Does “Abide” Mean that One Must Continue? Is Your Salvation Secure? [podcast]
Must one “abide” in Christ to the end after being saved in order to be in eternal glory with Christ, the Father, and their saints?
Yes.
“Abide in Christ” means to remain, dwell, or live in a continuous, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s about maintaining a close connection, relying on Him, and allowing His Word to shape one’s thoughts, will, and affections. Essentially, it’s about a life lived in constant communion with Christ.”
Typically, like the false religionists of Christ’s day, they put aside the WORD of God to keep their heretical tradition. In others words, they made their idol false doctrines king and final authority instead of God’s Word (Mark 7:6-9).
John 15:1-6
1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2 Every branch IN ME that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
4 ABIDE (remain, continue) IN ME, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it ABIDE in the vine; no more can ye, except ye ABIDE IN ME.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that ABIDETH IN ME, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
6 If a man ABIDE not IN ME, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
Of this passage, we received a typical reply from an indoctrinated eternal security pawn.
“This is a warning for false converts. They were never saved in the first place. Jesus will not lose one that his father has given him..so if the false convert takes heed to this warning … hopefully they would be led to true salvation through the gospel.” Craig
MY REPLY:
Nice try. Typically, like false religionists of Christ’s day, they put aside the WORD of God to keep their heretical tradition. In others words, they made their idol false doctrines king and final authority instead of God’s Word (Mark 7:6-9). The context of John 15:1-6. Context John 15:1-6. Notice the term “IN ME” appears 5 times …. so were they in Christ, or saved? Yes. In Verse 3 they were cleansed by His Word (regeneration Titus 3:5-7). Also in this passage, the word “abide” appears 5 times. “Abide” means to remain, to continue in Him. So, why would Jesus be telling the counterfeit, a lost souls to continue in Him if they weren’t even saved? That would be lunacy.
Of this passage, Alan Heron writes:
“Craig, this cannot be true, as Jesus explicitly stated that this person WAS ‘in Him’, but IF he didn’t REMAIN ‘in Him’, he would be cast off. There’s no mention of this person being self-deluded into BELIEVING that he was in Christ, merely Jesus’ statement that this person WAS in Him. You can’t be cut off from a vine that you were never a part of. To argue otherwise is deny basic logic.”
Undeniably, un-conditional eternal security is the first lie Satan told to mankind which caused his fall – and he’s still telling the same lie (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). Jesus taught “If a man abide (remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned” (John 15:6). See also Ezekiel 33:12-13; Matthew 10:22; 24:13; 2 Peter 2:20-21; Hebrews 10:26-39, etc.).
The eternal security frauds, cowards, HATE Jesus’s teaching on the absolute necessity of abiding, continuing with Him after being saved – or else suffering the consequence of eternal fire (John 15:6). It’s time to man up, read John 15 honestly, and take personal accountability before the LORD who uttered those words.
Abide or Perish – YOU Don’t Make Up the Rules – God Does! And if You Don’t Abide by them, You Shall Perish as a Rebel.
Notice Jesus said “IF” – “IFFFFF you abide (walk, continue, remain) in me” – which clearly denotes terms you must agree to and walk in or all is lost (John 15:1-6). This speaks of a CONDITIONAL and not an un-conditional eternal salvation. If after being saved, that person does not continue in Christ, what did Jesus say will happen? Let’s review His words again:
“IF a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and CAST THEM INTO THE FIRE, and they are burned.” John 15:6
To “abide” is to remain, to continue and so there are things involved, there are conditions to meet, responsibilities for the recipient, otherwise why these words from Jesus? Who’s the fool – you are the Son of God? What if fiance’ doesn’t remain in relationship with the man/woman he/she is engaged to marry? Will that marriage happen or will it the engagement be ended? The answer is obvious by the 5 foolish virgins being shut out of the eternal bridal chamber. Read Matthew 25:1-13.
The finished work of Christ is a foundational truth of Christianity, but His accomplishment on that cross does not arbitrarily, automatically guarantee the final salvation of the individual He graciously saved in the past. Christ’s perfect and completed work to save mankind does not change the God-given free will of each human being – AND THE UTTER IMPERATIVE, ESSENTIAL OF FAITH-FILLED OBEDIENCE, abiding, ENDURING TO THE END.
When Jesus stated “It is finished,” that did NOT cancel or negate or diminish from ANYTHING else He stated. Jesus says to those He saves that they must “abide” in Him or they will be burned in the fires of eternal damnation (John 15:6). To “abide” simply means to intimately fellowship with, remain in and continue in, which is essential. He says we must “endure to the end” to be saved into eternal glory (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; John 15:6, etc.).
Jesus certainly did pay the perfect price to purchase you out of sin, back to the Father, and yet, your appropriation of that gift is a requirement. Christ’s perfect sacrifice does not in any way remove what Christ Himself mandated for you to do in order for you to remain in Him and be with Him eternally! Salvation is conditional, not un-conditional. And it’s only those who refuse to truly repent and meet those conditions who ravenously balk at such a clear observation of Scripture. They have chosen NOT to love the LORD with all their being and are still in love with self and therefore violently react to the biblical truth that they are personally accountable to God – to obey Him or perish (Matthew 7:21; 1 John 2:4; 3:3-10; Titus 1:16; Revelation 2:26; 3:5, etc.).
Biblically speaking, the perfect finished work of Christ is only appropriated by those who repent, abide in Christ, enduring to the end in love, faith and worship of Him. Remember that true saving faith ALWAYS, without exception will be witnessed in the fruit of good works (Revelation 2:26). All who get saved and don’t abide, remain, endure, continue in Christ to the end of their lives on earth, will perish, and their suffering will be even worse! (Hebrews 10:29-21; 2 Peter 2:20-21).
Eternal security/OSAS is diabolically designed to justify sin and lukewarmness, prevent the once saved person from living a repentant life, denying self in this sinful world, taking up the cross, and following Jesus for real! OSAS is the lie Satan uses to steal back the souls he lost (Titus 2:11-14; 1 John 3:3-10; Revelation 2:4-5; 3:15-16, etc.). This is the very first lie of Satan which led to the fall of mankind (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).
Get saved – Stay saved! It’s not enough to get saved. One must stay saved.
Some of the Baptist persuasion for example, upon hearing the truth, regrettably choose to continue to peddle the OSAS (once saved always saved)/eternal security lie – to cling to a diabolical tradition, heresy, instead of conforming to the truth.
John 15 is a very important passage and we should prayerfully pour over it and ask God to bless us to truly “abide” in Christ – on HIS terms, according to HIS definition!
“If a man abide (remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:6
God is working in the lives of every abiding believer! Than You Jesus!
OSAS is a Christ-denying, cross-rejecting message. It circumvents what God demands – that you truly repent, lay down your life, take up the cross, and live a crucified life (Luke 9:23-24; Galatians 2:20; 5:24; Colossians 3:3, etc.). YOU are no match for sin – so just die so Christ can reign and conquer in your life! (Luke 9:23-24; 1 Peter 4:1-2, etc.)
“Work out (not for) your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13
Your part is to “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” and His part is working in you “to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
“Continue” – a Bible Word/Truth Deliberately Avoided by False Teacher
“In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;” Colossians 1:22-23
“By which also ye are saved, IF ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:2
Jesus said to His own disciples that He required them to endure to the end to be saved therefore we must conclude that any man teaching otherwise is a false teacher and lying against the LORD.
“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22
“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 24:10-13
What could Jesus possibly have meant other than what He said?
IF you don’t authentically love the truth, aren’t humble, aren’t willing to change, you are a foolish virgin who will be shut out of Christ’s eternal kingdom! Repent now. (Matthew 18:3-4; 25:1-3)
Paul didn’t believe he was un-conditionally eternally secure. He told us that he knew he was in jeopardy of losing it all if he didn’t remain in Christ, a crucified vessel:
“But I keep under my body (a continual necessity), 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
Many times we hear John 10:28-29 cited to “prove” OSAS when the person saying this never considers the condition Jesus gave for such a promise not to be plucked out of His hand.
Yes Jesus told us in v. 27 of John 10 exactly who He was speaking to – those who hear (present tense) His voice and follow (present tense) Him:
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they (those who are presently hearing His voice and following Him) shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29
In v. 27 above Jesus gives the condition for the promise of verses 28-29.
Jesus defines His sheep as those who currently hear His voice and are presently following Him. Present tense! Jesus says …..
“My sheep …
- hear my voice, and
- I know them, and
- they follow me…”
Read John 15:1-6.
One writer notes the following:
“To hate is the world’s part, but to endure until the end is our key part who suffer for our Lord. To be hated is a key point to keep in mind of the world, but to endure is our key to succeed and to enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
TODAY, Jesus is continuing the good work of redemption He began in you the moment He saved you from sin into His eternal kingdom! You have His divine promise on this – and His instruction for you to “abide” – to remain and continue with Him or be cast into the fires of eternal damnation (John 15:1-6)
YOU can only be turned over to a “strong delusion” by God if you do not choose to love and devour and obey His truth! (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) And you will be if you are not “valiant for the truth” (Jeremiah 9:3).
RECENTLY: Some lady was attempting to say that those Jesus saves have no conditions or responsibilities to meet. She said there are no conditions. She also said that Jesus was not speaking to saved people when giving this discourse on abiding in Him and bearing fruit in John 15:1-6. Here was the response to her:
What could Jesus’ command to “abide” mean other than remaining in relationship with Him? And, it must and does require something of you. But since your heart is lawless, you want nothing to do with dying, laying down your life, taking up the cross DAILY and truly following Jesus as He commanded.
Now you are lying on the LORD. Notice the words HE uses …. “in me” …. He tells us exactly who He is addressing and why would He be so intent upon speaking of abiding/remaining in Him if His audience weren’t already in Him??????
Joh 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Joh 15:2 Every branch IN ME that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Joh 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Joh 15:4 Abide (remain) IN ME, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Joh 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
Hold Fast … firm to the end … Do not depart from the living God … do not be hardened in heart … so you can be partakers of Christ …. hold your faith, your confidence in God stedfast to the end …
“But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. … Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But 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 we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;” Hebrews 3:6, 12-14
“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.” 2 Peter 2:20-21
OSAS EXCUSE:
“Oh but ‘endure to the end’ is speaking of the Tribulation.”
REPLY:
Lame. False. Enduring to the end, final salvation, is taught throughout Scripture – by Christ and His apostles. Yet, if you are hell bent on believing Satan’s first lie – OSAS/eternal security, there’s nothing I can do (Genes 2:17; 3:4). Read Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; Colossians 1:22-23; Revelation 3:5; 2:26, etc. Many put this OSAS doctrine of devils and doctrine of sinful men above God’s Word. IF you are not a man/woman of truth, there’s nothing I can do for you or God – just like the counterfeit religionists of Jesus’ day to whom He said:
“He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
Mar 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men (like OSAS).
Mar 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God (you lower it), ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
Mar 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God (Word of God), that ye may keep your own tradition.” Mark 7:6-9
The Holy Spirit dwells in every true believer but that in no way guarantees or forces that individual to “abide,” that is, remain, continue in Christ to the end of His life on earth. And Jesus says to His own that we must “endure to the end” to be “saved” to “abide” and if we don’t we shall be cast into the fire (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; John 15:6, etc.). God’s Word teaches both initial salvation and final salvation. Most of the evangelical world has been deceived into limiting salvation to that initial born again experience. “If we deny him he also WILL deny us” (2 Timothy 2:12).
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Abiding
Supplying Saints and Sinners with Heavenly Sustenance
HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON – THROUGH HIS PEOPLE
“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” Psalms 68:11
THERE is no time to waste – Jesus is coming. We must get the Word of God into the hearts of people, in every way, via any and all communication mediums available to us today. And this is the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14 – “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Let’s roll saints!
“We are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
The graphic below is for the order I just placed with the publisher for a fresh supply of the ministry books.
This ministry outreach, ministering God’s Word to thousands daily, is a vehicle for our LORD’s Word. What’s needed is more disciples who will monthly support it, who will put fuel in the tank in order to propel it forward to reach more and more people with the Gospel of our LORD Jesus. Will you answer that call?
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Does it make sense to put a percentage of our earnings into a 401K (or other earthly investment) and not force feed a portion off the top, with a cheerful heart to Christ’s eternal kingdom work? (Read Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11)
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
It has been wisely concluded from what Jesus taught, that:
“The way we spend our money is a direct reflection of the priorities of our hearts.”
Is God truly first in your life? (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:33, etc.).
There are no rich men, there is no religious or otherwise organization supporting this Gospel ministry outreach. Just regular people who know and love Jesus and the whole counsel of His truth and are growing in His grace daily with the other members of His remnant body (2 Peter 1:2; 3:18). There are monthly bills that only get paid by having the actual, the literal money in the account. In turn God turns that giving of earthly money to HIS work into heavenly treasure for all who give (Luke 16:9-11; Acts 20:35). These expenses are incurred by pushing the Word of God to the hearts and minds of the people and available to be paid and that’s God’s opportunity placed in YOUR lap to supply. In response, what is the LORD going to do? (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Philippians 4:17, etc.)
“And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. 10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” Luke 16:9-11
When Jesus says here to “Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness …,” what does He mean? This writer would like to encourage the reader to delve into this passage, to pray that the LORD will open the eyes of your understanding concerning what He seeks to communicate to your heart.
Of this passage, the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes:
“16:9 We should make friends for ourselves by means of unrighteous mammon. That is, we should use money and other material things in such a way as to win souls for Christ and thus form friendships that will endure throughout eternity. Pierson stated it clearly:
‘Money can be used to buy Bibles, books, tracts and thus, indirectly, the souls of men. Thus what was material and temporal becomes immortal, becomes non-material, spiritual and eternal. Here is a man who has 100. He may spend it all on a banquet or an evening party, in which case the next day there is nothing to show for it. On the other hand, he invests in Bibles … It buys … copies of the Word of God. These he judiciously sows as seed of the kingdom, and that seed springs up into a harvest, not of Bibles but of souls. Out of the unrighteous, he has made immortal friends, who when he fails, receive him into everlasting habitations.’
This then is the teaching of our Lord. By the wise investment of material possessions, we can have part in the eternal blessing of men and women. We can make sure that when we arrive at the gates of heaven, there will be a welcoming committee of those who were saved through our sacrificial giving and prayers. These people will thank us saying, ‘It was you who invited me here.’”
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed (God’s Word), shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (eternal harvest, reward) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6
Christ’s Kingdom and His Gift to us to Participate, is Practical
Will you choose to part with temporal money to reap eternal, unending, irrevocable benefits?
An order has been placed for 20 more of the ministry books from the publisher ($125). The plan is to order this supply monthly for the next 3 months – and hand them out, person-to-person. Face-to-face, person-to-person gifting people on a daily basis, usually after they’ve received ministry, is a super-charged transfer of heavenly blessing (Philippians 1:19). As you know if you’ve read any of the ministry’s books, they are Christ-centered, Scripture-rich original Gospel volumes. Holy Scripture is on each page and put in bold print. In the rear of each book is the way to make peace with God. It leads them right to Jesus via and beginning with the biblical truth that we have “all sinned” against our God (Romans 3).
If you wish, feel free to help fund this part of the ministry exploits currently transpiring to get God’s Word in the hearts of more and more people.
“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
The glorious Gospel of our LORD Jesus is communicated, disseminated, and received via His Word.
“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his GRACE, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might PREACH him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:” Galatians 1:15-16
As we can all witness, there are so many hungry souls wandering about in this fallen world who desire to receive the Word of God. The personal touch, contact is powerful – as it was when our LORD directed beloved Philip to minister to the Ethiopian eunuch whom our LORD consequently saves (Acts 8:26-40). And some, many and actually most of the people being reached are our beloved brethren who are looking for sustenance. I meet them each and every week. They are hungering and thirsting after His righteousness. Let’s be there for them saints.
Perhaps this can spread to where we are able to drop ship a supply books to some of the ministries this outreach supplies and has for years. If each of us does our simple part, great blessings will result.
Lately I’ve been handing out lots of the Moments with Our Master devotional books. People love them……. This week I had a lengthy breakfast meeting with a rich young ruler type young man. He articulated that all of his earthly success has left him empty in this world. It was a Scripture-rich time. Garrett gladly received a copy of the Moments devotional book and said “Let’s do this again.” His heart was filled with joy during and after that fellowship. He told me that in the past, as he walked with the LORD daily, his life was so much better. With a large smile he said “Man, I’d just walk down the street like I was floating 2 feet off the ground, filled with the joy and love of Jesus, sharing it with others.” Garrett texted me back the next morning with this:
“Appreciate you giving me that book. It’s convenient to use in the mornings.” Garrett
So, as we can witness, this Scripture-rich devotional book is the launching place for this man to seek and walk with the LORD. As usual, all of the ministry’s materials constantly exhort the readers/listeners to get into God’s Word daily for themselves (2 Timothy 2:15).
I know you’ll agree that the Garrett’s of our world matter to our LORD and we are the very “ambassadors” Christ has sent to bless them (2 Corinthians 5:20)! We are the delivery personnel of Heaven – handing out to people the treasure of Christ!
Just a few days ago, I gave 1 copy each to a young couple who I’ve become friends with at the gym (18 years old each). They were happy to receive this gift. First, as I like to do, I asked them if they like to read. One of them said they were currently “searching for something to read.” As usual when giving them the books, I opened one copy of the books and showed them that “there’s one devotional for each day of the year, all on one page. It begins with a Scripture, a few words, and a prayer at the end.” This way they see just how simple it is – and gives them a track to run on, a foundation to build their day upon. EVERY searching person is looking for this very thing. Their lives are meaningless, empty, and lacking the presence of the LORD. This is where we come in saints. As usual, I like to share with them that “This is a great way to begin the day.”
After qualifying the situation by asking people “Do you like to read?” I then ask them if I can give them a book and the answer is always a “Yes.” I then go fetch a book and gift them with it.
The season must now end where the Great Commission work of our LORD is shorted. Let’s fuel up and fill the Gospel war chest saints. It’s right under out noses – as God has placed it there! Let us each do our part (John 4:36; 1 Samuel 30:24).
Anyone who wishes to jump in and begin underwriting the kingdom opportunity cost for this is welcome.
Earthly expenses to do ministry, the most important and only eternal work in the earth, is the kingdom opportunity lying right in front of each of us (Matthew 6:19-21).
“May God empower us through the Holy Ghost to bring not a few guests to the wedding banquet; as we walk in the Spirit with the love of Christ flowing in and through our daily lives, and as we sow in tears; knowing that we shall reap with joy: because He that promised is faithful. To God be the glory in Jesus Name, Amen.” Jon Crane
Let’s review:
“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 with him.” Psalms 125:5-6
YOU cannot do it. I certainly can’t do anything without Christ.
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5
Surrender, right? Yes.
Jesus Christ is LORD. He’s our coming King.
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Abiding
LIE OF THE AGES: From the Garden to Glory [podcast]
Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages
The First Lie and the Fall of Man
“Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” ~ Genesis 3:1-5
Have you ever wondered what the first lie ever told was? Who told it? Why was it told? What was the result of it? Can the fruit be seen and felt today? Can its effects be traced throughout history and even into the future?
According to the Genesis account, the Garden of Eden was the sanctuary of the Most High, where He communed with the first man and woman He had made in His very own image. The Garden was a sinless, guiltless sanctuary of unimaginable relational bliss between the LORD Almighty and the man and woman. The Garden of Eden was the place of pure truth and love—a place where lies were not even suspected.
Enter Satan.
Enter the lie.
Enter the seduction.
Enter no fear of God.
Enter stolen restraint.
Enter sin.
Enter the fall of man.
Enter alienation from the Creator.
Garden Scene—The First Lie
Do you think this first lie may hold some insight into the work of Satan and his war against God and His treasured people today?
“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die…(Now here’s what the woman said:) But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. (Now here’s what Satan said:) And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die.” ~ Genesis 2:16-17; 3:3-4
In the book of origins (Genesis) where every major biblical doctrine is rooted (has its beginning), there can be found the keys and answers to life. Mankind’s Maker, his beginning, his ultimate enemy, temptation, sin, the resulting fall, and the redemption of man are revealed in the first chapters of this all-important first book of the Holy Bible.
Perhaps there could be no greater occupation than for the student of Scripture to undertake, pour over, pray over, and dismantle the first three chapters of the book of Genesis. In this endeavor, he will gain insight into the origins and purpose of creation, pitfalls facing mankind, divine restoration, and the keys to living a victorious life in harmony with his Creator.
Sin entered the human experience through the temptation and fall of the first man (Rom. 5). By this the enemy gained a foothold and has warred with that sole creation made in the image of the Maker Himself. But it is sin that is man’s problem, not circumstance or self-esteem nor any other diagnosis. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (See Jer. 17:9.)
Someone has wisely stated: “The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.”
From the very beginning, Satan has tempted man to believe that breaking the commandment of His Maker was not to be feared or avoided and could not harm him. The temptation for man is if he is going to determine truth on his own terms and how it fits his own lifestyle, or repent and humbly accept and obey what God says.
Cain was a religionist. He refused relationship with the LORD because he chose to do things his own way instead of God’s (Gen. 4:1-7). In his pride, Cain wanted to make up his own rules – he was lawless. Religion is where men have created a god in their own image and follow those teachings which render obedience to that false god. The most deceptive and evil form of religion is that which is close to the truth and uses Bible Scriptures out of context to make up that doctrine which circumvents obedience to the plain truth of God. (See Jesus rebuke the Pharisees in Matt. 23.)
Who are we going to believe and trust? Whose report will you believe? Since the LORD and the devil stated something in direct opposition to each other, we know that one of them is a liar. As He gave the first man and woman the option, so the LORD gives us the choice to trust and obey Him or not to obey Him. Each of us will decide who it is that is going to be a liar in our hearts—the Almighty, or Satan.
God said (Gen. 2:17): “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE.”
Satan said (Gen. 3:4): “And the serpent said unto the woman, YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE.”
The lie of the ages began in the very cradle of creation. The aim of the enemy of all souls was the first man and woman who were uniquely created in the image of the One who made all things. Adam and Eve were the subjects of Satan’s deadly lie—the first lie ever told. Apparently, this cunning enemy understood that if he could cause the man and woman to take things into their own hands and violate the instruction of their Maker, they would be ushered out of His Garden (presence) and forfeit their place with Him.
Mankind’s enemy led him to believe that he could violate the instruction of his holy Maker and still remain within His approval. Like Adam and Eve, it is readily observed that men naturally internalize this philosophy as “I can sin with no fear of consequences.” Is it possible that this lie is still leading men and women to believe that they “shall not surely die” if they live in direct opposition to the LORD?
Concerning this most insidious and destructive lie of the serpent, the Life in the Spirit Study Bible states:
“‘YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE’…The first lie proposed by Satan was a form of antinomianism (lawlessness), denying the judgment of death for sin and apostasy. One of the basic sins of humankind is unbelief in God’s word. It is believing that somehow God does not really mean what He says about salvation, righteousness, sin, judgment, and death. Satan’s most persistent lie is that unrepentant, deliberate sin and rebellion against God will not necessarily bring separation from God and eternal condemnation.”
As he did with the first man and woman, the adversary tells us “Ye shall not surely die” (Gen. 3:4).
Escaping the judgment of a holy God has long been the vain imagination of depraved men, fueled by the enemy of all righteousness who has come “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (Jn. 10:10).
“Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” ~ Ecclesiastes 8:11
“Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.” ~ Psalms 10:13
Question: “Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God?
Answer: “He hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.”
The hearts of those who are not in fellowship with the LORD say “The LORD will not ‘require it’ of me. He will not bring me into accountability for my life in this world. After all, He has not done anything to me for my wrongdoing thus far. I am okay in my sins; God will just overlook them.”
Lucifer’s lure capitalizes on the sinful nature of men, preying upon his desire to be his own god, controlling his own destiny. Somehow, according to this revelation and others, it is within man’s makeup to believe that because his Creator is not presently executing tangible judgment for his sin, he believes that God is not going to judge him at all. So, unregenerate man goes on sinning with reckless abandon, not realizing that that Great and Terrible Day of Judgment lies just ahead.
The first man and woman bought into the first lie that claims there is no consequence for violating the command of the one true God. Such self-deception is no new thing. Since the first man and woman, people have sought to define right and wrong on their own terms instead of simply acknowledging what the LORD says. As the first couple found out, it is a losing endeavor to determine truth by how it fits one’s lifestyle instead of by God’s non-negotiable counsel given us in His Word (Jn. 17:17; Rom. 3:3-4; 2 Tim. 3:16). Defining truth on one’s own terms is buying into the lie of the ages presented to every man by the evil one who “walketh about seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).
When men seek to redefine truth on their own terms, they unwittingly create a god in their own image—one who accepts them in their sins with no judgment. They then migrate to pastors and teachers who will tickle their itching ears with smooth messages void of the full-counsel revelation of Holy Scripture (Jer. 5:30-31; 2 Tim. 4:2-4).
After Adam and Eve, it was their son Cain who sought to make up his own way to God on his own terms. He failed. To Cain and to all who seek through religion, whether self-styled or organized, the Almighty would ask: “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door” (Gen. 4:7).
The LORD says to Cain “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” This simply means “If you will do things the way I prescribed, will I not fully accept you as I did your brother Abel?” Cain hardened his heart and refused to do things God’s way by offering the type of sacrifice God requires. Due to his own choice to rebel against the Most High he became so filled with the enemy that he killed his own brother (Gen. 4).
This is a classic example of how the enemy led this man Cain to believe that he could make up his own rules, violating the holy Creator and still escape His just judgment. Like Cain, millions of faithful religionists today have a mere formula of godliness while denying the power of a truly surrendered life to the one true God who sent His only begotten Son as the only sacrifice for the sins of men (2 Timothy 3:5).
When he was able to successfully persuade the first man to violate the command of the LORD, Satan gained access to authority over the man by the sin of the man (Isaiah 59:1-2; Ephesians 4:27; James 4:7). Jesus re-gained that authority for His highest and prized creation and all those who come into relationship with Him experience the abundant blessings that come along with being saved by His precious blood (Jn. 10:10; Rom. 5:17; 1 Pet. 1:18-19).
“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)” Romans 5:17
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” ~ John 3:16-17
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, please unite my heart to fear Thy name and keep it from falling prey to this same lie that led to Adam and Eve’s fall. Quicken my heart in the fear of the LORD. Please teach me that there are many harsh consequences for disobeying You, by not doing what You say, by sinning against You. Convict my heart of sin, and I beg You to make my conscience extremely sensitive to Your conviction and leading. Change my heart, O LORD. Grant me a heart of flesh that delights to live in Your presence and do Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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“They that were Scattered Abroad went every where Preaching the Word” [podcast]
When persecution hit Jerusalem where the body of Christ was dwelling….
“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” Acts 8:4
“Persecution hit Jerusalem in a few significant periods: first, in the years following Jesus’s death, when the early Christian church was persecuted by Jewish authorities led by Saul (Acts 8:1-3).”
Remember, God allowed great persecution in Jerusalem in order to get His people to scatter to the ends of the earth.
“Jesus promised his disciples three things: that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy, and in constant trouble.” – GK Chesterton
“And he said unto them, GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
This was right after the beloved deacon, servant of the LORD Stephen was murdered. See Acts 7:51-8:4.
Believer’s Bible Commentary
Acts 8:1
“A new era begins with the words, “At that time.” Stephen’s death seemed to trigger a widespread assault against the church. Believers were scattered throughout … Judea and Samaria.
The Lord had instructed His followers to begin their witness in Jerusalem, but then to branch out to Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth. Up to this time their witness had been confined entirely to Jerusalem. Perhaps they had been timid about branching out. Now they are forced to do it by persecution.
From the human standpoint, it was a dark day for the believers. The life of a member of their fellowship had been laid down. They themselves were being chased like rabbits. But from the divine standpoint, it was not dark at all. A grain of wheat had been planted in the ground, and much fruit would inevitably result. The winds of affliction were scattering the seeds of the gospel to distant places, and who could estimate the extent of the harvest?”
In light of this biblical revelation, do we really think the LORD wouldn’t be allowing persecution to hit America in order to scatter His people across His earth in order to reach the billions who are unreached? The answer is obvious.
“Acts 8:4
They that were scattered – went every where preaching – Thus the very means devised by Satan to destroy the Church became the very instruments of its diffusion and establishment. What are counsel, or might, or cunning, or rage, or malice, against the Lord, whether they are excited by men or devils!” Adam Clarke
Of this passage, the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes the following:
“8:4-8 The dispersal of the Christians did not silence their testimony. Everywhere they went they carried the good news of salvation. Philip, the “deacon” of chapter six, headed north to the city of Samaria. He not only proclaimed Christ but performed many miracles. Unclean spirits were driven out and the paralyzed and lame were healed. The people gave heed to the gospel, and, as might be expected, great joy resulted.
The primitive church obeyed the explicit commands of Jesus Christ:
It went out as Christ had gone (Jhn_20:21; cf. Act_8:1-4).
It sold its goods and gave to the poor (Luk_12:33; Luk_18:22; cf. Act_2:45; Act_4:34).
It left father, mother, houses, and lands to go everywhere preaching the Word (Mat_10:37; cf. Act_8:1-4).
It made disciples and taught them to work and obey (Mat_28:18-19; cf. 1Th_1:6).
It took up its cross and followed Christ (Acts 4; 1 Thess. 2).
It rejoiced in tribulation and persecution (Mat_5:11-12; cf. Acts 16; 1Th_1:6-8).
It left the dead to bury their dead and went and preached the gospel (Luk_9:59-60).
It shook the dust from off its feet and moved on when men refused to hear (Luk_9:5; cf. Act_13:51).
It healed, exorcised, raised the dead, and bore lasting fruit (Mrk_16:18; Acts 3-16).”
“The Communication of thy faith”
“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.” Philemon 6-7
We are merely passing through saints. This is not our home.
“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;” 1 Peter 2:11
“New Creatures” …. given by God the “ministry of reconciliation” …. Christ’s “Ambassadors”
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-20
The body of Christ, each member, does our part in Christ’s Great Commission.
“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:13-15
“Romans 10:14-15: ‘How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!’ The LORD saved me because someone preached the gospel to me! And I instantly knew that was what was missing in my life! How would I have known if I had not heard?” Karen Cochran
The body of Christ alone bears the Good News…. that in light of each of us being lost souls, sinners…. God sent His only begotten to die, be buried, and raised again from the dead for our justification! See Romans 4:25; 5:6-8, etc.
You are a bearer of this Good News beloved of God. No one else can be—except those who are HIS. With the love, joy, and peace of Jesus emanating from your heart, take off that lampshade and unleash that beautiful smile and let the world around you know of Christ’s love for them! He proved this love by dying on that cross for them! (John 15:13)
“The love of Christ constraineth (compels) us.” 2 Corinthians 5:14
The 3 Ways God’s People can Participate in Christ’s Great Commission
1. Praying (Matthew 9:35-38).
2. Witnessing, sowing and communicating the Word (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 8:11).
3. Supporting, supplying those of God’s people who are doing His Great Commission, preaching the Word (2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Philippians 2:25; 4:16-20).
The writing is on the wall for the wicked false professors.
IF you aren’t participating in the Great Commission, you are a lost soul/counterfeit.
In light of the fact that Jesus gave us His Great Commission command, what did Jesus tell us in Matthew 7:21? What was His warning to us in light of judgment to come?
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21
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