is in bondage with her children, ( the mother on earth, to those under the law.)

But Jerusalem which is from above is free, which is the mother of us all.

Apostle Paul testifies how it is written,  Rejoice, you barren that bears not; break forth and cry, you that travails not: for the desolate has many more children than she which hath an husband. ( Jerusalem from above is the mother of us all, which has many more children than Jerusalem of this earth.)

Isaac was the child of promise, ( as we are, believing in the promise.)

He that was born after the flesh persecuted him born after the Spirit. ( those of the law persecuting those not of the law, who are of the Spirit of Christ.)

What says the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brothers, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, ( free from the law, doctrine and commandments of men.) and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. ( not the fast again, of the scribes and lawyers of Israel, prescribing heavy burdens and yokes, grievous to be borne.)



Galatians 4:21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.


Galatians 4:28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

Galatians 5: 1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.