Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible



We know that our old self was [figuratively] crucified with Christ, in order that the body of sin [i.e., our whole life of sin] might be destroyed [i.e., become powerless to control our actions and thoughts], so that we should not be enslaved to the practice of sin any longer. Verse ConceptsFruit, SpiritualAbolitionThe Sin NatureThe New Man In ChristPutting Off The Old ManSelfishnessUnselfishnessThe Human BodyDying With ChristCrucifying Our FleshOld NatureDestruction Of Satan's WorksDead To SinContinuing In SinOur CrucifixionSubject To EvilIdentityIdentity In Christrebirth


Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of the world, [then] why, as though you [still] lived in [harmony with] the world, do you submit yourselves to [its] rules, [such as]: Verse ConceptsMortificationAbolish, Evil ThingsChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromFormalityDying With ChristDead To SinElements Of The UniverseHuman Law

Just as it is written [Psa. 44:22], "We are [in danger of being] killed all the time. We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered." Verse ConceptsSheepSuffering, Of BelieversDying With ChristSuffering For Christ's SakeKilling The InnocentAll Dayaccounting

For while we live, we are always exposed to death for Jesus' sake [See Rom. 8:36], so that the life of Jesus may be demonstrated in our mortal bodies [i.e., in our weak and frail human nature]. Verse ConceptsDying With ChristSuffering For Christ's SakeLife With Christ

This saying is trustworthy: For if we have died with Christ [i.e., stopped the practice of sin, See Rom. 6:1-11], we will also live with Him [i.e., both here and hereafter]. Verse ConceptsMortificationParticipation, In ChristResurrection, Of BelieversDying With ChristDead To SinLife With ChristFaithful SayingsOur ResurrectionPromise Of HeavenParticipation In Christ Death And ResurrectionGod's Trustworthiness



Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of the world, [then] why, as though you [still] lived in [harmony with] the world, do you submit yourselves to [its] rules, [such as]: Verse ConceptsMortificationAbolish, Evil ThingsChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromFormalityDying With ChristDead To SinElements Of The UniverseHuman Law


This saying is trustworthy: For if we have died with Christ [i.e., stopped the practice of sin, See Rom. 6:1-11], we will also live with Him [i.e., both here and hereafter]. Verse ConceptsMortificationParticipation, In ChristResurrection, Of BelieversDying With ChristDead To SinLife With ChristFaithful SayingsOur ResurrectionPromise Of HeavenParticipation In Christ Death And ResurrectionGod's Trustworthiness

So, you [too] should consider yourselves dead to sin [i.e., no longer under its power], but [spiritually] alive to God, in [fellowship with] Christ. Verse ConceptsBecoming More Like ChristSanctification, Nature And BasisSpiritual Life, Described ByBeing Dead In SinDead To SinAccountancyDeath To SelfLife Through ChristReckoning

Certainly not! How can we, who died to sin [i.e., stopped living under its power], go on living in it [i.e., practicing it] any longer? Verse Conceptsethics, incentives towardsBehaviourSelf DenialDead To SinContinuing In SinFar Be It!



But whoever disowns me in front of people [i.e., denies that I am the Christ, or that he is a disciple. See John 18:15-17, 25-27], I will disown him in front of my Father in heaven. Verse ConceptsWarnings Against ApostasyDenying ChristRejection Of God, Results OfOur Father In HeavenRelationship Of Father And SonWitness Before MendenialUnbelief Toward Christ

But just as there were false prophets among the people before, there will also be false teachers among you [Christians]. They will privately teach harmful doctrines that destroy people [spiritually], by even denying [that Jesus is] the Master, [and thereby] destroying themselves quickly. Verse ConceptsCounterfeitsSpiritual MalnutritionForeknowledgeFalse TeachingsFalse Teachers, Characteristics OfAtonementenemies, of believersFalse Doctrine, Dangers OfDestructiondenial of Jesus ChristDenying ChristBuying and sellingLove FeastMarketsOpinionsRansomSecrecySeductionToleranceHeresySatan, Power OfDestroying OneselfMisteachingFalse PeopleFalse Religious SystemProphecyDenying God And His PowerUnbelief Toward Christ

"And I tell you, every person who acknowledges me in front of people [i.e., to be his Lord and Christ], the Son of man will also acknowledge him in front of God's angels. But that person who disowns me in front of people [i.e., denies that I am the Christ, or that he is a disciple. See John 18:15-17, 25-27], will be disowned in front of God's angels.

So, I endure everything for the elect's sake [i.e., God's people], so that they can obtain the salvation which comes through Christ Jesus, with [its] never ending splendor. This saying is trustworthy: For if we have died with Christ [i.e., stopped the practice of sin, See Rom. 6:1-11], we will also live with Him [i.e., both here and hereafter]. If we endure [i.e., remain faithful through suffering], we will also rule with Him [i.e., both here and hereafter]. If we deny Him, He will also deny us. [See Matt. 10:33].

Who is the liar? It is the person who denies that Jesus [truly] is the Christ [i.e., God's specially chosen One]. This person is the antichrist [See verse 18]; he is the one who denies [the truth about] the Father and the Son. Every person who denies [the truth about] the Son [See 4:2-3], does not have the Father [living in his heart]; but, the person who confesses [the truth about] the Son has the Father [living in his heart] also.

We know that our old self was [figuratively] crucified with Christ, in order that the body of sin [i.e., our whole life of sin] might be destroyed [i.e., become powerless to control our actions and thoughts], so that we should not be enslaved to the practice of sin any longer. Verse ConceptsFruit, SpiritualAbolitionThe Sin NatureThe New Man In ChristPutting Off The Old ManSelfishnessUnselfishnessThe Human BodyDying With ChristCrucifying Our FleshOld NatureDestruction Of Satan's WorksDead To SinContinuing In SinOur CrucifixionSubject To EvilIdentityIdentity In Christrebirth


Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of the world, [then] why, as though you [still] lived in [harmony with] the world, do you submit yourselves to [its] rules, [such as]: Verse ConceptsMortificationAbolish, Evil ThingsChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromFormalityDying With ChristDead To SinElements Of The UniverseHuman Law

Just as it is written [Psa. 44:22], "We are [in danger of being] killed all the time. We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered." Verse ConceptsSheepSuffering, Of BelieversDying With ChristSuffering For Christ's SakeKilling The InnocentAll Dayaccounting

For while we live, we are always exposed to death for Jesus' sake [See Rom. 8:36], so that the life of Jesus may be demonstrated in our mortal bodies [i.e., in our weak and frail human nature]. Verse ConceptsDying With ChristSuffering For Christ's SakeLife With Christ

This saying is trustworthy: For if we have died with Christ [i.e., stopped the practice of sin, See Rom. 6:1-11], we will also live with Him [i.e., both here and hereafter]. Verse ConceptsMortificationParticipation, In ChristResurrection, Of BelieversDying With ChristDead To SinLife With ChristFaithful SayingsOur ResurrectionPromise Of HeavenParticipation In Christ Death And ResurrectionGod's Trustworthiness

This saying is trustworthy and I want you [in your teaching] to affirm these things with confidence, so that those people who have trusted God will be careful to devote themselves to doing good deeds. These things [i.e., just mentioned] are good and profitable for people [to do]. Verse ConceptseagernessProfitsWork, And RedemptionProfitable ThingsFaithful SayingsBelief In GodDo Good!Useful ThingsWorks Of FaithAnxiety And StressWork Ethic


This saying is trustworthy: For if we have died with Christ [i.e., stopped the practice of sin, See Rom. 6:1-11], we will also live with Him [i.e., both here and hereafter]. Verse ConceptsMortificationParticipation, In ChristResurrection, Of BelieversDying With ChristDead To SinLife With ChristFaithful SayingsOur ResurrectionPromise Of HeavenParticipation In Christ Death And ResurrectionGod's Trustworthiness

This [foregoing] saying is trustworthy and deserves to be fully accepted. Verse ConceptsFaithful SayingsGod's TrustworthinessChrist As An Object Of Hope

"Write [this] to the angel of the church at Laodicia: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the source [or, ruler] of God's creation [See John 1:3; Heb. 1:1-2]: I know about your deeds, that you are neither [spiritually] cold nor hot. I wish you were [either] cold or hot. But since you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am about to vomit you out of my mouth. read more.
For you are saying, 'I am wealthy; I have made plenty of money and do not need anything.' But you do not know that you are [spiritually] wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. [Because of that], I advise you to buy from me gold, refined by fire, so that you will become rich; and white clothing to wear, so that you can cover yourself and not be seen as shamefully naked; and eye drops for your eyes, so that you can see. [Note: The foregoing all refer to taking measures for becoming more spiritual]. "I rebuke and discipline those I love, so be earnest and repent. Look, I am standing at [your] door and knocking; if anyone hears my voice [i.e., the sound of my knocking], and opens the door, I will [surely] come in to him and eat with him and he [will eat] with me. The person who has victory [in the Christian life], I will grant him [the privilege of] sitting down with me on my throne, as I also had victory and sat down with my Father on His throne.

So, I endure everything for the elect's sake [i.e., God's people], so that they can obtain the salvation which comes through Christ Jesus, with [its] never ending splendor. This saying is trustworthy: For if we have died with Christ [i.e., stopped the practice of sin, See Rom. 6:1-11], we will also live with Him [i.e., both here and hereafter]. If we endure [i.e., remain faithful through suffering], we will also rule with Him [i.e., both here and hereafter]. If we deny Him, He will also deny us. [See Matt. 10:33].


For the Son of man is certainly going [to die], just as it has been [pre-] determined, but it is too bad for that person through whom He is [to be] betrayed!" So, the apostles began discussing among themselves which one of them would do such a thing. Then a dispute arose among the apostles as to which one of them should be considered the greatest. read more.
And Jesus said to them, "The kings of the [unconverted] Gentiles lord it over their own people, and those who domineer over them are called 'Benefactors' [Note: This was a title used by Greek kings in Egypt and Syria]. But it will not be that way among you, for the person who is the most important among you should become [like] the youngest [i.e., least important]. And the person who is the leader should become like the servant. For who is most important, the person who reclines at the dinner table or the person who serves [him]? Is it not the person who reclines at the dinner table? But I am among you as the person who serves. Now you apostles are the ones who have remained with me throughout my trials, and just as my Father assigned a kingdom to me, so I am assigning a kingdom to you, so you can eat and drink at my table in my [coming] kingdom. [Also] you will sit on [twelve] thrones [See Matt. 19:28], judging the twelve tribes of Israel [i.e., judging God's people through their writings].

"And write [this] to the angel of the church at Thyatira: These are the words of the Son of God, who has eyes like flaming fire and feet like shiny brass: I know about your deeds, your love, your faith, your service and your endurance, and that your most recent deeds are more numerous than when you first began [your Christian lives]. But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman [named] Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and deceives my servants into [practicing] sexual immorality and into eating things sacrificed to idols. read more.
And I gave her time to repent, but she refused to repent of her sexual immorality. Listen, I will throw her, and those who commit sexual unfaithfulness with her, into a bed where they will experience terrible suffering unless they repent of her [or, their] practices. And I will strike her children dead [or, "kill her children by some terrible calamity" See Ex. 5:3 LXX]. Then all the churches will know that I am the One who searches the inmost being of people [Note: The Greek says, "searches the kidneys and hearts." In that day these internal organs stood for the inner thoughts, emotions, etc.]. And I will repay each one of you people according to what you have done. But I say to all the rest of you there in Thyatira who have not followed this [false] teaching [See verse 20], that is, those who have not known "the deep things of Satan," as people call them --- I will not burden you with anything else [i.e., beyond this problem about Jezebel's false teaching]. Nevertheless, hold on firmly to what you [already] have [i.e., the qualities mentioned in verse 19] until I come [Note: This probably refers to coming with judgment on wrongdoing. See verse 16]. "And to the person who has victory [in the Christian life], and who continues to do what I want until the end [of his life], I will give him authority over the nations [Note: This probably refers to a spiritual reign with Christ during the Christian age. See 20:4]. And he will rule them [as a shepherd] with a staff of iron, [and smash them] as the clay jars of a potter are broken to pieces [See Psa. 2:9]. [Note: Some translations begin verse at this point]. [His authority will be] like that which I have received from my Father. And I will give him the morning star [Note: Jesus is called "the Morning Star" in 22:16].

And when He had taken the book, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down in front of the Lamb [i.e., to worship Him]. Each one of them held [in his hands] a harp and a golden bowl full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints [See Psa. 141:2; Rev. 8:3-4]. And they sang a new song [which went like this]: "You deserve to take the book and break the seals on it, for you were killed and, with your blood, you purchased people for God from every tribe and language and race and nation, and you made them into a kingdom and a priesthood for [serving] our God, and they will rule on the earth."

Then I saw thrones, with individuals sitting on them who had been given [authority] to judge. And I [also] saw the souls of those who had been decapitated because they had testified about Jesus and [had proclaimed] the message of God. [They are] the ones who had refused to worship the beast or his statue, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And these ones lived again and ruled with Christ for a thousand years. (The rest of those who had died did not come [back] to life until the thousand years had ended). This is the first resurrection [from the dead]. The person who shares in this first resurrection is blessed and holy [i.e., for being so dedicated to God]. The second death does not have power over these people, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will rule with Him for the thousand years.

And there will no longer be any curse [in the city], and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there. And God's servants will serve Him, and they will see His face, and His name will be [written] on their foreheads. And it will never be nighttime there anymore; they will not need the light of a lamp or of the sun, for the Lord will give them light. And they [i.e., God's servants] will rule [with Christ, See 20:4] forever and ever.



Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of the world, [then] why, as though you [still] lived in [harmony with] the world, do you submit yourselves to [its] rules, [such as]: Verse ConceptsMortificationAbolish, Evil ThingsChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromFormalityDying With ChristDead To SinElements Of The UniverseHuman Law


This saying is trustworthy: For if we have died with Christ [i.e., stopped the practice of sin, See Rom. 6:1-11], we will also live with Him [i.e., both here and hereafter]. Verse ConceptsMortificationParticipation, In ChristResurrection, Of BelieversDying With ChristDead To SinLife With ChristFaithful SayingsOur ResurrectionPromise Of HeavenParticipation In Christ Death And ResurrectionGod's Trustworthiness

So, you [too] should consider yourselves dead to sin [i.e., no longer under its power], but [spiritually] alive to God, in [fellowship with] Christ. Verse ConceptsBecoming More Like ChristSanctification, Nature And BasisSpiritual Life, Described ByBeing Dead In SinDead To SinAccountancyDeath To SelfLife Through ChristReckoning

Certainly not! How can we, who died to sin [i.e., stopped living under its power], go on living in it [i.e., practicing it] any longer? Verse Conceptsethics, incentives towardsBehaviourSelf DenialDead To SinContinuing In SinFar Be It!



For all of those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. For you did not receive the Holy Spirit, to enslave you again to fear, [Note: Some translators take "Holy Spirit" here to be "spirit," making the verse say "you did not receive the spirit of slavery"], but you received the Holy Spirit [who produces] sonship, so we can call out, "Abba", [which means] "Father." The Holy Spirit Himself bears testimony [along] with our [human] spirit that we are the children of God. read more.
And if we are [His] children, then we have an inheritance from God [i.e., blessings here and hereafter] and are fellow-sharers with Christ [of such blessings], providing we [are willing to] suffer with Him, so we can also be honored with Him [i.e., in the future life. See verses 18-25].

Therefore, since Christ has suffered physically, you people should fortify yourselves with the same attitude He had. For the person who has suffered physically [i.e., in standing for Christ] has quit sinning. Verse ConceptsConformityChristlikenessSpiritual Warfare, ArmourThinking ArightThe Fact Of Christ's DeathMind BattlesAttitudeHuman Nature, OvercomingSuffering


So, I endure everything for the elect's sake [i.e., God's people], so that they can obtain the salvation which comes through Christ Jesus, with [its] never ending splendor. This saying is trustworthy: For if we have died with Christ [i.e., stopped the practice of sin, See Rom. 6:1-11], we will also live with Him [i.e., both here and hereafter]. If we endure [i.e., remain faithful through suffering], we will also rule with Him [i.e., both here and hereafter]. If we deny Him, He will also deny us. [See Matt. 10:33].

"And write [this] to the angel of the church at Smyrna: These things are the words of the First and the Last [i.e., Jesus], who was dead, but has come [back] to life: I know [about] your suffering and your poverty (but you are [really] rich), and the slander of those who say they are Jews, though they [really] are not, but are a synagogue of Satan [i.e., they claimed to be an assembly of God's people, but in reality were serving Satan]. Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. [For] look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you may be tested, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. [But], you should be faithful [to God] even to the point of dying [for Him], and I will give you the crown of [never ending] life.

Then I saw thrones, with individuals sitting on them who had been given [authority] to judge. And I [also] saw the souls of those who had been decapitated because they had testified about Jesus and [had proclaimed] the message of God. [They are] the ones who had refused to worship the beast or his statue, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And these ones lived again and ruled with Christ for a thousand years. (The rest of those who had died did not come [back] to life until the thousand years had ended). This is the first resurrection [from the dead]. The person who shares in this first resurrection is blessed and holy [i.e., for being so dedicated to God]. The second death does not have power over these people, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will rule with Him for the thousand years.

However, those things which were [once regarded as] gain to me, I have [now] considered to be loss for [the sake of] Christ. What is more, I consider everything to be a loss compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus [as] my Lord, for whose sake I have suffered the loss of all things. [I now] consider [all of] them to be trash, in order to gain Christ and to be found in [fellowship with] Him, not having a righteousness of my own, acquired by observing the law of Moses, but one acquired through believing in Christ. This righteousness, which comes from God, is based on faith. read more.
I want to know Christ [as Savior] and to experience the power [produced] by His resurrection, and to share in His sufferings and become like Him in His death,

For the Lord's eyes see what the righteous person does and He hears their [earnest] prayers, but the Lord looks with disapproval on the person who does wrong." And who do you think would [try to] hurt you if you become enthusiastic for doing what is right? But even if you have to suffer for doing what was right, you still have [God's] blessing. So, do not be afraid of the threats [of your persecutors], and do not let it worry you. read more.
But instead, set aside a place in your hearts where Christ is [in full control as] Lord, and be prepared always to give a suitable reply to every person who asks you for a reason why you have an inner hope. But [be sure you do it] in a meek and respectful way, however. May your conscience be able to so approve of your conduct that, even if you are ridiculed, those doing it will [eventually] have to be ashamed [of themselves] for criticizing your Christian behavior. For, if it is God's will that you should suffer, it is better [for you] that it be on account of doing right than doing wrong.



Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of the world, [then] why, as though you [still] lived in [harmony with] the world, do you submit yourselves to [its] rules, [such as]: Verse ConceptsMortificationAbolish, Evil ThingsChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromFormalityDying With ChristDead To SinElements Of The UniverseHuman Law


This saying is trustworthy: For if we have died with Christ [i.e., stopped the practice of sin, See Rom. 6:1-11], we will also live with Him [i.e., both here and hereafter]. Verse ConceptsMortificationParticipation, In ChristResurrection, Of BelieversDying With ChristDead To SinLife With ChristFaithful SayingsOur ResurrectionPromise Of HeavenParticipation In Christ Death And ResurrectionGod's Trustworthiness

So, you [too] should consider yourselves dead to sin [i.e., no longer under its power], but [spiritually] alive to God, in [fellowship with] Christ. Verse ConceptsBecoming More Like ChristSanctification, Nature And BasisSpiritual Life, Described ByBeing Dead In SinDead To SinAccountancyDeath To SelfLife Through ChristReckoning

Certainly not! How can we, who died to sin [i.e., stopped living under its power], go on living in it [i.e., practicing it] any longer? Verse Conceptsethics, incentives towardsBehaviourSelf DenialDead To SinContinuing In SinFar Be It!



We know that our old self was [figuratively] crucified with Christ, in order that the body of sin [i.e., our whole life of sin] might be destroyed [i.e., become powerless to control our actions and thoughts], so that we should not be enslaved to the practice of sin any longer. Verse ConceptsFruit, SpiritualAbolitionThe Sin NatureThe New Man In ChristPutting Off The Old ManSelfishnessUnselfishnessThe Human BodyDying With ChristCrucifying Our FleshOld NatureDestruction Of Satan's WorksDead To SinContinuing In SinOur CrucifixionSubject To EvilIdentityIdentity In Christrebirth


Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of the world, [then] why, as though you [still] lived in [harmony with] the world, do you submit yourselves to [its] rules, [such as]: Verse ConceptsMortificationAbolish, Evil ThingsChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromFormalityDying With ChristDead To SinElements Of The UniverseHuman Law

Just as it is written [Psa. 44:22], "We are [in danger of being] killed all the time. We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered." Verse ConceptsSheepSuffering, Of BelieversDying With ChristSuffering For Christ's SakeKilling The InnocentAll Dayaccounting

For while we live, we are always exposed to death for Jesus' sake [See Rom. 8:36], so that the life of Jesus may be demonstrated in our mortal bodies [i.e., in our weak and frail human nature]. Verse ConceptsDying With ChristSuffering For Christ's SakeLife With Christ

This saying is trustworthy: For if we have died with Christ [i.e., stopped the practice of sin, See Rom. 6:1-11], we will also live with Him [i.e., both here and hereafter]. Verse ConceptsMortificationParticipation, In ChristResurrection, Of BelieversDying With ChristDead To SinLife With ChristFaithful SayingsOur ResurrectionPromise Of HeavenParticipation In Christ Death And ResurrectionGod's Trustworthiness