I pray this letter finds you encouraged, joyful and healthy in the knowledge that you are gaining. Your response to my last letter was, as usual, refreshing and spirited. We are rapidly approaching a crossroad in our studies though, my friend, and as we draw near to that point, I want to respond to your inquiries about forgiveness and reconciliation, and remind you to continue comparing my thoughts with Elohim's Word, searching for His truth. Elohim will be glorified, and you will not be disappointed.

While numerous issues litter the landscape of Elohim's originally inspired Word, and must be addressed by anyone seeking to learn about Him, the matter of His forgiveness, and our reconciliation unto Him, is perhaps one of the most littered pathways of all. Additionally, the formation and perception of the Body of Messiah, the Ekklesia, is about to change around the world, and I do not want you to be caught unaware of these matters. This is so, because as we approach the last days, an understanding for the topic of reconciliation [tc] becomes increasingly important. And this is so, because the harvest will come through the faithful application and teaching of the Gospel of reconciliation. As the disciples of YEHOWAH separate themselves from this world and the undisciplined teachings of the religious institutions, and as people consciously determine to follow Elohim, it will be necessary for us to reconcile every aspect of our lives with Him. Unless we understand the truth and fullness of reconciliation, however, we will continue to spread the same watered-down message that is being heard today, and souls will remain lost.

Within the Word of Elohim, we can easily identify areas of contention with the world. These areas require investigation and resolution though, because left unattended, they cause disruption within the Ekklesia: matters regarding female Disciples of YEHOWAH, as they relate to their duties within the Ekklesia, and women in general, as relates to their equality with men, are perfect examples of contentious areas. Likewise, issues regarding male Disciples and their role as spiritual leaders (within the Ekklesia, as well as within the community), or men in general, as relates to their role within the family, must also be understood in light of Elohim's Word. We must also dig into issues that dominate our lives, and expose the false notions tearing at humanity under the guise of "liberalism", "humanism", "equal rights" and "feminism", because the damage they have inflicted upon society is overwhelming.

Being submissive or having authority, as required or granted within Elohim's Word, has been distorted throughout history. Men and women have abused each other, and have been abused by each other, in their attempt to suppress, and/or humiliate, and/or dominate one another, throughout time, and both have used the Word of Elohim violently, maliciously and in an unscriptural way, in their effort to usurp Elohim's intent. These deceptions cannot exist within the EKKLESIA any longer though, because there must be equality and assurance for ALL of Elohim's children, regardless of sex or race, or whatever other barrier humanity wants to build.

Because the topic of reconciliation is so immense, I have divided our study into four letters: First, we need to go back to the beginning and discuss Sin, the Cause of our need. Second we will talk about The Consequence of the curse. Third, we will discuss The Cure. Finally we will consider the matter of Our Choice (Election). These are difficult matters to teach in a society determined to destroy itself, yet they must be taught in detail, so we can grasp the fullness of what Elohim is offering us. Hopefully, by dividing my reply into four unique letters, I can keep these lessons brief.

So much has been said about men, women, sexual relations, relationships, morality, adultery, divorce, murder and abortion, that it appears impossible to draft an original thought today. I believe the Word of Elohim has much to say to humanity in these last days though, and it is no less relevant, encouraging, challenging and original today, as it was when HE originally inspired it.

Should you decide to progress in these studies beyond these notes on reconciliation, we will get to a point where the spiritual positions of elder, overseer and pastor are discussed. I will pointedly state that these positions are reserved for men only, and I will support my position with Elohim's Word. Babylon will vehemently object! If we ever hope to be faithful Disciples of YEHOWAH though, we must understand the reason why these restrictions have been laid upon us, because once we comprehend the curse, we can acknowledge its affect. Then, in acknowledging the affect, we can see, and hopefully accept, the cure that Elohim has offered. Whether we accept these matters though, is clearly our own choice, as you will see.

If we can agree, momentarily at least, that those teachings which limit certain gifts and positions by gender are correct, then we can also agree that the rest of the gifts are given freely to men and women without restrictions. Aside from the fact that women are not to mentor men spiritually, there are no further limitations to the gifts of teaching, evangelism, prophecy, giving, mercy, languages of the nations, the interpretation of those languages, or nearly any other gift. In our momentary agreement on these matters, let us walk through a variety of topics, which in combination may bring about a permanent agreement; a reconciliation over the issue of gender.

The first topic we must consider in gaining any ground toward reconciliation is predetermination; predestiny. While you probably think this is a strange place to begin, it occurs to me that we must acknowledge the sovereignty of Elohim in all matters, before anything else; because only in bowing unto His throne will we ever achieve any reconciliation in our lives. While many of us may be angry about our weight, height, race, sex, station in life, color of eyes, color of hair, or any other such matter, we must achieve a greater understanding for the broad picture of life, of which we are a part, and accept that Elohim knows what He is doing. Elohim is in charge. Understanding and accepting predetermination is our first step toward acknowledging that fact because, we are exactly Who Elohim wants us to be, and precisely What He wants us to be!

Scripture says, "The steps of every person are established by YEHOWAH, and He delights in their way" (Psalms 37:23ENB). We also find Job saying, "He performs what is appointed for me" (Job 23:14ENB). Throughout the Bible we are told that men and women are appointed; they are predetermined. As we examine this subject though, please allow the Word of Elohim to testify to this truth, because just as we are Who and What He wants us to be, we are also exactly Where and When He wants us!

Just as there were Old Covenant female prophets (Exodus 15:20-21; Judges 4:4-5; 2 Kings 22:12-20), there are also New Covenant female prophets (Acts 21:8-9; 1 Corinthians 11:5). In Jeremiyeh 1:5, Elohim told the Prophet, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you, and I ordained you a prophet unto the nations" (ENB). This verse applies to every child of Elohim, male and female, because He has appointed each in his or her time. Every child has been known, consecrated and appointed by Elohim, and each one has a purpose. So then, not only are we Who, What, Where and When Elohim wants us to be, we are precisely Why He wants us to be.

In grasping these things, we must understand a few things about our Elohim:
Elohim is All Seeing [Omnipresent] (2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalms 33:13-14, 139; Jeremiyeh 23:23-24; Matthew 18:20).
Elohim is All Knowing [Omniscient] (2 Chronicles 16:11; Psalms 44:20-21, 94:8-11, 147:5; Isaiyeh 40:14; Revelation 2:2).
Elohim is All Powerful [Omnipotent] (Genesis 1(all), 17:1; Psalms 29:4-9, 115:3; Romans 4:17-24).

Additionally, Elohim always was, always will be, and He will always remain the same; and His essence, as we have already discussed, is unchangeable. Furthermore, time does not matter to Him. He has told us to, "Not be ignorant of this fact, that with the Master one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day" (2 Peter 3:8ENB).

I do not know where I heard the following explanation, so I cannot give credit where due, but the following describes time, as Elohim may see it, better than anything else I have ever heard:

Imagine time on a flat plane, with the full expanse of future history stretching forth from Elohim's throne in a straight line. (The past stretches back). Then, imagine each second of time stretching out as far as necessary, away from those lines. Then, and this is important, imagine that Elohim has the capacity to look at time forward and backward, whenever He wants. He can walk the lines of time whenever He wishes. He can investigate any second of any life, past, present or future; any time He chooses. And, in His power and authority, He can make whatever alterations are necessary, to any situation, in order to bring about His desired results.

In such an arrangement, we can imagine how Elohim can do everything needed within each second of each minute of each hour of each day, and how He is able to plan for every event. While we are restricted, second by second, and limited to sixty-second minutes, Elohim is not! As the creator, all life emanates from Him, and with the ability to see and use time without restriction, we can visualize how He can know the birth and death of every soul. We can also see how He planned for each of His children, before time even began. In His sovereignty, Elohim determined who, what, where, when and why each of us would be, and to rebuke any portion of His plan for us, is to rebuke Him.

As beings created in His image, Adam and Eve were given a free will. As their descendants, we have been given that same free will. When Elohim walked the lines of time, He saw the deeds (right or wrong), which we were freely and knowingly going to do. In His knowledge of us, He planned around, and in spite of, those deeds. He knew everything we would and would not do, and He also knew who would, and who would not receive His Son as their personal Master, Messiah and King. Even before Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden - in that knowledge - He prepared. He determined the width and breadth of our walk, knowing everything that would happen to us, and He knew what our responses to those events would be. These things He did in eternity past, before the clock even began to run.

With His insight, Elohim predetermined which souls were to serve as men, and which were to serve as women. He prearranged parental lineage, matching men with women, and children to parents. He allowed for wars, famines and plagues, as well as times of tribulation, and times of peace. Because of sin, which He saw, He had to allow for all of these things. He also allowed for His Son to die on a cross to redeem us. Elohim is sovereign, and He can do these things.

Perhaps through this understanding of time, we can comprehend how the Psalmist was led to say, "How precious also are Your thoughts unto me, O El! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand. When I awake, I am still with You" (Psalms 139:17-18ENB).

When Yehoseph (Joseph) finally revealed himself to his brothers, he said, "be not grieved or angry with yourselves, that you sold me here, for Elohim sent me before you to preserve life" (Genesis 45:5ENB). In Genesis 50:20 Yehoseph said, "As for you, you meant evil against me; Elohim meant it for good, in order to accomplish, as is this day; to save many people alive" (ENB). Yehoseph understood the workings of Elohim, and ultimately understood predetermination. Yehoseph's comprehension of this matter is especially significant, when you consider the events that led to the conversation with his brothers. Read about Yehoseph, his life is truly inspirational.

Naomi went to Moab with her husband and two sons, and when her husband and sons died, Naomi was left with her two daughters-in-law. When the wife of her youngest son returned to her people, only Ruth remained with her, and together Naomi and Ruth returned to Bethlehem. Like Yehoseph, Naomi was broken (Ruth 1:20-21). When Ruth married Boaz though, and they had a son, Naomi was hailed for the faithfulness of Ruth (Ruth 4:14-15), and she was blessed by a plan pre-ordained by Elohim to fulfill a lineage leading up to the birth of YEHOWAH (Ruth 4:16-17). The son born unto Boaz and Ruth was Obed, and Obed became the father of Jesse, and Jesse became the father of David. Naomi came to understand predetermination.

In Acts 9:15, Ananias was told by the Master that Paul, "He is a chosen vessel of Mine", and through a trail of passages we learn that Elohim chooses. Elohim selects (Romans 9:11, 17-18, 11:5-7, 28; Colossians 3:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 1:4, 3:1-3, 5:9-11). Paul, the other Apostles, all of the Prophets, and every writer of the Books in the Bible, understood predetermination. And we must grasp it as well, because once accepted, we can find tremendous peace with our station in life. The concordance is comprehensive on this matter, because it must be abundantly clear that Elohim is in charge; and perhaps even more, that Elohim has a plan (Acts 2:22-24).

From the beginning, Elohim planned for the division of sexes into the male and female roles. The division was necessary for procreation, but the division has spiritual purposes as well, which exceed procreation. I realize how simple this statement may appear, but it is vital for many to acknowledge some of the simple facts.

In the first chapter of Genesis, Elohim said, "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." And Elohim created man in His image, in the image of Elohim He created him; male and female He created them" (Genesis 1:26-27ENB). Both male and female were created equally in the image of Elohim. Both man and woman were given dominion over the creation. There was no division. Genesis 1 shows an equal distribution of all things to the man and woman. Domination, suppression or submission did not exist; there was only unity and love. This was Elohim's original design. But Elohim knew His design would be interfered with, and He planned for that too.

Genesis shows that man was created first, and in Genesis 2:18 Elohim said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make a helpmate for him." Though it is important to acknowledge that man was created first, it is equally important that the intent behind the creation of woman was for her to be a suitable helpmate. Woman was meant to be man's partner, and the account of Eve's creation shows a genuine caring by Elohim for His creation, as well as a genuine excitement between Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:18-25). This too was Elohim's intent.

In Genesis 3, however, we are given the account of "the fall" of man. A number of things happened that day in the Garden, and a number of things were said that evening, which set the stage for the rest of history. Personally, I believe that the confusion and animosity between the sexes exists because we have not really looked at, understood, nor believed (or accepted) what Elohim said to Adam and Eve after they sinned. This is so, because the curse which sin brought upon us is located right here, and the consequences of that curse are immensely significant. If we can grasp these matters, my friend, we can attempt to grasp the cure that Elohim has also provided, because in our understanding and comprehension of these things, tremendous freedom and liberty can be found for us all.

The first thing to happen after Eve ate the forbidden fruit was that Adam ate (Genesis 3:6). As you can imagine, debate has raged for centuries over Adam's partaking of the apple. What do you think, "Would Adam have eaten the fruit eventually, even if Eve were not present?" Although we cannot answer that question, the fact remains that they both ate; they both sinned. Here, however, it is significant to note that Eve did eat first, because that fact is relevant to Elohim.

Nevertheless, in Genesis 3:14-21 Elohim says some pretty interesting things to Satan, Eve and Adam, and in understanding these things; we can comprehend the current state of mankind. Briefly, this is what they were told:

      First, Satan [tc] was cursed "above all cattle". Because of his actions, the serpent was reduced to a belly crawling, dust eater, "all the days of your life" (v.14). Spiritually, Satan was cursed to spend his life in the presence and darkness of sin. While he may prowl about and have the capacity to present himself as an angel of light today, he has nevertheless been placed under this curse. Additionally, Elohim offered the first prophecy of the Messiah right here, as witnessed by Adam, Eve and Satan (v.15).

      Then Elohim turned His attention to Eve, and in His discussion with her, He did two things: First, Elohim said that Eve, and all her daughters to follow, would suffer pain in child bearing. This clearly brought suffering to a process originally meant to be painless (v.16). Then Elohim cursed Eve and her daughters (and Adam and his sons), and it is this curse that we must understand, because Elohim said, "your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." (v.16ENB). (I will return to this momentarily).

      Elohim then turned to Adam and made it clear that because it was he, Adam, who had originally received the command about not eating from the tree (v.17), (Eve obviously learned of the command through Adam), Elohim was especially upset with Adam, because he listened to his wife, instead of listening to Elohim. And because of Adam's direct disobedience, the ground, the plants and all the animals were cursed. Furthermore, the relationship between men and women, between humanity and the animals, and between mankind and plants and the ground, were also cursed.

In other words, the entire creation, which Elohim had earlier proclaimed as "good", was now cursed, because Adam disobeyed the command of Elohim. (v.17-19). Where Adam once tended the Garden; he was now being forced to toil painfully in order to eat. In addition to all this, death entered the picture for the first time, "For you are dust, and unto dust you shall return" (v.19ENB). Purity and eternal life were lost to humanity. (We cannot forget the promise of the Messiah in V.15 though, because thru YEHOWAH ha Mashiach, purity and eternal life are restored).

What many neglect to acknowledge about the curse placed upon Eve and her daughters in verse 16,however, is that this curse also affected Adam and his sons. It had to affect the man! So let's return there to find the fullness of this matter, because if we so choose, we can find tremendous solace and understanding in the words uttered by Elohim - if we choose to believe Him!

Elohim said, "Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." While we may want to read this as a biological / sexual issue, the curse levied against Eve introduced the burden of submission and domination to the woman / man relationship, and this is a truly significant event. Elohim said, "she will desire...but he will rule". Spiritually, Elohim said that from that moment on, the curse of submission was laid upon all women, and the curse of authority and responsibility was laid upon all men. And this applies to all things! You see, Eve and her daughters were not meant to act submissively, just as Adam and his sons were not meant to be in charge! Elohim was in charge - until we decided that we wanted to "be like Elohim" (HUMANISM). Elohim was in charge until we placed Satan between Elohim and us. Once we displaced Elohim, however, it was necessary for Him to initiate new rules (until His plan for our redemption and reconciliation could come full term).

Application of this teaching comes in recognizing the curse for what it truly is. Once we acknowledge that submission and domination are unnatural to Elohim's creation; once we see that submission and domination are uncomfortable and undesirable for both women and men, and we accept the fullness and truth of these facts, then submission and domination almost become tolerable. They become tolerable, because in our newfound knowledge we can faithfully submit to Elohim's will for us, and through that faithful submission unto Him, we can surrender the burden of the curse back unto Elohim.

When we sinned, we displaced Elohim as our King and submitted ourselves to the dominion of a new ruler. We did this of our own free will. When we accept YEHOWAH as our Master and Messiah, however, we once again make a free will choice regarding the dominion in which we reside, and select to return as unto Elohim. The return unto Elohim's dominion is primarily spiritual right now, because as long as we remain in these bodies, even though we may individually select to submit to Elohim, the remainder of creation is still under Satan's control - for awhile. Yet, because we are spiritual beings, our inner person CAN have peace with Elohim now, and CAN learn to tolerate the injustices that our original sin has wrought.

For this creation though, a curse has been levied which must be acknowledged and adhered to, because rebellion against the will of Elohim only worsens our already pathetic state. Because of our sin Elohim placed a curse upon humanity...
For women, Elohim's will placed them in a role of submission.
Violation of His plan is seen whenever women want to rule over men in general, whether spiritually, physically or mentally; and when they want to rule or control their mates specifically.

For men, Elohim's will placed them in a position of authority. Violation of His plan is seen whenever men dominate in an unrighteous manner over anyone, but especially their mate; or when men capitulate; when they surrender their authority entirely.

Elohim never intended for men or women to dominate or be in subjection to each other. But, by our own free will, we elected to "know good and evil" (Genesis 3:5), and the world is stuck in the morass of this curse today. The result of all this is that undisciplined (or un-discipled) women want to reject the authority of all men, not just their husbands; while undisciplined (or un-discipled) men either want to dominate and oppress women, or chose to surrender their authority entirely. Is this not true in the world today?

Women aspire to the office of pastor, overseer and elder within the world of religion, because they do not comprehend the curse, the temporary nature of their situation, or the cure. In their desire to be the spiritual leaders in the home and 'church', women continue to listen to Satan - just like Eve listened to him in the Garden, but Elohim desires greater things for us all. While the religious institutions masquerade as the 'church', and while they rapidly march down the path to destruction, women are not only joining the march, they are leading it - just like Eve in the Garden. And, just like Adam, many men are following. This is harsh, but this is also very true!

In recognizing the harshness of these words, I also recognize that reconciliation often requires confrontation, and this confrontation is not with women only, because men are also dismally failing in their role as spiritual and marital leaders. Men have abused their positions for so long, that women are openly rebellious, and in the resulting confusion, husbands and fathers appear powerless; stripped of all authority. Men are "listening" once again to woman, instead of listening to Elohim, and society is in a tailspin. The consequence of our sin is violent, and it's lure remains very strong.

Elohim never wanted men or women to be subjected to one another, or to be dominated by one anyone other than Him. In our knowledge of good and evil, however, we placed ourselves in subjection to Satan's kingdom, and once we subjected ourselves to Satan's rule, it became necessary for Elohim to draw lines of authority - for our own good. And, for our eternal good, Elohim's plan also included for our redemption. Unfortunately, because of our faithlessness, the extent of that redemption eludes us today, even in many so-called 'Christian' circles. Although Elohim knew about the fall beforehand, and He planned for it, His desire was for His children to serve only Him. Satan interfered with those plans, and we fell. We must now abide by the spiritual laws that govern our day and age, and accept the laws of Elohim without complaint. In accepting Elohim's plan for reconciliation though, we can freely place ourselves under His subjection again, and remove the yoke of sin that ensnares us.

Liberal theologians, humanists and feminists, want mankind to believe that Elohim is a bigot; down on women. Nothing is further from the truth. Satan has been defiling women since the Garden, not Elohim, and even a brief pass through the Gospels will show the esteem with which Elohim really has for His daughters. The teachings of Paul are not bigoted either, as the liberal theologians would have you believe. Paul’s “inspired writings” merely clarify Elohim's instructions.

The curse that our sin has brought drives undisciplined women to rebuke male authority and seek "liberation", while the same curse drives undisciplined men to either abuse or capitulate their authority. Additionally, as the activities of Satan increase in these last days, the hostility that exists between men and women will rise sharply. That is Prophetic! At the same time, however, tremendous harmony will become manifest between Elohim's children, because His sons and daughters are about to gather in an abundant harvest through their faithful submission unto each other - and unto Elohim, and an understanding for reconciliation will be fundamental to that harvest.

It is not difficult to see our dilemma stemming directly from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. In our knowledge though, we find ourselves in subjection to things that Elohim would rather have not subjected us. Nevertheless, we are in subjection. The cause of all this is our sin. The curse, which resulted from that sin, brings about the consequences which we will discuss in our next letter. It is vital for anyone seeking to know Elohim though, to acknowledge His sovereign hand in all things. We are men and women because Elohim wants us to be. The curse came later - by our own hands!

Grace and peace to you, dear friend! Consider sin. Consider the state of the world. Consider YEHOWAH ha Mashiach: The Cure. Praise be for that Cure...

I remain faithfully yours in YEHOWAH our Messiah,

larryv

Topical concordance:

Forgiveness/Forgiving, (See Reconciliation also):
Old Covenant: Genesis 45:1ff, 50:17-21; Psalms 25:6-7, 32:1-7, 79:8-13, 103 & 130(all); Isaiyeh 44:21-23, 65:17; Jeremiyeh (all), 31:34; Jonah (all); Zechariyeh 3(all).

New Covenant: Matthew 6:14-15,23-24, 16:19, 18:15-35; Mark 4:24-25, 11:25-26; Luke 7:47, 17:3-10; John 5:14; Acts 7:59-60, 26:18; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:19-22, 2:13-15; 1 Timothy 1:12-16; Hebrews 8:12, 9:22, 10:17.

Husbands/men:
Old Covenant: Genesis 3:1-7,17-19.

New Covenant: Ephesians 5:25-33; Colossians 3:19-21; Titus 2:2-8; 1 Peter 3:7

Predetermination:
(A study of every O/C Book will show the predetermined plan of Elohim unfold. Look at the people used by Elohim, for both good and evil, and you will see His appointments. His plan has not changed.
Old Covenant: Genesis 45:7-8, 50:18-21; Ezra 1:1; Job 23:14; Psalms 37:23; Jeremiyeh 1:5.

New Covenant: Matthew 6:39, 8:34,41-44, 15:16; Acts 2:22-24, 3:18, 4:24-28, 9:15, 10:40-41, 12:40-41, 13:48, 17:26, 22:14, 26:5; Romans 8:28-30, 9:11,17-18,22-24, 11:2; 1 Corinthians 2:7, 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 1:15; Ephesians 1:3-12, 2:1,8-10, 4(all); Colossians 3:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 1:4, 3:1-3, 5:9-11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15; 1 Peter 1:1-2,20, 2:8; 2 Peter 3:17; Jude1:4; Revelation 9:13-15, 17:8.

Reconciliation, (See Forgiveness also):
New Covenant: Romans 5(all); 2Corinthians 5:10-21; Ephesians 2:18-16.

Satan:
Old Covenant: Genesis 3:1-7; Job 1:6-7, 2:1-2; Psalms 55:20-21; Isaiyeh 14:12-17, 41:21-24, 46:11, 54:16; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Daniel 7-12(all); Nahum 1:15; Zechariyeh 11:16-17.

New Covenant: Matthew 4:1-11, 13:24-30, 21:33-41; Luke 4:1-13, 10:18, 11:17-26; John 6:70, 8:44, 12:31; 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4,6-12; 1 Timothy 1:18-20; 1 Peter 5:8-9; 1 John 3:8, 5:19-20; Revelation 12,13,17,18 & 20(all).

Sin:
Old Covenant: Genesis 3:1-7,22-24, 4:7; Job 40:1-14; Psalms 14, 32:1-7, 36:1-4, 38, 53,82, 143; Proverbs 28:13; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Isaiyeh (all); Jeremiyeh (all), 2:29; Ezekiel 18:20; Daniel 9:3-19.

New Covenant: Matthew 12:24-32, 13:24-30; Mark 3:22-30; Luke 7:40-50, 12:8-10, 8:9-14; John 5:14, 8:34-36, 9:1-3; Acts 19:18, 26:18; Romans 3:23, 5:1-5, 6(all), 8:19-22; 1 Corinthians 3:2; Galatians 3:17-20; Ephesians 2:19-22; Philippians 2:5; 2 Thessalonians 1:5; Hebrews 2:10-11,18, 3:13, 10:26-27; James 1:13-16, 3:2,6,16, 4:17, 5:19-20; 1 Peter 2:8, 4:1-2; 1 John 1:8-10, 2:2-12, 3:4-11,21-23.

Wives/women:
Old Covenant: Genesis 3:1-7,16; Proverbs 31:10-31

New Covenant: Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 12:22-32; John 17:2; Acts 9:36-42, 13:50; 1 Corinthians 11:4,5, 10,14:34-37; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 4:4-6, 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18; 1 Timothy 2:9-15, 3:11, 5:3-16; Titus 2:3-5; 1 Peter 3:1-6.