Cognitive dissonance

Cognitive dissonance, in psychology, is the mental stress experienced by an individual who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the same time. This stress may also arise within an individual who holds a belief and performs a contradictory action.

One example is when a person knows smoking is harmful but continues to do it.

"The existence of dissonance, being psychologically uncomfortable, will motivate the person to try to reduce the dissonance and achieve consonance."

One tactic that is used includes avoidance or denial of some truth, or belief. More dramatic denial could include the rejection of a memory of a traumatic nature that produces discomfort or feelings of relived stress.

"When dissonance is present, in addition to trying to reduce it, the person will actively avoid situations and information which would likely increase the dissonance."

Any other memory or idea or belief or even a person, place, or thing that is associated with the traumatic event may also be rejected or suppressed.

Not only does the mind develop a habit of denial they may typically when people will attempt to blot out the stress or the pain of it with a variety of addictions. Some of these addictions may have less or greater side effects.

Music, movies, mind-altering drugs, alcohol, tobacco, food, judgment or numerous other things will be used by people who claim or feel that it helps them "deal with stress".

The reason they reach for these outside things is to avoid dealing with the internal stress and the cause of it. The refusal to come to peace with the past trauma may drag the event into the present where the denial will effect observations, perceptions, and choices in a narrow, negative, or restrictive manner.

The inconsistencies in perception can lead to bad choice which may even be destructive to our relationships and even to ourselves. They may compound themselves in self destructive behavior if left unresolved.

Obvious manifestation may come in the form of phobias, or spontaneous anxiety that is seemingly unreasonable generated. More subtle effects of this internal denial is the avoidance of people, places, or activities while at the same time being drawn to others.

In relationships you may be drawn to certain types of people or avoid certain conversations concerning topics that may or may not seem to be related to the original trauma. This choice or habit of avoidance or denial may unknowingly sabotage relationships especially if the friend or family member has problems, phobias, compulsive behaviors also.

We simply become less capable of dealing with present stresses because of unresolved issues with stress of the past. Symptoms of this internal conflict may include mood everything from temporary mood swings to severe depression and may be reduced or enhanced by a variety of conditions or circumstances.

Resolution

There are several things that should be considered in overcoming the ill effects of these symptoms which we may experience as depression and anxiety disorders, including paranoia, phobias, PTSD, panic attacks, and even obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD).

The human mind and body are complex interactive institutions of creation which must function in the world and society adding additional layers of complexity. But there are some common basics, fundamental characteristics, and general principals that may aid anyone in a quest for resolution and an ultimate relief.

An ultimate relief is not a relief from the symptom but a resolution of the cause in the sense of an unraveling and rectification through a disentanglement which leads to a truthful clarification and conclusion.

Seeking groups, conventions, or crowds of people who will think like you and assure you that you are okay despite the stress you have can create an addictive dependence. Because of the conflict between what you want to believe is true and what you are doing is causing you more stress, you will seek anything that might give you relief without consideration of the potential side effects.

Cognitive dissonance, in psychology, is the mental stress that results from internal hypocrisy which is defined as "the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform; pretense."

Another example is when people continue to sin but want to believe they are saved from sin. This would mean that most churches promote the continuation of Cognitive dissonance by seeking to make people comfortable with their common hypocrisy

There is a cognitive dissidence in modern religions because they want to believe they are "saved" or "blessed" or "accepted".

It is simply not righteous or a Christ thing to do to send men to your neighbor's house and force your neighbor to contribute because you have no coat or need healthcare or want free education for your children. It is not loving your neighbor. It is coveting your neighbor's life and goods.

Such activities will make you a human resource or, as Peter calls it, merchandise. What should have been for your welfare will become a snare… as Paul and David wrote.

The fact is people are under a strong delusion. They often imagine they are saved and born again while they are not doing what Christ said. It is not loving your neighbor as Moses and Jesus said but coveting as was forbidden by most religions.

Yet religious people today seek the benefits of those gods of the world and apply for benefits from men who call themselves benefactors but exercise authority by taking from their neighbor to provide those benefits.

To desire those benefits at the expense of your neighbor, rich or poor, is the definition of coveting. This desire and hunger for security and benefits at the expense of others creates a cognitive dissonance.

Solutions and Therapy

Some social psychologists have argued that the act of freely choosing a specific therapy, together with the effort and money invested by the client in order to continue to engage in the chosen therapy, "positively influences the effectiveness of therapy."^[1]

Neuro-linguistic programming or NLP is a way of changing someone's thoughts and behaviors to help achieve desired outcomes for them. It has become popular and widespread since the 1970s. Simply put it is a psychological approach that involves analyzing strategies used by individuals relating to thoughts, language, and patterns of behavior learned through experience or practices to achieve certain specific outcomes or goals. It is client oriented.

Cognitive therapy and behavior therapy, when packaged together, are often termed Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and even severe mental illness.

Both of these therapies are about changing the mind or the way we think which is what repentance is also about.

What in the Bible might relate to these therapies?

Some say that Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 10:4 - 5 are supportive texts for the cognitive-behavioral approach. There is much more that might be considered as coaching us to alter our patterns of thought. John 8:44); if our minds are not firmly grounded in truth, then we are more susceptible to his deceptions.^[2]

When an individual has a right and exercises a right to act on their own behalf or the behalf of others the result is a release from the compulsion caused by cognitive dissonance.

While there is evidence that continuous conflict will have effects on the brain itself, there is no doubt that cognitive dissonance will influence an individual's attitude and behavior.

There are numerous theories that challenge cognitive dissonance like Bem's Self-perception theory, Heider's Balance theory, Cost-benefit analysis and Self-discrepancy or Averse consequences theory.

All these are modern scientist's own term of cognitive dissonance seem to give credence to the fact that the selfish nature of man, which may be the source of all the problems of society can only be overcome with a consistent therapeutic practice of unselfish investment in the future and forgiveness. The idea of forgiving was taught by Christ and all the prophets. Forgiveness requires that at the very least we sacrifice judgement and the desire to judge found in the warnings of Christ and the apostles.

The only way to test forgiveness is through freewill sacrifice called charity with little hope of direct return. We see this principle expressed in the modern "pay it forward"^[3] movement to "Cast thy bread upon the waters" directive of Ecclesiastes.^[4]

The birth of the lie

or Download Freedom of Religion and the free exercise

"And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:" 2 Thessalonians 2:11

"Most people do not have a problem with you thinking for yourself, as long as your conclusions are the same as or at least compatible with their beliefs." Mokokoma Mokhonoana

How can people observe the same events and come to opposing conclusions about what is happening, their significance and their likely effect?

It could be because of inadequate observation, ignorance of how things work, or it could be cognitive dissonance. All of these have to do with the eye of the beholder.

The term cognitive dissonance is used to describe the mental discomfort that results from holding two conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes. This conflict causes feelings of uneasiness, discomfort or even pain because of mental stress, through which high levels of dissonance put us at risk for anxiety and depression or other fear based disorders like peranoia, phobia, or PTSD.

All of these disorders have at least one common denomenator which is denial.

What is it we are unwilling to see that keeps us prisoners of our thinking? Be

Because our mind and body are an interdependent unit of life these conflicts can also contribute to physical illness.

The term cognitive dissonance developed in the 1950s by American social psychologist, Dr. Leon Festinger.

"Cognitive dissonance, the mental conflict that occurs when beliefs or assumptions are contradicted by new information. The unease or tension that the conflict arouses in people is relieved by one of several defensive maneuvers: they reject, explain away, or avoid the new information; persuade themselves that no conflict really exists; reconcile the differences; or resort to any other defensive means of preserving stability or order in their conceptions of the world and of themselves." ^[5]

The conflict divides the mind and conquers the soul, "one part of them knows the truth but another part of them is so invested in seeing things a different way that they don't allow themselves to see reality."

Dorothy Martin receiving messages the Planet Clarion predicted on Dec 21, 1957 the world will be destroyed and some will be saved by flying saucers. When it did not happen instead of being embarrassed by their gullible error they wanted to get the story out that they had saved the planet through their faith.

This suggested they would not face the pain of the uncomfortable truth. Their minds were again overcome by the desire to 'make minds comfortable' - to rationalize the inconsistencies.

The one the recording we share the story of The one dollar lie. Vs $20 lie presented by Festinger & Carlsmith in 1959 Lied but was well paid.

Chinese used this in brainwashing technique on Americans during the Korean war.

"Emotional reasoning is the cognitive distortion that happens when we try to justify our emotional reactions using a neat narrative that seems to fit our value system or ideology"

People justify violence (even killing) by demonizing and dehumanizing their victim. Like the teacher who yelled death threats from her car toward people protesting the shutdown during the COVID hysteria.

Dr.Drew Westen PhD, at Emory University in Atlanta Did MRIs scans of the brains of staunch Democrats and staunch Republicans and found a decrease in activity in the reasoning part of the brain when they read damning information about their favorite politician.

It appears that any form of cognitive dissonance stimulates the brain to literally think less.

When there is a discrepancy between your beliefs and your behavior we will often compensate with rational manipulation of facts or their denial.

But learning to be willing to suffer pain and humility of being wrong may be the first step towards real self-knowledge.

The 'self-esteem industry' encourages people to seek relief from cognitive dissonance through rationalization, repetition, denial of our faults and frailties in a sort of personal brainwashing.

Cognitive dissonance is the mental stress experienced by an individual who wants to believe a lie is the truth. Willingness to suffer the pain of seeing the truth comes with the willingness to sacrifice for others. The humble heart is willing to endure the pain of the truth. The loving heart embraces it.

2 Thessalonians 2

1 "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together^[6] unto him,
2 That ye be not soon shaken^[7] in mind, or be troubled,^[8] neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand."
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son^[9] of perdition^[10];
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

Comments Chapter 2
This warning in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 of being deceived or troubled in the mind is about a conflict while waiting for the day of Christ, the anointing of our hearts and minds as priest faith and not fear^[11], is at hand for all of us who continue in the way and gather together as Jesus commanded.
Understanding the Christian conflict with Rome and its government supported Temples, the teachings of God concerning the error in the thinking and practices of the Nicolaitan and Balaam can help us grasp the difference between Pure Religion and public religion which like the Corban of the Pharisees makes the word of God to none effect.
Understanding also the "mystery of iniquity" in verse 6 of who the workers of iniquity are, what the wages of unrighteousness consists of, and the difference between the mammon of righteousness and unrighteousness which includes the praying to the fathers of the earth for our daily bread and our Father in Heaven may challenge our delusions the wantonness and deceivableness of the systems of the world that operate by way of force, fear and fealty and the Kingdom of God that operates by faith, hope and charity through the perfect law of liberty.
Can we refuse to see these differences and the conflict with the covetous practices of modern Christians and the love and charity of the early Christians? If we follow the Modern Church rather than The Way of Christ and the early Church shall we not be made blind?
Download Recording 2 Thessalonian 2 Keys or press play

6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7 For the mystery^[12] of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [will let], until he be taken out of the way.
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power^[13] and signs^[14] and lying^[15] wonders^[16],
10 "And with all deceivableness^[17] of unrighteousness^[18]^[19] in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth^[20], that they might be saved. ^[21]^[22]
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned^[23] who believed not the truth, but had pleasure^[24] in [[[reward of unrighteousness|unrighteousness]].^[18]"
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth^[25]:

14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast^[26], and hold the traditions^[27] which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

↑ Cooper, J., & Axsom, D. (1982). Integration of clinical and social psychology. Oxford University Press.
↑ James 2:14 and how our beliefs affect our behaviors or our behavior effects our beliefs. While God may love us in our present imperfection (Ephesians 2:1-10; Colossians 2:13; Romans 5:6-8) the effect of that love may cause a different effect. To repent seems to be a part of that "be you perfect" followed by an action word of seek, persevere and strive.
↑ Pay it forward is an expression for describing the beneficiary of a good deed repaying the kindness to others instead of to the original benefactor. The concept is old, but the particular phrase may have been coined by Lily Hardy Hammond in her 1916 book In the Garden of Delight.
↑ Ecclesiastes 11:1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
↑ https://www.britannica.com/science/cognitive-dissonance
↑ 1997 ~ἐπισυναγωγή~ episunagoge \@ep-ee-soon-ag-o-gay’\@ from 1996; n f AV-gathering together 1, assembling together 1; 2 1) a gathering together in one place 2) the (religious) assembly (of Christians)
↑ 4531 σ αλεύω saleuo [sal-yoo’-o] from 4535; v; TDNT-7:65,996; [{See TDNT 698 }] AV-shake 10, move 1, shake together 1, that are shaken 1, which cannot be shaken + 3361 1, stir up 1; 15
1) a motion produced by winds, storms, waves, etc
1a) to agitate or shake

1b) to cause to totter

1c) to shake thoroughly, of a measure filled by shaking its contents together

2) to shake down, overthrow
2a) to cast down from one’s (secure and happy) state

2b) to move, agitate the mind, to disturb one
↑ 2360 θροέω throeo [thro-eh’-o] from θρεομαι threomai (to wail); v; AV-trouble 3; 3
1) to cry aloud, make a noise by outcry
1a) in the NT, to trouble, frighten

1b) to be troubled in mind, to be frightened, alarmed
↑ Template:5207
↑ 684 ~ἀπώλεια~ apoleia \@ap-o’-li-a\@ from a presumed derivative of 622; n f AV-perdition 8, destruction 5, waste 2, damnable 1, to die + 1519 1, perish + 1498 + 1519 1, pernicious 1; 20
1) destroying, utter destruction
1a) of vessels

2) a perishing, ruin, destruction
2a) of money

2b) the destruction which consists of eternal misery in hell
↑ 1 Samuel 2:35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, [that] shall do according to [that] which [is] in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.
↑ 3466 ~μυστήριον~ musterion \@moos-tay’-ree-on\@ from a derivative of muo (to shut the mouth); n n AV-mystery 27; 27
1) hidden thing, secret, mystery
1a) generally mysteries, religious secrets, confided only to the initiated and not to ordinary mortals

1b) a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to the understanding

1c) a hidden purpose or counsel
1c1) secret will

1c1a) of men

1c1b) of God: the secret counsels which govern God in dealing with the righteous, which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men but plain to the godly

2) in rabbinic writings, it denotes the mystic or hidden sense
2a) of an OT saying

2b) of an image or form seen in a vision

2c) of a dream
see | Mysteries of the Universe
↑ 1411 ~δύναμις~ dunamis \@doo’-nam-is\@ from 1410 meaning to be able; TDNT-2:284,186; {See TDNT 201} n f AV-power 77, mighty work 11, strength 7, miracle 7, might 4, virtue 3, mighty 2, misc 9; 120
1) strength power, ability
1a) inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth

1b) power for performing miracles

1c) moral power and excellence of soul

1d) the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth

1e) power and resources arising from numbers

1f) power consisting in or resting upon armies, forces, hosts

For Synonyms see entry 5820
↑
4592 σημεῖον semeion [say-mi’-on] from a presumed derivative of the base of 4591 semaino the verb to give a sign or to make known; n n; TDNT- 7:200,1015; [{See TDNT 707 }] AV-sign 50, miracle 23, wonder 3, token 1; 77
1) a sign, mark, token
1a) that by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others and is known

1b) a sign, prodigy, portent, i.e. an unusual occurrence, transcending the common course of nature
1b1) of signs portending remarkable events soon to happen

1b2) of miracles and wonders by which God authenticates the men sent by him, or by which men prove that the cause they are pleading is God’s
- 1411 δύναμις dunamis is also translated miracle 7 times but power 77 times.
↑ 5579 ψεῦδος pseudos [psyoo’-dos] from 5574; n n; TDNT-9:594,1339; [{See TDNT 852 }] AV-lie 7, lying 2; 9
1) a lie

2) conscious and intentional falsehood

3) in a broad sense, whatever is not what it seems to be
3a) of perverse, impious, deceitful precepts
↑ 5059 τέρας teras [ter’-as] of uncertain affinity; n n; TDNT-8:113,1170; [{See TDNT 788 }] AV-wonder 16; 16
1) a prodigy, portent

2) miracle: performed by any one
↑ 539 ~ἀπάτη~ apate \@ap-at’-ay\@ from 538; TDNT-1:385,65; {See TDNT 82} n f AV-deceitfulness 3, deceitful 1, deceit 1, deceivableness 1, deceivings 1; 7
1) deceit, deceitfulness
↑ ^18.0 ^18.1 93 ~ἀδικία~ adikia \@ad-ee-kee’-ah\@ from 94; TDNT-1:153,22; {See TDNT 23} n f AV-unrighteousness 16, iniquity 6, unjust 2, wrong 1; 25
1) injustice, of a judge

2) unrighteousness of heart and life

3) a deed violating law and justice, act of unrighteousness
↑ Righteousness vs Unrighteousness
Luke 16:9 "And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations."

Matthew 5:19 "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."

2 Corinthians 6:14 "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”

1 Corinthians 6:9 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."

2 Timothy 3:1 "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

Romans 1:18 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,"

Romans 2:8 "But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,"

2 Thessalonians 2:10 "And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:"

Jeremiah 22:13 "Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; [that] useth his neighbour’s service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;"

2 Peter 2:13 "And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness<3408>, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness<3408 >;"

Acts 1:18 "Now this man purchased a field with the reward <3408> of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out."

Jude 1:11 "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward <3408>, and perished in the gainsaying of Core."
↑ No truth
Proverbs 14:22 "Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth [shall be] to them that devise good.: John 5:47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?"

1 John 2:4 "He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."

1 John 1:6 "If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth;"

1 John 4:6 "We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error."

John 8:44 "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

John 14:17 " that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you."

1 John 3:6 "No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him."

2 Timothy 2:25 "with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,"

Romans 1:18 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,"

Romans 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

2 Thessalonians 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
↑ Hear and see
Genesis 42:22 And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.

Deuteronomy 29:4 Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.

1 Samuel 8:18 And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.

Judges 10:14 "Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.

Ezekiel 12:2 "Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they [are] a rebellious house."

Proverbs 20:12 ¶ "The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them."

Isaiah 1:15 "And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

Isaiah 6:9 ¶ "And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. 10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed."

Isaiah 59:2 "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear."

Isaiah 65:12 "Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose [that] wherein I delighted not."

Matthew 13:11 "He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."

Jeremiah 25:4 "And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending [them]; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear. 5 They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever: 6 And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them..."

Matthew 10:14 "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet."

Mark 6:11 "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."

John 8:43 "Why do ye not understand my speech? [even] because ye cannot hear my word."

John 12:38 "That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? 39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with [their] eyes, nor understand with [their] heart, and be converted, and I should heal them."

Acts 28:26 "Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: 27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."

Romans 11:7 "What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded 8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. 9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: 10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway."

2 Corinthians 3:15 "But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart."

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:

2 Thessalonians 2:10 "And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:"
↑ Might be saved
John 3:17 “‭17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

John 5:34 “‭34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.”

Romans 10:1 “‭1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.”

1 Thessalonians 2:16 “‭16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.”

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 “‭10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. ‭11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: ‭12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
↑ 2919 ~κρίνω~ krino \@kree’-no\@ perhaps a primitive word; TDNT-3:921,469; {See TDNT 412} v AV-judge 88, determine 7, condemn 5, go to law 2, call in question 2, esteem 2, misc 8; 114
1) to separate, put asunder, to pick out, select, choose

2) to approve, esteem, to prefer

3) to be of opinion, deem, think, to be of opinion

4) to determine, resolve, decree

5) to judge
5a) to pronounce an opinion concerning right and wrong
5a1) to be judged, i.e. summoned to trial that one’s case may be examined and judgment passed upon it

5b) to pronounce judgment, to subject to censure
5b1) of those who act the part of judges or arbiters in matters of common life, or pass judgment on the deeds and words of others

6) to rule, govern
6a) to preside over with the power of giving judicial decisions, because it was the prerogative of kings and rulers to passjudgment

7) to contend together, of warriors and combatants
7a) to dispute

7b) in a forensic sense
7b1) to go to law, have suit at law
↑ 2106 εὐδοκέω eudokeo [yoo-dok-eh’-o] from 2095 and 1380; v; TDNT-2:738,273; [{See TDNT 269 }] AV-be well pleased 7, please 5, have pleasure 4, be willing 2, be (one’s) good pleasure 1, take pleasure 1, think good 1; 21
1) it seems good to one, is one’s good pleasure
1a) think it good, choose, determine, decide

1b) to do willingly

1c) to be ready to, to prefer, choose rather

2) to be well pleased with, take pleasure in, to be favourably inclined towards one
↑ Spirit and Truth
Psalms 31:5 "Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth."

John 4:23 "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him."

John 4:24 "God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth."

John 14:17 "[Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."

John 15:26 "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:"

John 16:13 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."

Ephesians 1:13 "In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,"

Ephesians 5:9 "(For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)"

2 Thessalonians 2:13 "But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:"

1 Peter 1:22 "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:"

1 John 4:6 "We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error."

1 John 5:6 "This is he that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth."
↑ Stand fast in liberty
not entangled nor snared
Galatians 5:1 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

Philippians 1:27 "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;"

Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, [my] dearly beloved.

1 Thessalonians 3:8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Romans 11:9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and a recompence unto them: 10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

Luke 21:35 "For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."
↑ Traditions
Matthew 15:2 "Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition <3862> of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition <3862>?"

Matthew 15:6 "And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition <3862>."

Mark 7:3 "For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash [their] hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition <3862> of the elders."

Mark 7:5 "Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition <3862> of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?"

Mark 7:8 "For laying aside the commandmentof God, ye hold the tradition <3862> of men, [as] the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition <3862>. 10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: 11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, [It is] Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; [he shall be free]. 12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; 13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition <3862>, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye."

1 Corinthians 11:1 "Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances <3862>, as I delivered [them] to you. 3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God."

Galatians 1:14 "And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions <3862> of my fathers."

Colossians 2:8 "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition <3862> of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

2 Thessalonians 2:15 "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions <3862> which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle."

2 Thessalonians 3:6 "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition <3862> which he received of us."

Psalms 33:10 "The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices <מַחְשְׁב֥וֹת 04284 maḥšəḇōṯ> of the people of none effect."

Footnotes

[1] Cooper, J., & Axsom, D. (1982). Integration of clinical and social psychology. Oxford University Press.

[2] James 2:14 and how our beliefs affect our behaviors or our behavior effects our beliefs. While God may love us in our present imperfection (Ephesians 2:1-10; Colossians 2:13; Romans 5:6-8) the effect of that love may cause a different effect. To repent seems to be a part of that "be you perfect" followed by an action word of seek, persevere and strive.

[3] Pay it forward is an expression for describing the beneficiary of a good deed repaying the kindness to others instead of to the original benefactor. The concept is old, but the particular phrase may have been coined by Lily Hardy Hammond in her 1916 book In the Garden of Delight.

[4] Ecclesiastes 11:1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

[5] ttps://www.britannica.com/science/cognitive-dissonance

[6] 1997 ~ἐπισυναγωγή~ episunagoge \@ep-ee-soon-ag-o-gay’\@ from 1996; n f AV-gathering together 1, assembling together 1; 2 1) a gathering together in one place 2) the (religious) assembly (of Christians)

[saleuo-7] 4531 σ αλεύω saleuo [sal-yoo’-o] from 4535; v; TDNT-7:65,996; [{See TDNT 698 }] AV-shake 10, move 1, shake together 1, that are shaken 1, which cannot be shaken + 3361 1, stir up 1; 15
1) a motion produced by winds, storms, waves, etc
1a) to agitate or shake

1b) to cause to totter

1c) to shake thoroughly, of a measure filled by shaking its contents together

2) to shake down, overthrow
2a) to cast down from one’s (secure and happy) state

2b) to move, agitate the mind, to disturb one

[throeo-8] 2360 θροέω throeo [thro-eh’-o] from θρεομαι threomai (to wail); v; AV-trouble 3; 3
1) to cry aloud, make a noise by outcry
1a) in the NT, to trouble, frighten

1b) to be troubled in mind, to be frightened, alarmed

[huios-9] Template:5207

[apoleia-10] 684 ~ἀπώλεια~ apoleia \@ap-o’-li-a\@ from a presumed derivative of 622; n f AV-perdition 8, destruction 5, waste 2, damnable 1, to die + 1519 1, perish + 1498 + 1519 1, pernicious 1; 20
1) destroying, utter destruction
1a) of vessels

2) a perishing, ruin, destruction
2a) of money

2b) the destruction which consists of eternal misery in hell

[11] 1 Samuel 2:35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, [that] shall do according to [that] which [is] in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.

[musterion-12] 3466 ~μυστήριον~ musterion \@moos-tay’-ree-on\@ from a derivative of muo (to shut the mouth); n n AV-mystery 27; 27
1) hidden thing, secret, mystery
1a) generally mysteries, religious secrets, confided only to the initiated and not to ordinary mortals

1b) a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to the understanding

1c) a hidden purpose or counsel
1c1) secret will

1c1a) of men

1c1b) of God: the secret counsels which govern God in dealing with the righteous, which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men but plain to the godly

2) in rabbinic writings, it denotes the mystic or hidden sense
2a) of an OT saying

2b) of an image or form seen in a vision

2c) of a dream
see | Mysteries of the Universe

[dunamis-13] 1411 ~δύναμις~ dunamis \@doo’-nam-is\@ from 1410 meaning to be able; TDNT-2:284,186; {See TDNT 201} n f AV-power 77, mighty work 11, strength 7, miracle 7, might 4, virtue 3, mighty 2, misc 9; 120
1) strength power, ability
1a) inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth

1b) power for performing miracles

1c) moral power and excellence of soul

1d) the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth

1e) power and resources arising from numbers

1f) power consisting in or resting upon armies, forces, hosts

For Synonyms see entry 5820

[semeion-14] 4592 σημεῖον semeion [say-mi’-on] from a presumed derivative of the base of 4591 semaino the verb to give a sign or to make known; n n; TDNT- 7:200,1015; [{See TDNT 707 }] AV-sign 50, miracle 23, wonder 3, token 1; 77
1) a sign, mark, token
1a) that by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others and is known

1b) a sign, prodigy, portent, i.e. an unusual occurrence, transcending the common course of nature
1b1) of signs portending remarkable events soon to happen

1b2) of miracles and wonders by which God authenticates the men sent by him, or by which men prove that the cause they are pleading is God’s

1411 δύναμις dunamis is also translated miracle 7 times but power 77 times.

[15] 1411 δύναμις dunamis is also translated miracle 7 times but power 77 times.

[pseudos-15] 5579 ψεῦδος pseudos [psyoo’-dos] from 5574; n n; TDNT-9:594,1339; [{See TDNT 852 }] AV-lie 7, lying 2; 9
1) a lie

2) conscious and intentional falsehood

3) in a broad sense, whatever is not what it seems to be
3a) of perverse, impious, deceitful precepts

[teras-16] 5059 τέρας teras [ter’-as] of uncertain affinity; n n; TDNT-8:113,1170; [{See TDNT 788 }] AV-wonder 16; 16
1) a prodigy, portent

2) miracle: performed by any one

[apate-17] 539 ~ἀπάτη~ apate \@ap-at’-ay\@ from 538; TDNT-1:385,65; {See TDNT 82} n f AV-deceitfulness 3, deceitful 1, deceit 1, deceivableness 1, deceivings 1; 7
1) deceit, deceitfulness

[adikia-18] 18.0 ^18.1 93 ~ἀδικία~ adikia \@ad-ee-kee’-ah\@ from 94; TDNT-1:153,22; {See TDNT 23} n f AV-unrighteousness 16, iniquity 6, unjust 2, wrong 1; 25
1) injustice, of a judge

2) unrighteousness of heart and life

3) a deed violating law and justice, act of unrighteousness

[unright-19] Righteousness vs Unrighteousness
Luke 16:9 "And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations."

Matthew 5:19 "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."

2 Corinthians 6:14 "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”

1 Corinthians 6:9 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."

2 Timothy 3:1 "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

Romans 1:18 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,"

Romans 2:8 "But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,"

2 Thessalonians 2:10 "And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:"

Jeremiah 22:13 "Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; [that] useth his neighbour’s service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;"

2 Peter 2:13 "And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness<3408>, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness<3408 >;"

Acts 1:18 "Now this man purchased a field with the reward <3408> of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out."

Jude 1:11 "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward <3408>, and perished in the gainsaying of Core."

[notruth-20] No truth
Proverbs 14:22 "Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth [shall be] to them that devise good.: John 5:47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?"

1 John 2:4 "He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."

1 John 1:6 "If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth;"

1 John 4:6 "We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error."

John 8:44 "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

John 14:17 " that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you."

1 John 3:6 "No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him."

2 Timothy 2:25 "with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,"

Romans 1:18 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,"

Romans 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

2 Thessalonians 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

[hearsee-21] Hear and see
Genesis 42:22 And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.

Deuteronomy 29:4 Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.

1 Samuel 8:18 And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.

Judges 10:14 "Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.

Ezekiel 12:2 "Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they [are] a rebellious house."

Proverbs 20:12 ¶ "The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them."

Isaiah 1:15 "And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

Isaiah 6:9 ¶ "And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. 10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed."

Isaiah 59:2 "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear."

Isaiah 65:12 "Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose [that] wherein I delighted not."

Matthew 13:11 "He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."

Jeremiah 25:4 "And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending [them]; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear. 5 They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever: 6 And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them..."

Matthew 10:14 "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet."

Mark 6:11 "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."

John 8:43 "Why do ye not understand my speech? [even] because ye cannot hear my word."

John 12:38 "That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? 39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with [their] eyes, nor understand with [their] heart, and be converted, and I should heal them."

Acts 28:26 "Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: 27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."

Romans 11:7 "What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded 8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. 9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: 10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway."

2 Corinthians 3:15 "But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart."

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:

2 Thessalonians 2:10 "And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:"

[mightsav-22] Might be saved
John 3:17 “‭17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

John 5:34 “‭34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.”

Romans 10:1 “‭1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.”

1 Thessalonians 2:16 “‭16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.”

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 “‭10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. ‭11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: ‭12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

[krino-23] 2919 ~κρίνω~ krino \@kree’-no\@ perhaps a primitive word; TDNT-3:921,469; {See TDNT 412} v AV-judge 88, determine 7, condemn 5, go to law 2, call in question 2, esteem 2, misc 8; 114
1) to separate, put asunder, to pick out, select, choose

2) to approve, esteem, to prefer

3) to be of opinion, deem, think, to be of opinion

4) to determine, resolve, decree

5) to judge
5a) to pronounce an opinion concerning right and wrong
5a1) to be judged, i.e. summoned to trial that one’s case may be examined and judgment passed upon it

5b) to pronounce judgment, to subject to censure
5b1) of those who act the part of judges or arbiters in matters of common life, or pass judgment on the deeds and words of others

6) to rule, govern
6a) to preside over with the power of giving judicial decisions, because it was the prerogative of kings and rulers to passjudgment

7) to contend together, of warriors and combatants
7a) to dispute

7b) in a forensic sense
7b1) to go to law, have suit at law

[eudokeo-24] 2106 εὐδοκέω eudokeo [yoo-dok-eh’-o] from 2095 and 1380; v; TDNT-2:738,273; [{See TDNT 269 }] AV-be well pleased 7, please 5, have pleasure 4, be willing 2, be (one’s) good pleasure 1, take pleasure 1, think good 1; 21
1) it seems good to one, is one’s good pleasure
1a) think it good, choose, determine, decide

1b) to do willingly

1c) to be ready to, to prefer, choose rather

2) to be well pleased with, take pleasure in, to be favourably inclined towards one

[Spirittruth-25] Spirit and Truth
Psalms 31:5 "Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth."

John 4:23 "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him."

John 4:24 "God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth."

John 14:17 "[Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."

John 15:26 "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:"

John 16:13 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."

Ephesians 1:13 "In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,"

Ephesians 5:9 "(For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)"

2 Thessalonians 2:13 "But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:"

1 Peter 1:22 "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:"

1 John 4:6 "We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error."

1 John 5:6 "This is he that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth."

[standfast-26] Stand fast in liberty
not entangled nor snared
Galatians 5:1 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

Philippians 1:27 "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;"

Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, [my] dearly beloved.

1 Thessalonians 3:8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Romans 11:9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and a recompence unto them: 10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

Luke 21:35 "For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."

[trads-27] Traditions
Matthew 15:2 "Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition <3862> of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition <3862>?"

Matthew 15:6 "And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition <3862>."

Mark 7:3 "For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash [their] hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition <3862> of the elders."

Mark 7:5 "Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition <3862> of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?"

Mark 7:8 "For laying aside the commandmentof God, ye hold the tradition <3862> of men, [as] the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition <3862>. 10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: 11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, [It is] Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; [he shall be free]. 12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; 13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition <3862>, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye."

1 Corinthians 11:1 "Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances <3862>, as I delivered [them] to you. 3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God."

Galatians 1:14 "And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions <3862> of my fathers."

Colossians 2:8 "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition <3862> of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

2 Thessalonians 2:15 "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions <3862> which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle."

2 Thessalonians 3:6 "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition <3862> which he received of us."

Psalms 33:10 "The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices <מַחְשְׁב֥וֹת 04284 maḥšəḇōṯ> of the people of none effect."

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Cognitive dissonance

Contents