Shalom John J. and all dear doves,
 

Thanks John J. for clarifying further the 'exception principle'.

There is NO real exception, only the 'appearance of an exception'.
Just as in marriage, there is no exception until death, once lawfully
consummated: we are to love our wives like Christ loved and gave His
Life for His Church.

"The Exception that proves The Rule."
http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/may2007/dwz510-4.htm

"RE: The Exception that proves The Rule"
http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/may2007/johnj511.htm

John 6:70,71 Jesus answered them,

   Have not I chosen you twelve,
   and (but/except) one of you is a devil?

He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon:
for he it was that should betray him,
being one of the twelve.
 

There are indeed MANY, who may to others, (or even to themselves),
appear to know Jesus, but in fact, have never ever really known Him.
And Judas is the prima facie example. So it is very vital for us all
to understand the significance of these words of Jesus:

Mt 7:22,23 Many will say to me in that day,

   Lord, Lord,
   have we not prophesied in thy name?
   and in thy name have cast out devils?
   and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them,

   I never knew you:
   depart from me,
   ye that work iniquity.
 

So saying  'Lord, Lord' is NOT conclusive by itself,
nor is to 'have prophesied' in the name of Jesus,
nor is to 'have cast out devils' in His Name,
neither is to have done, in His name, 'many wonderful works' ...

What then, is this 'iniquity' that (eventually) distinguishes the
'look-a-likes' from the 'real believers'?

Vital knowledge!  Does not scripture exhort us to make sure of our
calling and election?

2Pe 1:10  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your
calling and election sure: ...
 

There are many clues about how to 'make sure' all through Scripture,
but it is really quite simple. It is really a heart issue ... as God
sees and know our hearts.

Are our hearts being turned to love and trust Him, so that we want to
know exactly what He wants us to do? Are we beginning to realize that
He really does know, and want, ... the very best for us?

Or, is there a carelessness towards Jesus and His words so that we can
easily twist His words to our own meanings?

Jesus put it best and most simply:  If you love Me, keep my commandments.

So are we becoming more eager to find out exactly what He has
commanded?  Or do we replace 'His nomia' with our 'anoma' ... and thus
acknowledge that we are of those who deny that 'Jesus is Lord.' ?

Note that the word 'iniquity' is a translation of 'anomia' and is the
antithesis or substitution of another 'nomia'  for His 'nomia' ... the
actually teachings/ commandments of Jesus.
 

Now here are some 'bottom line' clues:

Mt 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter
into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father
which is in heaven.

Mt 18:35  So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye
from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Php 2:12,13  ... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

For it is God which worketh in you
both to will
and to do
of his good pleasure.

2Ti 2:19  Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having
this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that
nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Re 17:14  ... and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

Mt 22:13,14  Then said the king to the servants,

   Bind him hand and foot,
   and take him away,
   and cast him into outer darkness;
   there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

   For many are called,
   but few are chosen.
 

There is NO middle ground.  We either love God or hate Him.

De 7:9,10,11
Know therefore that the LORD thy God,
he is God, the faithful God,
which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him
and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

And repayeth them that hate him to their face,
to destroy them:
he will not be slack to him that hateth him,
he will repay him to his face.

Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments,
and the statutes,
and the judgments,
which I command thee this day,
to do them.

Joh 14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments.
 
 

Shalom shalom,

David
--
dwzavitz@gmail.com
http://www.geocities.com/dwzavitz