True Success for the Born Again Believer
Joshua 1:8
TRUE SUCCESS
Framing our own worlds? Numerous or most “success” teachings, whether the speaker/author claims Christianity or not, will often quote and make use of Scripture in their speeches and books. These “experts” will use selected portions of the Bible like Prov. 23:7: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he”; 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people perish”; 18:20-21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Though Bible verses are utilized, it is not with the Christian world view nor intent that the Bible, God’s Word, is the final authority for divine knowledge and that its clear message is relationship with its Author – which begins with the essential of acknowledging one has sinned against God and repentance (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21, etc.).
Here is a mere sampling of some of the self-development, personal “success” books available today.
- The Power Within You
- YOUR Best Life NOW
- The Purpose Driven Life (not Spirit Led)
- Think and Grow Rich
- Self Love
- Psycho Cybernetics
- How To Win Friends and Influence People
Are these book titles not indicative of the focus of these writings? These are philosophies which fill the minds of millions, including many who call themselves Christians. This type of godless philosophy is expected among those who don’t know the LORD but should be clearly rejected among believers whose trust is in Christ alone. Perhaps the Bible is referenced by some “success” coaches in the attempt to justify certain actions and draw in their audiences. Whatever the reason they may quote the Bible, it doesn’t mean they honor the LORD it reveals, and the central message communicated through their use of God’s Word is not intended to honor Him. In fact, a relationship with the LORD is avoided because such would require humility, repentance, change.
Using God’s words and refusing to give Him the honor for it is thievery. These teachers are stealing from and making use of the words of the God they refuse to serve in spirit and in truth. Many of the verses from the Bible used (out of context) are those which concern the thinking and the power of the tongue. Yet, have you noticed that these messages purposely exclude any slight glimpse of submission to the Author of the Words of Life they are quoting? A “success” message that excludes the LORD and empowers men instead of God, is Luciferic (Is. 14:12-14). This is the ultra-popular message that trains people to trust in their own inner ability or self-worth. People are being taught that they can speak into existence their own desired end and think to grow rich or become “successful.” They are being taught that they are “little gods.” The “little gods” teaching fosters the notion that one is in control of his own universe and can therefore think himself or speak himself into the success he so desires. This is rebellion and many of God’s people have bought into it. Many desire “godhood” that is, to be in control of their own lives, destinies, etc.
BABEL: SUCCESS WITHOUT GOD?
Isn’t the message of “unity without God” the sin we see committed at the tower of Babel, where men sought in unity to frame their own world, apart from the LORD? (See Gen. 11.) This same age-old rebellion still exists within sinful hearts that refuse to truly submit wholeheartedly to their Creator. So many who claim Jesus as Savior still retain beliefs, CD’s, books, and materials from people who are clearly teachers of godless rebellion. These teachings clearly exclude the Almighty from the success formula, just as Nimrod did at Babel. Many of those who teach such are the modern-day Nimrods and are anchored within the Christian community, dispersing these poisonous teachings in pulpits and through various mediums of communication.
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly” (Ps. 1:1). Look closely at this statement from the LORD. He didn’t say that the counsel of the ungodly wasn’t at times true, but that we are not to walk in the counsel of any person who is not clearly speaking as from His eternal truth—the Bible (1 Pet. 4:10-11). One may speak truth and even claim to be Christian and yet not possess the fruit of a true believer as defined in holy Scripture (Mt. 7:15-23; 1 Jn. 4:1-4; etc.). “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD” (Jer. 17:5). If we desire to be blessed, we must rid our minds and libraries of all ungodly counsel, even that which claims to be Christian (comes in the name of the LORD yet doesn’t pass the Biblical acid test). Why do those who claim to be Christians, seek the world’s teachers and teachings, when they have the very Word of the all wise, eternally existent God? Isn’t this ludicrous and completely inconsistent with Biblical Christianity? Jesus asks: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Lk. 6:46). What success could there be outside of the Alpha and Omega? What great success there is in the LORD’s “so great salvation”! (See Heb. 2:3.)
DIVINE PRESCRIPTION FOR SUCCESS
True success is knowing, loving and obeying the One who made us. This is the heartbeat of all who are seeking first His kingdom and righteousness (Mt. 6:33), and not ourselves; to think according to His Word, and to speak His words, not our own that are crafted according to how we want our lives to turn out. He told us to follow exactly what He told us and that such would result in real success, both now and forever (2 Tim. 3:16; Josh. 1:8; etc.).
Note carefully what the Almighty tells us about “good success” and being “prosperous”: “This book of the law (God’s written Word) shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Josh. 1:8). “THEN”— after you begin to speak, meditate upon and observe to do all His counsel, yes, HIS COUNSEL, your way will be made by Him to be prosperous and successful.
The word “success” appears only one time in the Bible and is directly connected to God’s written Word (Josh. 1:8). Real success occurs when the believer does not allow God’s Word to depart from his mouth, meditates upon it, and puts it into practice in his daily life. Our Father told us that in honoring Him, we were to fast (abstain from) our own words and speak His words: “…and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words” (Is. 58:13). This author positively believes in speaking and thinking the right words and thinking the right thoughts—which are all in God’s Word (Josh. 1:8; Php. 4:8; 1 Pet. 1:13). God owns true success, not mere men. He is the One who promotes to real success (Ps. 75:5-6).
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” – Psalm 1:1-3
God blesses the man who does not walk in the supposed “success” counsel of those who exclude the LORD Jesus Christ from their lives and teachings— “the ungodly.” Such is antichrist (against or in place of Christ). The “blessed” man is the one whose “delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Ps. 1). God’s written Word is His will and plan for your life. Learn, memorize and meditate upon it and you will experience real success both now and forever.
COUNTERFEIT SUCCESS / WHAT SUCCESS IS NOT
Using God’s Word while rejecting Him is error. Is this not the “pride of life”? (See 1 Jn. 2:15-17.) Didn’t Satan utilize God’s Word in the desert when tempting Jesus? (See Lk. 4.) And we know he has no relationship with Christ. Did our LORD not warn us that there will be “many” (who were leaders in their earthly life) who say to Him on Judgment Day that they did many works in His name and yet they didn’t get to know Him in their earthly life? What will be their eternal end?
“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. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” – Matthew 7:21-23
Supposed “success” without Christ, the Creator and Redeemer, is no success at all, but rather rebellion. It says, “I don’t need God, I can make my own way and secure my own success and future!” “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 fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power” (Col. 2:8-10).
Using Scripture for their own benefit, the “success experts” teachings normally go along these lines: “As a person thinks so is he and as he speaks his life will be— negative or positive. So self-concocted verbalized affirmations are to be devised to cast the vision and goals essential to success.” What is eliminated in these “success” teachings is the LORD Himself and true trust in Him. Those who truly know Christ are not ashamed of Him: “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed” (Rom. 10:11). Trusting in the LORD would include not leaning to our own understanding by speaking our own words in an attempt to frame our own world/path/success, but rather by speaking His words and obeying His immutable vision recorded in holy Scripture (Josh. 1:8; Prov. 3:5-6; Hab. 2:2; Ps 33:11).
The vision He would have us to covet, internalize, possess and enact would be that recorded in His Word. His Word is His vision. Do you have His vision in your heart? “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it” (Hab. 2:2). God’s “vision” for our lives is written and “plain” and clearly the path for the disciple of Christ to “run” on, as he “readeth it.” Praise His holy name forevermore! We have His “vision” in writing. “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law (God’s Word), happy is he” (Prov. 29:18). The LORD has bestowed upon us the beautiful treasures of His Word which paints His vision upon the tables of our hearts in living color!
Oh, How Great He is! “The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations” (Ps. 33:11). God’s written counsel is His will. Our own words, crafted out of our own desires—apart from God—originate out of our will, not His. Thousands of books line bookstore shelves filled with godless philosophies and visions that call people to worship at the altar of self. How limiting! How narrow! How futile! How empty! King David, rich with God’s love and earthly wealth, made God’s Word His ultimate riches: “The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver” (Ps. 119:72). Job counted God’s Word more valuable than the food necessary to his body: “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12).
If we truly follow the One who made and saved us, we will cultivate an ever-deepening love for the riches of His counsel and employ verbal affirmations from His Word. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth” (Jos. 1:8). As we are made teachable, we realize that His thoughts are higher and superior to ours (Is. 55:8-11). Confessing His words for the right reason is powerful (Prov. 18:20-21). He instructed us to do such (Col. 3:16; Josh. 1:8). His thoughts and ways are higher than ours and it is His words that never return void (Is. 55:8-9).
TWO KINDS OF RICHES
“Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’s wrath” (Zeph. 1:18). Many who occupy leadership positions in the church world are teaching the age-old doctrine of covetousness and even using God’s Word to justify it. This should not be a surprise in light of the Holy Spirit’s prophecy through Peter:
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily (secretly) shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious (destructive) ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned (fictitious) words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not” (2 Pet. 2:1-3).
For years I was sucked up into this greed gospel movement. While the perpetrators of these teachings claim to be “Word” people, they do not approach the Bible from a full-counsel perspective. In fact, it is utterly amazing and dishonest how they completely avoid certain Bible texts which would damper their message of greed and ability to “make merchandise” of their audiences. For example, they purposely dodge this following New Testament text:
“Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” – 1 Timothy 6:5-12
By not embracing the full-counsel of the LORD’s Word, these men are leading the undiscerning down a path that leads to deception, despair and ultimately destruction (Eph. 5:5).
Only the selfish, cross-less, wicked hearted person judges, grades, measures others by what they do or do not have (Luke 12:15; James 2:1-5).
Among the many CDs and books these leaders produce and sell, never are the words of our LORD heard as recorded in Luke 12:15: “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” While financial success in this life is not necessarily an indication of one’s state with God, it is not the consuming focus of the genuine child of God. In fact, Christ told us that seldom a rich man enters into His kingdom.
“And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” – Matthew 10:23-25
Why do the vast majority of “success” messages leave out the very words of Christ? What do these “experts” want to hide from their audiences? What don’t they want you to know?
KINGDOM FOCUS
“And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist (knew) ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Lk. 2:49). His “Father’s business” was obviously not laying up earthly treasures, otherwise we would see Him doing such in the Scriptures. To the contrary, Christ possessed little in the way of earthly goods or real estate, even though He made and owned it all. “And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Lk. 9:58). In keeping with the King of the kingdom, let us focus on being utilized to build His kingdom (not our own) in this late hour.
All our needs and even desires will be met as we seek His kingdom first (Php. 4:19; Mk 11:22-26). The LORD cares about and desires to fill and grant our desires. As we are fully given to Him, our desires will be His desires. “The desire of the righteous shall be granted” (Prov. 10:24). “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mk. 11:24); “Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant” (Ps. 35:27); “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Ps. 84:11). To those who gave of their substance to the work of the ministry, the Holy Spirit promised: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Php. 4:19). When we take care of God’s business, will He not take care of us? “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Mt. 6:33).
Those seeking Real Success should occupy themselves with the business of the King and His kingdom and not the obtaining of temporal wealth that will not be transferred into the next life. “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity” (Eccl. 5:10). So many fool themselves into believing that they need to have earthly monies in order to be fruitful in the LORD’s work. Nonsense. Jesus Himself didn’t have much money, did He? Yet, no one before nor since has impacted the peoples of the earth as our LORD. At one point during His earthly ministry, Jesus and His twelve didn’t have the money needed to pay taxes, so he sent Peter to catch a fish which would have a gold coin in its mouth to pay the taxes (Mt. 17:27).
REAL SUCCESS IS WALKING IN HUMILITY AND LOVE
“Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth” (1 Cor. 10:24). Real Success begins with humility. Realizing that we are created beings fashioned by the infinite hands and mind of our loving Creator is a starting place for our standing in light of Him. Personally discovering a glimpse of His magnitude will help any prideful heart to adjust itself in the proper role as the creation under the Creator. The Almighty would ask: “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding” (Job 38:4). This very eternal Creator and living Word told us to “love one another.” The two commandments that envelope all others were given us by our LORD: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Mt. 22:37-39). Real Success is walking in love with God and pouring out His love to His precious people. This requires entering into the place of humility.
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:3-5
Thirteen times God’s Word tells us to “love one another.” “Beloved, let us love one ANOTHER: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” (1 Jn. 4:7-8).
Money is not the ultimate provision of God. In fact, many times our LORD warned against the “deceitfulness of riches,” covetousness and idolatry (Mk. 4:19; Luke 12:13-21; Eph. 5:5, 1 Tim. 6:3-12, etc.). The greatest provision is the cross and blood of Christ and the love He has placed in our hearts “whereby we cry, Abba, Father” (Rom. 8:15). “The greatest of these is charity” (1 Cor. 13:13).
THE RICHES OF HUMILITY AND SELF-DENIAL
Here is where real success begins: “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” (Lk. 9:23). Jesus Christ taught self-denial. In stark contrast, most “success” teachings today teach self-love, self-actualization and self-esteem. Any teaching that is self-centered is Luciferic, regardless of who is teaching it. The pride of life or self is what got lucifer kicked out of Heaven and forever separated from the One who made him an angel to lead worship (Ezek. 28). It was Lucifer who attempted to exalt himself to the level of the Most High just before becoming the devil (Satan) and being violently thrust out of Heaven by the Almighty (Lk. 10:18). From Isaiah 14:12-15, we know that any teaching that leads people to trust in self is of satanic origin.
The LORD has instructed those who will follow Him to deny the self-life and spend their energies lifting others up. “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Php. 2:3-5). Following Christ requires self-denial, not the exalting of self, which is what counterfeit “success” philosophies lead people to do. God promises to lift up and promote those who live in humility before Him. “The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down” (Ps. 145:14); “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life” (Prov. 22:4). The LORD’s route to real success is different from the world’s and all who will follow Him must separate themselves to Him in such— “Be ye separate” (2 Cor. 6:17).
Perhaps it is a parallel evil to be possessed with a disposition which glories in poverty as if it has anything to do with righteousness or humility (in God’s economy). Wouldn’t this be called false humility? Such a poverty mindset would contradict some of the LORD’s greatest patriarchs who were embellished with earthly wealth. Yet, the true riches are shown to lie within the infinitely rich Person of Christ and His character etched upon one’s heart and exemplified in their life. “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Php. 2:7). Our LORD came to earth as a humble servant, not a spoiled prince who possessed endless earthly riches. He came to accomplish His Father’s will and then sent us to do the same.
“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. ...Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” – John 4:34; 6:27
Is this what your life is about? Are you after the Father’s heart and seeking to do His will in all things? To be Christ-like is to have humility whether rich or poor at present in this life, and to be active about being filled to fulfill His will in this short life (Ps 90:12). Developing and Maintaining a humble and teachable heart and disposition is essential to walking in this success. This He leaves up to us: “Humble yourselves” (Jas. 4:6-10).
“At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.” – Matthew 18:1-5
While the world’s people run greedily after the fleeting riches of this life, the true disciple abides in the riches of Christ’s redemption and holds eternity in view at all times. “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven” (Prov. 23:4-5). The riches of the kingdom child is Christ. He is the exceeding great reward of the one who has a heart after the LORD. The true disciple allows nothing to deter him from such a love nor remove his feet from the narrow path on which he treads. His main prayer and cry is not for more money but for more of the riches of Christ. He glories in the riches of the cross of Christ and not in earthly wisdom that is “earthly, sensual, devilish” (James 3:15).
“Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” – Jeremiah 9:23-24
THE REWARDER
To look to earthly riches or any other author than our Creator and Redeemer, is to commit spiritual adultery. Every time Israel (our example 1 Cor. 10:11) did this, they were miserably defeated by their enemies. God lifts His holy hand of protection and blessing from any person who goes after strange gods. Gold and earthly wisdom that does not originate from the Wisdom of the Ages, is deadly. “Woe to them that go down to Egypt (the world) for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!” (Is. 31:1). This should stand as a holy, piercing, and fear-inducing rebuke to the very notion or thought of going to any other person or system of wisdom than the LORD.
Real Success lies in the hand of the LORD alone and He doles it out to those who seek Him with a whole heart. Their hearts are truly engaged in Him (Jer. 30:21). “Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long” (Ps. 35:27-28); “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” (Heb. 11:6). So many Christians today are simply down and out because they have refused to hunger and thirst for the LORD (Mt. 5:6). Everything else seems to be more important to them than knowing the LORD deeper and learning and living His Word. They somehow believe that they can work things out for themselves and yet, year after year passes them by because they have not embarked upon knowing God’s Word and pressing in to know Him more intimately, which is the foundation for real success.
When we are not in high gear pursuing the LORD, the sins of the flesh inevitably take over in our lives. This is exactly what kept Israel out of their promised land, and this is exactly what will keep us out of the promised land of milk and honey where the LORD has ordained for us to live. According to 1 Corinthians 10:1-14, five sins keep people from their promised land: lust (v. 6); idolatry (v. 7); fornication (v. 8); tempting Christ (v. 9); and murmuring (v. 10). Are you willing to seek the LORD and be delivered from those sinful ways and embrace Him? “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin” (Rom. 6:6-7).
Are you willing to eradicate all idols out of your life, giving honor to His holy Word and its ability to cleanse your heart and life from all that displeases Him? (See Eph. 5:26.) “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” (Hos. 10:12); “O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?” (Jer. 4:14). Friend, please remember always that there will never be real success until there is real repentance first. The LORD refreshes and blesses those who live a repentant life (Acts 3:19,26).
LORD, INCREASE OUR FAITH
“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith” (Lk. 17:5). Here the twelve were asking the God of the universe to “increase” their “faith.” You will note that there is no hint in this passage that the twelve original disciples of Christ sought to believe in themselves more fully. This author visited a church fellowship recently and was listening to some good preaching … until the preacher said that we should “believe in ourselves.” The Son of God instructed us to “Have faith in God (not self)” (Mk. 11:22). Is not self-trust the message of the new age movement and all the cults—to look within because all you need is inside you? Wasn’t this the first lie Satan told to the man and woman in the garden … and is still using? Didn’t he convince them that they didn’t need God because they were sufficient in and of themselves? (See Gen. 3:1-5; 1 Cor. 10:13.) Isn’t this the message of all of alienated mankind (the world) who are not trusting in the total sufficiency of Jesus Christ? The complete absence of even one instruction in holy Scripture to trust self should tell us something. Isn’t self-reliance the very thing that separates the saved and the unsaved? Wouldn’t self-trust be the antithesis of trusting in God? Why would we need to “trust in the LORD with ALL thine heart” (Prov. 3:5-6) if we were sufficient in ourselves? Why would we need God if we have all we need inside us … without Him?
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” – Galatians 2:20-21
Have you noticed that this self-trust message has infiltrated every segment of society and nearly all motivational communications? This is to be expected among those who are without God (Eph. 2:12). Most unfortunately it has greatly consumed the church world through the psychologizing of the faith, and most people in the church world do not realize this. Most modern-day church goers believe that they need a mixture of faith in God and self-trust and self-reliance. Yes, we have our part in many things—but not justification. This is the free gift of God provided through Christ’s one sacrifice (Jn. 19:30; Heb. 10:12). In our daily lives, the LORD calls us to use what He gave us with all diligence while simultaneously trusting Him in and for all things (Php. 2:12-13; Prov. 10:4; 1 Cor. 15:10, etc.). “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge” (Prov. 14:26). Our “place of refuge” is in “the fear of the LORD” and it is there we have “strong confidence.”
Some have even taught that “God believes in you.” How could this possibly be in the light of what He establishes in His Word about mankind (doctrine of man)? No doubt that the LORD knows who His good stewards are, but to say that “God believes in us” is unfounded and can be misleading. The LORD is all-knowing, and the following is what He tells us concerning fallen mankind.
THE DOCTRINE OF MAN: A FOUNDATIONAL BIBLE DOCTRINE
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jer. 17:9); “Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah (meditate upon this deeply)” (Ps. 39:5); “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Eccl. 7:20); “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one” (Rom. 3:10). When we truly understand the doctrine of sinful man, we realize the utter futility of placing confidence in him.
“Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.” – John 2:23-25
Notice here that Christ “knew what was in man” therefore He “did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men.” Every human being has faith in something or someone. Would you agree that faith is only as valid as the object or person in which it is placed? Why place trust in any other than the eternal and all-knowing, omnipotent, God and Creator of all things? “Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more” (2 Cor. 5:16); “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh” (Php. 3:3).
The “manifold grace and wisdom of God” are totally sufficient to make His children excel in this life and be pleasing to Him in all things and at all times (Eph. 3:10; 1 Pet. 4:10). His surpassing greatness consumes and elevates all those who are pursuing ever-deepening relationship with Him, possess genuine humility and truly trust in Him for all things (Jas. 4:6-10; Ps 75:5-6). His grace is sufficient for them. “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Cor. 15:10); “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor. 12:9).
Let’s ask God to “increase our faith” in Him and diminish all self-trust which has never led to anything except failure, misery and sinfulness (Lk. 17:5). Jesus Christ told us to “Have faith in God,” not man/self (Mk. 11:22). Paul, the apostle of the LORD said “We…have no confidence in the flesh” (Php. 3:3). Self-trust and self-reliance are the antithesis of trust in God. Why would we need Him, if we are sufficient in and of ourselves because we can somehow draw power from within (as many teach)?
All must choose. If one claims to be a Christian and yet trusts in self, he is deceived. All godless philosophies foster such rebellion. “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Mt. 4:10). God requires faith from those who will please Him, and He will exclusively and abundantly reward those who look to Him and not themselves or some other idol. “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” (Heb. 11:6).
What extraordinary privilege to be granted grace to have faith in the loving and eternal, unchanging LORD who is, and was, and is to come! God truly is love! (1 Jn. 4:8,16).
SUCCESS THAT ONLY THE LORD CAN GIVE
In the pain and agony of successfully completing the mission His Father sent Him to accomplish, our LORD said: “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Lk. 22:42). True success is walking in the will of God, no matter what else is occurring. The ultra-popular “success” message only uses selected portions of God’s Word while excluding Him from the equation—His own message. True submission to the Person of the LORD Jesus Christ never enters the distorted picture which has been cunningly crafted to keep Him on the outside.
In this rebellion, do we not see the same thing that Satan told the man and woman in the garden, “Ye shall be as gods”? (See Gen. 3:5.) The tempter’s message is “You will be as gods so you will not need your Maker anymore.” So many are being sucked into this lie because of their neglect to lay their lives in God’s hands. Many want to be in control of their own lives, as did Lucifer just before he became Satan and was ejected from the presence of the LORD (Is. 14:12-14; Lk 10:18). Hearts that are not submitted to the LORD (Jas. 4:6-10) are still in control for themselves. They have not yet given that control to their Maker and so, will go about trying to design their own lives instead of trusting in the one Life-Giver to lead and guide them.
Many do all this using His words and claiming to know Him. Often, people will even use God’s Word to justify their own rebellion against His lordship. “Having a form of godliness (outwardly), but denying the power (authority, rule) thereof: from such turn away” (2 Tim. 3:5). Note that the Holy Spirit tells us here to “turn away” from those who claim Christianity and yet do not allow the lordship of Christ. To detach ourselves from a relationship with our Creator while using His Word for our own personal purposes, is simply not right. The true child of God is not to buy into this deceitful message that fosters further rebellion in the hearts of men. “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple … But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me” (Lk. 14:27; 19:27).
The life of the true disciple of Christ is all about laying down his own right to rule and allowing the LORD Himself to live His life in and through that vessel (Gal. 2:21; Jn. 3:30, 12:24-26; Rom. 8:11; Col. 3:3). God calls those who will be His to give up the right to themselves. This is what true faith is: “Trust in the LORD (not self) with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him (not self), and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5-6); “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5); “The LORD (not me!) will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands” (Ps. 138:2); “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Php. 2:13).
Thank the LORD for the blessing of being successful in all things in this life, including monetarily, but most of all, being successful in eternity by being “kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation” (1 Pet. 1:5). We must remain in the way of the LORD, in the narrow way which leads to life … and that few find (Matt. 7:13-14; 2 Pet. 2:20-21).
The true success of the believer is God’s life indwelling his and conforming him to the perfect will and image of Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:29). When Christ soon returns, He said that His reward will be with Him. In other words, He is our reward.
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” Revelation 22:12-16
The LORD gave Abraham, the father of faith, a vision of how He was Abraham’s “exceeding great reward.” “After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward” (Gen. 15:1). The vision our LORD Jesus Christ would impart to us is that He alone is our “exceeding great reward,” and that He is coming soon. The child of God should examine and beware of every teaching or influence that would seek to draw him away from this truth.
“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly [sinful appetites], and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” – Philippians 3:17-21
In the end, what will be the fate of those who die in control of their own lives, having refused to deny themselves, lay down their own will and truly submit their hearts to the only Savior? “Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver” (Ps. 50:22).
PRAYER: LORD, please forgive me for having myself as a false god before You and seeking my own way instead of Your perfect way. Please forgive me for not loving You in truth and therefore obeying Your Word/will. LORD, please grant me success Your way, not my own way – meticulously, astutely following your every instruction in Your Word, just as did Abel, Noah, and Moses. LORD, right this moment, I lay my life in Triune holy hands. Please grant me Your grace to live in true success as You have willed and will bring forth in me. Heavenly Father, please live Your life through me. In Jesus’ holy Name, amen.
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Abiding
David’s Farewell Prayer [podcast]
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:13
May God bless His people, in their times of tribulations, to find comfort, guidance, with Holy Scripture, and may they find His peace during seasons and transitions.
The most famous biblical farewell is Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer in John 17:1–26, where He commits His disciples into the Father’s care before departing.
Classic Farewell Blessings
- The Aaronic Blessing (Numbers 6:24–26): “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
- The Pauline Benediction (2 Corinthians 13:14): “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”
- God’s Promise (Jeremiah 29:11): “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
At the end of his life, David prayed to God for His kingdom and people. One source notes the following:
“King David’s life is defined by extreme highs and devastating lows. Rising from a humble shepherd to an unbeatable warrior-king who established Jerusalem, he suffered catastrophic personal failures, including his adultery with Bathsheba, the murder of Uriah, and tragic family calamity that culminated in his son Absalom’s rebellion.”
At the end of his life on earth, David, the man after God’s own heart, prayed.
Of this magnificent kingdom prayer of David, one source notes the following:
“King David’s famous prayer in 1 Chronicles 29 (King James Version) is a profound declaration of God’s absolute sovereignty, majesty, and ownership of all creation. Spoken near the end of his life, it serves as a prayer of thanksgiving and dedication for the materials gathered to build the Temple.
Summary of Key Verses (1 Chronicles 29:10-19 KJV)
- Verses 10-13: David blesses God, declaring His greatness, power, and glory. He affirms that God owns all things in heaven and earth, including riches and honor.
- Verses 14-16: David expresses humility, noting that all gifts come from God and that human life is short and temporary.
- Verses 17-19: He prays for the people’s continued devotion and asks for Solomon to have a “perfect heart” to keep God’s commandments and build the temple.”
1 Chronicles 29
David Prays in the Assembly
10 Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.
11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.
15 For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.
16 O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.
17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
18 O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:
19 And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.
20 And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.
21 And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings unto the LORD, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel:”
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Articles
Water Baptism: Understanding It [study guide]
“Repent and be baptized.” Acts 2:38
Water Baptism (PDF)
(Duplication encouraged. An open King James Bible should accompany your study of this topic. Carefully, prayerfully study each verse given in order to answer each question correctly. Print this document out and pencil in the answers in the blanks provided. It may be best to cut and paste it to your word processing software and then print it out. Your life in Christ will be enriched forever as you embrace and put into practice His Word.)
Water baptism is important. Every believer should understand and be water baptized. Yet water baptism does not save – but is only for those already saved. The blood of Jesus saves – upon repentance and faith. In short, water baptism symbolizes/illustrates the life in Christ we now have – where daily, we are dying and buried and risen in new life with Christ. Concerning water baptism, one disciple writes: “We must faith thru many mini-daily-baptisms in which we are immersed into calamities and the old self is drowned.”
SATAN wants people trusting in water and not the BLOOD of Jesus. Beware. We are saved by the blood of Jesus – water baptism is for those who have already repented and believed upon Jesus Christ. It’s an outward profession of the inward work of regeneration God has already done! (Titus 3:5-7)
“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and WITHOUT SHEDDING OF BLOOD IS NO REMISSION.” Hebrews 9:22
ANY person who claims sinners are justified by water instead of the BLOOD of Jesus, is an antichrist.
“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:9
Salvation should never be complicated.
We are saved, justified by grace through faith.
Can you find the word water in the following passage? No.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Thief on the cross. Philippian jailer. Acts 16:30-31; Faith. Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9.
Raised to New Life with Christ
“Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.” 1 Corinthians 11:2
The LORD seems to have given His New Testament church 2 ordinances: 1. Water baptism – to depict our own death, burial, and resurrection with Christ, and 2. Communion – where we are brought into remembrance of our LORD’s death – broken body and shed blood – which alone redeems us.
Note in this passage below that no water is even mentioned and yet this is exactly what water baptism is symbolic of:
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:3-4
WATER BAPTISM: What it is and what it’s not. In some cases, water baptism has become a ritual among those who are a part of the visible, apostate church world. In those circles, water baptism seems to be a type of right of passage in a fleshly way. Water baptism is useless unless it’s connected with Christ, that is, in His redemption – death, burial and resurrection. He alone redeemed us and yet, He calls us to deny self, and allow Him who is the resurrection and the life to raise us upward (John 11:25; Romans 8:11; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.). Water baptism – going down under that water – is meant to be the symbolism of dying, being buried, and being raised up into a new life with Christ who is “the life” (John 14:6). The old man is dead and buried! See Colossians 3:3, and read Romans 6:3-4. Water baptism was never intended to become a ritual but rather the symbol of that which begun at the instant Christ saved us. The crucified, dead, buried, and raised up life comes at the moment Jesus saves us, We are dead and He now lives in us as Redeemer, Ruler and King, Savior, and Friend. The life of the crucified believe is symbolized at water baptism (Galatians 2:20). Water baptism is a representation of what is to be a life lived allowing Christ to reign in place. It’s symbolic of the daily cross! – Where Christ alone reigns supreme!
Water baptism saves no one. No, it’s merely a picture of your life now that Christ saved you – your personal daily death, burial, resurrection (2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.). God saved you the moment you repented and believed on Jesus (Acts 20:21, etc.). And now He’s ordained that you “walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
“Water baptism symbolizes your spiritual identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. The water does not itself join you to or identify you with Christ. It is only a symbol. It’s not even a requirement yet important due to the importance of what it is representative of. Water baptism is not a law like circumcision was. It is not essential. The thief on cross next to Christ was never water baptized but he was baptized in spiritual fact.”
One of the main points here on topics like this is priority, putting the first things first and not adding to what is essential to salvation. And yet it is biblically accurate that water baptism should be put forth as something Jesus commands, because He does.
Beware of the baptismal regeneration heresy. A thorough reading of the New Testament Scriptures reveals to us that water baptism saves no one. Saying people are saved by being water baptized is just another fake salvation – another excuse not to have to repent, lay down the life in this fleeting world, deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Jesus – on His stated terms, right? Sinners are in darkness and the unrepentant love to hear that they are not required to repent which means to change course, to give one’s life up to the LORD who made us all.
So “saved” doesn’t mean saved in Acts 16:31? Where O Where is the water? The water baptism didn’t happen till after the jailer and his family were “saved” (Acts 16:33). “Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:30-31
“By faith” appears 37 times in the Word of God. “By water” appears 4 times.
Without what is it impossible to please God? Faith or water?
“But without faith it is impossible to please him.” Hebrews 11:6
Is salvation “by faith” in the only Redeemer, or by water? Water baptism is totally futile, a 100% complete waste without being first saved by Christ through FAITH (Romans 3-5; Ephesians 2:8-9, etc.).
“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, IF thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Acts 8:36-37
When the Ethiopian eunuch asked to be baptized in water, Philip told him he had to believe on the LORD Jesus Christ first – as a prerequisite! – “IF THOU BELIEVEST WITH ALL THINE HEART, THOU MAYEST.” Also…. many of the fake “bibles” removed Acts 8:37. The devil is a liar!!!! Let’s use the King James Bible saints!!!! Let’s trash satan’s corruption.
Recently I had an in-depth conversation with a man who was over emphasizing water baptism and after a lengthy discussion he said he’d “said enough.” To him I wrote:
“You’ve certainly told me enough and showed you are misled by what you’ve stated. And you claim it came by revelation. It sure didn’t come from divine revelation.”
REPLY:
“Notice how you lifted Acts 16:33 out of it’s context. WHAT came BEFORE the water baptism and without which the water baptism was futile?
‘And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31And they said, BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.’ Acts 16:30-33
Christ saves by faith not water. Water baptism is only effectual if the person is first saved by the blood through faith.
‘Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;’ Romans 3:24-25
Of course water baptism is important but it’s not the essential, believing is.
Satan’s agenda is to remove the focus from Christ and His blood without which there is ‘NO remission of sins’ (Hebrews 9:22). That’s what we see here.
Those who like to focus on the water do so because they are moral cowards who refuse to truly repent which is something that must occur in their hearts.”
The thief on the cross was not water baptized, yet Jesus told him “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Water baptism is only for those already saved. Here’s a New Testament example of how these disciples were first saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, only then were they water baptized.
“For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” Acts 10:46-48
The only value that water baptism has is in identifying you with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ!
One disciple wrote:
“The only way to promotion is by demotion. Are you today seeking a demotion? Do you want self to be advanced, enhanced, prominent, recognized, satisfied, aggrandized, indulged, promoted, noticed, or applauded? Or do you want self demoted, crucified, and killed to all these worldly things?”
Perhaps loving obedience and gratitude to the Lord should be the foundational motives for the believer being water baptized. When a person genuinely repents of his sins and receives Jesus Christ, He is then under the command of a new Master. He is no longer a member of Satan’s kingdom, but rather has been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13). His past sins have been completely washed away by the blood of Christ, and God has called him by name to serve Him in sincerity and in truth (Romans 3:25; 1 Cor. 5:7-8).
Jesus commands all of His disciples to be baptized in water. In demonstration of our love for Him, every believer should obey and follow the LORD in water baptism. He says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
1. As seen in Scripture, what does the actual act of being water baptized consist of – in the literal sense? Acts 8:38 Please read this verse in the King James Bible and check one of the following.
_____ splashing with water
_____ sprinkling with water as an infant
_____ fully submerging the body under water
Notice that Philip and the eunuch “went down both into the water” (Acts 8:38). The English word “baptize” comes from the Greek word BAPTIZO which means to dip, submerge; to make whelmed, fully wet. Baptism is a burial.
Water baptism should always be in actual water and not sprinkling or pouring water on the new believer being baptized. This is because of what it represents; not a mere sprinkling but rather a whole immersion, a going under and being completely whelmed – representing being now dead, buried, and raised up.
2. Read 1 Peter 3:21 closely. Note here that water baptism does not cleanse one from the “filth of the flesh (sin).” Trust in that which baptism is a “figure” of, does cleanse from sin and save the soul. The word “figure” is the key to understanding this verse. Read it again. Being dipped in water does not save the soul. What saves the soul is faith in what water baptism is figurative or symbolic of – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Water baptism merely answers to the already blood-washed conscience of the Believer. It is an outward testimony of the inward work of God in making the repentant person completely new from the inside out (2 Cor. 5:17-18).
Christ must reign in the daily life of every believer and He is “Holy, holy, holy” and so sinfulness must be put away so that the believer can spring forth into the fullness of Christ’s resurrection life (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). Baptism in water is the figure of this process. It’s a death, burial, and resurrection. Water baptism is symbolic of death to the sinful nature and resurrection into a life lived in the nature of Jesus and out of God’s abundant grace which fills the believer’s heart.
3. Did Jesus submit Himself to water baptism? Matthew 3:13-16
_______YES
_______NO
Water baptism was practiced by the Son of God.
4. How old was Jesus when He was baptized? Luke 3:21-23
____________________________________________________
Notice here that Jesus was a full grown adult when water baptized. Only those who are of age to understand and partake of the salvation of God are candidates for water baptism. Infant baptism or sprinkling is un-scriptural.
5. Did Jesus’ disciples practice water baptism in their ministry? John 4:1, 2
_______YES
_______NO
Jesus’ disciples and the early Church believers water baptised all new converts.
6. Jesus sent His disciples forth to “teach all nations.” What else did He command them to do? Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16
____________________________________________________
Mark 16:16 does NOT say “he that is not baptized shall not be saved.” No Jesus says “he that believeth not shall be damned.” He put the essential on believing, not water baptism. Here are Christ’s words: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). The believing is the essential, not water baptism, otherwise Jesus would have said “he that believeth and is not baptized shall be damned.” He did not.
7. In what names did Jesus command His disciples to baptize? Matthew 28:18-19
____________________________________________________
The name of Jesus Christ equals the authority of Jesus Christ.
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38
Here in Matthew 28:18-19, Jesus authorized baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. When Scripture speaks of baptism in Jesus’ Name, it is referring to baptism by His authority. So, some disciples safely perform water baptism by saying: “You are now being baptized in the name, in the authority of Jesus Christ, in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.” Does this not cover all basis? I think so.
8. What were the three fundamental New Testament experiences preached and practiced by the early Church? Acts 2:38
A.____________________________________________________
B.____________________________________________________
C.____________________________________________________
9. Has God changed since Acts 2:38? Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8
_______YES
_______NO
Note that God, by the mouth of Peter, commanded the new believers to “Repent and be baptized every one of you” (Acts 2:38).
10. What experience did the three thousand new converts partake of when they received the Word of God that Peter preached? Acts 2:41
____________________________________________________
As was clearly understood by the early followers of Jesus, the first step in discipling a new convert is to baptize him in water. This is the Lord’s first commandment to new believers. God seals the faith of the new convert at the time of water baptism. The new believer makes a statement of trust toward God in his water baptism experience and is confirmed in the faith by the Holy Spirit through this New Testament practice.
11. After Phillip preached the Gospel, what did the believers at Samaria do to openly declare their faith in Jesus? Acts 8:12
____________________________________________________
12. After Philip preached Jesus, what was the Ethiopian eunuch’s immediate question? Acts 8:35, 36
____________________________________________________
The Ethiopian eunuch had obviously made a heart-felt decision to believe on Jesus. He instantly desired to be baptized in water to exhibit his new found faith.
13. What did Philip tell the eunuch that he must do before he could be water baptized? Acts 8:37
____________________________________________________
The Bible only authorizes water baptism after the born again experience. Philip told the eunuch that the prerequisite for water baptism is to be born into the kingdom of God by personally receiving Jesus Christ. Here is another proof that the early Church disciples only baptized those who had already received Jesus.
God set forth as a pattern in the first century Church, believers who were zealous to baptize new converts in water. This solidifies the new converts’ faith in Jesus. Water baptism is the first command given to the new believer, and is therefore the responsibility of the members of the Body of Christ to see that every new believer is baptized.
14. What did the apostle Peter “command” the new Gentile converts to do after they had believed on Jesus and also received the gift of the Holy Ghost? Acts 10:43-48
v48 __________________________________________________
15. What did Paul and Silas do to the Philippian jailor who believed on the Lord after the jailbreak? Acts 16:25-34
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Note that Paul and Silas baptized these new believers without delay and in the middle of the night. This very act makes two authoritative statements: (1) If at all possible, disciples should water baptize new converts immediately following their salvation experience, and (2) The apostles counted water baptism very important, it was an integral part of the Gospel they preached and administered.
16. When “many” of the Corinthian’s “believed”, what followed? Acts 18:8
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17. As followers of Jesus what are we baptized into? Romans 6:3
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To the believer the water grave signifies that the time of living after the sinful nature of the flesh is over. This burial represents death to the nature of sin and resurrection into the life of God. Jesus Himself was baptized to signify His own death, burial, and resurrection. The follower of Jesus in like manner is to be baptized, signifying death to the old man and resurrection into the new nature of God resident within him. Sin lost its power at Calvary, and loses its dominion over the believer when he identifies with Christ in water baptism. In water baptism, the believer identifies with Jesus. All true disciples are crucified with Christ and water baptism is the marked beginning of this state of existence (Gal. 2:20, 5:24; Rom. 6:11). It is his announcement to deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Jesus.
18. What is the believer to “walk in” after God raises him from the dead? Romans 6:4
____________________________________________________
Beloved, God has called you to “walk in newness of life.” The believer must be “dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:11). Water baptism is so very important because it introduces the new believer into the life to which God has called him – a life of death and resurrection. The old person and his deeds are dead. “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). The disciple is to live separate from sin. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God” 2 (Corinthians 5 :17,18).
19. What are two reasons that we are to be “crucified” with Jesus? Romans 6:6
A. __________________________________________________
B. __________________________________________________
Water baptism is a public announcement of your decrease and His increase (John 3:30). God can only raise up those things that are dead. To resurrect is to raise to life again – to cause something or someone once alive to live again. One must die to the things of this world to live in the resurrected life of Jesus. This is a must if one will be His disciple (John 12:24-26). To live in the resurrection life of God one must be dead to the sins of the flesh. The definition of being “dead” to sin, is living life as if sin didn’t even exist in the sense that one is separate from it – you do not partake of it in spirit, soul, or body.
Water baptism is the beginning of the life lived after the Spirit instead of after the flesh. It’s a heartfelt broadcast to the Lord, the world, and the devil that you are now going to be true to the Most High God by living in holy conformity to the Lord Jesus Christ. At the moment of baptism God imparts a sufficient measure of grace to enable the believer to walk out his new life in Christ.
20. Why do you personally believe that baptism in water is so important in God’s eyes?
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God has saved you and has set you apart to live after His nature that He has imparted to you (Rom. 6, 8). You are a new creature in Christ Jesus and God requires that you make this known (Matthew 10:32, 33). Jesus was fearless and unashamed when He came to the earth to do His Father’s will and die for the sins of the world. He requires that His disciples be bold and unashamed in testifying of His work of redemption. Water baptism should be the first act of obedience rendered by the disciple of Jesus.
21. What does Jesus do for all who “confess” Him before men? Matthew 10:32
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22. What does Jesus do to all those who “deny” Him before men? Matthew 10:33
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Water baptism is an open declaration of one’s identification with and faith in Jesus. Water baptism is generally the new believer’s first act of confession before men. It should be the personal and spoken testimony of the believer about to be baptized. The new convert should be given time to give account of his born again experience and God’s work presently in progress in his life.
IF YOU HAVE NOT YET BEEN WATER BAPTIZED, OBEY THE LORD BY ARRANGING A TIME AND PLACE TO PUBLICLY TESTIFY OF YOUR NEW LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST BY BEING BAPTIZED.
ASSIGNMENT:
In 250 words or more, detail the ways that the Word of God should be incorporated into the daily life of the believer. (Tips for your essay’s content: study, performance, prayer, warfare, proclaiming, meditating upon, memorizing, etc.) Search the Scriptures as your source for this essay and use Scripture and references to validate your statements. Begin with deep and prayerful meditation on God’s Word. Write your essay neatly and in an organized manner.
SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION: Matthew 28:19
It would be very advantageous for you to cross reference all of the Scriptures in this study. For example, pencil in each topically similar verse into the margin next to the corresponding verses on this same subject. Write out these verses with references on index cards – make it a priority to carry and post them where you will study and meditate upon them. These two measures will build in you a wealth of truth on each topic. This will help you to retain and become resourceful in the Word of God – ready to be used of Him. Capture the knowledge that you have learned, don’t let it slip away from you.
Capitalize on your efforts. This is preparation in earnest (2 Timothy 2:21).
STUDY GUIDES
Evangelism
Holy Word of God
The Blood of Jesus
Holy Ghost Baptism
Water Baptism
The Believer and The Word
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Apostasy
Favorite Eternal Security “Proof” Text? [podcast]
Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages
Does John 10:27-29 Prove “Eternal Security”?
WHO are Jesus’ Sheep? Defined by, in God’s Word.
John 10:27-29
“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
Verse 27 is the condition necessary to appropriate the promises of verses 28-29.
Those who believe that a man can never lose his salvation, use this John 10:28-29 text but ignore the prerequisite, the divinely given condition – v27. Watch this:
Firstly, in this passage Jesus identifies those sheep whom He makes the security promise to. He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” In this we see one part divine and two parts the responsibility of the individual:
- “I know them”—the divine part toward those who are truly in Christ, presently abiding (v. 27)
- Those who are His sheep “hear” His “voice” and “follow” Him—the individual’s responsibility (v. 27)
The promise to be kept is a conditional promise which requires that we choose to continue to hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27-29). Many today wrongly detach our LORD’s words in verse 27 from verses 28-29. In doing so, they perpetrate their “eternal security” mythology.
The problem for the eternal securists is that v27 has been intentionally been ignored…. It’s the actual condition Jesus gives for receiving the assurance promises He then gives in v28-29.
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. Verses 28-29 are promises of security to those who have been genuinely born again and are currently abiding in Christ – hearing His voice and following Him (John 15:1-6). Many ignore the previous qualifying words (v. 27) 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, hear His voice and follow Him (see also John 15).
“Jesus will neither leave us nor forsake us, but we can leave and forsake Him by choosing our sins OVER His love, grace and mercy!” Dino Filardo
Eternal securists have been taught to selectively interpret Scripture while ignoring mountains of Bible truth, in order to come to a predetermined conclusion.
Many a false teacher has built his own ministry empire dishonestly peddling this passage. Take a closer look. Anchor the promise to be kept in verses 28-29 on verse 27 where Jesus identifies who His sheep are – those who hear and continue to hear His voice and continue to follow Him (present tense). The promise to be kept is a glorious and yet conditional promise which requires that the individual recipient of the salvation gift of God chooses to continue to hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27-29). Many today wrongly detach our LORD’s words in verse 27 from verses 28-29 of John 10. In doing so, they perpetrate their “eternal security” or otherwise called “once saved always saved” mythology. Beware as this was the first lie Satan told mankind, which led to the fall (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).
Instead of synthesizing the whole of Scripture, false teachers isolate certain verses for their own self-serving agenda and purpose (2 Corinthians 2:17, etc.).
The sheep Jesus’ promises are going to be kept are those who endure to the end, abide (remain) with Him (John 15:1-6). The Great Shepherd defines His sheep as those who are presently hearing His voice and following Him (present tense). John 10:27-29
It’s not difficult to mislead people in the direction of the sinful nature of their hearts – because then they can evade truly repenting which is a major life change and necessity for salvation. This is why Paul foretold of this hour and how men would “heap to themselves (false) teachers having itching ears.” (2 Timothy 4:3) “Itching ears” here represents unrepentant hearts.
OSAS people make a vain attempt at redefining the words of Scripture to fit their own self-serving agenda of lukewarmness, cross-less rebellion. For example they hyper-focus on “eternal” in the term “eternal life” while intentionally refusing to synthesize the whole of what Scripture states. They hyper-focus on the word “gift” and teach that a gift could never be lost which the rest of Scripture does not agree with. They then take the word “sealed” and make it to be permanent which it cannot possibly be because the same Greek word for “sealed” is used of Jesus’ tomb which we all know was NOT permanently sealed (Matthew 27:66). In this they bear false witness against the LORD and act like some Scriptures are more divinely inspired than others. This practice reveals the evil and deceit of their own hearts. Not just some Scripture in the Bible but rather “ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) It must all be synthesized, put together, compared (1 Corinthians 2:13). Error will result in the hearts and lives of those who do not search, study, and revere “ALL scripture” in God’s Word.
Eternal security deceivers don’t want to talk about Bible verses that contradict and expose their proof texts. You see, they don’t want to get awaken by the truth to the scam they’ve bought into. The wolves who they gullibly believe instead of God’s Word, taught them to cry “context, context” all while THEY are the beguilers who are taking Scripture out of context. Just like the demonic democrats in America, they accuse their adversaries of the exact thing THEY themselves are guilty of (Romans 2:1-3).
YOU are defending OSAS and yet you gave no Bible verses? Self-deception. If “once saved always saved” were true, WHY O WHY didn’t God tell us? Such a term, phrase, or concept appear no where in Scripture and the verses you use to “prove” it are taken out of their context. OSAS is undeniably the very first lie Satan ever told and it led to the fall of mankind from a HOLY God (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). If OSAS isn’t a doctrine of devils, nothing is! (1 Timothy 4:1-2)
Is the unchanging, Almighty God no longer “Holy, holy, holy” now that He sent His only begotten Son? (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) If He’s still holy, no unrepentant person with sin will enter His holy Heaven (Revelation 21:8, 27, etc.).
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14
HOW is it that so many treat the words of JESUS recorded in John 10 more divinely authoritative than the words of JESUS recorded in John 15? False teachers.
Most of the dupes who cite John 10:28-29 to “prove” they can never lose their salvation, 1. Don’t even know what the preceding verse says (v27), and 2. Have no clue what JESUS says in John 15:6.
“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
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 who Jesus was specifically speaking to when He promised “they shall never perish.” “They” refers to those who “hear my voice” and “follow 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.
“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. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit AGAIN; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” 2 Peter 2:20-22
WHO did Jesus say His true sheep are?
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (Jn. 10:27). According to these words of Christ, those who “know” Jesus and “follow” Him are given the promise that they will “never perish.” As long as the follower hears His voice and follows Him, they are assured “eternal life.” This is exactly what the Son of God taught just a few chapters later in John 15 where He says that if a branch that is in Him does not remain or abide in Him, that person will be cut off and cast into the fire (hell).
Those who abide or remain under the shadow of His holy and protective wing shall remain secure in Him (Ps. 91:1). The Good Shepherd here said: “Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” No man can pluck us out of His protection except ourselves by our own decisions. We who are abiding are protected from the snare of other men drawing us away as we remain walking with the Son of God. If you’re tucked, you won’t get plucked. If you’re not tucked under the wing of intimacy with Jesus, you will, can, and are likely to be plucked out of His holy hand by your own sinful unbelief. The LORD told us “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Rev. 3:11).
It’s also notable that those who emphasize John 10 to convince themselves and others that they are “eternally secure”, don’t even know much less acknowledge the words of the Savior in John 15:1-6.
Telling.
“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 taught repeatedly that some would not continue to follow Him (“abide”) and hear His voice and would consequently “fall away.” There is record of some who once believed and then stopped believing (Lk. 8:13; 13:23-30; Jn. 6:66; Acts 8:14-23).
WHY do eternal securists get all upset when their fairy tale is exposed? Well, they are hiding behind the thin veneer of this heresy, feeling all secure, emboldened to live as they please, feeling assured in their lukewarmness and sin … denying Jesus instead of self, refusing to take up the cross that Jesus commanded all who would follow Him truly (Luke 9:23-24). Christ’s apostle Paul speaks of self-serving “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18-19) What’s behind this myth? The Psychology of Eternal Security [book]
Another Example of the Twisting of Scripture
The eternal securists seek to justify their OSAS heresy by misusing the following passage…. but in this Paul is speaking of those who go to Heaven, the judgment of saints, and not those who fell away and won’t be there because they will be in hell. They will not be present when this happens….
“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:13-15
One More….
Common Objection to Conditional Eternal Security….
“What about Romans 8:38-39 where it says nothing can separate us from the love of God?”
REPLY:
Simple: Notice the word LOVE not life. God will love us all the way into hell if we choose not to repent. His soul will even “weep in secret places for your pride” which comes before destruction (Jeremiah 13:17). The LORD is “Holy, holy, holy,” He’s just, and He will not ever coexist with sin. See the fall of lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:13-19; Luke 10:18). The wages of sin is still death and the LORD will damn every soul that dies in sin, with no exception (Psalms 5:4; Habakkuk 1:13; Isaiah 6:3; Romans 6:23; Revelation 4:8; 21:8; 22:11, etc.). Read Jesus’s parable of the prodigal son Lk 15. Did the father love and miss his son? Yes. Did the father (represents God) go chase him down? No. The son who departed had to choose to return. Much truth there. Speaking of Romans, read 11:20-22. Now read 2 Peter 2:20-22 and the book of Hebrews.
1 John 2:19 is often also utilized to “prove” eternal security. Not.
“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
Interestingly, the word “never” does not appear in this verse above which is so often used to “prove” OSAS. Let’s read it again with an objective mind. And, also remember what Jesus says about the primary importance of His teaching of the seed and the soil, the sower and the Word:
“And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?” Mark 4:13
The honest student of the whole Counsel of God’s Word knows that numerous clear Bible truths reveal that a saved person can turn away from the LORD, so we know that the apostle John could not possibly be saying that a saved person could never depart from the LORD. In my opinion, this verse is the best argument the eternal security proponent has, yet it’s not enough. There must be two or three witnesses and not just one (2 Cor. 13:1). After a closer examination of this text, one will find that verse 19 does not teach or justify “once saved always saved.” When any one verse is taken to the exclusion of the whole Word of God, one will certainly misunderstand the doctrine of the LORD which can only be apprehended by “study.” (2 Tim. 2:15) This verse is like any other verse of Scripture – it must be taken in light of the entire Counsel of God. The context to be considered is 1 John 2:18-29).
In examining the context in which 1 John 2:19 is set, we see that false teachers whom John calls “many antichrists,” had come and were telling these believers that Jesus was not the Christ (v22).
Let’s look at verses 18 and 19 together:
“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 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 2:18-19
Note here that it is specifically of these “antichrists” that John speaks and says that “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.”
John was speaking of those who were once saved but then departed from the faith (1 Tim 4:1), they believed and then fell away (Luke 8:12-13) …. then departed from the believers in that fellowship.
Teddy Caldwell writes:
“OSAS insists that those are professing believers, but 1 John 2:18 says such people are antichrists. 1 John 2:22 says an antichrist is one who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Anyone who does that isn’t a believer and isn’t even trying to look like one.”
Concerning 1 John 2:19, Donald Stamps, in the Life in the Spirit Study Bible, writes:
“‘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.”
Right here in verse 24 of this passage we see the doctrine of personal responsibility to “remain” in faithful obedience to the LORD or lose one’s place with God (1 Cor. 15:2; Gal. 6:9; Col. 1:23). This is a teaching found throughout Holy Writ – the divine requirement to stay saved or lose all in eternity, “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” (Jude 7)
“Let that therefore abide (remain) in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. IF (denotes condition) that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” 1 John 2:24-25
Verse 24 alone tells us that we cannot think that verse 19 means that someone who is at some point in right standing with God can never depart from Him and lose out. Also, verse 25 tells us that “eternal life” (not just rewards) is at stake and the promise contingent upon the believer abiding or remaining in that “which ye have heard from the beginning” which is the Gospel. “Eternal life” is assured as long as one is remaining rooted in Jesus Christ. This is the overwhelmingly consistent message of God’s Word.
In verse 26 John says “These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.” Verse 19 is written about the deceivers who sought to “seduce” these disciples John was addressing and not of true believers.
With all of Scripture in consideration, we can conclude that 1 John 2:19 is a specific example and not a rule of doctrine.
If you truly wish to search out this matter, let me encourage you to closely examine, break down and study this entire text (1 Jn. 2:18-29). In order to ascertain truth, one must compare the verse in question with all other related Scriptures, beginning with the context in which the verse is set (Isa. 28:9-10; 1 Cor. 2:13).
Go here for more on the misuse of 1 John 2:19.
Eternal Security / OSAS Exploded
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David’s Farewell Prayer [podcast]
Water Baptism: Understanding It [study guide]
Favorite Eternal Security “Proof” Text? [podcast]
Laboring Fervently for Christ’s Body [podcast]
Abiding Under the Shadow of the Almighty [podcast]
The Warnings of the Book of Jude [podcast]
Attend to My Words [podcast]
Gathering Fruit for Christ’s Eternal Glory [podcast]
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee [podcast]
Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High [podcast]
The Over Population Delusion Exposed [video]
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Mexico Mission Momentum Part 41
“Cursed be the Man that Trusteth in Man” [podcast]
Modern Day Cult of Personality Exposed [podcast]
The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security! [podcast]
Calvinism’s Origins and Historical Roots [podcast]
Name Cult Warning: Beware of the Yahweh, Yahushua, Yahuah Cults!
Favorite Eternal Security “Proof” Text? [podcast]
Water Baptism: Understanding It [study guide]
Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High [podcast]
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee [podcast]
The Warnings of the Book of Jude [podcast]
“You Who are Troubled Rest with Us” [podcast]
Penknife Sacrilege [podcast]
Attend to My Words [podcast]
The Over Population Delusion Exposed [video]
Diminishing Returns or Divine Blessings? [podcast]
Be Not Moved Away from the Hope of the Gospel [podcast]
Conspiracy is Reality [podcast]
David’s Farewell Prayer [podcast]
Water Baptism: Understanding It [study guide]
Favorite Eternal Security “Proof” Text? [podcast]
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