What does it mean to abide "in Christ?"

[moondweller]

Jesus never told them to write it all down. He told them to go out and “teach.” Scripture is but part of their teaching. Their oral teaching was a bigger part of their teaching than Scripture. Epistles were written to complement oral teaching, not replace it.

The theopneustos Scriptures were written not to “replace” but to perpetuate their teaching to subsequent generations. It’s the way God has always done it since the time of Moses. Not by “oral tradition” for men to corrupt.

After His bodily resurrection what did Jesus do but explain the Scriptures to His disciples concerning Himself and His sacrificial work of salvation (Lk. 24:27,32); and then He opened their minds to understand them (Lk. 24:45). But throughout His earthly ministry He had to constantly challenge the “traditions” of men BY the Scriptures.

What’s hilarious is after trying to convince me that oral tradition is “bigger” than Scripture you commence to quote me Scripture. Because even you know there is no greater authority on this earth than the Word of God handed down to us in theopneustos Scripture.

Titus 1:1-3 “Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, 3 but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior;”

1 Thessalonians 4:10-11 “But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,”

2 Thessalonians 3:4 “And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.”

1 Corinthians 11:2 “Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.”

2 Thessalonians 2:15 “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.”

Hebrews 13:17 “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”

2 Corinthians 11:10-15 “As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows! 12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”

Acts 20:28-32 “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. 32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

1 Peter 5:1-3 “The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”

Hebrews 13:24 “Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.”

There is not much point in continuing this discussion. If you ever read the Early Church Fathers, let me know.

If the Lord ever opens your mind to understand the Scriptures, get back with me.

 

[moondweller]

You ought to notice particularly and store in your memory that God wanted to lay a firm foundation in the scriptures AGAINST TREACHEROUS ERRORS, a foundation against which no one dares to speak who would in any way be considered a Christian. For when He offered Himself to them to touch, this did not suffice Him unless He also confirmed the heart of the believers FROM THE SCRIPTURES, for He [Christ] foresaw that the time would come when we would not have anything to touch BUT would have something to read.

Augustine, In Epistolam Johannis tractus, 2. See NPNF Series I. VII:469.

AMEN. And isn’t Augustine one of those he would consider a “church father?” Maybe he failed to read this part.

 

[SHW]

You ought to notice particularly and store in your memory that God wanted to lay a firm foundation in the scriptures AGAINST TREACHEROUS ERRORS, a foundation against which no one dares to speak who would in any way be considered a Christian. For when He offered Himself to them to touch, this did not suffice Him unless He also confirmed the heart of the believers FROM THE SCRIPTURES, for He [Christ] foresaw that the time would come when we would not have anything to touch BUT would have something to read.

Augustine, In Epistolam Johannis tractus, 2. See NPNF Series I. VII:469.

Augustine is correct. Scripture is especially important in these latter times. Since the Protestant Reformation (Deformation), the only way that Protestants can be drawn to the Truth is by studying Scripture with a humble heart and when they do, then they will find that the Catholic Church is the authority on earth for Jesus’ New Covenant gospel.

Scripture is helpful (profitable) for the Christian. It never states that it is the sole rule of Faith.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

The Catholic Church is the trustee of the Christian faith (gospel of Jesus), both the oral tradition and the written (Scripture); not Scripture alone.

“As Augustine put it, ‘I would not believe in the Gospels were it not for the authority of the Catholic Church’ (Against the Letter of Mani Called “The Foundation” 5:6)”

You think that priests don’t exist in the New Covenant Church. You have been hoodwinked and bamboozled into falsehood. Check out the Liturgy of St. James if you are brave enough for truth.

St. James Divine Liturgy (Mass) for general use:

http://newadvent.org/fathers/0717.htm

Pax,
SHW

 

[SHW]

AMEN. And isn’t Augustine one of those he would consider a “church father?” Maybe he failed to read this part.

I know that Augustine is a Church Father. He also states that he believes in the authority of the Catholic Church and that he would not even believe in the authenticity of the gospels if it were not for the authority of the Catholic Church.

Why don’t you believe this also?

Pax,
SHW

 

[moondweller]

I know that Augustine is a Church Father. He also states that he believes in the authority of the Catholic Church and that he would not even believe in the authenticity of the gospels if it were not for the authority of the Catholic Church.

Why don’t you believe this also?

Pax,
SHW

The problem I have with Catholics and the so-called ECFs is that they read INTO their writings the fully developed claims and “traditions” of Catholicism, just as they do the Scriptures. :sad_yes:

What I believe is what the Scriptures reveal concerning Christ, belief and eternal life; not what other men believe, or what some men think and claim other men believed. My faith rests in the Word of God preserved in theopneustos, Holy Writ (Lk. 24:44-45).

 

[moondweller]

You think that priests don’t exist in the New Covenant Church. You have been hoodwinked and bamboozled into falsehood.

Other than in direct reference to the priesthood of Judaism, can you show us in the N.T. where the Greek word hiereus (priest) is used in reference to an office in the church?

 

[moondweller]

Augustine is correct. Scripture is especially important in these latter times. Since the Protestant Reformation (Deformation), the only way that Protestants can be drawn to the Truth is by studying Scripture with a humble heart
and when they do, then they will find that the Catholic Church is the authority on earth for Jesus’ New Covenant gospel.

But as I read it (not read into it), Augustine is assigning all authority to the Scriptures that would be written after His departure.

And when he says:"…for He [Christ] foresaw that the time would come when we would not have anything to touch BUT would have something to read."you seem to be identifying the “we” with “Protestants,” including Augustine. Since it’s Protestants, not Catholics, who search for the truth concerning Christ, faith, and eternal life, not in what we can touch, but in what He has left us “to read” in theopneustos Holy Writ.

 

[SHW]

But as I read it (not read into it), Augustine is assigning all authority to the Scriptures that would be written after His departure.

Hi Moondweller,

I have done more research.

The Protestant concept/understanding of “Scripture Alone” was not what Augustine was talking about in your “quote” from him. This can be proven by other quotes from him which I have listed below. (Please link to the original source of your quote so that I can see the rest of what he said.)

The words of St. Augustine in his work dealing with the Manichean heresy: ‘For in the Catholic Church, not to speak of the purest wisdom, to the knowledge of which a few spiritual men attain in this life, so as to know it, in the scantiest measure, indeed, because they are but men, still without any uncertainty…The consent of peoples and nations keep me in Church, so does her authority, inaugurated by miracles, nourished by hope, enlarged by love, established by age. The SUCCESSION of priests keeps me, beginning from the very seat of the APOSTLE PETER, to whom the Lord, after his resurrection, gave it in charge to feed his sheep, down to the present EPISCOPATE…The epistle begins thus:–Manicheus, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the providence of God the Father. These are the wholesome words from the perennial and living fountain. Now, if you please, patiently give heed to my inquiry. I do not believe Manichues to be an apostle of Christ. Do not, I beg you, be enraged and begin to curse. For you know that it is my rule to believe none of your statements without consideration. Therefore I ask, who is this Manicheus? You will reply, An Apostle of Christ. I do not believe it. Now you are at a loss what to say or do; for you promised to give knowledge of truth, and here you are forcing me to believe what I have no knowledge of. Perhaps you will read the gospel to me, and will attempt to find there a testimony to Manicheus. But should you meet with a person not yet believing in the gospel, how would you reply to him were he to say, I do not believe? For MY PART, I should NOT BELIEVE the gospel except moved by the authority of the Catholic Church. So when those on whose authority I have consented to believe in the gospel tell me not to believe in Manicheus, how can I BUT CONSENT?’

Likewise we have Augustine affirming the need for interpreting Scripture in light of Tradition/Church and never apart from them:

“Wherever this tradition comes from, we must believe that the Church has not believed in vain, even though the express authority of the canonical scriptures is not brought forward for it”

Letter 164 to Evodius of Uzalis

“To be sure, although on this matter, we cannot quote a clear example taken from the canonical Scriptures, at any rate, on this question, we are following the true thought of Scriptures when we observe what has appeared good to the universal Church which the authority of these same Scriptures recommends to you”

C. Cresconius I:33

“It is obvious; the faith allows it; the Catholic Church approves; it is true”

Sermon 117:6

“If therefore, I am going to believe things I do not know about, why should I not believe those things which are accepted by the common consent of learned and unlearned alike and are established by most weighty authority of all peoples?” (authority is Catholic Church)

Letter called Fundamentals 14:18

“Will you, then, so love your error, into which you have fallen through adolescent overconfidence and human weakness, that you will separate yourself from these leaders of Catholic unity and truth, from so many different parts of the world who are in agreement among themselves on so important a question, one in which the essence of the Christian religion involved…?”

C. Julian 1:7,34

“The authority of our Scriptures, strengthened by the consent of so may nations, and confirmed by the succession of the Apostles, bishops and councils, is against you”

C Faustus 8:5

Note that St. Augustine appealed to the authority of the Church as opposed to his own internal witness regarding the validity/authenticity of the gospel!

Like the rest of the Fathers who interpreted the Scriptures in light of Tradition and Church, Augustine affirmed Catholic doctrines such as the real presence:

‘For Christ was carried in his own hands when, entrusting to us his own Body, he said: “This is my Body.” Indeed he was carrying that Body in his own hands’
Ennar. In Ps 33

So, one isolated “quote,” by which some persons interpret that Augustine was speaking of and endorsing the Protestant understanding of Scripture Alone, is definitely not in agreement with his actual teachings and beliefs.

Augustine never puts Scripture alone above the Church. The Catholic Church is trustee of both the written Word of God (Scripture Tradition) and the oral Word of God (Oral Tradition) and both of these together make up Sacred Tradition: the gospel of Jesus.

John 6:52-56 The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?” 53 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.

Pax,
SHW

 

[juliamajor]

Wow- the self-righteousness here is overwhelming and very unchristian and very Pharisical…I see very little love but a heck of a lot of posturing and finger pointing. you will know they are Christians by their love Ha!

 

[SHW]

Wow- the self-righteousness here is overwhelming and very unchristian and very Pharisical…I see very little love but a heck of a lot of posturing and finger pointing. you will know they are Christians by their love Ha!

Thanks for judging us.

Pax,
SHW

 

[moondweller]

Hi Moondweller,

I have done more research.

The Protestant concept/understanding of “Scripture Alone” was not what Augustine was talking about in your “quote” from him. This can be proven by other quotes from him which I have listed below. (Please link to the original source of your quote so that I can see the rest of what he said.)

But when Augustine said “read” he was certainly referring to the theopneustos Scriptures. Do you not agree? And where he said “touch” he meant Christ? Right? So when He whom they “touched” (figuratively speaking) was gone, what He left us (according to Augustine) was that which we could read: the Scriptures. IOW, the authority shifted from Christ (the living Word) to the Scriptures (the theopneustos, written Word). That’s the way God has done it since Moses.

Likewise we have Augustine affirming the need for interpreting Scripture in light of Tradition/Church and never apart from them:

The problem is you read the developed claims, now called “traditions,” of the Roman Catholic church into Augustine’s writings. When Augustine refers to “the catholic church” I don’t for one moment believe he meant the RCC and all of its later claims to absolute authority, as you do. Nor would the Eastern church. You see, SHW, you interpret Augustine according to your own RC bias.

The Western church adopted Augustinian theology (until Thomas Aquinas) which was based on his understanding of the Scriptures. He didn’t base his theology on what would later be called “Romanism.” Augustine didn’t have a RC bias. You don’t see the exaltation of the Roman church in his theological works. But you interpret everything he wrote based on that bias. Hence, I don’t think you can properly understand Augustine or Augustinian theology.

 

[moondweller]

Wow- the self-righteousness here is overwhelming and very unchristian and very Pharisical…I see very little love but a heck of a lot of posturing and finger pointing. you will know they are Christians by their love Ha!

Does “christian love” forfeit sound doctrine?:1 Tim 4:6 ¶ In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, {constantly} nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following."

 

[juliamajor]

Does “christian love” forfeit sound doctrine?:1 Tim 4:6 ¶ In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, {constantly} nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following."

God’s love trumps everything.

 

[juliamajor]

Thanks for judging us.

Pax,
SHW

Not judging -pointing out.,and your welcome! What I set out to accomplish has been achieved. You stopped yelling at each other and dwell on a common enemy- me!

 

[SHW]

Other than in direct reference to the priesthood of Judaism, can you show us in the N.T. where the Greek word hiereus (priest) is used in reference to an office in the church?

Hi Moondweller,

Early Christian leaders sought to distinguish their priesthood as superior to the Judaism priesthood since Christians have a royal priesthood with Jesus as High Priest which combines aspects of both the Levitical priesthood and the priestly order of Melchizedek. “Elder” and “presbyter” are words meaning “priest” in the New Covenant. The term “hiereus” is never used for this new priesthood in the New Covenant as far as I know. “Presbyter” or “presbuterw” or “elder” in Greek translations - they all mean spiritual father or priest. greeknewtestament.com/index2.htm

A Bishop is also a priest. A bishop is an overseer of other priests. Bishops and priests were very visible to the members of the early Church.

Bishop: a high-ranking member of the Christian clergy having authority, variously, over other clergy and usually supervising a diocese or church district.

Philippians 1:1 "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

"Priests (presbuteroi) are also known as “presbyters” or “elders.” In fact, the English term “priest” is simply a contraction of the Greek word presbuteros. They have the responsibility of teaching, governing, and providing the sacraments in a given congregation (1 Tim. 5:17; Jas. 5:14–15).

Deacons (diakonoi) are the assistants of the bishops and are responsible for teaching and administering certain Church tasks, such as the distribution of food (Acts 6:1–6)."

For more information on this see: catholic.com/library/Bishop_Priest_and_Deacon.asp

Hebrews 13:10 “We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.”

Those who remain Jews (who serve the Jewish temple tabernacle) have no right to eat of the Holy Sacrifice (Jesus’ Body and Blood) of the Christian altar. By partaking of this Holy Sacrifice of the Holy Eucharist, we can exercise a spiritual priesthood through a sacrifice of prayer and good works. (Romans 12:1, 1 Peter 2:5, Ephesians 2:10, Titus 3:14, 1 Peter 2:12)

The writer of Hebrews then goes on to exhort us to obey our pastors. “17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”

Also, this Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was prophesied in the Old Testament:

Malachi 1:11-11 “For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles; In every place incense shall be offered to My name, And a pure offering; For My name shall be great among the nations,” Says the LORD of hosts.”

This means that right now, in these times of the Gentiles in which you and I live, that this pure offering (Jesus’ Body and Blood truly present in the Holy Eucharist) is being offered daily (from the rising of the sun, even to its going down) in Catholic Masses throughout the world (among the nations) for the remission of sins and this miracle will continue until Jesus returns.

Pax,
SHW

 

[SHW]

Not judging -pointing out.,and your welcome! What I set out to accomplish has been achieved. You stopped yelling at each other and dwell on a common enemy- me!

Hi Julia,

I don’t view you as an enemy. Just an interloper. I am just pointing this out to you in Christian charity, of course. I do enjoy a good verbal joust. Thanks for the fun! We take ourselves much too seriously sometimes.

Pax,
SHW

 

[juliamajor]

Hi Julia,

I don’t view you as an enemy. Just an interloper. I am just pointing this out to you in Christian charity, of course. I do enjoy a good verbal joust. Thanks for the fun! We take ourselves much too seriously sometimes.

Pax,
SHW

I think I’m like a gadfly! I always thought the Lord God has a sense of humor- He created us! God Bless and have a great and blessed day!

 

[moondweller]

Hi Moondweller,

Early Christian leaders sought to distinguish their priesthood as superior to the Judaism priesthood since Christians have a royal priesthood with Jesus as High Priest which combines aspects of both the Levitical priesthood and the priestly order of Melchizedek. “Elder” and “presbyter” are words meaning “priest” in the New Covenant. The term “hiereus” is never used for this new priesthood in the New Covenant as far as I know. “Presbyter” or “presbuterw” or “elder” in Greek translations - they all mean spiritual father or priest.

No they don’t. The truth is you can’t find the Greek word hiereus in reference to a church office because there is no priestly office in the church. The priest under the Old Covenant served as a mediator between man and God. But the true believer now has the right to approach the Throne of grace directly (Heb. 4:16).

Therefore, the N.T. knows nothing of a sacerdotal class in contrast to the laity. The whole body of Christ (the church) is a kingdom of priests (Rev. 1:6), a holy and royal priesthood (1 Pet. 2:5, 9). But from the beginning the church appointed elders (presbuteros) and deacons (diakonos), but it had no separate, sacerdotal class or office.

There’s no need. That office ceased with the Old Covenant and its sacrificial system. Through the once for all blood sacrifice of the Son, God is forever propitiated; the sinner forever reconciled to God through faith; and reckoned the righteousness of Christ: Justified. The resurrected, glorified Christ Himself is now the believer’s High Priest in heaven, serving there as his Intercessor and Advocate before the Father (Heb. 7:25; 1 Jn. 2:1).

 

[moondweller]

God’s love trumps everything.

No it doesn’t. He cannot violate His other attributes.

 

[SHW]

No they don’t. The truth is you can’t find the Greek word hiereus in reference to a church office because there is no priestly office in the church. … But the true believer now has the right to approach the Throne of grace directly (Heb. 4:16).

You are mistaken. This is a new priesthood. New names are used for its clergy. There is a throne of grace in heaven and also thrones of grace on the altars and in the tabernacles in the Catholic Church and Jesus is made present on this altar during every Mass.

Therefore, the N.T. knows nothing of a sacerdotal class in contrast to the laity… But from the beginning the church appointed elders (presbuteros) and deacons (diakonos), but it had no separate, sacerdotal class or office.

The New Covenant clergy is a very visible clergy called bishops and priests and deacons. There are altars (Hebrews 13:10) in every Catholic Church and the priests re-present the holy sacrifice of Calvary in the same manner as Jesus did at the Last Supper to our Father in heaven for the remission of sins in the manner that He commanded.

Matthew 26:26-29 “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body. 27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

Luke 22:19 "And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

John 6:55 “For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.”

John 6:53 “Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.”

There’s no need. That office ceased with the Old Covenant and its sacrificial system. Through the once for all blood sacrifice of the Son, God is forever propitiated; the sinner forever reconciled to God through faith; and reckoned the righteousness of Christ: Justified. The resurrected, glorified Christ Himself is now the believer’s High Priest in heaven, serving there as his Intercessor and Advocate before the Father (Heb. 7:25; 1 Jn. 2:1).

Jesus is both Sacrifice and High Priest for His new priesthood. However, He has sacerdotal priests who re-offer His once and for all sacrifice daily to His Father in heaven for the remission of sins. It is not a new sacrifice, it is the same sacrifice of the Last Supper/Calvary that is re-presented to the Father in every Catholic Mass.

This was foretold in Malachi 1:11-11 “For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles; In every place incense shall be offered to My name, And a pure offering; For My name shall be great among the nations,” Says the LORD of hosts.”

This means that right now, in these times of the Gentiles in which you and I live, that this pure offering (Jesus’ Body and Blood truly present in the Holy Eucharist) is being offered daily (from the rising of the sun, even to its going down) in Catholic Masses throughout the world (among the nations) for the remission of sins and this miracle will continue until Jesus returns.

John 8:12 “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows (imitates) Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

John 3:19-21 "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

After a person is justified; if he sins a mortal sin, then he is no longer justified. He no longer is “following” Jesus, he no longer is walking in the light, and he is no longer cleansed from sin. Jesus’ sacrifice no longer saves him.

Hebrews 10:26-30 "For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth,** there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins**, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.** And again, “The LORD will judge His people.”**

When we insult the Spirit of grace by committing mortal sin, then we defile His temple and He no longer resides within us. If we die in this state, then He destroys us.

1 Corinthians 3:16-18 “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. 18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.”

Pax,
SHW