Calvinist Nightmare: The Judas Dilemma

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12 Not 11

It is undeniable that Jesus chose Judas and that Judas was in right relationship with the Son of God, was sent out by Jesus to do His ministry work, and was promised an eternal throne in Heaven. Let’s talk about it.

“Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you TWELVE, and one of you is a devil? 71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.” John 6:70-71

“Have not I chosen you TWELVE” – Did Jesus choose a devil and send him to do His ministry OR did Judas choose after he was chosen by Christ to turn against Christ? The answer is obvious.

Judas was 1 of the 12. Judas was chosen by Jesus to the highest office in the church. Though he later turn against and betrayed Jesus, Judas holds the distinction as being one of the twelve original apostles of Christ!

It is undeniably on record that Jesus Christ promised Judas an eternal throne in Heaven.

“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon TWELVE (not 11) thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matthew 19:28

Was Judas one of the twelve original apostles of Jesus Christ? It is irrefutable that the Son of God promised his “twelve,” not eleven, eternal thrones in His heavenly kingdom. Judas, who was one of the “twelve,” was promised an eternal throne, yet “by transgression” fell and went to hell. Judas kissed the very Gate of Heaven, and turned and went to hell, given over to and driven by demons he ended his own life.

Judas was chosen by Christ Himself as one of His very twelve, yet Judas wasn’t hell-proof. Judas wasn’t “once saved always saved.” Judas was not given a spiritual asbestos suit. It is undeniably on record that Jesus Christ promised Judas an eternal throne in Heaven and so, the OSAS-er and calvinist are dead wrong to believe Judas was never a true child of God. Jesus chose him to the highest office in the church and told him he’d be in Heaven (Matthew 19:28). God’s promises are conditional. Judas chose to rebel and the promise was revoked as it was for Israel and many others throughout biblical history, beginning with Lucifer.

Judas is now in hell and yet was once a disciple of Christ – promised by the Son of God an ETERNAL throne in Heaven (Matt. 19:28). Judas was once in grace but not always in grace.

In Matthew 19:28 Jesus was at that moment speaking to Judas, not his replacement, and the Son of God clearly promised Judas an eternal throne. Christ promised him an eternal throne and Jesus also required that His original 12 and also all who follow Him, endure to the end or be lost (Matt. 10:22; 24:13). “Then said Jesus unto his disciples … Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon TWELVE thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matt. 19:23, 28)

Judas was one of Jesus’ hand-selected “twelve” and so Judas was included in this promise. So, to say Judas was not saved and promised eternal security – a very throne in Heaven with Jesus – is to say that Jesus lied. It is also to say that God can’t break His promise if someone rebels.
Judas kissed the gate of Heaven Himself then turned and denied and betrayed Him. He made choice as God has given all men choice. That ability to choose does not end after He finds and saves us (Deut. 30:19; Josh. 24:15; Isa. 1:19-20; Rom. 6:16, Gal. 6:6-8; James 1:13-15; Rev. 22:17, etc.).

In Matthew 10 the very Son of God sends Judas and the other eleven forth to preach His Gospel, to heal the sick, open blinded eyes, and to cast out devils and do His ministry work, then He tells them that only those who endure to the end (remain faithful to Him to the end of their lives) will be saved (Matt. 10:1-22). Jesus sent Judas to cast out devils which can only be done by the Holy Spirit of God indwelling a person, further proving Judas Iscariot was right with God till he turned away (Matt. 10:1-8; 12:22-29).

As we see in the life of Judas, there is a qualification to the promise of God, initial and continual faith – “to the end.”

Did Christ pray all night and knowingly bring an evil man (Judas) into His ministry? Or, did Judas become evil by choosing not to love and obey Christ and to rebel and live in sin? The answer is obvious to the honest and noble student of Holy Scripture. As is the obvious case with all human beings, Judas retained the choice to go on serving or not serving God with his whole heart (Deut. 30:19-20; Joshua 24:15; Isa. 1:18-20).

Jesus sent Judas to preach His Word and to cast out devils and Judas was a heathen? (Matthew 10:1-8) Lame excuse. Nothing could be clearer than the historically documented fact that Judas had free will, was chosen by the Son of God, set apart and sent to do ministry for Jesus and then fell away by his own sin which he had free will to commit (Acts 1:25; James 1:13-15).

“Ye Are Clean, But Not All”

In John 13, we are given insight into the differences between Peter and Judas. Such is a fascinating study and lesson. The differentiation between what both of these men chose to do holds eternal consequences. We must not miss this eternal distinction! Though both were equally divinely chosen as part of the original twelve, Peter chose to be humble, teachable and obedient while Judas chose to be prideful, unteachable and disobedient. Peter wisely elected to answer the call of Christ to be initially and perpetually washed of his sins which sustained His relationship with Jesus – “Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.” Peter possessed genuine saving faith which manifested in obedience to Christ. Unlike Judas, the one Christ refers to here when He asserts “but not all (are washed),” Peter answered the LORD’s call to be washed initially and continually. Could this not be said to be the difference between Peter and Judas? Is this not the reason that only one of these two men is in Heaven and the other is in eternal damnation?

“Not all (are washed)” – as it was among the original twelve, so it is today in the church. Some have been initially washed and remain washed to this hour, yet some who were initially washed are not submitting to the Lordship of Jesus and are not receiving His ongoing washings from their sins. Do you wash your clothes only one time? No, you buy that article of clothing and then you wash it. You then wash it repeatedly after wearing it – to keep it clean and ready for use. Right?

“…Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27

Why did Jesus give His very life for His Bride? “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot (stains of sin)…but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

God wants His children “without blemish” and such is only possible by humbly submitting our lives to the LORD to be cleansed.

Through the preponderance of data available to us in Holy Writ, it must be concluded that this villainous character named Judas, was chosen and chose to be initially elected and initially washed by Christ, yet did not (like Peter) choose to be perpetually washed and cleansed by Jesus.

“He (Christ) riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash (clean) my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.” John 13:4-10

“If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.” – Did you hear the definitive nature of Jesus’ words here? Christ speaks of initial and perpetual washings. Peter is no different than each and every child of God – we need to be initially and continually cleansed of our sins. This cleansing must be willingly submitted to and is not an automatic process as we see here with the reference to Judas – “ye are clean, but not all.” Eleven of the twelve original apostles of Christ elected to be initially and perpetually washed by the Master sin cleanser. One didn’t.

By nature a bride prepares herself for her bridegroom. As we behold in this very important passage in John 13, Jesus Christ is the initial and perpetual cleanser of our hearts, hands and feet. In Scripture, clean hands and feet speak of asking and receiving washings from the sins we commit with the members of our bodies (transgressions). See Psalms 24 and Romans 6. First and foremost, we must be apprehended by Him, receiving “the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” (Titus 3:4-7) As Peter learned and we are taught here, in John 13, every child who is initially washed, must then submit to the Lordship of the Washer in order to “abide” in relationship with Him (Jn. 15). As Peter learned, so the Bride of Christ must learn to rejoice in and be perpetually washed by Christ’s precious and holy blood and “the washing of water by the word.” (Eph. 5:26)

According to 1 John 1:7, we can know when we are walking in His light as we are being honest towards Him who sees all, and humbly acknowledging (not hiding in darkness) our sins and experiencing the ongoing cleansing of His precious blood. By this unspeakable gift we have clear conscience and are enabled by His grace to serve Him with no consciousness of sin! See Hebrews 9:14 and rejoice! What a gift the divine blood has procured for all New Covenant saints! Dare we not appropriate such blessed benefits? – “forget not all his benefits.” (Ps. 103:2)

“Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now (do not yet understand); but thou shalt know hereafter.” (Jn. 13:7) “Hereafter” or here forward and after you have walked in (been obedient to) what I am showing you here, you will understand. Those who choose to live in obedience to Christ are the ones He chooses to give understanding. In the divine economy, we must first obey in order to be granted understanding. “Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine…” (Jn. 7:16-17)

The Very First Apostate | The Truth About Predestination and Sealing

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Was Judas saved or not in your opinion? I don’t know of anyone who has ever claimed that he was saved. So did Jesus lie? Did He fail? Was His claim to not lose any of His sheep false? Or is it possible that Judas failed, not Jesus? What Jesus promises always remain, just as eternal life is always eternal – but those who had it at one time lost it? The life He gives never becomes anything less than eternal. But some do lose it, as Judas did.”

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

Read the rest of this passage. He is clearly speaking of believers. And 12 is the number of completion. It’s a symbolic number. This doesn’t mean 12 literal thrones. Also, Jesus is obviously not going to make such a promise and not deliver.

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

Matthew 19:28-29 KJV”

REPLY:

What you fail to realize is free will – before and after God saves someone. Read Ezek 33:12-13; Heb 10:26-39.

Matt 19:28

In your “interpretation” of this passage, your colors are showing even more, your utter bias. Pitiful attempt ot continue to promulgate Satan’s OSAS lie…… Totally dishonest explanation.

WHO WAS JESUS SPEAKING TO?

Mat 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his DISCIPLES (how many were there? 12) …

Mat 19:25 When HIS DISCIPLES (the 12) heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

Mat 19:26 But Jesus beheld THEM, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Mat 19:27 Then answered Peter (as usual, spokesman for the 12) and said unto him, Behold, WE (the 12) have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall WE (the 12) have therefore?

Mat 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That YE WHICH HAVE FOLLOWED ME (the 12), in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, YE (the 12) also shall sit upon TWELVE thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Clearly the 12 thrones Jesus promises here refers specifically to whom Jesus is speaking, His 12 disciples.

Many OSAS counterfeits simply will not let go of this demonic lie. They despise the thought of any personal responsibility and so cannot afford to allow themselves to truly repent and bring forth the fruit of a holy life! This will be to their own eternal demise (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Cor 7:1; Eph 5:25-27, etc.).

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Do you think Jesus did not know Judas was going to betray Him, when Judas was selected? Was the Apostle Paul chosen to take the place of Judas, therefore keeping the number at 12?”

REPLY:

Did or did not Jesus choose Judas? Yes (Luke 6:12-16). In Matthew 19:28, did Jesus promise JUDAS an eternal throne? Was the Son of God speaking to Judas or Paul at that moment? – “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto YOU (the 12 original apostles), That YE (included Judas) which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:28)

As we see in the life of Judas, there is a qualification to the promise of God, initial and continual faith – “to the end.” The fact that Jesus, GOD, foreknew who would betray Him in no way negates His love and His choosing of that person. Foreknowledge in no way means God desires anyone to betray Him. Such is a foolish and erroneous conclusion. Jude speaks of many who were once right with God and then betrayed Him – because God gave men free will and never retracts such. He is love and love never forces but rather leaves the choice to the individual both initially and ongoing (Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15). The following passage proves you are indicting the Almighty, blaming He who is “Holy, holy, holy” for the sin of Judas (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8)

Yes Jesus knew who would betray Him. It’s what Scripture calls divine “foreknowledge.” Yet how does that make OSAS/eternal security a Bible teaching other than it’s Satan’s first teaching? Foreknowing who would betray Him after being His, only proves Judas was of Christ and then departed from the Savior – due to his own willful choice to disobey the LORD.

“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 (to sin): 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.” James 1:13-15

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Christ is not capable of lying. Christ knew that Judas was going to betray Him before the foundation of the world. Do you deny this fact?”

REPLY:

That only tells us that God knows all – past, present, and future. The fact that the LORD knows who will betray Him in no way tells us that God desired or ordained Judas to betray Him nor that Judas was forced to betray Him. Man has free will before and after salvation (Joshua 24:15). The LORD never tempted Him to sin (James 1:13-15). Knowing that Judas is in hell, to “prove” your “eternal security” heresy, you have to force this issue. You have to make sure you “prove” that Judas was never Christ’s. Yet you haven’t proven that and can’t. Jesus chose Judas as 1 of His 12, promised him an eternal throne, and sent him to do His ministry work. You refuse to believe anyone could “fall away” after being saved but Jesus invented that term so it must be possible, and it sure is (Luke 8:13). You going to call the Son of God a liar?

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“You have flawed logic if you think God promised Judas something He knew he’d never have.”

REPLY:

“You are not a man of truth. You fail to believe what Scripture teaches concerning conditional, not un-conditional salvation and that some who get saved will choose not to “abide” (remain, continue) in Christ and will “fall away” and go to hell (Luke 8:13; John 15:6). God so loved the whole WORLD and gave His Son on the cross for everyone. Jesus said that He was going to “draw ALL men unto me” when He went to the cross (John 12:32). So here we realize that Jesus desires to save ALL men, otherwise he would not have said He was going to draw “ALL men.” He said He was going to “draw ALL men” which clearly means He desires to save “ALL men” which included Judas. This clearly reveals that He desires to save “ALL men.” (1 Timothy 2:4; 1 John 2:2; 2 Peter 3:9) This doesn’t change the fact that God gives all men free will (Joshua 24:15). You are contradicting the Word of God to say that just because God foreknew that Judas would turn against Christ that he was never of God and that God ordained, desired him to be damned. You indict God as having the characteristic of satan himself – to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). “

“Who will have ALL men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of THE WHOLE WORLD.” 1 John 2:2

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Apostasy

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Laboring in the Spirit, not the Flesh

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21

It’s not about the color or your skin, it’s about what kingdom you’re in!

What Should be the Response of the Body of Christ? – LOVE!

Reading 1 Corinthians 13 each morning this week is a life changer. Nothing in our lives is going to work out right if we don’t prayerfully endeavor to walk in God’s love – loving God and our neighbor, above ourselves. I love pouring prayerfully over 1 Corinthians 13 and Philippians 2:3-5. Life changing is an understatement!

Racism is hatred and is not a skin color. It is a heart condition – coming from a sinful heart. Memorize Romans 2:11.

In the time of tribulation for the believers at Thessalonica, the Holy Spirit spoke through Paul and said this:

“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5

By this we know of a certainty that the Holy Spirit is leading, directing our “hearts into the LOVE of God” and not the flesh, not a fleshly response. We now face tribulation and can be assured by this truth that our unchanging God is directing our hearts into His love and not hatred.

This is a divine truth for every era, every hour…. and we sure know that sin is exponentially abounding in this late hour…. which means divine grace is even greater – to save, heal, bless, deliver, and make whole!!!!

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:” Romans 5:20

Here’s more evidence of God’s leading His people into the love walk in trying times:

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:7-8

Any person who does not walk in God’s love is not saved and we know that from many Scriptures. No hate, no hater shall enter Christ’s kingdom, no matter what justification that sinner thinks he has to warrant hating anyone. “He that loveth not knoweth not God.” (1 John 4:8) “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:15)

When His disciples ask Him “what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”, Jesus gave them this answer:

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation (ethnic group) shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:4-13

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:3-5

The Church began, will end as containing precious souls from every nation, kindred, and tongue (Acts 2; Revelation 5:9; 14:6).

The New Testament church began with men from every nation under Heaven and will be the same throughout eternity in glory.

Acts 2:1-13

“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” Revelation 5:9

Nation/ethnos, ethnic yes…groups at odds was foretold by Jesus – Matthew 24:7

Yes we can be at peace, Jesus told us to fear not and to be at peace …..

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

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Articles

LESS than the Least! Filthy Rags Fellowship! [podcast]

The cross reveals your sin, and God’s love, not how wonderful you are! Repent!

FACT: NO ONE, not one person on this earth needs Jesus more than this fool, this pauper who is nothing without Christ! (Romans 7:18; Ephesians 3:8; 1 Timothy 1:15)

Jesus died, was buried, and raised again from the dead to forgive, regenerate, redeem, and grant complete victory in this life to every one of His people. Yet, we must do things God’s way and no other way.

JESUS JUDGED SIN ON THE CROSS SO WE DON’T HAVE TO BE JUDGED FOR OUR SIN AND SO WE CAN EXPERIENCE “THE EXCEEDING RICHES OF HIS GRACE” BOTH NOW AND FOREVER (JOHN 12:31-32; EPHESIANS 1:7; 2:7).

What do we truly deserve in and of ourselves, being that “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags”? (Isaiah 64:6) The term “filthy rags” expresses the image, the reality of utter impurity, putridity.

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6

No. No. No. Born again believers into Christ are no longer walking in their own righteousness which is as “filthy rags” and yet, they are ever aware of the fact that outside of Christ, if they dare tread, means they are again as “filthy rags” in the sight of a Holy God (Isaiah 64:6; Ezekiel 33:12-13; 2 Peter 2:20-22)..

“And be found in him, NOT HAVING MINE OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS (“filthy rags”), 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

Saints, we cannot possibly begin to appreciate this “so great salvation” that is Christ until we understand how lost, helpless, and alienated we were in our sin (Ephesians 2:1-10; Hebrews 2:3). We must study to understand the biblical doctrine of inherent sin, fallen mankind, and the holiness of God …. in order to begin to be able to appreciate the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.

“It is then, we say, in the successive stages of his experience, that the believer sees more distinctly, and adores more profoundly, and grasps more firmly, the finished righteousness of Christ. And what is the school in which he learns his nothingness, his poverty, his utter destitution? The school of deep and sanctified affliction. In no other school is it learned, and under no other teacher but God. Here his high thoughts are brought low, and the Lord alone is exalted.” Octavius Winslow

The true disciple sees himself as absolutely undeserving of and infinitely blessed to have been found, forgiven, and saved by the LORD Jesus Christ! He sees himself like Paul – “LESS than the least of all saints.” (Ephesians 3:8)

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15

Like Paul, we should always see ourselves as the one most in need of the great mercy of God given us through Christ our LORD! Pour over Titus 3:5-7 daily this week beloved of God.

We cannot die for our own sins. Jesus alone did that – perfectly paying for them (John 19:30). He lived a sinless life under the law – to keep it perfectly as no sinful man had or could ever do (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3; James 2:10, etc.). Christ then nailed the law to the cross and “took it out of the way,” removing us from under it – from under its impossible weight (Colossians 2:14-19, etc.). Memorize Romans 10:4 and James 2:10 and Galatians 2:16 brother.

Paul’s flesh was and our flesh is a constant reminder of the ever momentary need for the grace of Jesus – which works in us via the cross life. Romans chapters 6-7.

All I have to do to find the man most in need of God’s saving grace and mercy, is to look in the mirror (Romans 7:18, 24; James 1:23-24). As long as we neglect to look in the mirror, honestly, we will continue to be self-righteous as were Jesus’ most evil enemies, the religious frauds, the pharisees of His day (Matthew 23). Are we pharisees or humble, broken, honest disciples of Christ? (Matthew 18:3-4)

“Hell is full of people who think they deserve heaven. Heaven is full of people who know they deserve Hell.” Unknown

All self-righteous religious hypocrites are going to hell (Matthew 21:31). May God save, forgive, and cause us, to bless us to be His authentic disciples. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If we vainly imagine that someone else’s sin is more vile than our own in the eyes of a holy God, this is a tell tale indicator that we still don’t have a Gospel clue – as to our own utter unworthiness, wretchedness, and depravity outside of Christ! (Genesis 32:10; Jeremiah 17:9; James 2:10, 13; Titus 3:3-7, etc.)

How can we possibly begin to understand and appreciate why Jesus came to the earth to die if we still see ourselves as anything except “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” before a holy God? (Isaiah 6:3; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18; Revelation 4:8)

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.

The apostle Paul had his personal testimony of being saved by the grace of Christ and considered himself to be, not the least, but rather “LESS than the least” of all saints in Christ. In my opinion, this should be the only thing you and I should disagree with Paul concerning. Paul didn’t know us when he said that, right? 😉 Get the point? -you and I, as we see the truth about our own utter iniquitous depravity (Romans 7), we should view ourselves as “LESS than the least of all saints.” (Ephesians 3:8) We should also agree with the divine truth, uttered from the great apostle of Christ and recorded below:

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18

Do you realize that outside of Christ, “NO GOOD THING” dwells in you?

“O WRETCHed man that I am! (presently) who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24

It really is true that Jesus “saved a wretch like me” when He mercifully saved me.

“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. … And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.” Genesis 6:5, 12

Now, do we begin to see why we must be “crucified with Christ”? (Galatians 2:20)

Every believer grapples with the downward gravitational pull of the flesh (Galatians 5:17; Hebrews 12:4). Obeying God is the only way victory will erupt, manifest in our personal lives (2 Corinthians 4:10-12). Death and burial will be followed by resurrection! And, when Christ is truly reigning is us, victory will be sure! Time to get down low and watch the devil and sin go! (James 4:6-10)

“GOD is able” saith the LORD! (Ephesians 3:20)

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Ephesians 3:20

Defusing the iniquity of self-righteousness increases exponentially when we begin learning the biblical doctrine of fallen mankind (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18; Psalms 39:4-5).

We should see ourselves as the most undeserving of the saving grace of Christ. We should say before our God, with the man who hung his head low as he prayed and said “God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:13)

God calls those whom He saves to relish the great love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy He has shown upon us – “WHILE we were yet sinners.” (Romans 5:6-8) This is the disposition of the true disciple. In fact, He calls us to lift up and prefer others actually ABOVE ourselves.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:3-5

The above passage is a great way to begin our day, every morning.

Those who truly seek and love the LORD, love also all men. Having freely received it, they desire to pour out the message of Christ’s saving mercy on others. Memorize the words of our LORD recorded in Matthew 22:37-40.

Saved by Divine Mercy

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7

Do we still think we were worthy to be forgiven, saved? …. Not! God did it out of His sheer love! Can we examine that idea?

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags…” Isaiah 64:6

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” Romans 3:10

“I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant.” Genesis 32:10

Foundations: JESUS came to save man from his SIN, first and foremost and not just to comfort, remove stress, and solve all the other problems that emanate from sin. Seldom is this foundational Bible truth ever heard in the apostate modern church world where it’s all about “what’s in it for me”? Total self-serving, un-repentant counterfeits! Memorize Matthew 1:29; John 1:29; and 1 Timothy 1:15. The essential doctrine of fallen mankind is ignored by modern wolves. | The Sinful Depravity of Fallen Mankind – Man Outside of the Present Saving Mercy of God

How do you see yourself?

Some among us recklessly pretend to be sinless. This seems apparent in the way they harshly, mercilessly judge others. Yet, God’s Word warns each of us:

“be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23

Instead of covering our sins, denying we’ve committed them, we must admit them honestly and forsake them:

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

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:8-10

If we don’t see things from God’s perspective, through the eyes of Holy Scripture, we are completely deceived and in need of repentance and true obedience to the only LORD and Savior.

ALL sin is public to God. He knows every sin we’ve ever committed. Just because you didn’t get caught by mere men, doesn’t negate the fact.

“Some men’s sins are open beforehand (public, known to men), going before to judgment; and some men they follow after (unknown to men).” 1 Timothy 5:24

Some men’s sins are public while others are hidden for now and yet God sees and will bring them all to the light after death. Nothing is hidden from His eyes (Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13).

All we have to see the person most in need of divine mercy is to look in the mirror.

The sin that should concern us the most is our own.

Mercy! Back up the dump truck and unload it on others AS YOU DESPERATELY need it from God! He requires this! Hell is full of self-righteous, merciless hypocrites. Jesus says the harlots will be in Heaven before they will !

“Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:31

One commentary on this passage states:

“Christ forces from the unwilling hearers an answer which, at the moment, they do not see will condemn themselves. Unaccustomed to be criticized and put to the question, wrapped in a self-complacent righteousness, which was generally undisturbed, they missed the bearing of the parable on their own case, and answered without hesitation, as any unprejudiced person would have decided. The first; i.e. the son who first refused, but afterwards repented and went. Verily I say unto you. Jesus drives the moral home to the hearts of these hypocrites. The publicans and the harlots. He specifies these excommunicated sinners as examples of those represented by the first son. Go into the kingdom of God before you; προαìγουσιν ὑμας: are preceding you. This was the fact which Jesus saw and declared, he does not cut off all hope that the Pharisees might follow, if they willed to do so; he only shows that they have lost the position which they ought to have occupied, and that those whom they despised and spurned have accepted the offered salvation, and shall have their reward. We must remark that the Lord has no censure for those who sometime were disobedient, but afterwards repented; his rebuke falls on the professors and self-righteous, who ought to have been leaders and guides, and were in truth impious and irreligious.” Pulpit Commentary

In this statement and much more of what we see in Holy Scripture, God expresses to us that the filthiest of sinners He detests are the self-righteous religionists.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalms 103:12

THINK of the worst sin you have ever committed: Now, if you want all your sins removed “as far as the east is from the west,” God requires that you repent, cease your self-righteous attitudes and words condemnations on others, and relish His mercy that you never deserved but that God proved through the blood of the cross of His only begotten Son. Get your hands from around the neck of others or hell will be your forever abode – not matter what security you vainly believe you have with the LORD (Matthew 18:21-35).

THE WICKED AND THE WONDERFUL: Does the Bible say that You are Wonderful? [podcast]

Attention: Jesus didn’t come to die because you are wonderful. No He came because you are wicked (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3, etc.). The testimony of Holy Scripture is that JESUS is “Wonderful” (Isaiah 9:6-7)…. and we are “desperately wicked” without Him (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18, 24). Each of His children, bought by His blood, merely stand as unworthy beggars, shoulder to shoulder in honor of our KING, Jesus! The only righteousness we have is that which our LORD Jesus mercifully, graciously provided for us by the one-time shedding of HIS precious blood for our sin – to […]

The Exceeding Riches of His Grace

Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages Ephesians 2:7 “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:4-8 Here are […]

Abiding

God Blesses those who Read His Word [book]

God blesses those who Read His Word

“Blessed is he that readeth” Revelation 1:3

“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and READ.” Isaiah 34:16

“Rightly dividing the word of truth”

“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

YES God’s people are to “study” His Word and how else to do such than to begin by “READING” His words? 2 Timothy 2:15

“Till I come, give attendance to READING, to exhortation, to doctrine.” 1 Timothy 4:13

“Blessed is he that READETH ….” Revelation 1:3

Years ago I found that if I don’t get up early to read God’s Word and spend quality moments in prayer first and foremost, it will never happen. God must be put first and this requires ruthless discipline.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Reading all of God’s Word is the priority of every astute follower of Jesus.

There’s no way to learn God’s Word other than reading it yourself (2 Timothy 2:15). God gave you His Word in tangible format in order for you to learn of Him, from Him, and by Him. Those who leave it to others to teach them God’s Word are self-deceived and will be misled by those they depend on to teach them the Bible.

“I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12

O the beauty of doing things God’s way. When things are done our LORD’s way, His blessings ensue! Blessings will chase you down! Are you putting GOD first in your life, truly, literally?

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

“The joy and rejoicing of mine heart”

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

GOD’S WORD

Saints, in order that some may be encouraged, below, let’s talk about our current personal Bible reading…..

“Presently, I am in 1 Kings, reading all the way through the Bible again, and also reading through Revelation backwards. Personally I like to read several chapters every morning to begin the day and like to include OT, Poetic books, and New Testament chapter readings….. along with pouring over passages like 1 Cor 13; Phil 2:3-5; Col. 3:1-4, 12-14;” Todd

“In 1 Thessalonians reading through the Bible.” Jason

“I am reading Mark.” Michele

“Philippians—Paul’s letter in prison—and joy.” Joe

“I Been Reading James And 1st And 2nd Peter This Week.” Connie

“Working my way through 1 Sam (ch 14 finished now) Psalms 77 and John chapter 4 finished. Trying to read through in 6 months. I enjoy listening (KJB on YouTube) while I read also.” Nathan

“Reading 1 and 2 Corinthians. That’s the Scripture portion that my current CD covers at night. Listening to the whole KJB on CD and set it to repeat while I’m sleeping. This morning specifically studied 2 Cor. 4:10.” Debbie

The Blessings of Bible Reading [podcast]

podcast coming soon “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3 The quickest and surest way to get blessed is to simply read God’s Word. This is so simple that most miss it. Bible reading is the key to learning the things of God (Prov. 22:17-22). Bible Study is paramount to spiritual growth (1 Pet. 2:2). Reading God’s Word etches the image of Christ upon the canvass of the heart (Lk 24:27; Jn 5:39, 46). Bible reading instills the […]

The Real R.E.D. Alert

THE REAL R.E.D. Alert ….Saint of Christ, are you in God’s Word richly and daily, being reminded of His blessed truths? (Colossians 3:16; Acts 2:42) If so, then you are to be putting His children in remembrance of these truths as we look together for His soon return. When we do this, we are considered “a good minister of Jesus Christ.” “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6 Where to Look Jesus […]

IS DOUBTING YOUR SALVATION ALWAYS A BAD THING? [podcast]

Making Sure We are Truly Saved While We Still Can Obviously, the assurance of salvation should concern each and every one of us. “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32 Notice “if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” Note that those who honestly assess and amend their ways in the LORD will not be judged with the wicked. Those who don’t, will be. They will fall away and not […]