Simon occurs 71 times in the New Testament with 58 times in the Gospels. Here we will focus on Simon Peter.
This is the 5th list. Also please read the verses in context.
SOME FACTS ABOUT SIMON PETER: His name was Simon until The Lord Jesus changed it John 1:42, Mark 3:16And Simon he surnamed Peter; Luke 6:14Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) He was a son of JonaJohn 1:42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: Matthew 16:17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: … He had a brotherJohn 1:40One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He owned a house with his brotherMark 1:29And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Luke 4:38And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house…. He was MarriedMark 1:30But Simon’s wife‘s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. Luke 4:38And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife‘s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. He was a fishermanMatthew 4:18And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. Mark 1:16Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
He owned a shipLuke 5:3And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. He was a business manLuke 5:10And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. He had several names Matthew 16:17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona:… John 1:42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. He was a fighterJohn 18:10Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. He was an ApostleMatthew 10:2Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, 2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ,
Simon occurs 71 times in the New Testament with 58 times in the Gospels. Is it always referring to the same person?
This 4th list of references to Simon. Also please read them in context.
Some troubling verses Matthew 26:6Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,Mark 14:3And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
WHO is this Simon? It appears that he was a Pharisee! Luke 7:36-39And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. Luke 7:40And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 7:43-44Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
Read Luke 24:13-33. Much speculation has been presented on who these two were! Two are walking to Emmaus, “And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas”. Is the Cleopas the same found in John 19:25Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.? Is Cleophas, Cleopas, Cephas all the same person?
Paul, writing to the Corinthians identifies who Cephas is: 1 Corinthians 1:12Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 3:22Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, …; 9:5Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?15:5And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: Galatians 2:9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, …
Cephas is Simon Peter! Cleophas, Cleopas are probably just different spellings of the same name. (ie. Noah=Noe, Jeremiah=Jeremias, Jeremy Isaiah=Esaias). Two waking to Emmaus, is Cleopas (Peter) and the other is his wife (they invited him into their house for a meal). Then this explains Luke 24:34Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. It appears Paul thinks so: 1 Corinthians 15:5And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
Simon occurs 71 times in the New Testament with 58 times in the Gospels. Is it always referring to the same person?
This 3rd list of references is Simon who is NOT SIMON PETER. Also please read them in context.
Matthew 10:4Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. Luke 6:15Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,Matthew 13:55Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?Mark 6:3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
John 6:71He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve. John 12:4Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him,John 13:2And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; John 13:26Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
Matthew 27:32And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. Mark 15:21And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. Luke 23:26And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, …
Acts 1:13And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
Simon the sorcerer. Acts 8:9But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: Acts 8:13Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Acts 8:18And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Acts 8:24Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
Saul’s experience after meeting ChristActs 9:43And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner. Acts 10:6He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. Peter also stayed at Simon’s house (Acts 9:40-43) Acts 10:17Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,
Simon occurs 71 times in the New Testament with 58 times in the Gospels. Is it always referring to the same person?
This 2nd list of references is Simon Peter, the Apostle. Also please read them in context.
The last supper John 13:6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? John 13:9Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. John 13:24Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. John 13:36Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.Luke 22:31And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
In the garden
John 18:10Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
At the Palace of the high priest John 18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. John 18:25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.
At the Tomb John 20:2, 6 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the LORD out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
After the resurrection John 21:2, 3, 7, 11 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
After the ascension Acts 10:18And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Acts 11:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
The ability to do something that frightens one. Strength in the face of pain or grief.
Though out the Old Testament, the Jew, God’s chosen people, were challenged to have COURAGE in their God. He would take care of them if they would only trust and obey Him.
Numbers 13:20And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the first ripe grapes. Deuteronomy 31:6-7Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and … Deuteronomy 31:23And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee. Joshua 1:6Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee … Joshua 1:18Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage. Joshua 10:25And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight. 2 Samuel 10:12Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good. 1 Chronicles 19:13Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good … 1 Chronicles 22:13 Then shalt thou prosper, ..: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed. 1 Chronicles 28:20 And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, … 2 Chronicles 15:8And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD. Ezra 10:4Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it. Psalm 27:14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 31:24Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. Isaiah 41:6They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.
Acts 28:15And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
Although the word courage is only found once in the New Testament, there are many synonyms for this word. Rather than looking for all of them, as a believer be encouraged in the Apostle Paul’s words written in Philippians, especially chapter 2.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
For generations, most of the world’s people have longed for peace, but the world continues to be at war. Evolutionists attribute this to ages of violent evolutionary struggle; the Bible attributes it to sin!
But it is wonderfully possible to have real personal peace even in a world at war. This is what the Bible calls “the peace of God,” and it surpasses all human understanding because it is provided by the God of peace, for the writer continues, “The God of peace shall be with you” (v. 9).
The God of peace! There are some wonderful promises associated with this beautiful name of our Lord. For example: “The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly” (Romans 16:20). Also: “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
The provision of God’s perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3) is specifically invoked in 2 Thessalonians 3:16: “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.” Perhaps the greatest promise of all is implied in the concluding prayer of the book of Hebrews: “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21).
There is only one other reference to the peace of God: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Colossians 3:15). The peace of God, from the God of peace, can rule in our hearts if we let it rule in our hearts. Then, as promised in our text, it will also keep our hearts!
Peace of, with, from God Mankind, from the beginning has wanted peace and has used war to accomplish attaining it. And of course, peace has eluded them. And the apostle has written: 1 Thessalonians 5:3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
This, of course is written to be full filled during the Tribulation. But during the age of grace, individules who believe the Gospel; I Corinthians 15:1-4 and obey the admission of Romans 10:9-13, that individual can experience the PEACE OF, FROM, WITH GOD
Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Romans 14:10-11 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Philippians 2:10-11 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Reading the scripture listed above leaves no doubt that ALL will have to give an account of how we lived our lives. And no one will have any excuse. Ignorance will not be an excuse. Acts 3:17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. Acts 4:13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Acts 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 1 Corinthians 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 1 Corinthians 14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. Ephesians 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 1 Peter 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 2 Peter 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 2 Peter 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
As can be seen reviewing the above scriptures ignorance will not be an excuse!
Matthew 12:32And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Mark 3:28-29Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.
The above text is often called the unpardonable sin. But a study of the scripture shows that the ONLY sin that is unforgivable SIN is the unbelief of Jesus Christ as Lord. For when we believe 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
and then act on Romans 10:9-13That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
We will be saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast, It becomes real in our lives and we can rejoice invs 10-13. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 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; 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: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
The only SIN UNFORGIVEN is rejection of Christ Jesus as Saviour
Matthew 16:26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole World, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Mark 8:36For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Luke 9:25For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
John 12:25He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
John warned about losing rewards:
2 John 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
Believer’s Works are judged:
1 Corinthians 3:11-15For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Losers (unsaved) are judged for their works:
Revelation 20:11-15And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
During one’s life
time there are many events that alter or change one’s way of living. Not every
day decisions (which are many) but life changing events that might be
categorized as catastrophic. These might include a very serious accident,
getting mugged, getting robbed, losing a pet, losing a loved one, a serious
life threatening sickness, a heart attack, a stroke, cancer. All of these
and many more could be, would be catastrophic in one’s life. But no one
experiences every one of them and some experience none of them.
Physiologists have said that in a normal person’s life there are 4
catastrophic events that almost everyone experiences. Let’s take a look at
them.
The first is Birth.
Life begins at conception and for the next 9 months the baby in a warm secure place, with all of its need’s being meet. Research has shown that a baby in the womb experiences sound, movement, in fact, probably 3 of the five senses; Touch, hearing and tasting. And depending on the surroundings LOVE by a mother (and father) who truly want their child. Then this baby is thrust from this very secure place into the world Naked and helpless and two more senses are added to the baby’s world: light (sight) and smell. What a catastrophic moment, life will never be the same.
The second is graduation.
Graduation from (or completion of) school (High School). All of your life has been under the control of someone else. First your parent(s), they provided food, shelter, clothing and they expected you to obey them, do their bidding. Second your teachers for at least 12 years (sometimes longer) you have had a teacher directing your life, assigning you work, projects, homework and testing you along the way. Always demanding more, always expecting more always setting the bar a little higher. You have made friends along the way some best friends forever (BFF). But that is ending, for some it’s off to college, others it’s the military, and others into the work force. Again thrust out into the world. Now you are responsible for yourself. What a catastrophic moment, life will never be the same.
The third is Marriage.
This is the only one of the 4 major events (catastrophic events) that you have a choice. Birth, not your choice, Graduation had to come to that conclusion if you stayed in school for the required number of years. Now you have met someone, someone who will mean more to you than your parents and you have a choice to make. Do I continue my life as it is or do I chose to share it with someone else? Living together is not marriage and does not have the same obligations that you take on when you marry. Living together (or shacking up) has very little commitment, after all when you tire of it you can just leave. Sickness, Health, Richer, Poorer, Better, Worse, you hit one of these roadblocks you can just pack up and move on. But and if you chose marriage, WOW! What a commitment! Be sure to read those vows you make before your family, your friends, your chosen one, the minister, and GOD. After the “I DO’s” you are responsible for and to a stranger. What a catastrophic moment, life will never be the same.
The forth is Death.
To review, BIRTH was out of your control, this was brought about by your parents, you just had to experience it. GRADUATION was just a course of fulfilling events that came to a conclusion (which altered your life), again which you had little control. You can be prepared or not, the choice is partly yours to make. MARRIAGE, you could choose to avoid it or chose to enter into it, Not only if but when and to whom. And it is up to you (and your partner) to make it work. But DEATH, all of us face it. It’s been said there are two things unavoidable in life, Death and Taxes. Well, you can avoid taxes, but not death. As the scripture says”And as it is appointed unto men oncetodie … “(Hebrews 9:27). Again “For the wages of sin is death...” (Romans 6:23). Yes, all of us face death. Separation of the soul (life) from the body, now we all know what happens to the body. It is buried or cremated. But the soul (life), what about it? Does it cease to exist? There are many who would hope that is true. Does it reincarnate? Again many would hope that to be true. But the Scripture teach that you will be removed from the world you know and thrust into eternity, a world nobody knows about outside of the Scriptures.
Four life altering events, catastrophic events that most all of us will face. BIRTH, out of your control. GRADUATION, very little control. MARRIAGE, your choice, definitely a choice. Not only if but when and to whom. Still it is a life changing action. The forth, DEATH, is appointed unto you. You do face death. It will happen to you. But you can prepare for it.
”And as it is appointed unto men oncetodie … “(Hebrews 9:27). The answers lay in the scriptures; “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of is eternal life …” (Romans 6:23).
Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand, by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures; (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:9-13)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
