Freedom of Religion

False religion tickles the ears of the people while encouraging them in covetous practices. A society's appetite for the wages of unrighteousness degrades it and paves the road to despotism. Plutarch and Polybius wrote about it. John the Baptist, Christ and the early Church preached it. The Christian conflict with Rome was their unwillingness to sign up with the Corban of the world which was making the word of God to none effect.
Audio
Exercise of Freedom of Religion and Pure Religion instead of exercising authority one over the other.
http://hisholychurch.net/audio/20201205exercise.mp3

Freedom of Religion

Kelly Shackelford's defense of freedom of religion on PragerU was valiant and maybe in good faith, but fundamentally flawed. Instead of defending freedom of religion as he may have desired to do, he has perpetuated the power and delusions of the lie that people have already come to believe, which simply is not true.

Kelly Shackelford, president of First Liberty, cited Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and the religious motivation of the Revolution. He defended the first amendment, saying that it “wasn’t an accident” that it was the first freedom listed in the Bill of Rights — beginning with “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”

In support of Shackelford, The Daily Wire references historical examples of the "suppression of religious freedom". They explain how it affects all freedoms, pointing to the closure of churches and the “control of all religious life” under Soviet rule, as well as religious limitations enforced under the Chinese communist regime."

They go on to say “The reason for such anti-religious sentiment, … is that religion “challenges the authority of the state more than any other freedom,” and that “people who adhere to a religion believe that there’s something higher than the state, and no repressive government can tolerate such a belief.”^[1]

While I sympathize with his view, he has already lost the war. He should have read the argument made by David Crocket and Heratio Bunce against the rise of the welfare state. An attack on freedom of religion is not merely an attack on freedom or liberty of thought because religion is much more than thoughts and opinions. From the beginning, religion was not something you think or say but what you do and how you do it.^[2]

The truth is that pure religion challenges the means by which the authority of the state expands its power and diminishes the liberty of the people. It does them by creating a dependence in the people upon the State and its welfare provided through taxation instead of charity. We were warned against such covetous practices by all the prophets and condemned by Jesus.

Writers from Polybius to Plutarch said things like, “The real destroyers of the liberties of the people is he who spreads among them bounties, donations, and benefits.” The desire for those benefits which are the wages of unrighteousness spreads a strong delusion infecting the minds of the people until they inevitably degenerate into perfect savages.

Kelly Shackelford even quotes Alexis de Tocqueville who understood that when “When…men attack religious beliefs, they are following their emotions not their interests. Tyranny may be able to do without faith, but freedom cannot.”

The first attack on religion came not from tyrants but from wordsmiths. They simply changed what was the “duty” of religion to what one thinks about God. The Holy Spirit was replaced by an emotional high of self-righteousness regarding vain rituals and rites rather than the humble self-sacrifice of the righteousness of God exemplified in the life of Christ.

The real problem is not an attack on religion by government but the abandonment of pure religion by the people. I am not talking about low attendance in what are posing as religions today. I am talking about the cognitive dissonance which came when people developed "an appetite for benefits and the habit of receiving them by way of a rule of force..."

Alexis de Tocqueville observed a flawed America that was far greater than what we aspire to accomplish today. In America, like the early Church, there was little dependence upon government handouts. No Christians would pray for the free bread offered by men who called themselves benefactors but exercised authority one over the other. Christians provided for the welfare of their community through faith, hope and charity and a daily ministration that rightly divided that bread from house to house.^[3]

If repentance is thinking differently, then people who think they are religious need to ask when did God say it was okay to covet your neighbor's goods through men who exercise authority one over the other. The quickest way to raise up a tyrant is to tell your government they have the right to take from your neighbor, so you can have, supposedly, free health education and welfare at your neighbors' expense. And the only way to protect or restore liberty is to seek to provide those benefits of society through the perfect law of liberty by freewill offerings and charity, like Christ commanded.

Once you understand what the word Religion meant 200 years ago in America and 2000 years ago for the first century Church, your thinking about Religion, the Church, the Bible, Politics of the world and what modern Christians should be doing and not doing will have to change. But changing the way you think is the meaning of the word repentance.

What is the true history concerning the "Strangers and pilgrims"? There are lots of different accounts from different sources putting together a view of the past and the motivation of the *players*. And then there are "revisionists" like Howard Zinn, with a political agenda, creating false narratives skewed by personal prejudice and bias. The question we all should be asking is "What is the truth?"

The Free Exercise Clause

or Download Freedom of Religion

or Download Freedom of Religion and the free exercise

While the Constitution of the United States is wholly inadequate by biblical standards, it is the founding document of the United States to which the individual state government and their subordinates must comply.

According to Wex, the free legal dictionary and encyclopedia by the Legal Information Institute at the Cornell Law School, the “Free Exercise Clause refers to the section of the First Amendment”.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

The key clause referred to as the “Free Exercise Clause” is the simple phrase “prohibiting the free exercise thereof” which is a limitation imposed upon the legislature because "Congress shall make no law" that limits religious practices, rights or rituals. This prohibition placed upon congress, which is the legislature, to make laws that respect the establishment of religion also prohibit the “free exercise” of “religion”.

To fully understand the importance of this clause in the Constitution of the United States concerning Freedom of Religion we need to understand the meaning of the word religion^[4] at the writing and ratification of that original limiting document. The free exercise of religion is not merely what you think about God but what you may be obligated by faith to actually do as a duty to God and your fellowman.

Wex goes on to say “The Free Exercise Clause reserves the right of American citizens to accept any religious belief and engage in religious rituals through righteous practices. Free-exercise clauses of state constitutions which protected religious “[o]pinion, expression of opinion, and practice were all expressly protected” by the Free Exercise Clause.^[5]”

Americans are protected from the legislature, both federal and state, from any prohibitions and restraints not only in what they think but in what they do in the practice of their religion. The value of this prohibition is a key element in the liberty under God. That free practice of Pure religion through charity by its nature will unlock the prison of our own minds. It will bring about the liberation of the people as we have seen in Judea and Rome by Christ and the early Church and of course the church in the wilderness by Moses' liberation of Israel from the bondage of Egypt.

Because “The Free Exercise Clause . . . withdraws from legislative power, state and federal, the exertion of any restraint on the free exercise of religion. Its purpose is to secure religious liberty in the individual by prohibiting any invasions there by civil authority.”^[6]

“The Clause protects not just religious beliefs but actions made on behalf of those beliefs.”^[7] More importantly, that “free exercise envisions religiously compelled exemptions from at least some generally applicable laws”^[8] and therefore would naturally extend to the policies of institutions subordinate to those laws of the legislative power, state and federal.

Because of this withdrawal of power from the legislature by the document that gave it the power to exist, they have included certain “mandatory exception” clauses found in the codes of the United States^[9] which extends to the States. It would seem that it is not only reasonable to believe that this withdrawal of power extends to the several states but would also extend to limit the discretion of all institutions and entities existing by or under that “legislative power, state and federal”. Therefore all business existing and operating under the authority of the states should then make similar accommodations and exceptions in their policies and practices in order “to secure religious liberty” for all Churches serving Americans in the exercise and practice of their religion.

That would mean that no institution, business, nor service allowed to exist by the permission of the legislature could prohibit, restrain, or refuse services to any Church who sought their assistance in the exercise and practice of religion without refusing all churches and religions the same services. This prohibition and withdrawal of discretion may even extend to any from "institution, business, nor service" that provides their service to the general public because many of the people in the general public depend upon the Church in the practice of their religion.

“The Free Exercise Clause” allows “American citizens to accept any religious belief and engage in religious rituals” and any “[o]pinion, expression of opinion, and practice were all expressly protected”^[10] from the legislative power of government and the policies of the institutions under its authority.

A primary “religious ritual” of the early Church was the acceptance of the freewill offerings as the sacrifices of the people and the redistribution of those gifts and gratuities to individuals in need and for a provision to the general welfare of society in a manner that strengthens the poor. The Welfare state system that forces the contributions of the people has a tendency to not only weaken the individual poor but society in general.^[11]

For the legislature or its subordinate institutions to impose arbitrary rules, regulations, or policies which by their nature will prohibit, restrain, or withhold services to one religion while providing it to another, by their nature, whether intended or not, would be a violation of the free exercise clause.

Only with religiously sacrificing in love of your neighbor can society become immune to the cognitive dissonance that undermines the heart and soul of society.

To apply business practices and policies equally to all religions or churches falls short of complying with the free exercise clause. It is by its nature discriminatory since policies and practices may by their nature "restrict, deprive, or restrain the Church" the practice of religion for one Church or religious group while offering the same service to others.

Any arbitrary requirements that would exclude or restrict one Church and its religious practices over another, especially when those requirements are not required by the law, would be a violation of the Free Exercise Clause. Even when a restriction seemed to be a requirement imposed by the law, it should be well understood that the legislature can “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise.” To allow one church or religion to engage in or enjoy the services of an institution under the authority of the federal or state but prohibit another from enjoying the same services would violate the founding documents of the nation.

The legislature has made accommodations for Churches and so should its subordinate institutions.

Constitutional scholars and even Supreme Court opinions have contended that the two religion clauses are in conflict. E.g., Thomas v. Review Board, 450 U.S. 707 (1981). As mentioned previously, the Free Exercise Clause implies special accommodation of religious ideas and actions, even to the point of exemptions to generally applicable laws. Such a special benefit seems to violate the neutrality between “religion and non-religion” mandated by the Establishment Clause. McConnell explains::

"If there is a constitutional requirement for accommodation of religious conduct, it will most likely be found in the Free Exercise Clause. Some say, though, that it is a violation of the Establishment Clause for the government to give any special benefit or recognition of religion. In that case, we have a First Amendment in conflict with itself—the Establishment Clause forbidding what the Free Exercise Clause requires."^[12]

To fail to make appropriate accommodationsCite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag the exercise of religion.

It is extremely important to understand that “religion” is not merely what you think but includes what you do. And from a biblical point of view, no one is practicing pure Religion if they are dependent upon men who exercise authority, force contributions through fear and fealty. Christ preached and appointed a dominion that must operate by faith, hope, and charity lest it make the word of God to non effect.

Christ appointed the kingdom to His called out ministers to be His Church as His corporate institution for the “performance of its duties to God and its fellow man”.^[4] To restrict, deprive, or restrain the Church that is truly separate from the world in the performance of their religious duties would “substantially burden” His Church and deprive “American citizens” of equal protection to freely practice their “religious belief and engage in religious rituals”.

Importance of Religion

The term cognitive dissonance^[13] developed by psychologist Dr. Leon Festinger is the expression of the unwillingness to see the truth which is in conflict with what you may have already accepted as true.

This conflict is exemplified in the selfish nature of mankind, which may be the source of all the problems of society. The selfish practices of society when fed by covetous schemes degenerates the members of society into perfect savages. The final product can only be overcome by individual and unselfish investment in the future and forgiveness of others. 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"^[14] movement to "Cast thy bread upon the waters" directive of Ecclesiastes.^[15]

Anyone who is under a strong delusion may not be able to see the truth because of the lie they already believe. To be humbled is a key to the restoration of sight.

"And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized." Acts 9:18

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. The practice of pure religion in the network of charity which was commanded by Christ is designed to remove the scales from our own eyes so that we might see clearly again. Through the perfect law of liberty and the way of righteousness we may access the redemption of Christ through repentance and seeking the righteousness of God in a daily ministration of love.

2 Thessalonians 2

1 "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together^[16] unto him,
2 That ye be not soon shaken^[17] in mind, or be troubled,^[18] 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^[19] of perdition^[20];
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^[21], 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^[22] 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^[23] and signs^[24] and lying^[25] wonders^[26],
10 "And with all deceivableness^[27] of unrighteousness^[28]^[29] in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth^[30], that they might be saved. ^[31]^[32]
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned^[33] who believed not the truth, but had pleasure^[34] in [[[reward of unrighteousness|unrighteousness]].^[28]"
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^[35]:

14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast^[36], and hold the traditions^[37] 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.

Footnotes

↑ https://www.conservativereview.com/prageru-you-cant-be-free-without-this-2649016030.html
↑ Matthew 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.
Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Luke 6:47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
↑ Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
↑ ^4.0 ^4.1 “Religion. Real piety in practice, consisting in the performance of all known duties to God and our fellow men” Bouvier's 1856 Law Dictionary
↑ Michael McConnell, Religion and the Constitution (2002), pg. 105.
↑ Abington School District v. Schempp, 374 U.S. 203, 222–23 (1963). Free Exercise of Religion
↑ Wex legal dictionary and encyclopedia, Legal Information Institute at the Cornell Law School. Free Exercise Clause
↑ Michael McConnell, Religion and the Constitution (2002), pg. 107. Free Exercise Clause
↑ Title 26 USCS §508 Special rules with respect to 501c(3) organizations.
(a) New organizations must notify the secretary that they are applying for recognition of section 501c(3) status Except as provided in subsection c.... (b) Presumption that organizations are private foundations. Except as provided in subsection c. …
c Exceptions. (1) Mandatory exceptions, Subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to ---
(A) churches, their integrated auxiliaries, and conventions or associations of churches....
Or: Title 26 USCS § 508 - 1 Notices
(a) New organizations must notify the Commissioner that they are applying for recognition of section 501c(3) status --- (1) In general. Except as provided in subparagraph (3) of this paragraph…
(3) Exceptions from notice. (1) Paragraph (a) (1) and (2) of this section are inapplicable to the following organizations.
(a) churches, interchurch organizations of local units of a church, conventions or associations of churches,....
Or: Title 26 USCS § 6033 Returns by exempt organizations.
(a) Organizations required to file (1) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (2)…
(2) Exceptions from filing. (A) Mandatory exceptions Paragraph (1) shall not apply to
(i) churches, their integrated auxiliaries, and conventions or associations of churches,...
Or: Title 26 CFR Ch. 1(4-1-96 Edition) Internal Revenue Service, Treasury § 1.508 - 1
(7) Exceptions from notice. Subparagraphs (1) and (2) of this paragraph are inapplicable to the following organizations:

↑ Michael McConnell, Religion and the Constitution (2002), pg. 105. Free Exercise Clause

↑ Ezekiel 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

↑ Michael McConnell, Religion and the Constitution (2002), pg. 105. McConnell, note 1 above, at 102.

↑ 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.

↑ 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.

↑ 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

↑ ^28.0 ^28.1 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."

About the author

Brother Gregory
White Rock

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[1] ttps://www.conservativereview.com/prageru-you-cant-be-free-without-this-2649016030.html

[2] Matthew 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.
Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Luke 6:47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

[3] Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

[religion-4] 4.0 ^4.1 “Religion. Real piety in practice, consisting in the performance of all known duties to God and our fellow men” Bouvier's 1856 Law Dictionary

[5] Michael McConnell, Religion and the Constitution (2002), pg. 105.

[6] Abington School District v. Schempp, 374 U.S. 203, 222–23 (1963). Free Exercise of Religion

[7] Wex legal dictionary and encyclopedia, Legal Information Institute at the Cornell Law School. Free Exercise Clause

[8] Michael McConnell, Religion and the Constitution (2002), pg. 107. Free Exercise Clause

[9] Title 26 USCS §508 Special rules with respect to 501c(3) organizations.
(a) New organizations must notify the secretary that they are applying for recognition of section 501c(3) status Except as provided in subsection c.... (b) Presumption that organizations are private foundations. Except as provided in subsection c. …
c Exceptions. (1) Mandatory exceptions, Subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to ---
(A) churches, their integrated auxiliaries, and conventions or associations of churches....
Or: Title 26 USCS § 508 - 1 Notices
(a) New organizations must notify the Commissioner that they are applying for recognition of section 501c(3) status --- (1) In general. Except as provided in subparagraph (3) of this paragraph…
(3) Exceptions from notice. (1) Paragraph (a) (1) and (2) of this section are inapplicable to the following organizations.
(a) churches, interchurch organizations of local units of a church, conventions or associations of churches,....
Or: Title 26 USCS § 6033 Returns by exempt organizations.
(a) Organizations required to file (1) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (2)…
(2) Exceptions from filing. (A) Mandatory exceptions Paragraph (1) shall not apply to
(i) churches, their integrated auxiliaries, and conventions or associations of churches,...
Or: Title 26 CFR Ch. 1(4-1-96 Edition) Internal Revenue Service, Treasury § 1.508 - 1
(7) Exceptions from notice. Subparagraphs (1) and (2) of this paragraph are inapplicable to the following organizations:

[10] Michael McConnell, Religion and the Constitution (2002), pg. 105. Free Exercise Clause

[11] Ezekiel 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

[12] Michael McConnell, Religion and the Constitution (2002), pg. 105. McConnell, note 1 above, at 102.

[13] 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.

[14] 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.

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

[16] 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-17] 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-18] 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-19] Template:5207

[apoleia-20] 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

[21] 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-22] 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-23] 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-24] 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.

[25] 1411 δύναμις dunamis is also translated miracle 7 times but power 77 times.

[pseudos-25] 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-26] 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-27] 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-28] 28.0 ^28.1 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-29] 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-30] 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-31] 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-32] 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-33] 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-34] 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-35] 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-36] 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-37] 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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Freedom of Religion

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