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“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove (expose), rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4

WE have no instance of Christ or His apostles praying for a wolf. But we often see them openly exposing them and instructing them to do the same. Warning

Have you ever attended the meetings, seen or read the books, heard the tapes, or visited the sites with the supposed prophetic words given from self-appointed prophets and apostles? It takes little reading to see that these guys do not represent the LORD at all as they suppose, but they do use His holy name in vain by attaching it to their own false visions and false burdens (Lam. 2:14). Like the false prophets of old, their messages are missing the elements of the true prophets and the LORD’s message. Most of it is flattery. Are these things to be addressed by God-fearing men?

“And they (true servant-leaders) shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.” Ezekiel 44:23-24

The disciple who diligently, relentlessly studies to show himself approved unto God, will rightly divide what is true and what is false (2 Timothy 2:15). The one who knows and uses the written Word, “the more sure word of prophecy”, will not be deluded by the fancy speeches of these false apostles and false prophets who speak a vision of their own deceived hearts to be seen of men (Heb. 5:11-14; 2 Pet. 1:16-21).

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:16

The LORD has magnified and lifted His Word ABOVE even His own name, so where does that leave the words of mere men who are in their very best state – “altogether vanity”? (Ps. 39:5; 138:2) If we truly honor the LORD and uphold His holy Word as final divine authority, we will cease to be impressed by the words of mere men.

“Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.” Proverbs 25:14

Isn’t it time we cease from defending these false prophets and instead, begin to violently uncover the darkness of these emissaries of the devil who are leading millions astray? (2 Cor. 11:13-15) Where do you stand? “With” OR “against” Jesus Christ? (Matt. 12:30)

“Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?” Psalms 94:16

MARK of an agent of Satan: One who is not warning the flock of God in order to protect Jesus’ people and then attacks those who are warning them to protect them!!

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TYPICAL DEFENSE OF A WOLF:

“But wait, he’s led many thousands to the Lord!”

REPLY:

Jesus saves all by Himself, even using wolves at times. That is a front, intentionally taught to you by the wolf to cover, to keep himself from being detected, like sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). After witnessing the “ministry” of this false teacher for years, I highly doubt most of those people truly were saved. He doesn’t even speak of the chasm their sin has caused so how can they truly be convicted and repent? They can’t in most cases. Luke 13:3…. If God truly did save some of them, it was in spite of White, not because of him.

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“I do applaud your zeal for truth! I personally just think it is wise exercising prudence about knowing the hearts of men or women, only God knows. He will separate the wheat from the chaff.”

REPLY:

Jesus commanded us to “KNOW (Gr. discern) by their fruits” and told us that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 15-16, 20; 12:34) ALL men are known by the fruit of what they teach – either sound or false doctrine (Titus 2:1). Why would the Son of God told us to “KNOW” people by the fruit of their lives if He didn’t want us to discern, to “Judge righteous judgment”? (John 7:24)

MESSAGE RECEIVED IN DEFENSE OF JOEL OSTEEN WHO WAS BEING EXPOSED:

“‘Touch not mine anointed

Folks Your Spiritual Ignorance Will Limit The Word Of God In Your Lives…”

REPLY:

Speaking of ignorance….. you are bidding Godspeed to (condoning, defending) an obvious false teacher which means you will be judged with this wolf. Repent. “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 2 Jn 1:11  For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 10-11

It’s interesting how you condemn others (wrongly) by saying they are wrongly judging. Wow. Hypocrisy. Matt 7:1-5

ALL of God’s true people are His anointed (2 Cor 1:21; 1 John 2:20, 27, etc.). You are using that verse out of context.

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“We are not to come against God’s servants.”

REPLY:

They AREN’T God’s servants and any astute student of Scripture knows that… we are divinely mandated to mark them – Read closely – “THEY SERVE NOTTTTT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST” …..

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such (false teachers) serve NOT our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Rom 16:17-18

See something wrong with this statement?

Keith Abrahams says: “I think the issue of women (in ministry) is very, very important in the end time church. I think it is very biblical – in the past there has been a lot of controversy over it. Lots of women have been put down in the church. But I believe that in the church of the last days we are going to have a lot of women (in ministry). I just returned from Europe, and I had the opportunity to speak with a pastor from the Ukraine. Most of the people on his apostolic team, in the largest church in Europe, are women. Now I think we need to back up (re-examine) Scripture . . .”

Our response: Notice how he starts off – “I think…”  Who cares what this false prophet thinks? Do you? Concerning each and every issue, the one who is true to Christ asks “What saith the Scriptures?” Aren’t the Holy Scriptures the primary way God leads His New Testament people? See 2 Tim. 3:16. According to Keith Abrahams, the Jezebelian apostasy Jesus foretold us would revive in the churches in the last days, is now the measure of truth – especially in the nations of Europe which have largely rejected the truth for centuries now? See Revelation 2:18-29. Has Abrahams never read about the “more noble” believers at Berea who tested what even the apostle Paul stated against the Holy written Word? Did Paul arrogantly complain that someone would dare question him or his teaching? Not for a minute! (Acts 17:10-11)

One of the qualifications to be an elder in the kingdom of God is that one must be “the HUSBAND of one WIFE.” (1 Tim. 3:2) Can anyone tell us how that any woman possibly be “the HUSBAND of one wife?” In the same list of qualifications, we also read that the overseer must be “One that ruleth well HIS own house, having HIS children in subjection with all gravity.” (1 Tim. 3:4) Can anyone produce even one single verse in the New Testament canon which refers to a woman as an elder or overseer or bishop or apostle, prophet, evangelist of teacher? This doesn’t mean women don’t have gifts and ministry callings, but their role (not significance) is unique and different that that which God made man to fulfill. Why don’t we just do things God’s way – by simply adhering to His Word? It seems that there is a great lack of backbone among so many men who are in leadership. So many faint-hearted spiritual pansies are always trying to follow the least line of resistance and pander to the spirit of Jezebel in certain women who demand authority. Axe to the root!

Beware of the Apostolic Roundtable organization which is the nesting place for false apostles and false prophets. | NAR (New Apostolic Reformation Cult Exposed
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“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 10-11
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Does this guy and this foolishness need any explanation?

Todd Bentley: “Somebody emailed our ministry and asked a valid question. He said, “Todd, you are going to have all these men – prophets and apostles – get together and talk about the emerging apostolic movement. My fear would be that there wouldn’t be a representation of the Goths, the Punks and the Ravers – the whole underground world that God is moving in today – the movement that offends and scares most people in the church. You know – the punked and colored hair with all the earrings and piercings in every part of the body. Is there not room for true apostle and prophets in that sub-culture? From that question I realized that we need to be very careful in the whole new emerging (apostolic) movement, not to just package it how we think it should look. I am going to make some statements now: There are punk apostles; there are biker prophets; there are ravers that are apostles; there are skinheads that are part of this prophetic movement…I don’t have any here right now. I’d be the closest thing. We must not forget that these (sub-cultures) have a voice in this whole prophetic movement too. The teenage apostles and the teenage prophets are being raised up, and it’s also happening in other spheres of life too.”
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“These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” 2 Peter 2:17-19
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At a recent conference, Jim Goll said: “In the beginning of the book of Acts, Jesus went about doing and then teaching, so this night there has been an example set before this great congregation (referring to himself and another self-appointed prophet). There has been an example of doing and teaching. And the Lord says this is the model of the book of Acts of the Apostles. For there has been the calling for the strategic keys of an apostolic age to be released (total deception). The Lord would say that this is significant, that this is important. That this consecration would occur in the middle of this celebration, for it is a doing and a teaching. It’s a catching of fish and a releasing of them to go forth and to multiply. And the Lord would say to you Todd, “I am going to surround you with elders. I am going to surround you with the elders of My counsel. I am going to bring them around you, those that are even twice your age and even some that are three times your age. I am going to bring them around you, both men and women, and they are going to be a safety net. They are going to be put around you for the birthing canal of which you are, and they will look in upon you, and they will wonder, and they will be fascinated, and they will wonder how in the world is all this happening in five years.”

Response: Note this deceptive statement slipped in here: “For there has been the calling for the strategic keys of an apostolic age to be released.” Whose “calling”? Where did the LORD tell us there is “the calling for the strategic keys of an apostolic age”? Do you know why these brood of false apostles and false prophets all say things like this? It’s simple – THEY are those people who are to rule over everyone else. Interestingly they themselves prophesy themselves into prominence, taking the name of the LORD in vain by placing it upon the dreams and visions of their own hearts. Remember that it was John the Baptist who announced the coming of Jesus and not He Himself (Matt. 3:3; Jn. 1:29).
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If you have ever wondered about the gold teeth fillings and gold dust manifestations, you will never wonder again after this page, which includes a historical sketch of the occultic roots of this phenomenon. Gold Rush – End-Time Lying Signs & Wonders
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“These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.” Jude 12-13
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Dialogue with pastor concerning Rick Warren:

It is truly regrettable to see those in leadership today so zealous to read other men’s words while neglecting the words of God. This manifests itself in that so many churches today have programs which virtually never feature the study of a book of the Bible but rather a book or media production from a mere human author (many who are adding to or taking away from the Word of God). Where is the discipleship in the Word? (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:15-4:4) No wonder such deception and deceit abounds in the visible church world (Matt. 24:10-13). Today, the spiritual empty apostate leadership in the visible American church world has learned well how to read what someone else says about the Bible and to follow trends and fad books from best-selling mere human authors. Take a look below at a recent dialogue I had with the pastor of a large congregation concerning fad book author Rick Warren. I had referred this pastor to our page on Rick Warren and here is his response and mine:

RESPONSE FROM THE PASTOR:

    “Todd: Rick Warren has been used of God to lead thousands of people to saving faith in Christ. I would be very careful in labeling him a false prophet. Jesus said, “You shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). Based on the fruit in his life and ministry, I would call him a true follower of Jesus Christ. Does he do it all perfectly? No… but neither do you and neither do I. Would to God that you and I had ministries that brought untold thousands of people from “the domain of darkness to the Kingdom of His beloved Son” (Col. 1:13)” J. S. Pastor, FBC

RESPONSE:

“Thanks Brother Jeff…God bless you in His truth and peace brother. Thanks for emailing.

Does Warren even give the Gospel in his purpose book? Does he boldly and fervently call men to repentance before a holy God as John the Baptist and Jesus did – Matt. 3:4; 4:17. “Repent” was the very first word they each preached. They didn’t preach “believe” first but rather “repent”. Neither did they seek to draw men using entertainment. Remember, hirelings entertain goats while true under-shepherds feed Christ’s sheep and unwaveringly preach the original Gospel.

Did you realize that Warren was trained under Robert Schuller, a known false prophet? and he uses his methods and philosophies today….Warren is on the cutting edge of the seeker-sensitive movement which has removed repentance and therefore the alter call to call men to repent) and turned to entertainment in order to draw the nickels, noses and numbers. Jesus commanded His true followers to preach repentance (Lk. 24:47). He said it was essential to salvation (Lk. 13:3,5). This alone should prove the lack of genuine Bible fruit in Warren’s ministry. Preaching repentance is not conducive to drawing and keeping crowds so it is simply removed by the enterprising circus leaders of our day who are fashioning a “christianity” in their own image. Jesus help us before it is too late – Matt. 7:15-29.

Brother Jeff, this is how I see it after much observation so have no problem marking him in order to warn others and see Christ’s sheep protected – which is the mandate of every true servant of Jesus (Rom. 16:17-18; Col. 1:27-29; 2:8,18-19; Acts 20:27-32, Jude 3-4, etc.). Paul marked 8 men by name in the 4 chapters of 2 Timothy – “Naming Names – Is It Biblical?” Jesus is Coming, todd

Personally, I refuse to follow or fall into the politically correct silence of those who refuse to cry wolf on the wolves who operate in our midst and deceive and damn souls (Isa. 9:6; Ezek. 22:25, 27; Rom. 16:17-18; Col. 2:8). They must be marked as commanded by the LORD. Spiritual cowards who do not want to lose their lives (reputations) in their circles (among men) appear to have forsaken Jesus and His truth for the admiration of mere men (Mk. 8:34; Lk. 6:26; Gal. 1:10; 4:16; Jude 1:16).

Saints, the sad thing is that those who protect, defend and support these fad authors/works of fire-consumable stubble have made popular their works which do not present the true Gospel clearly given in the whole of Scripture (Hos. 4:6). Where is the discernment? Where are the Berean believers of this hour! (Acts 17:10-11) Those who fund these ministries are making them financially wealthy while many times those in the trenches who like Jesus care for several and also that one wayward sheep, and communicate the whole counsel of the Word, go hungry.

PRAYER: LORD Jesus, bless us never to fund the work of those who are accursed, those who turn aside from Thee and lead others astray with deception and lies, another gospel, another Jesus, and by another spirit, crassly denying and ignoring Your precious precepts. Nay rather bless us to get behind and prayerfully and diligently push upwardly, further forward those works and Gospel workers true to Your Word and Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Articles

VIDEO Mission Mexico Update January 2026 [video]


Mexico Mission here

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry UpdatesThe Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God  | Great Commission

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Abiding

The Prayer Life of Jesus [podcast]


Prayer is communion, communing with God. Those who earnestly seek God in prayer, who earnestly seek to know Him and to fulfill His will for their temporary lives in this world…. will glorify Him here and to be with Him eternally.

What do we learn from the prayer life of our LORD Jesus?

“Luke 5:16 PRAYERS OF JESUS. Luke stresses more than the other gospels the place of prayer in the life and work of Jesus. When the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at the Jordan, He was ‘praying’ (3:21), at times He withdrew from the multitudes ‘and prayed (5:16);  ‘and He continued all night in prayer before choosing the twelve disciples (6:12). He was ‘alone praying’ before He asked His disciples an important question (9:18); at His transfiguration He climbed the mountain ‘to pray’ (9:28); the actual transfiguration occurred while ‘he prayed’ (9:29); and He ‘was praying’ just before He taught the disciple’s the Lord’s Prayer (11:1). In Gethsemane He ‘prayed more earnestly’ (22:44); on the cross He prayed for others (23:34); and His last words uttered before His death were a prayer (23:46). Luke also mentions that He prayed after His resurrection (24:30).

In examining the life of Jesus in the other Gospels, we note that He prayed before extending the invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labour …’ (Mat. 11:25-28); He prayed at Lazarus’s tomb (John 11:41-42), for Peter (Luke 22:32), and during the institution of the Lord’s Supper (John 17).” Life in the Spirit Study Bible

“And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.” Matthew 14:23

“14:23 PRAY ALONE. While on earth, Jesus often sought time to be alone with God (cf. Mark 1:35; 6:46; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18; 22:41-42; Heb. 5:7). Time alone with God is essential to the spiritual well-being of every believer. We must continually remember that the lack of desire for solitary prayer to our heavenly Father is an unmistakable sign that the spiritual life within us is in a process of decline. If this is happening, we must turn from all that offends the Lord and renew our commitment to persevere in seeking God and His saving grace.” Life in the Spirit Study Bible

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” Luke 18:1

“18:1 MEN OUGHT ALWAYS TO PRAY. Jesus was frequently concerned that His followers pray continually in order to accomplish God’s will for their lives. From this parable of the widow who persevered we learn several things; (1) We must persevere in prayer with regard to all matters until Jesus returns (vv 7-8; Rom. 12:12; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17). (2) In this life we have an adversary (v. 3), Satan (1 Pet. 5:8). Prayer can protect us from the evil one (Mat. 6:13). (3) In our prayers we should cry out against sin and for justice (v 7). (4) Persistent prayer is counted as faith (v. 8). (5) In the final days before the return of Christ, there will be increased diabolical opposition to the prayers of the faithful (1 Tim. 4:1). Because of Satan and the pleasures of the world many will cease having a persistent prayer life (8:14; Mat. 13:22; Mark 4:19).” Life in the Spirit Study Bible

SUMMATION you might ask?

Following Jesus by living a life of prayer with the Father and Himself – living your life in complete submission to and dependency upon the LORD …. daily declaring with John the Baptist that “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30).

“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” John 5:30

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Be persistent. Be relentless – in praying, communing with your God!

Read aloud, begin to memorize and live out:

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

Prayer

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IS DOUBTING YOUR SALVATION ALWAYS A BAD THING? [podcast]


Making Sure We are Truly Saved While We Still Can

Obviously, the assurance of salvation should concern each and every one of us.

“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32

Notice if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” Note that those who honestly assess and amend their ways in the LORD will not be judged with the wicked. Those who don’t, will be. They will fall away and not endure to the end (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 3:6, 12-15; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21, etc.).

Are you judging yourself, testing and discerning your life against Holy Scripture?

“Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.” Proverbs 28:5

Counterfeits refuse to judge their actual fruit, their lives. They want the assurance of eternal glory with no responsibility of actual repentance and an abiding, obedient relationship with the Savior they claim. They want the crown without the cross. They do not wish to be bothered with truly engaging in an abiding relationship with Jesus on His stated terms but rather seek to use Him to get them out of hell. Jesus tells all who’ve been saved that abiding, remaining in Him to the end of their lives is essential to eternity with Him (John 15:6, etc.).

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

Is believing the biblical truth that a saved person can backslide, fall away, and forfeit their place with God (lose salvation) a bad thing? No. It’s only a bad thing in the minds of those who want to live on their own depraved, self-serving terms while deluding themselves into thinking they are going to God’s holy Heaven.

WHY are we so afraid of doubting if we are truly saved – born again AND presently abiding in Christ? (John 15:1-6). It will be too late when we die which could be today. Think about this. NOW is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2) and so today is the day to honestly examine ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:31-32; 2 Corinthians 13:5). Please read the LORD’s book of Ezekiel. You will discover many divine treasures in this magnificent volume. Share this message if you wish to help others.

“A disciplined conscience is a man’s best friend. It may not be his most amiable, but it is his most faithful monitor.” Austin Phelps

LORD Jesus, please grant me the Holy Fear of God!” should be the daily prayer of every true saint.

“Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” Psalms 86:11

I told someone recently that I love listening to a preacher or reading Scripture that can make me doubt my salvation because it further quickens my spirit in the fear of God to scamper to the feet of Jesus afresh.

Assurance of salvation and how it possesses the authentic disciple and not the counterfeit.

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” 1 John 3:19-21

As we see in the passage above, assurance of salvation fills the hearts of all born again believers are who working out their own salvation with fear and trembling.

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13 

There are conditions the LORD requires to procure and walk in His blessings.

Assurance of salvation is biblical. Eternal security is not. The idea that one is eternally secure no matter what they do after being saved, is a lie from hell. Jesus told us that among those He saves, any who don’t abide, continue with Him, will be cast into the fire (John 15:6).

The lack of a clear conscience, the lack of assurance in one’s heart, is due to the lack of present abiding, obedience. All who are Christ’s and presently abiding, are filled with the assurance of His salvation. Read John 15.

Wolves among us, when addressing assurance, nearly never speak of the personal responsibility God gives to all He saves – to obey Him (John 14:15, 21-23, etc.). When one lacks assurance, it’s only because they have chosen to lack obeying the Savior (2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Jude 3-4).

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22

WHAT ABOUT WHEN SOMEONE ELSE DOUBTS THAT YOU ARE TRULY SAVED?

When a true believer in Jesus Christ questions someone’s salvation, it is in no way to be rude, but rather out of godly concern. Jesus told us to “know” (discern) people “by their fruit” (Matt. 7:16, 20). Good “fruit” (produce) can only come forth from the born again, abiding disciple of Jesus. Good fruit comes forth from a real relationship with Christ (John 15). One must know Him and that begins at the moment of true repentance and faith (Acts 20:21).

If the overall fruit of someone’s life is not that which the Bible teaches is consistent with truly knowing Jesus and having been regenerated, then there should be concern.

There are some among us who violently object to doubting someone’s salvation, Yet, based on the biblical mandate to “know” (discern) others “by their fruits,” this will happen at times (Matthew 7:16, 20). When a professing Christian’s salvation is doubted based upon lack of good fruit to prove it, some become irate with a “How dare you doubt my/that person’s salvation! Just who are you to do such a thing!?”  But wait a minute – didn’t Jesus instruct us to “know” others based on their “fruits”? (Matthew 7:16, 20).  And if there are no counterfeits who pose as Christ’s people, why did Jesus say that there are chaff among the wheat? (Matthew 13). Yes He did and so why are we surprised if some of those around us are found to be lost even though they think they are saved? And yes the chaff are going to be separated by the angels in the end but for now Jesus told us to discern (to distinguish between) or to “know” them “by their fruits” and that’s done by fruit inspection.

One man said that he believed that over 90% of church goers in America have never been genuinely born again as we “must be” in order to be brought into God’s kingdom (John 3:3, 7).

Repentance is where and when regeneration happens. In the modern church world, such a foundational biblical doctrine is rarely mentioned much less preached or correctly taught to define what it is and bring conviction to the hearers. In the vast majority of churches today, salvation is never or seldom presented. So how can the sinner respond in repentance and be saved? Is it any wonder so few are saved? People are rarely if ever called to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ today as they were publicly called to do by the apostles of Jesus (Acts 2:38; 3:19).

There are some people who hang around with the Christian body that I just never got a peace about. There doesn’t seem to be the presence of the divine Person of the Holy Spirit and therefore the fruit He alone can produce is absent (Galatians 5:22-23). One must be born again and given a new nature by the LORD or we are not His. When this conversion takes place, there will be good fruit (Matthew 3:7-10).

Should we float people all the way into hell instead of helping make sure they have truly repented and been born again? Is that love or hatred?

If someone questions our salvation, how should we react? How about this way: “Well, thank you for being concerned about my eternal soul. I am open and willing to investigate (biblically) the possibility that I may not have truly repented (laid down my life) and placed my faith in Jesus Christ. Or, since He saved me in the past, perhaps I have backslidden and no longer know Him due to allowing sin in my life.”

HONEST CONCERN VERSUS CRUEL CONDEMNATION

There are going to be children of the enemy that will come in and attempt to confuse and to derail you by doubting that you are saved. They do this to bring “confusion and every evil work” instead of “godly edifying” (James 3:16; 1 Timothy 1:4).

David, the man after God’s own heart, was often persecuted by the wicked, his place with God being the central attack of the enemy.

“My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? … As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?” Psalms 42:3, 10

Those who are His have the “witness” of His Spirit in them:

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Romans 8:16

Why are you bothered when someone else doubts your salvation? Do you have the bearing witness of the Holy Spirit as a witness in your heart? (Romans 8:16). If you are assured by God (not self or mere man) of your salvation, why would you be concerned if someone else doubted it? Can you say with Paul “nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day”? (2 Timothy 1:12). Did God not say that we who have and are believing the record He gave of His Son have HIS “witness” within us?

“If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:9-13

David told us that our “sentence” comes from the LORD Himself not man:

“Let my sentence (verdict) come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.” Psalms 17:2

The Hebrew word that is translated “sentence” here means: act of deciding a case, decision, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable), sentence of formal decree.

By reason of creation, God Himself is the only One who can determine judicially that one is righteous or unrighteous, just or unjust, justified or not justified. The Almighty is the only One qualified to sentence any individual to Heaven or hell. Either He approves of us or He disapproves of us (Ezekiel 18:4).

“STRONG CONFIDENCE”

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

The key to having “strong confidence” and escaping “the snares of death,” is fearing God.

God’s Word tells us that “The fear of the Lord is clean” (Psalms 19:9). The heart that truly fears God is made “clean” from any doubt and has full and “strong confidence” or assurance and strength of conviction.

The key is being with Jesus – being in Christ. Jesus told us that those who are “with” Him are His and all others are “against” Him (Matthew 12:30). The whole of Holy Scripture is the very testimony of God and we can plainly observe that being presently and truly “in Christ” is the determining factor.

The Father spoke from Heaven audibly, declaring of Christ, “This is my beloved Son, iwhom I awell pleased” (Matthew 3:17). ALL who are presently in Christ, are well pleasing to God – justified, sentenced and declared righteous. Justification, to be declared righteous by God, is always “by faith” (Romans 3:21-5:17; Hebrews 11:4-7).

Ultimately, your “sentence” or sentencing comes forth from God alone who is the only Judge of your eternal soul. In light of this, Paul writes:

“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:33-34

According to the whole counsel of God’s Word, believers in Jesus Christ – those who genuinely turn to God in repentance, placing their faith in Jesus Christ – have been shown mercy by God. This gift of eternal life was made possible through the finished and perfect work of the One sinless, perfect Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who bled on the cross, was buried, and rose again from the dead. He is “the Son of God with power.”

“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:” Romans 1:4

Being rooted and grounded in God’s love is so very important to being “sound in the faith,” having a “sound heart” and a “sound mind” (Proverbs 14:30; 2 Timothy 1:7; Titus 1:13). This all comes from learning and believing “sound doctrine” (Titus 1:9; 2:1).

GOING DEEP

Heeding the apostle Paul’s exhortation to all those whom the LORD has saved, is essential to an ever-deepening, abiding, assured place with the LORD.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7

Only going on to perfection (spiritual maturity) by learning and obeying the truth of God can make one free from doubting that He is God’s child (Hebrews 5:11-6:3).

“As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. … If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:30-32, 36

As the born again disciple of Christ continues to walk in the light of truth with Jesus, He is kept in Christ and assured of salvation.

“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:6-7

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