Tags
Angels, Bible prophecy, end times, Faith, God, Jesus Christ, prayer, reading, truth
We’ve all heard it: “Be careful what you wish for”.
Just a few minutes ago I was reading a verse from the book of Revelation (in the Bible) only to become frustrated at not clearly understanding what I was reading; the frustration being mostly due to the varied differences of opinion “out there” which cause division and confusion for those of us trying to understand what to expect in regard to the fulfillment of “end times”.
So a few minutes ago I prayed for enlightenment to my mind, by way of the Holy Spirit, knowing it is by way of the Holy Spirit that we are given knowledge and understanding.
My prayer was for understanding of God’s actual truth from the pages of scripture. I could read and make educated guesses as to the meaning of the words written, just as I believe was done by a women I listened to yesterday, but I don’t want yet another “opinion” of what “it” means; I want to know what GOD is telling us by way of His word.
Since I was in the midst of following listed scripture via a daily devotional I moved along to other listed passages, and it was upon reading from Hebrews I felt compelled to share all of this. The scripture listed was Hebrews 2: 14-15, but I read 2:14-18.
What is written in verse 16 really struck me:
Hebrews 2:14-18 King James Version (KJV)
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
I realized, while reading verse 16, that we human beings are not the same as Angels.
I was of the impression Angels were basically the same creation as humans, and while I didn’t (and still don’t) believe the following, I’m aware a lot of people do believe when a loved one dies he or she becomes an Angel.
Scripture does not support this idea, thus I am confident we do not, and will not, become Angels, ever. My understanding is Angels are a different creation and Angels are NOT below/lower than humanity in status. (I was taught as a kid that if I didn’t acquire a certain status in mortality I’d be effectively “demoted” to the status of an Angel”. )
Along with the realization, as indicated in the above quoted scripture, Angels are not the same as human beings (the seed of Adam), I also see, in this passage of scripture, that Jesus “TOOK ON” the nature of a human being, i.e. the “seed of Abraham”.
And, He became human by way of choice. He did this so as to be able to become the sacrifice needed to redeem human kind; an act needful to save us all from eternal death. Thru one man, Adam, we all become subjected to death.
Thru Jesus Christ we can be freed of the chains of death.
No other human being could be the needful sacrifice for sin because we are all born of sin nature as we, all of us, are from the seed of Adam.
Romans 5:12King James Version (KJV)
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Jesus, through being born of Mary, was able to take on the nature of humanity, but because He is also a part of God, (The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit), He, unlike all of us in humanity, was able to live a life free of any sin. Thus it is He was able to be the sacrifice for sin- which was achieved by allowing His blood to be shed for sin.
Romans 5:19 King James Version (KJV)
19 For as by one man’s disobedience [Adam] many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one [Jesus Christ] shall many be made righteous. *
*Italics are my insertion for clarification
Through Jesus Christ we can be saved if we accept His sacrifice for us. Believe on Jesus Christ and be saved.
Romans 5:12-21 King James Version (KJV)
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.