When Jesus said “It is finished,” He was speaking of HIS perfect sacrificial payment for the sins of mankind (John 19:30). The fact that Jesus offered the perfect sacrifice, in no way negates HIS instructions to those who would enter His eternal kingdom. The answer is clearly given to us in Scripture as to what God’s initial and ongoing conditions are for men to appropriate Christ’s salvation. The answer is 1.) repentance and genuine faith and 2.) faith to the end of that recipient’s life on this earth (Matt. 10:22; 24:13; Acts 14:22; 20:21; Col. 1:23; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; Rev. 2:26, etc.).
“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22
So, if we whom He has “saved” don’t “endure to the end,” is Jesus still going to save us?
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13
Jesus taught His own that they must “endure to the end” to be ultimately saved into Heaven (Matthew 10:22; 24:13). Any man teaching that Heaven is automatic for all who were initially, truly saved, is a false teacher.
Whoever by their false doctrine says that enduring to the end is not an essential condition for final salvation, calls the Son of God a lunatic. But we know He’s not. He’s the truth.
Why would Jesus have told His own 12 that they had to “endure to the end” to be “saved” if the cliche’ doctrines of the “PERSEVERANCE of the saints,” “once saved always saved,” and “eternal security” were so? (Matthew 10:22; 24:13) If enduring to the end were automatic for these 12 “elect” men, why did the Son of God bother telling them that it was essential for them to endure to the end (not deny Him)?
IF you don’t seek Him, putting Him first, it’s because you don’t love Him.
The poisoned mind of the Calvinist and eternal securist believes that God’s perfect work through His only begotten Son was so complete that man no longer has any responsibility and yet, the New Testament teaches that because of Christ’s perfect sacrifice we are actually MORE accountable than were those under the Old Covenant. – “He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer (more severe) punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?” (Heb. 10:28-29)
Jesus taught that only those who obey Him prove their saving faith in Him – “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that DOETH the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) If saving faith which always includes practical obedience is not required, why did the Son of God utter these words?
One sister writes: “John 14:15-21 If ye love me, keep my commandments. Jesus was saying, ‘Sure….If you REALLY love me as you say, then DO what I command.’ He knew what was in man. He knew how we say one thing and do another. But, the deciding factor as to whether we TRULY love Him or not, will be realized in our OBEDIENCE.”
WHO’S GOING TO BE ULTIMATELY “CLOTHED IN WHITE”???? JESUS SAYS:
“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.” Revelation 3:5
OSAS (once saved always saved) is a lie from hell. It’s time to kick this addiction in the rear – to kick this evil habit out of your life. You must get far away from any devil who is a demonic operative of Satan himself that tells you that every person who has ever been saved WILL be in Heaven. God’s Word tells us that such a man is an “ungodly” man and a wolf (Jeremiah 23:17; Jude 3-4, etc.).
Only a deceiver attempts to divorce Jesus Christ from what Christ stated. The end will not be good for the dishonest (Luke 8:15; John 8:47).
Those who don’t believe someone can “fall away” defy Christ Himself who invented this term “fall away.” (Lk. 8:13) May that person be rebuked by the LORD Himself and beckoned to read the raw truth of God’s Holy Word – the Bible – and cast off all preconceived man-taught, devil-inspired heresies (like the ‘once saved, always saved’ myth and all of Calvinism). Only those who are presently denying self and taking up their daily cross are following Him and will be with Him where He is (Lk. 9:23-24; Jn. 12:24-26). This is what saving faith always does – obey. Jesus is coming for His true Church which is being washed by obeying His Word (John 15:3; Eph. 5:25-27; 1 Jn. 3:3). No honest-hearted person who truly loves the LORD could possibly get unconditional eternal security out of His Word – because it’s not there. Abide/remain in Him or you will be cast forth as a branch and burned in fires of hell forever (Jn. 15:6).
If Jesus is truly “the” only “way” to God, no one who dies outside of this one Savior – “THE way” – could possibly spend eternity with Him (John 14:6).
THERE SIMPLY ARE NO PROMISES OF ETERNAL SECURITY to any person whom the LORD saves and then they do not continue with Him. The term “eternal security” never appears in God’s Word. Did He forget to tell us something OR are we deceived by a doctrine of devils? God is going to eternally and indescribably reward all of His children who remain/abide to the end with Him, for continuing to search out, believe, and obey His truth (Matthew 7:21; 1 Corinthians 2:9). Those whom He saves but then they don’t continue to choose to have Him as their “first love” will “fall away” and be “cut off.” (Revelation 2:4-5; Luke 8:13; Romans 11:22) They will be as the 5 foolish virgins in Jesus’ parable upon whom the door of eternal glory will be closed, sealing their damnation in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:1-13). Speaking of “Every branch IN ME,” Christ told us that “If a man abide (remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them INTO THE FIRE, and THEY ARE BURNED.” (John 15:6)
Jesus Christ, who is the Truth, is our only escape and safeguard (Prov. 30:5-6; Acts 20:20, 27-32, etc.). No person whom He has saved can “depart from the faith” that saved him while believing a “doctrine of devils” (OSAS), and still be secure. No person who does not remain (abide) in Christ after being saved is heading for Heaven. The LORD and His holy apostles say something completely contrary to modern deceivers who say to all who have ever been saved that they are “as sure for heaven as if you were already there.” (1 Timothy 4:1) Such is never taught in Holy Scripture.
IF you are teaching SATAN’S first lie/doctrine OSAS it’s because you are his! (Genesis 2:17; 3:4) ONLY a child of the devil would teach his lies (John 8:44). GO SEE exactly who originated OSAS: Genesis 2:17; 3:4.
OSAS Death Nail
The “apostle’s doctrine,” followed strictly by every true Heaven-bound disciple of Jesus, never included a promise of “eternal security” without ongoing personal responsibility to endure to the end (which is a willful daily choice). The apostles never taught such (Acts 2:42).
When the great apostle went back around to the cities where he had preached Christ and churches had been formed, his message was completely different from the grace-perverting beguilers today who teach “once saved always saved.” Notice closely the words of Christ’s apostle who had ALL the opportunity in the world to tell these new believers that they are “eternally secure” but told them no such thing! Acts 13:43….
“Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to CONTINUE in the grace of God.” Acts 13:43
“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to CONTINUE in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22
If continuing in the faith were automatic or according to the “p” of Calvinism, “the perseverance of the saints,” WHY O WHY would Paul exhort these “disciples” of Jesus to do such?
WHY O WHY did the apostle not tell these “disciples” that they were “eternally secure” if such were part of New Testament Christianity?
So, who’s lying? Is Paul the apostle lying or are modern leaders who teach contrary to what he taught lying?
Who shall you follow?
So, we must ask: If in fact the so-called “eternal security” teaching was a part of “the apostle’s doctrine,” WHY O WHY is it never seen coming out of the mouths of Christ or His holy apostles? Did they forget to tell us something we needed to know?
Did the Holy Spirit not clearly warn us through Jude of these grace-perverters whom he said are “ungodly men”?
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 4
Just WHAT kind of men does God’s Word tell us are “turning the grace of our God into” a license for sin? – “Ungodly men”!
In stark contrast with this diabolical notion that once saved the believer can do anything he wishes, Titus 2 gives us insight into who truly is saved by the grace of God. This is a passage that is purposely ignored by grace-perverting wolves. Just what does Titus 2:11-14 tell us that the true grace of God is teaching ALL those who are truly saved by it?
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to ALL men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from ALL iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar (special) people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14
ALL who are saved by divine grace (the only way one can be saved) are “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,” and living “soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
Isn’t it quite interesting that the so-called “doctrines of grace” intentionally evade this Bible passage? If that’s not a red flag what is?
“BUT WAIT! What about John 10:28-29????”
John 10:27 is a truth deceivers love to ignore. Jesus qualified – gave the condition – for being secure. You cannot divorce the words of Jesus recorded in v27 from His words in v28-29. According to Jesus, it’s only those who hear His voice, continue to hear it, and follow (present tense) Him that have security. This also coincides with all else Christ and His apostles taught. Like just 5 chapters forward in chapter 15 where He taught the essential of abiding or remaining in Him or being cut off and burned in the fire if not (John 15:6). “Cut off” is a term Paul uses concerning the Jews and warning the Gentile believers – (Rom 11:20-22).
A clean, clear, and assured conscience comes only by way of saving faith and literal, practical obedience to God’s Word which is always the fruit of saving faith (1 Timothy 1:5). If a person wants a clear conscience, assurance, and eternal security, he must hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and follow Him. It’s only then – as he is presently worshipping Jesus with no idols or unrepentant sin, that he is assured of eternal life.
WHAT do His sheep do? HOW are they identified?
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and THEY FOLLOW ME: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29
Jesus clearly defined exactly who that promise of being kept is for (v27). He was not just throwing that promise out to everyone. It was reserved for a special remnant of those whom He calls and who answer and obey. – Those who continue to hear His voice and continue to follow Him are those who receive the blessing of being kept. Those who seek to spread the “once saved always saved” heresy use John 10:28-29 to their advantage and conveniently ignore the preceding words of Christ in verse 27 which clearly qualify and condition His promise. According to Jesus, the promise of verses 28-29 is a promise of security reserved specifically and exclusively for those who are currently hearing Jesus’ voice and following Him. Many ignore the previous qualifying words (v27) of Jesus where Christ tells us that only those who are hearing His voice and following Him are promised that they are secure and will never perish. There is a condition to being secure in Christ – knowing Him – which requires continuing to “abide” in Him (remain), to hear His voice, and follow Him (see also John 15). In this John 10 passage used by the unconditional eternal security crew to peddle their wares, some neglect to look closely at verse 27 to see just WHO Jesus was specifically speaking to when He promised “they shall never perish.” Jesus was promising that the “They” who “hear my voice” and “follow me” are safe and secure in Me as long as they “endure to the end” in hearing my voice and following Me. According to verse 27 the promise of eternal security is conditional. Assurance of salvation is only to those who are presently following Christ. In verse 27 we learn that protection from judgment to come is only to those who are currently 1) hearing His voice, 2) known by Him, and 3) following Him. This is consistent with the message seen in the whole of Holy Writ. Become familiar with this verse beloved so that you are not “destroyed for lack of knowledge” and “led away with the error of the wicked.” (Hosea 4:6; 2 Peter 3:17)
“My sheep hear my voice (present tense), and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
Note that Jesus says of those who are secure in Him that “they follow me” and not that “they used to follow me.”
Only those who are presently hearing His voice as they walk with Him and are following Him are kept and secure. One simply cannot divorce the words of Christ in v27 and apprehend what He is saying.
Furthermore, elsewhere, WHAT did Jesus say is a must for following Him?
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24
So, according to Jesus, is a person who is not denying himself and taking up his cross DAILY actually following Jesus? HOW then can that person vainly believe he is saved?
If Paul believed he was unconditionally, eternally secure, why then did he say:
“But I keep under (present tense) my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27
Defending the Faith Once Delivered to the Saints
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4
“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” 1 John 2:19
Donald Stamps responds to this verse this way:
“THEY WENT OUT FROM US. When the antichrists departed from their fellowship with true believers, they were not in a saving relationship with Christ. This allows for two possibilities: (1) They were never true believers to begin with, or (2) they had once been in a saving relationship with Christ but afterward abandoned their faith in Christ.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 2003
John 10:27-29 teaches us that only those presently abiding in a vital, obedient relationship with Jesus, are being kept by God. All who have been previously born again and yet are not presently remaining intimate in Christ, have been and will be cast away from Him burned in the fires of eternal damnation if they don’t repent before it’s too late (John 15:1-6; Ezekiel 33:12-13; 2 Peter 2:20-21; Hebrews. 10:26-39, etc.).
“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” 2 Peter 2:20-21
Keeping Clean the Garments of His Righteousness
Jesus says “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and KEEPETH his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame” and also “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord (not in sin) from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” (Revelation 14:13; 16:15) Revelation 1:3 tells us: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and KEEP those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” But the “lukewarm” counterfeit, who is “at ease in Zion” is a moral coward and wants nothing of personal responsibility (Amos 6:1) . He refuses the fear of the LORD in order to please himself because that’s exactly who he is serving and wants no part of personal holiness through the daily cross Jesus commanded. Hell awaits.
The Son of God warned:
“And take heed to yourselves (personal responsibility commanded and required), lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (over indulgence), and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare (trap) shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34-36
After initial salvation, each believer is personally responsible to abide in, to remain with, to continue in Christ. This requires obeying His cross command or they will “fall away” and be shut out of the eternal kingdom of Christ just as the 5 foolish virgins were (Matthew 25:1-13; Luke 8:13; 9:23-24).
Father, in the name of my LORD Jesus Christ, please grant full repentance to my heart, break me to the core of this being. Please make this vessel one that is prepared to honor YOU dear LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.
If Heaven were automatic to all those who have been born again, no matter what they do with Christ after He saves them, WHY did Jesus give so many warnings like this above? WHY O WHY the parable of the talents? (Matthew 25:1-13) If unconditional eternal security is true, the Son of God sure is being indicted as a liar by those who believe such a fairytale. We call Him a deceiver for warning us not to “fall away,” and for commanding that we “endure to the end,” and to “keepeth (our) garments (clean from sin),” and many other warnings if there is no possibility of losing out eternally (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Luke 8:13; Revelation 16:15).
Beloved, you must run for your life from any vile, false prophet wolf who even hints that you are “eternally secure” while not doing what the LORD told you to do – regardless if you were truly saved in the past.
God would actually contradict Himself and be a liar if He didn’t damn the souls of all who die in sin – regardless of whether or not they were saved in the past. The Almighty is holy, just, to be feared, and unchanging. The counterfeit Calvinist says that God would cease to be God if He didn’t save and keep all those He saves. Is that what God’s own Word reveals?
Speaking to God’s own people, Christ’s apostle Paul says:
“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: IF we deny him, he also will deny us.” 2 Timothy 2:12
Excuse me… “IF we deny him, he also will deny us.” 2 Timothy 2:12
What Happened When the LORD Found and Saved You?
Jesus told us that “many” go down that BROAD road that leads to destruction and only a “few” will enter in through the narrow gate that leads to eternal life in Heaven. Jesus says:
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
We were “dead in trespasses and sins” before He found and saved us from our sins and from certain damnation. We must first realize where we were as fallen mankind, in order to appreciate the salvation our LORD has wrought for us.
“And you hath he quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:1-6
God brought us OUT of something in order to bring us INTO something else. When Jesus was dying for our sins on that cross, He cried “It is finished” which means that the price for mankind’s sins is “Paid in full!” (John 19:30) The blood of His only begotten Son satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to redeem mankind. Nothing else is sufficient.
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:18-19
He brought us out of darkness and sin and into His kingdom of light by the washing away of our sins by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
“And he brought us OUT from thence, that he might bring us IN, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers.” Deuteronomy 6:23
We have been brought out of Egypt (sin/the world system) and into the promised land which is the picture of God translating us into the kingdom of His dear, blessed Son out from the darkness that once held us captive.
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us FROM the power of darkness, and hath translated us INTO the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” Colossians 1:12-14
When Jesus finds us and we agree with Him that we are sinners and need His saving grace, He saves us, opening our eyes, turning us from spiritual darkness to His light and out from under the power of Satan.
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” Acts 26:18
It’s only Jesus Christ who can save a lost soul and it’s only Jesus who can keep that person to the end. He requires the participation of the individual disciple whom He has found and saved (John 8:30-32, 36; Hebrews 2:1-3; 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39, etc.). Read John 15 to learn more about abiding or remaining in Christ.
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ … 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 1:6; 2:12-13
The LORD commands those whom He has rescued out of the darkness of sin and this wicked world system to “work out” their own salvation “with fear and trembling” and as they do, He will continue to keep and to work in them “both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
God instructs us to “keep” ourselves in His love so that we can be ready to meet Him at all times.
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. … Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 21, 24-25
At all times we are to look for the soon return of the King of all kings:
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14
Jesus told us that He is going to return for a people who are abiding in Him, “holy and without blemish.”
“Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27
Do not be deceived by the many false teachers who teach “once saved always saved.” Get into God’s Word every morning and avoid the false teachers who are leading many to hell. Fellowship with true Bible believers who search out and cling to “every word of God.” (Proverbs 30:5-6; Matthew 4:4)
“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
It is true, once saved always saved, and it is not a license to sin, because when you are truly saved the nature of Jesus Christ will not and cannot sin.
Reply:
Not so. Peter sinned long after he was born again. That’s why Paul rebuked him (Gal 2).
Lucifer was in perfect standing with God until he chose to sin and so were Adam and Eve….. that’s the first 3 of many apostates seen in Holy Scripture.
“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.” Gal. 2:11 Peter was involved in causing many to stumble – to “fall from grace.” (Gal. 5:4)
“The horrible travesty we have in America today is Christianity without holiness.” A.W. Tozer Grace and holiness come only from God. The LORD is Holy and He extends salvation by grace to repentant, believing sinners at the moment of conversion. Grave vs Holiness: WHY is one of these two so overwhelmingly overemphasized by today’s pastors and self-appointed “grace teachers,” when the other is prioritized by God as is demonstrated by the number of times it appears in Holy Scripture? Which word appears more times in the Bible?: Grace, or Holiness LET’S DO THE MATH: Comparing Grace and Holiness 170 […]
The Day of the Lord so Cometh as a Thief in the Night [podcast]
1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:28 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. The Day of the Lord 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto […]
The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security! [podcast]
HELL Awaits! SO YOU THINK YOU ARE ETERNALLY SECURE? WHO TOLD YOU THAT LIE? NOT GOD! IT SIMPLY DOESN’T MATTER HOW POPULAR A PREACHER IS – IF HE’S TEACHING SATAN’S FIRST LIE THAT CAUSED THE FALL OF THE HUMAN RACE – OSAS/ETERNAL SECURITY – HE’S A FALSE TEACHER, AN AGENT OF SATAN (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). OF COURSE he’s popular – he’s not preaching the cross but rather excuses for sin against a Holy God! RUN from that devil! You will be safe and eternally secure when you get to Heaven, not before. ARE YOU enduring sound doctrine today or […]
Spiritual Formation—A Dangerous Substitute for the Life of Christ [podcast]
Sometimes we think of spiritual formation as formation by the Holy Spirit. Once again. That’s essential. . . . But now I have to say something that may be challenging for you to think about: Spiritual formation is not all by the Holy Spirit. . . . We have to recognize that spiritual formation in us is something that is also done to us by those around us, by ourselves, and by activities which we voluntarily undertake . . .There has to be method.1—Dallas Willard
Aside from the fact that Spiritual Formation incorporates mystical practices into its infrastructure (remove the contemplative aspect and you don’t have “Spiritual Formation” anymore), Spiritual Formation is a works-based substitute for biblical Christianity. Let us explain.
When one becomes born again (“that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9-10), having given his or her life and heart over to Christ as Savior, Jesus Christ says He will come in and live in that surrendered heart:
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Colossians 1:27)
If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:11; emphasis added)
When God, through Jesus Christ, is living in us, He begins to do a transforming work in our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:18). Not only does He change us, He also communes with us. In other words, we have fellowship with Him, and He promises never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
This life of God in the believer’s heart is not something we need to conjure up through meditative practices. But if a person does not have this relationship with the Lord, he may seek out ways to feel close to God. This is where Spiritual Formation comes into play. Rather than a surrendered life to Christ (through repentance and faith), the seeking person begins practicing the spiritual disciplines (e.g., prayer, fasting, good works, etc.) with the promise that if he practices these disciplines, he will become more Christ-like.
But merely doing these acts fails to make one feel close to God—something is still missing. And thus, he begins practicing the discipline of silence (or solitude), and now in these altered states of silence, he finally feels connected to God. He now feels complete. What he does not understand is that he has substituted the indwelling of Christ in his heart for a works-based methodology that endangers his spiritual life. Dangerous because these mystical experiences he now engages in appear to be good because they make him feel close to God, but in reality he is being drawn into demonic realms no different than what happens to someone who is practicing transcendental meditation or eastern meditation. Even mystics themselves acknowledge that the contemplative realm is no different than the realm reached by occultists. To understand this more fully, please read Ray Yungen’s book A Time of Departing.
Bottom line, it is not possible to be truly Christ-like without having Christ inside of us because it is His righteousness that is able to change our hearts—we cannot do it without Him. It is His righteousness we need:
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe. (Romans 3:22)
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. (Philippians 3:9)
It is interesting to note that virtually every contemplative teacher has a common theme—they feel dry and empty and want to go “deeper” with God or “become more intimate” with God. But if we have Christ living in us, how can we go any deeper than that? How can we become more intimate than that? And if going deeper and becoming intimate were so important, why is it that none of the disciples or Jesus Himself ever told us to do this? As Larry DeBruyn states:
Why are Christians seeking a divine presence that Jesus promised would abundantly flow in them? . . . Why do they need another voice, another visitation, or another vision? Why are some people unthankfully desirous of “something more” than what God has already given to us? Why is it that some Christians, in the depth of their souls, are not seemingly at rest?2
Is There a “Good” Spiritual Formation?
One of the most common arguments we hear defending Spiritual Formation is that there is a “good” Spiritual Formation done without contemplative prayer. To that we say, we have never yet seen a Spiritual Formation program in a school or a church that doesn’t in some way point people to the contemplative mystics. It might be indirectly, but in every case, if you follow the trail, it will lead you right into the arms of Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, and other contemplative teachers.
Think about this common scenario: A Christian college decides to begin a Spiritual Formation course. The instructor has heard some negative things about Richard Foster, Henri Nouwen, and Brennan Manning, and he figures he will teach the class “good Spiritual Formation” and leave those teachers completely out. But he’s going to need a textbook. He turns to a respected institution, Dallas Theological Seminary, and finds a book written by Paul Pettit, Professor in Pastoral and Education Ministries. The book is titled Foundations of Spiritual Formation. The instructor who has found this book to use in his own class may never mention Richard Foster or Dallas Willard, but the textbook he is using does. Within the pages of Pettit’s book is Richard Foster, Philip Yancey, N.T. Wright, Dallas Willard, Thomas Aquinas, Lectio Divina, Ayn Rand, Parker Palmer, Eugene Peterson, J.P. Moreland, Klaus Issler, Bruce Demarerst, Jim Burns, Kenneth Boa and Brother Lawrence’s “practicing God’s presence.” You may not have heard of all these names, but they are all associated with the mystical contemplative prayer movement and the emerging church.
Another example of this is Donald Whitney’s book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Whitney is former Associate Professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and currently at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. While his book does not promote contemplative mysticism, he says that Richard Foster has “done much good”3 in the area of Christian spirituality (which we believe is blatantly untrue).
Our point is that even if there is a sincere attempt to teach Spiritual Formation and stay away from the mystical side, we contend that it cannot be successfully accomplished because it will always lead back to the ones who have brought it to the church in the first place.
Spiritual formation is sweeping throughout Christianity today. It’s no wonder when the majority of Christian leaders have either endorsed the movement or given it a silent pass. For instance, in Chuck Swindoll’s book So You Want to Be Like Christ: 8 Essential Disciplines to Get You There, Swindoll favorably quotes Richard Foster and Dallas Willard. Swindoll calls Celebration of Discipline a “meaningful work”4 and Willard’s book The Spirit of the Disciplines “excellent work.”5 In chapter three, ”Silence and Solitude,” Swindoll talks about “digging for secrets . . . that will deepen our intimacy with God.”6 Quoting the contemplative poster-verse Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” Swindoll says the verse is a call to the “discipline of silence.”7 As other contemplative proponents have done, he has taken this verse very much out of context.
Roger Oakland sums it up:
The Spiritual Formation movement . . . teaches people that this is how they can become more intimate with God and truly hear His voice. Even Christian leaders with longstanding reputations of teaching God’s word seem to be succumbing. . . .
We are reconciled to God only through his “death” (the atonement for sin), and we are presented “holy and unblameable and unreproveable” when we belong to Him through rebirth. It has nothing to do with works, rituals, or mystical experiences. It is Christ’s life in the converted believer that transforms him.8
“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Romans 5:10
What Christians need is not a method or program or ritual or practice that will supposedly connect them to God. What we need is to be “in Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:30) and Christ in us. And He has promised His Spirit “will guide [us] into all truth” (John 16:13).
“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” 1 Corinthians 1:30
In Colossians 1:9, the apostle Paul tells the saints that he was praying for them that they “might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” He was praying that they would have discernment (“spiritual understanding”). He said that God, the Father, has made us “partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (vs 12) and had “delivered us from the power of darkness [i.e., power of deception]” (vs. 13). But what was the key to having this wisdom and spiritual understanding and being delivered from the power of darkness? Paul tells us in that same chapter. He calls it “the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints” (vs. 26). What is that mystery? Verse 27 says: “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (emphasis added).
For those wanting to get involved with the Spiritual Formation movement (i.e., contemplative, spiritual direction), consider the “direction” you will actually be going.
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. (Colossians 1:21-23)
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2: 8-10)
This article is an extract from the Lighthouse Trails booklet, Is Your Church Doing Spiritual Formation? (Important Reasons Why They Shouldn’t). To order this booklet, click here.
Endnotes:
1. Dallas Willard, “Spiritual Formation: What it is, and How it is Done” (https://dwillard.org/resources/articles/spiritual-formation-what-it-is-and-how-it-is-done).
2. Larry DeBruyn, “God’s Present of His Presence” (https://www.guardinghisflock.org/gods-present-of-his-presence/ ).
3. Donald Whitney, “Doctrine and Devotion: A Reunion Devoutly to be Desired” (http://web.archive.org/web/20080828052145/http://biblicalspirituality.org/devotion.html).
4. Chuck Swindoll, So You Want to Be Like Christ: 8 Essential Disciplines to Get You There (Nashville, TN:W Publishing Group, a div. of Thomas Nelson, 2005), p. 15.
5. Ibid., p. 13.
6. Ibid., p. 55.
7. Ibid.
8. Roger Oakland, Faith Undone (Eureka, MT: Lighthouse Trails Publishing, 2007), pp. 91-92.
This has been an extract from our booklet Is Your Church Doing Spiritual Formation? (Important Reasons Why It Shouldn’t). To order this booklet, click here.
The Dangers of Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Disciplines
The Dangers of Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Disciplines A Critique of Dallas Willard and The Spirit of the Disciplines by Bob DeWaayPractices called “spiritual disciplines” that are deemed necessary for “spiritual formation” have entered evangelicalism. Recent encounters with this teaching narrated to me by friends caused me to investigate these practices. The first experience involved my friend and co-worker Ryan Habbena who went back to seminary to finish his masters degree. Here is his experience in his own words: I recently took a seminary course on the book of Luke. It was a summer intensive and was one of only […]
SHOCKING List of Spiritual Formation Ministries
More Catholic Witchcraft Infiltrating the Apostate Seminaries, Ministries, and Churches “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” 1 Timothy 4:1-2 WHAT is spiritual formation / contemplative prayer or centering prayer? Spiritual formation/contemplative prayer/spirituality is just another self-centered, Christ-denying, self-righteous, works-based, occultic, pagan lie from hell! Seminaries teach it and now many churches today are practicing new age witchcraft called contemplative prayer, or centering Prayer which is part of spiritual formation. […]
“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20
See picture below.
I recently, “accidently” drove up this very narrow street only to realize that there was no turn around at the end. As God would have it, this man helped me back out of that street and received the spoken Word and a JESUS tract. Romans 8:28 right?
“Ephesians 3:20 was the very verse I prayed for you and the ministry this morning! And v16 as well. May the Spirit of God manifest His full grace and peace upon you today! And give you fruit, more fruit and much fruit! Amen.” Karen Cochran
(see picture below)
It dawns on me afresh today as it has since arriving here in Mexico, that these precious people so deeply hunger for Christ. Today, upon ministering to Victor and Juan and having Victor incessantly asking me about Christianity, Jesus, and being saved…. this was a fresh reminder of the great hunger and openness of the Mexican people. They want Jesus. Plain and simple. “HOW shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)
These two men were excited to know that you would be lifting them in prayer.
Victor and I are now connected by phone. So he will now be fed the Word of our God and be introduced to Spanish speaking disciples of our LORD Jesus.
Being limited in Spanish, I preached the Gospel, the Bible truth I am able to in Spanish and that including exhorting them both, today to repent and receive Jesus and did this while pointing to the prayer (oracion) on the back of the JESUS tract.
Would you like to kindly pause to lift these 2 dear men in prayer to our LORD?
JUST got a call from sister Teri in FL and had the opportunity to speak with brothers Scott and Jorge who were both recently saved by Jesus. Was also blessed to speak with a brother named Raymond who is a flourishing disciple of Jesus!
Thank you for your prayers and support which include our bless-ed opportunity of helping this group of disciples in FL.
Jesus is coming!
Recently…… Many received God’s Word today.
Brother Mark has recently joined in helping with our LORD’s Gospel in Mission Mexico and was amazed when he saw three grown men walking together who were ministered to and walk away, each of them with the JESUS tract open, as they walked read the message. They are that hungry.
The Mexico people deserve to hear our LORD’s glorious Gospel!
“I bet brother Mark is amazed at the response of the Mexican people when you guys go out and minister to them. To have so many hearts open and poor in spirit would be a shock at first. Total opposite of America—who say ‘I am rich, increased with goods have need of nothing!’ Revelation 3:17.
Praise God for the blessed ones who heard the engrafted word of our Lord, which is able to save their souls.” Karen
REPLY:
Yes He is amazing. They WANT it. They DESIRE it. They are like the woman who desires a man and so he marries her and they have a super blessed marriage for life. Instead of the wicked Jezebel woman who just wants to self-servingly shop for the man she can use to accomplish her selfish agenda.
“I was reading Mathew 21:23 this morning and it went through my mind that is what God said to America! ‘The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.’ And that nation is Mexico!“ Karen
“Truly amazing what God is doing in the hearts of the Mexican people. And now He is raising up disciples to bring into the harvest. He is LORD of the harvest. Have you heard of Chick Publications? I just read that they have sent 200,000 tracts to a Mexico missionary and more being ready to be sent. Southern Mexico. So God is sure flooding Mexico with His Word!” Karen Cochran
While walking over to get a haircut, I happened to spot a JESUS tract someone had placed on this vehicle. No it was not me. I didn’t put that tract there. Someone else did.
Then, 5 minutes later, after arriving at barber and sitting down in the chair, straight ahead in my line of sight, there’s a JESUS tract purposely set on display by the barber.
No matter how high prices get in Mexico, your cost of living will always be MUCH less than the USA. A raise awaits you, soon as you cross the border. Is God prompting you to “Go”? (Mark 16:15)
God is good all the time as you well know and thank you.
Your prayers to the Father in the name of our LORD Jesus are the heavenly fuel He uses to bless and empower and supply His people to do His work.
“For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,” Philippians 1:19
Yes Jesus is saving souls—the very mission He came to accomplish for all who will, right?
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17
Every man in the picture below gladly received the spoken and printed Word (JESUS tract Spanish).
Beloved Maria.
HINT: There is plenty of opportunity to contribute to Mission Mexico. We are going to continue to feed the poor and minister Christ’s Gospel – regardless of the fumes we are presently operating on. Thank God for those who are praying and supporting. This opportunity to obey God, lies in front of each of us. What shall we do?
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
To say that this ministry is under-funded is an understatement.
GOD is our Maker and Redeemer and He knows where He has and wants each of His children to be—where you already are or otherwise. The LORD is in control (Psalms 24:1). “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37:23 Last week Jesus saved this beloved woman, Katherine! See more on that salvation story here. Recently I commented under a Mexico video…. which received nearly 100 likes to date…. After leaving the USA and now living in Mexico, I began to see just how un-free and vulturous it was […]
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” Ephesians 1:4
Holiness comes by the Savior in self denial (death and burial – the cross), not by self will or effort. Surrender is the cross – “NOT my will but thine be done” (Lk. 22:42) and “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). We surrender to Christ by saying “Not my will but thine be done” dear Lord, by Your grace and the deliberate act of my own will I submit to the cross, the crucified life – where You alone reign supreme in this vessel (Luke 22:42; Galatians 2:20, etc.). I love You LORD Jesus! You must increase but I must decrease! (John 3:30)
Holiness, not happiness, is the divine command, the chief purpose and end of Christ’s salvation.
Of holiness, one disciple writes:
“Holiness speaks more to nature than it does conduct. Good conduct is the spontaneous byproduct of the new nature of the new creation man thru the cross and death to the old nature. We are new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-18). To preach holiness as conduct without the new nature thru the cross understanding is legalism. Holiness is actually derived from ‘wholeness’ meaning the thorough transformation of the whole tripartite man (1 Thess 5:23). So many of these ‘holiness’ preachers are preaching nothing but conduct under law. Law arouses sinful passions and causes sin to increase and was given in order to provoke transgressions (Rom 7:5; 5:20; Gal 3:21). They are enemies of the cross!”
Holiness comes by way of the cross, not by way of the flesh. Just as sin was conquered by the cross of Christ, so sin in the life of the saint is conquered by the daily cross – the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.). It’s time to stop trying harder and to simply die deeper.
NOTICE: When a believer or group of believers backslides, they no longer separate from the transgressors who are unrepentant:
Fornication Defiles
“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have (Gr. possessed and wouldn’t repent) his father’s wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:1-2
The Glorious Church Jesus is Returning for [video]
WHAT church/people is Jesus returning for? “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27 “a glorious church” “not having spot (no sin)“ No “wrinkle” “or any such thing” “but that it should be holy and without blemish” WHAT’s the use of talking about end times […]
Can a True Believer Overcome All Sin? [podcast]
Yes. In the church world, there’s an abundance of talk about sin and it comes with the notion, the inflection, the false assumption that somehow, born again believers are relegated to sinning, as if there’s no other choice. Is that true? Is this the biblical perspective? What I want us to do is make sure we are looking at the whole of Scripture and be blessed to gain a godly confidence that our Savior provided a perfect salvation that includes more than just the initial washing away of our sins. This “great grace” that He provided in His “so […]
The Truth about Holiness [podcast]
“Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” Exodus 15:11 As we just read, divine “holiness” is “glorious.” Holiness is not what most of us think it is. Holiness in the divine economy is something of great “beauty” and utterly refreshing (Psalms 96:9). It seems that holiness is not merely a divine attribute but rather the divine nature of the Almighty. Are we ready to allow our LORD, who alone is “Holy, holy, holy,” to define what holiness truly is and how He brings it […]
