Something Greater

Eternal Life Eternal life...paradise...heaven...life after death...nirvana... all religions describe their view of the great mystery . But what does the Bible say? Is heaven a place of reward or a state of perfection? Paul (little one), a servant (dedicated to humble service) of God, and an apostle (one sent out) of Jesus Christ, according to (in regard to) the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after (in regard to) godliness (adoration and obedience toward God) in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; (Titus 1:1-2) Look at the little word, "in" . In the Greek it is a preposition meaning superimposition, over, upon, etc. It is properly translated as "on", showing that our faith and knowledge rest upon the promise of eternal life. In the same letter to Titus, Paul mentions hope , connecting the hope of eternal life with the glorious appearing of Christ. For the grace of God t

Apostle of Jesus Christ Paul identified himself af a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ . As servant, Paul belonged to God---he was "tied" to God and committed to service and obedience. As an apostle, Paul was "set apart", sent out or commissioned by Jesus to preach. Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness...(Titus 1:1) The word, "apostle" comes directly from the Greek word, "apostolos", meaning a delegate or ambassador . It comes from two combined words meaning set apart, or sent out . The two words literally mean "set fast away" , where "fast" means secure, or unshakeable. An apostle was unshakenly commissioned to be God's ambassador. Paul was called apostle because Jesus had commanded him to preach the gospel , the good news of salvation. But hath in due times manifested his word

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness...(Titus 1:1) Both "according to" and "after" are translated from a Greek word that means down, in place or time . It is used to point to a related idea, similar to saying "in regard to". The Greek word for "godliness" means piety, from a word meaning well-revererent or pious . "Pious" is an old-fashioned word, often used today in a negative sense, but it originally was a very positive, sincere word. It meant a person was godly; revering and honoring the Supreme Being in heart and in practice. A pious person has veneration and affection for the character of God, and habitually obeys his commands. Piety, or godliness, combines faith with real-life actions. Paul (little one), a servant (dedicated to humble service) of God, and an apostle (one sent out) of Jesus Christ, ac