HCDukes

Subject: Demons (Question 4) After you've read Dr. Wilson's essay on "Demonization and Deliverance in Jesus' Ministry" (in Appendix 2, do you think he proves his assertion that demonization describes a range of demon influence, rather than complete possession? Why or why not? Answer to Question 4: Yes, I believe Dr. Wilson proves his assertion that demonization describes a range of demon influences, rather than complete possession. In his essay, Dr. Wilson characterizes the 5 different degrees of demonic influences: 1) Temptation, 2) Influence, 3)Oppression, 4) Obsession and 5) Possession. I agree with his assessment, because demonization is a process that consist of several steps (5 to be exact). In his essay, Dr. Wilson gave biblical examples of how Satan had filled Ananias & Sapphira’s heart to lie to the Holy Spirit. And, how Satan had entered the heart of Judas to betray Jesus. Neither situation consisted of a complete obsession right away; but rather a gradual and methodological one. First, it starts with the temptation, which is then followed by the influence. After the influence takes root, it sprouts into oppression. Once the oppression starts to grow in the individual, it then morphs into obsession; which leads to the final step of possession of the person’s heart (i.e. having their heart filled by the demonic or satanic influence). Which drove Ananias & Sapphira; and Judas, to commit their ungodly acts of lying to the Holy Spirit and betraying Jesus. This led to the culmination of their hearts & minds being possessed and filled with the spirit of Satan (i.e. demonic possession).

Topic: Demons What is the relationship between Jesus' commission in Luke 4:18-19 and his ministry acts in Capernaum? In Luke 4:18-19 (NLT) it states “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come. ” In Capernaum, Jesus performed many miracles. The relationship of him performing miracles and his commission by God are directly related and forever intertwined - they are inseparable. These two events are forever linked together and it represents the divine order of how God equips those whom He sends out. When Jesus commissioned his disciples he taught them, trained them, then he equipped the with power and with authority with accompanying signs and wonders to let them know they were “set apart” from others. This is the divine anointing package that comes with the God ordained commission to God’s called and chosen vessels who are his: representatives, ambassadors, apostles, disciples, etc. in this dark world. Jesus' words were spoken with conviction and authority, compared to the scribes who often quoted commentaries from rabbis in the synagogue. What was the source of Jesus' conviction and authority? Jesus source of conviction and authority came from heaven above (His Heavenly Father). His divinity? His divinity came from the fact that he is the Son of God (the Word). In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God. Or something else? N/A. Should we expect conviction and authority to attend our own teaching? Yes (if we are called, chosen and sent) we should expect the exact same conviction & authority to attend our own teaching. Why? Because we have been commissioned and have been discipled, we have been trained, anointed by God, ordained by God, and equipped by the Holy Spirit, and eventually sent by God. Why do you think the demon oppressed man interrupted Jesus? He interrupted Jesus for many reasons: 1) He was fearful of being destroyed before his time. 2) He wanted to distract Jesus from teaching God’s truth about the Kingdom to the people. 3) He wanted to distract those in the audience from listening to Jesus words of truth and freedom. 4) He feared being cast out of the man; whom he was possessing and oppressing. After you've read Dr. Wilson's essay on "Demonization and Deliverance in Jesus' Ministry" (in Appendix 2, do you think he proves his assertion that demonization describes a range of demon influence, rather than complete possession? Why or why not? I’ll answer this question in a different entry. Why isn't recovery from demonic deception always instantaneous? It isn’t always instantaneous because the person must be willing to be delivered from the demonic oppression. What is the process of deliverance that a person must go through to come to full freedom? The process of deliverance is being totally surrendered & willfully surrendering one’s will to God - for God’s will to be done. Then, they must be filled with the Holy Spirit, and taught how live and how to close any and all doors that may be openings or entrances for demonic influences. And then they must always remain prayerful, staying in the word, living the word by faith & remaining watchful & vigilant. Give examples from your own life or experience on how deceptive and innocent involvement in sin can appear, and how terrible the consequences. While in college, I observed how many students were away from home for the very 1st time. This unchecked & unsupervised freedom caused a lot of irresponsible behaviors from students; who often tried alcohol or drugs or sex for the very first time. Also many outlandish risk taking task were invoked to join fraternities or sororities; which can often lead to life long addictions or accidents, that could possibly lead to life altering consequences that could forever shape a person’s life or destiny. Sometimes these deceptive or apparently innocent involvement can lead to death or multiple deaths from an accident or from poor decision making under the influence of alcohol, drugs or peer pressure. What will happen in your life if you toy with or nurture the temptations you have to sin? Toying with or nurturing temptations or sins can lead to a life long addiction(s), disease, health problem's or demonic strongholds. These poor spontaneous decisions can also lead to unforeseen consequences that can alter one’s destiny, their life goals, their opportunities and even their health (i.e. spiritual health, mental health, emotional health, physical health and financial health). What happens when sin and Satan get a foothold in your life? The above things, that I just mentioned can happen when Satan gets a foothold into someone’s life.

Topic: The Glorious Kingdom in Mount Sinai Q1. Describe the difference between (1) reputation glory, (2) derived glory, and (3) inherent glory. Which glory is involved when you praise God? Which glory is within you? A1. The difference between,(1) Reputation glory from, (2) Derived glory and (3) Inherent glory; is that with reputation glory, an individual is ascribing credit to God for all the wonderful & amazing things he’s doing or has done and will continue to do. Reputation glory, affirms and celebrates God’s reputation by giving Him praise, honor and glory. When a person gives their testimony about what the Lord has done in their life, it increases the faith of those hearing the person boast about the awesomeness of their God! This witness or testimony that we share with others, helps to promote, enhance, enrich and spread God’s reputation with the believer and non-believer in the world. Derived glory on the other hand, is a glory (from the source) that radiates or reflects unto an object, image or individual(s); like the sun rays beaming down on people lying on the sand at the beach. Moses absorbed some of God’s glory by being in His presence…which caused his face to glow. Inherent glory is God’s internal glory, He & Jesus is the very source of glory. Glory is His nature, He is self sustained by His own glory…because He is the very essence of glory. He is full of glory, God is glory personified, He is self sustained by His own glory. He is full of glory, irregardless of anyone ever testifying about His great exploits - via reputational glory or derived glory … because there is no one greater than God Almighty… who is the very source of glory! The glory that is involved when I praise God? Is reputation glory and derived glory (e.g. being in his presence…through praise & worship). The glory that is within me is God’s reflected/derived glory. And also, God’s inherent glory (because Jesus is in me and I am in Him; and Jesus is in God and God is in Jesus)… we are united in a oneness fellowship and union.

Topic: Rescued Q19. Ephesians 2:8 (AMP) “For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God;” 3 Question(s): 1)From what have we been rescued by God's grace? 2)How has God personally rescued you from your situation before Christ? 3)What did God's favor have to do with your salvation? Answer(s): 1)We have been rescued from eternal damnation/death/separation from God. 2)God’s prevenient grace rescued me from my self life, darkness and life of sin. God first sought me. 3)God’s favor had EVERYTHING to do with my salvation. Acts 4:12 say’s it all for me: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Topic: Gracious God Q2. Exodus 34:6 (AMP) “Then the LORD passed by in front of him, and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth (faithfulness);” ‭2 Question(s): 1)What do we learn about Yahweh's character in his self-revelation to Moses on Mount Sinai? 2)What does this have to do with grace? Answer(s): 1)We learn that the Lord speaks audibly and can be heard by man. We learn that He is LORD, and that The LORD God is also merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. ‭‭2)It has everything to do with grace! Exodus 34:6 shows us the loving kindness of our Heavenly Father God’s character. He’s LORD, He’s The LORD God (Father). Who’s: merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth toward us…. the epitome of Grace. Our Heavenly Father is so very personable, gentle, transparent, fearless, loving & thoughtful, toward’s us; so much so, that He wants to communicate with us and share with us the essence of his nature and being - without the fear of feeling vulnerable or being worried about someone taken advantage of his grace, mercy and goodness.

Topic: Grace (Charis) Q1. 1 Peter 5:10 (AMP) “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be].” 4 Question(s): 1)How does grace (Greek charis) differ from earning wages? 2)From earning favor by being good? 3)What is a helpful working definition of Biblical grace? 4)In what way does grace characterize "the God of all grace"? 4 Answer(s): 1)You have to work to earn wages. Grace, on the other hand is something you do not work for. Nor can you earn the unmerited favor or blessings of grace. 2)Grace, differs from earning favor for being good - in that, the recipient of grace, has not been good, nor have they done anything good, to receive favor… everything received by them, is undeserved (e.g. kindness and favor). 3)Biblical Grace, is a gift that is not deserved. Biblical Grace, isn’t something that is forced upon a person, a person must be willing to accept God’s most prized grace of all… His Son. Jesus is our Grace (from God), our victory, our gift of eternal life. In God’s kindness, he has given us the opportunity to share in the awesome, mind blowing, eternal limitless glory & benefits that comes by means of Jesus Christ. God calls us all to share in this glorious grace; but many will unfortunately choose not to accept or receive His gracious call or offer, for grace…many are called, but few are chosen. Everyone does not, willingly, choose to accept and receive God’s only begotten Son - Full of Grace and Mercy. 4)Grace characterizes, “the God of all grace” … by His Son, Jesus.

Topic: Deceitful Heart Q8. Jeremiah 17:9 ( AMP) “The heart is deceitful above all things And it is extremely sick; Who can understand it fully and know its secret motives? [Matt 13:15-17; Mark 7:21-23; Eph 4:20-24]” “FOR THIS NATION’S HEART HAS GROWN HARD, AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY HARDLY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE [tightly] CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART, AND TURN [to Me] AND I WOULD HEAL THEM [spiritually].’ [Is 6:9] But blessed [spiritually aware, and favored by God] are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. [Luke 10:23, 24] I assure you and most solemnly say to you, many prophets and righteous men [who were honorable and in right standing with God] longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” “For from within, [that is] out of the heart of men, come base and malevolent thoughts and schemes, acts of sexual immorality, thefts, murders, adulteries, acts of greed and covetousness, wickedness, deceit, unrestrained conduct, envy and jealousy, slander and profanity, arrogance and self-righteousness and foolishness (poor judgment). All these evil things [schemes and desires] come from within and defile and dishonor the man.” “But you did not learn Christ in this way! If in fact you have [really] heard Him and have been taught by Him, just as truth is in Jesus [revealed in His life and personified in Him], that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation].”‭‭ Question(s): 1)Is there good in humankind? 2)Are humans basically good or bad? Or both? 3)What are some of the ways a "deceitful heart" shows up in our lives and motivations? 4)If the heart is the innermost person, how does a "deceitful heart" corrupt us in a pervasive way? Answer(s): 1)Yes and No. Yes, there is good in man or humankind that has put on Christ (i.e. those who have been regenerated and renewed in nature). Conversely, there is No good in man or in humankind, for those who have not been regenerated or renewed in nature through Christ. 2)According to Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things And it is extremely sick; Who can understand it fully and know its secret motives. That tells me that humans are basically bad (due to their inherent sin nature). 3)They show up in all the unrighteous things we do. Whenever we do or say things from an impure heart and impure motives. 4)Because out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Also what is in the heart of a person comes through in their actions (what is done in the dark, comes to light).

Topic: Cheap Grace Q9. Question(s): 1)According to Bonhoeffer, what attitudes cheapen the understanding of grace in Christians? 2)Does "costly grace" mean we have to work for it? 3)What is costly about grace? Answer(s): 1)The attitudes that cheapen the understanding of grace in Christians according to Bonhoeffer are: A) Cheap grace (grace w/out price or grace w/out cost) “Grace as the data for our calculations means grace at the cheapest price” C) Grace without repentance or turning away from sin D) An intellectual assent to the idea that there is remission of sins found in the cross of Christ E) It is justification of sin without the justification of the sinner F) Grace we bestow on ourselves, it is not a gift of God G) Baptism without church discipline & communion without confession H) Grace without the cross (grace without Jesus) I) It forgives and blesses sin before it is committed (an enabler of sinful debauchery) 2)Costly grace isn’t something we have to work for to get; rather, it’s a life altering decision one has to make. The choice is ours and ours alone. We must decide between life eternal (i.e. costly grace) or eternal death and separation from God (i.e. cheap grace). 3)The one thing that makes grace so costly is death. It cost Jesus his life and it will cost us our life to follow him as disciples. Discipleship entails the following: A) Total submittal & Total surrender; and the forsaking of all to follow Jesus (i.e. taking up your cross daily (dying to self daily) and following Jesus the Christ. Obedience C) Allowing Christ to live in you and through you. D) Committing to living a disciplined life.

Topic: Gave His Son Q10. John 3:16 (AMP) “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.” Question(s): 1)How does John 3:16 display "favor that is neither earned nor deserved" without using the word 'grace'? 2)What is the relationship between grace and giving? 3)What motivates the gift in this verse? 4)How does this relate to grace? Answer(s): 1) A)God so loved the world, B)that He gave. C)He gave His only begotten Son. D)That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish E)But have everlasting life. 2) The relationship between grace and giving, is that, grace is giving that is totally undeserved and unwarranted. 3) The motivation behind the gift of giving is Love. God is Love! 4) Love in action is showing someone grace.

Topic: Unforgiving Servant Q12. Matthew 18:21-35 (AMP) “Then Peter came to Him and asked, “Lord, how many times will my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered him, “I say to you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven. “Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the accounting, one who owed him 10,000 talents was brought to him. But because he could not repay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and his children and everything that he possessed, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’ And his master’s heart was moved with compassion and he released him and forgave him [canceling] the debt. But that same slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began choking him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe!’ So his fellow slave fell on his knees and begged him earnestly, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’ But he was unwilling and he went and had him thrown in prison until he paid back the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and they went and reported to their master [with clarity and in detail] everything that had taken place.” “Then his master called him and said to him, ‘You wicked and contemptible slave, I forgave all that [great] debt of yours because you begged me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave [who owed you little by comparison], as I had mercy on you?’ And in wrath his master turned him over to the torturers (jailers) until he paid all that he owed. My heavenly Father will also do the same to [every one of] you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” Question(s): In what way does the king show grace in this parable? How does the forgiven servant withhold grace? Can we call ourselves Jesus' disciples if we withhold grace according to Matthew 18:35 and Matthew 6:12-15? “My heavenly Father will also do the same to [every one of] you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:35‬ ‭(AMP‬‬) And “‘And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment]. ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]’ [Luke 11:2-4] For if you forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others [nurturing your hurt and anger with the result that it interferes with your relationship with God], then your Father will not forgive your trespasses.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:12-15‬ ‭(AMP‬‬) Answer(s): 1)The King shows grace to the slave in the following ways: a)Canceling the debt of 10,000 talents, b) not selling him, his wife and his children and everything that he possessed. C)Showing compassion, patience, mercy, grace and forgiveness to the slave. 2)The forgiven servant withholds grace by: a) pursuing one of his fellow slaves who owned him 100 denarii; b) seized him and began assaulting him (choking him) and berating him saying (pay me what you owe me!). C) Showed no mercy or compassion to his fellow slave (unwilling to be patient and work with him for repayment). d) Extremely harsh, mean-spirited & wicked by throwing his fellow servant in prison. E) Keeping his fellow servant imprisoned until the entire debt was paid. 3)We cannot call ourselves Disciples (Followers of Christ if we do not forgive our brothers from our heart of their trespasses against us). Because, holding unto unforgiveness interferes with our relationship with God], and our Father will not forgive our trespasses.”

Topic: Prodigal Son Q13. Luke 15:11-31 (AMP) “Then He said, “A certain man had two sons. The younger of them [inappropriately] said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.’ So he divided the estate between them. [Deut 21:15-17] A few days later, the younger son gathered together everything [that he had] and traveled to a distant country, and there he wasted his fortune in reckless and immoral living. Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to do without and be in need. So he went and forced himself on one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. He would have gladly eaten the [carob] pods that the pigs were eating [but they could not satisfy his hunger], and no one was giving anything to him. [Jer 30:14] But when he [finally] came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough food, while I am dying here of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; [just] treat me like one of your hired men.” ’ So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe [for the guest of honor] and put it on him; and give him a ring for his hand, and sandals for his feet. [Gen 41:42; Zech 3:4] And bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let us [invite everyone and] feast and celebrate; for this son of mine was [as good as] dead and is alive again; he was lost and has been found.’ So they began to celebrate. “Now his older son was in the field; and when he returned and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. So he summoned one of the servants and began asking what this [celebration] meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But the elder brother became angry and deeply resentful and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. But he said to his father, ‘Look! These many years I have served you, and I have never neglected or disobeyed your command. Yet you have never given me [so much as] a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; but when this [other] son of yours arrived, who has devoured your estate with immoral women, you slaughtered that fattened calf for him!’ The father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” ‭Question(s): 1)What does the Parable of the Prodigal Son teach us about God? 2)About repentance? About grace? Answer(s): 1) It teaches us about the power of humility and grace. The Prodigal Son humbled himself, repented and went back to his Father who forgave him and welcomed him back with joy, a feast, a robe and a ring (i.e. grace in action). James 4:6 states …But He (God) gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 2) Reference answer above regarding repentance and grace.

Topic: Thief on the Cross Q14. Luke 23:39-43 (AMP) “One of the criminals who had been hanged [on a cross beside Him] kept hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us [from death]!” But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? We are suffering justly, because we are getting what we deserve for what we have done; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, [please] remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” Jesus said to him, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” [2 Cor 12:4; Rev 2:7]” ‭Question(s): How does the story of the thief on the cross illustrate salvation by faith? How does it show the triumph of grace over sin to those who don't deserve it? Answer(s): The story of the thief on the cross illustrate salvation by faith because in Romans 10:9-10 (AMP) it states: 9 because if you acknowledge andconfess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation. Even though he was a convicted criminal, sentenced to die, he acknowledged his wrongs and had Faith in who Jesus was as the Messiah. Even though he was guilty of death because of his sin, Jesus extended him grace and eternal life because of his faith and belief in Jesus.

Topic: Impossibility Q15. Luke 18:18-27 (AMP) “A certain ruler asked Him, “Good Teacher [You who are essentially and morally good], what shall I do to inherit eternal life [that is, eternal salvation in the Messiah’s kingdom]?” [Matt 19:16-29; Mark 10:17-30] Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is [essentially and morally] good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT MURDER, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT TESTIFY FALSELY, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER.’ ” [Ex 20:12-16; Deut 5:16-20] He replied, “I have kept all these things from my youth.” When Jesus heard this, He said to him, “You still lack one thing; sell everything that you have and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have [abundant] treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me [becoming My disciple, believing and trusting in Me and walking the same path of life that I walk].” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. Jesus looked at him and said, “How difficult it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man [who places his faith in wealth or status] to enter the kingdom of God.” And those who heard it said, “ Then who can be saved?” But He said, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.” [Gen 18:14; Jer 32:17]” ‭Question(s): How does the story of the rich young ruler show the impossibility of salvation without a miracle of God? Why does Jesus use a rich and outwardly righteous man to make this point? Where does grace show through? Answer(s): 1) Without Faith, the Belief and Trust in Jesus (it is impossible to attain salvation). 2)He uses a rich and outwardly righteous person man to make this point, because most of us are very similar to him. In that, we all hold on to something (very dear to us) that is very hard to let go of and fully trust the Lord with our all. 3) Grace shows through, because what appears Impossible with people becomes possible with God - when we decide to choose to have faith, trust and belief in what Jesus tells us versus what we see with our eyes and in the material world.

Topic: Good or Bad Q16. Romans 3:22-23 (AMP) “This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction, [1 Cor 12:13; Gal 3:28] since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God,” ‭Romans 5:12-14 (AMP) “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, so death spread to all people [no one being able to stop it or escape its power], because they all sinned. Sin was [committed] in the world before the Law [was given], but sin is not charged [against anyone] when there is no law [against it]. Yet death ruled [over mankind] from Adam to Moses [the Lawgiver], even over those who had not sinned as Adam did. Adam is a type of Him (Christ) who was to come [but in reverse—Adam brought destruction, Christ brought salvation]. [Gen 5:5; 7:22; Deut 34:5]” Isaiah 64:6 (AMP) “For we all have become like one who is [ceremonially] unclean [like a leper], And all our deeds of righteousness are like filthy rags; We all wither and decay like a leaf, And our wickedness [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing], like the wind, takes us away [carrying us far from God’s favor, toward destruction]. [Lev 13:45, 46]” Jeremiah 17:9 (AMP) “The heart is deceitful above all things And it is extremely sick; Who can understand it fully and know its secret motives? [Matt 13:15-17; Mark 7:21-23; Eph 4:20-24]” ‭“FOR THIS NATION’S HEART HAS GROWN HARD, AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY HARDLY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE [tightly] CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART, AND TURN [to Me] AND I WOULD HEAL THEM [spiritually].’ [Is 6:9] But blessed [spiritually aware, and favored by God] are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. [Luke 10:23, 24] I assure you and most solemnly say to you, many prophets and righteous men [who were honorable and in right standing with God] longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” Matthew‬ ‭13:15-17‬ ‭AMP‬‬ “For from within, [that is] out of the heart of men, come base and malevolent thoughts and schemes, acts of sexual immorality, thefts, murders, adulteries, acts of greed and covetousness, wickedness, deceit, unrestrained conduct, envy and jealousy, slander and profanity, arrogance and self-righteousness and foolishness (poor judgment). All these evil things [schemes and desires] come from within and defile and dishonor the man.” Mark‬ ‭7:21-23‬ ‭AMP‬‬ “But you did not learn Christ in this way! If in fact you have [really] heard Him and have been taught by Him, just as truth is in Jesus [revealed in His life and personified in Him], that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation]. Eph‬ ‭4:20-24‬ ‭AMP‬‬ Question(s): Is humankind basically "good" because of the image of God in us? Or basically evil because of deceitful hearts and our corrupt nature ("flesh") that is "bent to sinning"? Answer(s): All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The heart of man is deceitful above all things. Our sin nature is bent on sinning.

Topic: Redeemed Q17. Romans 3:24 (AMP) “and are being justified [declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] grace, through the redemption [the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (AMP) “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is within you, whom you have [received as a gift] from God, and that you are not your own [property]? You were bought with a price [you were actually purchased with the precious blood of Jesus and made His own]. So then, honor and glorify God with your body.” 1 Peter 1:17-19 (AMP)“If you address as Father, the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in [reverent] fear [of Him] and with profound respect for Him throughout the time of your stay on earth. For you know that you were not redeemed from your useless [spiritually unproductive] way of life inherited [by tradition] from your forefathers with perishable things like silver and gold, but [you were actually purchased] with precious blood, like that of a [sacrificial] lamb unblemished and spotless, the priceless blood of Christ. [Lev 22:20]” ‭‭Question(s): 1) In what sense have we been redeemed from slavery? 2) What slavery have we been freed from? 3) What was the price of our manumission or freedom? 4) In what sense are we free? 5)In what sense are we still slaves? Answer(s): 1) We have been redeemed from the enslavement of sin. 2) We have been freed from the slavery of the quilt of sin and death. 3)The price of our manumission or freedom was purchased with the precious blood of Jesus. 4) We were bought with a price (the blood of Jesus). Jesus paid for our freedom. We are not our own property - we belong to God. 5) We are in a sense, still slaves (God owns us, because of the purchase, that was made with the blood of Jesus). We are still in bondage (as slaves), UNLESS we ACCEPT the grace (free gift) of God - this righteousness of God comes through FAITH in Jesus Christ for all those [Jews or Gentiles] who believe [and trust in Him, and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. Jesus is our life giving sacrifice of atonement & reconciliation, by His blood, through FAITH. Jesus justifies us, and others, who have FAITH in Him, and who RELY confidently on HIM as Their SAVOIR!