The Bible – What, Where & Who Part 2

There are four key personages spoken of:
  1. God the Father
  2. God the Son
  3. God the Holy Spirit
  4. Satan/Devil
There are three places named:
  1. Heaven
  2. Earth
  3. Hell
There are three classes of people:
  1. Jew
  2. Gentile (Heathen)
  3. Believers
There is a progress of Revelation and Doctrine throughout the Scriptures:
  • The Patriarchs
  • The Judges (Who knew more)
  • The Prophets (Who knew more)
  • The Apostles (Who knew more)
  • Paul (to whom God revealed many Mysteries)

The Old Testament does not stand alone!
↠  The Church age is missing
The New Testament does not stand alone!
↠  Need Old Testament Prophecies

The Old conceals the New, The New reveals the Old!

Leviticus  :   Hebrews
Daniel       :   Revelation
Isaiah 53  :  The Gospels

The BIBLE (the Holy Scripture) isn’t Man’s book about God, it’s God’s book about Man.

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Good Works

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Do good works assure us a home in Heaven?

Here’s a list of where Good Works are mentioned in the New Testament.
Is there any mention of Good Works assuring us a place in Heaven?

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your {good works}, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
John 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many {good works} have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of {good works} and alms deeds which she did.
Romans 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to {good works}, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto {good works}, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
1 Timothy 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with {good works}.
1 Timothy 5:10 Well reported of for {good works}; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every {good work}.
1 Timothy 5:25 Likewise also the {good works} [of some] are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
1 Timothy 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in {good works}, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
2 Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all {good works}.
Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of {good works}: in doctrine [shewing] uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of {good works}.
Titus 3:8 [This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain {good works}. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Titus 3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain {good works} for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to {good works}:
1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] {good works}, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Salvation, or How to be Saved, is not mentioned anywhere!
The only thing that will get us to Heaven is Faith in the Shed Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 10:9-13
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Great Commission for the Body of Christ (The Church)

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Just what is the commission for the church? And what is the Gospel we are to preach? Is there a commission for the church?

The one found in the Gospels, given by the Lord Jesus was given to His Jewish disciples:

(Matthew 10:5) These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

And again, the resurrected Lord Jesus said to his Jewish, commanding them:(Acts 1:4) And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
(Acts 1:8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

But there is a commission given to the Apostle Paul to pass on to believers:
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Ambassadors, to share with unbelievers the home we have in heaven.
Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Make all see the mysteries that Paul revealed.
1 Timothy 2:3-4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Present salvation to all so they will come to the knowledge of the truth.
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:

Make know the true Gospel for the Grace period.
Romans 10:9-13 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.

Teach them how to call upon the Lord Jesus for salvation.
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.

Teach that Salvation is by Grace alone.
Titus 3:5-6 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

Stress that it, salvation, is only by HIS mercy.

That’s the commission given to Grace Age Believers.
The Commission given by the resurrected Lord will be fulfilled during the 7 year tribulation.

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Great Commission

Read Matthew 10, Mark 3:14-15

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This is the Lord Jesus calling his disciples (apostles) and commissioning to go forth and preach the Kingdom of God and giving them signs and wonders to prove who they were. Then after his resurrection he repeats the commission.

Matthew 28:18-20 (Mark 16:15-20, Luke 24:44-49) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
John 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Above is the scripture (Matt 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-20, Luke 24:44-49, John 20:23, Acts 1:8) pertaining to the “Great Commission” as claimed by Christendom today. But not Matthew 10 or Mark 3:14-15. Of course, it is pointed out that these were given to the disciples, while the Lord walked on the earth. Were not ALL of these given to the apostles?
Let’s put them together into one command to better understand the whole commission.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.

Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
And these signs shall follow them that believe;
In my name shall they cast out devils;
they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;
They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

The first from Matthew, Go(ing) into the world, baptizing and teaching all looks like something we should do. But what about the rest of the Commission?
And from Mark, Go(ing) into the world, preach the gospel is good. But baptizing for salvation? And then, what are the signs that are to follow? Cast out devils! Speak new Tongues! Take up (deadly) serpents! Drink deadly thing! Heal the sick! Is all of this part of your ministry? Some claim to do one or more BUT all were commissioned to all IF we are to believe this was the GREAT COMMISSION to the church. And from John. DO you have to power to forgive SIN?

Just what is the commission for the church? And what is the Gospel we are to preach?
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:
Romans 10:9-13 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.
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.
Titus 3:5-6 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

Study further: 2 Corinthians 5:20, Ephesians 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:3-4

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Called by GOD

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Every Pastor, Missionary and Christian worker would like to be able to say they were Called by God. In the Old Testament many individuals were spoken to and were called by God. But prior to the birth of Christ, there was 400 years of Silence. No word from God. No one called by God. And then in God’s time His promises were fulfilled.

Isaiah 7:9 were Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isaiah 9:6  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
 Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

At Age 30 The Lord Jesus began His earthly ministry.
The twelve apostles were called by God (Matthew 4:18-22, 10:14, Mark 3:13-14, Luke 6:13-16) although they probably didn’t understand it all, in fact later one turned against him (Matthew 26:48 Mark 14:43-44, Luke 22:47-48).

One man can really make the claim CALLED BY GOD. Saul of Tarsus. A devout Jew, very zealous for his religion. So zealous that he persecuted his fellow Jews who believed that Jesus was the Messiah. He chased, them from city to city, having them thrown into prison and even put to death.
Acts 22:3-5 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

Then, on his way to Damascus to continue his work, he met the risen Messiah and Saul became a believer.  (ACTS 9:3-6, 22:6-10, 26:12-18).
After a time in Damascus staying with one Ananias, where he received his sight back, he returned to Jerusalem to proclaim the truth of the Messiah. While at Jerusalem he was praying in the TEMPLE when Jesus again appeared to him face to face.
Acts 22:17-21 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.  And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:  And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.  And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

Now Saul, who later would be called Paul, truly was called by God.  But what about today? How can someone claim to be called by God? According to Scripture:
Hebrews 1:1-3 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:

God, the Lord Christ Jesus no longer auditability speaks to individuals nor does he appear physically to anyone. In fact, the next time believers will see him is in the air.
Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.)

It would appear that to be called by God it would come from reading, studying the holy scripture, attendance at a Bible preaching assembly where the word of God is expounded.
1 Corinthians 2:1-13 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 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. 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. 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.)

So, Pastors, Missionaries and Christian workers who are moved by the Holy Spirit through the reading, studying or hearing the word preached can truly say they were called by God into the ministry. But according to scripture, PAUL was the last one CALLED BY GOD, face to face.  

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Believer’s Benefits in Church Age

When an individual believes what it says in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (death,burial,resurrection) and follows the instructions given in
ROMANS 10:9-13 (believe,confess), that person becomes a BELIEVER.

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The following belong to EVERY BELIEVER:
The completed word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every believer. 1 Corinthians 6:19
The indwelling of Christ Jesus in every believer. Galatians 2:20,
Ephesians 3:17
The Law fulfilled and Sacrifices (animal) removed. Galatians 3:13,5:1,
Colossians 2:14
The proof positive of our eternal life. 1 Corinthians 5:12-19
The Communion Table. 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
We (gentiles) have obtained an inheritance. Ephesians 1:11
We (gentiles) have direct access to God. 1 Timothy 2:5,
Hebrews 4:14
We (gentiles) are ambassadors of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20
We (gentiles) have been given spiritual gifts. Galatians 1:11,12:6-8,
Ephesians 4:7
1 Corinthians 7:7,12:1-11
All the mysteries have been revealed to us. Matthew 13:35

MYSTERY OF:
Godliness 1 Timothy 3:16, Colossians 2:2
The Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 13:1-52
Christ Colossians 4:3, Ephesians 3:2-6
(7) Stars, Candlesticks, Churches Revelation 1:20, 2-3
Hid for Ages Galatians 2:20, Colossians 1:26-27
Blindness Galatians 11:25
Change 1 Corinthians 15:51,
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Iniquity 2 Thessalonians 2:7-9
Babylon Revelation 17:3-5
the Woman Revelation 17:7
Great Mystery Ephesians 5:32,
Revelation 19:7-9,21:9-10
His Will 1 Corinthians 15:24-28,
Ephesians 1:9-11, Revelation 21:1-2

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Crowns and Rewards

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Without a foundation there can be no Crowns or Rewards

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 Foundation and Rewards
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every 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. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
1 Corinthians 3:11The Foundation
Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
1 Corinthians 3:14The Reward
Matthew 10:41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 19:28-29 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. And … shall inherit everlasting life.
Incorruptible Crown1 Corinthians 9:25
For keeping “your own” body under control.
1 Corinthians 6:19, 7:23 you belong to God
Romans 6:12, 12:1 keep free from sin
Crown of Rejoicing1 Thessalonians 2:19
Jude 1:24 Our salvation
Ephesians 2:6, Phil 3:20 Our home
Crown of Righteousness2 Timothy 4:8
To them that love his appearing 1 John 3:7
Hebrews 9:28, 11:6 Seek Him
Titus 2:13 Look for Him
Crown of LifeJames 1:12
To them that love Him and overcome temptation
Revelation 2:10 Faithful unto death
1 Peter 1:6, 1 Corinthians 10:13
Crown of Glory1 Peter 5:4
Philippians 4:1 Teacher’s Crown, Those we bring to Christ
Crown of Gold Revelation 4:4
Revelation 4:10 CROWNS AND REWARDS

WATCH OUT – They can be LOST

2 John 8, Revelation 3:11
Reward of Inheritance
Colossians 3:4
Matthew 19:29 For Service
All will give an account of works
Romans 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10,
Philippians 2:7, Revelation 22:12

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In Christ

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Look at what believers have IN CHRIST:

In Romans we find we have: grace,redemption,no condemnation,free from the law,the love of God,
Romans 3:24, 8:1-2, 8:39, Romans 8 (Whole Chapter), 12:5
In Corinthians Paul tell us we are: sanctified, called saints, fools for Christ’s sake, wise in Christ, strong, honourable, made alive, triumphant, a new creature
1 Corinthians 1:2, 4:10, 15:22, 2 Corinthians 2:14, 5:17
And to the Galatians, who were trying to please God by obeying the Law, he reminds them of our: liberty, children of God, all one in Christ Jesus, a new creature. Galatians 2:4, 3:26, 3:28 , 6:15
Paul reminds the Ephesians of our position in Christ: all spiritual blessings, raised us up together, sit together in heavenly places, his workmanship, made nigh, fellow heirs, partakers of his promise Ephesians 1:3, 2:6, 2:10, 2:13, 3:6
And to the Philippians: saints, Let this mind be in you, brethren
Philippians 1:1 2:5 4:21
He tells Collossians, who they (we) are: saints, brethren, perfect in Christ Jesus: Colossians 1:2, 1:28
Instructing his son (in the Lord): a good degree, great boldness, promise of life, an holy calling, purpose and grace, salvation, live godly
1 Timothy 3:13 , 2 Timothy 1:1, 1:9, 2:1, 2:10, 3:12, 3:15

Philemon 1:6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

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Oath, Curse, Swear

Read Matthew 26:52-75

Matthew 26:72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
Matthew 26:74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

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OATH

There are two definitions for the word OATH:
-a solemn promise, often invoking a divine witness, regarding one’s future action or behavior.
-a profane or offensive expression used to express anger or other strong emotions.

Matthew 5:33  Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
Matthew 14:7  Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.
Matthew 14:9  And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath‘s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.
Matthew 26:72  And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
Mark 6:26  And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath‘s sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.
Luke 1:73  The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
Acts 2:30  Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
Acts 23:21  But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.
Hebrews 6:16-17  For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
Hebrews 7:20-21 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever …
Hebrews 7:28  For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
James 5:12  But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

In the text above it would appear to take an oath was to promise something.
As a believer, we should be very careful when we make an OATH.

And according to the Apostle Paul a believer should defiantly avoid filthy communication, bad language.

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Fornication

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fôrnəˈkāSH(ə)n
sexual intercourse between people not married to each other.

What does the word of God say about it?

1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
Ephesians 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
1 Corinthians 6:13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
1 Corinthians 7:2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
1 Corinthians 10:8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
1 Corinthians 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.
2 Corinthians 12:21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
Romans 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

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