When people put too much emphasis on "we're saved by grace, not by works," it creates the impression that we don't have to do anything. which is clearly not what Jesus said. Jesus said, things like FORGIVE, BELIEVE, CONFESS, REPENT, SIN NO MORE, WATCH, PRAY, GO, PREACH, etc. These are all action verbs. When we reduce salvation to grace only, it appears that all we need to do is wait for God to make up His mind whether He wants to save us or not. The ultimate decision is His. But that's not very helpful to us. It's like buying a new washing machine with no instruction manual. The only thing printed on the manual is "This washing machine works." But it doesn't tell you how to turn it on. It doesn't tell you how to switch from hot water to cold water. That's the saved-by-grace message. It's all God, you don't have to do anything.
4But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them
John 3 verses 16- 21
������16�For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17�For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18�He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19�This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20�For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21�But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.�
Romans 5 verses 1-2
�1Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
Acts 16 verse 22-31
A person is not saved because they have repented of their sins, nor because they have any good works.
A person is saved because GOD Almighty has had pity upon them and has given that person FAITH into His Son Yeshua.
A person is not saved because of good works, BUT to be doing good works OR the cross means nothing.
Please reread the Word of GOD Almighty and quit listening to the so called pastors.
Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Rom 4:4 and to the one working, the wage is not counted according to grace, but according to obligation.
Rom 4:5 But to the one not working, but trusting in the one justifying the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
If we can add anything, any work that is counted as good and right, God would be obligated to give us the salvation spoken of here. No work or act of righteousness counts for spiritual merit before God.
Rom 5:8 But God commends his love to us, that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Rom 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life
Christ didn't die for us because we are holy, nor does he save us because we are good. Christ died for us while we were in a sinful rebellious state. God doesn't wait for us to cease being enemies-He reconciles us by the death of Christ.
You know who you are when I was talking about you. You put too much emphasis on grace and not enough on choice!
What if a washing machine would come with a single-page manual that says, "This washing machine will wash your clothes for you!" That's all. Nothing more. It doesn't tell you how. It just says it will do the job.
So, one might assume that all you need to do is NOTHING. The washing machine will come into the house, pick up the dirty clothes, and load them into itself and push the START button all by itself. But that's not how it works.
You reduce salvation to such a simple process when in fact it is a bit more involved.
**SALVATION IS 100% FREE BUT ETERNAL REWARDS IN THE HEAVENLY NEW JERUSALEM ARE 100% EARNED**!!
Titus 3:3,4: At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and **LOVE** of God our Savior appeared , he saved us, **NOT BECAUSE OF RIGHTEOUS THINGS WE HAD DONE**, but because of **HIS MERCY**!!
John 1:12,13: To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God--children born not of natural descent, **NOR OF A HUMAN DECISION** or a husband's will but, **BORN OF GOD**!!
John 6:37,39,44,65: Jesus says, "**ALL** that the Father gives Me **WILL** come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will **NEVER** drive away... And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall **LOSE NONE** of all that He has given Me, but raise them up at the Last Day.... No one can come to Me **UNLESS** the Father who sent Me **DRAWS HIM**, and I will raise him up at the Last Day!!... No one can come to Me **UNLESS** the Father has **ENABLED THEM**!!"
Ephesians 2:8,9: For it is by grace you have been saved, through **FAITH**�and this not from yourselves, it is the **GIFT OF GOD**�not by works. So that no one can boast. For we are **GOD'S WORKMANSHIP**, created in Christ Jesus to do **GOOD WORKS**, which God prepared in advance for us to do!
And so God's faithful saints do not earn their salvation by doing good works. They do **GOOD WORKS** after they are born from above because of their love of God who gave them the **FREE GIFT** of eternal life earned by the Atonement of Jesus our Savior; and to earn countless eternal **REWARDS** for faithful and loving service!!
Hebrews 11:1,6: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see....And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He **REWARDS** those who earnestly seek Him!!
Ephesians 6:8: Serve wholeheartedly , as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will **REWARD** everyone for what ever good he does!.
Revelation 22:12 Jesus says, �Behold I am coming soon! My **REWARD** is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done!�
Matthew 16:27: Jesus says, �The Son of Man is going to come in His Father's glory with His angels and THEN He will **REWARD** each person according to what he has done!�
2 Peter 1:5-11: Make every effort to add to your faith {A **FREE GIFT**} goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, **LOVE**. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ...Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and **ELECTION SURE**. For if you do these things, you will never fail, and you will receive a **RICH WELCOME** into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!
Matthew 19:29: Jesus says, " Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for **MY SAKE** will receive **A HUNDRED TIMES AS MUCH** and will inherit eternal life!!
Revelation 2:17: Jesus says, "To him who overcomes I will also give him a white stone with a **NEW NAME** written on it known only to him who receives it!!"
Revelation 3:12: Jesus says, "Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of My God. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from My God, and I will write on him My new name!!"
Revelation 3:21: Jesus says, "To him who overcomes, I will give the right to **SIT WITH ME** on My throne, just as overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
2 Corinthians 5:9,10: We make it our goal to please Him... for we must all appear before the Judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
1 Corinthians 3:13-15: His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives , he will receive his **REWARD**. If it is burned up he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
Colossians 3:23-25: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a **REWARD**. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
**HOW TO WIN HEAVENLY ETERNAL CROWNS**
I Corinthians 9:24-27: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes in to strict training. They do it to get a **CROWN** that will not last; but we do it to get a **CROWN THAT WILL LAST FOREVER**! Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly. I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize!
2 John 1:8: Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be **REWARDED** fully!.
Revelation 3:11: Jesus says, �I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your **CROWN**!�
2 Timothy 4:7,8: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the **CROWN** of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day�and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing!
The **CROWN OF LIFE** for those who persevere under trials and persecution:
James 1:12: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the **CROWN OF LIFE** that God has promised to those who love Him!
Revelation 2:10 Jesus says, �Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer... Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the **CROWN OF LIFE!�
Matthew 5:11,12: Jesus says, �Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your **REWARD** in heaven!�
Hebrews 10:32-36: Remember those earlier days after you had received the Light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be **RICHLY REWARDED**. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, **YOU RECEIVE WHAT HE HAS PROMISED**!!!
"PRAY CONTINUALLY; GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR THIS IS GOD'S WILL FOR YOU IN CHRIST JESUS!!" {I Thess 5:17,18}
Matthew 6:5-11 Jesus commands, �When you **PRAY**, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues {churches} and on the street corners to be seen by men...But when you **PRAY**, go into your room, close the door and **PRAY** to your FATHER, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you... This, then, is how you should **PRAY**: �Our Father in heaven hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.� and Luke 11:4 adds, **FORGIVE US OUR SINS**, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.�
I John 1:8,9; 2:1,2: If we {believers} claim to be without sin, **WE DECEIVE OURSELVES** and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we {believers} we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives....If anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the **ATONING SACRIFICE FOR OUR SINS**!!
Luke 11:1-4: The disciples asked Jesus, "Teach us to **PRAY**" Jesus said to His disciples, "When you pray, say: 'Father , hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come. Give us each day our **DAILY** bread. **FORGIVE US {disciples}OUR SINS**, for we forgive everyone who sins against us'"
Here we see that Jesus tells His disciples to daily ask the Father to forgive them of their sins. God's Word states that we must be holy as God is holy as per I Peter 1:15,16; and to walk as Jesus walked as per I John 2:6. And God understands that we really don't understand how much we fall short and sin daily.
The closer we get to God the more we realize how much we fall short and sin daily; and realize our need to confess our sins daily to get closer to God. Take Paul, the greatest NT saint, for example:
I Timothy 1:15,16: Paul said, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom **I AM THE WORST**. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, **THE WORST OF SINNERS**, Christ Jesus might display **HIS UNLIMITED PATIENCE** as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life.
Matthew 26:41: Jesus says, �Watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak.�
I Timothy 5:5: The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to **PRAY** and ask God for HELP!
I Thessalonians 5:17,18: **PRAY CONTINUALLY**; **GIVE THANKS IN ALL** circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
James 5:13-16: Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to **PRAY** over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and **PRAY** for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Philemon 1:6: I **PRAY** that you may be active in sharing your faith.
Acts 6:4: We will give our attention to **PRAYER** and the ministry of the Word!
Matthew 5:44: Jesus commands, �Love your enemies and **PRAY** for those who persecute you.�
Acts 21:5: All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city and their on the beach we *KNELT to **PRAY**.
Luke 22:41: Jesus *KNELT down and **PRAYED**.
Acts 9:40: Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his *KNEES and **PRAYED**.
I Thessalonians 3:10: Night and day we **PRAY** most earnestly that we may supply what is lacking in your faith.
Ephesians 3:16-19: I **PRAY** that out of his glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I **PRAY** that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know that love which surpasses knowledge�that you may be filled to the measure of the fullness of God!
2 Thessalonians 1:11,12: We constantly **PRAY** for you, that our God may count you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We **PRAY** this that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
John 17:15-17: Jesus prayed, �My **PRAYER** is not to take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. Sanctify them by the Truth Your Word is Truth!�
I Peter 3:12: The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their **PRAYER**.
Colossians 4:12: He is always wrestling in **PRAYER** for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
Philippians 4:6: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.
I John 5:17 This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything ACCORDING TO HIS WILL He hears us.
James 4:3: When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures!
Romans 8:26,27: The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to **PRAY** for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with GOD'S WILL!
Matthew 18:10-14: Jesus said, �Two men went up to the temple to **PRAY**, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and **PRAYED** about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men�robbers, evildoers, adulterers�or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' But the tax collector stood at a distance, He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' �I tell you that this man rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted!�
**FIX YOUR *THOUGHTS* ON JESUS**!!
Hebrews 3:1: Therefore, holy brothers who share in the heavenly calling, **FIX YOUR THOUGHTS ON JESUS**!!
Hebrews 4:12,13: The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double edged sword... It judges the **THOUGHTS** and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. **EVERYTHING** is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account!
2 Corinthians 5:9,10: We make it our goal to please Him... For we must all appear before the Judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad!
2 Corinthians 10:5: We take captive **EVERY THOUGHT** and make it obedient to Christ!!
Romans 13:14: Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and **DO NOT THINK** about how to satisfy the desires of the sinful nature!
Matthew 22:37,38: Jesus says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with **ALL YOUR MIND**!! This is the first and **GREATEST** commandment!!"
Colossians 3:2: Set your **MINDS ON THINGS ABOVE**, not on earthly things!
Romans 12:2: Be transformed by the **RENEWING OF YOUR MIND**. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will!!
Romans 8:5,6: Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their **MINDS** set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the **MIND** controlled by the Spirit is life and peace!
Philippians 4:8,9: Finally, brothers, whatever is **TRUE**, whatever is **NOBLE**, whatever is **RIGHT**, whatever is **PURE**, whatever is **LOVELY**, whatever is **ADMIRABLE**,**THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS**... And the God of peace will be with you!!
It is true that the call to salvation includes the call to believe. Acts 16:31-believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.
There are passages that indicate a prior work of God in the saints, before we respond in belief.
Acts 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple garments, of the city of Thyatira, who worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended to the things which were spoken by Paul.
Act 18:27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he had come, helped much those who had believed through the grace
Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them who are sanctified by faith in me.
God saves us by His grace.
Ephesians 2:8 For by the grace you have been saved through faith; and that not out of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 not out of works, that no one should boast.
The whole package is from God. There is nothing that we do that is a cause of merit or religious/spiritual pride. What is the difference between a saved person and a lost person?
Would some say, "well, I did something?" Maybe not, right? Most Christians aren't that obvious. No Christian I know prays to God like the Pharisee, comparing himself with others and singing his own praises.
Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed within himself these words, God, I thank you, that I am not as the rest of the people, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
Just one verse out of many more: Paul thanks God for the saints at Corinth. Why? Because God had given them grace in Christ.
1Cor 1:4 I thank my God always concerning you, because of the grace of God which was given to you in Christ Jesus
WHAT CITY BUILT ON 7 HILLS AND GREAT SEA PORT WILL BE THE HEADQUARTERS OF 666 DURING THE 1260-DAY GREAT TRIBULATION?? {666 is called the Beast 36 or 6X6 in the book of Revelation}
Revelation 13:5,7 The Beast {666} will exercise his authority for 42 {30-day} months {or 1260 days}... And he will be given power to make war against the saints and conquer them. {See Dan 7:25} Rev 17:18: The *WOMAN you saw {In Revelation17:1-18} is the great *CITY that will rule over the kings of the earth.
Rev 17:3,5,6,8,9,12,13, 18: I saw a WOMAN sitting on a scarlet Beast {666} with 7 heads and 10 horns...The Beast, which you saw, once was {alive}, now is not {Alive in AD 96}, and will come out of the Abyss {Or Hell} and go to his destruction {See Rev 19:19,20} This title was written on her forehead �Mystery: Babylon the Great: Mother of Prostitutes and of the Abominations of the earth.� I saw that the WOMAN was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. The Beast {666}, which you saw, once was {alive}, now is not {Alive in AD 96}, and will come up out of the Abyss {Or Hell} and go to his destruction {See Rev 19:19,20} ...This calls for a mind with wisdom. The 7 Heads are SEVEN HILLS {ROME} on which the WOMAN sits {Or reigns}... The 10 horns you saw are 10 kings who will give their authority to the Beast {666}...The WOMAN you saw is the great *CITY that rules over the kings of the earth.
Revelation 18:17-20,24 �Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off. When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, �Was there ever a city like this great city?� They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out: �Woe, Woe, O great *CITY, where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth! In one hour she has been brought to ruin! Rejoice over her, O heaven! Rejoice saints and apostles and prophets! God has judged her for the way she treated you....In her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been killed on the earth.�
Most Bible scholars believe that the book of First Peter was written shortly after the beginning of Nero�s Roman persecution of Christians in AD 64 because of I Peter 4:12,13 & 5:8,9. We know that Peter and his wife were living in Rome at this time. Peter was inspired to write in I Peter 5:13: �She {Peter�s wife} who is in *BABYLON* {Nickname for *ROME*!} sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.� Apparently some Christians including Peter were inspired to call ROME �BABYLON� after Nero�s terrible persecution of Christians starting in AD 64. This is very interesting since the evil city of the End-Times is called �BABYLON� 6 times in Revelation 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2,10,21.
All encyclopedias agree that Babylon was completely evacuated in 275 BC and completely destroyed by 141 BC. The Wikipedia encyclopedia states, "By 141 BC, when the Parthian Empire took over the region, Babylon was in complete desolation and obscurity." The only question that remains is: Was Babylon rebuilt so that there could be people living in Babylon around AD 65 when Peter wrote 1 Peter 5:13??? Which leads us to the promises of God in Jeremiah 50:1-3,13: This is the word the Lord spoke through Jeremiah concerning Babylon.."Babylon will be captured... A nation from the north will attack her and lay waste her land. No one will live in it; both men and animals will flee away!" Also read Jeremiah 52:52:61-64: And God ALWAYS keeps His promises. If you check out the latest Iraqi Tour Guides you will notice the following statement: "Today, Babylon lies COMPLETELY in ruins. A large and splendidly carved stone lion is all that remains of its former glories."
I was a missionary in Jerusalem and Jerusalem was never known as the city on 7 hills. It has always been known as the city on 6 mountains {Not Hills} as per Wikipedia {Jerusalem Mountains} which are {1} Mount Herzl {2} Mount of Olives {3} Mount Zion {4} Mount Scopus {5} temple Mount {6} Har Menuchot.
�Babylon� {Nicknamed Rome by Peter} is a �GREAT SEAPORT� in Rev 18:17-19; JUST LIKE ROME and UNLIKE Babylon whose ruins are NOW 4 miles from the very shallow Euphrates River; and UNLIKE Jerusalem which is 2000 to 3000 feet above sea level and 35 miles from the Mediterranean Sea. Babylon is also completely FLAT whereas the End-Time "Babylon" will be a city built on 7 Hills JUST LIKE ROME!! Rev 17:18: �The woman you saw {Rev 17:3--Who sits with the Beast with 7 heads} is the great *CITY* {Rome--nicknamed Babylon in I Peter 5:13--See Rev 17:5a} that will rule over the kings of the earth.� The headquarters of 666 will be destroyed about 2 weeks before the Last Day.{See Rev 16:10-16} Rev 18:19: �Woe! Woe, O great *CITY*, where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth! In one hour she has been brought to ruin! Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets! God has judged her for the way she treated you...In her was found the blood of prophets and of the saints and of all who have been killed on the earth!�
The mention of �seven hills� in conjunction with the Harlot Woman (Rev. 17:9) is often seen as an allusion to seven hills known to be associated with Rome:
The Rome view is also built upon the assumption that the seven hills of Revelation 17:9 identify the topography of the ancient city of Rome. Because literature of the ancient world contains dozens of references to the seven hills of Rome, the ancient city of Rome was universally known as the city of the seven hills. Thus, such a topographical reference would immediately suggest Rome in the minds of John�s original audience. This suggestion is especially true given the fact that the seven hills were the nucleus of the city on the left bank of the Tiber River and given the fact that an unusual festival called the septimontium received its name because of this topographical feature.
Rome has always been known as the CITY built on 7 Hills by Romulus from whom Rome gets its name. The following is a quote from Wikipedia Encyclopedia: The Seven Hills of Rome (Italian: Sette colli di Roma) east of the river Tiber form the geographical heart of Rome wiithin the walls of the ancient city. The SEVEN HILLS are: Aventine Hill, Caelian Hill, Captoline Hill, Palantine Hill, Quirinal Hill and Viminal Hill.
In addition, the notion that John�s audience would have understood the imagery of Revelation 17 as referring to the topography of Rome seems strengthened by the discovery of the Dea Roma Coin minted in A.D. 71 in Asia Minor. One side of the coin contains the portrait of the emperor. The reverse side of the coin depicts Rome, a Roman pagan goddess, sitting on seven hills seated by the waters of the Tiber River. There are obvious similarities between the Dea Roma Coin and the imagery of Revelation 17. In both cases, the goddess and the harlot are seated on seven hills and are seated either on or by the waters (Rev. 17:1). In addition, the name of the goddess was thought by many Romans to be Amor, which is Roma spelled backwards. Amor was the goddess of love and sexuality. Thus, both the woman on the coin and the woman in Revelation 17 represent harlotry (Rev. 17:5).
Furthermore, the coin equates Roma with the power of the Roman Empire, which was active in persecuting Christians of John�s day. The placement of Vespasian on one side of the coin and Roma on the other makes this connection. . . . The goddess is also pictured as holding a sword, which may depict Rome�s imperial power. This imagery parallels with the woman in Revelation 17 who is said to be drunk with the blood of the saints (Rev. 17:6).
2 Peter 1:20,21: Above all, you must understand that no **PROPHECY OF SCRIPTURE** came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For **PROPHECY** never had its origin in the will of man. But men **SPOKE FROM GOD** as they were carried along by the Holy Spirut!
**JESUS SAYS, "MY BROTHERS ARE THOSE WHO HEARS **GOD'S WORD** AND **PUT IT INTO PRACTICE**"
Psalm 119 has 176 verses praising the Word of God. The Old Testament had 613 laws and the New Covenant of Jesus and His love has about 400 commands which Psalm 119 also applies to. Some of my favorite verses is Psalm 119 are:
119:105: Your Word is a Lamp to my feet and a Light for my path.
119:97: Oh how I love your law, I meditate on it all day long.
119:148: My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I meditate on your promises.
119:164: Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.
119:16: All your Words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.
119:169: Give me understanding according to your Word.
119:2: Blessed are those who keep His statues and seek Him with all your heart.
119:11: I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.
Deuteronomy 18:17-19: The Lord says, "I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put My words in His mouth, and He will tell them everything I command Him. If anyone does not listen to My words that the Prophet speaks in My Name, I Myself will call Him to account."
John 14:23,24: Jesus says, "If anyone loves Me, He will **OBEY MY TEACHING**. My Father will love Him, and we will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me will not obey My teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent Me."
Revelation 1:1-3: The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must take place. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John, who testifies to everything he saw--that is, the **WORD OF GOD** and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads the **WORDS OF THIS PROPHECY**, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it!!
Revelation 22:16,18,19: "I, Jesus. have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the Churches.... I warn everyone who hears the **WORDS OF THE PROPECY OF THIS BOOK**: If anyone **ADDS** anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this Book {Including **ETERNAL HELL**} And if anyone **TAKES WORDS AWAY** from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the Tree of Life and in the Holy City {The New Jerusalem}, which are described in this book."
2 Peter 1:20,21: Above all, you must understand that no **PROPHECY OF SCRIPTURE** came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For **PROPHECY** never had its origin in the will of man. But men **SPOKE FROM GOD** as they were carried along by the Holy Spirut! {And so **ADDING** or **TAKING WORDS AWAY ** from the prophecies in God's Word is a sin against the Holy Spirit!}
THE GREAT COMMISSION: Matthew 28:18-20: Jesus says, �All authority in heaven and on *EARTH* has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of *ALL NATIONS*...teaching them to **OBEY EVERYTHING** I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very *END OF THE AGE*!�
I Peter 1:23-25: You have been born again.. **THROUGH THE LIVING AND ENDURING WORD OF GOD**. All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field, the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the **WORD OF THE LORD STANDS FOREVER**. And this is the **WORD** that was preached to you.
Matthew 24:35: Jesus says, Heaven and earth will pass away, but **MY WORDS WILL NEVER PASS AWAY**!"
I John 2:3-5: We know we have come to know Him {Jesus} if we **OBEY HIS COMMANDS**. The man who says, "I know Him," but does not do what He commands is a liar and the truth is not in him. But if anyone **OBEYS HIS WORD**, God's love is truly made complete in him!
Matthew 4:4: Jesus says, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on **EVERY WORD FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD**!"
Acts 17:11: Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and **EXAMINED THE SCRIPTURES EVERY DAY**!
Romans 15:4: Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the **ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE SCRIPTURES WE MIGHT HAVE HOPE**!
I Timothy 4:13: Devote yourself to the **PUBLIC READING OF SCRIPTURE**!
Matthew 7:24,26: Jesus says, "Everyone who hears these **WORDS OF MINE** and **PUTS THEM INTO PRACTICE** is like a wise man who built his house on a Rock... But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand."
James 1:22,25: Do not merely listen to the **WORD**, and so deceive yourselves. **DO WHAT IT SAYS**... The man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, **BUT DOING IT**, he will be blessed in what he does.
Luke 8:21: Jesus says, "My mother and brothers are those who hears **GOD'S WORD** and **PUT IT INTO PRACTICE**!"
Revelation 17:14: They will make war against the **LAMB**, but the **LAMB** will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and with Him will be His **CALLED**, CHOSEN** and **FAITHFUL** followers!
Matthew 13:23: Jesus says, "But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the **WORD AND UNDERSTANDS IT**. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."
Luke 8:15: Jesus says, "But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the **WORD**, retain it, and by perseverance produce a crop."
John 17:17: Jesus prays to His Father, "Sanctify them by the Truth, **YOUR WORD IS TRUTH**!"
Acts 20:32: Paul says, "Now I commit you to God and to the **WORD OF HIS GRACE**, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified!"
Romans 10:17: Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard **THROUGH THE WORD OF CHRIST**!
I Corinthians 15:2: By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly o the **WORD** I preached to you. Otherwise you have believed in vain!
2 Corinthians 2:17: Unlike so many, we do not peddle the **WORD OF GOD** for profit!
2 Corinthians 4:2: We do not use deception, nor do we distort the **WORD OF GOD**!
Ephesians 1:`13: You also were included in Christ **WHEN** you heard the **WORD** of Truth, the gospel of your salvation.
Ephesians 2:17: Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the **WORD OF GOD**!
Colossians 1:25: I have become its servant by the commission God gave to me to present to you the **WORD OF GOD IN ALL ITS FULLNESS**!
Colossians 3:16: Let the **WORD OF CHRIST** dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom!
2 Timothy 2:15: Do your best to present yourselves to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who **CORRECTLY HANDLES THE WORD ** of truth!
2 Timothy 3:15,16: 4:1,2: You have known the **HOLY SCRIPTURES**,which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. **ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD-BREATHED** and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: **PREACH THE WORD**!!
Matthew 16:27: Jesus says, �The Son of Man is going to come in His Father's glory with His angels and THEN He will **REWARD** each person according to what he has done!�
Daniel 12:3: Those who are impart wisdom {NIV} will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever!!
