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How To Apprehend the Truth About Eternal Security – Every Time

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

In this important post we are going to visit a few Bible verses and doctrines as examples of how we have the opportunity to either rightly divide or to have a distorted understanding in the things of Christ’s kingdom. The apprehension of truth is all-important to the LORD (Prov. 2:1-22).

Regrettably it is rare to find someone who has and is taking time to truly, personally study God’s Word for themselves and actually knows WHY they believe WHAT they believe. They are sound in the faith, grounded in biblical truth. As is evidenced by the dialogues today, so very many insist they know the truth when they’ve never personally, thoroughly, honestly studied God’s Word for themselves (2 Timothy 2:15). All they’ve done is follow false teachers and are now regurgitating those lies on others. They are false teachers and hell bound if they don’t repent (2 Peter 2:1-3).

It’s very dangerous to go to seed on a certain truth to the exclusion of the whole of Scripture. Such always results in error.

Twisting Scripture, truth is fueled by the enemy of souls who is the first on record to do so as he misled the man and the woman in the Garden, causing their fall (Genesis 3). Did not Satan also tempted Christ using Scripture out of context? (Luke 4)

“As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest (pervert, twist, corrupt), as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:16

“For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17 

Here’s the Greek word and definition for the word “corrupt” used here in the above verse of Scripture:

kapēleuō
kap-ale-yoo’-o
From κάπηλος kapēlos (a huckster); to retail, that is, (by implication) to adulterate (figuratively): – corrupt.

It’s interesting that included in this definition is the word “retail.” Peter speaks of those false leaders who would “make merchandise of you.” (2 Peter 2:1-3)This refers to ungodly men misleading their audiences with half-truths in order to buy them wholesale and sell them retail as the saying goes – to make dollars signs of the people for their own self-serving, greedy purposes.

WHY DO WE BELIEVE WHAT WE BELIEVE? DOES your basis for believing something hold biblical water? What is your basis, the reason you believe the doctrine you currently espouse? Is it 100% biblically air tight? If not, why not ditch it, be corrected, and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4b; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17, etc.). Are you teachable? Are you correctable? Have we made an idol out of what we believe? Is Christ and the Bible truly top shelf or something else? Can we say with Paul “Let GOD be true and EVERY man a liar”, beginning with ourselves? (Romans 3:4)

Example of Doctrinal Corruption

Our example of misusing Scripture, taking it out of context, will address the un-conditional eternal security teaching we also know as “once saved always saved” or “eternal security.”

Many OSAS (once saved always saved) proponents seek to isolate John 3:16 as if it were more inspired than the rest of Scripture. This may be due to the fact that certain denominations have used it every Sunday morning for decades to win souls. These OSAS defendants get shook up when other Bible verses and texts are brought into the picture, because they have never been introduced to the whole counsel of God by their leaders. Their leaders simply do not truly embrace the truth that “All scripture” (not just some) has been God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16).The apostle Paul was a complete full-counsel teacher of God’s truth (Acts 20:20, 27). He held nothing back that was profitable for the LORD’s people. The Psalmist was a full-counsel believer. Are we?

“Therefore I esteem ALL thy precepts concerning ALL things to be right; and I hate every false way.” Psalms 119:128

Personally, I wonder why some people are so insecure about what else Jesus stated about eternal life and the other things the Holy Spirit intentionally had recorded and canonized as divine and eternal truth in the Bible. Didn’t He tell us that “great peace” accompanied the embracing of His Word?

“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalms 119:165

Why would any true believer shun any part of God’s Word? Could the fear of previously unknown Scripture stem from an incomplete personal knowledge of the whole of the Word of God? Have some stopped at John 3:16 and consequently possess a limiting and skewed view of the LORD and His truth due to lack of knowledge of the Word? Could it be that many are not being encouraged to study and know the whole of the written Word?

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous Judgments endureth for ever.” Psalms 119:160

Why would any believer ever be resistant to any portion of Holy Scripture? What would this indicate one is afraid of? Why would any true disciple of Jesus ever be afraid of something else from the Bible being revealed to their hearts, even if it violates what that person has previously been taught? In many evangelical circles, verses like John 3:16 have been presented to the exclusion of the whole counsel of Scripture. Even when John 3:16 is broken down, it clearly proves that the word “believeth” pertains to those who are presently trusting in Christ and not just a one-time belief. To those who are currently believing, eternal life is promised, and not to the one who once believed and was saved and yet is not presently walking with God. 1 Corinthians 15:2 says:

“By which also ye are saved, IF ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:2

Note the phrase “unless ye have believed in vain.” The Holy Spirit is saying here that anyone who has believed and been saved, yet is not “keeping in memory” the Gospel of Christ, is not saved, but rather their initial saving faith is counted to be “vain.” “In vain” means that it has no power to save them now due to their own personal decision to rid their heart “memory” of what they had previously “believed.” Initial saving faith has no effect on the present if one stops walking in the obedient faith that initially accessed God’s grace (Rom. 5:1-2). Saving faith must remain in one’s heart in order for him to continue to receive the saving grace of God and be wholly cleansed by the blood of Christ, without which no man will see God (1 Jn. 1:7-9; Heb. 12:14).

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth (remains, continues) not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9

Looking only at John 3:16, to the exclusion of the whole of Scripture, in itself violates biblical interpretation laws (Isa. 28:9-10, 13; 1 Cor. 2:13). The same God who spoke John 3:16 spoke all that is in Holy Scripture which when taken collectively, clarifies itself. “All Scripture” has been given by the same one LORD God and must be considered as a whole in order to apprehend and rightly divide truth and avoid error (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16).

Honest Interpretation, Apprehension of Truth

The true disciple of Jesus searches, studies, and considers, puts together “ALL scripture” in order to be correctly “taught of God.” (2 Timothy 3:16; John 6:45)And He lets the truth lead wherever it goes by divine design, holding on to no preconceived notions, philosophies, or doctrines of men and devils.

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing (putting together) spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:13

“Comparing spiritual things with spiritual” – in other words, we put together, we collate what we know to be divine truth – the written Word – by putting Scripture upon Scripture in order to learn and discern the perfect divine doctrine, mind of Christ, and will of God.

Beware of Being the “Back it Up” Bubbas

Personally studying God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation, organically, is ultra-important. | The Importance of Personal, Organic Bible Study

To “back up” a belief with Scripture seems to really mean: “I believe ABC doctrine and I’m hell bent on finding Bible verses to prove it!” In other words someone like this doesn’t really care what the whole of Scripture teaches as much as they care to hold on to some pet doctrine (it’s usually something to justify their sin such as the falsehood of eternal security).

Some put forth their subjective beliefs and defend those beliefs by saying “I can back everything up with scripture.” Satan can too as we see him do when tempting Jesus (Luke 4). The devil used Scripture out of context as many today do. Are we merely backing up what WE say and what WE currently believe with Scripture or are we simply reading and diligently studying the whole counsel of Holy Scripture and letting GOD speak for Himself as we “compare spiritual things (Scripture, known truth) with spiritual things”? (1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:15) Big difference. Think about that. Men and devils can deceitfully make the Bible say anything THEY want it to say but that doesn’t make it biblically sound and true. We must beware of our own tendency to espouse and hold on to philosophies, notions, and doctrines that do not line up with the whole counsel of God’s Word and we must be corrected (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

We must honestly examine our own selves to see WHY we believe WHAT we currently believe. Discernment, “rightly dividing the word of truth” seem to be concretely connected to searching the Scriptures as we see with the Bereans who tested Paul and all that he taught, right? (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:10-11) Lots of people who talk about discernment trust their own subjective discernment instead of letting the written WORD be their two edged sword of discernment (Hebrews 4:12). Many believe they are discerning correctly and yet aren’t daily, diligently being grounded in the written Word, which God will never contradict (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21).

The Words of Jesus

Here is a sampling of Scripture truth spoken by the Son of God, which clearly reveals a conditional eternal security:

Matthew 10:22 “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.”

Revelation 2:10-11 “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”

Revelation 3:5 “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (written to the Church)

Matthew 10:32-33 “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”

Luke 8:12-13 “Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.”

Luke 13:24 “Strive (Greek – Agonize) to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.”

Building a thorough theological understanding cannot be done with one or two verses, especially when all of the words of those particular isolated texts are not considered, much less the whole of Scripture. This is actually how cultic groups get started – on a verse which is extracted and isolated from the whole of the Word of God. The Bible is perfectly harmonious (in concert) with no contradiction. Each verse must be taken in light of its surrounding text and all of Holy Scripture. Prayerful study of God’s Word that seeks to understand divine truth must be done with the whole counsel of God being observed – “precept upon precept; line upon line.” (Isa. 28:10; Acts 17:10-11, 20:20, 27)

Jesus spoke of those who have “an honest and good heart” when it comes to hearing the Word of God (Lk. 8:15). Do you have “an honest and good heart” in your personal approach toward God and His Word?

“But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, KEEP IT, and bring forth fruit WITH PATIENCE (continuance).” Luke 8:15

The God of order (1 Cor. 14:40), who is perfect and not the “author of confusion”, has set up a simple system to protect His people from being deceived (1 Cor. 14:33). If one verse or text of Scripture seems to say one thing, yet violates other clearly revealed Scriptural truth, it must be interpreted in light of the clearly revealed Scriptural truth, as a whole. The LORD God cannot contradict Himself.

“ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine…” 2 Timothy 3:16

The Bible has built-in interpretation laws which must be followed if one is to apprehend divine truth in the context the Author intended. It is important to hear and understand this. First, one must know the Author of the Holy Scriptures to properly understand them. Jesus stated:

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you…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 show you things to come.” John 14:26; 16:13

Then, one must collate (compound, put together) Scripture with Scripture in order to comprehend divine truth: “Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept MUST be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” (Isaiah 28:9-10)

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing (to compound; put together) spiritual things with spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 2:13) Note the method that the Holy Spirit uses to teach us: “the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing (compounding; putting together) spiritual things with spiritual.” This refers to collating Scripture upon Scripture, that is, the line upon line stacking and learning of Holy Scripture.This method assures the establishing and rightly dividing of truth. Biblical truth must be placed upon biblical truth (collated – line upon line) in order to apprehend and understand the things of God. Truth must be compounded, that is, put together or compared with the whole. It is all-important for the one who desires to guard his heart against deception to cross-reference verses in his Bible. Both Jesus and the apostle Paul gave us this key to knowing the truth:

“But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” Matthew 18:16

“This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” 2 Corinthians 13:1

Each inspired Bible text is to be enjoined with the full-counsel of holy Writ. All individual scriptures must be interpreted in light of the whole of the Word of God.

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

Let us cease weighing in, speaking out on topics we have no biblical understanding on – because we’ve not thoroughly studied that topic in God’s Word. You do not yet qualify to give input until you have fully studied all God’s says on a given topic. Your ridiculous opinion and human reasoning are rebellion and so are mine! Time to shut it! Study!

“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly (foolishness) and shame unto him.” Proverbs 18:13

There are many people who act like they are “experts” on certain topics who are clueless….. It’s one thing to simply not know something. It is a completely different thing to argue your point when shown Scripture that contradicts it! The Bible says such a person is a fool to do so (Proverbs 18:13).

Those who are “of God” put God’s Word first and those who are “NOT of God” put their own opinion or human reasoning or anything else first, proving they are lost souls. They peddle “another gospel” and are “accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-8) Listen closely to Jesus:

“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47

Simply put, we should always interpret Scripture with Scripture. Who is it that “should not perish, but have everlasting life”? The ones who are believing – presently.

According to the Bible, to stop believing is to stop being justified by God. Can a true Christian stop believing? If he does stop believing, is he still justified?

“Now the just shall live (continuously) by faith: but if ANY man draw back (this is obviously possible), my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition (eternal destruction); but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:38-39

Matthew 24:13 “But he that shall ENDURE unto the end, the same shall be saved.”

Mark 13:13 “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall ENDURE unto the end, the same shall be saved.”

Hebrews 3:6 “But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, IF we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”

Hebrews 3:14 “For we are made partakers of Christ, IF we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;”

Hebrews 6:11 “And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:”

Revelation 2:26 “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:”

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that everyone believing into Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

“By which also ye are saved, IF ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:2

“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:26-27

    • “Strong confidence”
    • “A place of refuge”
    • “A fountain of life”

Fearing God

“The fear of the Lord is clean.” (Ps. 19:9) It is wisdom. It is right. It is holy. It is just. It is fair. Fearing God to obedience is the only thing that will bring divine peace. The fear of the LORD will keep our feet held fast on the narrow path that leads to life with the “few.” Note here that “strong confidence”, “a place of refuge”, and “a fountain of life” are exclusively promised to those who possess “The fear of the Lord.” Again, these are the 3 things promised to those who fear God.

Humbly Bowing Down Brings us to Study and Know His Word for Ourselves Lest We be “Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)

“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” Proverbs 22:17-21

What we choose to believe directly affects how we live. What we belief determines our future – our destiny. Knowing God and rightly deciphering His truth is an all-important undertaking in the keeping of one’s soul before the LORD. Lack of knowledge is a deliberate choice as is knowing His Word. Misunderstanding God, by not choosing to fervently gain the understanding of His Word, can have eternal consequences. For example, the Scriptures above have revealed that the ultra popular doctrine of “once saved, always saved” (OSAS) is a very misleading lie at best. The myth of OSAS robs from the believer the fear of God. This lie of lawlessness fosters rebellion and gives way to sin, the enemy, delusion, and disobedience. This is exactly what it did the first time it was told – by Satan. Adam and Eve proceeded to sin against God when they believed this lie of the ages (Gen. 2:17; 3:4). It is the “ye shall not surely die” lie (Gen. 3:4).

Beloved, we must avoid this error at all cost. It could cost one his eternal soul. Here is another verse the OSAS proponents have purposely excluded from their thinking: Jesus stated that “In your patience (endurance) possess ye your souls.” (Lk. 21:19) The Greek word for “patience” is HUPOMONE which is defined in the Strong’s Concordance as “cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy:-enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting).” The doctrinal examples used in this chapter reveal the danger of not including the whole of Scripture when drawing conclusion on any doctrine. In summation, those who believe and teach OSAS fail to acknowledge the plethora of Biblical texts which clearly state man’s responsibility before God and that He has designed that His salvation grace is contingent upon such. OSAS proponents seem only to acknowledge God’s grace in saving men, but never the truth that men have free moral agency. The Bible teaches us that men have a divinely-granted free will to exercise – for or against the LORD. God is perfect and has done His part through Christ and left the appropriation of His salvation up to the individual (Joshua 24:15; Deut. 30:19; Isaiah 1:19-20; Jn. 1:12; 3:16, 36; Rom. 11:19-23).

John 6:66 “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”

Luke 8:13 “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.”

Ezekiel 33:12-13 “Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.”

Remember the Old and New Testament verses about the just LIVING by faith? This truth is found in Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11 and Hebrews 10:38. Here is yet another text which clearly reveals the need to keep on believing to the end – to keep on clinging to the Lord. There are many Bible verses revealing this truth.

A Peek Into Greek

Let’s look at John 3:16 along with some other biblical texts. I am going to pull out my Textus Receptus Greek Interlinear Bible (The Received Text is the real Word of God, from which the King James Bible was translated). The literal Greek reads: Note the phrase “that everyone believing into Him should not perish.” The Greek word translated “believing” is a present participle – used as a verb; “everyone believing (currently) in Him”, not everyone who has at one time in the past believed. This is confirmed by many other clear texts. Here is but one: In the literal Greek rendering above, notice the term “believing into.” The Greek word for “into” is EIS (pronounced “ice”) which is defined in the Strong’s Concordance (1519) as such: EIS – to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time or (fig.) purpose (result, etc.); throughout, till, to (be, the end, -ward), (here), until (to-)ward. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively). The John 3:16 promise (eternal life) is not made so much to the one who has once believed, but to the ones who have and are presently believing. Yes, eternal life is eternal, yet the possession of it can be forfeited if the person who once believed upon Christ to salvation neglects His walk with God and then does “cast off their first faith.” (1 Tim. 5:12) See also Luke 8:13; Col. 1:23; Heb. 2:3; 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39.

Let us cease arguing about the things of God when you don’t THOROUGHLY KNOW HIS WORD. You are a novice (IF you are truly saved) and have no business arguing doctrine.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Fellowship God’s Way | Beware of the “I Love My Church” Deception [podcast] | Un-Biblical Local Church Structures [podcast] | Nourished Up in God’s Word [1 Minute Video] | One Body in Christ | Paul’s Prophetic Vision of Heretical Wolves Flooding the Church World During the Whole New Testament Era [podcast]

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Antichrist

THE ESSENTIAL IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTOLOGY [podcast]


WHO do WE say that Jesus is?

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8), and He is asking us the exact questions today that He asked His disciples while on earth.

“Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” Matthew 16:13

“But whom say ye that I am?” Matthew 16:15 

Jesus is asking each of us “What are others saying of Me and Who do you say that I am?” In other words, perhaps He’s asking us “In a world of many swirling ideas about Me, who do you say that I am – who do you know Me to be?”

If you were asked right now to give a 5 minute talk about the uniqueness and exclusivity of Jesus Christ from the Bible, could you do it?

“The doctrine of Christ” is revealed in “the RECORD that God gave of his Son” (2 John 9; 1 John 5:10).

If we don’t believe that Jesus is who the Bible says He is then we cannot be saved. Who does the Bible tell us that Jesus Christ is?

“I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he (“the mighty God” prophesied Messiah Isaiah 9:6-7), ye shall die in your sins.” John 8:24

“The record that God gave of his Son” includes that Jesus Christ is divine. | Jesus Christ is God

“The doctrine of Christ” informs us of who He is (2 John 9).

Among other things, Jesus Christ is ….

  • The Word made flesh (John 1:1-18)
  • Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)
  • Creator of all that is (John 1:1-4; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16-17)
  • “The Head” of His one church – remnant elect (Colossians 1:18; 2:19)
  • “The Son of God” (Matthew 4:3, etc.)
  • “The true God, and Eternal life” (1 John 5:20)
  • The living water (John 4)
  • “The bread of life” (John 6)
  • “The light of the world” (John 8:12)
  • “The door” (John 10:9)
  • “The Good Shepherd” (John 10:11, 14; Hebrews 13:20)
  • “The resurrection and the life” (John 11:25)
  • “The way the truth and the life” (John 14:6)
  • “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16)
  • “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending … the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8)

The very first Messianic prophecy: Of necessity, from the very first declaration of God to fallen mankind, His promise to save us from our now fallen state, the virgin birth was asserted as a necessity….

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15

As we know, “her seed,” the “seed” in Mary’s womb was God the Father’s miracle of virgin birth, the eternal Word Jesus Christ made flesh to dwell among us and die to save us, fallen mankind (John 1:10, 14; Galatians 4:4, etc.).

The Messiah that was yet to appear, to come to the earth to die for the sins of the world, had to be divine – Isaiah the prophet foretold that the Messiah would be “the mighty GOD” (Isaiah 9:6).

“Her seed” – Women do not have seed. The man, the father, has the seed. The seed of the woman was going to be by God the Father in Mary…. A divine miracle that never had nor will happen again.  “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (GOD with us) (Isaiah 7:14).

The fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us (Matthew 1:21-23).

Jesus Christ is the God man. – “The Son of man” means God’s man to redeem man.

“…his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20

“Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.” John 5:18

“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58

I and my Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.” John 10:30-31″

“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.” John 20:28

The Sacred Substance, the Central Theme of all of Holy Scripture

Jesus Christ came to the earth exactly how and when the “more sure word of prophecy”, the Scriptures, foretold that He would come and to fulfill the Messianic prophecies of Himself to the exact detail (2 Peter 1:19-21).

“Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” Psalms 40:7-8

“From cover to cover of the OT it was foretold not only that Christ would come into the world but that He would come with an eager, ready spirit to do the will of God. The will of God was not just in His head—it was inscribed in His very heart.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

If we truly love Christ, will we not search, read, and study the LORD Jesus Christ…. ?

“The heart of Christianity is Christ. It is to know Christ. It is to follow Christ. It is to love Christ. It is to adore Christ. The sum and the substance of the Christian life is Jesus Christ.” Steve L.

IF we miss Christ in studying His Word, we have missed all. As is clear from our LORD’s interaction and rebuke of the false religionists of His day, this is quite possible. In fact, it’s clear by what Jesus said that we can know the Scriptures and not the Savior. We can know the words of God without knowing the God of that Word.

John 5:39-47

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40  And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
41  I receive not honour from men.
42  But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
43  I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
44  How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
45  Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
46  For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
47  But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?”

IF doctrine weren’t important, explain this….

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not (does not remain) in the DOCTRINE of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9

The only way we can be assured we are following the Jesus of the Bible and not “another Jesus” is to ascertain that we are established in “the doctrine of Christ” which is simply what the Bible teaches us about Jesus Christ the Messiah.

“For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” 2 Corinthians 11:4

HOW do we know that the coming of Jesus is at hand? Jesus warns. When asked He tells us that he first sign of His soon return will be the proliferation, the invasion of “MANY false prophets”:

“The disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. … 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. … 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Matthew 24:3-5, 11, 24

“The Doctrine of Christ”

51 times the Bible uses the word “doctrine,” and the central truth of biblical “doctrine” is what Scripture tells us about Jesus, the sacred substance of the Scriptures Himself, the eternal Word of God – Jesus Christ.

Christology chapters of note to pour over regularly: John 1; Colossians 1; Hebrews 1.

Beloved saints, make sure you are drilling down on “the doctrine of Christ” – laying the foundation that will stand against the evil winds of false doctrine that is being peddled by the vilest and most popular wolves on this planet (Ephesians 4:14-15; Hebrews 13:9, etc.).

The Bible phrase “the doctrine of Christ” refers by divine priority, plainly to Himself as the divine Person, the divine Word, the Son of God. Jesus Christ is revealed as God’s eternal Word, as the Messiah, LORD, Creator, Sustainer, and Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. It seems only after these biblical facts about Christ that “the doctrine of Christ” would then apply to our repenting and putting our whole faith in Christ for salvation (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21, etc.).

Say it aloud: “the doctrine of Christ.” What saith the Holy Scriptures of Christ?

  • the Messiah in prophecy
  • virgin birth
  • divinity
  • exclusivity
  • death and burial
  • resurrection
  • return

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not (does not remain) in THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9

So what does this verse (above) mean? It means that you are going to hell irrevocably if you don’t remain grounded, holding to, embracing what the Bible says about Christ, the Messiah.


In the context of the above cited verse, 2 John 9, the apostle John is warning us about the “MANY deceivers” and to be careful not to “lose …. those things” we know of Christ – lest we “abideth not in the doctrine of Christ” which will result in us having not God at all, being an apostate lost soul. Also he warns of bidding Godspeed to the antichrist’s who peddle “another Jesus” – lest you go to Hell (be also judged) with that antichrist who preaches “another Jesus,” one that is not according to the biblical “doctrine of Christ.” See also 2 Corinthians 11:4.

2 John 7-11

“7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 
8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 
11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 

Of “the doctrine of Christ” one writer notes:

“In the Gospel of John, the apostle had already written that God’s word is truth (John 17:17). He also proclaimed that Jesus Himself (who is Deity – John 1:1) was the truth (John 14:6). It is clear from his gospel that if we love Jesus, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15; 15:14). We must also receive the truth that Jesus is deity who came in the flesh (John 1:14; 1 John 4:2-3). In his letter to the elect lady, John reiterates what he already stated in his gospel, namely, that the doctrine of Christ is composed of (1) Jesus’ commandments/doctrine which we are to obey and (2) Jesus’ deity.”

Example: John MacArthur is teaching that there is nothing special about the blood of Jesus. How anyone can still listen to that diabolical wolf is beyond belief. Yes he says a lot of good stuff which alone makes him even more insidious a tool of Satan. Say this Word from God aloud here and now beloved of God: Just “A LITTLE leaven leaveneth (ruins) the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9). This biblical phrase, statement refers to false doctrine and sin (1 Corinthians 5:6). And false doctrine IS sin.

New message under construction which will expose more about this blasphemous heresy including the statement by John MacArthur.

Follow Jesus saints. THAT’s why God gave us His written Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Drill down on your knowledge of God – “the doctrine of Christ” – via personal Bible study in the King James Bible.

***THERE ARE OVER 2,000 POSTS ON SAFEGUARDYOURSOUL AND THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE. PLEASE TAKE YOUR TIME AND GO THROUGH EACH BIBLE TRUTH/VERSE.

Jesus Christ is God

More examples of the glory-robbing antichrist denigration of Christ by the religious world today:

“Exactly what Satan is doing, taking the deity of Christ, humanizing Him. In ‘The Chosen’ (movie) when Jesus was 12 and preaching in the temple, Joseph told Him ‘You need to go and confess your transgressions to your mother’ because they did not know where He was. But Luke 2:49. Jesus says ‘wist (knew) ye not that I must be about my Father’s business’?

He is also shown pacing and nervous when he is going to preach before the masses. He was the Son of God. Would He have been nervous and pacing? It’s mocking Jesus. Why Christians do not see this is beyond me! Nothing biblical about any of it. This show has gone out into other countries now. Bringing a false gospel. Mark 13:22.” Karen Cochran

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Money, Material Wealth, and Riches [podcast]


“Hath nothing” vs “Hath great riches”

The reason so many give nothing to God’s work is because He is not first in their lives, He means nothing important to them (Luke 12, 16).

“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” Proverbs 13:7

Who is the man who has “nothing” though he appears to have much in this world?

Who is the man who has nothing in this world yet “great riches” awaiting him in glory?

The clear proof that God is working in our lives, that we are truly following Jesus, is that we are becoming less and less vested in this fleeting, fallen world and gaining an eternal perspective (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Corinthians 4:18). And that we, our good works, our giving are more and more invested in eternity – in the eternal kingdom of Christ, laying up treasures in Heaven, sending them before us, relinquishing the things of this world for the glory of God – putting them to work for the eternal Gospel of Christ – for saints to be fed and equipped and the lost to hear the Word of God (Matt. 6:19-21).

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5

When we are content in Christ we will not covet because we will be complete.

Are you making yourself rich in this fleeting world or trusting in the infinite riches of God?

Adam Clarke on Proverbs 13:7:

“There is that maketh himself rich – That labors hard to acquire money, yet hath nothing; his excessive covetousness not being satisfied with what he possesses, nor permitting him to enjoy with comfort what he has acquired. There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches – ‘As poor,’ said St. Paul, ‘yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing all things.’ The former is the rich poor man; the latter is the poor rich man.”

John Wesley on Proverbs 13:7:

“Maketh rich – Some men who have little or nothing, pretend to have great riches. Maketh rich – Some rich men profess to be poor.”

Pulpit commentary on Proverbs 13:7:

“The first clause reminds one of the rich fool who laid up treasure for himself, and was not rich toward God (Luke 12:21; comp. Revelation 3:17, Revelation 3:18). The second clause teaches that wealth expended in God’s service makes a man rich in the treasury of heaven (Luke 12:21, Luke 12:33). One who thus uses the means entrusted to him could be spoken of like St. Paul, ‘as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things’ (2 Corinthians 6:10).”

The sum total of our riches are Christ and Christ alone. There are no riches with eternal import outside of Him (Colossians 1-2). And, any person not partaking in a relationship with Him on earth, will be void of the riches of His presence eternally.

There are many who make themselves rich in this fleeting world, yet have nothing but Hell awaiting them forever. They pour their God-given talents and time into making it in this temporary world, giving up Christ for their own momentary money. They sell their eternal souls for temporal trinkets.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Money brings power in this world. Faith and prayer bring power with God. Which one do you desire, covet? Which are you seeking?

“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

Do you have a heart after God or after the things of this temporal world?

“And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.” Acts 13:22

Man is significant based solely on being made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26). A man’s looks or temporal possessions, trinkets, money, etc., have zero to do with his real worth. The money, the vehicle, the house, does NOT make the man. In fact, Jesus warns: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” See Mark 8:36. God made man and as such, as the creation of God, He desires a relationship with all men.

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life (significance in God’s eyes) consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15

Getting ready to die and go to Hell is not success – no matter how much “success” you foolishly think you’ve obtained in this brief life.

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:36-37

“Charge Them”

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Covetousness, Greed are Soul Damning Sins

“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:5-7

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15 

Corporatization creates robots who follow the fools. Example: the covid cons and the cowards who comply.

WHEN I was working in the Space Program for a company that was contracted to NASA, they were shooting for 100% opt-in, total cooperation for a % taken out of our checks to give to the United Way, a demonic murderous organization that supports and gives money to planned MURDER-hood. Gladly, boldly, I spoiled that party, drawing a line in the sand. They were coercively conning every single employee into giving to the planned MURDER-hood United Way and their standing was in jeopardy with NASA if they didn’t get everyone in. Not me. Nope. I plainly told them I will lay no finger on or give a single penny to assisting in the cold blooded murder of innocent babies. Didn’t care what the consequences were.

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

Far too many people are serving money and therefore have a myriad of excuses as to why they compromise. All who serve mammon are as sure for eternal damnation as if they were already there.

“Rich Toward God” vs. “Not Rich Toward God”

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:15-21

Many claiming to be saved by the One who gave all for them, are rich toward self and “not rich toward God” in this temporal life.

Jesus tells us exactly how not to waste our earthly riches and talents and how to be eternally rich!

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Gospel ministries that feed you and others are there by the ordination of God – to help you grown in Christ’s grace and to have a place to give to further Jesus’ Gospel and lay up treasure in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21; Ephesians 4:11-12). God’s Word calls us to support those feeding us (Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, etc.). That’s all a gift of God – in your lap. Yet the “labourers are few” and so are the suppliers (Matthew 9:35-38).

“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

Would the few Gospel “labourers” be near dead broke if the LORD’s people were properly supporting HIS Work? Matthew 6:19-21; 9:35-38; 2 Corinthians 9:7-11; etc.

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21

Are you supporting the WORK of Christ or some mere man’s “church” enterprise?

Do you spend more time in “church” than in the Bible itself? Wow! Red flags flying!

Cheerful Giving | Stewardship

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The Joy of Seed Sowing

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22

Always remember, there must be a seed sown before there can be a crop reaped.

BEFORE Jesus saved me, He had several of His people along the way drop His precious Word into my sin-darkened, alienated heart. Read Ephesians 2. Wow.

“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:” Ephesians 4:18

Some of this Gospel action from God’s people toward me, included the tangible, the printed page. These things all culminated into His saving me into His glorious kingdom (Isaiah 55:11).

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

How about you? What was the process of our LORD saving you? Who did He use? How did they sow His seed into your life.

Think about how when we plant a seed in the ground. Do we plant that seed and stand back and expect to see the plant begin to rise up out of the ground? No. Jesus spoke of this very thing.

“As I was reading this article I was reminded of a time when I was at my Dad’s retirement home. And I went and spread Jesus tracts all throughout the home. They had a sanctuary which looked to be mostly Catholic. With rosary beads and a Catholic Bible. So I especially targeted this place. The next time I went back, I looked in the sanctuary, and saw, on one of the chairs, a lady’s sweater and a Jesus tract. But what really stuck out was how tattered this Jesus tract was! Apparently, she had been carrying it around with her for some time. All I did was plant not knowing what God would do! It was getting into the heart of this lady and was she then being used to spread more seeds? I was not blessed to meet this women but from the way this tract looked it was something she carried with her and treasured!” Karen Cochran

The Parable of the Seed Growing

Mark 4:26-29

“26  And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 
27  And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how
28  For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 
29  But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” 

We don’t know how a seed turns into a plant and a crop. We just plant them and go to bed knowing they will produce the desired outcome (crop), right? Isn’t that the same faith we should have when we plant God’s Word in the hearts and minds of people?

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;” Romans 1:16

May God bless each of us to prayerfully and faithfully plant that seed of God’s Word beloved. God’s Word is the seed of salvation (Romans 1:16; 1 Peter 1:23). Just like the ground when a seed is planted into it. GOD will do the rest as we simply, lovingly, wisely, plant His precious truth into the hearts of those around us.

Speaking of such…. Yesterday, I gave a copy of the Moments with Our Master book to a dear young couple (they are about 18). This daily devotional comes in a dark or light cover. I asked if they like to read. As most people, they answered in the affirmative. Then I asked if I could gift them with a book. Most people won’t turn down a free gift, right? Right. She was given the lighter cover version and he the darker. As usual I opened the book (anywhere) and told them that “there is a Scripture at the top, a few words and then a prayer. One devotional for each day of the year.” Show and tell. I encouraged them by saying “this is a great way to start your day.” God was working.

Everyone on earth is being influenced by others on earth and it’s our calling from God to influence people toward Him.

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Personally, I love stopping by the thrift stores and finding every King James Bible they have. Great investment and it equips  you to be armed and dangerous. Also, I like carrying, always, Scripture-rich resources. God will quicken. By doing these things (equipping) you are showing in earnest to the LORD that you want Him to use you.

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6

Keep in mind that sowing the seed of God’s Word IS 100% a Great Commission operation and anyone participating in any fashion is obeying God and laying up treasure in glory – as He instructed you to do (1 Samuel 30:24; Matthew 6:19-21; John 4:36; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, etc.). Perhaps you’d consider to not only buy yourself a supply of printed page materials for ministry but also supply another saint  with the same. King James Bible.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12

YOUR PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your every blessing and for finding me in my sin and saving me into Your family by the blood of Christ my LORD. Please sanctify and use us for Your eternal glory. I love You Jesus. Please now fill me with the Holy Spirit and wisdom and open doors for me to sow the seed of Your Word in this late hour as we eagerly expect Your soon return. In Jesus’ Name.

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