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God Cannot be Tempted with Evil

God is “Holy, holy, holy.”

“And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3

“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” Revelation 4:8

All sin is man’s doing, not God’s. Man alone is to be blamed, not the LORD. All who would blame the LORD with their lame, self-serving excuses indict the Almighty!

We sure do strive against sin (Hebrews 12:4) and yet are given full divine grace and enablement to overcome all sin – “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:14)

Those who conveniently ignore the divine mandate of Romans 6 to crucify the sinful man and his evil, sinful deeds are denying Christ who died to take away all sin from our lives. To deny such is to deny the Gospel.

The Bible never separates being saved from sin and being saved for eternity.

They are always connected and so anyone claiming to be saved and yet is not presently saved from their sin, is completely deluded. They have bought into the life of the ages which Satan launched in the Garden of Eden when he told the first man and woman that they could sin against the LORD and “not surely die” or be separated from Him (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). This lie from hell caused the fall of the first man and woman and is causing the fall of millions today who vainly believe they are saved for Heaven while living in their sins unrepentant!

At the Day of Pentecost, when the LORD’s church was born, Jesus’ apostle Peter testified to those saved: And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” (Acts 2:40)

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

I can hear it now: “BUT BUT BUT……. being holy is a nice thought and theory, BUT BUT BUT… does God really expect to be what He commanded us to be? Will He not overlook our sins? Doesn’t He see us through the blood of Christ?”

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses

Those who are living in unrepentant sin and somehow believe God is going to forgive them in the end may wish to consider that:

1. You may never have the chance to repent, sudden, instant death happens to thousands daily (Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 22:11).

2. You may call upon the LORD and He will not hear you (Proverbs 1).

Let me pause to say that obviously, this writer is a disciple also and so just like yourself, he knows the gravity of sin and yet is also blessed to know the power of Jesus Christ to crucify all sin out of his personal life, but only as this follower is truly abiding crucified with Christ. Only as we are abiding crucified with Christ are we free from the entanglement and defilement of all sin!

“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.” Galatians 2:20

Satan and sinful self are always at work, making excuse for soul damning sin. Yet the Bible has all of God’s answers for all sin, not just some sin. Learning to die – to lay aside self for the greater glory of Jesus’ reign – is at the heart of Christ’s message of the daily cross (Matthew 16:24-25; Luke 9:23-24; John 12:23-26, etc.). Those who deny the daily cross Christ commanded, are the very “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18-19)

The list of excuses goes on and on and on, yet they’re all based on rebellion and unbelief against our Maker who through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ made full and complete provision through to save us from all sin.

In fact, is that not exactly why Jesus came?

The announcements of the Messiah’s birth, Ministry, and Divine Mission:

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29

To deny that God sent His only begotten Son to save us from all sin is to deny Christ.

You are calling God a liar to say you can’t be blessed by Him to overcome all sin and sinning. Those who dare indict the Almighty this way despise the perfect salvation of Jesus Christ.

“The spirit of holiness” as from the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is to possess all of God’s children, enabling them to “through the (Holy) Spirit … mortify the deeds of the body.” (Romans 1:4; 8:13-14)

“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die (be separated from God): but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live (have life with Christ). 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God (those living in sin are not being led of the Spirit and are not the sons of God). 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father (why fear if God has given you His full divine power over all sin?). 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God (as we live in His holiness by the power of His Holy Spirit):  17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; IF so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together (notice that this is clearly condistional). 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (suffering death to self).” Romans 8:12-18

Excuse makers are not true disciples of Jesus. They put more trust in the sinful nature than they do in the saving power of Jesus Christ which means they have “an evil heart of unbelief” and have departed from the saving faith of Christ Jesus (Hebrews 3:12-15; 1 Timothy 4:1).

“Take heed, brethren (not lost souls), lest there be in any of YOU (brethren) an EVIL heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But (in light of this jeopardy of soul) exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, IF IF IF we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” Hebrews 3:12-15

The same excuse-making sinners who use Romans 7 to justify their sin, refuse to be confronted with Paul’s words in the very previous chapter – Romans 6. They refuse to repent of all sin and be crucified with Christ and are kindling for the fires of eternal damnation. Saving grace saves us from sin and quickens us to repent and confess any and all sin if we make choice to commit such as is named in Scripture and defiles our wedding garments (Mark 7:20-23; Galatians 5:19-21). Listen closely to this Titus 2 passage beloved:

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14

It is clear from this Bible passage that only those who are by the enabling grace of God, learning of Him and “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” are ready to meet Christ at His soon return.

According to Titus 2, exactly what is divine saving grace teaching those who are truly possessed with it? – “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” (v12) This means that anyone who claims to be Christ’s and yet is not learning to daily deny “ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world,” is utterly deceived. Whatever you do, pour over and learn this passage! Let it take full precedence in your heart and mind, overruling the message of those wolves who have taken sin lightly and made you feel comfortable while living in soul-damning sin. Cast down those wicked false images of God beloved (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Deborah Blanchard notes:

“God is Holy and to be feared. He demands holiness from us. It is our choice and when we choose to be obedient to Him He gives us the power to overcome. It is a fearful thought of mine to come before a Holy God. At the same time, it is a loving God who provides all we need when we decide to come to Him on His terms.”

Continuing in sin and yet still saved?

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

If you are not currently saved from sin, you are not saved, period.

Let’s review the above passage:

Question:

“Shall we continue in sin, that (saving, essential) grace may abound?”

Answer:

“God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

“This Present Evil World”

“Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” Galatians 1:4

Of Galatians 1:4, the late Donald Stamps aptly noted:

“DELIVER US FROM THIS PRESENT EVIL WORLD.  This verse if probably an early confession of faith that was well known throughout the N.T. churches. It connects the death of Christ with the forgiveness of sin and deliverance from ‘this present evil world.’ Essential to the saving purpose is the deliverance of believers from the evil that dominates the societies of this world. The first gospel message preached after the Pentecostal outpouring of the Holy Spirit contained the words: ‘Save yourselves from this untoward generation.’ (Acts 2:40) Believers must live for God and refuse to be governed by the prevailing values, wisdom, opinions, corrupt desires, ambitions, and pleasures of the people of the world.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 1830

If you love your sin more than Christ, you have openly denied Him and are in danger of hellfire. If you don’t repent and return to Him, allowing Him to make you holy as is defined by Him alone, He is going to deny you access to eternal glory and terminate you into the bowels of eternal damnation.

“It is a faithful saying: For IF we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 IF we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 IF we believe not, yet he abideth (remains) faithful: he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:11-13

Notice that the LORD says of Himself here that “he cannot deny himself.” It never says He can’t deny you. Say what?! Yes, read the passage above again very carefully and you will note that many have been misled by false teachers to believe that God will never deny them because they had once been saved in their past. But is that what the LORD is saying in the passage above? No! He says that He cannot deny Himself – not us. It never says He cannot and will not deny us. In fact, it says in plain daylight that “if we deny him, he also will deny us.” The “if” means it’s possible to deny Christ and the divine promise here is that “if we (do) deny him, he also will deny us.”

Note also that this passage assures us that only “if we be dead with him” shall we “live (eternally) with him.” And, only “IF we suffer (death to self) shall we “reign with him.”

Make no mistake: The blessing of eternal glory is condition, not un-conditional as many false teachers teach.

It’s time to snap out of the spell of all fictitious notions and falsehoods we have been fed by the epidemic of beguilers who now fill books, pulpits, audio messages, videos, websites, and otherwise with their lies from hell. Get into God’s Word and take Him who is the Judge of your eternal soul at His Word. Decide to “Let God be true and EVERY man a liar.”(Romans 3:4)

A Willingly Deceived Generation

“There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.” Proverbs 30:12

Foolish, deceived souls somehow believe that they can be saved and have “eternal security” while they refuse to be saved from their sin. Nothing could be further from the truth as any honest hearted Bible student knows. This is a brazen denial of Christ who died “that he might redeem us from all iniquity,” not just some iniquity (Titus 2:14).

Those who refuse to submit to the “daily” dying to self will find any speck of Bible truth to twist to justify their rebellion and make excuse for their rebellion and sin (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Peter 3:16).

It’s essential to be “honest” in all things as Jesus taught and yet He also said that “men loved darkness rather than light.” (Luke 9:23-24; John 3:19-21)

2 Corinthians 7:1 says: “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from ALL filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

Departing from all Iniquity is Commanded by the LORD

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

It’s clear from this above passage that every single person who is currently in Christ’s body and secure with Him, is departing “from iniquity.”  Contrast with those who revel in sin and them make excuses for doing so.

Nothing in God’s Word could be more clear than the fact that all who die in sin – all – will spend eternity in the lake of fire (Ezekiel 33:12-13; 18:30; Romans 6:23; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8, 27, etc.).

When speaking to His very own people, Jesus promised that only those among them that “overcome” would be with Him eternally (Revelation 2-3). The Holy Spirit told us through Peter that in the end “the righteous” would “scarcely be saved.” Many have fallen away or not endured to the end which is a requirement imposed upon us by the LORD. “And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1 Peter 4:18)

Whether previously saved or not, all those who die in sin are going to the lake of fire. The whole of God’s Word testifies to this fact. Jesus said to cut off the hand and pluck out the eye that causes us to offend the one true God who said He is “Holy, holy, holy.” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) Read Mark 9:42-49, a passage purposely dodged by the spineless, self-serving cowards behind today’s pulpits who claim to be representing Christ while refusing to declare the full counsel of His Word (2 Timothy 4:1-5). The Son of God promised us that He will be ashamed of them in the Judgment, which means they will be vanquished into the bowels of eternal damnation (Mark 8:38; John 8:47). There’s no doubt that after we have been saved, we have all sinned against God and yet there are those who openly and honestly admit they have sinned and repent, turning back to the LORD (Luke 8:15; 1 John 1:7-10; Revelation 3:17-19). And then, there are those who use  false doctrine like OSAS (once saved always saved) to cloak themselves in that sin, falsely claiming they are still secure. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The LORD Jesus and the Father, the One who will judge our eternal souls, made it clear that we must repent of any sin committed. Only then does He “cleanseth us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) The LORD made full provision for all sin in the perfect sacrifice of Christ and yet, the benefits of that sacrifice are only appropriated (received) by those who meet the divinely stated conditions.

Notice what the divine counsel reveals through Jesus’ apostle Paul in the end of 2 Corinthians 12:

“For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: 21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.” 2 Corinthians 12:20-21

Read this passage several times prayerfully. You will notice that as Paul is writing this to the church at Corinth, he is dreading having to go and have to deal with their sin – that is, the sin of those who had not yet repented of the sins they committed. He never denied that perhaps all of them had committed some sin since he last saw them. Yet, the ones he was exclusively concerned about were the ones who had not yet repented of their sin.

Sin is always a choice of the individual. The old sinful nature cannot be used as a scapegoat. It’s present with us and yet, must be kept under subjection to the divine power of the Holy Ghost.

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27

The word “keep” here once again makes it clear that the denial of the sinful self is an ongoing requirement. It’s also obvious that Paul didn’t believe or teach the “once saved always saved” heresy, otherwise he would never have stated that he himself could also become “a castaway” which simply means he could ultimately cast away from Christ into eternal damnation.

To intimate in any way that we are relegated to live in sin, would be saying that God’s regenerating, transforming, saving, enabling grace is not enough to keep us from all sin. That’s a lie from hell.

If you sin, be honest and admit it to the LORD. How foolish of us to think that He doesn’t see and know our sin in the first place? (Proverbs 15:3; Matthew 10:26; Hebrews 4:13) Who are we trying to fool?

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

The above Bible verse speaks about the necessity of being honest before the One who sees all. Also, it makes crystal clear that all sin that the believer chooses to commit must be confessed and forsaken.

Memorize Proverbs 28:13 (KJV). Write it on an index card and read, meditate upon, and memorize this truth. Share this with others.

Do you believe we have to be perfect after we become a Christian? Yes, perfect in heart, which without fail brings “fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life” with Christ in glory (Romans 6:22). Many misuse the Bible truth that “the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) Some use this as a cloak/excuse for their sin, acting as if God overlooks their sins, even if they refuse to repent, confess, and forsake them.

“What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:21-23

God looks upon the heart first and foremost as His eyes search to and fro throughout the earth, looking for that person whose HEART (not necessarily their performance) is perfect toward Him (2 Chronicles 16:9). The thief on the cross was utterly wicked until he turned his heart to Jesus and Jesus freely saved him in his last moment on earth. The fruit of and outward actions of our lives will begin to align with the abiding heart that is perfectly fixed upon and abiding in Christ (John 15:1-6; Colossians 3:1-8, etc.). We must not cover but rather repent of and forsake sin (Proverbs 28:13). Jesus said “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”(Matthew 5:6) Moses, David, Peter and many others throughout Scriptural history had sinful failings but repented while others (their contemporary counterparts) refused to return to the LORD in repentance. It’s interesting to contrast this phenomenon with these historical, biblical contemporary pairs: Cain/Abel, Jacob/Esau, David/Saul, and Peter/Judas. What was the difference? The heart. In each comparison, one repented and the other rebelled and was hardened through the deceitfulness of sin, departing from the LORD (Heb. 3:12-14).

Mercy, forgiveness, and divine enabling grace is always granted to those saved and who continue to come to God through Christ.

Our heavenly Father be thanked for the “throne of grace” He established through the perfect, precious blood of Jesus where our sins can be blotted out afresh upon repentance (Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 John 1:7, 9; 2:1-2).

Jesus is coming and every one that has “this hope” of His return in their heart “purifieth himself even as he is pure.” (1 John 2:28-3:3)

Initial and final salvation is based on Christ’s perfect sacrifice and the reception of it is based on the individual’s initial and enduring faith – to the end (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 3:6; 10:26-39; Revelation 2-3, etc.).

Should we consider the Almighty harsh for giving us in His Word several lists of sins that violate Him? Do we consider Him to be as He told us He is – holy? Did He not give us ample fair warning that all sin will be judged, either by repentance now or when it is too late – when one stands before His holy throne in trembling ruins?

“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:3-4

Jesus came, not to grant free license to sin, but to the contrary, to forever judge sin in the flesh, by the sacrifice of His own body and to grant the blessed power to live in the Spirit and not live in sin. Because Jesus forever judged sin in the flesh by His perfect sacrifice, He defeated all notions and excuses for sin. There will be no defense when we stand before Him naked on Judgment Day. Why then would any person claiming to know Christ teach anything that justifies the sins that violate His holiness?

What does the Holy Spirit promise will happen to any person who has the fruit of any of these “works of the flesh” manifesting in his life?

“…of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things SHALL NOT inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

The believer has already been judged when he or she got saved. Jesus died for ALL our sins, past, present, and future. Jesus sure did do His work perfectly-“It is finished” (John 19:30) and yet the appropriation of His propitiation (atoning sacrifice) is contingent upon our faith – both initially and ongoing. The idea that all my future sins are already forgiven is erroneous and not a New Testament teaching because God is not obligated to continue forgiving any soul that continues in sin. In fact, He told us that “the soul that sinneth, is SHALL die.”  (Ezekiel 18:4)  The fact that Jesus paid fully for our future sins is truth. It’s reality and set in stone, and yet, the forgiven, redeemed believer must endure in saving faith the end or he will be cast into the lake of fire. See. Matthew 10:22; 24:10-13; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 1 Peter 1:5, 9; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Revelation 2-3, etc. There is no such thing as un-conditional eternal security. All of Scripture refutes this lie that is widely peddled by modern false teachers. This is the same lie Satan told Adam and Eve – he told them that if they disobeyed God that God would not separate them from Him (spiritual death). But God booted them from the Garden (His holy presence). See Genesis 2:17 and 3:4.  Notice that one 3-letter word Satan added to God’s Word and how it led to the loss of the fear of God in the first man and woman and led to their fall into sin. God ushered them out of His Garden/presence.

Eternal life surely is eternal and yet the possession of it is forfeitable (Luke 8:13; Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 12:14-15; Jude 1, etc.). We are told that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from “all sin” but only “IF IF IF we walk in the light as he is in the light,” confessing our sins (1 John 1:7-10). After being saved, our sins are not arbitrarily forgiven. We must of necessity take personal accountability for them. We must agree with God’s pronouncements of what sin is and repent if we commit any of them (1 John 1:6-2:2). We shall eternally perish if we die with sin having spotted the pure white garments of His righteousness He graciously gave us, when He found and saved us. God’s Word warns that we are to make our“calling and ELECTION sure” and to keep ourselves “UNSPOTTED from the world,” otherwise we will be found rebels who “obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” and will be eternally condemned (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; James 1:27; 2 Peter 1:10).  We must set aside all tradition and things we have been taught of mere men and be washed with the water of God’s Word, being blessed to attain to His wise counsel. When we do, we will discover a conditional eternal security, not un-conditional. In speaking concerning the person who has believed and was saved initially, Jesus invented the term “fall away” and so such must be possible (Luke 8:13). To deny such would be to disagree with the One we claim to be our Savior.

Forgiven but also Reaping

David sinned and repentant and yet had to reap gross reward for his sin. Sin does have a price tag.

Yes God will forgive our sins and yet, we must reap what we have sowed (Galatians 6:7-8).

Jesus is able to keep us from sin that defiles and makes us unclean in His sight:

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.” Jude 24

The LORD “IS able to keep you from falling” into sin and to “keep” you ready to be presented “faultless” to in judgment – ready to meet Christ and be with Him and not cast away.

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.” Ezekiel 18:30

Be bold and courageous in God. Know that He is able to keep you! Repent of any excuse making. Repent at once of all rebellion and damnable unbelief. If not, you will be “hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” and ultimately be damned, all the while thinking you were saved (Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; Revelation 2-3, etc.).

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; 16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” Hebrew 12:14-17

The “wages of sin” is still spiritual “death.” (Romans 6:23) Like it or not – if you die in sin, you will spend eternity in hell/lake of fire.

Here’s the divine warning to God’s people, not the lost:

“Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? (the covenant people of God are being addressed) 12 Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. 13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.” Ezekiel 33:11-13

Still stuck on the “eternal security” or “once saved always saved” fairytale?

“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. 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

Are you returning to the “vomit” God delivered you from and then making excuse and justifying yourself in your sin? If so, you are a spiritual “dog” in God’s holy eyes which means you are defiled and unfit to have fellowship with Him here and now or in eternity.

Refuse to make any excuse for any sin you may commit. First off, you must realize that you are not forced to commit any single sin. It’s always a choice if it happens and you alone are to blame, period.

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.” James 1:13-16

Read Romans 6 every single morning for the rest of this week or month! And do it! Own it! Pray that the LORD will make it reality in your life!

The holy fear of the LORD is only cultivated in the hearts and lives of those who honestly take Him at His holy Word. All others are denying Christ, hate His truth, and being turned over by God to “strong delusion” and to ultimately “damned.”(2 Thessalonians 2:10-12)

Whatever you do, repent, learn to love and obey the truth, fast and pray, and learn the daily cross Jesus commanded you to take up.

Get the books: Soul Damning SinsI Die Daily, and Lie of the Ages.   STORE (all resources)

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“The remnant shall be saved, not the race.” Steve Gregg

If one reads Romans Chapters 9-11, he will see that all the way through, it was only a remnant that would truly believe.” unknown

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Articles

Bearing the Precious Seed of God’s Word [podcast]


“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6 

A harvest of blessed souls is going to be the result, the ministry produce, the fruit of all who bear and distribute, scatter the seed of the incorruptible Word of God into the hearts of men (1 Peter 1:23).

The LORD didn’t say “go explain who I am to other people.” No, He said “preach the word” and “preach the gospel” (2 Timothy 4:2; Mark 16:15).

Our cute little thoughts and sayings are not even within the same universe of power as the Word of God. Obey God. “Preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2). We can’t explain someone into salvation. No, only God can draw and convict the lost soul and He instructed us to simply communicate His Word to them.

Instead of doing just another little video of yourself or posting a nice little saying, trying to entice people to Christ, why not just post HIS Word – the KJB? You and I have no power to save anyone, not even yourself (John 6:44; 12:32). Only Jesus can do that and He told you to go preach His Gospel and not try to entertain people into His kingdom (Mark 16:15).

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it SHALL accomplish that which I please, and it SHALL prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

When this revelation (recorded for us in Isaiah 55:11) truly hits and settles in your heart, you will never be the same.

People need to hear from God, not us. Have you memorized Isaiah 55:11?

IF Jesus taught something and we’re not teaching it – it’s because we are not following Him correctly – on HIS stated terms (Matthew 28:18-20; John 8:47; 2 Timothy 3:16; 4:2-4, etc.). Are you following Jesus Christ or mere man? Do you preach Christ and His doctrines from HIS Word or are you just regurgitating the pitiful poisons of mere men?

We are still very wise in our own conceits. May the LORD bless us to true repentance with the fruit of allowing God to speak for Himself by simply giving people His Word in His love and wisdom (Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 4:2, etc.).

Leveling endless explanations of the faith is futility if the person communicating is not speaking God’s very Word! God’s words are all-powerful because He spoke them and He alone is ALL-mighty. The Source of God’s words is God Himself and so inherent in His words are His power, His presence, His conviction (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Revelation 1:8, etc.).

The Word of God must become the emphasis and not us, not our wonderful, skillful explanations of who God is. After all, have we forgotten that He is infinite and we finite? Are we not but dust? See Psalms 103:14. Regrettably, many in our day have been elevated in the church world for being able to render endless explanations in their international apologetics ministries. Most of these same men used very little if any Scripture which means they helped no one. Many of those in the “Christian” audiences that elevated these men simply wanted to see the arguments of the enemy of souls defeated and not to be grounded deeply in God’s Word for themselves. One such man was the late Ravi Zacharias.

The Words of the Divine vs the Dust

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Peter 1:23-25 

The “incorruptible seed” is the Word of God, it’s power packed with divine energy. If we are but “dust” before the Almighty, does that not convey just how futile it is to attempt to explain God and His will? Shall we choose to trust the divine or the mere dust created by the divine?

“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.” Psalms 103:13-16

It’s not that we don’t speak our own words also in communicating to others in ministry, yet the substance of what we communicate in those moments is not our words but rather God’s words. He is divine and we are but dust.

In 1 Peter 1:23 Scripture informs us that people are “born again” by the “incorruptible seed” of the Word of God, not our explanation, not by our words.

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

It’s the Word that never returns back to God void, not our explanation. If you wish to be used of God powerfully, you must read, study, be resourceful with, and communicate HIS words.

When you encounter a person in darkness, don’t take it personally. No, rather, see it as an opportunity to kindly plant the seed of the Word of God in their heart – which never returns back to the LORD void but always accomplishes that which pleases Him (Isaiah 55:11). “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16).

The emphasis should not be on our ability to explain God but rather on his word and simply obeying him by preaching it. It’s the incorruptible seed that brings conviction of salvation not our words.

Did the LORD command His people to go explain to others who He is or to simply “preach the gospel”? Mark 16:15

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

When you read, when you are daily studying God’s Word, do so with the truth in mind that God wants you learning of Him for your own relationship with Him and also to help others.

“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” Philemon 6

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15

Our LORD Jesus studied and knew the Word well. Notice how the Son of God readily navigated through the Holy Scriptures to find the exact Scripture He wanted to communicate:

“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written…” Luke 4:17

Notice another prominent biblical example of how true elders of Christ, as they stand before one or many people, put full emphasis on God’s Words and not their own. They concentrate and put full priority in God’s Word and not their own explanations:

“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” Nehemiah 8:8

  1. read in the book in the law of God distinctly”
  2. gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”

Note how these godly elders read God’s Word to the people and then gave the sense of it. This speaks for itself and reveals to us just who is a godly elder and who isn’t. Rare is the man today, in this late hour, who reads Scripture upon Scripture to the people. Many are so busy giving you their explanation that they have no concern that you are hearing the actual, literal words of the LORD. Sad.

Regrettably lots of people brag about their pastor and how he (supposedly) preaches the Word. In most cases it’s obvious that they’re telegraphing that they trust him, the mere man, the pastor and have no life with Christ in His Word daily for themselves – which the LORD commands (2 Timothy 2:15). Hell is full of people who took men at their word instead of loving God enough to find out what He said in HIS Word for themselves firsthand. Sad. If you don’t love God enough to pour over His words, His instructions, His promises, and His doctrines and warnings for yourself, you are in utter need of true repentance and to seek His holy face continually (1 Chronicles 16:11).

“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:13-17

Preach the Word

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:1-4

The Parable of the Seed Growing

“And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. 28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Mark 4:26-29 

Getting in on the Gospel action begins with a simple prayer, perhaps something like this …. LORD, please prepare and use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Apostasy

“Simple Concerning Evil” [podcast]


Holy Scripture uses the phrase “simple concerning evil.”

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

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

Concerning Romans 16:19 Donald Stamps writes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Children Were Offered to Moloch:

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

“Lot … Pitched His Tent Toward Sodom”

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

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

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

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

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

Ephesians 5:1-17

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

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

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

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

5  For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 

6  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 

7  Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 

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

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

10  Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15

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

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

“Keep thyself pure.” 1 Timothy 5:22

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

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