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Getting Honest, Coming Clean

BREAKING: THIS here is all that matters saints…… Jesus is coming and wants to be glorified in forgiving all sin and changing lives….

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

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Kingdom news is the only Good News and everything else is going to hell. Are you behind the KING and His work He sent us to do – so that He can forgive all sin and change lives?

This dear brother has been having us lift him in prayer for a while now. Thank God and that you answered that call to lift our brother in prayer. We all know that only God Himself can break us and separate us to Himself, away from the sin that otherwise has a death grip on our lives. Here’s what our dear brother sent this morning:

“Praise report…The Holy Spirit broke me down…and for the 1st time in 42 years I’ve left nothing on the back burner, I’ve left nothing in reserve … it’s not Jesus and…it’s not Jesus but…. No, it’s just Jesus … that cross of my salvation. I’m free indeed!

Thank you brother! I’m truly being made free for the first time… I’ve wasted years holding on to temporary sin…. but no more! The Holy Spirit has been flowing, even today at work! Thanks again brother…. pray for my strength and endurance. I preached it yesterday and people gave up drugs and all sin afterwards (they came to real repentance). Jesus has been so good to me! I can never thank Him enough for His life…” Chris

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19

Jacob Got Honest and Grounded

Like each of us, Jacob’s heart was full of deceit until he was brought to brokenness, honesty with the LORD… and “renounced the hidden things of dishonesty” and was therefore “preserved” in his relationship with the LORD (2 Corinthians 4:2; Genesis 32:32:30). This breaking must happen and as He did with Jacob, God has a season chosen, slated, to break each of us! In this season of breaking, Jacob sought God and didn’t choose to fall away and made shipwreck. Read Genesis 32.

“And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Genesis 32:30

Victory seems to begin at the point we announce our own utter poverty outside of Christ! See John 15:5; Romans 7:18, 24.

“When you examine yourselves be prepared for what God shows you. It is sometimes hard to see our own ugliness! But if You are diligently seeking the Lord and praying John 3:30 you will be grateful.” Karen Cochran

If we will simply get honest with God and do things His way and no other, His blessing will be upon our lives and His benefits will begin to flow into our lives (Psalms 68:19; 103:2).

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” Psalm 68:19 

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:” Psalm 103:2  

“What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?” Psalms 116:12  

Getting honest is the beginning of your relationship with God and must remain throughout. Get honest. Remain honest.

ALL excuse makers go to hell. Only those who get honest in repentance will be with Jesus (Proverbs 28:13; Luke 8:15).

Those who are truly right with God are honest with Him. They “declare” and don’t try to hide their sins.

“For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.” Psalms 38:18

NOTHING good and everything BAD is going to happen till there’s honesty (Proverbs 28:13).

First and foremost, we must with all honesty apply and preach the truth to ourselves, and obey it – MERCILESSLY! Read Job 19:28; Matthew 7:1-5; Mark 9:43-49; Galatians 6:1-2; Psalms 32:5; 38:18. Preaching GOD’s truth is walking in His love and love should always accompany the preaching of His truth. Truth is only hate speech to those who hate truth – they are convicted by the truth but refuse to repent (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12; John 3:19-21). You cannot walk in God’s love while not communicating God’s truth (Proverbs 27:5-6; Romans 3:4; Galatians 4:16).

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5

Walking in the light…. includes at its foundation, the admission of and repentance from all evil, all darkness in us (1 John 1:7-10). Otherwise, we do not have fellowship with He who is “is light” because “in him is no darkness at all.” Let us hear the Word of the LORD….

“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But 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. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:3-10

Jesus says that repenting is a non-negotiable essential to knowing Him. Unfortunately, so many today have been misled by the easy believism gospel and assured that because they said a prayer, they are saved and going to Heaven. Yet Jesus never said saying a prayer will save you from sin and hell, and will prevent you from perishing, but rather repenting.

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3

Now, if in your praying to God, seeking Him for salvation, mercy, you prayed and repented truly in that praying, He saved you. And the proof of your life being now in Christ is that you are completely changed from the inside out. You are a new creature in Christ, old things are past away, all things are now of God in your life as you are walking with Him, confessing all sin as needed (2 Corinthians 5:17-18; Matthew 3:7-10; 1 John 1:9, etc.).

There’s no mystery that we’ve all sinned against God and there’s also no mystery, it’s crystal clear that God “Commandeth all men every where to repent” and to “Be ye holy, for I am holy” (Acts 17:30; 1 Peter 1:15-16).

Those who refuse to sever all sin from their lives will be cast irrevocably into hell. That’s what Jesus taught. Will you believe and obey Him or call the Son of God a liar? Read Mark 9:43-49 in the King James Bible (the corrupted new fake “bibles” deleted this passage).

Jesus guaranteed that only the honest will bear fruit and be with Him eternally. Here’s the 4th of the 4 soils, the only good soil and outcome. See Luke 8:11-15:

“But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” Luke 8:15

The true man of God fears God and therefore fears no man. He will speak the truth no matter what the cost.

“When you want to help people, you tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear.” Thomas Sowell

The Honesty Policy of the Patriarchs and Apostles

David’s Acknowledgement and Confession

“I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.” Psalm 32:5

Paul’s Determination

“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2

David’s Declaration – His Life Policy

“For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.” Psalms 38:18

“Honesty, it’s such a lonely word….” Remember that song?

Make friends with honesty because honesty is essential to God’s forgiveness.

Sister Karen Cochran testifies:

“A few years ago I was complaining about someone else and I was told you don’t have a problem you are the problem! Wow. How true that was. I took that and it still applies today. When I am judging others or am angry, I am the problem not them. I can’t take them to the cross of Christ. I can only take my wretched self to the cross. In this passage David saw how wicked his heart was full of lust and murder. He wanted God to give him a new heart as he said Psalm 51:10 ‘Create in me a clean heart, oh God; and renew a right spirit within me.’ He prayed ‘renew a right spirit within ME’! No one else but David was the one who had sinned and needed to come before God and be restored.”

Shiloh Brattmiller writes:

“That liar, Satan, is constantly going before the Throne to accuse us. This is how Jesus knew what he was doing in Luke 22:31–’And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.’ This is why it’s imperative to keep in step with repentance and renounce all iniquity on a consistent basis!”

Do it God’s Way or Perish

There’s no question that we’ve all sinned against our Maker and yet, regrettably, only a few will truly repent, get honest, come clean, and be cleared of the penalty and punishment of sin. God requires honesty from us in order to appropriate His mercy, the forgiveness of our sins.

“Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; 17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. 18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 IF ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But IF (denotes choice) ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword (judged): for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” Isaiah 1:16-20

When a man preaches the Word, the lascivious will balk and attack because they refuse to repent and receive the love of the truth – and will therefore be deceived and sent “strong delusion” and will be “damned” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). So, is simply stating the truth, God’s Word, legalistic or biblical? Biblical!

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit will always be consistent with these 3 things: GRT = Goodness, Righteousness, Truth

  • “goodness”
  • “righteousness”
  • “truth”

WHEN we are judging fruit – FIRST our own – these are 3 things to know that will always be consistent with the Holy Ghost working a life.

Ultimate “goodness” intended even when it’s a rebuke (Psalms 141: 5; Proverbs 27:5-6).

“Righteousness” – it will be biblically right, accurate.

“Truth” – it will aways, with no exception, be according to the truth of God which is the Word of God (John 17:17).

We are all born in sin and become skilled at entrenching ourselves in that darkness (Romans 7). God’s Word specifically addresses this.

“Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? 24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:23-24

Those who are truly saved today, were brought to the point of giving up, of surrendering. They were fed up with the reaping of sin, the shame and guilt, etc., and drawn to the light and love of the Savior. They fell into the LORD, they fell at His holy feet in repentance, sweet surrender, as He beckoned them to come to Him (Matthew 11:28-30).

Some seem very skilled at making excuse for their own sin. They fortify themselves in their own place of darkness. They will misuse verses like Romans 3:23 while ignoring the context. Romans 3:23 in no way gives us an excuse to live in sin. Rather, it reveals that we’ve all sinned and therefore ALL must repent or perish (Luke 13:3, 5). “Be ye holy; for I am holy….” (1 Peter 1:15-16).

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?… the wages of sin is death…” Romans 6:1-2, 23

It’s like they are saying “Well, we’ve all sinned so it’s okay. It’s okay to continue to sin because God knows and said we’ve all sinned.” Not!

What does God’s Word say?

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

Those who remain in darkness instead of repenting and being made free, brought out of it by God who is light, do so because they love darkness rather than light, making excuses, refusing to come into the light and be cleansed, delivered.

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:19-21

There is no excuse for sin. When we are caught by God in our sin, we either repent or rebel, we either confess it or cover it.

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

We cannot get free until we get honest.

The truth makes no one free until they repent and obey it (John 8:31-32).

There are 2 types of professing Christians – 1 is Heaven bound, and 2 is Hell bound:

  1. Those who face the LORD honestly in true repentance with their own utter depravity and sin, fasting and prayer, the cross (“crucified with Christ”), fighting the good fight of faith in a grounded, daily walk with Jesus, and then there are…
  2. Those who choose to be dishonest and deceitful of heart, unrepentant, and so migrate to false teachers and false teachings to justify their sin, to attempt to hide from them, dismissing all personal responsibility before God, and make a false god out of, in the image of their own wicked hearts. This is the whole construct and system of Calvinism and eternal security/OSAS and the hiding place for moral cowards who refuse to present themselves honestly before the LORD.

Jesus requires that we simply come to Him in an “honest and good heart” (Luke 8:15). He beckons us to cry to Him with head hung low in sincere humility and repentance “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13).

MANY are being ushered right in to hell, all the while believing they are “eternally secure,” a phrase that never appears in Scripture. Why? Because they refuse to repent and study God’s Word honestly for themselves (2 Timothy 2:15).

Those who espouse Calvinism’s grace perverting, sin-justifying falsehoods do such because they refuse to hold themselves accountable to truly, honestly, worshipfully obeying God (2 Timothy 4:3; Jude 4).

Being knowledgeable about God is separate from being honest with God, which is an act of the heart and will. Only “honest” souls will be in Heaven. Pride prevents honesty. When a man won’t humble himself, he will cover his sins, he will refuse to openly acknowledge them before God (Ps 32:5; 38:18; Proverbs 28:13; Luke 8:15; 1 John 1:9, etc.).

“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” Acts 24:16

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Cor 4:1-2;

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Ps 34:18

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Ps 51:17

Being possessed with honesty and integrity before God and man, requires breaking, being brought to brokenness.

“The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” Proverbs 20:7

Do we recall the prodigal son’s return to his father?

“And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” Luke 15:21

When the LORD allows us to be broken, like the prodigal son, when we return home we will declare our unworthiness…. which was always the case, but we just don’t realize it till He breaks us.

Of this scenario from Jesus’ teachings in Luke 15, one disciple writes:

“He breaks us by letting us go as he did with the prodigal. Our denial of Him is His denial of us. The prodigal’s decision to abandon his selfish way and go home was his repentance. He still did not understand his father’s character though. He thought he would be punished by being made a bond servant, never again having status as a son.

But the son had already been punished by his own sinful selfish decisions to the point of being at the bottom and miserable. When he got home his father would not even give him time to get out his whole confession. Father ran out to him before the son had said one word,  hugged his neck ordered the party to begin. This is our Father in Heaven.

The forgiveness was there before the son said one word: the Father saw him coming from a great way off AND BEGAN TO RUN OUT TO HUG HIS NECK IN COMPASSION: Company of passion.” 

ARE YOU willing to conclude what God says the truth is – even when it goes against what YOU want? 2 Tim 4:2-4 Honesty. Equity. Justice.

Maturity in ones manhood begins to be manifested when one is honest about all things, regardless of his own personal desires and affinities. Jesus speaks of “an honest and good heart” (Luke 8:15). All deceit must be denounced as we cry out to God to clean our hearts (Psalms 51; Matthew 5:8).

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Charity out of a Pure Heart [podcast] 

He will Abundantly Pardon

Bowels of Mercies [podcast]

Examining Ourselves Honestly [podcast]

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Articles

More Good News! Mission Mexico Part 42

IF YOU SAINTS WEREN’T SO FAITHFUL TO JESUS, NONE OF THIS WOULD BE HAPPENING…..

So while going to bring a good supply of food and household essentials to Clara and her boys, by divine ordination I tracked and spoke God’s Word to a Holy Spirit filled sister in Christ. Her name is Maria La Luz. She eagerly took about 100 or more JESUS tracts with her to distribute!!!! That’s how Mexican people are – If they have something good to give, they give it!

Boom. Oh, and Maria LaLuz are in touch by phone so she will be letting me know when she needs more. Thank you for continuing to pray as Jesus instructed in Matthew 9:35-38 – that the Father would send forth labourers into the harvest!

Working with, supporting, equipping, fueling, and supply indigenous missionaries in key to exponential kingdom momentum in the spread of Christ’s Gospel in this beautiful nation.

Just think if this kingdom operation can be duplicated throughout Mexico and Latin America! (Matthew 24:14; 28:18-20) Do we think God has a plan? Yes He does!

Because you care, prayed, and gave, another sister who was just saved recently, was given (purchased) a brand new study Bible (Life in the Spirit Study Bible) KJB. She is elated and devouring God’s Word and growing daily! (2 Peter 3:18)

Also, once again Clara was elated that you prayed and gave. She just now texted me the following after receiving your gifts today:

“Seriously, thank you very much for helping me, it means a lot to me that you help me because I have not been able to find a good job and with this we survived a few days my children and I but just like if you have work do not hesitate to send me a message and I will also go it would be very helpful since the day comes when I have to pay my rent. And again, thank you very much, you are an angel that our Lord sent me, thank you, thank you, thank you 🙏🏻” Clara

Okay now get this…. Clara has been ministered to directly and she has read the JESUS tract. I don’t think she’s saved yet. She has seen your love for Christ in action by your prayers and giving. At first I didn’t know how she was receiving the Gospel but now, from above, it’s obvious that she is being ministered to by our LORD. Perhaps she’s already saved. I don’t know due to the language barrier. But we do know God is showing her His love and power! (1 Corinthians 3:6-9)

Here’s some of the food you purchased for this single mother today! See pic.

*More than half the 10,000 JESUS tracts are already passed out or in the hands of Christ’s witnesses!!! Yes more than half in just 2 weeks.

God is hearing your prayers and honoring your giving to Him!

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14

In Christ

Todd

Mission Mexico Updates


Ever feel like just hitting the eject button and leaving the USA? If so, why not consider a town in Mexico? Pray. Ask God where HE wants you on His planet. Rest.

Also, perhaps begin research Mexico or Latin America on youtube.



A few days ago ….. WHEN we first arrived to refresh and minister to our LORD servant Maria, she was not her usual self, not overflowing with joy. Then when the body of Christ ministered to her, including replenishing her supply of JESUS tracts, there was a notable difference. See if you agree. Your prayers and support make this possible. | Mission Mexico Updates

“Wow!! I think of Jesus when he marveled at the faith of the centurions faith! Luke 7:9. I marvel at all the Lord is doing among the Mexican people! And now He is raising up Labourers into the harvest who emanate the joy of the Lord and His fruits! Some are crying when receiving these Jesus tracts and some are actually kissing the picture. Actually kissing the son (Psalm 2:12). Fills my heart with so much joy and I am not even there! But I am part of Team Jesus!” Karen Cochran | Mission Mexico


The meeting fellowships with Juan and Maria the evangelists continue. They are both, for the time being, stocked up on their supply of JESUS tracts and distributing them daily!

Over breakfast, when I brought the first shipment of the Spanish Bibles to Juan, he asked me if he could give them away to people who are not in prison. Of course I said “Yes” and that these Bibles are for him to be used of God to give wherever he wishes, as he ministers.

Juan is a man who is filled with God’s Word. He speaks verbatim Scripture in Spanish perpetually. The reason I know that is that when we sit down to talk at length he speaks and it’s translated into English and is pure Scripture. He has volumes of Holy Scripture memorized.

Here is Juan ministering to a dear lady. And remember, most Mexicans it seems, do not have a Bible in their home. They greatly treasure God’s Word.

“PRICELESS, LIKE OUR SAVIOR!!! She reminds me of my Great Grandma…she glowed with God’s love. It was written all over her face. She brightened the room, and you KNEW she loved you! It wasn’t till I knew the Lord, that I realized where that glow and love came from. This little light of mine, I’m a gonna let it shine… The tragedy is when that light goes out, and you can see and feel that also.  VERY SAD. It’s like shutting off a light switch…from light to darkness. And they can’t see it?! So, I thank God for those who are sharing that light of God’s love, and sharing with them. Will keep praying for Maria, you, your ministry, and the family of God.  Felipe, Mark, all the brethren. I keep wondering about Paul and Carol Galloway–will keep praying. God knows. May the LORD bless you Brother Todd….What a wonderful first E-mail of the day! GOD’S JOY.” Crystal

Message from brother Juan on the Spanish communications group (WA whatsapp).

“There are many injustices in life; the Word of God says so. Many receive no visitors. God works in us both to will and to act according to His good pleasure. We are called to be doers of God’s Word. And knowing the good we ought to do, yet failing to do it, is sin. To Him be all glory and honor.” Brother Juan



RECENTLY: Immediately upon beginning to hear God’s Word spoken to him in Spanish, this man began to weep and to profusely thank God, to call out to Jesus, to kiss the Jesus tract he was given, to kiss my hand and cheek. Need I state the obvious, of how hungry these beloved people are to hear and believe Jesus’ bless-ed Gospel? …. Beloved Filipe was given the Gospel of Christ and instructed to go home and repent and receive Christ for the forgiveness of his sins and that only Jesus can forgive him and that it’s not about religion but relationship. Like the vast majority of Mexicans (99%), Filipe had never heard the Gospel of Jesus till today. Please lift beloved Filipe and the Mission Mexico heavenly operation in prayer. Thank you.

WHERE does God want you in this last hour – doing HIS will, being about the “Father’s business”? (Luke 2:49) Are you surrendered and therefore crying out to the LORD to put you on HIS EARTH exactly where you can please Him the most? | Mission Mexico


It’s all because of God’s love in Christ and your prayers and support…. This homeless man received God’s love in the form of the spoken Word, a JESUS track in Spanish, and a warm breakfast and hot coffee! Jesus is moving!


“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8

Mission Mexico

https://safeguardyoursoul.com/mexico-mission/


Issidro asked for prayer. He’s catholic but he’s open, a little bit. He received an abundance of truth from God’s Word today and a JESUS tract in Spanish. Thank you for lifting these precious souls in prayer saints.






 



“Praise the Lord ! She is shining for Jesus! Overflowing Joy! It’s a blessing to see how God is moving in the ministry, Mexico for Jesus,  Glory to God!!” Darlene




“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Mission Mexico – See more here. | Give support here. Many options


Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.

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Articles

Why the Apocrypha Isn’t in the Bible

MESSAGE GIVEN:

“I’m reading the apocrypha now and you can tell it’s definitely from the Bible and seems like it should be in there. I guess that is why God said in revelation if anyone changes or removes or adds anything to this Holy book all the plagues in it will come on them, cos he knew that it would happen.” V.

REPLY:

You are missapplying Revelation 22:18-19. God oversaw the canon of His Word, just as He promised to do in Ps 12:6-7. It’s exactly how He desired, ordained it to be in the King James Bible. To say God checked out, was negligent, is a lie, is bearing false witness, and is an indictment against the Almighty (Psalms 121:4; Daniel 4:32, etc.). There were specific reasons those apocryphal books were not included in the real Bible, as opposed to the catholic “bible.” ​


Roman Catholics may tell you, “You Protestants are missing part of the Bible. We have the rest of it.” [Note: These people’s leaders (popes, priests, etc.) have led them astray to this wrong belief.] This comment about missing books can throw people off, but it no longer has to. These popish additions to the Bible are commonly called the Apocrypha or sometimes the Deuterocanonical books. This is a short treatise on WHY these books are not in the Bible.

What is the Apocrypha anyway?

The Apocrypha is a collection of uninspired, spurious books written by various individuals. The Catholic religion considers these books as scripture just like a Bible-believer believes that the 66 books in the 1611 Authorized Version of the Bible are the Word of God, i.e., Genesis to Revelation. We are going to examine some verses from the Apocrypha later in our discussion.

At the Council of Trent (1546) the Roman Catholic institution pronounced the following apocryphal books sacred. They asserted that the apocryphal books together with unwritten tradition are of God and are to be received and venerated as the Word of God. So now you have the Bible, the Apocrypha and Catholic Tradition as co-equal sources of truth for the Catholic. In reality, it seems obvious that the Bible is the last source of truth for Catholics. Roman Catholic doctrine comes primarily from tradition stuck together with a few Bible names. In my reading of Catholic materials, I find notes like this: “You have to keep the Bible in perspective.” Catholics have been deceived into not believing that the Bible is God’s complete revelation for man [but they can come out of these deceptions in an instant if they will only believe the Bible as it is written].

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC APOCRYPHA

  • Tobit
  • Judith
  • Wisdom
  • Ecclesiasticus
  • Baruch
  • First and Second Maccabees
  • Additions to Esther and Daniel

Apocryphal Books Rejected by the Catholic Religion:

  • First and Second Esdras
  • Prayer of Manasses
  • Susanna*

*A reader says: “Susanna is in the Roman Catholic canon. It is Daniel 13.”

Why the Apocrypha Isn’t in the Bible.

Not one of the apocryphal books is written in the Hebrew language (the Old Testament was written in Hebrew). All Apocryphal books are in Greek, except one which is extant only in Latin.

None of the apocryphal writers laid claim to inspiration.

The apocryphal books were never acknowledged as sacred scriptures by the Jews, custodians of the Hebrew scriptures (the apocrypha was written prior to the New Testament). In fact, the Jewish people rejected and destroyed the apocrypha after the overthow of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

The apocryphal books were not permitted among the sacred books during the first four centuries of the real Christian church (I’m certainly not talking about the Catholic religion. The Roman Catholic “Church” is not Christian).

The Apocrypha contains fabulous statements which not only contradict the “canonical” scriptures but themselves. For example, in the two Books of Maccabees, Antiochus Epiphanes is made to die three different deaths in three different places.

The Apocrypha includes doctrines in variance with the Bible, such as prayers for the dead and sinless perfection. The following verses are taken from the Apocrypha translation by Ronald Knox dated 1954:

Basis for the doctrine of purgatory:

2 Maccabees 12:43-45, 2.000 pieces of silver were sent to Jerusalem for a sin-offering…Whereupon he made reconciliation for the dead, that they might be delivered from sin.

Salvation by works:

Ecclesiasticus 3:30, Water will quench a flaming fire, and alms maketh atonement for sin.

Tobit 12:8-9, 17, It is better to give alms than to lay up gold; for alms doth deliver from death, and shall purge away all sin.

Magic:

Tobit 6:5-8, If the Devil, or an evil spirit troubles anyone, they can be driven away by making a smoke of the heart, liver, and gall of a fish…and the Devil will smell it, and flee away, and never come again anymore.

Mary was born sinless (immaculate conception):

Wisdom 8:19-20, And I was a witty child and had received a good soul. And whereas I was more good, I came to a body undefiled.

It teaches immoral practices, such as lying, suicide, assassination and magical incantation.

No apocryphal book is referred to in the New Testament whereas the Old Testament is referred to hundreds of times.

Because of these and other reasons, the apocryphal books are only valuable as ancient documents illustrative of the manners, language, opinions and history of the East.

Wasn’t the Apocrypha in the King James Bible?

The King James translators never considered the Apocrypha the word of God. As books of some historical value (e.g., details of the Maccabean revolt), the Apocrypha was sandwiched between the Old and New Testaments as an appendix of reference material. This followed the format that Luther had used. Luther prefaced the Apocrypha with a statement:

“APOCRYPHA–THAT IS, BOOKS WHICH ARE NOT REGARDED AS EQUAL TO THE HOLY SCRIPUTRES, AND YET ARE PROFITABLE AND GOOD TO READ.” KING JAMES VERSION DEFENDED, PAGE 98.

In 1599, TWELVE YEARS BEFORE the King James Bible was published, King James himself said this about the Apocrypha:

“AS TO THE APOCRIPHE BOOKES, I OMIT THEM BECAUSE I AM NO PAPIST (AS I SAID BEFORE)…” KING JAMES CHARLES STEWART BASILICON DORON, PAGE 13

In his, “A Premonition to All Most Mightie Monarches,”–found in his Workes (a collection of the king’s writings)–King James said this–

“…IS IT A SMALL CORRUPTING OF THE SCRIPTURES TO MAKE ALL, OR THE MOST PART OF THE APOCRYPHA OF EQUALL FAITH WITH THE CANONICALL SCRIPTURES…?”

Not only this, but the sixth article of the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England (1571 edition. The Church of England published the Authorized King James Version) states that

(1) the Old and New Testaments are the Bible–

IN THE NAME OF THE HOLY, WE DO VNDERSTANDE THOSE CANONICAL BOOKES OF THE OLDE AND NEWE TESTAMENT, OF WHOSE AUTHORITIE WAS NEVER ANY DOUBT IN THE CHURCHE…

(2) the apocrypha is not the Bible–

AND THE OTHER BOOKES, (AS HIEROME SAYETH), THE CHURCHE DOTH READE FOR EXAMPLE OF LIFE AND INSTRUCTION OF MANNERS: BUT YET DOTH IT NOT APPLIE THEM TO ESTABLISH ANY DOCTRENE. PHILIP SCHAFF, CREEDS OF CHRISTENDOM. GRAND RAPIDS: BAKER BOOK HOUSE, 1977, VOL. III, PP. 489-491.

The Hampton Court Document came as a result of the famous Hampton Court Conference of 1604 when King James specially commanded the translation of the Bible that would one day bear his name. Concerning the apocrypha and the Church of England, it states–

THE APOCRYPHA, THAT HATH SOME REPUGNANCY TO THE CANONICAL SCRIPTURES, SHALL NOT BE READ…

Select Statutes and Other Constitutional Documents Illustrative of the Reigns of Elizabeth and James I, edited by G.W. Prothero, Fellow of King’s College, Cambridge, 1894, p. 416

The Apocrypha began to be omitted from the Authorized Version in 1629. Puritans and Presbyterians lobbied for the complete removal of the Apocrypha from the Bible and in 1825 the British and Foreign Bible Society agreed. From that time on, the Apocrypha has been eliminated from practically all English Bibles–Catholic Bibles and some pulpit Bibles excepted.

Not even all Catholic “Church Fathers” believed the Apocrypha was scripture.

Not that this really means anything. The truth is not validated by the false. Nevertheless, this may be of interest to some… Jerome (340-420) rejected the Apocrypha:

“AS THE CHURCH READS THE BOOKS OF JUDITH AND TOBIT AND MACCABEES BUT DOES NOT RECEIVE THEM AMONG THE CANONICAL SCRIPTURES, SO ALSO IT READS WISDOM AND ECCLESIASTICUS FOR THE EDIFICATION OF THE PEOPLE, NOT FOR THE AUTHORITATIVE CONFIRMATION OF DOCTRINE.” JEROME, JEROME’S PREFACE TO THE BOOKS OF SOLOMON

According to Edward Hills in The King James Version Defended p. 98 other famous Catholics with this viewpoint include Augustine (354-430 who at first defended the Apocrypha as canonical), Pope Gregory the Great (540-604), Cardinal Ximenes, and Cardinal Cajetan.

There are other spurious books.

These include the Pseudepigrapha which contains Enoch, Michael the Archangel, and Jannes and Jambres. Many spurious books falsely claim to have been written by various Old Testament patriarchs. They were composed between 200 B.C. and 100 A.D. There are lots of these spurious books like The Assumption of Moses, Apocalypse of Elijah, and Ascension of Isaiah.

Concerning the Dead Sea Scrolls, there may be some information in them that parallels the Masoretic Text, but there are fables in them, too. I went to see the scrolls a few years ago with great expectation but found a bunch of fables. The best defense against error in any form (unauthorized Bibles and religions) is a solid knowledge of the AUTHORIZED (King James) Version of 1611 of the Bible. If you read it, forgeries become readily apparent.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

King James VI & I Page

The Workes of the Most High and Mightie Prince Iames [James], By the Grace of God, King of Great Britaine, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c.

Translators Revived, Alexander McClure, p. 142

Bible Believing Study, Edward F. Hills, p. 15

The King James Version Defended, Edward F. Hills, p. 96, 97, 98

God Wrote Only One Bible, Jasper James Ray, p. 90

An Understandable History of the Bible, Dr. Samuel Gipp, p. 245

Making Peace with God | Bible Versions Issue | Why Did the 1611 KJV Include the Apocrypha? | THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE OR DOUAY? Catholic “Bibles” Exposed    | Lineage of the Modern Corrupt | The Catholic Church Exposed

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What is the difference between a “Textus Receptus Man” and a “King James Man?”

It’s not so much about King James. It’s about the manuscripts from which it was translated. The Received Text, or Textus Receptus.

From “The Answer Book” ©1989 Samuel C. Gipp.

QUESTION: What is the difference between a “Textus Receptus Man” and a “King James Man?”

ANSWER: A “TR Man” gets his manuscripts from Antioch and his philosophy from Egypt.

EXPLANATION: Under Question #8 concerning Alexandria and Antioch it was pointed out that we derive two things from each of these locations. We derive manuscripts and an ideology through which we judge those manuscripts.

From Alexandria we receive corrupted manuscripts, tainted by the critical hand of Origen. We also receive an ideology that believes the Bible to be divine, but not perfect, not without error.

From Antioch we receive the pure line of manuscripts culminating in what is known as the “Received Text” or Textus Receptus. We also receive the ideology that the Bible is not only Divine, but perfect, without error.

1. Most Bible critics do not believe that the Bible is perfect (The Alexandrian Ideology). They usually also accept the Alexandrian manuscripts as superior to those of Antioch.

2. A King James Bible believer accepts the Antiochian manuscripts or Textus Receptus as superior to the Alexandrian. They also accept the Antiochian Ideology in that they accept the Bible as infallible and do not believe it contains any errors or mistranslations and that it cannot be improved.

3. A Textus Receptus man also accepts the Antiochian manuscripts or Textus Receptus as superior to the Alexandrian. But a Textus Receptus man accepts the Antiochian manuscripts yet he views them with the Alexandrian Ideology.

He does not accept any translation as perfect and without error. He generally feels that the King James is the best translation but can be improved. He usually stumbles at Acts 12:4 and states that it is a mistranslation.

This contradiction is NOT the result of a bad or dishonest heart so much as it is the result of a bad education. Most Textus Receptus men have been taught by others who have been deceived into accepting, unconsciously, the Alexandrian Ideology.

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