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Only God knows the future.

Law of probability and the fulfillment of Bible prophecies:

Odds of the 332 prophecies of the prophets concerning the coming Messiah, given hundreds of years prior to His arrival coming true are:

8,749,002,899,132,046,697,490,008,908,470,485,461,412,622,723,572,849,745,…
703,082,425,425,639,811,996,797,503,692,894,052,708,092,215,296 to 1

Fact: Only the Almighty could know the future and forthtell it in specific detail, long before it ever happened. THIS is how we know that the Bible is truly the Word of the one true God and that all other so-called “holy books” are frauds.

“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” Mark 13:31

The facts stated, demonstrated in this message will cause the wise to put God’s written Word as the final divine authority of their lives. He said it. I believe it. That settles it.

“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” Psalms 119:89

Of the words of God, the Bible assures us that no one of these shall fail …” (Isaiah 34:16).  We know that no promise or prophecy in Scripture has ever failed to come to pass, with the exception of the fulfillment of those which lie just ahead in this last hour as we anticipate the soon return of Christ and the setting up of His kingdom (Revelation 19:11-16, etc.).

“My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.” Psalms 89:34

FULFILLED PROPHECY: THIS IS HOW WE KNOW WITHOUT QUESTION, THAT THE BIBLE IS THE ONLY HOLY BOOK ON GOD’S EARTH

God told us “the end from the beginning” – He foretold what was coming and this is why His people have the news before the news! (Isaiah 46:9-10)

This is an essential component of divine truth imperative for a sound foundation in Christ’s kingdom truth.

“Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: BEFORE they spring forth I tell you of them.” Isaiah 42:9 

The Bible is God’s Word and therefore penned by divine inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19-21). It is “the news before the news.” Only the Almighty could have foretold, told before it happened, the future things (Isaiah 46:9-10). This is how we know with no doubt that the Bible is the only Holy Book on His planet. Only God Himself could know the future and tell what would happen before it happened.

Read Matthew 24 and Luke 21. Then read the book of Revelation. This is the only way to see into the future and be prepared.

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:” Isaiah 46:9-10

WHO could possibly declare the end from the beginningother than God Himself?

The Bible is unique among all supposed “holy” books. God’s Word, the Word He gave, foretells the END from the BEGINNING. It foretells what it fulfills. No other supposed Holy book can stake this claim.

ONLY GOD COULD KNOW “THE END FROM THE BEGINNING” (ISAIAH 46:9-10).

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:” Isaiah 46:9-10

Did you catch that? Read it again.

MEDITATE ON THIS. THE BIBLE IS THE VERY WORD OF GOD AND IS SEEN TO BE JUST THAT BECAUSE IT FORETOLD IN DETAIL BEFOREHAND MANY EVENTS THAT HAVE COME TO PASS JUST AS THEY WERE SPOKEN HUNDREDS AND SOMETIMES THOUSANDS OF YEARS BEFORE THEY HAPPENED. FOR EXAMPLE: THE EXACT TOWN THE MESSIAH WAS TO BE BORN IN (BETHLEHEM) WAS FORETOLD AND HE WAS (MICAH 5:2), THAT HE WOULD BE MIRACULOUSLY BORN OF A VIRGIN AND HE WAS (ISAIAH 7:14), THAT HE WOULD BE CALLED EMMANUEL AND HE WAS AND IS (ISAIAH 7:14), THAT HE WOULD BE BETRAYED FOR 30 PIECES OF SILVER AND HE WAS (ZECHARIAH 11:12-13), …. MORE ON THE CHART BELOW.

The LORD told us in His Word that not one of His promises, including the prophecies of His and our Messiah, would ever fail. They are as sure as life and the One who gave it.

“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail …” Isaiah 34:16

Only God could and does know and has told the end from the beginning and not one of His promises or prophetic utterances of future events, of the future, has nor will ever fail.

No other “holy book” can make this claim. Only the Bible foretells the future in exact detail and fulfillment. On this basis, we know that every other so-called “holy book” is not holy but rather fraudulent, from the enemy of God himself.

No other book but the Bible has prophecy. Prophecy is something God will do for Israel and it happened three thousand years later. The Bible proved itself over time that it is God’s Word. The Quran, or Tibetan book or writings of Confucius have no prophecy like the Hebrew Scriptures. Put your faith in the only trusted book of the ages. Jesus said heaven and earth will pass away but my word will never pass away but will last forever.” Terrence Przybylski

The specific details of THESE PROPHETIC PROMISES AND THEIR FULFILLMENT WOULD BE STATISTICALLY IMPOSSIBLE UNLESS THEY ORIGINATED FROM GOD WHO TELLS THE END FROM THE BEGINNING.

Recently a college student asked if Matthew’s Gospel was written merely from his own psyche. No. Matthew wasn’t manufacturing anything in his psyche. He was taking from the prophets, which told us 700 years earlier that the Messiah would be born of a virgin in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Only the Almighty knows “the end from the beginning” and this is how we know that the Bible is the only Holy Book on HIS planet. No other so-called “holy book” has prophecy with the fulfillment of prophecy. This is how we know that the words of Holy Scripture came from our Maker, the LORD.

Prophecy: Birth of the Christ foretold:

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

Fulfillment:

“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:22-23 

More prophecies and their fulfillment on the chart below. Please pour prayerfully over the list of these prophecies and their fulfillment and please help others to know this amazing, divine phenomenon.  This will be the most foundation-building study of your whole life. This is essential in being truly grounded in Christ.

Over 300 Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus Christ

ProphecyDescriptionFulfillment
1. Gen 3:15Seed of a woman (virgin birth)Gal 4:4-5; Matt 1:18
2. Gen 3:15He will bruise Satan’s headHeb 2:14; 1 John 3:8
3. Gen 5:24The bodily ascension to heaven illustratedMark 16:19
4. Gen 9:26-27The God of Shem will be the Son of ShemLuke 3:36
5. Gen 12:3Seed of Abraham will bless all nationsGal 3:8; Acts 3:25-26
6. Gen 12:7The Promise made to Abraham’s SeedGal 3:16
7. Gen 14:18A priest after the order of MelchizedekHeb 6:20
8. Gen 14:18King of Peace and RighteousnessHeb 7:2
9. Gen 14:18The Last Supper foreshadowedMatt 26:26-29
10. Gen 17:19Seed of Isaac (Gen 21:12)Rom 9:7
11. Gen 22:8The Lamb of God promisedJohn 1:29
12. Gen 22:18As Isaac’s seed, will bless all nationsGal 3:16
13. Gen 26:2-5The Seed of Isaac promised as the RedeemerHeb 11:18
14. Gen 28:12The Bridge to heavenJohn 1:51
15. Gen 28:14The Seed of JacobLuke 3:34
16. Gen 49:10The time of His comingLuke 2:1-7; Gal 4:4
17. Gen 49:10The Seed of JudahLuke 3:33
18. Gen 49:10Called Shiloh or One SentJohn 17:3
19. Gen 49:10Messiah to come before Judah lost identityJohn 11:47-52
20. Gen 49:10Unto Him shall the obedience of the people beJohn 10:16
21. Ex 3:13-15The Great “I AM”John 4:26; 8:58
22. Ex 12:5A Lamb without blemishHeb 9:14; 1 Pet 1:19
23. Ex 12:13The blood of the Lamb saves from wrathRom 5:8
24. Ex 12:21-27Christ is our Passover1 Cor 5:7
25. Ex 12:46Not a bone of the Lamb to be brokenJohn 19:31-36
26. Ex 15:2His exaltation predicted as YeshuaActs 7:55-56
27. Ex 15:11His Character-HolinessLuke 1:35; Acts 4:27
28. Ex 17:6The Spiritual Rock of Israel1 Cor 10:4
29. Ex 33:19His Character-MercifulLuke 1:72
30. Lev 1:2-9His sacrifice a sweet smelling savor unto GodEph 5:2
31. Lev 14:11The leper cleansed-Sign to priesthoodLuke 5:12-14; Acts 6:7
32. Lev 16:15-17Prefigures Christ’s once-for-all deathHeb 9:7-14
33. Lev 16:27Suffering outside the CampMatt 27:33; Heb. 13:11-12
34. Lev 17:11The Blood-the life of the fleshMatt 26:28; Mark 10:45
35. Lev 17:11It is the blood that makes atonementRom. 3:23-24; 1 John 1:7
36. Lev 23:36-37The Drink-offering: “If any man thirst”John 7:37
37. Num 9:12Not a bone of Him brokenJohn 19:31-36
38. Num 21:9The serpent on a pole-Christ lifted upJohn 3:14-18; 12:32
39. Num 24:17Time: “I shall see him, but not now.”John 1:14; Gal 4:4
40. Deut 18:15“This is of a truth that prophet”John 6:14
41. Deut 18:15-16“Had you believed Moses, you would believe me.”John 5:45-47
42. Deut 18:18Sent by the Father to speak His wordJohn 8:28-29
43. Deut 18:19Whoever will not hear must bear his sinActs 3:22-23
44. Deut 21:23Cursed is he that hangs on a treeGal 3:10-13
45. Joshua 5:14-15The Captain of our salvationHeb 2:10
46. Ruth 4:4-10Christ, our kinsman, has redeemed usEph 1:3-7
47. 1 Sam 2:35A Faithful PriestHeb. 2:17; 3:1-3, 6; 7:24-25
48. 1 Sam 2:10Shall be an anointed King to the LordMatt 28:18; John 12:15
49. 2 Sam 7:12David’s SeedMatt 1:1
50. 2 Sam 7:13His Kingdom is everlasting2 Pet 1:11
51. 2 Sam 7:14aThe Son of GodLuke 1:32; Rom 1:3-4
52. 2 Sam 7:16David’s house established foreverLuke 3:31; Rev 22:16
53. 2 Ki 2:11The bodily ascension to heaven illustratedLuke 24:51
54. 1 Chr 17:11David’s SeedMatt 1:1; 9:27
55. 1 Chr 17:12-13To reign on David’s throne foreverLuke 1:32-33
56. 1 Chr 17:13“I will be His Father, He…my Son.”Heb 1:5
57. Job 9:32-33Mediator between man and God1 Tim 2:5
58. Job 19:23-27The Resurrection predictedJohn 5:24-29
59. Psa 2:1-3The enmity of kings foreordainedActs 4:25-28
60. Psa 2:2To own the title, Anointed (Christ)John 1:41; Acts 2:36
61. Psa 2:6His Character-HolinessJohn 8:46; Rev 3:7
62. Psa 2:6To own the title KingMatt 2:2
63. Psa 2:7Declared the Beloved SonMatt 3:17; Rom 1:4
64. Psa 2:7-8The Crucifixion and Resurrection intimatedActs 13:29-33
65. Psa 2:8-9Rule the nations with a rod of ironRev 2:27; 12:5; 19:15
66. Psa 2:12Life comes through faith in HimJohn 20:31
67. Psa 8:2The mouths of babes perfect His praiseMatt 21:16
68. Psa 8:5-6His humiliation and exaltationHeb 2:5-9
69. Psa 9:7-10Judge the world in righteousnessActs 17:31
70. Psa 16:10Was not to see corruptionActs 2:31; 13:35
71. Psa 16:9-11Was to arise from the deadJohn 20:9
72. Psa 17:15The resurrection predictedLuke 24:6
73. Psa 18:2-3The horn of salvationLuke 1:69-71
74. Psa 22:1Forsaken because of sins of others2 Cor 5:21
75. Psa 22:1“My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”Matt 27:46
76. Psa 22:2Darkness upon Calvary for three hoursMatt 27:45
77. Psa 22:7They shoot out the lip and shake the headMatt 27:39-44
78. Psa 22:8“He trusted in God, let Him deliver Him”Matt 27:43
79. Psa 22:9-10Born the SaviorLuke 2:7
80. Psa 22:12-13They seek His deathJohn 19:6
81. Psa 22:14His blood poured out when they pierced His sideJohn 19:34
82. Psa 22:14-15Suffered agony on CalvaryMark 15:34-37
83. Psa 22:15He thirstedJohn 19:28
84. Psa 22:16They pierced His hands and His feetJohn 19:34-37; 20:27
85. Psa 22:17-18Stripped Him before the stares of menLuke 23:34-35
86. Psa 22:18They parted His garmentsJohn 19:23-24
87. Psa 22:20-21He committed Himself to GodLuke 23:46
88. Psa 22:20-21Satanic power bruising the Redeemer’s heelHeb 2:14
89. Psa 22:22His Resurrection declaredJohn 20:17
90. Psa 22:27-28He shall be the governor of the nationsCol 1:16
91. Psa 22:31“It is finished”John 19:30; Heb 10:10-12, 14, 18
92. Psa 23:1“I am the Good Shepherd”John 10:11; 1 Pet 2:25
93. Psa 24:3His exaltation predictedActs 1:11; Phil 2:9
94. Psa 30:3His resurrection predictedActs 2:32
95. Psa 31:5“Into Your hands I commit my spirit”Luke 23:46
96. Psa 31:11His acquaintances fled from HimMark 14:50
97. Psa 31:13They took counsel to put Him to deathMatt 27:1; John 11:53
98. Psa 31:14-15“He trusted in God, let Him deliver him”Matt 27:43
99. Psa 34:20Not a bone of Him brokenJohn 19:31-36
100. Psa 35:11False witnesses rose up against HimMatt 26:59
101. Psa 35:19He was hated without a causeJohn 15:25
102. Psa 38:11His friends stood afar offLuke 23:49
103. Psa 38:12Enemies try to entangle Him by craftMark 14:1; Matt 22:15
104. Psa 38:12-13Silent before His accusersMatt 27:12-14
105. Psa 38:20He went about doing goodActs 10:38
106. Psa 40:2-5The joy of His resurrection predictedJohn 20:20
107. Psa 40:6-8His delight-the will of the FatherJohn 4:34; Heb 10:5-10
108. Psa 40:9He was to preach the Righteousness in IsraelMatt 4:17
109. Psa 40:14Confronted by adversaries in the GardenJohn 18:4-6
110. Psa 41:9Betrayed by a familiar friendJohn 13:18
111. Psa 45:2Words of Grace come from His lipsJohn 1:17; Luke 4:22
112. Psa 45:6To own the title, God or ElohimHeb 1:8
113. Psa 45:7A special anointing by the Holy SpiritMatt 3:16; Heb. 1:9
114. Psa 45:7-8Called the Christ (Messiah or Anointed)Luke 2:11
115. Psa 45:17His name remembered foreverEph 1:20-21; Heb. 1:8
116. Psa 55:12-14Betrayed by a friend, not an enemyJohn 13:18
117. Psa 55:15Unrepentant death of the BetrayerMatt 27:3-5; Acts 1:16-19
118. Psa 68:18To give gifts to menEph 4:7-16
119. Psa 68:18Ascended into HeavenLuke 24:51
120. Psa 69:4Hated without a causeJohn 15:25
121. Psa 69:8A stranger to own brethrenJohn 1:11; 7:5
122. Psa 69:9Zealous for the Lord’s HouseJohn 2:17
123. Psa 69:14-20Messiah’s anguish of soul before crucifixionMatt 26:36-45
124. Psa 69:20“My soul is exceeding sorrowful”Matt 26:38
125. Psa 69:21Given vinegar in thirstMatt 27:34
126. Psa 69:26The Savior given and smitten by GodJohn 17:4; 18:11
127. Psa 72:10-11Great persons were to visit HimMatt 2:1-11
128. Psa 72:16The corn of wheat to fall into the GroundJohn 12:24-25
129. Psa 72:17Belief on His name will produce offspringJohn 1:12-13
130. Psa 72:17All nations shall be blessed by HimGal 3:8
131. Psa 72:17All nations shall call Him blessedJohn 12:13; Rev 5:8-12
132. Psa 78:1-2He would teach in parablesMatt 13:34-35
133. Psa 78:2bTo speak the Wisdom of God with authorityMatt 7:29
134. Psa 80:17The Man of God’s right handMark 14:61-62
135. Psa 88The Suffering and Reproach of CalvaryMatt 27:26-50
136. Psa 88:8They stood afar off and watchedLuke 23:49
137. Psa 89:27FirstbornCol 1:15-18
138. Psa 89:27Emmanuel to be higher than earthly kingsLuke 1:32-33
139. Psa 89:35-37David’s Seed, throne, kingdom endure foreverLuke 1:32-33
140. Psa 89:36-37His character-FaithfulnessRev 1:5; 19:11
141. Psa 90:2He is from everlasting (Micah 5:2)John 1:1
142. Psa 91:11-12Identified as Messianic, used to tempt ChristLuke 4:10-11
143. Psa 97:9His exaltation predictedActs 1:11; Eph 1:20
144. Psa 100:5His character-GoodnessMatt 19:16-17
145. Psa 102:1-11The Suffering and Reproach of CalvaryJohn 19:16-30
146. Psa 102:25-27Messiah is the Preexistent SonHeb 1:10-12
147. Psa 109:25RidiculedMatt 27:39
148. Psa 110:1Son of DavidMatt 22:42-43
149. Psa 110:1To ascend to the right-hand of the FatherMark 16:19
150. Psa 110:1David’s son called LordMatt 22:44-45
151. Psa 110:4A priest after Melchizedek’s orderHeb 6:20
152. Psa 112:4His character-Compassionate, Gracious, et alMatt 9:36
153. Psa 118:17-18Messiah’s Resurrection assuredLuke 24:5-7; 1 Cor 15:20
154. Psa 118:22-23The rejected stone is Head of the cornerMatt 21:42-43
155. Psa 118:26aThe Blessed One presented to IsraelMatt 21:9
156. Psa 118:26bTo come while Temple standingMatt 21:12-15
157. Psa 132:11The Seed of David (the fruit of His Body)Luke 1:32; Act 2:30
158. Psa 129:3He was scourgedMatt 27:26
159. Psa 138:1-6The supremacy of David’s Seed amazes kingsMatt 2:2-6
160. Psa 147:3-6The earthly ministry of Christ describedLuke 4:18
161. Prov 1:23He will send the Spirit of GodJohn 16:7
162. Prov 8:23Foreordained from everlastingRev 13:8; 1 Pet 1:19-20
163. Song 5:16The altogether lovely OneJohn 1:17
164. Isa 2:3He shall teach all nationsJohn 4:25
165. Isa 2:4He shall judge among the nationsJohn 5:22
166. Isa 6:1When Isaiah saw His gloryJohn 12:40-41
167. Isa 6:8The One Sent by GodJohn 12:38-45
168. Isa 6:9-10Parables fall on deaf earsMatt 13:13-15
169. Isa 6:9-12Blinded to Christ and deaf to His wordsActs 28:23-29
170. Isa 7:14To be born of a virginLuke 1:35
171. Isa 7:14To be Emmanuel-God with usMatt 1:18-23; 1 Tim 3:16
172. Isa 8:8Called EmmanuelMatt 28:20
173. Isa 8:14A stone of stumbling, a Rock of offense1 Pet 2:8
174. Isa 9:1-2His ministry to begin in GalileeMatt 4:12-17
175. Isa 9:6A child born-HumanityLuke 1:31
176. Isa 9:6A Son given-DeityLuke 1:32; John 1:14; 1 Tim 3:16
177. Isa 9:6Declared to be the Son of God with powerRom 1:3-4
178. Isa 9:6The Wonderful One, PelehLuke 4:22
179. Isa 9:6The Counselor, YaatzMatt 13:54
180. Isa 9:6The Mighty God, El Gibor1 Cor 1:24; Titus 2:3
181. Isa 9:6The Everlasting Father, Avi AdthJohn 8:58; 10:30
182. Isa 9:6The Prince of Peace, Sar ShalomJohn 16:33
183. Isa 9:7To establish an everlasting kingdomLuke 1:32-33
184. Isa 9:7His Character-JustJohn 5:30
185. Isa 9:7No end to his Government, Throne, and PeaceLuke 1:32-33
186. Isa 11:1Called a Nazarene-the Branch, NetzerMatt 2:23
187. Isa 11:1A rod out of Jesse-Son of JesseLuke 3:23-32
188. Isa 11:2Anointed One by the SpiritMatt 3:16-17; Acts 10:38
189. Isa 11:2His Character-Wisdom, Knowledge, et alCol 2:3
190. Isa 11:3He would know their thoughtsLuke 6:8; John 2:25
191. Isa 11:4Judge in righteousnessActs 17:31
192. Isa 11:4Judges with the sword of His mouthRev 2:16; 19:11, 15
193. Isa 11:5Character: Righteous & FaithfulRev 19:11
194. Isa 11:10The Gentiles seek HimJohn 12:18-21
195. Isa 12:2Called Jesus-YeshuaMatt 1:21
196. Isa 22:22The One given all authority to governRev 3:7
197. Isa 25:8The Resurrection predicted1 Cor 15:54
198. Isa 26:19His power of Resurrection predictedMatt 27:50-54
199. Isa 28:16The Messiah is the precious corner stoneActs 4:11-12
200. Isa 28:16The Sure Foundation1 Cor 3:11; Matt 16:18
201. Isa 29:13He indicated hypocritical obedience to His WordMatt 15:7-9
202. Isa 29:14The wise are confounded by the Word1 Cor 1:18-31
203. Isa 32:2A Refuge-A man shall be a hiding placeMatt 23:37
204. Isa 35:4He will come and save youMatt 1:21
205. Isa 35:5-6To have a ministry of miraclesMatt 11:2-6
206. Isa 40:3-4Preceded by forerunnerJohn 1:23
207. Isa 40:9“Behold your God”John 1:36; 19:14
208. Isa 40:10He will come to rewardRev 22:12
209. Isa 40:11A shepherd-compassionate life-giverJohn 10:10-18
210. Isa 42:1-4The Servant-as a faithful, patient redeemerMatt 12:18-21
211. Isa 42:2Meek and lowlyMatt 11:28-30
212. Isa 42:3He brings hope for the hopelessJohn 4
213. Isa 42:4The nations shall wait on His teachingsJohn 12:20-26
214. Isa 42:6The Light (salvation) of the GentilesLuke 2:32
215. Isa 42:1-6His is a worldwide compassionMatt 28:19-20
216. Isa 42:7Blind eyes openedJohn 9:25-38
217. Isa 43:11He is the only SaviorActs 4:12
218. Isa 44:3He will send the Spirit of GodJohn 16:7-13
219. Isa 45:21-25He is Lord and SaviorPhil 3:20; Titus 2:13
220. Isa 45:23He will be the JudgeJohn 5:22; Rom 14:11
221. Isa 46:9-10Declares things not yet doneJohn 13:19
222. Isa 48:12The First and the LastJohn 1:30; Rev 1:8, 17
223. Isa 48:16-17He came as a TeacherJohn 3:2
224. Isa 49:1Called from the womb-His humanityMatt 1:18
225. Isa 49:5A Servant from the wombLuke 1:31; Phil 2:7
226. Isa 49:6He will restore IsraelActs 3:19-21; 15:16-17
227. Isa 49:6He is Salvation for IsraelLuke 2:29-32
228. Isa 49:6He is the Light of the GentilesJohn 8:12; Acts 13:47
229. Isa 49:6He is Salvation unto the ends of the earthActs 15:7-18
230. Isa 49:7He is despised of the NationJohn 1:11; 8:48-49; 19:14-15
231. Isa 50:3Heaven is clothed in black at His humiliationLuke 23:44-45
232. Isa 50:4He is a learned counselor for the wearyMatt 7:29; 11:28-29
233. Isa 50:5The Servant bound willingly to obedienceMatt 26:39
234. Isa 50:6a“I gave my back to those who struck Me”Matt 27:26
235. Isa 50:6bHe was smitten on the cheeksMatt 26:67
236. Isa 50:6cHe was spat uponMatt 27:30
237. Isa 52:7Published good tidings upon mountainsMatt 5:12; 15:29; 28:16
238. Isa 52:13The Servant exaltedActs 1:8-11; Eph 1:19-22; Phil 2:5-9
239. Isa 52:14The Servant shockingly abusedLuke 18:31-34; Matt 26:67-68
240. Isa 52:15Nations startled by message of the ServantLuke 18:31-34; Matt 26:67-68
241. Isa 52:15His blood shed sprinkles nationsHeb 9:13-14; Rev 1:5
242. Isa 53:1His people would not believe HimJohn 12:37-38
243. Isa 53:2Appearance of an ordinary manPhil 2:6-8
244. Isa 53:3aDespisedLuke 4:28-29
245. Isa 53:3bRejectedMatt 27:21-23
246. Isa 53:3cGreat sorrow and griefMatt 26:37-38; Luke 19:41; Heb 4:15
247. Isa 53:3dMen hide from being associated with HimMark 14:50-52
248. Isa 53:4aHe would have a healing ministryMatt 8:16-17
249. Isa 53:4bThought to be cursed by GodMatt 26:66; 27:41-43
250. Isa 53:5aBears penalty for mankind’s iniquities2 Cor 5:21; Heb 2:9
251. Isa 53:5bHis sacrifice provides peace between man and GodCol 1:20
252. Isa 53:5cHis sacrifice would heal man of sin1 Pet 2:24
253. Isa 53:6aHe would be the sin-bearer for all mankind1 John 2:2; 4:10
254. Isa 53:6bGod’s will that He bear sin for all mankindGal 1:4
255. Isa 53:7aOppressed and afflictedMatt 27:27-31
256. Isa 53:7bSilent before his accusersMatt 27:12-14
257. Isa 53:7cSacrificial lambJohn 1:29; 1 Pet 1:18-19
258. Isa 53:8aConfined and persecutedMatt 26:47-27:31
259. Isa 53:8bHe would be judgedJohn 18:13-22
260. Isa 53:8cKilledMatt 27:35
261. Isa 53:8dDies for the sins of the world1 John 2:2
262. Isa 53:9aBuried in a rich man’s graveMatt 27:57
263. Isa 53:9bInnocent and had done no violenceLuke 23:41; John 18:38
264. Isa 53:9cNo deceit in his mouth1 Pet 2:22
265. Isa 53:10aGod’s will that He die for mankindJohn 18:11
266. Isa 53:10bAn offering for sinMatt 20:28; Gal 3:13
267. Isa 53:10cResurrected and live foreverRom 6:9
268. Isa 53:10dHe would prosperJohn 17:1-5
269. Isa 53:11aGod fully satisfied with His sufferingJohn 12:27
270. Isa 53:11bGod’s servant would justify manRom 5:8-9, 18-19
271. Isa 53:11cThe sin-bearer for all mankindHeb 9:28
272. Isa 53:12aExalted by God because of his sacrificeMatt 28:18
273. Isa 53:12bHe would give up his life to save mankindLuke 23:46
274. Isa 53:12cNumbered with the transgressorsMark 15:27-28
275. Isa 53:12dSin-bearer for all mankind1 Pet 2:24
276. Isa 53:12eIntercede to God in behalf of mankindLuke 23:34; Rom 8:34
277. Isa 55:3Resurrected by GodActs 13:34
278. Isa 55:4aA witnessJohn 18:37
279. Isa 55:4bHe is a leader and commanderHeb 2:10
280. Isa 55:5God would glorify HimActs 3:13
281. Isa 59:16aIntercessor between man and GodMatt 10:32
282. Isa 59:16bHe would come to provide salvationJohn 6:40
283. Isa 59:20He would come to Zion as their RedeemerLuke 2:38
284. Isa 60:1-3He would show light to the GentilesActs 26:23
285. Isa 61:1aThe Spirit of God upon himMatt 3:16-17
286. Isa 61:1bThe Messiah would preach the good newsLuke 4:16-21
287. Isa 61:1cProvide freedom from the bondage of sinJohn 8:31-36
288. Isa 61:1-2aProclaim a period of graceGal 4:4-5
289. Jer 23:5-6Descendant of DavidLuke 3:23-31
290. Jer 23:5-6The Messiah would be both God and ManJohn 13:13; 1 Tim 3:16
291. Jer 31:22Born of a virginMatt 1:18-20
292. Jer 31:31The Messiah would be the new covenantMatt 26:28
293. Jer 33:14-15Descendant of DavidLuke 3:23-31
294. Ezek 34:23-24Descendant of DavidMatt 1:1
295. Ezek 37:24-25Descendant of DavidLuke 1:31-33
296. Dan 2:44-45The Stone that shall break the kingdomsMatt 21:44
297. Dan 7:13-14aHe would ascend into heavenActs 1:9-11
298. Dan 7:13-14bHighly exaltedEph 1:20-22
299. Dan 7:13-14cHis dominion would be everlastingLuke 1:31-33
300. Dan 9:24aTo make an end to sinsGal 1:3-5
301. Dan 9:24aTo make reconciliation for iniquityRom 5:10; 2 Cor 5:18-21
302. Dan 9:24bHe would be holyLuke 1:35
303. Dan 9:25His announcementJohn 12:12-13
304. Dan 9:26aCut offMatt 16:21; 21:38-39
305. Dan 9:26bDie for the sins of the worldHeb 2:9
306. Dan 9:26cKilled before the destruction of the templeMatt 27:50-51
307. Dan 10:5-6Messiah in a glorified stateRev 1:13-16
308. Hos 11:1He would be called out of EgyptMatt 2:15
309. Hos 13:14He would defeat death1 Cor 15:55-57
310. Joel 2:32Offer salvation to all mankindRom 10:9-13
311. Jonah 1:17Death and resurrection of ChristMatt 12:40; 16:4
312. Mic 5:2aBorn in BethlehemMatt 2:1-6
313. Mic 5:2bRuler in IsraelLuke 1:33
314. Mic 5:2cFrom everlastingJohn 8:58
315. Hag 2:6-9He would visit the second TempleLuke 2:27-32
316. Hag 2:23Descendant of ZerubbabelLuke 2:27-32
317. Zech 3:8God’s servantJohn 17:4
318. Zech 6:12-13Priest and KingHeb 8:1
319. Zech 9:9aGreeted with rejoicing in JerusalemMatt 21:8-10
320. Zech 9:9bBeheld as KingJohn 12:12-13
321. Zech 9:9cThe Messiah would be justJohn 5:30
322. Zech 9:9dThe Messiah would bring salvationLuke 19:10
323. Zech 9:9eThe Messiah would be humbleMatt 11:29
324. Zech 9:9fPresented to Jerusalem riding on a donkeyMatt 21:6-9
325. Zech 10:4The cornerstoneEph 2:20
326. Zech 11:4-6aAt His coming, Israel to have unfit leadersMatt 23:1-4
327. Zech 11:4-6bRejection causes God to remove His protectionLuke 19:41-44
328. Zech 11:4-6cRejected in favor of another kingJohn 19:13-15
329. Zech 11:7Ministry to “poor,” the believing remnantMatt 9:35-36
330. Zech 11:8aUnbelief forces Messiah to reject themMatt 23:33
331. Zech 11:8bDespisedMatt 27:20
332. Zech 11:9Stops ministering to those who rejected HimMatt 13:10-11
333. Zech 11:10-11aRejection causes God to remove protectionLuke 19:41-44
334. Zech 11:10-11bThe Messiah would be GodJohn 14:7
335. Zech 11:12-13aBetrayed for thirty pieces of silverMatt 26:14-15
336. Zech 11:12-13bRejectedMatt 26:14-15
337. Zech 11:12-13cThirty pieces of silver cast in the house of the LordMatt 27:3-5
338. Zech 11:12-13dThe Messiah would be GodJohn 12:45
339. Zech 12:10aThe Messiah’s body would be piercedJohn 19:34-37
340. Zech 12:10bThe Messiah would be both God and manJohn 10:30
341. Zech 12:10cThe Messiah would be rejectedJohn 1:11
342. Zech 13:7aGod’s will He die for mankindJohn 18:11
343. Zech 13:7bA violent deathMark 14:27
344. Zech 13:7c, 9Both God and manJohn 14:9
345. Zech 13:7dIsrael scattered as a result of rejecting HimMatt 26:31-56
346. Zech 14:4He would return to the Mt. of OlivesActs 1:11-12
347. Mal 3:1aMessenger to prepare the way for MessiahMark 1:1-8
348. Mal 3:1bSudden appearance at the templeMark 11:15-16
349. Mal 3:1cMessenger of the new covenantLuke 4:43
350. Mal 4:5Forerunner in spirit of ElijahMatt 3:1-3; 11:10-14; 17:11-13
351. Mal 4:6Forerunner would turn many to righteousnessLuke 1:16-17

Christology (the study of Christ)

—- HOW MANY OF THE HUNDREDS OF MESSIANIC PROPHECIES DO YOU KNOW? ALSO, HOW DO WE KNOW THAT THE BIBLE IS THE ONLY HOLY BOOK? ….. DOES YOUR “WONDERFUL” PASTOR TEACH AND GO OVER ESSENTIAL TRUTH LIKE THIS? OR, IS HE THE TYPICAL LIGHTWEIGHT, ‘LIGHT IN HIS LOAFERS’ ENTERTAINMENT CONDUCTOR OF A LOCAL CIRCUS SOME CALL “CHURCH”?

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Apostasy

Modern Day Frauds and How They Operate [RADIO]


THIS is so very important! Please listen and share to help others (Ezekiel 44:23).

“And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23

Support | STORE | Podcasts | The Deeds and Doctrines of the Nicolaitans 1 | Witchcraft in the Pulpits Witchcraft in the Church | Are You Under the Spell of Witchcraft? | Getting Delivered from Witchcraft |  Fellowship God’s WayBeware of the “I Love My Church” Deception [podcast]Un-Biblical Local Church Structures [podcast] |

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Apostasy

DOES THE BIBLE SAY TO PRAY FOR FALSE TEACHERS? The Answer May Surprise You.

DOES THE BIBLE SAY TO PRAY FOR OR DOES IT MANDATE THAT WE EXPOSE FALSE TEACHERS?

No, it’s not a sin to pray for the deceived. Yet, isn’t it time we obeying the command of God and stopped giving aid and comfort to the enemies of the LORD and cease caring for them more than the many they are deceiving?

A DIVINE COMMAND: “Now I beseech you, brethren, MARK THEM which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17-18

Wolf worshippers are first and foremost self-worshipping counterfeits who could care less how many souls their celebrity wolf is leading to hell. All they care about is the sensual thrill they feel in worshipping their demon-possessed false prophet who tells them what they like to hear!

NEVER apologize for exposing false teachings and false teachers. You do such in obedience to the LORD and it results in the protection of the Great Shepherd’s sheep for whom He died (Matthew 10; Hebrews 13:20).

Did Jesus or His apostles ever pray for a wolf? No.

To the false leaders of his day, Jesus says this:

“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers (snakes), how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” Matthew 23:33

Do nothing to “bid God speed” to the enemies of the LORD lest you be judged with those enemies of God (2 John 10-11). Bidding God speed means to condone, to support, or in any way to further the cause of the enemies of God, namely human agents who are teaching contrary to the Scripture.

So he’s not calling out the wolves and you still sit under that devil? You want to go to hell with him? (2 John 10-11) Repent and run now! (Matthew 7:15; 24:11; Romans 16:17-18; Jude 3, etc.)

Of the false teachers at Galatia, Paul says he wishes they, the false prophets, were “cut off.” Make not mistake, this is violent language.

“I would they were even cut off which trouble you.” Galatians 5:12

To “cut off” means to castrate, to mutilate, to amputate and so Paul is either saying that his God fearing desire is for false teachers to be castrated or taken out completely. There’s no getting around this appropriately violent language. It’s fitting for this situation because the eternal souls of men, the sheep of Christ’s pasture are at stake.

Many self-deceived people today have more compassion for Satan’s hell bound false leaders than they do for the beloved sheep who are being being misled by those wolves in sheep’s clothing! Repent now.

Beware of misplaced compassion. Compassion without discernment, compassion while ignorant, is dangerous.

The the false prophet Elymas, the apostle says:

“And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” Acts 13:10 

Can anyone find in this Acts 13 text where Christ’s apostle Paul pray for this Elymas, this named false prophet? I’m sorry, perhaps I missed something here.

There seems to be no end to the novices, perhaps well meaning, who argue out of their own ignorance to defend wolves who are devouring Jesus’ sheep. They come off as if they are highly superior in approaching, dealing with wolves with “love” and accuse those who expose as not doing so. Let’s take a look at who’s walking in true love, and who isn’t.

“Open rebuke is better than secret (hidden, concealed) love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:5-6 

Hebrew word for “secret” …..

סָתַר
sâthar
saw-thar’
A primitive root; to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively: – be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, X surely.

As you will see below, it seems accurate to observe that we’ve never seen “love” like the love of prey for the wolf that’s tickled their ears and told them what their unrepentant hearts wish to hear (Isaiah 30:9-10; 2 Timothy 4:2-4).

Most wolf protecting enemies of Christ simply don’t know and don’t want to know what God says about this topic. They are under the control of Satan himself, covering for his agents and will be judged with them (2 John 10-11). God doesn’t like cowards (1 Corinthians 16:13; Revelation 21:8). The “fearful” are the first class listed as going to the lake of fire.

Those who defend Jesus’ enemy’s will be judged, damned with them (2 Pet 2:1-3; 2 Jn 10-11).

TYPICAL DEFENSE OF A WOLF BY HIS PREY:

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

REPLY:

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

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

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

REPLY:

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

God knows all men’s hearts yes and yet GOD commanded us to know people also. How? Jesus says to “know (discern) them BY THEIR FRUITS” and thereby we know that anyone teaching “another gospel” is “accursed” and is the very enemy of Christ and to be “earnestly” contended against and marked, scoped out and identified – so as to protect the body of Christ (Matthew 7:16, 20; Romans 16:17-18; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Peter 2:1-3; Jude 3-4).

HOW DID JESUS tell us to know/discern others? The FRUIT of their lives (Matt 7:16,20) THE FACT that JESUS told us to “know” (discern) people means He wants us to do so! (Matt 7:16,20) Same chapter as “judge not” v1-5 When Jesus taught us to “judge not” He is speaking in that context of hypocritical judgment and wrongly assigned condemnation. The JUDGE has spoken in a book called THE BIBLE. He’s calling us to pay attention when we read it. His written WORD records for us HIS judgments – the judgments of the Judge. So when a man preaches the Word, he is preaching GOD’s judgments, warnings, and not his own.

MESSAGE TO ME FROM A MAN ATTEMPTING TO CURTAIL THE MARKING OF A KNOWN WOLF:

“Dear Lord Jesus Please show Todd White your Holy Truth. May Todd White find peace and assurance in your wisdom and may he become a light upon a hill guiding others to Christ. Help him to leave behind his old self and ignite in him a desire to unashamedly make known Your Truth and disown and depart from the untruths he has held onto. In Jesus Mighty name we ask, Amen. Matthew chapter 5 verse 44’ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

REPLY:

Can you give chapters and verses where Jesus or His holy apostles specifically prayed for a wolf? Ever read Matthew 23?

Interesting that you seem to hate all those precious many souls Todd White is misleading. Interesting. Why don’t all those precious souls matter to you? If you aren’t defending Todd White, why do you seem to care more for him than those many people he’s misleading?

How intense was Jesus’ apostle Paul about protecting Christ’s flock?

“For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” Acts 20:27-31

In Matthew 5:38-45 Christ is speaking of not retaliating against OUR enemies. Jesus is speaking of how we are to react to OUR ENEMIES, not HIS enemies in Matt 5:44. HIS enemies in specific are those who are misleading HIS people, the sheep for which HE bled to save on that cross. You are misguided and taking Scripture out of context. What did He mandate that His disciple do?

“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 3-4

GOD TOLD YOU TO “MARK THEM” – WOLVES – AND NOT DEFEND THEM! (ROMANS 16:17-18) YOU GOING TO OBEY GOD OR REBEL?

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

Todd White is being marked, scoped out (Gr. skopeo) and named, identified as an enemy of Christ, a wolf in sheep’s clothing (Matt 7:15) so His people can be aware and escape being deceived…. no different than warning your children not to go near the street. Danger.

MESSAGE FROM WOLF JUSTIFIER:

“I believe we can still learn from (false) preachers and pastors biblical teaching, but we must test the spirits. Bring what is taught back to the word. Paul Washer, MacArthur, Spurgeon all preachers. Even today’s motivational speakers. I use what the Holy Spirit blessed me with, discernment, knowledge, wisdom.”

REPLY:

Good morning. Yes and yet, the LORD mandates that we separate ourselves from His enemies who pose as His ministers yet Paul says they are actually the ministers of Satan (2 Cor 11:12-15). Jude 3; Rom 16:17-18 …. we know all men, beginning with ourselves by the fruit…. false doctrine is bad fruit which means the root and tree is cursed. Matt 7:15-21; 12:33

Mat 12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

Paul Washer, MacArthur, Spurgeon are all calvinist heretics. Everything they say, teach is poisoned with this calvinistic system, a doctrine of devils.

The Holy Spirit blessed you with the Word and so why do you need to even listen to known false teachers? Why would you? (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21, etc.)

How would you feel if your own husband communed with a sworn enemy of yours? How does Jesus feel by what you’ve just said?

SETTING THE BIBLICAL RECORD STRAIGHT

Jesus commanded HIS people to “JUDGE righteous judgment” (John 7:24) And, He commanded us to know/discern others “BY THEIR FRUITS” and that’s exactly what we’re doing under the command of KING JESUS (Matthew 7:16, 20). Dare you interfere with HIS work and become His enemy? You are bidding Godspeed to evil doers, satan’s wolves in sheep’s clothing, and you will be judged with those enemies of Christ if you don’t repent (2 John 10-11).

Jesus and each of His apostles on record in the New Testament canon warned the flock of wolves who would devour! There is no instance where they prayed for an enemy of Christ, a wolf who was misleading the flock of God.

Here is the list of the 8 evil doers the great apostle was divinely inspired to justifiably identify by name in 2 Timothy – in order to protect God’s people:

1) Phygellus 1:15

2) Hermogenes 1:15

3) Hymenaeus 2:17

4) Philetus 2:17

5) Jannes 3:8

6) Jambres 3:8

7) Demas 4:10 (apostate)

8) Alexander the coppersmith 4:14

Read the book of 2 Timothy and underline these deceivers that the apostle was marking.

Naming Names, Marking Wolves | Beware of those who Defend Christ’s Enemy’s instead of Expose them | Exposure Dialogue | Apostasy Dialogues | Warning

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Apostasy

Spiritual Formation—A Dangerous Substitute for the Life of Christ [podcast]


Sometimes we think of spiritual formation as formation by the Holy Spirit. Once again. That’s essential. . . . But now I have to say something that may be challenging for you to think about: Spiritual formation is not all by the Holy Spirit. . . . We have to recognize that spiritual formation in us is something that is also done to us by those around us, by ourselves, and by activities which we voluntarily undertake . . .There has to be method.1—Dallas Willard

Aside from the fact that Spiritual Formation incorporates mystical practices into its infrastructure (remove the contemplative aspect and you don’t have “Spiritual Formation” anymore), Spiritual Formation is a works-based substitute for biblical Christianity. Let us explain.

When one becomes born again (“that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9-10), having given his or her life and heart over to Christ as Savior, Jesus Christ says He will come in and live in that surrendered heart:

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Colossians 1:27)

If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:11; emphasis added)

When God, through Jesus Christ, is living in us, He begins to do a transforming work in our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:18). Not only does He change us, He also communes with us. In other words, we have fellowship with Him, and He promises never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

This life of God in the believer’s heart is not something we need to conjure up through meditative practices. But if a person does not have this relationship with the Lord, he may seek out ways to feel close to God. This is where Spiritual Formation comes into play. Rather than a surrendered life to Christ (through repentance and faith), the seeking person begins practicing the spiritual disciplines (e.g., prayer, fasting, good works, etc.) with the promise that if he practices these disciplines, he will become more Christ-like.

But merely doing these acts fails to make one feel close to God—something is still missing. And thus, he begins practicing the discipline of silence (or solitude), and now in these altered states of silence, he finally feels connected to God. He now feels complete. What he does not understand is that he has substituted the indwelling of Christ in his heart for a works-based methodology that endangers his spiritual life. Dangerous because these mystical experiences he now engages in appear to be good because they make him feel close to God, but in reality he is being drawn into demonic realms no different than what happens to someone who is practicing transcendental meditation or eastern meditation. Even mystics themselves acknowledge that the contemplative realm is no different than the realm reached by occultists. To understand this more fully, please read Ray Yungen’s book A Time of Departing.

Bottom line, it is not possible to be truly Christ-like without having Christ inside of us because it is His righteousness that is able to change our hearts—we cannot do it without Him. It is His righteousness we need:

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe. (Romans 3:22)

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. (Philippians 3:9)

It is interesting to note that virtually every contemplative teacher has a common theme—they feel dry and empty and want to go “deeper” with God or “become more intimate” with God. But if we have Christ living in us, how can we go any deeper than that? How can we become more intimate than that? And if going deeper and becoming intimate were so important, why is it that none of the disciples or Jesus Himself ever told us to do this? As Larry DeBruyn states:

Why are Christians seeking a divine presence that Jesus promised would abundantly flow in them? . . . Why do they need another voice, another visitation, or another vision? Why are some people unthankfully desirous of “something more” than what God has already given to us? Why is it that some Christians, in the depth of their souls, are not seemingly at rest?2

Is There a “Good” Spiritual Formation?

One of the most common arguments we hear defending Spiritual Formation is that there is a “good” Spiritual Formation done without contemplative prayer. To that we say, we have never yet seen a Spiritual Formation program in a school or a church that doesn’t in some way point people to the contemplative mystics. It might be indirectly, but in every case, if you follow the trail, it will lead you right into the arms of Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, and other contemplative teachers.

Think about this common scenario: A Christian college decides to begin a Spiritual Formation course. The instructor has heard some negative things about Richard Foster, Henri Nouwen, and Brennan Manning, and he figures he will teach the class “good Spiritual Formation” and leave those teachers completely out. But he’s going to need a textbook. He turns to a respected institution, Dallas Theological Seminary, and finds a book written by Paul Pettit, Professor in Pastoral and Education Ministries. The book is titled Foundations of Spiritual Formation. The instructor who has found this book to use in his own class may never mention Richard Foster or Dallas Willard, but the textbook he is using does. Within the pages of Pettit’s book is Richard Foster, Philip Yancey, N.T. Wright, Dallas Willard, Thomas Aquinas, Lectio Divina, Ayn Rand, Parker Palmer, Eugene Peterson, J.P. Moreland, Klaus Issler, Bruce Demarerst, Jim Burns, Kenneth Boa and Brother Lawrence’s “practicing God’s presence.” You may not have heard of all these names, but they are all associated with the mystical contemplative prayer movement and the emerging church.

Another example of this is Donald Whitney’s book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Whitney is former Associate Professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and currently at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. While his book does not promote contemplative mysticism, he says that Richard Foster has “done much good”3 in the area of Christian spirituality (which we believe is blatantly untrue).

Our point is that even if there is a sincere attempt to teach Spiritual Formation and stay away from the mystical side, we contend that it cannot be successfully accomplished because it will always lead back to the ones who have brought it to the church in the first place.

Spiritual formation is sweeping throughout Christianity today. It’s no wonder when the majority of Christian leaders have either endorsed the movement or given it a silent pass. For instance, in Chuck Swindoll’s book So You Want to Be Like Christ: 8 Essential Disciplines to Get You There, Swindoll favorably quotes Richard Foster and Dallas Willard. Swindoll calls Celebration of Discipline a “meaningful work”4 and Willard’s book The Spirit of the Disciplines “excellent work.”5 In chapter three, ”Silence and Solitude,” Swindoll talks about “digging for secrets . . . that will deepen our intimacy with God.”6 Quoting the contemplative poster-verse Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” Swindoll says the verse is a call to the “discipline of silence.”7 As other contemplative proponents have done, he has taken this verse very much out of context.

Roger Oakland sums it up:

The Spiritual Formation movement . . . teaches people that this is how they can become more intimate with God and truly hear His voice. Even Christian leaders with longstanding reputations of teaching God’s word seem to be succumbing. . . .

We are reconciled to God only through his “death” (the atonement for sin), and we are presented “holy and unblameable and unreproveable” when we belong to Him through rebirth. It has nothing to do with works, rituals, or mystical experiences. It is Christ’s life in the converted believer that transforms him.8

“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Romans 5:10

What Christians need is not a method or program or ritual or practice that will supposedly connect them to God. What we need is to be “in Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:30) and Christ in us. And He has promised His Spirit “will guide [us] into all truth” (John 16:13).

“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” 1 Corinthians 1:30

In Colossians 1:9, the apostle Paul tells the saints that he was praying for them that they “might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” He was praying that they would have discernment (“spiritual understanding”). He said that God, the Father, has made us “partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (vs 12) and had “delivered us from the power of darkness [i.e., power of deception]” (vs. 13). But what was the key to having this wisdom and spiritual understanding and being delivered from the power of darkness? Paul tells us in that same chapter. He calls it “the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints” (vs. 26). What is that mystery? Verse 27 says: “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (emphasis added).

For those wanting to get involved with the Spiritual Formation movement (i.e., contemplative, spiritual direction), consider the “direction” you will actually be going.

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. (Colossians 1:21-23)

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2: 8-10)

This article is an extract from the Lighthouse Trails booklet, Is Your Church Doing Spiritual Formation? (Important Reasons Why They Shouldn’t). To order this booklet, click here.

Endnotes:
1. Dallas Willard, “Spiritual Formation: What it is, and How it is Done” (https://dwillard.org/resources/articles/spiritual-formation-what-it-is-and-how-it-is-done).

2. Larry DeBruyn, “God’s Present of His Presence” (https://www.guardinghisflock.org/gods-present-of-his-presence/ ).

3. Donald Whitney, “Doctrine and Devotion: A Reunion Devoutly to be Desired” (http://web.archive.org/web/20080828052145/http://biblicalspirituality.org/devotion.html).

4. Chuck Swindoll, So You Want to Be Like Christ: 8 Essential Disciplines to Get You There (Nashville, TN:W Publishing Group, a div. of Thomas Nelson, 2005), p. 15.

5. Ibid., p. 13.

6. Ibid., p. 55.

7. Ibid.

8. Roger Oakland, Faith Undone (Eureka, MT: Lighthouse Trails Publishing, 2007), pp. 91-92.

This has been an extract from our booklet Is Your Church Doing Spiritual Formation? (Important Reasons Why It Shouldn’t). To order this booklet, click here.

Related Article:

Trying to Live the Christian Life Without Having the Christian LIFE by Harry Ironside

Spiritual Formation Exposed | 

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