sgys banner books

Scoping, Identifying, and Taking Aim at Deceivers

Knowing How and When to Mark

(A Must-Read for all who desire more discernment to escape the evil one in this late hour. This is an excerpt from the book titled Deceivers False Prophets Among Us which is available on this site)

THE witches and warlocks parading their witchcraft as they pretend to be Christ’s ministers vainly believe they are not going to be exposed by Christ’s true disciples! NOTTTTT!!!!!! Both barrels blazing!!!!! Unleashing the power of God on these devils!!!

“Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” Romans 16:17

Identifying and marking “them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine” of the LORD, is to be a regular part of the Christian life. In an hour when the proliferation of false teaching is mutating at an increasingly exponential rate, those who love the LORD must examine and test everything against the final authority of the recorded oracles of God (Acts 17:11).

Note: There’s a difference between Satan accusing God’s people and God’s people identifying wolves in sheep’s clothing among us. Be careful not to mix things up: Note that Satan is the “accuser of our BRETHREN” (Revelation 12:10)… and the “brethren” are NOT the wolves the “brethren” are commanded to “MARK” and “earnestly contend” AGAINST (Romans 16:17-18; Jude 3). Read that again. God commands His disciples to “MARK” which means to make known, to identify those wolves so God’s people can be protected. Beware of those who are misusing Scripture. Stop it now. You cannot “rightly” divide the Word of truth until you are daily, diligently studying and walking with other of His saints in the revelation that is the written Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15).

The following warning enlightens us to understand this:

“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.” Colossians 2:8

Would the all-knowing God have put such a warning in His Word if being spoiled were not possible? People can be spoiled (derailed, made shipwreck of) through false doctrines and philosophies, which, without fail, elevate men and demote Christ (Col. 2:8-9; 18-19).

These derailment elements are designed to steal glory from Christ. If we love Him, we are to “hear God’s words” and “hate every false way.” (Jn. 8:47; Ps. 119:104, 128; Amos 5:14-15)

GOD told you to “mark them” and not support them! (Romans 16:17-18)

SO WHY aren’t you exposing Christ’s enemies? Is it because 1. you are a moral coward who refuses to lay down your life in this world?, or is it 2. because you do not truly know Him who “is love” and therefore could care less about the protection of others?

IF you aren’t warning, you aren’t walking in God’s love. Repent now! Obey!

Let’s break this extremely important Bible text down:

“Mark them”  Beloved, we are mandated to simply and truly hearken to this divinely given instruction, to personally own this truth and walk in it, to be possessed with the protective love of our holy and “Great Shepherd of the sheep.” (Heb. 13:20) One of the ways the “Great Shepherd” protects the sheep of His pasture, is by His other sheep, scoping out and marking the wolves whose venomous lies would devour.

The clear instruction of the Word is to “mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine.” All human sentiments, reasonings, and excuses must be crucified.

“Mark them” – the Greek word here for “mark” is skopeo, which means “to scope out; to take aim at, consider, watch.”

Believers are here mandated to wisely scope out closely, observe and scrutinize all teachings and spiritual leaders under the lamp of God’s holy Word. We are to closely discern between true and false doctrines and leaders and sound the alarm on that which is found to be inconsistent with holy Writ. This is to be done especially when dealing with foundational, essential truths (which are a salvation issue).

Did Jesus ever instruct His people to debate the wolves? No. Yet He did command us through His apostle Paul to “rebuke them sharply” and to “mark them.” (Titus 1:13; Romans 16:17-18)

“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.” Psalms 119:128

Looking closely at leaders from a Bible perspective is a mandate. Such only becomes a negative when done out of a critical spirit instead of out of love and obedience to the LORD and for the keeping of the way of the LORD in ourselves and others (1 Tim. 4:6, 16). Disciples are to examine every teaching, philosophy, and notion encountered in the light of His holy oracles. In such, the disciple is to identify deceivers, false teachings and practices and “mark them,” that is, watch out for and take aim at them, while warning others. The Holy Spirit also says we are to “avoid them.” (Rom. 16:17)

Concerning this text in Romans 16, Donald Stamps, in the Life In the Spirit Study Bible, writes:

    “At the end of his letter, Paul gives a strong warning to the church in Rome to be alert to all those who do inestimable damage to the church by corrupting and extorting the ‘doctrine’ (teaching) of Paul and the other apostles. They are to ‘mark’ the proponents of false doctrine and ‘avoid them’ and their ministry. Those marked may have been antinomians (i.e., against the law), who taught that because salvation is by grace, saving faith does not necessarily include obedience to Christ Jesus (cf. 6:1-2; 2 Cor. 4:2; 11:3; Eph. 4:14; Rev. 2:4-5).”

They believed that a person could live in sin and reject God’s moral law, and yet possess eternal salvation. These false teachers were eloquent orators, speaking with comforting words and flattering speeches (cf. Jude 16), but deceiving simple Christians.” (p. 1759)

This commentator denotes a specific teaching, all too alive and well in the modern church, that is to be marked and avoided along with those who propagate it.

William MacDonald states:

    “It is an ungodly tolerance that has allowed so many pulpits in America to be filled with ‘false apostles and deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ’. Detecting a resemblance to conditions in Elijah’s day, J Sidlow Baxter writes ‘Such are the people who today, with sickly kindness, will tolerate teachers of errors in our pulpits because they are such smooth-mannered and amiable gentlemen. They would rather allow error to be preached and souls to be deceived than hurt the preacher’s feelings. Let Baal be worshipped rather than drought come! Let the cancer kill its victim rather than the cruel surgeon use the knife!…The best thing that could happen to some so-called Christian ministers of today is that they should be denounced in God’s name by their hearers.’

It is a sinful tolerance [1] that refuses to castigate a false church system that leads millions to eternal destruction with its perverted gospel. [2] That honours its head as a great evangelist at the same time that he is condemning evangelicals as wolves. [3] That labels God’s prophets as divisive when they denounce its idolatry, its mariolatry and its other heresies. [4] That sends converts back into its deadening clutches.

What has happened to the church of the martyrs?

We have an enormous craving for popularity. This is the stuff of which false prophets are made. We have a desire to avoid unpleasantness at all cost. A desire like this keeps us from confronting, from intervening when we should.

We have a distaste for being different. We find it easier to move along with the crowd, to drift with the tide. It is all too easy to remain silent when we are in an adverse theological climate. We are ‘slaves who dare not to be right with two or three’.

We have lost the capacity for being angry. We are not easily enough disturbed. We are in the sorry state of having no capacity for indignation. We are experts at putting off decisiveness simply because we don’t want to act.

Sometimes we are too blinded by friendship to stand against wrong. When a Christian spoke out against E. J. Carnell’s book ‘The Case For Orthodoxy’ because it argued against the inspiration of the Scriptures, a friend of the author said ‘Well you do not know him personally as I do. He is a gracious gentleman, a godly man’.

Jay Adams was right when he said ‘In some circles, the fear of controversy is so great that preachers and congregations following after them will settle for peace at any cost – even the cost of the truth – God’s truth. The idea is that peace is all- important. Peace is a biblical ideal…but so is purity. The peace of the church may never be bought at the price of the purity of the church. The price is too dear’.

Ecumenism and catholicity are two great buzzwords today. Let’s all get together. Don’t do or say anything to rock the boat. Doctrine divides, they say. What we need is unity.

What we really need is to contend earnestly for the faith in a day when it is being attacked, diluted and denied. We will be tolerant in matters of indifference but intolerant of departure from the truth of God. With Luther, ‘Here we stand. We can do no other’.”

Disciples of Christ are held accountable for progressively learning and proclaiming the whole will and counsel of God, which includes warning others of false teachings and those responsible for them (see also Isa. 58:1; Ezek. 33:7-9; 34:1-10; Acts 20:26-32; Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Tim. 2:17-18).

Christ’s true representatives are known by their purity of character and doctrine (Tit. 1:5-9; 2:6-8).

Friend of Christ, are you beginning to see this truth and understand the reason our LORD instituted such?

“Mark (scope out, take aim at and watch) them which cause divisions and offences contrary (against; opposed) to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” Romans 16:17

Christians are held accountable for proclaiming the whole counsel of God and warning others of false teachings and those responsible for them.

Dark Works are to be Exposed

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (EXPOSE) them.” Ephesians 5:11

When false teaching is discovered, it is to be exposed. At times, when a false prophet or teacher is detected, if unrepentant, they are also to be exposed.

Discernment Hint: If someone continues to teach false doctrine, they simply have not repented and are to be exposed and marked for their rebellion. God counts heretics to be rebels whom He told us to “reject.” (Tit. 3:10).

Sinning elders are to be openly rebuked in order that all may learn and more fervently fear God:

“Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” 1 Timothy 5:20

It is a sin to condone and not expose deadly falsehoods propagated by leaders “who privily (secretly) shall bring in damnable heresies.” (2 Pet. 2:1) The divine purpose here is to identify and announce those who are marked for destruction so they don’t bring others with them.

Here in 2 Peter, the Holy Spirit speaks of “false teachers” and “false prophets” who teach “damnable heresies” –which means lies that damn their listeners to hell (2 Pet. 2:1-3).

The LORD has identified those who teach falsehoods as Satan’s ministers – “such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.” (2 Cor. 11:12-15) In this passage, we are told that Satan’s “ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”

Let us no more deny Christ the LORD by hiding Satan’s prophets and teachers. Why would any child of God want to jeopardize the souls of those around them? How can we so misunderstand the LORD by thinking that silence in this matter is loving? At times, silence can be hatred instead of love.

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?” Proverbs 24:10-12

For the sake of the offending party and those under his influence, there are instances where open rebuke is called for instead of love that is hidden and withheld.

“Open rebuke is better than secret love.” Proverbs 27:5

Who is to be marked?

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-9

Those who teach “any other gospel” are “accursed” of God and to be marked. The term “ANY other gospel” is incriminating, and cuts closer into the core of Christian leadership than many may want to acknowledge. Yet, any other gospel than that given by Christ and His apostles is false and identifies the one who espouses and teaches it as a deceiver.

On a personal note: Throughout my walk with the LORD, I have seen several people fall away who once served Him. Several of these who have fallen away have been derailed due to false teachings they bought into. One particular long-time friend was diverted from Christ by beginning to make Saturday his new “savior.” Jesus no longer remained as his Rest, but rather the idolatry of a certain day that Christ made. Paul warned strongly against this and other pagan idolatrous emphases which are designed to rob glory from Christ. It is fine to gather on Saturday or any day, but when the day becomes the focus instead of Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, the leaven of idolatry is present (Col. 2:14-19).

The convincing cult was successful in alluring and snaring this man with their false emphasis and diabolically diversionary tactics. What might have been the outcome if someone would have preemptively taught this man biblical truth and warned him against the cult that snared him?

Beware of “Fair Speeches”

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17-18

The apostle Paul tells people here to “mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine” of the LORD which is found in the Holy Scriptures.

Carefully note the phrase “fair speeches” which is defined as “fine style of utterance, giving the appearance of reasonableness.” So, the Scripture here informs us that such beguilers will “deceive the hearts of the simple” by “fair speeches.” This is the very way so many are being led astray in this late hour. The message and manner of these men have the appearance of godliness, and might even include a few tears, but their hidden motives center around their own agenda and not the LORD’s. This alone makes one a false prophet.

Does anyone you know come to mind when you hear these words of holy Writ?

While attending a local fellowship for some time, I had observed the sentiments of the senior pastor month after month, year after year. There was an arrogant spirit, which was like a perfume, sensed more than seen. I witnessed the tears and emotions of this pastor and his wife (as they stood with their thousand dollar outfits – seldom, if ever, worn twice). I tried to be patient but there never seemed to be a difference in the way they lived. There was seemingly no reduction in the high-mindedness. Pride and self-service seemed to fill their lives and therefore exuded from their ministry. So, after ample time had expired, it was time to move on to be with the humble in heart (Prov. 16:19). O how refreshing!

The stylish, persuasive reasonings of this pastor, even his use of Scripture, were compelling. His “fair speeches” were commanding and emotionally and intellectually stimulating. They gave the appearance of reasonableness and godliness. In the final analysis, many of those eloquent of speech and rich with persuasive words, are found to be empty hearted, void of the life of Jesus due to serving self instead of the Savior – “whose god is their belly.” (Phil. 3:19) Paul purposely avoided becoming an eloquent orator in order to establish God’s people in the LORD Himself and not in the wisdom of mere men (1 Cor. 2:1-5).

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Saints, the LORD promised us that He was going to shake all things in these last days. As he shakes the foundations of our lives – that is, tests with fire the actual materials our faith is based upon, what shall we do? Shall we be willingly broken before His holiness, letting Him have His way in us?

“…but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:26-29

We have all unduly espoused the teachings and personalities of certain men and women in ministry. He is calling us to repent of our spiritual adulteries, where we have alienated our heart affections from Him and placed them in mere men.

Beloved, let us see the big picture of eternity in this. – “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom (forever with Jesus) which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.” May He grant us His “grace” with “godly fear” and bring upon our lives His “consuming fire” to burn away all spiritual adultery, that we might soundly worship Him alone in spirit and in truth.

A tell-tale sign: If we can peacefully receive the expose’ of one of these ministers we have grown to like, we know that the LORD has delivered us from spiritual adultery. Perhaps if we get upset and come to the defense of these mere men while excusing their deadly errors, we have not yet laid down our idolatry of these men.

Like Paul, the apostle of Christ, true disciples of Jesus who serve in leadership go through painstaking measures to root and ground their audiences in Christ alone and not themselves – “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified…That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” (1 Cor. 2:1-5)

The Savior is calling His remnant to relinquish all idols of the heart and place our affections upon Him alone who is our life and salvation.

In the ultimate end, many who tickle ears and move hearts and have spent lots of God’s monies to establish themselves, are discovered to be those who bellow out empty words from hollow hearts, void of the fruit of authentic Christ-likeness. These men are what Jude identified as “clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots.” (Jude 12) All this is being perpetrated while these people are drowning in the wealth they reap from God’s people, most of whom have no clue as to the disingenuous nature of this type of deceiver. These men, multitudes of whom operate in our midst, “by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” (Rom.16:18)

Doesn’t it seem like those who have no guile or malice in their hearts are most vulnerable to deception? Could this be due to the fact that it may seldom if ever enter such a pure mind that anyone would be operating according to an insidious, selfish, malicious agenda? The harmless heart many times cannot imagine someone could operate this way since such motives are not within themselves.

Is Silence Really Golden?

Refusing to sound the alarm by speaking out and warning others of Satan’s lies is paramount to being in league with the evil one! In such a case, does not Satan say, “Silence is Golden”?

Such unjust silence endangers the souls of others and will be brought to light in the Judgment.

On numerous occasions, Jesus audibly verbalized His righteous anger toward the Pharisees of His day and so are we called to do at times.

We should ask ourselves: Are we reasoning or seeking to simply obey what God told us to do? Who are we trying to please?

Those who expose false teaching and ministers do the work of God.

    “Behavior unchallenged is behavior condoned.” Unknown

Love that emanates from the LORD speaks the truth (Prov. 12:17; 16:6; Eph. 4:15).

The defense of the New Testament, apostolic faith, once given to the saints, will bring division and persecutions (2 Cor. 11:12-15; Gal. 1:9; Phil. 1:15-17). The enemy does not like his strongholds being plundered by the cannons of divine truth spoken by the LORD’s saints.

Jesus commanded HIS people to “JUDGE righteous judgment.” (John 7:24) And, He commanded us to know/discern others “BY THEIR FRUITS” and that’s exactly what we’re doing under the command of KING JESUS (Matthew 7:16, 20). Dare you interfere with HIS work and become His enemy? You are bidding Godspeed to evil doers, satan’s wolves in sheep’s clothing, and you will be judged with those enemies of Christ if you don’t repent (2 John 10-11).

When discernment and separation are enacted, a sharp sword of division seems to unfailingly separate the remnant from the tares (those who do not love the truth). The tares are those who live to gratify the fleshly lusts in the guise of being a real Christian (Rom. 6).

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12

The returning LORD Himself is our reward, comfort, and consolation (Rev. 22:12; 2 Cor. 1:3-7).

The LORD dislikes when men are not strong in His truth and don’t stand for it and defend it:

“They are not valiant for the truth upon the earth.” Jeremiah 9:3

“…if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38

He actually equips and anoints men to preach and defend His truth – and sometimes this is in a violent fashion.

“But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8

“Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings… I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; And forgettest the LORD thy maker…” Isaiah 51:7, 12-13

Gospel workers are to be ever ready to “…reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” with “the Word.” (2 Tim. 4:2)

Naming Names? Is that Biblical?

Have you ever personally counted the people the apostle Paul marked by name in the book of 2 Timothy? Try it. Read 2 Timothy (4 chapters) and keep a count of the deceivers Paul identifies and names. You will find 8 men named by name as deceivers in 2 Timothy alone.

“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly (selfish interests), and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Philippians 3:17-21

Saints, are we so naive as to believe that in our day there are no “enemies of the cross of Christ”? Not only are there Christ’s enemies in our day, the Bible foretold that just before the return of our LORD there would come a great falling away at the hands of these end-time predators who operate in the church world, many who are very famous ministers (2 Thess. 2:3; 1 Tim. 4; 2 Tim. 3-4; 1 Jn. 4:1-6).

There are some essential truths embedded and revealed here in this Bible text that are very important to know concerning these “enemies of the cross of Christ.” Let’s look at some:

  • They are many (plentiful) not a few – “For many walk…”
  • Paul repeatedly warned of deceivers – “I have told you often…”
  • Paul warned with tears – “…now tell you even weeping…”
  • These men pose as His servants but are actually His enemies – “they are the enemies of the cross of Christ”
  • These men are going to hell unless they repent – “Whose end is destruction…”
  • They serve themselves in ministry while supposedly representing Christ – “whose God is their belly (selfish interests)…”
  • They revel in things they should be ashamed of – “whose glory is in their shame…”
  • They speak affectionately of movies and other secular interests and tend to things of this fleeting world – “who mind earthly things…”
  • These “ENEMIES of the cross of Christ” must be marked by the LORD’s remnant no matter what the cost (Rom. 16:17-18). We are mandated to “mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine” of Christ in order to protect the sheep of the LORD’s pasture.

Have you ever personally counted the people the apostle Paul marked in the book of 2 Timothy? Try it. Read 2 Timothy (4 chapters) and keep a count of the deceivers Paul identifies by name.  You will find several men named by name as deceivers in 2 Timothy alone.  When the Holy Spirit moved upon Paul to foretell that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived,” he also led him to name some of those “enemies of the cross” in his and previous days (Phil. 3:17-20). The naming of these men is for an eternal memorial of the just wrath of the Almighty upon those who defame His holy name through deception and false teaching (2 Pet. 2, 3; Jude). When reading the Old Testament especially, we see a Redeemer who will destroy the enemies of His people – because He loves His people (Isa. 49:25; 54:17, etc.). This is the protective love of the LORD.

SETTING THE BIBLICAL RECORD STRAIGHT

Here is the list of the 8 evil doers the great apostle was divinely inspired to justifiably identify by name in 2 Timothy – in order to protect God’s people:

  • 1) Phygellus 1:15
  • 2) Hermogenes 1:15
  • 3) Hymenaeus 2:17
  • 4) Philetus 2:17
  • 5) Jannes 3:8
  • 6) Jambres 3:8
  • 7) Demas 4:10 (apostate)
  • 8) Alexander the coppersmith 4:14

Note that Philetus was a false teacher who was teaching cancerous lies – false doctrines – and Paul said that the “word” Philetus was teaching will eat up the faith of believers like a cancer. – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” (2 Timothy 2:15-18)

It is interesting to observe here that in the same letter Paul names these names of beguilers, he also states:

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 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

We readily gather here that naming names is an integral part of real New Testament ministry and those who obey can like this apostle of Jesus, be confident that they have completely fulfilled the will of God – “I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown.” In this text, the Holy Ghost says that the LORD is a “righteous judge.” I believe that those who mark deceivers in obedience to divine mandate, are going to be rewarded eternally for such obedience.

We see clearly here that fighting the good fight and finishing our course involves and includes marking deceivers.

Men of God today are mandated to do the same, yet only by the revelation of the Word of God. Marking people is commanded in the Bible (Rom. 16:17-18). If a public leader is teaching people falsehood, he is to be confronted and exposed. The fruit of truly repenting of teaching something that contradicts God’s Word is that the leader will publicly amend his way and doctrine.

Naming names must never be done recklessly or out of a personal vendetta, but only according to the Word and in the Spirit for the glory of God and protection of His beloved people.

We are instructed to rightly divide the Word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). When Jesus’ disciples sought to call down fire from Heaven to destroy those who would not receive the Messiah into their town, the LORD rebuked them, and said, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” (Lk. 9:55-56) Jesus instructed us to “judge righteous judgment” and in this case He obviously counted the judgment of His disciples to be unrighteous instead of righteous (Jn. 7:24). Though sin also, unbelief of a group of lost people is obviously different than wolves who operate in disguise among His people in sheep’s clothing and deceive the sheep of His pasture. Of these the Word tells us that they have “crept in unawares” and “privily (secretly) shall bring in damnable heresies.” (2 Pet. 2:1; Jude 4) The “Great shepherd of the sheep” broods jealously over His beloved people and will smite the wolves who seek to devour His precious sheep (Ps. 23; 91; Matt. 23:37; Heb. 13:20; James 5:5-7). The same LORD who corrected His disciples for having a wrong spirit in trying to call down fire upon unbelievers also instructed those who serve Him to “mark” those who mislead His people and to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” against the “certain men” who are “crept in unawares.” He told us that those men who would mislead His people “were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 3-4) Concerning those who would mislead any one of His precious children, Jesus says that “it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matt. 18:6)

WHAT IS SATAN’S FAVORITE VERSE TO TWIST AND MISUSE? ! ATTN Whining “judge not” Scripture twisters: Jesus was speaking of HYPOCRITICAL JUDGING in Matthew 7:1-5 and not all judging. READ the passage. Jesus commands His people to “JUDGE righteous judgment.” (John 7:24) – YOU need to get into the Word. You are a novice and are judging others for judging and therefore hypocritically breaking the very thing you are judging others for. Now, it’s time to repent, to get into and obey God’s Word which mandates that all false teachers and false teaching be exposed. You must die, to lay down your life and when you do, Jesus will embolden you to obey Him. If calling out, naming, and exposing false teachers is wrong judgment, Jesus and His apostles were sinning by often doing so. The LORD would have us to repent and “judge righteous judgment.” (John 7:24).

Those leaders who refuse to expose lies clearly reveal that they are operating in ministry for themselves and not the LORD. They are not protecting God’s sheep and are thereby disobeying the LORD. Identifying falsehoods and at times the people teaching them, is a protective measure to keep God’s people from being spoiled/deceived (Col. 1:27-2:8). By the way, this Bible topic like all others, does not hinge upon what you or I think should be done – BUT UPON WHAT THE LORD HAS CLEARLY TOLD US. So it is time to die to the self-life and all of its emotional affinities and sentiments and just DO the Word.

“For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar…” Romans 3:3-4

Note “Let God be true, but every man (including ourselves) a liar… ”

What makes people get upset when names of deceivers are mentioned? It’s biblical, so what are they stirred about? Are the scalded dogs barking? Are those who have made idols of these mere sinful men covering for them? What’s at stake?

Saints, naming names is a divine mandate. Naming names has its place in God’s economy. If one has a problem with that, let him argue with Him. It’s time to catch up with truth and begin to walk in it – seasoned with the protective love of Christ.

Taking offense because certain ministries name the false doctrine in the church world or even the names of false leaders just may be a matter of the heart. Perhaps we need to look within and beg the LORD to search us out and lead us in His way everlasting (Ps 139:23-24).

What does God say about this?

Who are we truly worshipping? Whom do we fear? Who do we seek to please? Upon whom are our affections set? If a person gets upset because their favorite limelight leader or pet pastor or prophet is identified by name as false, perhaps that person has an unnatural soul tie to that leader and his ministry. Is this not idolatry of the heart?

“Woe to the idol shepherd…” Zechariah 11:17

Friend, God’s kingdom is all about Jesus Christ and His eternal, unchanging Word, not any mere man or group of men (Mk. 13:31).

“I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” Isaiah 42:8

Why Some Don’t Want to Expose

Could it be self-preservation? What is it that is behind the refusal of some to dispense God’s truth after He has clearly instructed us to do such? And on top of that, why is it that some who fear men and therefore refuse to identify and expose the false, exude an air of spiritual pride as if they are being “loving” by allowing people to remain under the dark shadow of false teaching while hiding the doctors of deception who espouse these falsehoods? How perverse a picture is this and how very absurd for some to believe they are being “loving” by hiding this soul-saving information!

Could it be that these are cloaking pride and self-preservation behind a pseudo “love”?  God’s pure love rejoices in and speaks the truth – (Prov. 12:17; 1 Cor. 13:6; Eph. 4:15). When God’s love is truly made perfect in us, we will speak His truth in His love.

“He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.” Proverbs 12:17

Is it not personal and evil pride that is at the foundation of such thinking and inaction, cloaking itself in a false “love” that is not according to the constitution (Word, Counsel) of the One who is love?

Jesus told us He is the “truth” and the Word tells us that “God is love.” (Jn. 14:6; 1 Jn. 4:8, 16) These two attributes are equally a part of the divine character and an imbalance is the result of His people not acknowledging both. God’s method is to get to the root of our iniquities and purge them with His “mercy and truth.” Study Jeremiah 1:10 and Proverbs 16:6.

Do we realize what is at stake here?

“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 7-11

In case you were still wondering if what a person believes is important to their eternal destination, wonder no more. Let these sobering words of Holy Scripture grip your soul deeply:

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth (remains) not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.” 2 John 9

“Let that therefore abide (remain) in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.” 1 John 2:24

Weakness, Disobedience, Self-love Masking Itself as Tolerance

“Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.” Leviticus 19:17

Here the LORD equates hating one’s brother to the neglect of rebuking and allowing sin to prosper in his life. The Bible tells us that “the wages of sin is death” and so to allow sin to prosper in our brethren is to hate them (Rom. 6:23). “Open rebuke is better than secret love” right? (Prov. 27:5-6) We should admonish, correct, and at times even rebuke each other for espousing unbiblical teachings and/or living in sin.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16

In Colossians 3:16 we are told to:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly”

Handle the Word of God

  • “in all wisdom”
  • “teach and admonish one another”
  • “singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord”

Hatred withholds truth that would otherwise set someone free as only the truth can do when communicated and adhered to (Jn. 8:31-32, 36). This applies not only to sin but also to loving our neighbor enough to wisely and lovingly attempt to guard him with truth from being deceived and drawn away from pure devotion to the One who died to save us.

Some of us act as if it is a Christian virtue to tolerate any and everything that comes down the pike – “every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:14). We mask our selfish preservation and self-idolatry behind a false “love” that has no reconciliation with Bible truth.

In his book Man to Man, Richard Halverson wrote:

“There are times when tolerance is not a virtue, but weakness. There is certainly no virtue in being tolerant if one holds no convictions, and it is not uncommon for the man who believes nothing, who speaks themost of tolerance, to be the most intolerant of one who really believes something. Jesus’ absolute intolerance of sin and error was in no way inconsistent with His love for men, even the sinner or the liar.” (p. 59)

Martin Luther said:

“I was born to fight devils and factions. It is my business to remove obstructions, to cut down thorns, to fill up quagmires, and to open and make straight paths. But if I must have some failing, let me rather speak the truth with too great severity than once to act the hypocrite and conceal the truth.”

When teachings that flood the church world would bring God’s people into spiritual deception, are speared and exposed, God will bless.

“Real valor consists not in being insensible to danger, but in being prompt to confront and disarm it.” ~ Sir Walter Scott

God rewards those who vigilantly expose His enemies, especially when He leads them to do so – and He certainly will lead His people to do so (Romans 16:16-18; Ephesians 5:11; Jude 3). The LORD can only use us inasmuch as we have His Word in our hearts. Thank God for the modern-day Jaels (Judges 5:24). Thank God for the valiant Phinehas’ of today who spear the sin of false doctrine. These are the resolute defenders of God’s glory who decisively deal with the evil corruption of the divine image in the minds and hearts of His people.

When lies are exposed with divine truth, God will bless (Num. 25; Judges 5:24-31).

When God’s love is truly made perfect in us, we will speak His truth with boldness and kindness (Eph. 4:15).

There is a “Difference”

Matthew 18:15-17 ….This passage is often misapplied. DOES Matthew 18:15-17 apply to wolves? No. Notice how He begins – “Moreover if thy brother (not a lost soul or wolf) shall trespass against thee…” What Jesus was teaching us in Matthew 18:15-17 is for the members of His body exclusively. Wolves are Satan’s plants to deceive His body and not members His body but rather ministers of Satan (2 Corinthians 11:12-15).

“Moreover if thy brother (not a lost soul or wolf) shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” Matthew 18:15-17

As we discern we are then responsible to expose our findings to others (1 Tim. 4:6, 16).

“And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.” Ezekiel 44:23-24

Discernment is not condemnation. Discernment is simply the ability and act of distinguishing between holy and unholy, true and false.

Jesus Christ condemned hypocritical judgment, and commanded “righteous judgment.” (Matt.7:1-5; Jn. 7:24)

Speaking of those who follow Him, the LORD tells us here in Ezekiel 44:23 that “They shall teach my people the difference” – to discern between “holy and profane” and “unclean and clean.” The love of God which abides in true under-shepherds, is protective and trains others to discern and be guarded from the mischief intended upon them by the evil one who works through deceivers disguised in sheep’s clothing and their teachings.

Naivety is not a virtue in God’s kingdom, it is a curse.

Our LORD instructed us to pray for and obtain discernment and 1 John tells us to test every spirit and to not blindly receive and believe every person who comes in the name of Jesus because “many (not a few) false prophets are gone out among you.” (Rev. 3:18; 1 Jn. 4:1; Matt. 24:11)

The Bible speaks of the overseer as one who must “Take care of the church of God.” (1 Tim. 3:5) According to Proverbs 27:23, the overseer of the sheep of God’s pasture must be diligent to know the state of his flocks and to look well (oversee closely with the jealous love of God) to his herds.

“Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.” Proverbs 27:23

He should diligently look out over the horizon for wolves coming in to devour the LORD’s sheep with their deadly lies. All doctrinal error must be met with the full force of divine truth by those who love Him. Divine truth is the safety of the believer in abiding in Christ to the end (Prov. 30:5).

Discernment is simply the dividing of truth from error, relying fully upon God’s Word, which is the final authority for all matters concerning the faith once delivered to the saints (Mk. 13:31; Jn. 10:35; 2 Tim. 3:16; Jude 3-4). When the believer studies to show himself approved unto God, he will then be able to “rightly” divide “the word of truth” from error (2 Tim. 2:15).

In the Scriptures, the Holy Ghost divides between “the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” One of the earmarks of the “spirit of antichrist” and the foretold “many false prophets” is that “the world heareth them.” Those under the “spirit of antichrist” do not endure sound doctrine, they cannot hear it – instead they rebel. These love darkness rather than light. See John 3:19-21; 8:47; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; 1 John 4:1-6. These are those leaders and followers who purposely affirm instead of rebuking their sinful nature (2 Tim. 4:2-4). We must discern those deceivers who affirm people in their sins by not declaring God’s holiness, the biblical definition of sin, and the essential nature of repentance.

When Solomon became king, he was asked what he desired from the LORD.

“In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee…(Solomon answered) Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.” 1 Kings 3:5, 9-10

Solomon wisely chose to covet from the LORD the ability to “discern between good and bad.” The Bible records that this request “pleased the Lord.”

Shouldn’t discernment be what we covet from our LORD in this late hour where we have been told to watch closely for deceivers? – “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; Speaking lies in hypocrisy…” (1 Tim. 4:1-2)

Discernment is sought out and then taught to others by leaders who are true to the LORD (Ezek. 44:23). They are ever diligent to feed and guard “the flock of God” from the spiritual rabies of the promised wolves who “lie in wait to deceive.” (1 Pet. 5; Eph. 4: 14)

Check out the state of the people of God in Isaiah’s day, when wolf packs had hijacked the positions of authority, designed to be occupied by men who authentically feared God.

“The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him. All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest. His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.” Isaiah 56:8-10

Do we think that our day is altogether different from Isaiah’s when the leaders of the people were self-serving, “blind… ignorant…dumb dogs…sleeping, lying down” and “loving to slumber”?

At the helm, insidiously guiding the Church into deep darkness, are men who have only an outward form or formula of godliness, yet are not submitted under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

“Wolves” and “beasts of the field” must be marked so that “his people, and the sheep of his pasture” can be warned, be wise to them and able to stay out of harm’s way (Matt. 7:15; Ps. 100:3).

“Warn Them from Me”

“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.” Ezekiel 33:7

God told Israel that its leaders are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.” (Isa. 56:10)

A watchdog instinctively sounds the alarm by barking. What should be instinctive is now asleep in the hearts of those in leadership who have slipped away from their first love. Because of this, they do not warn the people of God of the many dangers that are lurking and being openly taught in the church world.

The Ancient of Days told His prophet Jeremiah:

“I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know and try (test) their way.” Jeremiah 6:27

“Like People, Like Priest”

“And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.” Hosea 4:9

It appears that the influence of priest and people works both ways. Although the leaders will bear the greatest responsibility, the influence seems to work in both directions. Leaders and non-leaders within the realm of professing Christendom will be rewarded according to their adherence to the clear will of God (Hos. 4:9-11; Matt. 15:14; Prov. 29:12; Isa. 9:16, 24:1-11).

To the one who has never heard a balanced diet of God’s Word, including love, judgment, discernment and correction, the person who exposes may automatically be viewed as judgmental. Someone who exposes is seen by regular churchgoers, who have been conditioned under a soft and incomplete false gospel, as judgmental, divisive, etc. This is only because their pastors are doing NOTHING to protect them from the MANY deceptions that abound in the church world. This is sad. Who is really at fault?

According to the biblical record, the defense of the faith should be a regular part of New Testament Christianity. Paul stated:

“I am set for the defence of the gospel.” Philippians 1:17

Or, perhaps they have heard some who “expose” and realize that they themselves (the exposers) are needing to expose their own self-righteous, pride-filled Pharisaical hearts before seeking to get the speck out of another’s eye (Matt. 7:1-6). Nonetheless, the defense of the faith is a biblical, essential, and regular part of New Testament Christianity, which all believers should be as actively engaged in as Paul was.

Due to his ceaseless intercessory praying for the LORD’s people, James, the brother of our LORD and human author of the book of James, was called “The Just” and “The safeguard of the people.” As a martyr, James died at the hands of antichrist religious zealots, but not before he set the example of diligently seeking to protect God’s flock as every servant-leader is called to do – to be “set for the defence of the gospel.” (Phil. 1:17)

Paul Marked Alexander the Coppersmith

“Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.” 2 Timothy 4:14-16

Paul told the brethren to “be thou ware” of “Alexander the coppersmith” who “did me much evil.” Note here that the apostle Paul warned these believers to beware of someone he named and who had done him “much evil.” Today when someone dares to do as Paul did in this instance, they are accused of being “judgmental.” Instead, we tolerate what God never intended us to. Paul marked several men by name in his two letters to Timothy alone.

The apostle warned the believers of those who worked against the true work of the Gospel.

Beloved, you may be being tempted in your thinking to pander to the sinful nature of men, instead of leading them to the Fountain of Living Waters by showing them, by divine strength, grace and Word, their need to understand what He stated. Now is the time to submit all to the LORD and to accept that we are called to suffer as He did (Phil. 1:29; 1 Pet. 4:1, 2, 12). We are not our own, but bought with the very price of His blood and should be willing to say with Christ, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Lk. 22:42)

Our own will must be laid down and His given total reign. This is what He has called us to beloved.

    “It is not a difficult matter to learn what it means to delight ourselves in the LORD. It is to live so as to please Him, to honor everything we find in His Word, to do everything the way He would like to have it done, and for Him.” ~ S. Maxwell Coder

Defending the faith is a standard and vital part of the Christian life. The faith must be defended by its adherents. We must die to self-isms and obey the One we claim to serve.

Friend, when you create your own Universe, you can then decide what the rules are, but until then, those who claim to know Christ are to submit our lives to Him fully and simply follow His clear directions.

We must mature and realize that exposing false teaching and teachers has always been and will always be an integral, essential and regular occupation of New Testament Christianity and the responsibility of Christ’s disciples of all ages.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please strengthen my heart with the might of Your Holy Spirit. LORD Jesus You must increase in my life and I decrease. Please break me and make me LORD and cause me to wisely discern while walking in the Spirit. May I be dead to the self life and reputation and fully obedient to walk in Your eternal truth, including being ready to answer your call to expose those doctrines which are contrary to Your holy Word. Lead me my LORD Jesus and allow this to be done in Your love. Please protect Your people Jesus and turn men’s hearts back to Yourself. Bless Your body to see and live in Your Spirit and holy, eternal truth. I love You Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | ChristologyBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Modern ChurchPeace with God

ORDER Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us

Beware of Wolf Defenders | List of Wolves

THE BIBLICAL CASE FOR EXPOSÉ

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Part 2 Below

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Abiding

Jesus’ Counsel to the Lukewarm [podcast]


Laodicea: How Jesus Instructs the Backslidden to be Restored

Jesus’ Letter to the Church at Laodicea

“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

15  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. 

17  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 

18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 

19  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 

20  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 

21  To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 

22  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 

The cross, the crucified life is the cure to the curse of sin—sin dominating our lives.

Romans 6

Inflation is part of the judgment of God upon a wicked people, nation. We see such in Sodom and in Laodicea (Ezekiel 16:49-59; Romans 1; Revelaton 3:14-22).

“It appears that in this scarcity each might be able to obtain a bare subsistence by his daily labor; but a man could not, in such cases, provide for a family.” Adam Clarke

Your money doesn’t go far….. inflation

“Revelation 6 describes the opening of the first six seals, which represent God’s judgment, often called the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The third seal, broken by a “black horse,” is interpreted to show hyper-inflation and famine, where a day’s wage (a denarius) buys only a quart of wheat. The judgment includes a command to preserve the oil and wine, which some interpret as luxury goods, while essential food becomes scarce and expensive.”

“6:5, 6 In obedience to the third living creature, a rider holding a set of scales came forth on a black horse. This represents famine, which often follows war. A voice in the middle of the four living creatures announced that wheat and barley were being sold at prohibitive prices. The scales were used to weigh the rationed grain and were thus a symbol of famine. The expression do not harm the oil and the wine is difficult. Some say that these were the food of the poor. If they were staple items, then they must be protected in order to preserve life. It seems more likely, however, that the luxury items of the rich are contemplated here: historically, even in famine the rich can get some luxuries.Believer’s Bible Commentary

The only thing needed to go to hell is to not be on fire for Jesusto be “lukewarm” (Revelation 3:15-16).

Jesus instructed the Laodicean church… to obtain, to “buy of me….

“3:18 The people were counseled to buy from the Lord gold refined in the fire. This may mean divine righteousness, which is bought without money or price (Isa_55:1) but received as a gift through faith in the Lord Jesus. Or it may mean genuine faith, which when tested in the fire, results in praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1Pe_1:7).

Also the people were counseled to buy white garments, that is, practical righteousness in everyday life. And they should anoint their eyes with eye salve, that is, gain true spiritual vision through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. This counsel was especially appropriate, since Laodicea was known as a center for banking, textiles, and medicines—especially eye salve.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“Revelation 3:18
I counsel thee – O fallen and deceived soul, hear Jesus! Thy case is not hopeless. Buy of me.
Gold tried in the fire – Come and receive from me, without money and without price, faith that shall stand in every trial: so gold tried in the fire is here understood. But it may mean pure and undefiled religion, or that grace or Divine influence which produces it, which is more valuable to the soul than the purest gold to the body. They had before imaginary riches; this alone can make them truly rich.
White raiment – Holiness of heart and life.
Anoint thine eyes – Pray for, that ye may receive, the enlightening influences of my Spirit, that ye may be convinced of your true state, and see where your help lies.” Adam Clarke

Warning

“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15 

Coming forth as Purified Gold

“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10

To “come forth as gold” refers to the finished product, where gold has been purified of all its impurities.

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7 

“The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.” Proverbs 17:3 

Idolatry is Sin

Putting, having anything or anyone before Christ in our lives is the soul damning sin of idolatry. Such a person has rejected Christ for something, anything else.

One such idol, one such cause today is patriotism for one’s earthly country. See Hebrews 11:14-16.

SO, you are fighting to save America (impossible) and not see souls saved for and by Jesus? Yet you claim to be following Christ who said “I MUST be about my Father’s business”? See Luke 2:49. You are deceived and in need of repentance before it’s too late. You left your “first love” and are in sin, in darkness (Revelation 2:4-5).

And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.”  Daniel 11:32-35

“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10

PRAYER: Father in Jesus’ name, please grant to my heart Your gift of repentance and the deep desire to have Your righteousness, to not be deceived by sin, Satan, or counterfeits and false teachers. Please forgive all my sins afresh, here and now by Your precious blood LORD Jesus. Unite my heart to fear Your name. Fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Authentic (Spanish)

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Fresh Start with God | Beware of the Many Fake News “bibles”Lukewarm is Hell Bound! | Becoming Christ’s DisciplePsychoHeresyOvercoming Victory in Christ!The Apostate Modern Church | Christology = the Study of Christ

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Abiding

The Lying Vanity of “Eternal Security” [podcast]


WHY was Satan expelled from God’s presence, from Heaven? What happened the last time sin was found in Heaven? Did God coddle it or kick it out? Jesus told us:

“And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” Luke 10:18

Oh and will we lose the ability to choose in Heaven? One man recently stated: “Even if you are in Heaven you do not have eternal security.” Interesting and apparently true…. because as I am sure you were alluding to, lucifer and a third of the angels still had choice in Heaven, they chose sin and were expelled (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:13-19; Luke 10:18).

Those who deal with the eternal securists know that it’s observable that these self-serving idolaters, counterfeits, want the assurance of salvation via lies instead of obedience. They campaign, promote, and defend their “eternal security” idol doctrine. If they spent the same time and energy seeking and obeying the LORD they claim to serve, there would be great fruit born.

No one is going to walk in peace and assurance just because they speak of it, claim it, or because they desire to have peace and assurance. No, it’s only when we obey the Word of God that His peace and assurance flood our being. There’s no short cut to obedience (1 John 3:16-18).

The assurance of salvation, of eternal glory with Christ, abides only in those who obey God. The OSAS wolves speak nothing of obeying the LORD. No, instead they spend all their time indoctrinating people with the heresy that they are eternally secure no matter what they do after being saved. Those who give more than cliche’s and lip service to God, enjoy the assurance of His salvation.

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby (by obedience) we know that we are of the truth, and shall ASSURE our hearts before him. 20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.”  1 John 3:18-21 

Assurance of salvation in our hearts comes from abiding in and with Christ, from obeying Him – not sitting around convincing ourselves and others that we are “eternally secure” (John 14-15). Such is the occupation of moral coward counterfeits who are lost hell-bound souls.

Convincing people who aren’t abiding in Christ that they are eternally secure is criminal, sinful, and perpetrated by the grace-perverting “ungodly men” Jude warned us about (Jude 3-4). Instead of teaching them that God requires that they love and obey Him, they sidestep this unpopular truth and evilly, insidiously tickle the ears of their prey (2 Timothy 4:2-4).

Of 1 John 3:19, Adam Clarke writes:

“Hereby we know that we are of the truth – That we have the true religion of the Lord Jesus, and shall assure our hearts – be persuaded in our consciences, that we have the truth as it is in Jesus; as no man can impose upon himself by imagining he loves when he does not: he may make empty professions to others, but if he loves either God or man, he knows it because he feels it; and love unfelt is not love, it is word or tongue. This the apostle lays down as a test of a man’s Christianity, and it is the strongest and most infallible test that can be given. He that loves feels that he does love; and he who feels that he loves God and man has true religion; and he who is careful to show the fruits of this love, in obedience to God and humane acts to man, gives others the fullest proof that he has the loving mind that was in Jesus.”

The crux concerning the eternal security counterfeits is that they simply refuse to die – to deny self, take up the cross daily, and follow the Savior they claim is their Savior.

Believing that God requires man to participate in an abiding relationship with Him is not works salvation, it’s Bible 101. The only people who call an abiding walk with Christ “works salvation” are those who are vainly thinking they’re going to use Jesus to get them to Heaven, out of hell, without engaging in a relationship with the Great Bridegroom. These are antichrists. They teach contrary to Christ. Read John 15:1-6. Doesn’t their reasoning, their doctrine sound like the foolish virgins who were shut out of Christ’s kingdom? Yep. Read Matthew 25:1-13.

Instead of using that energy to lay down their lives, to be truly crucified with Christ, the OSAS defenders have endless energy to argue to justify sinning. Why? They simply do not love the LORD. They love self and they love their life in this world and will perish with it (1 Corinthians 2:9b; 1 John 2:15-17).

Eternal securists preach “grace, grace, grace” and yet they have more faith in sin, in sinning, than they do in God’s grace to keep them…. free from sin. They are “(…the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things)” (Philippians 3:18-19).

“For he that is dead is freed from sin.” Romans 6:7

Let me get this straight …… Jesus’ grace was enough to save you but is not strong enough to keep you from the sin He died and rose again to deliver you from?

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“‭‭Romans‬ ‭14:1-3‬. This post (exposing the heresy of OSAS) continues division among God’s people. God has chosen not to reveal all of Himself to any person. We are all in a broken state of incomplete revelation.”

REPLY:

Not true. You are quoting Romans 14 which is speaking of NON-essentials, not essential doctrine of the original Gospel given to us by Christ and His holy apostles. Those who do not continue in sound doctrine, in the teaching of Christ and His apostles, “hath NOT God” and are to be exposed (2 John 7-11).

The only one causing division is you – a false teacher who is perpetrating the same lie of Satan himself from the Garden of Eden, the original doctrine of devils (1 Timothy 4:1).

Believers are specifically mandated to “earnestly contend” against “ungodly men” who are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” such as Satan’s first lie, his first teaching – OSAS/eternal security.

Jude 1:3-5
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.”

Divisions are needed – the divining between the truth-loving remnant of Christ and the counterfeits who espouse falsehoods (Romans 16:17-18). See also Matthew 10:34.

God has clearly, plainly revealed to us the OSAS/eternal security is a lie from His arch enemy and actually led to the fall of mankind in the Garden (Proverbs 22:17-21; Genesis 2:17; 3:4). The warnings against this heresy exist throughout His Word. You may wish to cease using the cop-out position.

Brother Raphael King writes:

“If once saved always saved is correct, then why does Satan tempt saved Christians? What is the aim of the tempter if not to entice the saved ones to sin?

If once saved always saved is correct, why did Jesus tell the man he healed of his infirmity to go and SIN NO MORE? John 5:14

Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

I need your views on these if you think once saved always saved is correct, or you have believed a lie all long!”

According to man’s school of thought, eternal security (also known as “once saved, always saved”) is the belief that from the moment anyone becomes a Christian they will be saved from hell and will not lose their salvation.

But according to the Bible, someone that was once saved can still fall into sin, die in their sins and go to hell!

2 Peter 2:20-22: “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.”

Let’s analyze some examples:

Judas was once saved! One cannot fall away from a place he has never been. So, accepting this falling away as truth, the conclusion is that one can be saved and then “fall away” or lose his salvation. How can a fallen man fall again if he was never saved at first?

Acts 1:25: “That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.”

Judas Iscariot was standing in the Lord, and a follower of Christ before he fell into transgression.

Demas was once saved…

Colossians 4:14: “Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.”

Philemon 1:24: “Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers…” These are saved laborers that Paul referred to.

But Demas later backslid to love the world….

2 Timothy 4:10: “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.”

1 Corinthians 5 was written to believers who had fallen into fornication. “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.” Paul would not be preaching like this to those that are not yet saved.

The seven churches in Revelation were saved believers before they fell. The Bible recorded their good works. The remedy for them was repentance. Mind you these happened after Pentecost. The church at Ephesus backslid and left its first love. God out of His infinite mercy, sent a message of warning to them. Can you then say that these Churches are not truly saved at first? Then read Revelation 2:1-5 and see their stand before they fell.

Revelation 2:5: “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

David once fell into sin, Saul once fell into sin, Solomon once fell into sin, Ananias and Sapphira once fell into sin, Lucifer once fell into sin! The lists are endless. These people were saved but somewhere along the line they fell into sin. Some had the grace to repent and utilized it while others wasted it, some didn’t have the grace to repent.

Those that said these people were not truly saved at first should bring evidence from the Bible and not self-assumption. You don’t assume the Bible, you believe it!

If once saved forever saved is true, why did the apostles write to believers that they should not commit sin and warned them to flee from fornication? The Bible talks about repentance in various chapters.

Eternal salvation is for those who always obey God. Once you disobey God, you will lose it just like King Saul in the Bible. The only way to reclaim it is through repentance.

Hebrews 5:9: “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”

Saved by Grace to Obey God

The OSAS counterfeits want to say that any obedience or good works for Jesus mean you are seeking to earn your own salvation. But the Bible tells us that we are saved by grace through faith which will always produce the fruit of good works. In fact we are created in Christ to do them!

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we 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

He saved us by His grace to be “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Any questions?

Jesus requires that we overcome in order to reign with Him.

“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 keep His works to the end are those who trust and worship Christ and not self – He is their “first love.” (Revelation 2:4-5) Their works do not save them and yet they clearly prove they are His.

“Unto the end” is a requirement for eternal glory, otherwise you will be vanquished into the bowels of eternal damnation irrevocably. Faith is required by God to receive Christ’s salvation, and true saving faith always produces good works (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Isn’t our obedience to Jesus our LORD an expression of our love for Him?

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

What did Jesus say concerning our lights shining and “good works”?

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

“Be careful to maintain good works”

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” Titus 3:8

O the endless stream of cowards who seek to evade personal accountability ….. In dealing with yet another heretic, I recently wrote concerning a man who believes he has no personal responsibility to worship, walk with, obey, and engage in an intimate abiding relationship with the Savior He claims saved him (John 15:1-6). He assumes no accountability because he seeks to use Jesus to get him to Heaven but has no interest in the cross Jesus says one must take up daily to truly follow Him-otherwise such a counterfeit is not following Him (Luke 9:23-24). Repent now sinner.

Moral cowards migrate to the “eternal security” heresy because they simply do not want to genuinely repent, to change. They want the crown but not the cross. They vainly believe they are going to use the Savior to get them out of hell yet want nothing to do with a worship-filled, engaged, abiding, fruit-bearing, obedient relationship with the Son of God while on earth. These are the rebels who will hear the LORD declare to them “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” (Matthew 25:4. Read John 15.)

In the biblical model of salvation, you’re not free to sin, you’ve been saved from sin, blessed to live free from sin.

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:14 

You are now the servant of God, not sin.

“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” Romans 6:22

Those who go back to sin after being saved, are in danger of hell fire – unless they repent and return to the LORD:

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

The wages of sin is STILL death (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23). God’s grace never changed His definition of sin. God will judge, will damn the souls of every person who dies in sin – whether they were saved in the past or not (Ezekiel 33:12-13; Revelation 22:11, etc.).

Lawless Workers of Iniquity

This warning below from Christ clearly tells us that “MANY” today who call Jesus “Lord”, who claim they are saved, are not.

“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. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (lawlessness).” Matthew 7:21-23

Joe Mann writes:

“When a person does what CHRIST JESUS HIMSELF tells them to not do or do…. it’s not their own work’s…..is it???

Besides a person is not in the PROCESS of being SAVED BY & until BELIEF in WHO & WHAT?

Luke 6:46-49

46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the  things which I say? 47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: 48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a  rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. 49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.”

Simply put, those who teach OSAS/eternal security/Calvinism, are sin-justifying, grace-perverting heretics.

The 5 points of Calvinism are utterly false, each and every one of them. Personally, I wear the scorn of the wicked eternal security and calvinist hereticks, as a badge of honor. According to the Holy Spirit’s warning through Jude, these have perverted the faith of the original Gospel of Christ and call it “the doctrines of grace” while they specifically pervert the grace of God. These are “ungodly men” who are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” (license for sin) (Jude 4). We are to “earnestly contend” against them (Jude 3).

You could openly curse the Son of God and they’d say little or nothing. Yet, soon as you expose the lying falsehoods they hide behind and use to justify their sins, those devils behind those “doctrines of devils” manifest (1 Timothy 4:1-2).

Calvinist/osas heretics insist that one is devaluing the perfect payment of Christ on the cross for our sins…. are they?

Jesus’ work was perfect and this same JESUS gave conditions for man to appropriate His salvation. To say otherwise would be to say that everyone is going to Heaven, not matter what which is the heresy we call universalism. Yet some wish to ignore those conditions, those things God requires of anyone who will know and walk with Him. Many have bought lies, half-truths and aren’t being honest with the whole counsel of God’s Word. Jesus told His own 12 they had to “endure to the end” to be “saved” (Matthew 10:22; 24:13).

“Saved by grace through faith. Lets break this down for those who don’t understand… Its by Gods grace we’re offered the gift of salvation; yet that gift of salvation is activated through faith!! Without faith no man can please God. And if people think for one second they’re forced to abide or remain in the faith, they better get back in the word. Jesus even said that he is the true vine, and if we don’t remain in him, we are cut off… OSAS teaching is a lie! We must work out our salvation in fear and trembling before the Lord daily!! Endure unto the end!” Cristina

Specifically speaking to HIS own, Jesus says they must “abide” in Him or they will be cast into the fire (John 15:6).

“If a man abide not in me (does not remain with 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

Response to a proponent of OSAS:

Please explain to all of us why EVERY person in the world isn’t automatically saved…. after all, Jesus paid the full price for their sin…. And, show us all in God’s Word how men don’t have free will. “Doctrines of grace” to you are actually the corruption of God’s saving grace and Jude warned us about vile wolves, “ungodly men” like you who turn the saving grace of God in Christ into a license for sin.

“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (license to sin), and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 4

Here’s a Scripture text on true saving grace that you are allergic to and that your phony “grace teachers” never mentioned….

“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;” Titus 2:11-12

Every false teacher is going to hell (2 Peter 2:1-3).

Calvinists speak of “doctrines of grace” while intentionally ignoring and evading Bible passages on grace such as Titus 2:11-12. Calvinists are con men. They are fulfilling the Holy Spirit’s prophecy through Jude as they over emphasize grace while deliberately evading certain grace Scriptures and mountains of truth (Jude 4). What about holiness – God’s holiness, and the truth that He said “Be ye holy for I am holy”? See 1 Peter 1:15-16. You purposely ignore it because you simply don’t want to die, to lay down your life in this fleeting world, to be crucified with Christ. Counterfeit. | Grace vs Holiness

Much more explosive truth on the topic of the mythical “eternal security” |

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Eternal Security/OSAS | Calvinism Exposed | Accounted Worthy to Escape [podcast] |Sealed?The Return of Christ | SupportLie of the Ages [podcast]10 Questions about Eternal SecurityIs Salvation Eternal?The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security [podcast]The Essential of Fearing God | The KING is Coming [podcast] | Lie of the Ages (Blockbuster book exposing OSAS and calvinism) | Lukewarm is Hell Bound!

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Apostasy

The Goal of the Ungodly Eternal Security Teachers [podcast]


“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (license to sin), and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4

“This is AWESOME! You got all over it. It really flowed. Excellent! In the delivery, your excitement and passion for this subject are unmistakable. How can ANYONE listen to this and not want to check out the Word of God for themselves?” Debbie L.

“Thy prophets (false leaders) have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered (exposed) thine iniquity (have not uncovered your sin), to turn away thy captivity (to get you set free from it); but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment (ultimate termination into hell).” Lamentations 2:14

COUNTERFEITS who hide behind their OSAS fairy tale HATE this biblical reality and are willing to call the LORD a liar in order to retain this heresy – “And he that overcometh, and KEEPETH my works UNTO THE END, to him will I give power over the nations:” (Revelation 2:26)

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Fresh Start with God | “Fear hath Torment” – 100% Deliverance from all Fear! [podcast]Resurrection Grace [podcast] G.O.D. = Game Over Devil [podcast]JustificationGrace and Good Works [podcast] | More on Assurance here | Eternal Security Debunked | The Cross Life | 100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich podcasts for your edification in Christ. 

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Categories

donate button round
sgys-books01

Trending