Eternal Security Dialogue

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

Eternal Security Dialogue

QUESTION ASKED:

“How does one loose what he did not earn?”

REPLY:

Ask Jesus, He said to His own that we must endure to the end to be saved (Matthew 10:22; 24:13).

You could also ask: WHY does Jesus save only some and not all? After all JESUS earned salvation for all, right? … God gave man conditions to be saved. The Bible teaches both initial and final salvation.

You have been misled and therefore are confusing what Jesus did and what Jesus requires us to do to be saved – initially and finally – repentance and faith. Jesus said “It is finished” when HIS work was finished. Yet, this same LORD commanded us to deny self, take up the cross daily in order to follow Him – otherwise we are not following Him and will not be with Him (Luke 9:23-24).

————————

To a grace-perverting eternal securist who boasted of being in ministry for over 30 years, this reply was sent:

REPLY:

Your experience means nothing, neither does mine (Romans 3:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). God’s written Word is final divine authority and you are clearly contradicting it and have much to answer for in how you have misled many for over 30 years. Repent sinner. Your years in “ministry” only reveal just how sadly you have wasted those years peddling Satan’s first lie which led to the fall of mankind – Gen 2:17; 3:4.

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Rightly divide, Matthew 10:22 is not for the church age but for the Jews.”

REPLY:

WHO said that Matthew 10 is only for the Jews? Not God. So, you are saying that Jesus’ words aren’t for His New Testament saints? Wow! Rightly divide – this truth spans the whole of God’s Word. Rightly divide – there is one body in Christ, not 2 (Eph 2). So, if this passage is speaking of the final days, and it is, are there not both Jew and Gentile believers? Yes.

You’ve gotten misled on this.

If that verse isn’t applicable to ALL NT saints, why is in God’s Word? AND, then you can’t use any other verse in that chapter, right? Wrong.

So this doesn’t apply to all of Christ’s saints?

Mat 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Mat 10:20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
Mat 10:21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
None of this from that text applies????

Mat 10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
Mat 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
Mat 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Mat 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Persecution is taught repeatedly by Christ and His apostles, as it is promised in this text…..

Mat 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

So, New Testament saints – ALL OF THEM, not just Jewish believers – aren’t going to be hated?

If so, then only the NT believers who are from a jewish background have to “endureth to the end to be saved”???? Nonsense.

If this verse is not for the church age, then it’s not prophetic? Of course it is. That’s more than obvious.

Also, your logic would mean there’s no need for the 39 books of the Old Testament and yet the NEW Testament says: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime (OT!) were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4)

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“But teaching you can lose your salvation is works salvation!”

REPLY:

SO, listening to Jesus who says you can “fall away” and must “endure to the end” to be “saved” is works salvation???? Wow. (Lk 8:13; Matt 1:22; 24:13)

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Hey brother I’m a little confused how do you lose your salvation. I was under the impression that once Born Again into the family of God always a child of God kind of like The Prodigal Son he never lost his sonship. Don’t get me wrong he was eating with the pigs but I can’t find instructions in my Bible had to be born again again again all of our work is going to be tested by fire

1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: KJB”

REPLY:

Hello brother. Well there are many many false teachers peddling lies such as osas (once saved always saved/eternal security) and that’s why we must read God’s Word throughly for ourselves 2 Tim 2:15. This is a lie from hell. Salvation is conditional, not un-conditional.

The prodigal son sure did lose his place for his sin and so shall we if we rebel.

He was lost again and needed to be restored…. notice that God did not go run after him and yet it was only as he returned/repented that God restored, forgive him…. if he didn’t return/repent he would have remained lost and perished in hell.

You posted this. Now watch this closely: “By which also ye are saved, IF IF IF (conditional) ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:2

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“So you don’t believe we are eternally secure?” Baptist pastor

REPLY:

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 (Gen 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 Ezek 33:12-13 and Matt 10:22; 24:13; 2 Pet 2:20-21; Heb 10:26-39, etc.).

“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.” Daniel Kim

Lie of the Ages (book)

DEAR OSAS DUPE: You’ve allowed yourself to be misled by wolves instead of thoroughly reading, believing, and obeying God’s Word for yourself and this is why you emphasize certain things and ignore others…..

Speaking of Romans, please explain 11:20-22 which the heretics you follow never mention… explain what “cut off” could possibly mean other than what it says: “Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:20-22

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“But aren’t we told by Jesus that no man can pluck us out of His hand?”

REPLY:

Yes Jesus told us in v27 of John 10 exactly who He was speaking to – those who present tense hear His voice and follow Him, presently:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they 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 v27 Jesus gives the condition for the promise of verses 28-29.

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Abide doesn’t mean continue in John 15:6.”

REPLY:

Apparently you are here seen to be choosing to peddle a lie – to cling to a diabolical tradition, heresy instead of conforming to the truth.

“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

Abide

G3306

μένω

menō

men’-o

A primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy): – abide, CONTINUE, DWELL, ENDURE, be present, REMAIN, stand, tarry (for), X thine own.

Total KJV occurrences: 120

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Some shall depart from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1-2) – The Greek word here – ἀποστήσονται apostēsontai – is that from which we have derived the word “apostatize,” and would be properly so rendered here. The meaning is, that they would “apostatize” from the belief of the truths of the gospel. It does not mean that, as individuals, they would have been true Christians; but that there would be a departure from the great doctrines which constitute the Christian faith. The ways in which they would do this are immediately specified, showing what the apostle meant here by departing from the faith. They would give heed to seducing spirits, to the doctrines of devils, etc. The use of the word “some,” here τινες tines – does not imply that the number would be small. The meaning is, that “certain persons” would thus depart, or that “there would be” an apostasy of the kind here mentioned, in the last days. From the parallel passage in 2Th_2:3, it would seem that this was to be an extensive apostasy.”

REPLY:

Nonsense. How could they possible “depart FROM” something they weren’t already in? Impossible. Those who depart from “the doctrine of Christ” – that which Scripture reveals Him to be – do not have God! Nothing could be clearer. – “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in (does not remain in) the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9 Un-conditional eternal security is a lie from hell.

You claim to be Christ’s yet you defy the Son of God you claim to serve for your foolish traditions and lies … like the hell bound pharisees of Christ’s day you refuse to ditch them for HIM at the hearing of HIS Word (Mark 7:6-9) – “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 Those who don’t remain in Christ after being saved are going to hell! Nothing could be more clear.

QUESTION ASKED:

“So you don’t believe you were chosen before the foundation …. that we are capable of raising ourselves from death to life?”

REPLY:

Hi. ALL men were chosen to be saved and only Christ can raise them from their dead state and yet, God did not foreordain that some go to hell BEFORE they could choose. God SOVEREIGNLY gave free will to all men. All of calvinism is false. It’s an extra-biblical system of theology that perverts the grace, divine character, and original Gospel message. Read Rom 2:11; 1 Tim 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 2:2 Calvinists are snakes who twist and pervert everything they touch to their own destruction. For example, they redefine the Bible word Sealed. The sealed scam exposed. Calvinism Busted

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“I guess you need to send me packing too. I absolutely believe in the doctrine of OSAS.”

REPLY:

“With no further ado …. You have openly professed to be a child of the devil by embracing HIS first and enduring lie…. “ye shall NOT surely die” is undeniably the first mention, the first time eternal security / OSAS was taught and it was by Satan himself – Gen 2:17; 3:4… like Satan you have added to God’s Word. That one 3-letter word Satan added led to the fall of mankind.

QUESTION ASKED:

“Brother Todd, there were good points made here. After listening to this debate, my question to you is much like Pastor Andrew’s question. At what sin does one lose their salvation? I mean we sin daily and what happens if we forget to repent of a particular sin?”

REPLY:

Are you going to listen to the LORD truly and let HIM answer that OR will you rebel and believe the doctrine of mere men and devils? That’s the big question.

Read Ezek 33:12-13 and Gal 5:19-21 and Rev 21:8; Ezek 18:30 and 2 Peter 2:20-21

Ever read the book of Hebrews – with a truly honest heart, dropping all preconceived notions?

The bigger question is: Is God Holy? Are the wages of sin still death?

Question Received:

“I think I’m FINALLY starting to understand how OSAS is heresy, but want to see if I do get it. So, it’s possible for someone who was once born again to go to hell?

A person is born again, and you can see the fruits. They change, the don’t desire worldly things, only Godly things. They are convicted of sin and repent. They pray, study the Bible, all the things born again believers do. Then, after some time, they slip away from that. They go back to old sins, and follow after fleshly lusts, but they still know it’s wrong. They start to realize they have drifted away, and start to come back around, but don’t repent of all sins (they don’t deny they are sinning or try defend it, but say they are struggling with it). They still say they love God, and will even continue to pray and study the Bible, and because they believe OSAS, they don’t realize that they are hell bound. Is that right?”

Reply:

Hi Misty, people who are truly born again which means their whole life is changed as the LORD makes them a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-18) and then, “they are again entangled therein, and overcome” by the “pollutions of the world” and turn again to their own vomit. “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” 2 Peter 2:20-22 …. I highly recommend the book “Lie of the Ages” to answer so many questions from God’s Word that we all have ….. it comes in e-book or print.

Well, repentance is more than just confessing certain sins. It’s more of a turning back to the LORD. At that point He will quicken the confession of sins (1 John 1:9).

Question Received:

“What Verse can I show my cousin that I’m Not a legalist because I do not believe in the OSAS? She accuses me of being a legalist Pharisee because I do not believe in un-conditional eternal security.”

Reply:

That is a common objection from those who have bought the lie of OSAS. Nothing works better than lovingly quoting Scripture verbatim. Tell her that “obedience is not legalism.” The only Savior said “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) Concentrate on the word “doeth” in matt 7:21 and also see Matthew 25:1-13. Then, break out 1 John 2:4 too and Titus 1:16 and James 1:22. Those verses of holy truth will stifle that lie she has been taught. God’s Word WILL have it’s effect (Isaiah 55:11).

To a man who called me an Arminian and insisted his battle was against Arminians, the following reply was given:

“Friend, when you truly come to Christ, you will cease laboring and being heavy laden, which is the fruit of all who follow a mere system of theology (of mere men) …. you will then cease warring against a certain sect you view as an enemy….. i have nothing to do with arminianism, have never studied it …. just Bible. No one who simply studies Scripture is going to come away with the 5 points of calvinism … it’s just not there.”

Message Received:

A guy who was attempting to defend OSAS as “a wonderful biblical truth,” and asserted that “The Devil is quite clever and subtle at attacking Biblical truths and has done so since the fall of man in the garden of Eden!”

Response:

The “Lie of the Ages” introduced to mankind in the Garden of creation is quite the opposite of what you assert. How did the enemy of all souls cause the fall of man? By telling man he must obey God? NO! Satan added just one 3-letter word to God’s Word and cause the fall of mankind. He is still deceiving many to add to what Holy Scripture clearly teaches. God kept His promises and severed the man and woman out of His holy presence when they sinned. See Gen. 2:17; 3:4.

***God has not changed and believers who make free choice to yield to sin against the God and Judge of our eternal souls who is “Holy, holy, holy,” will suffer separation. The wages of sin is STILL death and without personal holiness, NO MAN shall see the LORD (Rom. 6:23; Heb. 12:14). God requires that if we sin that we repent, returning to Him and confessing that sin (1 John 1:7, 9; Heb. 4:14-16). There is no such thing as a license for sin or “get out of hell free card.”

Moral cowards (“the fearful” Rev. 21:8) who refuse to fear God and deny self and take up the daily cross, love smooth little teachings that pretend to give them “assurance” while they are lukewarm, at ease in Zion, and simply indulging themselves in the love of this world, all of which are named as soul-damning sins (Amos 6:1; 1 Jn. 2:15-17; Rev. 3:15-16).

“The destination of unrepentant sinners is the lake of fire.” Steven Peisley

Message Received:

Arguing from an OSAS perspective, one man writes: “I really think Todd you appear to be misinterpreting the biblical truth that once God in His mercy and Grace saves you then surely it would be absolutely ludicrous to assume that you would be lost eternally!” …..

Response:

Where does the BIBLE (biblical truth) say that once God saves us that we can’t afterward be lost? Nowhere! In fact, believers (the saved) are warned over and over and over to remain/abide in Christ or be cast into the fires of hell (Jn. 15:1-6), to continue to the end in order to be saved (Matt. 10:22; 24:13; Heb. 3:6, 12-14), to make our calling and election sure (2 Pet. 1:10), to fear and obey God not self or sin (Rom. 6:16; 2 Cor. 7:1), to behold the goodness and severity of God or else be “cut off” from Him (Rom. 11:19-22), to not be lukewarm lest we be rejected/vomited from Him (Rev. 3:15-16), to not let the love of this world and sins of the flesh keep you from being ready to meet the LORD (1 Jn. 2:15-17; Lk. 21:34-36), etc., etc., etc.,…..

NO honest and true believer in Jesus Christ can read the following passages and still believe he is un-conditionally eternally secure:

“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. 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

“So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me…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. 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 33:7, 12-13

Explode the myth of ‘once saved always saved’ – read Romans 11:19-23 & Ezekiel 33:12-13; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Hebrews 2:1; 3:6, 12-14; 6:4-6; 10:26-39, etc.

Message Received in Response to an OSAS Expose’ Message:

“Excuse me? Making fun of eternal security are they? – those who follow Jesus have eternal security.” Susan

Reply:

Yes, Susan, as long as they are following/abiding/remaining in Christ, otherwise they will be “cut off” and “fall away” and ultimately cast into the fires of hell (John 15:1-6; Rom. 11:22; Lk. 8:13).

Question Received:

“Sanctification is important, but short of deliberately rejecting God, how exactly does one lose one’s salvation?” Andy

Reply:

Andy, such a question would seem to only be asked by a person who has been taught the false notion that once one is saved, they are eternally secure no matter what they do afterwards. No such myth was ever taught by Christ and His holy apostles. People want unconditional eternal security to be true because they simply do not want to take the personal responsibility to die to self, laying down their lives, which Jesus says is essential to following Him (Luke 9:23-24). Rejecting God happens very practically, when a person Christ has once saved, sets Christ aside in His daily life. Falling away has at this time occurred and it doesn’t take a blatant, verbalized, stomping off public rejection.

Message Received:

Well see, a broken promise is a lie and so it seems that it would a nail in the coffin of the deity of Christ. Now I am not a Calvinist so don’t jump that gun. I am merely saying that maybe Judas was never saved to begin with. That would mean that Jesus is not a liar, also that Judas was not saved. Two stones with one bird.

Reply:

The Bible says that Judas was Jesus’ “own familiar FRIEND.” (Ps. 41:9) Judas then fell by his “own transgression.” (Acts 1:25) God made many promises to Israel and individuals that He never fulfilled because promises are primarily conditional – based on the continued obedience of the one the promise was given to. Gal. 6:9; Heb. 6:10-12….. God promises Israel the promise land but only a few made it in (Num. 13-14; 1 Cor. 10:1-12). Many fell by the 5 sins He told us disqualified them from the promise land and will disqualify us – and warns us we will be damned as they were if we turn back, backslide, do not endure to the end (Matt 10:22; 24:13; 1 Cor. 10:1-12, etc.). There are many, many examples of this throughout Scripture. The book of Jude recounts several of God’s created beings who fell away or apostatized – departed from Him after being with Him in relationship.

***Notice how those who defend this evil theology which makes God out to be an evil, hateful, respecter of persons are not defending Christ in the true Gospel but rather whining about anyone who would dare tamper with their little pet heretical system of falsehood (calvinism/OSAS). This reveals that they are not saved. Following a man or the teachings of mere sinful men reveals that one doesn’t know the LORD just as the pharisees didn’t know Jesus (Matt. 21:31; Mark 7:6-9; John 5:39-40; 8:47).

More on Judas here – Calvinist Nightmare: The Judas Dilemma

E-MAIL RESPONSE FROM READER:
Re: IS YOUR SIN REALLY WORTH GOING TO HELL FOR?

“Amen, Amen, Amen! I believe that the OSAS doctrine is what is spoken about in Jude 1:4 – That there will be those who change the grace of God into lasciviousness. In every institution I attended that taught this doctrine of devils, the people lived like heathens. John Calvin died an unrepentant murderer….enough said! Now all you proud Calvinist keep all your well trained arguments I don’t buy it anymore. Signed former Calvinist.”

E-MAIL RESPONSE FROM READER:

“You teach that a person can be right with GOD only by their obedience to the commands of GOD. You teach that a person once saved can be lost. You quote verse after verse after verse to prove that a person must obey the commands of GOD to be right with GOD. Are you equating being right with GOD and being saved? Is there no room for sin in GOD’s salvation? If there is no room for sin in GOD’s salvation I am eternally lost and without hope. I am glad there are teachers who see GOD’s salvation differently. Captured by HIS grace, Gene”

RESPONSE:

“Beloved Gene, I want to encourage you to look to the Teacher who gave us His holy Word so we don’t have to depend on sinful men (like myself), but rather have His truth for our own selves. A life in the Word is the only cure for confusion. “GREAT PEACE have they that love thy law (Word) and nothing shall offend them.” (Ps. 119:165) Jesus told us that only those who DO the will of His Father will be in Heaven – Matt 7:21. We are only saved by the grace of God and yet that grace shows up in the way we live if we really possess it, otherwise we are deceived and headed for damnation. Salvation simply is not an unforfeitable possession (2 Pet. 2:20-22; Ezek. 33:12-13). Did the Almighty somehow cease to be “holy, holy, holy” now that He saved us!? How blind and arrogant we have become! Now is it loving to hide this Bible truth or to unveil and communicate it so people can be warned and take shelter under the shadow of His holy wing? Truth protects (Prov. 30:5). “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, TEACHING US that, DENYING UNGODLINESS AND WORLDLY LUSTS, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, IN THIS PRESENT WORLD.” (Titus 2:11-12) The numerous Bible verses which show sin defiles and will damn the soul if not repented of in the life of a person who has once believed should deeply move us to the fear of God and not to argue with the One we claim to be serving who gave us these truths. “And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1 Pet. 4:18) Be warned: “He that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.” (Ezek 33:5) Jesus warned us all: “And take heed to yourselves (personal responsibility), lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34-36 Ready or Not – Jesus is coming, and He’s only going to justify those who are looking for Him in the way they live by purifying their hearts by authentic, saving faith (Heb. 9:27-28; Acts 15:9; 1 John 3:1-3; Rev. 2-3, etc.). This important subject is thoroughly addressed in the book titled “Lie of the Ages.” God’s blessings in Jesus, the Truth, todd”

E-MAIL RESPONSE FROM READER:

“Now what you are saying is, ‘if I keep all these rules you have stated, and all the other commands found in the Bible then I will be right with God.’ If I can do that then why do I need Jesus? If I can keep all these commandments and be right before God, or Righteous then I don’t need a redeemer and Jesus’ dying on the cross was in vain. God murdered His Son for nothing, if my righteousness is based on my performance. O foolish Galatians…This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? ‘For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.’ So, Is Salvation by works, or by faith? Is a work begun in faith made perfect by the works of the flesh? And if one must be Born Again according to Jesus Christ in order to see the kingdom of God, how does one become un-born again? Does God practice spiritual abortions? We are justified in Christ Jesus because of HIS finished work of salvation and we are declared righteous by God by grace through faith in Christ alone. We are saved unto good works, not by good works.”

RESPONSE:

“Saving grace always produces good fruit and good works and is proof one is saved – BUT good works and good fruit save no one – only Jesus can do that. See Matthew 3:7-10; Jude 3-4 and Titus 2:11-12. You have correctly stated that “We are justified in Christ Jesus” and yet we must remain “in Christ” to continue to be justified (Jn. 15:6; Col. 1:23; Heb. 2:1-3; 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 2 Jn. 9, etc.). We are only saved by His grace and our faith is required to (Eph. 2:8-10). You stated “We are saved unto good works, not by good works.” This is truth and yet those who are truly saved have the fruit of such grace (Tit. 2:11-12). The “fruits” of their lives testify to their possession of His saving grace (Matt. 7:16, 19-20). The Son of God told us that those who do not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown out of His vineyard – “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” (Matt. 7:19) Those who truly have His justifying grace are His workmanship and do not have a license for living in sin (Eph. 2:8-10; Jude 3-4). His grace actually enables them to overcome sin and to live fully pleasing to Him – To those who truly possess it, His saving grace is “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” They are given over to Him and He is fashioning them into His own image (Rom. 8:29). If not, one does not possess the divine, saving grace (Tit. 2:11-12). We must not reason instead of being honest about the Word of the God. We must refuse self-willed arguments are human reasonings and pandering to the flesh, to justify living this life as we wish instead of how God has commanded. The Bible tells us we are not our own if we have been bought by the blood of the LORD Jesus (1 Cor. 6:19-20). If we live as WE wish instead of how the LORD commanded us to, we are lawless and will be found on that Day to be “workers of iniquity (lawlessness) and cast into eternal damnation with no 2nd chance (Matt. 7:21-23). So, those who justify themselves through human philosophy and tradition of calvinism have been spoiled or ruined and are in big trouble (Col. 2:8). Jesus and His apostles told us that sin “defiles” men and even named those sins which defile out of His love for us – so we would specifically know what offends His holiness (Matt. 15:19-20). He has disclosed to us His holy will in intricate detail and we are therefore without excuse and will be without excuse on that Great and Terrible Day of Judgment that hastens toward us. Does sin separate us from the one, true holy God? (Isa. 59:2; Rom. 6:23; Acts 1:25; Gal. 5:17-19; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Rev. 21:8, 27) Jesus is Coming, todd SafeGuardYourSoul.com

E-MAIL RESPONSE FROM READER:

RESPONSE:

“You have correctly stated that “We are justified in Christ Jesus” and yet we must remain “in Christ” to continue to be justified (Jn. 15:6; Col. 1:23; Heb. 2:1-3; 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 2 Jn. 9, etc.). We are only saved by His grace and our faith is required to (Eph. 2:8-10). You stated “We are saved unto good works, not by good works.” This is truth and yet those who are truly saved have the fruit of such grace (Tit. 2:11-12). The “fruits” of their lives testify to their possession of His saving grace (Matt. 7:16, 19-20). The Son of God told us that those who do not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown out of His vineyard – “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” (Matt. 7:19) Those who truly have His justifying grace are His workmanship and do not have a license for living in sin (Eph. 2:8-10; Jude 3-4). His grace actually enables them to overcome sin and to live fully pleasing to Him – To those who truly possess it, His saving grace is “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” They are given over to Him and He is fashioning them into His own image (Rom. 8:29). If not, one does not possess the divine, saving grace (Tit. 2:11-12). We must not reason instead of being honest about the Word of the God. We must refuse self-willed arguments are human reasonings and pandering to the flesh, to justify living this life as we wish instead of how God has commanded. The Bible tells us we are not our own if we have been bought by the blood of the LORD Jesus (1 Cor. 6:19-20). If we live as WE wish instead of how the LORD commanded us to, we are lawless and will be found on that Day to be “workers of iniquity (lawlessness) and cast into eternal damnation with no 2nd chance (Matt. 7:21-23). So, those who justify themselves through human philosophy and tradition of calvinism have been spoiled or ruined and are in big trouble (Col. 2:8). Jesus and His apostles told us that sin “defiles” men and even named those sins which defile out of His love for us – so we would specifically know what offends His holiness (Matt. 15:19-20). He has disclosed to us His holy will in intricate detail and we are therefore without excuse and will be without excuse on that Great and Terrible Day of Judgment that hastens toward us. Does sin separate us from the one, true holy God? (Isa. 59:2; Rom. 6:23; Acts 1:25; Gal. 5:17-19; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Rev. 21:8, 27) Jesus is Coming, todd SafeGuardYourSoul.com

RESPONDER:

“Answer the following: Given: in order to be saved, you must be Born Again (John 3:3, 7; 1 Peter 1:23). Given: when you are Born Again you are a Child of God (John 1:12; Romans 8:13-20; Philippians 2:15; 1 john 3:1-3). We are in fact adopted sons (Romans 8:15, 23; 9:4; Galatians 4:5; and Ephesians 1:5) and adoption is a binding legal term that even in our society is more protected than blood kinship (i.e. a blood line child can be written out of a will whereas an adopted child is required to receive the full child’s portion). How then can one who is a saved, Born Again, Child of God lose their heirship? How can one who is a saved, Born Again, Child of God lose their sonship? Even in the deepest, darkest, and most rebellious time in the prodigal son’s life he was still his father’s son. (Now if you read into that statement that I am saying eternal salvation is a license to sin, the Lord rebuke you, for I have said no such thing.) But answer, how can one who is as son un-become a son? Try as I may I am still my parent’s son. As a son I am to honor my parents. (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16; Matthew 15:4, 19:19; Mark 7:10, 10:19; Luke 18:20; Ephesians 6:2 ) As an adopted son of God I am likewise to honour my Father which is in Heaven. I am to be holy as He is holy. Now, please answer my question. How can I stop being My heavenly Father’s son?”

REPLY TO OSAS RESPONDER:

Thank you for writing. You are using adoption and how it is used among men to justify an unbiblical teaching. I sincerely appreciate your desire to know the truth as it sounds. Yet you ask questions based on human logic and use very little Scripture. You ask: “How then can one who is a saved, Born Again, Child of God lose their heirship? How can one who is a saved, Born Again, Child of God lose their sonship?” Want God’s answer? Romans 11:20-22 says “Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21For if God spared not the natural branches (covenant Israel), take heed lest he also spare not thee (saved Gentiles). 22Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity (eternal judgment); but toward thee, goodness, IF IF IF thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be CUT OFF.” Of his very own free will, the prodigal son was separated from his father yet not from His father’s love (Lk. 15). When in rebellion the prodigal son was not secure in his father’s care – he was not eternally secure. He had to repent to be restored or he would have died outside of fellowship with his father. This is a clear picture of the believer departing from the LORD. If he returns in repentance he will be fully restored, but if he refuses to return, he will perish in hell forever. “For this my son was dead, and is alive AGAIN; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry…for this thy brother was dead, and is alive AGAIN; and was lost, and is found.” Luke 15:24, 32 A “Jesus” who doesn’t punish sin is simply a false Christ. The son who left his father stopped believing. One may argue that he was still a son, but another may rightfully argue that he lost all of the benefits of being a son while he was in unbelief and would have perished if he had not returned to his father. No person can come to the conclusion of an unconditional eternal security by reading the Bible alone and deriving his doctrinal belief solely from the Word. One must be taught such be mere men. OSAS is a doctrine of devils, leading many to perdition who believe they are eternally secure (Jude 3-4). I want to recommend the new book titled “Lie of the Ages” which is now in print and thoroughly addresses this topic from Holy Scripture. Also, we have some articles on the site concerning this important subject.

RESPONDER:

Sir, in your rush to prove your doctrine you missed the entire point. No, I was not using adoption to to justify an unbiblical point. Adoption is very biblical and you blew it off as trivial in order to justify your “WORKS” doctrine. If you look there is an abundance of Scripture in my previous post that is in context as well. However, You never answered the question. Israel was a chosen people that God has set aside until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in (Romans 11:25b), He is not finished with them yet. I am talking about a Born Again child of God. You look on God as standing over you waiting to kick you out of the house the moment you mess-up. I see Him as my Father who is grieved when I sin but who put up a calf to fatten it for a feast awaiting my return. I am talking as one who was dead and is now alive unto Christ. I’m not talking about a Sunday Church goer, I’m talking about a Redeemed, Born Again, heir and joint heir with Christ. Show me in the Scriptures where a son is cut off from the Father. Now, lest I be accused of advocating “license to sin”; as the one who has been redeemed I serve my Redeemer, my Saviour out of love and gratitude for what He redeemed me from and what He bestowed on me when He bought me.(Romans 12:1-21) I grow and mature just as a child grows and matures. As I walk and grow I surrender more and more of my life to Him, and I become more aware of sin in my life and I am responsible to confess and forsake that sin.(Sanctification) Alas, I shall never convince you of your eternal position in Christ Jesus. I do grieve that you use your bully pulpit to attack those of us who hold to the biblical doctrine of Eternal Salvation.

RESPONSE:

Why would the apostle Paul use the covenant relationship between the LORD and Israel as an example and warning to the SAVED Gentiles (us)if such were not applicable? Ludicrous thought! You state “I am talking as one who was dead and is now alive unto Christ. I’m not talking about a Sunday Church goer, I’m talking about a Redeemed, Born Again, heir and joint heir with Christ.” Where did you get these very terms? From Romans – to the VERY EXACT heirs of salvation the Holy Spirit is warning to “Fear” lest they be “cut off” also as the covenant Jews were (Rom. 11:19-23) You asked “Show me in the Scriptures where a son is cut off from the Father.” Ready? Here we go – “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry…It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive AGAIN; and was lost, and is found.” Luke 15:24, 32

The son who left his father stopped believing and being in his father’s care. One may argue that he was still a son, but another may rightfully argue that he lost all of the benefits of being a son while he was in unbelief and would have perished if he had not returned to his father.
Please look at the above Bible text again and note some basic things that are irrefutable:
1) “my son” – sonship a relational term (represents a saved person; a person who has a father / son relationship with the heavenly Father)
2) “was dead” – as Jude speaks of, a person can be “twice dead, plucked up by the roots” (Jude 12) “Twice dead” simply refers to the apostate person who was initial born dead in sin then got saved and fell away “again.” How could a person be “plucked up by the roots” from a place he wasn’t already planted? Impossible.
3) “alive AGAIN” – need we explain that again means for a second time?
4) “my son…was lost” – after being a son of his father, he become lost again
5) “thy brother” – yet another clear reference to familial relationship – sonship. One could not possibly be a “brother” to another if he is not first a son to the same father. Yes we have “Eternal salvation” and yet such is only promised to those who “obey Him.” Heb. 5:9 says “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all THEM THAT OBEY HIM.” This is consistent with Christ’s words in Matt. 7:21 – “1Not 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.” Jesus is Coming – Ready or Not!

For a thorough study of the eternal security question, see book titled Lie of the Ages.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable.’ This teaching magnifies the ‘verilies,’ but discounts the ‘ifs’; yet both are given by God and are equally inspired. Conditions of salvation and conditions of keeping are not named in every Scripture. Scriptures of warning are addressed to such believers as may be careless, indifferent, trifling, boastful, or presumptuous. The usual group of Scriptures quoted by the eternal security believers are the kind that are needed to encourage and sustain the fearful, trembling, and weak saints who earnestly desire to do the will of their Lord, but are harassed by the devil and beset with doubts. ‘Yet forty days and Nineveh shall be destroyed,’ was a ‘verily’ as far as the statement was concerned, but there was an ‘if’ implied in one of the promises of God. (See Jer. 18:1-12.) Such Scriptures as John. 10:27, 28; Col. 3:1-3; John.3:36; 5:24; Jude 24; Rom. 8:34-39; Heb. 7:25, and a lot of others that might be given are precious to every believer. They make it clear that we are safe in Christ Jesus. No outside power or influence, neither men, angels, nor devils, can come between us and our Lord; but there are conditions of salvation and there are conditions that govern our keeping. We do not question God’s sovereignty, His power, His omnipotence; we believe and hold to all of them. On the other hand as honest people, we dare not close our eyes to the fact that God has laid a responsibility upon free moral agents that He does not violate by His sovereignty, His omnipotence, His election, or any other office or attribute belonging to Deity. The condition that saves is the same condition that keeps. Eternal security believers constantly underscore ‘hath’ in John 5:24 but overlook the condition, “believeth.” They will take John. 10:27-29 and underscore the ‘never perish’ and ‘no man is able to pluck them out of my hand,’ but ignore the fact that this promise is made to the ‘sheep that hear his voice and follow him.’ As long as this condition continues, the keeping continues. No other interpretation is consistent with free moral agency.” J.L. Stauffer

‘Once saved always saved’ is a mere cliche’ and no where to be found in God’s Word in word nor in concept. Friend, you reveal here that you do not personally know the Scriptures and yet you have drawn conclusion on this matter based upon the teachings of the mere men you have listened to. One cannot find unconditional eternal security in the Bible, it’s simple not there. Sin disqualifies the person from Heaven unless he repents and receives forgiveness through the blood of the LAMB – “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death…And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Revelation 21:8,27 Anybody want to argue with the LORD Almighty? I don’t and won’t.

The Message of Jesus Christ: “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 Here Jesus Christ, the Almighty God, tells His own twelve that those who persevere to the end of their lives remaining and continuing in obedience to Him “shall be saved.” Notice here in Matthew 10, the utter difference between what Jesus told His disciples and what so many leaders today tell the people. First, realize that Christ hand picked these twelve. There is the complete absence here of words like: “You are eternally secure” “God is not an Indian giver” “No matter what you do, you are sure for Heaven” “You are guaranteed Heaven because God is not an Indian giver” “It’s eternal life not temporary life” “Jesus is the good Shepherd, how could Jesus ever lose a sheep?” “You can’t obtain salvation by works, so you can’t loose it by bad works (sinning), it doesn’t matter what you do, you still have it.”

Salvation was paid for by Jesus “once” on the cross 2,000 yrs ago (Jn. 19:30; Heb. 10:12). The way that applies to the individual’s life is different. He must get in and remain in the will of God by repentance and faith in Christ alone (Acts 20:21, etc.). Peter was re-saved or re-converted (Lk. 22:31-32). James 5:19-20 speaks of re-saving a brother who errs into sin from spiritual death (James 5:19-20)

You said there were no Scripture in part I? I count 9 whole verses. Need a calculator? Numbers don’t lie. Do you really believe God at His Word? “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. 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 33:12-13

It is interesting to note that no one here is yet speaking of the holiness of God. Forget the “sovereignty of God” as you put it, what about the holiness of God? The word “holy” and “holiness” appear 595 times in the Bible. The word “soveriegn” or “sovereignty” appear 0 times in the Bible. So in using this term and making far too much of an emphasis on it, we see that many are perverting the nature of the Almighty. We are to take Him at His Word which speaks of His holiness nearly 600 times and never once mentioned His sovereignty as you do. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Pet. 1:15-16 If any person (whether previously saved or not) dies outside of a holy relationship with the one true holy God, hell awaits (Gal. 5:19-21; Heb. 12:14; Rev. 21:8,27).

Ever read the book of Jude? It’s primary subject is apostates and apostasy. How can one leave or apostasize from something he never previously possessed?

Got any Scripture? Or are you living off cliches (like OSAS) and human philosophy propatated by false teachers? Divine authority is invested in the Scriptures of the Prophets, Apostles and the LORD Himself (2 Tim. 3:15-17). “But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, IF IF 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. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.” (Heb. 3:6,12-14)

Still see no Scripture. You have fashioned a god in your image – one who allows for things that the one true God tells us He doesn’t and won’t. “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.” Ezek. 18:30

“Sealed” does not mean indelibly. You are reading into things. Jesus’ tomb was sealed (Matt. 27:66) but we all know it didn’t stay that way 😉 By the way the same Greek word is used as in Eph. 4:30 and 1:13. WHAT ABOUT JUDAS?

Have you ever read John 10:27 to see exactly who Jesus promised eternal life to and the associated assurance? He gave a qualification or two which are ongoing. Repentance and faith are necessary to receive initial salvation and also ongoing requirements (Lk. 13:3,5; Rom. 5:1-2; 1 John 1:7; Col. 1:23; Heb. 3:6; 6:12-15; 10:26-39).Jesus’ promise was conditional upon the one who has received the gift after repenting. He must remain or “abide” in Christ or he will be burned (Jn. 15:6) “If a man abide (remain) not in me, HE is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire (hell), and they are burned.” (Jn. 15:6)

The term “sins that are passed” appears in Romans 3:25. Nothing is said in Scripture to guarantee that ALL FUTURE sins in the individuals life are going to be automatically forgiven and overlooked by the LORD. That is a deception, a lie of Satan. There is an ongoing condition to meet for the believer (one who is currently believing) to obtain forgiveness – “IF IF IF we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

WHO DID JESUS SAY IS SECURE? JOHN 10:27-29 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29 First off Jesus identifies those sheep whom He makes the security promise to. He says “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” In this we see one part divine and two parts the responsibility of the individual. “I know them” – the divine part (v27) Those who are His sheep “hear” His “voice” and “follow” Him – the individual’s responsibility (v27) Those who seek to spread the ‘once saved always saved’ heresy use John 10:28-29 to their advantage and conveniently ignore the preceding words of Christ in verse 27. Verses 28-29 are promises of security to those who are currently hearing His voice and following Him. Many ignore the previous qualifying words (v27) of Jesus where Christ tells us that only those who are hearing His voice and following Him are promised that they are secure and will never perish. There is a condition to being secure in Christ – knowing Him – which requires continuing to abide in Him, hear His voice and follow Him (see also John 15). In this John 10 passage used by the unconditional eternal security crew to peddle their wares, some neglect to look closely at verse 27 to see who Jesus was specifically speaking to when He promised “they shall never perish.” “They” refers to those who “hear my voice” and “follow me.” According to verse 27 the promise of eternal security is conditional. Assurance of salvation is only to those who are presently following Christ. In verse 27 we learn that protection from judgment to come is only to those who are currently 1) hearing His voice, 2) known by Him, and 3) following Him. This is consistent with the message seen in the whole of Holy Writ. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 According to these words of Christ, those who “know” Jesus and “follow” Him are given the promise that they will “never perish.” As long as the follower hears His voice and follows Him, they are assured “eternal life.”

Christ said that “He that endureth to the end shall be saved”….so the security promise is only to those who die in faith and not just those who have initial faith and then “fall away.” (Matt. 10:22; Lk. 8:13). We are commanded to fear God and behold His holiness and “severity.” (Matt. 10:28; Rom. 11:22) His judgment will be sincere upon all who die in sin – regardless of their past relationship with Him. “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. 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 Pet. 2:20-21

Jesus gave 4 types of heart soil the Word falls on not 3. See Luke 8:12-15. The 2nd type person is one who believes for a while then “falls away.” The Son of God invented the term “fall away” so obviously such is possible. “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.” Luke 8:12

Jesus gave 4 types of heart soil the Word falls on not 3. See Luke 8:12-15. The 2nd type person is one who believes for a while then “falls away.” The Son of God invented the term “fall away” sp obviously such is possible. “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.” Luke 8:12

Nevermind the human reasoning as to how the LORD views us. I suggest you read the Word of God closely and witness how many times we are warned to remain or abide in faith and obedience to Christ. According to the New Testament, saving faith can be: ”Cast off”: “But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.” 1 Timothy 5:11-12 ”Put away” and “Made shipwreck”: “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:” 1 Timothy 1:19 ”Denied”: “I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.” Revelation 2:13 “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” 1 Timothy 5:8 ”Departed from”: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” 1 Timothy 4:1 ”Failed”: “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not (if this were not possible, why would Jesus have prayed?): and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:32 ”Overthrown”: “Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” 2 Timothy 2:18 ”Erred from”: “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1Timothy6:10 “Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:21 Fallen Away from: One can “Fall away” from his believing/saving faith: “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.” Luke 8:13

The “elect” are simply those who elect to be saved and continue to the end and not some special elite group as john calvin (major league heretic) taught (John 1:12; Matt. 10:22). See Rev. 17:14 to find out who is going to be in Heaven – being “faithful” is a requirement.

Jesus said that there are those who BELIEVE for awhile and in time of temptation “FALL AWAY.” (Luke 8:13) Wanna argue with the Almighty? How many virgins were likened to the kingdom of HEAVEN (not hell)? Go see what Christ told us in Matt. 25:1-13. Only 5 of the 10 made it. Warning! Beware! If one is living in sin instead of faith, he has no eternal security promise from God. If so, why so many warnings in Scripture? Dare we call the Son of God a lunatic? “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” 2 Pet. 3:17

Clever approach but not biblical. Salvation is obtained initially and maintained by faith (includes a repented life). There is no promise of Heaven outside of getting and staying washed in the holy blood of Christ…”But IF IF IF IF IF we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) Jesus told each of the 7 churches of Asia he addressed in Revelation 2-3 that only those who overcome would be with Him in Heaven. All divine promised are conditional (not unconditional) upon the initial and ongoing trust (which will always yield obedience) of the recipient. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, WITHOUT WHICH NO MAN SHALL SEE THE LORD.” Heb. 12:14 Unholy people in God’s holy Heaven? Not a chance. Rev. 21:8,27

“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; And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4

There is a responsibility on the part of the individual to either receive or reject God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. “As many as recieved him to THEM gave he the right to become the sons of God.” John 1:12…with care and concern i would say that it sounds like you have been misled by john calvin’s heresies friend.”

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Grace vs Holiness [podcast]

“The horrible travesty we have in America today is Christianity without holiness.” A.W. Tozer Grace and holiness come only from God. The LORD is Holy and He extends salvation by grace to repentant, believing sinners at the moment of conversion. Grave vs Holiness: WHY is one of these two so overwhelmingly overemphasized by today’s pastors and self-appointed “grace teachers,” when the other is prioritized by God as is demonstrated by the number of times it appears in Holy Scripture? Which word appears more times in the Bible?: Grace, or Holiness LET’S DO THE MATH: Comparing Grace and Holiness 170 to […]

The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security! [podcast]

HELL Awaits! SO YOU THINK YOU ARE ETERNALLY SECURE? WHO TOLD YOU THAT LIE? NOT GOD! IT SIMPLY DOESN’T MATTER HOW POPULAR A PREACHER IS – IF HE’S TEACHING SATAN’S FIRST LIE THAT CAUSED THE FALL OF THE HUMAN RACE – OSAS/ETERNAL SECURITY – HE’S A FALSE TEACHER, AN AGENT OF SATAN (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). OF COURSE he’s popular – he’s not preaching the cross but rather excuses for sin against a Holy God! RUN from that devil! You will be safe and eternally secure when you get to Heaven, not before. ARE YOU enduring sound doctrine today or walking […]

Articles

Obedience or Love – Which is Most Important? [podcast]

“IF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15

Have you ever noticed the “If” of this statement by our LORD Jesus?

Okay, reread the words of Jesus above and see what comes first in the sentence – “love” or keeping His commands.

“IF you love me, keep my commandments” says Jesus (John 14:15)…. IF we don’t know and love Him there’s no use trying to keep His Word…. He’s not speaking of keeping His Word in order to earn His justification but rather as the fruit of knowing Him in a saving relationship….

“Few seem to understand the huge difference between obedience and legalism. We obey because we love God and we know obedience doesn’t save us. Legalism believes by obeying they are saved by it. We that are born again know only the blood of Jesus saved us but we also know that obedience proves we are saved and keeps us saved. It is joy to obey the Lord as we love what He loves and we hate what He hates. Amen.” Shirley Bruso

—- JESUS IS NOT GLORIFIED BY THE KEEPing OF HIS INSTRUCTIONS/COMMANDS BY THOSE WHO DON’T LOVE HIM …. LOVE COMES FIRST – LOVING AND WORSHIPPING HIM IS MOST IMPORTANT TO GOD. “IF IF, IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.” JOHN 14:15

“Ye are my friends, IF ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15:14

LOVE is the governing factor:

“We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

Of John 14:15 and 15:14, one source notes the following:

“In John 14:15 and 15:14 (KJV), Jesus teaches that love and obedience go together, meaning real love for Him naturally leads to doing His commands rather than separating love from works.

What the Verses Say

- John 14:15: Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” He makes keeping His words the direct proof of love.
- John 15:14: Jesus says, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” He shows that friendship with Him requires action and obedience.

How Love and Works Connect

- Love is the root: Jesus starts with love as the inner heart motive.
- Works are the fruit: Doing His commands is the outward action that proves the love is real.
- They are not separate: Jesus does not say love replaces works; He says love produces obedience.”

Love begins with God and any relationship requires reciprocating love – love flowing from each of the 2 parties to one another.

“And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, FOR THE LOVE HE HAD TO HER.” Genesis 29:20

Jacob didn’t mind serving a whole 7 years for Rachel, because he loved her so much. The true disciple doesn’t view serving God as drudgery but rather delight – because he loves God supremely!

“A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.” John 16:21

“His commandment are not grievous”

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3

IF I don’t love Jesus, do you think He’s honored when I try to obey what He said? No.

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God…” Matthew 22:37

“IFFF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15

IF WE LOVE JESUS, OBEYING HIM IS JOY, JUST AS IT WAS FOR JACOB AS HE SERVED A WHOLE 7 YEARS TO OBTAIN A LIFELONG MARITAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS BELOVED RACHEL (GENESIS 29:20).

Perhaps we are not understanding the divine economy as Christ meant us to understand Him. Jesus says “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14) It’s only IF I love Jesus that He is interested in my doing the things He told HIS true people to do, otherwise, my good works are in vain, even if I suffer martyrdom by burning my body – “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2) IF WE DON’T LOVE HIM – truly – with our whole heart, mind, and strength He’s not interested in us obeying Him (Matthew 22:37-39). Now, of course, if I truly do love Him, I will obey Him and yet Jesus doesn’t want us to think we are impressing Him by outward obedience only. In the divine economy, it all begins with LOVE – “God so LOVED the world that He gave ….” (John 3:16) The Bible informs us that “The Lord looketh on the heart” and if He sees that I don’t truly love Him, He’s not interested in my vain outward show (1 Samuel 16:7).

“IFFFF you love me keep my commandments” and not “prove you love me by keeping my commandments” (John 14:15) … big difference. Jesus isn’t interested in any law keeper keeping His commandments …. He desires and calls His people to love Him! If not, there’s no reason to try to obey Him.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

Those who truly know and love Him do His commandments. They don’t live on their own terms but rather on His. They delight to do His will because they truly seek, know, and love Him who bled to redeem their otherwise hopeless, wretched souls. Yet, obedience saves no one. Keeping His commandments doesn’t save you – the pharisees claimed to do that while refusing to come to Christ whom (John 5:39-40). No, God alone can save and He does so on His terms – initial and ongoing faith “which worketh by love” which is relationship. Yes, “faith … worketh by love.” (Galatians 5:6) Remember that even if a person goes so far as to give their body to be burned and has no love – they don’t love God, their obedience, their sacrifice is in vain (1 Corinthians 13:3).

1 Thessalonians 1:3 speaks to those already saved using the phrases “work of faith, and labour of love.” Please pay close attention to the words “faith” and “love.” “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” (1 Thessalonians 1:3)

When God initially saves us, He puts a love in our hearts for Him which is manifested by putting our faith in Christ. Jesus taught that knowing the Father and Himself were cardinal in His kingdom. – “And this is life eternal (the whole purpose for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:10

DID GOD send His only begotten Son to create an army of mechanical law-keepers OR a family who knows, worships, and adores Him? What does the Bible say is the cardinal reason for the whole plan of redemption? Why did God send His only begotten Son to bleed, be buried, and raised again to justify all who would come to Him? Are you familiar with what the LORD told us in Exodus 25:8, Matthew 22:37-40, and Philippians 3:10? We must have anchored in our hearts this glorious truth of knowing Him! Nothing else matters if we don’t relish Him, adore Him, and worship Him. If you name the name of Jesus Christ, it would greatly benefit your life, understanding. and ministry to memorize the words of the very Redeemer Himself as is recorded in John 17:3. More on that later.

If we love the LORD truly and our neighbor we will not steal, lie, covet, bear false witness, hate, commit adultery, OR any of those other sins and be walking in God’s perfect will. It’s really quite simple actually. But first we must examine this day whether or not we truly love Him.

One writer notes:

“Holiness is first and foremost agape love. Unconditional love for all, including enemies of us and enemies of God. This over-emphasis on repentance can make us the initiator and God the responder if we are not careful. God is always the initiator.”

IT IS MY OPINION THAT WE SHOULD BEGIN TO BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO OVER-EMPHASIZE OBEDIENCE WHILE NEGLECTING TO PREACH THE COMMAND TO KNOW, LOVE, AND ABIDE IN CHRIST. ALL OF OUR OUTWARD OBEDIENCE IS IN VAIN IF WE DON’T AUTHENTICALLY LOVE HIM. MANY WHO PREACH SEEM TO BE DOING THIS AND ARE CALLING MANY TO WORSHIP AT THE ALTAR OF SELF BY PERPETRATING THE FALSE NOTION THAT CHRIST’S ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE WAS NOT ENOUGH. THIS SEEMS TO RESONATE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT TRULY AND UNRESERVEDLY SURRENDERED TO CHRIST AND WHO WANT TO FEEL AS IF THEY ARE HELPING TO EARN THEIR OWN SALVATION WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE. WHAT DOES ROMANS 4:4-5 TELL US?

“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5

So, while it’s absolute that ALL who have saving faith in Christ are obedient and have good fruit in their lives, those good works and good fruit aren’t what saves them. No, good fruit merely evidences that there is a relationship. Christ alone can save and He does that instantly when a lost soul believes upon Him (John 6:47; Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1, etc.). The Great Shepherd of His sheep keeps His people saved as they keep themselves in the love of God, “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 21: 1 Peter 1:5)

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

The story of Jesus, Mary, and Martha is yet another place in the Scriptures of truth that clearly reveal what God is looking for from us – to love and to worship Him supremely.

“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. ³⁹And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. ⁴⁰But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. ⁴¹And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: ⁴²But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

Jesus speaks to us of an abiding union/relationship with Him where He calls us His friends. I want to encourage you to read John 15 closely this week. In this discourse on the Husbandman (the Father), the Vine (Jesus), and the branches (us), you will note that the relationship precedes the fruit bearing. While the fruit reveals the root – testifies to the relationship – fruit doesn’t save, neither does obedience. God does require us to obey Him by putting our faith in Christ to save us, but it’s He who saves us. Jesus Christ alone can save. Ephesians 2:8-10 reveals that we are saved by His grace through our faith and that we are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”

Consider that our LORD was “moved with compassion” toward those in need (Matthew 9:36). The great apostle said “the love of Christ constraineth (compels) us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14)

At times we quote 1 John 2:4 and yet, let’s look at a wider angle of this passage:

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. ⁴He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. ⁵But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. ⁶He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:3-6

“But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice…” Matthew 9:13

“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” Joel 2:13

Is loving God more important that obeying God? Both are obviously important and yet, in the divine economy, which is most important?

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ³⁸This is the first and great commandment. ³⁹And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ⁴⁰On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

Am I choosing and learning to “love the Lord” with my whole heart?

Andre Alexis writes: “Christianity is more than merely believing and obeying commands and reaping the promises of God. Christianity is not a religion: it is a relationship. And a relationship requires communication. Therefore, prayer is essential, because it is through prayer that you and I communicate with our heavenly Father.” …. This is a simple truth and yet bears stating as brother Andre did above. This is especially important due to the epidemic of charlatans which have promulgated a “what’s in it for me?” self-serving lifestyle upon millions who don’t bother to truly lay down their lives and see with their own eyes the full counsel of our LORD’s Word which actually communicate the very “thoughts of his heart.” (Psalms 33:11). The LORD wants a relationship with each of His children. He’s not just there to answer our every prayer while we commit spiritual adultery by wasting our time/lives in this fleeting world playing games, giving hours to frivolous foolishness, etc. He wants our hearts. Jesus told us the reason the Father sent Him in John 17:3. This was David’s and Paul’s whole goal in their respective earthly lives (Psalms 27:4, 8; Philippians 3:10). Jesus told us He wants an abiding relationship that bears fruit that remains to His eternal glory (John 15:1-16).

After being saved, under the new covenant, it’s not law keeping but rather abiding in Christ, amen? John 15 “Abide in me.”

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

LOVE IS THE CARDINAL EVIDENCE OR FRUIT THAT ONE KNOWS GOD.

Do we truly know Him who “is love”? (1 John 4:8, 16) Love is a divine attribute that is, without exception, resident in every man who is truly in right standing with God (Galatians 5:22-23)

PRAYER: Holy heavenly Father, I come to You impoverished in spirit. For without You dear LORD, we can do nothing. You are love and I am not and yet, I ask You here and now to more deeply imbue my innermost man with and teach me Your love. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Uphold Jesus (audio)

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What Did Paul Mean by "I Keep Under My Body"? [podcast]

In spite of all the evil that is me, dear LORD You have been so gracious (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7; Titus 3:5-7). Thank You Jesus. Please bless this life to be crucified with Thee! If OSAS/eternal security is true, WHY did Paul say he himself that he could be “castaway” from God in the end if he didn’t endure to the end, perpetually keep under his body (the cross life)? “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.” […]

A Living Sacrifice unto God [podcast]

The burnt offering means a complete consumption. What did God illustrate to us when He required His people under the Old Covenant to offer burnt offering sacrifices? His coming Messiah’s perfect sacrifice for the sins of mankind. The ordained way He requires that His people serve Him. Jesus was the ultimate burnt offering. He gave all of Himself freely in obedience to His Father and to redeem mankind. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1 In His earthly […]

The Correlation of Grace and Good Works [podcast]

Confused about how grace, faith, and works correlate? “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.” Ephesians 2:10 We are saved by God through Christ’s perfect sacrifice, by grace through faith, and yet true saving faith ALWAYS produces the fruit of an obedient, holy life. Obedience saves no one and yet is the fruit, the proof one truly knows and is known of God. Anyone teaching otherwise is fulfilling the grace-perverting prophesy of Jude 4. Read James 2; 1 John 2:3-6, chapter 3, etc. “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep […]

Abiding

FROM THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by Jon Crane

By Jon Crane

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5

A life surrendered to Christ and led by the Holy Spirit is made able to become a child of the kingdom of God (John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14-16; etc.).

The grace that saved us: the blood of Jesus Christ at Calvary is our atoning sacrifice and become the entrance into the eternal kingdom of God for the purpose of living from the new creation we have become in Christ (born-again John 3:3-7; John 15:1-5). Putting off our old man with his worldly mindset by washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:3-7).

Let us therefore, press into this inward holy life of living faith.

“But be ye doers of the word, and NOT hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a DOER of the work (Matthew 7:24-25), this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:22-25

More Thoughts…

“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath (vengeance belongeth to the LORD who created us all

9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD (actively doing God’s will in their lives; making full proof of the hope of redemption which they have by exercising their faith by works of love – Matthew 22:37-40; 1 Corinthians 13; etc.), they shall inherit the earth.

10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

11 But the MEEK shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5); and shalt delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Psalms 37:7-11

When pressed above measure read Psalms. 94.

Remember whose you are …

“And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” 1 Corinthians 3:23

Take heart…

“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

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior yet and would like to make peace with God…

“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:15-18

Romans 3

“Moreover, brethern, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein in ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith unto them who are under the law: that every mouth (Jew, Gentile, Muslim, etc.) may be stopped, and ALL the world may become guilty before God.

20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

21 But now the righteousness of God, without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith (Rom. 1:16-17) of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, I say, at this time (today if you hear his voice: Heb. 3:7,15 conviction in your heart) his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:19-26

Confession made…

“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:8-13

Call upon Jesus Christ according to faith and be saved!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17

Making Peace with God

Empowered by His Word [podcast]

Why do people get weak and compromise, and faint in the battle? “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” Proverbs 24:10 How to go from “small” “strength” to much strength How to get built up, to be “nourished up” ….. “praying in the Holy Ghost.” “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.” Jude 20 “nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine” “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up […]

Are You a "A FAITHFUL MESSENGER" of the LORD? [podcast]

The faithfulness of God is where we begin …. every word in the Bible. His Word oozes with His faithfulness. He was faithful to us “while we yet sinners” (Romans 5:6-8), to forgive us our sins (1 John 1:9). ruling over cities – see Luke 19 See examples of faithfulness to God in Hebrews 11: “he pleased God” “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Hebrews 11:5 “But whoso looketh into the perfect […]

Articles

Are Tongues Demonic? [podcast]

Believing lies will ever hinder the blessing of God on our lives. If you are born again and yet not yet baptized with the Holy Ghost, you will forever lack the divine power God wants you to walk in. Acts 1:8 says what?

Tongues are not of the devil and did not pass away! Get over yourself! YOU are not in control, sinner.

At times we hear well meaning believers (perhaps) saying that devils can give you tongues. hmmmmm My reply to such would be as follows:

That could be true and yet…. Jesus and His holy apostles never made such a statement. They DID though diligently testify of the baptism with the Holy Ghost and made sure every believer knew about it and were invited to receive it…. as in Acts 8:14-17 which we will look at in a moment.

The Misuse of Tongues Does Nothing to Negate the Genuine Baptism with the Holy Spirit and gifts of the Spirit ….. which the LORD never revoked and intends for His New Testament believers to receive.

For the record: By the grace of Christ alone, He saved and filled this once wretched man, this disciple with His Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38). This disciple is a whole-Gospel, full-Bible believer by Jesus’ grace. Like many today realize, authentic Pentecost is not the same as what is transpiring in the false charismatic or NAR cults which are a demonic mockery and counterfeit of authentic Pentecost. NO, I am not part of any organized church such as UPC, etc.

The Bible foretold of this hour of great apostasy as the return of our LORD draws nigh. Specifically speaking of those who claim to be Christ’s, the Word tells us that many of these professors would deny the power of their Creator to guide them, fill them, and be their all sufficiency (Colossians 1-2). This is the damnable sin of unbelief (Hebrews 3:12-14; Revelation 21:8).

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:5

Saints, beware of any person speaking against the Holy Ghost or the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

While the FRUIT of the Spirit is most important because it can only be born out of an abiding relationship with Christ (John 15; Galatians 5:22-23), that in no way negates the baptism with the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-10). Paul says to covet those gifts and that’s in order to be used of God to help others: “But covet earnestly the best gifts…” (1 Cor 12:31). We must not make the classic mistake of negating anything from God’s Word and especially because some have abused things. Never abandon a biblical truth to abuse. Never negate something the Word teaches because others have twisted or misused it.

“Identifying the Word of Faith and NAR (New Apostolic) heretical movements isn’t to say all Pentecostals believe this or are false. I also believe many things to be examples of false dilemma/ dichotomy fallacies where people are deceived and assume they must pick between one of two deceptions when more than those two options exist. The truth is the whole of God’s Word.” Jason Frost

One writer notes:

“Is John MacArthur a heretic when he teaches the entire Pentecostal movement worldwide (over 400 million) is of Satan? Isn’t blasphemy of the Holy Spirit when one attributes the gift of God to Satan? When MacArthur boldly teaches all speaking in tongues done today is demonic he has no idea of the consequences he’s facing!

Beware saints. Paul encouraged all the saints to speak in tongues (1 Corinthians 12:1-11). He also instructed us how to properly give and receive an interpretation of tongues in a church service (1 Corinthians 14:23-33). Any believer can pray and receive the gift of tongues. Not all have the gift to give an interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:30). I cherish speaking in tongues because this gift was given to me by Jesus (Acts 1:5). Yet, pastors like John MacArthur, Charles Stanley, and David Jeremiah, have convinced millions of Christians that speaking in tongues is demonic. The truth is, God desires every believer to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues (Acts 1:5; 2:4; Mark 16:17; 1 Corinthians 12:10; 14:39).

After Jesus healed a blind man who was demon-possessed, the Pharisees accused Him of doing it by the power of Beelzebub (Matthew 12:22-32). They were speaking evil of the Holy Spirit by attributing the power of God to the Devil. Jesus called this blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongues is the initial physical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4; 10:45-46; 19:6). This is why anyone saying the gift of tongues is satanic is blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Ministers believing in such heresy usually teach the Holy Spirit only speaks through the scriptures. Such deception is grieving the ministry of the Spirit. I can’t imagine living my Christian walk without being able to hear from the Spirit of God. He not only gave me the idea of this book but spoke to my spirit many times while I was writing it.”

Jesus says His sheep hear His voice (John 10). Though the Holy Ghost would never lead contrary to the Scriptures, He has a living, breathing relationship with each of Christ’s saints and leads us daily. Sometimes those impressions and promptings are very specific. In fact, we see this throughout the New Testament Scriptures. Remember when Ananias was told by the LORD to go to a certain street and find Saul? “And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth” (Acts 9:11). Also, remember how the LORD spoke (without but according to Scripture) to Phillip? – “And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia…“ (Acts 8:26-27). The examples are all over the New Testament. God bless you all. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14).

How could any true, born again believer possibly argue with the following? Decades into the New Testament era, Jesus’ apostle Paul wrote:

“I would that ye all spake with tongues … “ 1 Corinthians 14:5
“I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:” 1 Corinthians 14:18
“forbid not to speak with tongues.” 1 Corinthians 14:39

Clearly, after reading these things Paul uttered, we can conclude that to say tongues is demonic would be to declare that Christ’s apostle Paul was demonic.

“Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. ¹³Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. ¹⁴For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth but my understanding is unfruitful. ¹⁵What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” 1 Corinthians 14:12-15

Of speaking in tongues and the error of teaching against it, Tim McCullough writes:

“Why can people not see this??? Paul plainly said he spoke in tongues more than all the Corinthians, albeit in privacy – between himself and the Lord. There is clearly a spiritual language that God has given to believers for non-corporate use – but for our own faith and benefit. MacArthur makes a deadly error confusing the two, and worse yet – writing it all off as demonic. This is a DEADLY false doctrine as it emboldens professing believers against the Word of God in the most dangerous area Jesus spoke of – attributing a work of Gods Spirit to the devil. This is a venomous error and John MacArthur desperately needs God to grant him repentance.” | John MacArthur Exposed

It seems reasonable that the first thing God takes over when HE immerses you with His presence is the most “unruly member” (James 3). Thank the LORD for that! God bless you all.

The baptism with the Holy Ghost and the gifts of the Spirit of God are vital, non-negotiable components of our LORD’s New Testament church plan/program. Are you baptized with the Holy Spirit? Dare we take away from the LORD’s stated, New Testament program? (Revelation 22:18-19)

MODERN TONGUES?

Jesus promises to give the HOLY Spirit and no evil spirit/demon to His children when they ask to be filled:

“If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” Luke 11:11-13

The misuse of tongues does nothing to negate (diminish) the divinely ordained, genuine baptism with the Holy Spirit. If tongues after Pentecost are false, that clearly makes the apostle Paul false. Decades after the Day of Pentecost, Paul said things that establish that the baptism with the Holy Ghost and praying in the Spirit is for all of Christ’s disciples throughout the New Testament era until Jesus returns. Certainly the following statements made by Paul are not only for the use of tongues in a group setting:

“I would that ye all spake with tongues … “ 1 Corinthians 14:5

“I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:” 1 Corinthians 14:18

“forbid not to speak with tongues.” 1 Corinthians 14:39

The counterfeit charismatic movement (word of faith and NAR – new apostolic reformation delusion) only further lends itself to the proof of tongues being for all believers today. Satan can only counterfeit what is authentic in order to twist and misled and distort and confuse.

PENTECOST, the baptism with the Holy Ghost is a non-negotiable, essential, central component of Christ’s New Testament program-yet not the things added by sinful wolves today. We are whole Gospel believers which would include discerning and rejecting additives – yet never diminishing aught, letting go of the true Pentecostal, Holy Ghost baptism Christ’s gives to His own. NOT the denomination but the New Testament reality. When exposing the NAR (New Apostolic Reformation)/Bethel warlocks and their witchcraft, you may at times be called a cessationist by those deceived by the enemy of souls. A cessationist is one who erroneously believes that the bless-ed power of the Holy Ghost was only for the earliest followers of Jesus. False. Yet, the authentic baptism with the Holy Spirit is never manifested in God’s Word as that which is anything except pure, holy, and “in order.” – “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). Being baptized (immersed, clothed upon) with the Holy Spirit will always lead to more divine power to be holy, set apart unto Christ and not to misuse for things not sanctioned in and by His Word. Keeping it biblical!

“Calvinism is a lie and tongues are not demonic. The devil has a counterfeit for everything even tongues and the Holy Spirit. His counterfeit of the Holy Spirit is kundalini which is strange fire of the queen of heaven. Why do people get kundalini in many churches? It’s because they want the gifts of the Spirit without abiding in Jesus, wanting more of Him, and walking in holiness. They reject the daily cross and holiness while they selfishly want gifts from God for their own self-serving purposes. The gifts of the Spirit have not ceased.” Ryan Waldrop

Danielle Mangram writes:

“He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Acts 19:2‭-‬6 KJV

The Holy Spirit is not demonic! That is blasphemy against the Spirit of God. There is demonic tongues but when one is filled with the Holy Spirit of God he speaks to him in a language of angels. The Spirit of God was promised to us from our Lord Jesus Christ. It did not go away. He says anything you ask in my name the father will give it to you (Luke 11:11-13). The problem is disbelief and doctrines of men, traditions. Jesus did not preform miracles because of their disbelief. If we as the body would just believe in Him truthfully, the church would arise so powerful. Unfortunately man and devils got in the way. I thank God that He is mightier than all that, in Jesus’ name, hallelujah.”

Did Christ’s Apostles Count the Baptism of the Spirit Important?

When the apostles heard that some people in Samaria had been saved, they counted the promised Holy Ghost baptism so vitally important that they sent Peter and John to see that those new Christians were filled with the Spirit.

“Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” Acts 8:14-17

After Jesus rose from the dead and was seated at the right hand of the Father, Christ’s apostles made sure when Jesus saved souls, that those newly saved saints had the opportunity to receive the full measure of the Holy Ghost – an integral part of New Testament Christianity and without which the believer cannot and will not be powerfully used of God (Acts 1:8).

No Pentecost, No Power!

Firstly, the central issue is not about tongues but about the baptism in the Holy Spirit. If one denies the volumes of Scripture on this New Testament experience then he will deny the gifts and power the divine Person of the Holy Spirit has ordained to be present among His people for the whole New Testament period (Acts 2:37-39).

After thorough study of the New Testament Scriptures, I cannot deny this gift or His divine involvement in and among His beloved people and have no desire to limit God which is sin (Psalms 78:41; 103:2; Revelation 22:18-19). In the name of Jesus and by the grace of God, I will unapologetically speak of this holy truth from the Holy Scriptures.

“Unknown” Tongues = NOT a known language.

To those who falsely claim that tongues were only for Pentecost and were all known languages……

Such is a false teaching. Beware of the false teachers. The Holy Ghost is in no one making this false claim (Ephesians 5:9).

Men don’t understand the tongues that Holy Spirit filled saints speak unless God supernaturally chooses to give one the interpretation (1 Corinthians 14). Why else would we have the word “unknown” when referring to tongues? Only God understands and those He chooses to reveal things to. This alone proves that these tongues are not any known language known of any man like those mentioned in Acts 2:1-13. This was the only time we have on record where men speaking in “tongues” was a known language of men. All other tongues are to God and inspired by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14).

The initial manifestation of tongues at Pentecost was when men heard others from other nations speak in their own tongue (Acts 2:4-8). A miracle. Yet it didn’t stop there. Notice … “tongues of men AND of angels” (1 Corinthians 13:1). Also, read closely: “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh NOT UNTO MEN, but unto God: for NO MAN UNDERSTANDETH HIM; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries” (1 Corinthians 14:1).

In 1 Corinthians 12 the gifts of the Spirit are introduced and in 1 Corinthians 14 Paul teaches on the use and misuse of those gifts.

The gifts of the Spirit are temporal and to be accepted, facilitated in this time when God saw fit that they are needed. “That which is perfect” is Heaven and such has not yet come.

One of the two usages of speaking or praying in tongues in 1 Corinthians 14 is to edify or build up the believer (v3; Jude 20).

By divine design, those who pray in the Holy Ghost will be overflowing with the presence and power of God.

“building up yourselves”

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,” Jude 20

Edification – building up!

“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself…” 1 Corinthians 14:4

Then there is the tongue and interpretation gifts for use in the gathering of saints.

“For he that speaketh in an UNknown tongue speaketh NOT unto MEN, but unto God: for NO MAN UNDERSTANDETH him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.” 1 Corinthians 14:2

Note the word “UNknown” or not a known language of men. “For he that speaketh in an UNknown tongue speaketh NOT unto MEN, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.” (1 Corinthians 14:2)

God is also not forcing any of His precious gifts on anyone.

1 Corinthians 14:2 – “For HE THAT SPEAKETH IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE SPEAKETH NOTTTT UNTO MEN BUT UNTO GOD: for NO MAN UNDERSTANDETH HIM; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.”

1 Corinthians 14:4 “HE THAT SPEAKETH IN AND UNKNOWN TONGUE EDIFIETH HIMSELF; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.”

“NO MAN understandeth him” and yet “in the spirit he speaketh mysteries”

When one prays in the Spirit/tongues, he is speaking mysteries. That’s what the Bible says and no mere man can explain such and only some are willing to live by faith and lean not to their own understanding.

An honest and objective look at 1 Corinthians 14 will plainly reveal that the text not once refers to any tongue known to man. The word “tongue” or “tongues” appears 13 times in this chapter (1 Corinthians 14), and not once is it referring to the languages of men such as Hebrew, Greek, Italian, Farsi, Spanish, Swahili, German, etc.

Many today ignore the Scriptures, including the whole context and truth revealed in 1 Corinthians 14, which speaks of tongues 13 times and not once speaks of tongues except for use among God’s people in corporate gatherings and in the individual lives just as the apostle Paul said that he spoke in tongues more than everyone else. Are you going to argue about Paul the apostle personally speaking in tongues? Is your pastor more authoritative than this great apostle? So, you are taking the word of vile heretics (those who taught you this lie – the Holy Spirit and Scriptures sure didn’t lead you down that road) over the apostle Paul and the LORD. Please tell those devils who taught you those lies what I stated about them.

A huge part of the problem of rejecting the fullness of the Holy Spirit is very limited learning – since Jesus sent Him to lead us into all truth (John 14:26; 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 John 2:20, 27). Think about how this scenario plays out …. The young person grows up in an evangelical church setting where the baptism in the Spirit is denied. So, he then pursues God in his own limited strength, including going to seminary. In this “higher learning” facility, he continues to learn that he needs to accomplish the ministry in his own brain power, intellect, and feeble strength. He then gets a job as a pastor and blindly misleads those who themselves are not seeking the LORD enough to be enlightened to the New Testament teaching and experience of the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Why Did the LORD Grant the Gift of Tongues?

“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself … ” 1 Corinthians 14:4

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Jude 1:20

Common Misconceptions and Scripture Twisting

“These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also.” Acts 17:6

After the tail-whipping Satan received when the earliest believers were baptized with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the enemy set out to shut it all down! Thousands of souls were being saved and Satan was being robbed. Precious eternal souls for whom Jesus died were being taken from Satan who has “the power of death” over those who are not saved out of the kingdom of darkness (Ephesians 2:1-3; Colossians 1:13-14; Hebrews 2:14). The enemy is able to exercise power over the souls of all who are unredeemed and yet, when the power of our Creator and LORD comes, Satan is utterly defeated EVERY time! God has ordained that this divine power operate in and through His people, the body of Christ. Jesus taught:

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19

Jesus came to destroy Satan and his evil work:

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14

“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8

The way Satan’s “works” are destroyed is by the power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of God’s people and this begins with the baptism in the Holy Ghost and not before (Acts 1:8). Any person who denies this Bible fact is denying Christ and His teachings.

Subtracting from God’s Word is a deadly pursuit that comes with a high and eternal price tag (Revelation 22:18-19). Stealing away the ordained relationship between Christ and His children is the work of devil-inspired wolves who are being used of Satan himself to rob the people of God of the divinely-ordained power of the LORD to be His witnesses.

“But ye shall receive power, AFTER that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Jesus taught that as His people went forth at His Great Commission command to “preach the gospel to every creature” that He would confirm “the word with signs following.” There is divine power present in the lives and preaching of all true disciples of our unchanging LORD and Savior!

What “signs” did Jesus tell us “SHALL follow them that believe”? Before Jesus answers that in His own words below, please ask yourself whether or not you truly believe Christ at His Word. Now, test the answer to that question by reading His very words:

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Mark 16:15-20 (KJB)

Another way Satan has stolen the divine power Jesus ordained for His people is that the new versions of the Bible either completely remove or cast doubt on the whole passage above (by a note in the margin that is actually a blatant fabrication). Why? Jesus taught us here that He was going to empower us to “cast out devils” and it takes divine power to do that (Matthew 12:28-29; Acts 10:38). Now, WHO didn’t want us to know how to cast him out? I’ll give you one guess 😉

So, if Satan didn’t want us to know we are supposed to cast HIM out and that God ordains His power in us against His enemy, who must be behind the new versions and the preachers who teach against the presence, baptism, and power of the divine Person of the Holy Ghost? Satan!

Oh, and what about Matthew 17:21? Again, the new per-versions remove this verse. Some have now deceitfully added it back due to being told on.

In the NIV and NAS (except in updated 1995 version of NIV) etc., this verse is missing! And why? Read the preceding verses where Christ’s disciples couldn’t cast out a devil. In verse 21, the omitted/deleted verse, Jesus tells His people of all times how to cast out devils. He gives us the key here. Just WHO didn’t want us to know how to cast him out? One guess!

“Howbeit this kind (of devil and unbelief) goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:21 (KJB)

Are you now seeing why millions of true disciples are burning their new versions and getting a King James Bible?

Thieving Wolves

Jesus told us that Satan has come to do three things:

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

The lengths some go to in order to teach their own brand of false theology is astounding and yet these same pharisaical wolves stand in positions of leadership and mislead others who refuse to study to show their own selves approved before the LORD (2 Timothy 2:15). Let’s take a look at some of the examples of their lame, obvious twisting of Scripture passage in order to pervert divine truth and teach falsely:

“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth (builds up) himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 1 Corinthians 14:4-5

The fact that prophecy is a greater of the nine gifts of the Spirit because it involves serving others, only re-establishes that serving others first is Christ’s example and will for us. Yet, this in no way negates or diminishes the fact of and need for edification of the individual in the Holy Spirit. – “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself … ” (1 Corinthians 14:4)

QUESTION RECEIVED:

“But does everyone who is saved and baptized with the Holy Spirit have the gift of tongues? 1 Corinthians 12…………30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?”

REPLY:

This is a commonly misinterpreted verse erroneously used to cheat believers out of the blessing of God. Notice how Paul puts these 2 things together: “do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?” …. this is specifically speaking of corporate gifts not the individual gift of tongues. 1 Cor 12:31 is coupling those 2 things together which means it’s speaking of corporate use of gifts not individual. Jesus says “According to your faith be it unto you.” (Matt 9:29) Remember: “I would that ye all spake with tongues … “ (1 Corinthians 14:5) … “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:” (1 Corinthians 14:18) … “forbid not to speak with tongues.” (1 Corinthians 14:39)

Okay, let’s investigate another passage that is used by deceivers who count their tradition more important than God’s Word:

“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12:27-31

The deceit of the wolves who teach against the biblical experience of tongues becomes obvious when we simply read in context the passages that address the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

“We ask God for a revival but ignore our unpardonable arrogance of refusing his gifts!” – Leonard Ravenhill

Beloved blood-washed saint, don’t let some deceptive dupe of the antichrist evangelical system rob you of your simple faith in Christ concerning what He and His apostles taught and what we see in the earliest of His believers in Acts and the New Testament Scriptures. Repent of wrongly esteeming any mere human leader’s useless seminary degree (which simply taught him how to not believe God’s Word for what it plainly states). – “Let God be true and EVERY man a liar” (Romans 3:4).

Ask yourself a few simple questions and weigh this in the light of the New Testament Scriptures:

1) If the LORD doesn’t want His people to be baptized (immersed) with His Holy Spirit, why didn’t He simply come out and tell us this?

2) If the infilling of the Spirit is not for today, why did God not simply come out and tell us so?

3) If the baptism of the Spirit passed away with the apostles and early church, why did Christ’s apostle Peter say that this gift was for every believer throughout the whole New Testament era, which includes now? See Acts 2:37-39.

From the beginning of His church, Jesus never intended for any who believe upon Him to salvation to go without the gift of the Holy Ghost. It’s only as devil-inspired religious men came in and shut down the work, power, presence, and gifts of the divine Person of the Holy Spirit that we have a deafening absence of what Christ and His holy apostles taught.

“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise (of the Spirit baptism) is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call (save).” Acts 2:37-39

Is God still saving souls? Yes! Well then, according to the apostle Peter’s utterance here – the LORD is still baptizing His people with the Holy Spirit.

And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve.” Acts 19:1-7

Like these disciples, many today have not even heard of the “gift of the Holy Ghost” which is clearly for all Christ’s disciples of all times under the New Testament era (Acts 2:37-39).

Every single born again believer can be baptized with the Holy Ghost which is simply a great measure of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This is God’s will for every one of His beloved children. This is God’s desire but He will only give this gift to the disciple who believers what His Word says and asked Him sincerely for it (Luke 11:11-13). The LORD also goes so far as to assure His children that no other spirit (evil) will be allowed in the life of His child who simply asks Him for the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:11-13). There are always those who counterfeit the divine authentic but that does nothing to erode the truth or the things of God. Jesus promised that He would only give the Holy Spirit and that no other evil spirit could enter His child:

“If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” Luke 11:11-13

Who does God give His Holy Spirit to?

“And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.” Acts 5:32

Every single authentic believer can have the baptism of the Holy Ghost and the gift of tongues in their individual life. This is God’s will. Every Christian should desire to be baptized with the Holy Ghost and to yield his whole being over to the LORD. The true body of Christ upholds Jesus Christ alone as their “Head” and must not allow sinful men who write books and speak from pulpits to hinder the full work of Christ in their lives (Colossians 2:8-10, 18-19). Millions today are being cheated out of truth and the fullness of the Spirit due to adhering to those leaders who are dangerously speaking against the work and divine Person of the Holy Ghost.

“Ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be full” says Jesus (John 16:23-24). Now, a common verse that is often taken out of context to prove that not everyone can pray in tongues is 1 Corinthians 12:30. This of course gives those who deny Christ the reign in their personal lives an excuse to continue to live unto themselves, never surrendering wholly to Christ on His terms (which are clearly given in His Word). But take a closer look at the context of Scripture beloved saints. Paul is not speaking of individual tongues but rather ties tongues together with the interpretation of tongues which contextually he is speaking of concerning specifically a group setting. Hear what is being conveyed in the context of this passage and you will see that Paul is in no way contradicting himself and the whole of Scripture by negating the blessed gift of tongues for every saint.

You see, in this 1 Corinthians 12 chapter, the nine gifts of the Spirit to the body of Christ have already earlier been listed (v8-10). The last two gifts listed are “tongues” and “the interpretation of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12:10) They are cited together for a divine reason. So, when Paul later speaks of tongues he is speaking of tongues in the setting of the function of the gifts in the body of Christ to be used in a CORPORATE SETTING and not individual tongues – “do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?”

“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:8-10

The Proper Use of Tongues

Are tongues only for private use? No, both private and within a meeting of believers.

The phrase “tongues and interpretation of tongues” is speaking specifically for a body of believers (1 Corinthians 12:10).

“…he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.” 1 Corinthians 14:5

“seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. …Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.” 1 Corinthians 14:12-13

“If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.” 1 Corinthians 14:27

Yes as is the case with all of our LORD’s gifts, some have abused or misused them. I sure have seen the misuse of the gifts of the Spirit firsthand. Some people use this as an excuse to not fully surrender to do things God’s way and thereby blame the LORD for the abuse of sinful men. They therefore forfeit the blessings of the LORD, His power, and drastically reduce their ability to be fruitful in this life.

Correcting any misuse of the gifts of the Spirit is exactly why we have 1 Corinthians 14. In this chapter Paul the apostle of Christ gives us the LORD’s guidelines for using the gifts of His Holy Spirit.

Abuse does not negate the right use of the gifts of the Spirit which is what Paul deals with in detail in 1 Corinthians 14.

My goal is not to be right but rather to simply sort all things in Holy Scripture. We must continue to look at all of the counsel of the LORD’s Word and as we do our LORD’s truth will continue to unveil itself (2 Peter 1:19-21).

There is a specific use and instruction for tongues and interpretation of tongues in a group setting.

“Yet IN THE CHURCH I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.” 1 Corinthians 14:19

The church or congregational setting is the context of 1 Corinthians 14:19.

We must beware of our own tendency to have selective hearing based on the human teachers we have listened to in the past. People like John MacArthur have a strong personality and can be convincing, especially if the individual listening to him is not in the Word himself. MacArthur teaches some false doctrines. He is but a man as this writer is. God gave us His Word and we are to let Him be true “and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). Yet John MacArthur’s personality or the way he seems to provide convincing information does not negate the very Word of God nor is MacArthur or any mere man the final authority. MacArthur negates the gifts of God and in doing so he is on dangerous ground as he is speaking against the divine Person of the Holy Ghost and His blessed work. Regrettably, many who listen to John MacArthur do not test his teachings against God’s Word for themselves and receive the due reward of being turned over to “strong delusion” for not personally loving and studying God’s Word for themselves (Acts 17:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).

Back to tongues ……

If tongues are demonic, that means Christ’s very own apostle Paul was demonic. After all, Paul said:

“I would that ye all spake with tongues … “ 1 Corinthians 14:5

“I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:” 1 Corinthians 14:18

“forbid not to speak with tongues.” 1 Corinthians 14:39

If Paul is demonic, then 2/3 of the New Testament Scriptures were written by an ungodly, demonic man. Right?

Who will you believe, MacArthur or the great apostle Paul?

After introducing tongues concerning the individual’s use of them, Paul then speaks of the use of tongues in the congregational/group setting:

“I would that ye ALL spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?” 1 Corinthians 14:5-6

Here Paul is saying that in order to lift up others above ourselves, we should covet to prophesy because prophesying edifies other members of Jesus’ body as opposed to praying in tongues individually which which has the divine purpose of building up the individual believer (1 Corinthians 13:2-3; Jude 20).

That Paul is speaking of the use and order of tongues in a body or group setting is self-evident in this whole passage and yet there is not a hint of negation (denial) of tongues for the individual prayer life (Romans. 8:26-27).

“I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19 Yet in the church (congregational setting) I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.” 1 Corinthians 14:18-19

The fact that Paul here says that “in the church” setting he’d rather speak words that people can understand only underscores that he is contrasting tongues for his individual communion and edification with Christ and those tongues/interpretation of tongues for use among more than one member of the body.

It is not profitable to blurt out in tongues among more than one believer in a gathering of believers and that’s what Paul is getting at in this chapter. This guideline of tongues amidst a group of Christians does not do away with the blessing of individually praying in the Spirit (Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 14:5; Jude 20). Under divine inspiration, Paul the apostle says that all believers should speak with tongues which aligns with how the other apostles made sure all believers were baptized with the Holy Ghost after being saved (Acts 8:14-17; 1 Corinthians 14:5). Paul clearly speaks of his own personal praying in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:18). The apostle commands “FORBID NOT to speak with tongues” (1 Corinthians 14:39).

Biblically speaking, there’s more than one purpose and use of tongues. We cannot limit it to one. Such is a common error made by many today who are not thoroughly and honestly studying God’s Word but rather listening to false teachings from mere sinful men who have set themselves up as leaders and refuse to honestly teach the full-counsel of God’s Word. Some get stuck on one part of one doctrine and close their hearts to the whole of what the living Word says of the matter and therefore walk around with a skewed view. Others who are supposedly saved, are not hungry for more of the LORD, which is suspect. Wanting all that God has for us is what this is about, in part. The LORD will not force or push and will only fill those who by faith hunger and thirst for more of Him.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

Prayer to Receive the Baptism with the Holy Spirit

LORD Jesus, thank You so much for finding and saving my wretched soul from sin and Satan and sure damnation! I praise You right this moment for coming and dying on that cross, shedding Your precious blood for my sins. Right this moment, I humbly bow before You my LORD and ask You to take over my life completely. I yield all that I am to You right now and ask You to baptize – to fill me – with the Holy Spirit. I ask You to take over my being completely LORD Jesus. I yield my heart, mind, body, and tongue to You. Use me with Thy great power to do Your work from this moment forward. In Jesus’ Name! Amen.

todd tomasella

FEEDBACK:

“The best method of doing this is to be only, always, and all for Him. We must not offer Him a share of our heart and devotion. There must be no division between Him and others. Whenever iniquity, darkness, Belial, and unbelievers seek to share our nature with the Holy Spirit, and we permit the partnership, He withdraws. No idols must be permitted in any hidden shrine of the heart. The whole nature-spirit (that is, the Holy of Holies) soul (that is, the seat of our individuality), and body-must be the temple of the Eternal, who rules it from the Shekinah, which is enthroned on the Ark of the Covenant. God still walks the world in those who love Him and are wholly yielded to His indwelling. The loneliest spirit finds Him to be father, mother, brother, sister, all. What an incentive to cleanliness not only of flesh but of spirit! Heb_10:22. The Apostle concludes by expressing his intense thankfulness that his converts had not misunderstood the urgency of his former letter.” James Brutton

“When we first left the church (building) I questioned everything that I had been taught especially speaking in tongues. There are times when that’s the only way to pray because I don’t have the words to speak in the natural. I do notice though at church it is only women that give words in tongues and also give the interpretation and I don’t want to speak against it but I do wonder why it is the women and why is it not men giving words? Thank you for this article and speaking truth!” Lori

REPLY:

Hi Lori. I went through the same experience of sifting through what is biblical and what is not and the proper use of those things. 1 Cor. 12 introduced the gifts of the Spirit and ch. 14 tells us how they are to be used and how they are not to be used (misused, abused).

One disciples writes: “BEWARE that calling an act of the Holy Spirit demonic is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, the only sin that cannot be forgiven. To say tongues are demonic places you on severely dangerous ground.”

Mathew 12:22-32

“Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. ²³And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? ²⁴ But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, THIS FELLOW DOTH NOT CAST OUT DEVILS BUT BEELZEBUB, THE PRINCE OF DEVILS. ²⁵ And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: ²⁶ And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? ²⁷ And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. ²⁸ But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. ²⁹ Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.

³⁰ He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. ³¹ Wherefore I say unto you, ?All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. ³² And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: ?but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”

One disciples writes: “Tongues are completely biblical. Here’s what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14:18-40:

‘I thank my God, I SPEAK WITH TONGUES more than ye all: ¹⁹ YET in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, THAT BY MY VOICE I MIGHT TEACH others (common sense) also, than ten thousand words in an UNKNOWN tongue.

²⁰ Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. ²¹In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.²² Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. ²³ If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? ²⁴ But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: ²⁵ And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. ²⁶ How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

²⁷ If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. ²⁸ But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. ²⁹ Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. ³⁰ If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. ³¹ For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. ³² And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. ³³ For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

³⁴ ‘Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. ³⁵ And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

³⁶ What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? ³⁷ If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.³⁸ But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. ³⁹Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. ⁴⁰ Let all things be done decently and in order.’

Here we see Paul placed all occurrences in their proper order. God is not the author of confusion, and there ARE false tongues, forced about by the flesh. This doesn’t do away with the fact there ARE true tongues. Please think about the following Scripture when calling people fools.

Matthew 5:22

‘But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, THOU FOOL, shall be in danger of hell fire.’”

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