The Holy Bible.

     Ephesians 2:8, 9 ( KJV; 1611 EDITION ) read as follows:

"For by grace are ye saued, through faith, and that not of your selues : it is the gift of God : not of workes , lest any man should boast."

The Greek word ( Greek [ 5485 ] ) for the word "grace" in Ephesians 2:8 ( KJV, KJV; 1611 EDITION, and NKJV, for example ) is defined as follows:

"graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstr. or concr.; lit., fig. or spiritual; espec. the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude)."  [  See ABINGDON'S STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, S.T.D., LL.D., ABINGDON PRESS, NASHVILLE, Copyright, 1890, by JAMES STRONG, MADISON, N.J., ( A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek/New Testament with their Renderings in the King James Version, p. 104. ).  ]

With the above-listed definition of the word "grace" in mind, where in the Holy Bible do we see an example of this graciousness of manner or act?

     John 3:16 ( NKJV ) reads as follows:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

In John 3:16, we see the epitome of God's grace - God's graciousness of manner or act - toward the human race.  That is, God sent His Son Jesus Christ to this Earth ( see John 3:17, for example ).

     Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life ( see Hebrews 4:15, for example ) and was crucified on the cross of Calvary for the sins of mankind ( see Luke 23:26-49 ( especially verse 33, for example ) and Romans 6:10 ( NKJV - ". . . He died to sin once for all . . . ." - emphasis mine, R.E.W. ), for example ).  It was on this cross of Calvary where Jesus shed His cleansing blood ( see Matthew 26:28, John 1:29, and Revelation 1:5, for example ).  A person comes in contact with the blood of Christ when he or she is baptized by immersion in water, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of their sins ( see Acts 2:38, Acts 8:26-40 ( especially verses 36-39, for example ), Acts 22:16, and Romans 6:1-4 ( especially verses 3 and 4, for example ), for example ).

     With all of the above-mentioned information in mind, the word "grace," in this context, means that God has already done His part to provide the opportunity for salvation for everyone ( see 1 Timothy 2:3, 4 and recall Romans 6:10, for example ).  However, it is up to you to do your part to be saved - obedience to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ ( see Mark 16:16 and 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 ( especially verses 8 and 9, for example ), for example ).  See also James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10, for example.

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

     

The Holy Bible.

     Philippians 2:4 ( NKJV ) reads as follows:

"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."

The Greek word ( Greek [ 4648 ] ) for the word - "look" - in Philippians 2:4 ( KJV and NKJV, or the word - "looke" ( KJV; 1611 EDITION )) is defined as follows:

"to take aim at (spy), i.e. (fig.) regard" ( emphasis mine, R.E.W. ).  [  See  ABINGDON'S STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, S.T.D., LL.D., ABINGDON PRESS, NASHVILLE, Copyright, 1890, JAMES STRONG, MADISON, N.J., ( A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek/New Testament with their Renderings in the King James Version, p. 88. ).  ]

Furthermore, the word - "regard" - in the above-given definition is defined as follows ( sense 1 of this definition is assumed to be the appropriate sense ):

"v.t.   1  To look at or observe closely or attentively."  [  See NEW ILLUSTRATED WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY Including THESAURUS of SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS, PMC Publishing Company, Inc., 118 EAST 28th STREET, NEW YORK, NY  10016, dictionary portion: pages 1-1150, Copyright 1992, by J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, p. 814.  ]

     Moreover, the word - "responsibility" - is defined as follows ( senses 1 and 2 are assumed to be the appropriate senses of this definition ):

"n.   1  The state of being responsible or accountable.   2  That for which one is answerable; a duty or trust."  [  Ibid., p. 825 - emphasis mine, R.E.W.  ]

Also, the word - "responsible" - as it appears in the definition given immediately above, is defined as follows:

"adj.   1  Answerable legally or morally for the discharge of a duty, trust, or debt.   2  Having capacity to perceive the distinctions of right and wrong; having ethical discrimination.   3  Able to meet legitimate claims; having sufficient property or means for the payment of debts.   4  Involving accountability or obligation.   5  Denoting the status of a cabinet or ministry with respect to the legislative body to which it is answerable."  [  Ibid.  ]

Philippians 2:4 implies the concept of responsibility.  Christians ( see Acts 11:26, for example ) are commanded by God ( see Psalm 119:72, Ecclesiastes 12:13, and 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, for example ) to regard ( "To look at or observe closely or attentively" ( in a figurative sense )) not only our own interests, but also the interests of others.

     This concept of responsibility also applies to the government.  Consider the following quotation:

"Surrounding the royal court were such officials as 'the one who is over the house' a sort of Secretary of State or Prime Minister; the recorder who was a herald, press secretary, and chief of protocol combined; the chief scribe; counselors; priests; and prophets ( 1 Kings 4 ).  In addition, many attendants would minister to the king.  The king embodied the rule of the entire nation.  As he and his officials were just and faithful in ruling, the nation prospered.  As he and the officials were unjust, the nation suffered.  Likewise, the unjust actions of lesser officials ultimately was the responsibility of the king.  Thus the prophets accused the king of his actions and of the actions of those under him."  [  See  HOLMAN BIBLE DICTIONARY, BUTLER, TRENT C., PH.D., HOLMAN BIBLE PUBLISHERS, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, Copyright 1991 Holman Bible Publishers, p. 572.  ]
See also Romans 15:4, for example.

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

The Holy Bible.

     Psalm 79:11 ( KJV; 1611 EDITION ) reads as follows:

"Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee, according to the greatnesse of thy power :  preserue thou those that are appointed to die."

The Hebrew word ( Hebrew [ 616 ] ) for the word - "prisoner" - in Psalm 79:11 ( KJV, KJV; 1611 EDITION, and NKJV ) is defined as follows:

"for 615."  [  See ABINGDON'S STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, S.T.D., LL.D., ABINGDON PRESS, NASHVILLE, Copyright, 1890, by JAMES STRONG, MADISON, N.J., ( A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Hebrew Bible with their Renderings in the King James Version, p. 18. ).  ]

The word - "for" - in the above-given definition of Hebrew word ( Hebrew [ 616 ] ) is defined as follows ( sense 15 of this definition is assumed to be the appropriate sense ):

"prep. . . . . 15 As the equivalent to or requital of."  [  See NEW ILLUSTRATED WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY Including THESAURUS of SYNONYMS & ANTONYMNS, PMC Publishing Company, Inc., 118 EAST 28th STREET, NEW YORK, NY  10016, dictionary portion: pages 1-1150, Copyright 1992, by J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, p. 379.  ]

     With all of the above-mentioned information in mind, the definition of Hebrew word ( Hebrew [ 615 ] ) is given below ( it is also assumed that the phrase - "for 615" - as it is given in the definition of Hebrew word ( Hebrew [ 616 ] ), includes both the "etymology" and "radical meaning" portions of the definition of Hebrew word ( Hebrew [ 615 ] )):

"bound, i.e. a captive."  [  See ABINGDON'S STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, S.T.D., LL.D., ABINGDON PRESS, NASHVILLE, Copyright, 1890, by JAMES STRONG, MADISON, N.J., ( A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Hebrew Bible with their Renderings in the King James Version, p. 18. ).  ]

Moreover, in the entire New Testament, there is one Greek word ( Greek [ 1198 ] ) for the word - "prisoner."  For example, Ephesians 3:1 ( KJV; 1611 EDITION ) reads as follows:

"For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Iesus Christ for you Gentiles."

     The Greek word ( Greek [ 1198 ] ) is defined as follows:

"a captive (as bound)."  [  See ABINGDON'S STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, S.T.D., LL.D., ABINGDON PRESS, NASHVILLE, Copyright, 1890, by JAMES STRONG, MADISON, N.J., ( A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek/New Testament with their Renderings in the King James Version, p. 26. ).  ]

There are many people who want to claim freedom.  However, what these people usually mean, when they use the word - "freedom" - is the "freedom" to commit sin.

     The apostle Paul ( see Romans 1:1 ) recorded the following in Romans 6:16-18 ( NKJV ), namely:

"Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?  But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.  And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness."

Those people who want the "freedom" to commit sin are actually slaves of sin.  As a Christian ( see Acts 11:26, for example ), my goal in this life is to be a slave of righteousness ( with the ultimate goal being - "life eternal" ( see Matthew 25:46 ( KJV ), for example )).  As a Christian, I want to spend the rest of my life on earth being a prisoner - of Jesus Christ.

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

The Holy Bible.

     2 Samuel 22:6 ( KJV; 1611 EDITION ) reads as follows:

"The sorowes of Hell compassed me about:  the snares of death preuented me."

The Hebrew word ( Hebrew [ 7585 ] ) for the word - "Hell" - in 2 Samuel 22:6 is defined as follows:

"hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates."  [ See ABINGDON'S STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, S.T.D., LL.D., ABINGDON PRESS, NASHVILLE, Copyright, 1890, by JAMES STRONG, MADISON, N.J., ( A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Hebrew Bible with their Renderings in the King James Version, p. 147. ). ]

There is only one Hebrew word for the word - "hell" - in the Old Testament, namely, Hebrew [ 7585 ].

     However, in the New Testament, there are three different Greek words for the word - "hell."  For example, Matthew 5:22 ( KJV; 1611 EDITION ) reads as follows:

"But I say vnto you , that whosoeuer is angry with his brother without a cause , shall be in danger of the Iudgement : and whosoeuer shall say to his brother, Racha [ sic ], shal be in danger of the counsell: but whosoeuer shall say , Thou foole, shalbe in danger of hell fire."

The Greek word ( Greek [ 1067 ] ) for the word - "hell" - in Matthew 5:22 is defined as follows:

"valley of (the son of) Hinnom; gehenna (or Ge-Hinnom), a valley of Jerusalem, used (fig.) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment."  [ See ABINGDON'S STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, S.T.D., LL.D., ABINGDON PRESS, NASHVILLE, Copyright, 1890, by JAMES STRONG, MADISON, N.J., ( A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek/New Testament with their Renderings in the King James Version, p. 23. ). ]

     Matthew 11:23 ( KJV; 1611 EDITION ) reads as follows:

"And thou Capernaum, which art exalted vnto heauen , shalt be brought downe to hell : For if the mighty works which haue beene done in thee, had bin [ sic ] done in Sodome, it would haue remained vntill this day."

The Greek word ( Greek [ 86 ] ) for the word - "hell" - in Matthew 11:23 is defined as follows:

"properly unseen, i.e. "Hades" or the place (state) of departed souls."  [  Ibid., p. 6. ]

Finally, 2 Peter 2:4 ( KJV; 1611 EDITION ) reads as follows:

"For if God spared not the Angels [ sic ] that sinned , but cast them downe to hell , and deliuered them into chaines of darkness, to be reserued vnto iudgment :"

The Greek word ( Greek [ 5020 ] ) for the word - "hell" - in 2 Peter 2:4 is defined as follows:

"to incarcerate in eternal torment."  [ Ibid., p. 95. ]

     Thus, while there are some false teachers in this world who will wrongly claim that there is no hell, the Holy Bible clearly teaches the concept of hell, and that it is real.

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

The Holy Bible.

     Matthew 1:24, 25 ( KJV; 1611 EDITION ) read as follows:

"Then Ioseph, being raised from sleepe, did as the Angel of the Lord had bidden him, & tooke vnto him his wife: and knewe her not, till shee had brought forth her first borne sonne , and he called his name Iesus."

The Greek word ( Greek [ 2193 ] ) for the word - "till" - in Matthew 1:25 ( KJV, KJV; 1611 EDITION, and NKJV ) is defined as follows:

"a conjugate, preposition, and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)."  [  See ABINGDON'S STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, S.T.D., LL.D., ABINGDON PRESS, NASHVILLE, Copyright, 1890, by JAMES STRONG, MADISON, N.J., ( A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek/New Testament with their Renderings in the King James Version, p. 44. ).  ]

The word - "until" - in the above-mentioned definition is defined as follows:

"1  Up to the time of; till:  We will wait until midnight."  [  See NEW ILLUSTRATED WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY Including THESAURUS of SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS, PMC Publishing Company, Inc., 118 EAST 28th STREET, NEW YORK, NY  10016, dictionary portion: pages 1-1150, Copyright 1992, by J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, p. 1061.  ]

     The sentence - "We will wait until midnight." - associated with the above-mentioned definition of the word - "until" - is understood to mean that once midnight occurs, the number of people indicated by the word - "We" - will stop waiting.  Why is this observation being made?  In - THE NEW CATHOLIC ANSWER BIBLE ( NAB; REVISED EDITION, FIRESIDE CATHOLIC PUBLISHING, WICHITA, KANSAS, COPYRIGHT, 2011, 2006, 1987, 1981, BY DEVORE & SONS, INC., WICHITA KANSAS  67201, p. Q-1 ) - the following sentence occurs at the beginning of the last paragraph:

"Finally, when St. Matthew in his gospel says that Joseph 'had no relations with [Mary] until she bore a son' (1:25), he does not necessarily imply that such relations followed afterward."

     The claim made in the above-quoted sentence is a lie.  The false argument the Catholics make is that the word - "until" - to them means - "No, Joseph did not know Mary."  In reality, the word - "until" - basically means that, at some point in time ( once the circumstances were favorable for Joseph to know Mary ), Joseph did, in fact, know Mary.

     Thus, James, Joses, Juda, and Simon, and the sisters ( mentioned in Mark 6:3; KJV; 1611 EDITION ) were, in fact, the half-brothers and half-sisters of Jesus ( Mark 6:3 appears in a literal context ).  Therefore, Mary did NOT remain a virgin all her life, though the Catholics wrongly claim that she did.

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>
<Russell E. Willis>