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“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” John 19:30

These are the 3 most powerful words ever uttered. What did this mean? What did it not mean? Did “It is finished” mean that those who believe on the LORD Jesus, receiving initial salvation, are free from all present and future responsibilities before God?

The finished work of Christ is a foundational truth of Christianity, but His accomplishment does not arbitrarily guarantee the final salvation of the individual believer. Christ’s perfect and completed redemptive work to save mankind does not change the God-given free will of each human being – nor does it change His conditions, the ones Jesus and His holy apostles gave, for final salvation. God’s grace through Christ did not change His definition of sin and the fact that sin separates the sinner from God – no different than how it separated previously sinless Adam and Eve after they sinned. The wages of sin is still death (Romans 6:23). Any person who was saved in the past and then dies in sin, will be in hell forever. Read Ezekiel 33:12-13; Revelation 22:11. God is “Holy, holy, holy” and that never changed and never will (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). 

One’s works won’t save them, yet one’s works clearly prove WHO they are truly serving.

The simply fact that Jesus command His people to do many things, clearly proves that our work, your WORK of faith, and labour of love” are not finished….

“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

“Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the WORK of faith with power:” 2 Thessalonians 1:11

True saving faith is always seen in good works.

“Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” James 2:18

All those truly saved by grace through faith are doing the good works of God in the earth – the Great Commission, etc. (Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:47, etc.). Those without the fruit of good works clearly prove they don’t have saving faith. | What are the 4 Types of Faith

To the church at Thyatira Jesus says that keeping His “works to the end” is required to be given “power over the nations.” (Revelation 2:26)

Paul was ready to meet Christ and could be assured of such, of his eternal destination being with the LORD and not hell because he truly abode in Christ – which Jesus says is a must after being saved (John 15:1-6). Paul did things God’s way and not his own.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

IF you “love his appearing” you will fight “a good fight”, you will endure to the end by finishing your “course”, and keeping “the faith.” In abiding in Christ you are assured to have waiting for you from the LORD “a crown of righteousness.”

The LORD commanded and expects each of His children to “fight the good fight of faith,” to finish his course, and to keep the faith of the Gospel to the end of his life on this earth.

Jesus’ work was perfect and yet He gave conditions for the appropriation of His gift of salvation.

Jesus said HIS work is finished, not yours. See Revelation 2:26; Philippians 2:12-13; John 6:29.

“Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” John 6:29

And one must believe “to the end” of his life to enter eternal glory (Ezekiel 33:12-13; Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Acts 14:22; Colossians 1:22-23; Hebrews 3:12-14; 10:26-39; Revelation 2-3; 22:11, etc.).

Believing upon Christ and being saved begins with an initial repentance and faith and yet doesn’t stop there. The recipient of His salvation has entered into a relationship with Christ. We must conclude, through an honest reading of the whole of Scripture, that enduring to the end, abiding, remaining, continuing with Christ, is essential to final salvation. Salvation is not a one-time event but rather a lifelong walk, relationship with the living God. Sin, lack of repentance, unbelief will derail, make shipwreck of this relationship (1 Timothy 1:19).

No, your work doesn’t save you (Romans 4:4-5; Ephesians 2:8-10). Yet when you’ve truly repented and Jesus has saved you, your life is changed, it’s all about God and not you (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). ALL who are truly saved by divine grace are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) As you yield to Him, abide in Him, HIS work in you will produce certain fruit, good fruit (Matthew 7:16, 20; John 15:1-6; Galatians 5:22-23).

Millions have been taught that because Jesus said “It is finished” – paid in full – that they have no further personal responsibility to obey God. Those who peddle this heresy erroneously conflate (lump together) Christ’s perfect sacrifice with their own personal accountability to “be ye holy” as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Regrettably, we have a prophesied whole generation of “Christians” who want nothing to do with truly obeying Christ. They want the crown but not the cross.

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:26

It’s the counterfeits who want “It is finished” to mean they have no more personal responsibilities to obey God. When Jesus cried “It is finished,” He was speaking of HIS OWN WORK and not our personal responsibility before God when He said “It is finished.” (John 19:30)

The fact that Jesus “finished” HIS work perfectly in no way negates your personal responsibility to learn, acknowledge and obey EVERYTHING He commanded. Obeying God is true faith, true saving faith, worship, and required. Matthew 7:21; Luke 6:46; 1 John 2:4-5, etc. People who refuse to get real with God by true repentance, HATE, despise, and will argue themselves sick to justify themselves behind the groundless, lame, no-personal-responsibility eternal security fairy tale. Not going to fly at Judgment Day. Mark it.

The same Savior who declared that His work was “finished” on the cross also commanded each and every person who would know and be with Him to deny self, take up the cross, daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23-24).

THERE ARE DIVINELY REQUIRED CONDITIONS TO BE SAVED INITIALLY AND INTO GLORY – ETERNALLY. JUST ASK THE 5 FOOLISH VIRGINS WHO WERE ENGAGED TO THEN SHUT OUT OF THE ETERNAL BRIDAL CHAMBER! (MATTHEW 25:1-13) GOD’S PROMISES ARE CONDITIONAL AND HE WILL ONLY GIVE THEM TO THOSE WHO MEET HIS STATED CONDITIONS.

GOD sovereignly placed conditions on appropriating His salvation. If you have a problem with that, you have a problem with the LORD. He didn’t ask your puny permission to do anything that’s in His power alone to do. It’s time to shut up and obey (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

Those who espouse lies, while claiming to love God and to be “eternally secure” are frauds who are full of self-love. It’s proven in that they simply don’t want to give up self and this is why they hide behind this OSAS fairy tale. You see, they simply do not want any part of true repentance, laying down their life, losing their life, and being crucified with Christ. Jesus is unchanging and He commanded these things which He requires, which are essentials, and which He holds each of us personally accountable to do (Matthew 7:21). Counterfeits want the crown while refusing the daily cross Christ requires, commands.

The following are the words of the Son of God to His own people:

“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” Revelation 2:26

Flash Point: The finished work of Christ makes you even more accountable to obey God, live holy, and “endure to the end” – or you will be cast into hell!

“He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer (more severe) punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?” Hebrews 10:28-29

“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” 2 Peter 2:20-21

If a true believer can’t “fall away,” why would Jesus have given this exact warning? Why would the Son of God ever have used the words “fall away” if such were not 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 8:13

“There would be no ‘FALLING AWAY’ described in 2 Thessalonians, if such were not possible.” William Pavichevich

The fact that you may not wish this to be true changes nothing. The truth doesn’t go away based on how you receive or reject it (Romans 3:3-4).

“Cut Off”

“Well; because of unbelief they were broken off (the Jews), 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 IF IF thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:20-22

Those who obey God appropriate His blessings. They come with conditions. The honest student of Scripture will acknowledge and obey God – proving his saving faith. Faith that is not accompanied with the fruit of good works is not saving faith but is rather devilish faith.

“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:17-20

Works based salvation? Not at all. Fruit saves no one and yet, those who are truly known of God produce the fruit that comes from this abiding relationship (John 15:1-16; Matthew 3:7-10; 7:16, 20, etc.).

Counterfeits deeply hate any biblical teaching that convicts them, calling them to true repentance, fruit-bearing, and obedience to the God they claim to love and be saved by. Beware.

Counterfeits love to cling to the positional while ignoring the essential of the practical. They feast on Ephesians while purposely evading, staying clear of biblical truth that requires them to truly repent, lay down their lives, and obey Jesus. And, anyone preaching these BIBLE truths will be called “legalistic” and “works based.” In other words in their corrupted minds, obeying Jesus is “legalistic.” Unreal. In light of this, let’s read what Jesus 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

Did Jesus give initial and continual conditions for appropriating His justification? Is salvation a one-time event or a life-long relationship? What does the whole counsel of God’s Word reveal on this matter?

You see, it’s the eternal security counterfeits who simply want to use Jesus to get to know Him but they have no intention of truly worshiping Him, obeying Him.

To one deceived OSAS person, the response was: You were given several Bible verses and texts which clearly prove that no saved person is un-conditionally eternally secure and we are all personally responsible to “endure to the end” or we lose all (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; 2 Peter 2:20-21, etc.). Yet, like the hell bound pharisees of Christ’s day, you let your tradition trump divine truth (Mark 7:6-9, 13). Also, there is no divinely given guarantee that any saved person on earth is automatically going to be in Heaven. The terms “once saved always saved” and “eternal security” appear no where in Scripture and the apostles and Jesus never taught it.

Jesus promises that those in Him who do not “abide” or remain, continue in Him, will be cast into the fire.

“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

The reason many clinch tightly this OSAS teaching is that they are simply hiding behind it. These are the un-repentant, self-serving, Savior-denying, cross-less counterfeits we read about in the New Testament Scriptures so often (Philippians 3:18-19; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:2-4, etc.).

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (stories told by story tellers).” 2 Timothy 4:2-4

True Heaven-ready disciples of Christ “endure sound doctrine.” To “endure” here means to hold ones self accountable to.

According to Jesus, we know exactly who is “of God” and who is “NOT of God.” Memorize His words recorded in John 8:47:

“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47

Satan

After he loses you to Jesus at initial salvation, his goal now becomes getting you to be lukewarm and therefore spued. That’s all it takes to go to hell after being saved.

“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:15-16

WHO WAS THE VERY FIRST APOSTATE ON RECORD? An apostate is one who departs from God, from the truth. Lucifer and a third of the angels who were once with God in Heaven.

Then, what happened? Lucifer, not Satan, cast to the earth, placed a stumbling block in the path of the first man and woman to trip them up and get them separated from God. After all, he himself, Satan, was rejected by God, ejected from His presence, for a certain reason. Sin. … The Very First Apostate

What are We Hiding?

“HE THAT DOETH TRUTH COMETH TO THE LIGHT”

The true remnant are known in that they come forth into the light, and continue to do so – to the end.

“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

Top of Form

There’s still darkness in each of us. When confronted, what do we do? Do we repent or rebel?

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

Examining Ourselves Honestly [podcast] | FRESH Start with GodEternal Security Audios [podcast]

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“You can’t lose your salvation. When Christ said it’s finished he finished the payment of our sin debt.

REPLY:

Not correct. Just because Jesus paid the whole and perfect price for the sins of mankind, in no way negates the conditions He placed on appropriating that salvation – faith, repentance – initially and ongoing. Jesus meant that HIS perfect work was finished. Jesus also commanded repentance, denial of self and following Him daily, and the necessity of enduring to the end, abiding / remaining in Him or you will be cast into the fire (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; John 15:6; Hebrews 3:12-14; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21). God placed conditions on appropriating His salvation – initially and ongoing. ALL who die in sin are going to hell and it’s going to be worse for those who once knew Christ then departed from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1-2). Jesus told His own: “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” (Revelation 2:26)

Those who buy the OSAS lie do so usually because they simply refuse to be personally accountable. Jesus is not truly important to them. They simply want to get their ticket punched (initial salvation) but don’t want to be bothered with laying down their lives in this fleeting world, denying self, taking up the cross, obeying the Savior they claim they are saved by. These are counterfeits.

Self-serving counterfeits want Jesus as Savior but not the LORD of their lives and yet Jesus taught that if He’s not LORD in a person’s life, He’s not Savior either. “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46) See also Matthew 7:21, Titus 1:16 and 1 John 2:4. Counterfeits prove they do not truly love or know Christ by divorcing Him from His own words, His conditions.

One disciple notes: “Peter wrote, ‘…receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls.’ That is evidence that nothing we do is eternal until we cross the finish line.

If one wants eternal security, he or she should make an eternal commitment to the Lordship of Christ (a condition for salvation—Romans 10:9-10) and faithfully keep that commitment. That is what it means to believe in one’s heart that Jesus is Lord.

Want eternal life? Give your temporal life to be hidden with Christ in God. Soaking in Satan’s kingdom will load one’s soul with sin and weights—the condition for eternal death.”

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Your satan meme is nonsense. We humans are different from satan. Christ didn’t die to redeem satan like he did us. This makes no sense for you to use that meme.”

REPLY:

Lucifer was God’s creation and hadn’t sinned. It was only when he sinned that the LORD ejected him and Jesus spoke of this – Luke 10:18. This is the same thing that happened with Adam and Eve – exactly (Genesis 2:17; 3:4; 24). Lucifer had no sin and obviously had free will as do we and he chose to sin as we can choose to do.

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“The rate at which the OSAS falsehood is spreading? Hmm only God can help us.”

REPLY:

Amen brother. It was satan’s first lie which he continues to tell – yet he can only snare those who refuse to truly repent and obey God. This is what is playing out before us in this late hour before Christ’s return. Satan can only seduce those foolish virgins who aren’t faithful to the Bridegroom they are espoused to – just like a fiance’ who has an adulterous heart. If they don’t repent, they will be shut out of the eternal kingdom (Matthew 25:1-13). See 1 Corinthians 11:19 and how God uses Satan to filter out counterfeits (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

REPLY TO A PERSON PEDDLING THE OSAS HERESY……

Christ’s perfect sacrifice saves us yet it gives license to “be ye holy as He is holy” and not license to sin and you are denigrating the cross of Christ by saying it does (1 Peter 1:15-16). ALL who name the name of Christ are to “depart from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:19) Please tell us all why the “wages is of sin” is no longer death. (Romans 6:23) Please tell us how and why God changed (Malachi 3:6). Tell us how God is no longer “Holy, holy, holy” and can now somehow still have a relationship with someone living in sin (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2) The last time sin was found in Heaven, it was immediately kicked out of Heaven (Luke 10:18; Ezekiel 28:13-15; Isaiah 14:12-15; Revelation 12:7-12, etc.). The words “once saved always saved” or “eternal security appear no where in the Bible, nor does the concept, other than when taught by Satan and the false prophets (Gen 2:17; 3:4; Jer 23:17, etc.). Those who teach the fairytale heresy of eternal security/OSAS teach something Jesus and His holy apostles never taught and refuse to teach what they did teach – the necessity after being initially saved to “endure to the end,” to “abide” which means to remain, to continue in Him or lose all, whom He shall “cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” (John 15:6; Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21)

The finished work of Christ is a foundational truth of Christianity, but His accomplishment does not arbitrarily guarantee the final salvation of the individual believer. Christ’s perfect and completed redemptive work to save mankind does not change the God-given free will of each human being – nor does it change His conditions for final salvation.

Did Jesus and His Apostles Teach Eternal Security? Take a Look.

Eternal Security? | “It is Finished”!

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Articles

The Purpose of Elders in Christ’s Body [podcast]


There is no more important work transpiring in the earth today than the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 9:35-38; 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.).

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

In short, the authentic under-shepherd ordained of Jesus Himself (John 15:16), will give up his life in this fleeting world for the sheep of Christ – just as the Great Shepherd of the sheep did on the cross. Such a divinely called-out man, will teach only God’s pure Word and watch for the souls of the LORD’s people (Hebrews 13:7, 17). He will take up the cross – live the crucified life – and therefore ministry will not be about them but rather about Jesus and His beloved sheep for whom He shed His blood and is soon returning (Philippians 3:17-21).

Also in Hebrews 13 …. The true elder of Christ will, according to Hebrews 13, do two things:

  1. Speak the pure Word of God to you and get you into it:

“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation (their way of life).” Hebrews 13:7

2. Will in the fear of God pray for and “watch for your soul.”

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17

In review, just WHAT are the earmark fruits of true under-shepherds as opposed to the many wolves among us?

  1. True under shepherds relentlessly teach God’s Word – who have spoken unto you the word of God.” (Hebrews 13:7)
  2. They are there for you! – they watch for your souls.(Hebrews 13:7)

IF they aren’t preaching God’s pure Word to you, fearing God, not you…. and watching for your eternal soul, they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Repent and run to Jesus beloved.

Let me add that if they are using a fake “bible” instead of the King James Bible, that should be a clue to the darkness they walk in (Matthew 7:16, 20).

Elders are ordained of God and yet never to take His place nor to negate our own personal responsibility to seek God daily for ourselves. Yet, we do not need a preacher. Why? – because we each have a Bible. Read it. We don’t need a preacher to tell us what the Bible says! Read it for yourself, learning of the LORD yourself. Today is your day to take personal responsibility to seek God for yourself! Stop depending on a preacher or preachers. Devour God’s Word daily. Jesus taught personal responsibility and the essential nature of it when He said “Take heed to yourselves” (Luke 21:34-36) ……  Paul instructed Timothy to “Study” the Word (2 Timothy 2:15).

Today we have all around us church-goers who are not possessed with a heart after God, do not diligently study and read and live out Christ’s Word. This lukewarm, world-loving fruit clearly reveals the prophesied priesthood of wolves (1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalms 27:4, 8; Matthew 24:11; Acts 13:22; 2 Timothy 3:13; 1 John 4:1, etc.). Until a pastor has provoke you to get into God’s Word for yourself, to seeking His holy face daily in prayer, he has failed. If has has diligently, biblically sought to do these essentials, and people have refused God’s Word, refused to seek His holy face continually, the blood is off of his hands (Ezekiel 3:18-20).

“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Ezekiel 3:18-20

When you check the fruit of a fellowship, check, discern if the individual saints are vibrant in Christ, diligently seeking His holy face, in His Word, living a life of prayer, denying self, taking up the cross daily, and following Jesus. This sounds like what we see of the earliest saints in the book of Acts, right? Boom. Remember how Peter preached and 8,000 were saved and how the Berean believers put Paul’s teaching to the Scriptural test? (Acts 2-4; 17:10-11, etc.).

Sadly, usually you see a bunch of people who are proud to be a member of a church with none of the biblical fruit list above.

The apostle Paul kept a close watch on those he oversaw.

“For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.” 1 Thessalonians 3:5

Having a physical “church” building makes no mere man, no supposed elder, an official representative of Heaven. Feeding the sheep of Christ with His pure Word and equipping them “for the work of the ministry” is the mark of a true under-shepherd of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-12, etc.). Discern. Beware. Inspect the fruit. Jesus nor any of His holy apostles collected a penny to build a building called “church.” No, they went to the people – to serve them instead of having the people come to them.

Let’s test that…. How many people do you personally know who are good church members, Sunday morning church attenders, and ALSO true, daily disciples whom God is using everywhere they go? Think about that…. How many true disciples of Jesus do you know who are involved in a Sunday morning church program? If you personally know even one true disciple, that’s a miracle and in spite of his attendance at the Sunday morning circus called “church.”

Unlike Christ’s apostle Paul, most in leadership today foster in their prey a dependence on THEM and their church business instead of prayerfully, biblically exhorting people to depend on Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).

Like Christ’s apostle Paul, the true elder labors relentlessly to see you grounded in Christ – not in him or his ministry or church, but in CHRIST! Listen closely:

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7 

It simply doesn’t matter what else he’s doing, if any minister is not prayerfully, biblically, perpetually rooting and grounding you in Christ, he’s a fraud. Run.

Like Jesus and His holy apostle Paul, part of grounding you ever more deeper in Christ, is warning you to “beware” of the “many false prophets.” (Matthew 24:11)

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:8-10

SO, he’s not exhorting and admonishing you to seek and know the LORD in an ever deepening fashion? He’s not equipping, maturing you “for the work of the ministry” and yet you still consider him one of the LORD’s under-shepherds? He’s not getting YOU into the Word (2 Timothy 2:15) for yourself? That’s a false leader who is entertaining the goats instead of feeding and equipping the saints! Run! (See Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.)

False leaders divert the attention, the heart affections, the resources, and the energy of God’s people away from Christ and simple obedience to His Great Commission mandate. YOU are personally responsible! Waste is rampant! If you support, “bid God speed” (2 John 7-11) to a false leader, false ministry, then you will perish with them!

The divine purpose for elders is not to dominate nor entertain the LORD’s sheep but rather to help their joy in Christ! Get to know this verse saints:

“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24

There is the citing of elders in the Word and their divine purpose – to humbly serve God by helping His sheep grow in the knowledge and grace of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6).

Christ’s apostle Paul desired the “perfection” (maturity in Christ) of the people of God (Ephesians 4:11-15).

“For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.” 2 Corinthians 13:9 

Like Apollos, Elders among God’s people must remain teachable to God’s Word and simply and only teach and preach his word (Proverbs 9:9; Acts 18:26). Elders true to the LORD act on his behalf and never out of a personal agenda for self gain (2 Corinthians 3:5; 4:5, etc.). They live the crucified life (Galatians 2:20).

We are to humble ourselves like Apollos did and learn the way of our God more perfectly from each other, via God’s Word – as Apollos learned it more fully from Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:24-28).

Beloved Apollos was a very effective, anointed communicator of God’s Word and yet, was in need of maturing, of being perfected. So, God sent to him an elder and his wife, Aquila and Priscilla. Apollos humbly received the LORD’s elders and His grace to grow in Christ:

“And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” Acts 18:24-26 

The vast majority of “churches” that meet in “church buildings” are simply and merely conducting “church services” where they entertain their prey. They are not equipping the saints for the work of the ministry and therefore discerned as being counterfeit (Ephesians 4:11-13). If they were, there would be salty disciples in their midst who go forth to minister Christ’s kingdom blessings wherever they go. Not even a trace of this transpiring in the apostate modern church world. Run. Run. Run.

The Purpose of Kingdom Elders:

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting (equipping, maturing) of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-12

Philip Lye writes: “Paul says in Ephesians 4, that he gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. He expressly says these people are given to mature the saints, to equip them for their ministry and growth in Jesus Christ. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24 that many false prophets and messiahs will arise deceiving many. They are simply functions that God has given and not titles which the proud use to strut about like a peacock. Most of these people that I have met (and I have seen a lot of famous ones) are false, proud and arrogant and not servants of the the Lord Jesus Christ. I have seen humble genuine ones who move mightily in truth, calling people to repentance and right relationship with Jesus and a demonstration of genuine miracles and wonders. They are to be genuine servants to God’s people.”

VIEW this following verse from Solomon’s day in light of our calling and work till Christ returns:

“Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected.” 2 Chronicles 8:16 

Let’s read a larger portion of this important passage in Ephesians 4. God fearing under-shepherds must prayerfully labor for and be intent upon seeing God’s people grow in the grace of Christ to the full stature of maturity He has ordained!

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-15

The Error of Using Titles in the Modern Church World

God sovereignly and exclusively ordained MEN to feed, lead, and equip His saints (Ephesians 4:8-11). Women are called to and seen doing many ministry functions in the New Testament but never as a leader in a position specifically designated in Scripture for men.

Repent. The American “church” is a catastrophe of spineless moral-coward Ahabs who’ve allowed, suffered women to lead, and the fall out is incalculable (Revelation 2:20-24).

GOD’s men must never allow women to lead where they (men) are called to lead (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:2; Revelation 2:20-24).

To put yourself under the ministry of a woman who is acting as an elder among God’s people, is to defy Christ, and to agree with Christ’s arch enemy and his Jezebels and to bring severe destruction on the people of God (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:2; Revelation 2:20-24).

JUST because a woman can run her mouth and even genuinely have a gift of the Spirit DOES NOT mean she’s an elder in the body of Christ – which is divinely reserved non-negotiably for men, male elders (1 Timothy 2:11-12; 3:2). | Beware of Scripture-Twisting Jezebels

We must humbly confess before our LORD and God that we have nothing and are nothing without Him!

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

God can use us in spite of having a seminary or Bible college background…. If we will truly denounce it, lay it all down, and truly submit to Him – just like Paul did (Philippians 3). Otherwise we will join the epidemic of false prophets who build their own kingdoms in this fleeting life and spend eternity in hell (2 Peter 2:1-3). Paul counted his “higher education” as “dung” to know and serve Christ (Philippians 3).

BIBLICALLY SPEAKING, BY DEFINITION, ELDERS ARE NOT SEMINARIANS (UNLESS THEY’VE DENOUNCED SUCH) BUT RATHER PROVEN MEN OF GOD WHO HAVE WALKED WITH CHRIST FOR SOME TIME AND ARE SEASONED IN DOCTRINE AND GODLY CHARACTER AND ABLE TO HELP ASSIST OTHER BELIEVERS GROW IN GRACE (Philippians 3).

In part, we can be transformed in our thinking/perspective of what leaders are seen to be in the apostate modern church vs the biblical definition of an elder which is a humble servant with sound doctrine and a godly life (1 Timothy 3; 2 Timothy 3:10; Titus 1-2, etc.).

Christ’s kingdom ordination is not like the ordinations of many denominations….. To ordain seems to mean to recognize the work of GOD in a man’s life and to set him forth into ministry as by the leading of the Spirit of God.

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16

ORDAIN

G5087

τίθημι

tithēmi

tith’-ay-mee

A prolonged form of a primary word θέω theō (which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses); to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from G2476, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while G2749 is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate): – + advise, appoint, bow, commit, conceive, give, X kneel down, lay (aside, down, up), make, ordain, purpose, put, set (forth), settle, sink down.

Total KJV occurrences: 96

“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 13:1-3

Denominations of mere men set their elders forth to do THEIR bidding, to perpetuate their own cause and existence, to build their false church businesse$. God fearing assemblies of the saints simply recognize Christ’s work in a man and prayerfully send him forth to do GOD’s work. They worship and exalt Christ whole heartedly!

MINISTRY is about feeding sheep, not entertaining goats (John 21:15-17). So, when you see a “minister” entertaining, you know he himself is a goat (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).

What True Elders Teach

“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5

THERE is nothing good in us except Christ. We are not featured but JESUS is. “We preach CHRIST crucified” (1 Cor 1:23). All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags and HE is the One and only righteous Redeemer whom we communicate to others (1 Cor 9:16; Rom 7:18 etc.).

Jesus’ true disciples are crucified vessels who preach with His authority, unlike the lame leaders we have today (Matthew 7:28-29). True Gospel preaching rocks the world of those who hear it – it never coddles people in their sin. That’s the work of wolves! Beware!

Godly Elders Teach God’s People to Discern

“And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23

Why don’t some leaders teach discernment?

“Anyone that profits off of you being blind, will never teach you or inspire you to see.” unknown

Any man in leadership who doesn’t warn you of false prophets as did Christ and His apostles, is a wolf who does not want you to see who he truly is.

God’s people are to continue to learn to discern – to test, to weigh all things against Holy Scripture. Ungodly elders have the “I said it so it’s true” notion. Or the “We’ve always taught that” or “That’s what we believe” philosophy. Not. What saith the Scriptures is what every true follower of Jesus asks, as he searches God’s Word to ascertain truth. Every student of Christ should become extremely familiar with Acts 17:10-11.

QUESTION RECEIVED:

“I am curious as to how one man is considered the other’s elder? Do they attend the same church gathering thus, he is a church elder or is it through willful submission of the younger as an understudy or simply due to the fact that one man is older?”

REPLY:

Great question brother. Elder, biblically seems to mean older and more seasoned in God’s Word, having walked with the LORD longer. Two views come to mind: 1. The organic body of Christ, the kingdom relationships we have, where there appear men in our lives who are seasoned and there’s an automatic elder/young relationship (that’s how it is here)… and 2. Where a person attends a church group and they have their elder in a more organized fashion as you mentioned…. that help?

Nothing brings definition to this like God’s Word as you know…. and notice how it begins with “The elders which are AMONG you”….

“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” 1 Peter 5:1-6

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NLT New Living Translation EXPOSED

CALLING OUT THE GUTLESS COWARDS WHO ARE NOT BOTHERED THAT SATAN HAS CORRUPTED THE WORDS AND DOCTRINES OF THE LORD THEY FALSELY CLAIM TO SERVE.

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19   

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Apostasy

Sorcery, Pharmakeia

Originally written by Allegra Spaulding (edited)

This is the Devil’s COUNTERFEIT of the natural healing herbs that the Lord has provided for us.

“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” Genesis 1:29

We choose what tree we will eat from……

If we eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, then we are receiving demonic knowledge. This is the knowledge from the fallen angels. This is the source of Pharmakeia.

“This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.” James 3:15  

Babylon is the epicenter of this witchcraft.

“And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee (Babylon); and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries (Pharmakeia), were all nations deceived.” Revelation 18:23

Babylon is introducing the Beast System of Medicine. The trial run was the Covid 19 agenda which has killed millions of people through blood clots, turbo cancers, and heart failure. It was SORCERY against the nations conducted through the Spirit of Pharmakeia, which includes the witchcraft spirits of Control and Intimidation. People were forced to take a vac-c-ine in order to keep their jobs to feed their families. With devastating consequences. The third leading cause of death in the United States is medical procedures and pharmeseuticals (pharmakeia).

The Lord is calling us out of the system of Pharmakeia. He wants us to repent and separate ourselves.

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4

There is a judgment coming upon the spirit of Pharmakeia and we do not want to be entangled with it.

“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.” Revelation 21:8

PHARMAKEUS translates to: a drug, i.e. spell-giving potion; a druggist (“pharmacist”) or poisoner, i.e. (by extension) a magician:—sorcerer.

We have better promises. We can feast on the Tree of Life for our medicine.

“And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.” Ezekiel 47:12

It’s time to get healthy and come out of the Babylonian Medical System. Shall we begin with prayer?

Lord Jesus, I repent for seeking the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil for knowledge about my health. I know that You have supplied for all of my needs through natural herbs and the leaves of the Tree of Life. You are the Tree of Life. In Jesus’ name.

May the ungodly soul-ties between myself and the spirit of Pharmakeia be broken now in Jesus’ name. May all the ungodly soul-ties between myself and the medical system, hospitals, doctors, and nurses be broken now in Jesus’ name.

May every curse spoken over this life You gave regarding sickness be broken and cancelled with every medical diagnosis, in Jesus’ name.

Thank You LORD Jesus that according to the Word of God, by Your stripes I am healed! And as I seek Your wisdom and Your knowledge that comes from Heaven.

Lord, please give me wisdom about food intake, about my lifestyle, and about these choices so that I can receive divine health. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 22:1-2

“Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.” 1 Corinthians 10:21

“And he said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron, is it not because there is no God in Israel to enquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.” 2 Kings 1:16    

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