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The “Sealed” Scam Exposed

Beware of the false definition of sealed by dispensationalist heretics.

What does the biblical term “sealed” mean? What doesn’t it mean?

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 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: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will …” Ephesians 1:3-5

The saints of the Most High God are “blessed … with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” We also read here that “He hath chosen,” not forced, us “that we should be holy and without blame before him.” Those who are “chosen” and choose to live unto the LORD are made “holy” by Him. If one is not being made holy, it is clear that he has no part with Christ (John 13:8; 2 Timothy 2:19; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 12:14; Revelation 21:8, 27).

Here’s just one more example of how we know that no honest, sane person believes OSAS… Just another example of deceit and dishonesty to deny personal responsibility in obeying Jesus (Matthew 7:21). It’s ALL about THEM. Totally self-serving and could care less about knowing and obeying the Savior they claim as LORD and yet deny Him the honor of truly knowing, serving, worshipping, and obeying Him. Paul says they are “abominable” (Titus 1:16).

It’s interesting how these wolves tout the grace of God as if it’s a license to sin and automatically covers all their sin without their involvement. Yet they have NO faith in the grace of God to grant them power over sin through the crucified life (Romans 6:3-14). Are we beginning to see why they push this perverted definition of grace? If they believe so strong in grace, WHY won’t they choose to believe God’s enabling grace will bring them to victory over sin via the crucified life?

Paul makes it clear that saving grace does not abide in anyone living in sin:

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Romans 6:1-2

Every person walking in God’s saving grace, outside of which no one can be saved, is:

  • Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,
  • living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.

“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;” Titus 2:11-12

IF A SEAL IS PERMANENT JESUS COULD NOT HAVE RESURRECTED FROM THE DEAD BECAUSE THE SAME EXACT GREEK WORD IS USED IN MATTHEW 27:66 CONCERNING HIS SEALED TOMB AS IS IN EPHESIANS 1:13 AND 4:30.

To a man who said that those who are born again are sealed and they cannot possibly lose it, the following response was given:

Not true. SEALED cannot possibly mean that the seal is unbreakable. You’ve followed false teachings. JESUS’ tomb was unsealed (Matthew 27:66) and He was raised from the dead. It’s the same Greek word as “sealed” Ephesians 1:13; 4:30. Case closed. Jesus’ tomb was sealed then unsealed and He was raised from the dead. Anyone who doesn’t believe Jesus rose again is not saved (1 Corinthians 15:17). OSAS/eternal security is a lie from hell.

“Sealed” is not un-sealable. It cannot possibly mean that once one is “sealed” that the seal cannot be broken as is often taught by today’s “ungodly men” who are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 4) “Sealed” in Ephesians is the same Greek word used in Matthew 27:66.

“So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, SEALING the stone, and setting a watch. … he is risen from the dead …” Matthew 27:66; 28:7

“And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” 1 Corinthians 15:17

Define “sealed” from Ephesians … same Greek word as Matthew 27:66 where Jesus’ tomb was sealed and yet it was UN-sealed when He raised from the dead. So, “sealed” is not an unbreakable seal. To seal simply means to stamp. One writer notes:

“Seal was not a lock that could not be opened; it was a mark of ownership, such as would be placed on a document.”

We see yet again in Revelation that a “seal” in God’s Word is never defined as something that is automatically permanent.

“And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.” Revelation 20:3

In the verse above, we see that Satan will be cast into the bottomless pit and a “seal” will be set upon him for a thousand years and then that pit will be unsealed to release the Devil.

The OSAS false teachers are always seeking to find yet another way to prove their father Satan’s first lie. They are constantly grasping for straws.

The attempt of eternal securists to make the definition of “sealed” confirm their lie, is pitifully weak and actually completely fraudulent. Heresy. Foolishness. Sealing in the Bible does not mean permanence. Typical scam theology attempting to fortify a lie.

Some will say “But how can one become un-sealed after being saved and sealed?”

Simple: The question is not whether you can become un-sealed – that’s a moral coward approach. The question is WHO ever said the Bible definition of “sealed” meant that seal can’t possibly be broken? The same exact Greek word for sealed is used concerning Christ’s tomb which we all know was UN-sealed (Matthew 27:66). So “sealed” in Ephesians can’t possibly mean that the seal is unbreakable.

IF in fact you are truly and presently “sealed” by God, it’s proven in that you “depart from iniquity” (2 Timothy 2:19).

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19

Notice those who try to use the two “sealed” Scriptures in Ephesians don’t even want to know about this Bible verse below which gives definition to those who are truly “sealed” – as in they “depart from iniquity” instead of making excuse for it, instead of hiding behind sin-justifying false doctrine.

Joseph Gorscak writes:

“Put it together people: ‘Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.'” (2 Timothy 2:19)

The fact that the “ungodly men” who’ve taught you Hell’s doctrine of OSAS purposely refused to tell you this biblical truth, reveals they are false prophets whose “damnation slumbereth not” (2 Peter 2:1-3; Jude 3-4).

God’s choosing of us who have trusted in Christ does not automatically determine that the individual believer will answer His call to continue to trust Him. According to Revelation 17:14, Christ will soon return with those who are “called, and chosen, and faithful.” God unfailingly does His part and the individual must do his part in which he will always be granted the enabling grace of God to perform (Philippians 2:12-13). The human will must never be factored out of the picture or there will be misunderstanding. Jesus told us that “many” are “called” yet few “chosen” due to the fact that only a few choose to be “faithful” to the LORD (Matthew 7:13-14; 20:16). “Without faith it is impossible to please him” and those who “draw back unto perdition (destruction),” not choosing to “believe to the saving of the soul,” will lose out eternally (Hebrews 10:26-39; 11:6).

“In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:11-14

One will find that the “sealed” teaching is prevalent among those who seek to justify the perversion of the grace of God using His very words. Their teaching on being “sealed” is quite the occasion to privately interpret, twist and misuse the Scriptures. Those who are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” find much opportunity to exaggerate what the Bible states and does not state about being “sealed with that Holy Spirit.” Upon a closer, more thorough and sober look at the word “sealed” and in the context it is written, and of the whole of the Word of God, a quite different perspective should emerge.

Note here in Ephesians 1 that the Holy Spirit is speaking of those who have “obtained an inheritance, being pedestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” or word. His Word is His will and the fullness of His recorded Counsel reveals that the Almighty before destined (predestined) that all be saved and live according to His truth and holiness. Yet, He never forces any person to believe or obey Him. Is it not the “purpose” of God and the way that has been predestined and not the person? The LORD told us clearly that He wills all to be saved and come to repentance and that none (not one) should perish in Hell (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9). In light of this fact of Scripture, we know the LORD would not choose some to be saved and some to be lost. According to His own Word, He clearly has not predestined some to go to Heaven and some to Hell. God so loved the  “world” that He gave His only begotten Son to pay the full price for the sins of all of mankind – not just some (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2). Only those who appropriate His gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, by meeting the conditions He set forth, will spend eternity with Him and His family in Heaven (Isaiah 1:19-20; John 1:12; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 3:12-15; 10:26-39; Revelation 2-3).

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to ALL men.” Titus 2:11

Who told you a seal couldn’t be broken? That’s ridiculous… we break open seals every day. “Sealed” comes from the Greek word sphragizo which is defined this way: to stamp with a signet or private mark for security or preservation. (Lit. or fig.) by implication. To keep secret, to attest: – seal up, stop.

SEALED? Phil Kassees writes:

“Do not break the seal of your salvation thus becoming reprobate (fitted for destruction). There will be many that at one time who walked with the Lord, fell from grace and shipwrecked their faith. It’s not only that someone has come to the Lord at one time, but that they continue to abide in him for all time.”

A seal can be broken. A sealed envelope can be opened. It is conditionally sealed. This Greek word, sphragizo, is the same word translated “sealing” concerning the tomb in which Christ was laid after He died on the cross for the sins of the world.

“So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, SEALING the stone, and setting a watch.” Matthew 27:66

Christ’s tomb was sealed and we all know that the seal of Jesus’ tomb was broken, and He rose again. It was not a permanent bond that could not be broken just as the sealing work of the Spirit of God in the believer is not necessarily a permanent bond. The LORD wants it to be, yet will not force any saved person to continue to meet the conditions to be ultimately saved into His holy presence. Biblically speaking, sealing does not mean permanence without condition.

The fact that Jesus’ tomb was unsealed clearly establishes that something sealed CAN be unsealed.

Was the “sealed” stone of Jesus’ tomb rolled away? Yes or no please. It was rolled away after being “sealed. “So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch” (Matthew 27:66).

Did you know that the same Greek word for “sealed” that is used in Matthew 27:66 is used in Ephesians 1:13 & 4:30? That must in biblical terms mean that sealing is not necessarily permanent!

The tomb in which He lay was divinely un-sealed: “He is not here; for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (Matthew 28:6).

HAVE YOU EVER OPENED A “SEALED”ENVELOPE? I DO IT NEARLY EVERY DAY. THAT SEAL ON AN ENVELOPE CAN BE BROKEN AND SO CAN GOD’S SEAL. GOD IS STILL “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY” AND IF YOU LIVE IN SIN, HIS BLESSED RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL BE LIFTED AND YOU WILL NOT MEET THE CONDITION TO ENTER INTO ETERNAL GLORY (ISAIAH 6:3; EZEKIEL 33:12-13; GALATIANS 5:19-21; HEBREWS 12:14-15; REVELATION 4:8; 21:8, 27 ETC.).

IN FACT, YOU’RE NOT SAVED IF YOU THINK THAT SEAL (ON CHRIST’S TOMB) WASN’T BROKEN BECAUSE HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD WHEN THAT SEAL WAS BROKEN. AND, THE RESURRECTION IS A FOUNDATIONAL, ESSENTIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHRISTIAN’S FAITH (1 CORINTHIANS 15:17).

It’s obvious to see that Reformed theology/Calvinism has redefined what God intended in the word “sealed.” Those who are caught up in this deception are willingly deceived for buying this lie (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

As it is that the Father in Heaven alone could have broken the seal and raised Christ from the dead, so only God can break the seal He has formed. From His Word we learn that He will break the seal and loose the person who was once saved from His kingdom, if that person departs from the faith (Ezekiel 33:12-13; Acts 1:25; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 2:5; 3:16).

THE SAME GREEK WORD FOR “SEALED”THE CALVINIST GRABS AND PERVERTS FROM EPHESIANS IS THE VERY SAME GREEK WORD FROM WHICH WE READ THAT JESUS’ TOMB WAS SEALED. DID THAT SEAL THAT WAS OVER CHRIST’S TOMB REMAIN OR WAS THAT STONE ROLLED AWAY AND JESUS RAISED FROM THE DEAD?

WE KNOW THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION AND SO MUST CONCLUDE THAT A SEAL CAN BE BROKEN AND IS NOT IRREVERSIBLE!

“Seals left unattended can allow bacteria (sin) to enter in, losing their seal and turning from good to rotten fruit.” Clarissa Saum

From the whole of Scripture, we can conclude that it is the divine intention that the subject be sealed all the way until the day of redemption and yet no individual’s free will has been removed or diminished. If one begins to rebel, the seal is in jeopardy. The term “sealed unto the day of redemption” in no way negates what the rest of Scripture clearly states. Those who take this to seed, take it out of context, do so to their own destruction.

Every believer is “sealed” when they initially get saved yet this does not prevent that believer from sinning which grieves the Holy Spirit of God who is their seal, and that sin brings forth spiritual death (Ezekiel 18:4, 30; 33:13; Romans 6:23; 8:13; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; Revelation 21:8, 27).

The person who believes in “once saved always saved” will say “When one is saved he is sealed by the Holy Spirit and no power in Heaven or earth can break God’s seal!”

To this position, Jeff Paton decrees:

“There is no Scripture verse in Heaven or Earth that says that we cannot break God’s seal! Must they prey on the ignorance of their readers to get them to believe something the Scriptures never say in order to prove their point? Ephesians 4:30 warns us not to grieve the Holy Spirit, the very One who is our Seal. A warning that serves no purpose if there is no danger! Maybe they should take off their theological glasses long enough so they can stop seeing things that are just not there!”

Another author notes:

“The term ‘predestinate’ is found in two chapters; Romans 8:29-30 and Ephesians 1:5, 11. There is no reference in these four verses to either Heaven or Hell, but to Christlikeness. Nowhere are we told in Scripture God predestinates one man to be saved and another to be lost. Men will be saved or lost eternally because of their belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.”

It should be remembered that the Greek definition, no matter the “scholar” rendering it, is never more authoritative than collating the Scriptures in English on any particular subject matter (Isaiah 28:9-10; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:16). This must be realized or there is the distinct vulnerability to deception by leaders who use Greek ad Hebrew to their own advantage.

Concerning this text (Ephesians 1:13-14), Donald Stamps, in the Life in the Spirit Study Bible, writes:

“‘Holy Spirit…the earnest.’ The Holy Spirit is an ‘earnest’, i.e., a first installment or down payment, guaranteeing our inheritance. In this age the Holy Spirit is given to believers as a down payment of what we are going to have in great fullness in the future. His presence and work in our lives is a pledge of our future inheritance (cf. Rom. 8:23; 2 Cor. 1:22; 5:5).”

Let’s look at the last part of this text, verses 12 through 14.

“…who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:12-14

Here we observe that in this context, the writer of Ephesians speaks of those who “first trusted Christ” and this they chose to do after they “heard the word of truth.”  Trusting Jesus and His full payment for our sins is volitional (left as a choice to each individual). Those who believe, trusting Christ, are then said to be “sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.” The whole context here is that these who are “sealed” are trusting in the LORD. The text says nothing of those who “depart from the LORD” which is a clear possibility according to the Word (Hebrews 3:12-14). The Bible has much to say of this and how all who leave the LORD by not continuing to follow and obey Him to the end of their earthly lives, will perish. Those who depart from Christ after knowing Him will have a worse time in Hell than if they had never believed and been saved in the first place (2 Pet. 2:20-22). In this text, the sealing is clearly connected to one’s trust or trusting in the LORD. Carefully notice that the word “trusted” appears ahead of (prior to in sequence) the word “sealed.” In the divine economy, trusting Christ fully precedes and is a prerequisite to the sealing of the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures teach that a believer can stop believing, that sin can separate him from God, and that he can fall from grace (Isaiah 59:2; Luke 8:13; Galatians 5:4; 19-21; Hebrews 12:14-15; Revelation 21:8, 21).

According to Ephesians, the presence of the Holy Spirit is the earnest, down payment or deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession. This however does not promise or automatically conclude that the one blessed to be chosen and redeemed will continue in the grace of the LORD and be ultimately saved. The individual’s ongoing choice to love and serve God are controlled by himself and no one else. God will not force the free will of men (Genesis 6:3; Deuteronomy 30:19; Isaiah 1:19-20; Galatians 6:7-9; Revelation 2-3).

On predestination, one writer notes:

“Predestination tells us about the ship’s destination and what God has prepared for those remaining on it. God invites everyone to come aboard the elect ship through faith in Jesus Christ. Predestination, like election, APPLIES TO THE CORPORATE BODY OF CHRIST (the true spiritual church), and recognizes individuals only in association with that body through a living faith in Jesus Christ. EXCEPT THESE ABIDE IN THE SHIP YE CANNOT BE SAVED.”

Let’s look at an equally divinely inspired passage of Scripture – equal in divine authority as Ephesians 1. And we know that the divine Person of the Holy Spirit would never contradict Himself in His Word. This will also help to balance and account for the whole divine counsel that we might apprehend the mind of Christ in this matter. To see that departing from Christ after trusting Him is possible, let’s look at Hebrews 3:6, 12-15:

“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…Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you (brethren) an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, IF we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” Hebrews 3:6, 12-15

Being “sealed” in no way exempts the one who has “first trusted in Christ” from obedient faith. He must “hold” his “confidence (in Jesus) stedfast unto the end” and not “depart from the living God.” The one who endures to the end must remain in the grace of God, not possessing “an evil heart of unbelief,” and becoming a “castaway.” “castaway” is a biblical word for one who is cast away from God after being with Him. The very apostle who wrote these words in Ephesians did not believe that he was indelibly sealed into salvation with no possibility of departing from the LORD (1 Corinthians 9:27; Hebrews 3:6, 12-15).

“Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.” 2 Corinthians 1:10

No Scripture states that the child of God is locked into salvation. Paul says here in 2 Corinthians 1:10 that the great LORD has “delivered us…doth (presently) deliver us” and will “yet deliver us.” Those born again are presently saved, are being saved, and as we continue in His grace will be saved. This verse 10 must be taken in context with the text, including the words which precede this verse. Here this apostle of Christ is speaking of those whose lives are truly in Christ. The words of verse 9 are the following – But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9) Those who are saved, must continue in grace and if they do they will ultimately be saved into eternity with the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 21:6-8; 22:13). According to God’s Word Christ must reign in the lives of those who will be His now and forever (also see Romans 6; Gal atians 5:24). In relationship with Christ and by His grace and our own free will, we must sentence to death the deeds of the body that the resurrection life of Jesus might dwell in our mortal bodies (Romans 6; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12).

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24

In Ephesians 4:30 we are instructed to “grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” The whole verse says:

 “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30

Grieving the Holy Spirit is obviously possible or such a warning would not appear in God’s Word. In no place does the Bible hint that the seal cannot be broken. The grace-corrupters assume such with no Scriptural authority.

The Bible truth that one can depart from Christ after believing makes it self-evident that God’s sealing does not mean that one who initially believes is automatically locked into or forced to remain a child of God and go to Heaven. This truth must supersede the conclusion drawn by those who insist upon a “once saved always saved” theology and therefore seek to make the sealing of the Holy Spirit a permanent thing without the consent of the individual.

There are those who vainly believe they are “sealed” in such a way as to exempt them from personal accountability or responsibility for their sins. This many times leads to gross irresponsibility. What the Word of God is communicating here in Ephesians 1 concerning sealing is that the Holy Spirit’s presence is in the one who has trusted and is trusting Christ. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer is the “earnest” or divinely-given down payment until final salvation has occurred when that person is in Heaven (Ephesians 1:13-14). One must “believe to the saving of the soul” and be “kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation” to be an overcomer and receive the heavenly crown (Hebrews 10:39; 1 Peter 1:5; Revelation 2-3). There is no hint of an unconditional eternal security in this Ephesians 1 text where the Bible uses the word “sealed,” yet when dishonest men are bent upon convincing themselves and others of something, they will twist and spin Scripture until they accomplish this. While violating the text and intentionally excluding the whole Counsel of the Word of God, these men make up their own doctrine and are leading many astray. These who corrupt the grace of God for their own purposes, vainly imagine that they are “sealed” in a way the Bible never describes or validates. The “sealing” they speak of is a sham – a sin-justifying lie, placing their souls in danger and at ease in Zion. “Woe unto them” (Amos 6:1)

This whole “Sealed” doctrine cannot possibly mean that such a seal can’t be broken. This is the manipulatory twisting and redefining of biblical truth by the very wolves, the false teachers that Jude warned us about who are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness.” (Jude 3-4)

The OSAS proponents are assuming something without proper biblical authority. They run with the sealing doctrine and yet cannot prove what they teach. Beware!

Be not deceived when men attempt to hold the Greek over you as if they have some superior position of understanding with the LORD. This is where they supposedly prove their error from the Greek. God gave us His Word in our own language as He promised (Psslm 12:6-7). Knowing the Greek and Hebrew is far inferior to knowing the full spectrum of Scriptures in our own language. Collating the Word in our own language – line upon line – is said to determine the divine verdict on any given subject (Isaiah 28:9-10; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16). The LORD Himself clearly breathed His Word to us and had it transmitted to us in our own language from Genesis to Revelation. Numerous clearly revealed truths in the Bible overwhelmingly nullify the misuse of the “sealed” doctrine peddled among the deluded. In utter defiance of volumes of scriptural warnings, some convey by what they teach and do not teach, that there should be no thought of eternal danger for the believer who strays into rebellion.

Question: Was there a fall? Did mankind fall? Yes or no please.

How did the fall happen? By sin right? Was that sin a choice? Did God force or lead Adam and Eve to sin? No. They chose to disobey Him and therefore by their sin they were separated from Him who is unchangingly “Holy, holy, holy” and so anyone in sin is separated from Him, even those who were once His (Isaiah 6:3; 59:2; Revelation 4:8).

Paul Cairns writes:

“If ‘once saved – always saved’ was true, by applying the same principal to Adam and Eve… their sin would never have been counted against them. Yes… throughout the Bible, God repeatedly talks TO His children, and ABOUT those who are not. The Bible primarily is a book of instruction and correction to God’s children. 2 Ch 7:14 makes this perfectly clear; “If MY people, which are called by MY name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Matt McCoy writes:

“It’s so hard to read the Bible for what it says. If you can’t let God be true but every man a liar, you can’t have a relationship with the God of the Bible (Romans 3:4). I follow no man. I think for myself, according to the written Word of God alone (2 Timothy 3:16-17). I personally believe that yes you can lose your salvation. For those of you who believe you are eternally secure without condition, well, don’t work out your salvation with fear and trembling. See where it gets you in the end. Don’t lie to yourselves. It’s very dangerous. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell (in the wilderness) severity (severe and final judgment), but toward thee goodness, IFFFFFF thou continue (abide) in his goodness, otherwise thou also shalt be CUT OFF. If ‘once saved always saved’ was true, we wouldn’t need to be concerned about having our names blotted out of the book of life, and that would mean that all the warnings in Scripture are pointless and that God is a fool for putting them there in His Word. The Bible is for believers, specifically. All Scripture applies to God’s children.”

Calvinism | Eternal Security | Eternal Security Audios | Eternal Security Dialogue

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MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

’13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.‘”

REPLY:

God chooses “ALL men” to salvation and yet only some, a “few” choose to obey Him (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 2:2). Who’s going to be with Christ eternally? …. “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14

Those who will be in eternity with Christ are those whom He has “called, and chosen” and who were in their earthly life “FAITHFUL.” (Rev. 17:14) God does the calling and choosing and men must be “faithful” to receive His eternal reward. We see everywhere in Scripture, the initiating grace of God and the condition given to men – to be “faithful” to God to the end of this earthly life. Any person seeking to eliminate or deny the involvement of the personal will of men is not dealing honestly with the LORD and His Word.

Jesus Christ promised that only those who know and obey Him will be with Him eternally (Matt. 7:21; Mk. 8:34-38; Lk. 6:46; Rev. 2-3). Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages.

Salvation is by Christ’s WORK on the cross and YET that same Savior demands conditions to be met or there is no deal … like it or not … once saved, that saved person MUST “abide” in Christ which means to remain in Him and when one does good works and good fruit are produced, not sin (John 15:1-6). Any saved person who does not “abide” or remain “to the end” will not be in Heaven with Christ but will rather be cast into the fires of hell for eternity (2 Peter 2:20-22, etc.).

Message Received:

“A seal cannot be broken you need to study this.” Susan

Reply:

Okay, how many people open envelopes daily? Did you open that envelope? If so oooops it wasn’t permanently sealed. The OSAS dupe assumes that “sealed” means that it’s an unbreakable seal. Tell me, what seal is unbreakeable? They’ve never stopped to look to see if the Greek really means that this sealing cannot possibly be broken. No Greek definition of this word will turn such up. It’s inferred by the “ungodly men” who use this word to turn God’s grace into a license for sin (Jude 3-4).

OSAS is a cliché of devils and mere sinful men. IF the Almighty, who gave us 66 books in His Word, wanted us to know that we are unconditionally, eternally secure no matter what we do after being genuinely saved, why didn’t He simply tell us straight out? Did the Almighty forget to tell us something we need to know? Absurd!

NOOO such language as “once saved always saved” (OSAS) ever appears in Holy Scripture. So, in light of this fact, we should ask and seek out what God says in the whole of His non-contradicting written Word. Only then shall we know the truth and be made free from lying clichés like this mythical fable.

There are numerous warnings to God’s people in Scripture about falling away and being lost again.

Why, Why, Why do some insist upon defending and promoting the unfounded ‘once saved always saved’ myth which is not only NOT taught in Scripture, but is actually refuted repeatedly in Scripture???

DID PAUL BELIEVE OR TEACH ‘ONCE SAVED, ALWAYS SAVED’???? Paul didn’t believe in ‘once saved always saved’ whatsoever: “But I KEEP under 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

Paul never believed or taught the heresy of no-personal-responsibility.

SIN SEPARATES – GOD IS HOLY: “That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas BY TRANSGRESSION FELL, that he might go to his own place (eternal hell).” Acts 1:25

Salvation is received and kept by faith – “The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chron 15:2 (KJV)

—- Jude warned of the “ungodly men” who would peddle their perverted grace, the very lie of “lasciviousness” – a perverted grace (see Jer. 23:17)….. “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. 4 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 1:3-4 (KJV) …    The Perversion of Grace by Dr. Robert B. Thompson

Sealed: The Bible Definition

Predestination

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Christology | Eternal Security/OSASCalvinism ExposedThe Sovereignty of God as Defined by Calvinism [podcast]John Wesley on Calvinism Once Saved Aways Saved and Conditional SecurityLie of the Ages (Blockbuster book exposing OSAS and calvinism)

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Abiding

The Curse of a Divided Heart and Blessing of a Whole Heart! [podcast]


Israel’s heart was divided. The solution.

Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images … 12  Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:2, 12 

King Asa: Tragic end of an otherwise obedient, fruitful, God-glorifying life….

Are you blessed or cursed?

“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:5

King Asa trusted the physicians and not the LORD and he paid dearly.

“And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.” 2 Chronicles 16:12

Feet speak of foundation. Without feet, physically we cannot stand. Without a sound foundation of truth, of God’s Word in our lives, we shall not stand. Read Matthew 7:19-29.

One writes notes the following about the meaning of feet in God’s Word:

“Why Are Feet Important in the Bible? Just as men and women stand upon their feet as the foundation of upright posture, Bible verses also use feet as a euphemism to represent a strong foundation in various circumstances. Feet are not referenced as we see them today, but they are used as symbols to represent greater metaphorical concepts, such as guidance or direction.

The feet represented something that was common to all people but used differently. For example, one of the most noted scripture texts involving feet is Psalm 119:105, ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ This emphasizes how the feet are used to travel and traverse. Yet, without the word, the traveler is left walking in the dark without a known path.

Essentially, the feet are referenced as a critical part of life as walking was commonplace. We naturally travel where our feet lead us and the Bible verses use feet to represent a means of traveling through life itself. If we walk down a dark path, we are likely to stumble. If we walk down a holy path, we are sure to please God. All of this is facilitated symbolically by the feet.”

The foundation truth we learn in God’s Word and obedience to it determines the direction of our lives.

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

Becoming Rooted and Grounded in Christ

Like Asa, many today trust the counsel of mere men, such as doctors and not God. This doesn’t mean going to a doctor is a sin and yet, the true disciple will primarily trust and obey and be led of the LORD, not men.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

Read Hebrews 3-4 prayerfully for the eternal danger of having “an evil heart of unbelief” AFTER being saved. Repentance required.

“They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.” Psalms 12:2 

Got depression? Are you seeking the LORD in true repentance whereby He will grant you great joy? (Psalms 51; 2 Timothy 1:7) Or, are you seeking out and trusting the mere human, the finite pundits of this fleeting world?

“But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value.” Job 13:4

Those who trust human physicians and not the Great Physician, are cursed, not blessed. Their faith in mere men reveals their utter rebellion.

“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 

2 Chronicles 15:17 – Upon becoming king in Judah, Asa, having inherited an idolatrous, lukewarm people, system… he began to command that…

  • The people do that which is right in God’s eyes (2 Chronicles 14:2)
  • That all idolatrous altars we torn down (2 Chronicles 14:3)
  • That God’s people seek His face (2 Chronicles 14:4)
  • That idol altars in the cities of Judah be removed – “and the kingdom was quiet before him” (2 Chronicles 14:5)  ….. Proverbs 1:33
  • Fenced cities be built …. so the land could be at rest, at peace, and not fear the enemy (2 Chronicles 14:6)
  • The people be involved in building fenced, walled, protected cities – “Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.” (2 Chronicles 14:7)  ……  1 Chron 16:11
  • Great military be built (2 Chronicles 14:8)

“The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and IFFFF ye seek him, he will be found of you; but IF ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2

“But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.” 2 Chronicles 15:17

“Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Hebrews 11:20-22 

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalms 9:17 

“Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.” Psalms 50:22 

“Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” 2 Chronicles 20:20 

God blesses those who trust Him and curses, removes His blessings from those who once trusted Him and yet now have forgotten Him. When we willingly offer ourselves as living sacrifices to the LORD our God, He avenges us of all our enemies (Judges 5:2) …. “But IF thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.” (Exodus 23:22) 

“WHEN” does God avenge us of our enemies? “WHEN” does God judge our enemies?

“Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, WHEN the people willingly offered themselves.” Judges 5:2

When we offer our lives a living sacrifice unto the LORD – that is, we simply surrender this life to Him – the subduing of our enemies begins.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

Asa reigned as king in Judah for 39 years (2 Chronicles 14-16).

In his final days, after obeying God and bringing much needed reform to the people of God, Asa forgot the LORD, and had grown cold in his faith and was therefore cursed with a divided heart.

All those who trust mere men, just because they have a white coat on and are called “doctor”, are going to die as did king Asa who trusted in earthly physicians, instead of the Great Physician! Repent now sinner.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7

Are you a pessimistic pansy or an optimistic overcomer? Are you like the 10 spies or the 2 who entered the promised land while the 10 sad sack whiners were shut out? “The righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1) Jesus asks “WHERE is your faith?” (Luke 8:25) Repenting for real and putting all your trust in the LORD is essential – and no one will be in the promise land of Heaven without sound, solid faith in God. “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” (Hebrews 11:6). “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:5) 

Read Revelation 2-3.

Remember the woman Jesus, the Great Divine Physician made whole of her issue who had previously spent all she had on human physicians?

“And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. 29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him (accessed by faith in Him), turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? 31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith (in God not men) hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” Mark 5:25-34 

You claim to be trusting God but you take a mood drug? I don’t think so. MOOD DRUGS ARE FOR THE WICKED UNBELIEVERS. PERIOD. REPENT.

When a person resorts to using a drug to uplift their mood, they are loving and believing the world more than God, forfeiting the blessing of God for a cheap substitute, and manifesting their contempt for the LORD, their unbelief. A born again, presently abiding disciple of Jesus has all the fruit of the Holy Spirit which include, “Love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23) God gives His people “power… love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) God’s Word has the answer to “ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness” and that specifically includes a “sound mind.” (2 Peter 1:3-4) Holy Scripture specifically uses the terms “sound mind” and “sound heart” which come only from learning and adhering to “sound doctrine.”

We live in a fallen world and were born in sin. Via the things that have happened to us and that we ourselves have perpetrated on others, fragmentation of our hearts has occurred. Only One can make us whole.

“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:17-19

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalms 147:3

Counting it all Joy

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:2-8

Through the trials we face in this life, we must learn to “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations”, trust God not men, ask for and rely on His wisdom and not waver, but rather finished our course trusting and walking with Christ to the end of our lives.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:10-12

The Whole Heart

“And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.” 2 Chronicles 15:15

The result of seeking the LORD with a whole heart is that He gives us “rest round about.”

“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33

9 Times in the book of Psalms the words “Whole Heart” appear. Here’s the first 3 of that collection:

“I will praise thee, O LORD, with my WHOLE HEART; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.” Psalms 9:1

“Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my WHOLE HEART, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.” Psalms 111:1

“Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the WHOLE HEART.” Psalms 119:2

PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, I have sinned against You by not wholly trusting You nor sought You with my whole heart. Here and now I confess this for the evil sin of unbelief and rebellion that it is and ask You to please forgive me now in the name of Jesus. Please wash me afresh from all my sins with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Also please make my heart whole and increase and fill me with Your faith Father, and cause me to trust You will all of my heart, no matter what. I love You my dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Fresh Start with God

MESSAGE RECEIVED:
 
“Hi Todd. I just want to make sure that when I’m talking about salvation but I am being biblically correct. I don’t believe in once saved always saved. While I believe God is always willing to forgive and restore the backslider. I do believe that a person can choose to turn away from God and go back to living a life of sin they’re for forfeiting their eternal life. Any correction would be greatly appreciated. In Christ. Andrea”
 
REPLY:
 
Yes amen sister Andrea
Nice to hear from you
Very important doctrinal topic here
All it takes to go to hell after being saved is to be “lukewarm” right? Yes. Revelation 3:15-16
These 2 categories are loaded: Check it out. LOTS of Scripture to shape pure doctrine in your heart and life and ministering.
In Jesus, todd
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Abiding

“NEVER take a Vacation from God” [podcast]


God’s Word teaches us to be diligent in knowing and following Christ – even when the word diligent is not used.

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

Make the deliberate decision to “set…

“Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the Lord.”  1 Chronicles 22:19

“Don’t you EVER take a vacation from God!” said my first pastor.

This beloved  brother knew exactly what happens when the disciple relaxes in his seeking of the LORD. Think foolish virgins. The result can be deadly, irrevocably.

He was dead on in this warning. Give the flesh an inch and it will take a mile, right?

Have you ever slipped backward? If so, you know it started with just not reading God’s Word one day. That one day turned into two, three…. Right?

Never must this happen. The war is won in the now. You must “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

God requires that we “give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Peter 1:10).

It’s only those who remain built up in Christ like the wise virgins of Jesus’ parable, who “keep” themselves “in the love of God” who are not going to fall away.

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 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 20-25

Jesus warns:

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

How did this kind of wisdom get lost from us beloved of God?

The disciple must get out ahead of the flesh. He must be one step ahead – knowing by testimony of the Word and by personal experience that there is “NO good thing” in us other than Jesus (Romans 7:18). This is exactly why Paul also said things like:

“I die daily.” 1 Corinthians 15:31

“But I keep under 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

Exhorting the sheep of Christ, one pastor said:

“Have fun this summer.  Enjoy the outdoors. Travel to see friends and family. Explore the world.  Just don’t take a vacation from God.  He loves you more than you can imagine and wants to keep refilling your sack with his awesome gifts so that you can keep sharing them with others in your life!”

“The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.” Proverbs 13:19

Various Quotes on the Importance of Diligence

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.”Calvin Coolidge

“But I never could have done what I have done, without the habits of punctuality, order, and diligence…”―Charles Dickens

“Prefer diligence before idleness, unless you esteem rust above brightness.”―Plato

“Diligence is the mother of good fortune.”Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

“Amateurs look for inspiration; the rest of us just get up and go to work.”―Chuck Close

“If he [Thomas Edison] had a needle to find in a haystack, he would not stop to reason where it was most likely to be, but would proceed at once with the feverish diligence of a bee, to examine straw after straw until he found the object of his search.”―Nikola Tesla

“Laziness looks at excuses as something to treasure while diligence always focuses on excuses as an inconvenience to be overcome.”Dr. Lucas D.  Shallua

“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.”―Thomas Alva Edison

“That which ordinary men are fit for, I am qualified in, and the best of me is diligence.”William Shakespeare

“Active valour may often be the present of nature; but such patient diligence can be the fruit only of habit and discipline.”―Edward Gibbon

“Diligence overcomes difficulties; sloth makes them.”―Benjamin Franklin

“The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.” Proverbs 26:13

In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” Proverbs 14:23

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” 1 Peter 1:13

“Wherefore – Having such encouragement. Gird up the loins of your mind – As persons in the eastern countries were wont, in travelling or running, to gird up their long garments, so gather ye up all your thoughts and affections, and keep your mind always disencumbered and prepared to run the race which is set before you. Be watchful – As servants that wait for their Lord. And hope to the end – Maintain a full expectation of all the grace – The blessings flowing from the free favour of God. Which shall be brought to you at the final revelation of Jesus Christ – And which are now brought to you by the revelation of Christ in you.“―John Wesley

“Slothfulness (laziness, lack of diligence) casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.” Proverbs 19:15

Power Words Power our Lives!

Remember those power words your parents instilled in your growing up? Remember things like “readers are leaders”? How about “The early bird gets the worm”?

What are some of the good words your beloved parents instilled in you as a child that live on in your mind and heart daily?

My beloved father taught us five to “always be consistent.” Oh and these weren’t just words. Oh no. My brother and I are only 13 months apart and so when we started playing football at about 6 years old, my parents set us down and looked us in the eyes and said “If you start this football season, you WILL finish. We require it of you, so count the cost.”

Nothing replaces consistency. Say it out loud with me right now beloved of God – CONSISTENCY.

While we’re on this topic, I hope you won’t mind me saying that it is befuddling to see how people start doing something that works and then quit – from a work out program to a lifestyle change in eating and most devastatingly, serving God then quitting.

Wait a minute, you were doing _______ and it was working, was blessing you, and then you quit?

Hebrews 10:32-39

“But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33  Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
34  For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37  For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38  Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39  But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

Hebrews 6:9-12

“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

62 times the words “diligent,” “diligence,” and “diligently” appear in Holy Scripture.

Each time we read these words, they pertain specifically to serving God “diligently” with “diligence.”

“Diligent”

“He becometh poor (spiritually) that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich (spiritually).” Proverbs 10:4


“Diligence”

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23


“Diligently”

appears 37 times in God’s Word

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that DILIGENTLY seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“Looking DILIGENTLY lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” Hebrews 12:15

“Keep your dukes up!”

Growing up boxing, from home training to being on a golden gloves team in high school, the command of the coaches was always and repeatedly “Keep your dukes up!”

Those who drop their dukes, their hands from covering their face, get hit, get knocked out.

Another sign on the wall of that boxing facility was: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” unknown

We are going to go through what Jesus foretold:

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” Matthew 24:21-22 

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus I come to You now. Please forgive my sins of self-idolatry, slothfulness, and spiritual adultery.


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Apostasy

“Simple Concerning Evil” [podcast]


Holy Scripture uses the phrase “simple concerning evil.”

“For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple (innocent) concerning evil.” Romans 16:19

“But I would have you – Not only obedient, but discreet also. Wise with regard to that which is good – As knowing in this as possible. And simple with regard to that which is evil – As ignorant of this as possible.” John Wesley

Concerning Romans 16:19 Donald Stamps writes:

“God wants believers to be innocent (Gk. akeraios) in what is evil; this word means ‘unmixed’ or ‘pure,’ i.e., innocent like a child whose mind has not yet been exposed to evil or mixed with the values of the world (cf.1 Cor. 14:20). (1) This biblical principle is in direct opposition to the idea advocated by some that children of Christians should be exposed to sin, immorality, ungodliness, and the things of Satan in order to learn to confront temptation. Some suggest that children need not be guarded from ungodliness. However, according to biblical revelation, the philosophy is not only against God’s will for the believer, but also represents Satan’s own desire that everyone be exposed to the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 3:5). (2) Knowledge of evil, along with continual exposure to Satan’s ways, will lead many from the path of faith and obedience. Lot found this out to his deep sorrow, losing his entire family for this reason (Gen. 13:12-13; 19:1-38). Scripture warns that ‘evil communications’ (i.e., company) corrupt good manners (1 Cor. 15:33), and that ‘Jesus Christ … gave himself … that he might deliver us from this present evil world’ (Gal. 1:3-4). Those who advocate exposing innocent children to an ungodly environment and/or influence are in danger of violating Jesus’ warning in Matthew 18:6. (3) Believers should do all within their means and power to guard their children from being exposed to the deceitfulness and sin and the perverseness of this generation. To refuse to protect our children in this respect disregards the Holy Spirit’s desire that they be innocent and babes regarding what is evil.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 1959

Spoil the innocence of a child or others and God will spoil, bring ruin to you.

“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6

“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.” 1 Corinthians 14:20

Concerning the fact and principle of offering children to Satan on the altar of Moloch, one source notes the following:

“Based on historical and biblical accounts, child sacrifice to Moloch was a Canaanite and Phoenician ritual, often described as offering children to a deity in a “tophet” (place of burning). Scholars interpret this act as a desperate attempt to appease a god associated with the underworld or to ensure divine favor in exchange for the ultimate sacrifice.

Why Children Were Offered to Moloch:

Appeasement of a Deity: Moloch (or Mlk) is identified by some scholars as an underworld deity or a Phoenician god linked to the underworld, requiring the ultimate sacrifice to ensure favor or safety.”

“Lot … Pitched His Tent Toward Sodom”

“Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. 13  But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” Genesis 13:12-13

Of the act of Lot pitching his tent toward Sodom, the late Donald Stamps wrote:

“PITCHED HIS TENT TOWARD SODOM. Lot’s great failure was that he loved personal gain more than he hated the wickedness of Sodom (v10-13). (1) If he had loved righteousness sufficiently (see Heb. 1:9), it would have caused him to remain separate from the wicked ways of sinful people. Instead he tolerated evil and chose to live in wicked Sodom (v13). Perhaps he reasoned that the material advantages, culture, and pleasures of Sodom outweighed the dangers, and that he was strong enough to remain faithful to God. Thus, he exposed himself and his family to the immorality, and ungodliness of Sodom, only to learn the bitter lesson that his family was not strong enough to resist its evil influences (Gen. 19:24-26; 30-38). (2) Parents must be careful not to place themselves or their children in a “Sodom,” lest they come to spiritual ruin as did the family of Lot.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 27

“Although Lot was distressed by the filthy deeds he saw and heard (2 Pet. 2:7-8), he still was willing to tolerate the wickeness of Sodom for social and material advantages (13:12 note). This compromise brought tragedy to his family (v24). Likewise, believers today who expose their families to ungodly environments and evil influences for social or material gain are setting themselves up for family tragedies.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 34

Gentlemen, if we lust for the things of this world, it will cause us to sacrifice God’s truth on the altar of our greed and cause needless destruction in our families.

Ephesians 5:1-17

“1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 

2  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 

3  But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 

4  Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 

5  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. 

8  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 

9  (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 

10  Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 

11  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 

12  For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 

13  But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 

14  Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 

15  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 

16  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” 

“And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. 18  And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19  And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:17-19

“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

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

Key to a pure, innocent heart…. is that the LORD Almighty is truly first in our lives, that we are truly one with Him—just as Jesus prayed in John 17. The futile god of self must be denounced, as well as the sin of spiritual adultery and idolatry.

“Keep thyself pure.” 1 Timothy 5:22

PRAYER: “LORD, right this moment, I release everything and everyone that I might be holding onto tighter than You….I will have no other god before You dear LORD…You Jesus Alone Are My LORD And Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” Marlene Austin

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