Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” ~ 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
Did you notice in this passage that the Holy Spirit of God reveals to us that “Satan himself” has “his ministers”? Do you personally believe that Satan has people in strategic places who serve him—wittingly or unwittingly? Here the LORD calls the enemy’s emissaries “false apostles” and “deceitful workers.” How long shall we be so foolish and naïve as to deny the truth and numerous warnings concerning deceitful workers, false prophets, false teachers and false apostles? How long will we in cowardice turn a deaf ear and blind eye to those deceivers who operate large worldwide ministries that are leading millions astray? How long shall we cover for and defend false prophets who are the enemies of the One we claim to be serving? How long will we allow self-service and sinful self-preservation rule our lives?
There would be no way to list every wolf who is peddling this un-conditional eternal security lie. Among the “MANY false prophets,” the “ungodly men” peddling this lie, here’s just a few (Matthew 24:11; Jude 3-4):
- Charles Stanley
- John MacArthur (calvinist)
- Paul Washer (calvinist)
- Mat Slick (CARM)
- Ray Comfort
- Bob George (calvinist)
- etc.
“Individuals have believed the worst lie unleashed by Satan on humanity when they believe redemption cannot be lost in the temporal realm. It is as the lie the serpent told Eve.
The fact is, that the eternal security lie has been largely perpetrated by Calvinism. There are no verses that support it. It is the major reason for the apostasy, and currently the great and final apostasy.” Cedric Fisher
Much more important than attempting to list the endless list of frauds who peddle the “eternal security” heresy, is helping God’s people to discern, to rightly divide all things via the Holy Scriptures (Ezekiel 44:23; Acts 17:10-11; 2 Timothy 2:15, etc.).
Sitting under any teacher who is not boldly, via the preaching of the whole counsel of God, exposing this lie of the ages which began with Satan in the Garden, is deadly. All true men of God will preach the whole counsel of God’s Word including exposing this damnable heresy.
“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.” Jude 3-4
Satanic Seduction
In the midst of God’s people is where Satan has strategized and set himself up in order to “seduce” God’s saints to give up their eternal reward for temporal pleasure, like Esau (Ps. 74:34; Acts 20:29-30; Heb. 12:14-15). Read this following passage carefully and notice just where Satan and his human agents have entrenched themselves and set up their evil strongholds:
“Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary. Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs… They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground.” ~ Psalms 74:3-4, 7
The enemy has focused and concentrated his energies on the “sanctuary,” or refuge, the safe place of God’s people. They way the enemy does this is by raising up his wolves in the midst of God’s people in order to mislead them (Acts 20:20-32). Those who don’t truly choose to fear and obey God, will be misled (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
Make no mistake; it should be a fixed reality in our minds that satanic seduction is a reality in this age, especially in this late hour as he has come down with great wrath knowing that his time to deceive is short (1 Sam. 5:8; Rev. 12:12).
“For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to SEDUCE, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.” ~ Mark 13:22-23
“These things have I written unto you concerning them that SEDUCE you.” ~ 1 John 2:26
“Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to SEDUCE my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.” ~ Revelation 2:20
“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; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” ~ 1 Timothy 4:1-2
“But evil men and SEDUCERS shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” ~ 2 Timothy 3:13
Notably, in the last days we are told that deceivers, their false teachings, and their influence will increase. There has long been a war over the strategic position of the pulpits and media prominence. The pulpit, along with other venues of influence over the thinking of the people, are places of authority. In most circles, the selection process for leaders is utterly out of congruency with the New Testament record (1 Tim. 3). Diotrephes was a satanic plant among early believers. He was a controller, strategically and deliberately planted in the midst of the early church to do harm to God’s saints. He would not give way to the apostle John to come speak into the lives of God’s people (3 Jn.). Simon, the sorcerer, was saved at the preaching of Peter, then began to operate deceitfully, and was openly rebuked in order to keep sin and deception out of the church (Acts 8:9-25). In the book of 2 Timothy alone, Paul marked eight individuals by name, who were causing divisions and hindering the Gospel, contrary to the doctrine of the LORD (Rom. 16:17-18). (Book: Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us
1 Timothy 3:6 reveals that a person who is saved and gets into the ministry can then “fall into the condemnation of the devil.” This is why the Holy Spirit instructed us not to place a novice into the ministry, which is what has been done as the enemy roars among God’s people (Ps. 74:3-4, 7). “The condemnation of the devil” is simply the state of eternal condemnation, or judgment, that Satan is under by the decree of the Almighty. Everything of satanic origin is based on pride (Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28). Men who are not humbled before the LORD naturally carry out their ministries undergirded and dominated by their pride of life and will be eternally damned if they do not repent (2 Pet. 2-3). These same men will lead others into the worship of self, while having a “form of godliness” (2 Tim. 3:1-13). This is the blind leading the blind into the ditch of destruction (Lk. 6:39). Those who do not have a life in the Word for themselves cannot discern and are being led to believe they are right with God and will find out on Judgment Day that they were dead wrong (Prov. 14:12; Heb. 5:11-14).
Pride-filled ministers lead others astray by spawning and soliciting many evils in others, bringing strange fire into the sanctuary of the LORD (Lev. 10:1-2).
Remember that the enemy worked in the Garden of creation against the LORD and His first man and woman. He was a witness of how the LORD separated them from His holy presence after they believed and acted on his (Satan’s) lie (Gen. 2:17; 3:1 -24). The enemy of the Almighty works within the sanctuary of the people of God to allure the saints to deny Christ instead of self. Satan has “ministers,” and they seek to lead God’s people into spiritual and physical fornication in order to cause them to be separated from the LORD, who is “Holy, holy, holy” (Num. 22-24; Isa.6:3; 2 Cor. 11:11-15; Rev. 2:14, 20; 4:8). His goal is to lead the saints into sin which separates them from the LORD.
“And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.” ~ Colossians 2:4
“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
Jesus came because God is holy! Yes, Christ came to the earth because God is holy. Any man in leadership who does not hold this cardinal truth in utmost importance and prominence is utterly beguiled at best. Jesus Christ came “In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight” (Col. 1:22).
The enemy’s aim is to draw God’s people away from pure devotion to Him. To do so with the most impact, he must gain strategic positions of prominence to possess preeminence in the midst of those seeking to know the LORD (2 Cor. 11:11-15).
“Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” ~ Acts 20:26-32
Do we not realize that it is outright disobedience to believe every person or leader who comes in the name of the LORD? “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test; examine) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 Jn. 4:1).
In 2 Corinthians 11, the apostle Paul speaks of “he (any man) that cometh” and “preacheth another Jesus.” Here, the Holy Spirit of God identifies the enemy’s messengers of “another Jesus, another spirit, and another gospel,” who corrupt the image of Christ in us. May the LORD bless us to possess the purity of Christ.
“Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” ~ 2 Corinthians 11:1-4
Are We Being Bewitched?
No true believer in Jesus Christ would think of going to a séance, or Wicca conference, yet witches and warlocks have infiltrated, or “crept in” the church world through TV, radio, books and various other media. These false teachers hold positions of leadership in the church world and dress and look like true believers, yet they are the prophesied “ravening wolves” who have come to devour the sheep of the LORD’s pasture (Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:29-30). These deceivers are presenting a counterfeit gospel, or view of the divine, through their false teachings which are not according to the biblical revelation of the LORD (Isa. 8:20).
“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently (clearly) set forth, crucified among you? ~ Galatians 3:1
When Christ has been revealed to our hearts and we then do not “obey the truth,” we are said, here, to be “bewitched.”
“The Leaders”
Since the Bible tells us that there is “no new thing under the sun,” and that the father of all lies uses the same trickery that has been “common to man” from the beginning, we can clearly conclude that he still uses this same deception (re-packaged) in our day (Eccl. 1:9; Jn. 8:44; 1 Cor. 10:13). His purpose is to bring men down, and he is accomplishing this through the subtlest medium—our own leaders. “For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed” (Isa. 9:16).
Perhaps the great beguiler whispers to men individually, and then scores the knock-out punch when those people are told by their own “Christian” leaders, inside their church walls, or via some other medium, that they are unconditionally eternally secure, whether they obey or disobey the One who made them. In our day, Satan is affirming the perverted grace lie through many “Christian” leaders. It is the enemy’s same Garden lie, where men are told they have a diversity of ways they can choose to live, it’s all up to them, and whatever way they choose still leads to Heaven—if they made a “decision for Christ” at some point in their lives. They are made to believe that there will be no punishment for living unholy lives, only rewards for the good things they do. Such teaching will be tested against God’s Word throughout this writing.
“They (false teachers) preached pardon for sin but not the imperative of holiness.” — Donald Stamps
Nicholas, the Apostate Deceiver
Historians say that Nicholas (Acts 6:5), a deacon in the first century church, backslid, and led his followers to believe that living in sin would not affect one’s relationship with Christ. The term Nicolaitans is said to come from those who followed Nicholas. Nico-laitans is a compound Greek word. Nico means “to conquer,” and laitans means “the laity.” Satan used Nicholas to conquer his followers through the lie of lawlessness. The evil spirit of Nicholas lives on today through many lawless leaders who operate in the church world in this late hour.
Nicholas taught free love. He and his followers taught that the deeds of believers could not affect their relationship with God. This is antinomianism, which means lawlessness. The Bible clearly refutes such a lie as we will witness in our walk through the Holy Scriptures.
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” ~ 2 Timothy 2:19
“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” ~ Titus 1:16
The Bible states here, that those who “profess that they know God” and yet “deny him…in works,” are “abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”
By this lie of lawlessness, the enemy of souls conquered the people.
“But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans (means “conquer the laity”), which I also hate…So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.” ~ Revelation 2:6, 15
Here is some modern terminology for this age-old doctrine:
- Once Saved, Always Saved
- Eternal security (unconditional)
- Calvinism, perseverance of the saints doctrine
In Revelation 2, Jesus Christ tells us that He “hates” two things— “the deeds” and “doctrine of the Nicolaitans.” The Son of God despises the doctrine that teaches that the deeds of men have no effect upon their relationship with Him.
The Scriptures continuously reveal the divine hatred for the acceptance, and even doctrinal authorization, for living in the sins which the LORD tells us violate His holiness, reveal a wicked heart, and will prevent one from entering into the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 21:8, 27).
The word “lasciviousness” appears six times in the Bible and means “lack of restraint (from sinning); license for sin; licentiousness.”
To underscore the utter, divine hatred against this lie of lawlessness, it should be noted that this is the only place in Scripture where Jesus Christ, Himself, states that He hates something.
Though they may vary in packaging, these are all kin to the same lawless “ye shall not surely die” lie, which is the lie of the ages.
Does the LORD Keep His Word?
We must ask: Did God keep His Word to Adam and Eve? Did they die (become separated from Him) as He promised when they sinned against Him?
“Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” ~ Genesis 3:23-24
Notice what the Word of God tells us here: “Therefore (because of sin) the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden…So he drove out the man.”
Adam and Eve were ushered out of the holy, divine presence for their sin. The unchanging LORD of all creation, and Judge of all, is by nature, holy. Satan is the one who works so hard to get mankind to forget this all-important truth, and to pervert the image of God by getting us to live in sin—against His divine attribute of holiness.
How many sins did it take to ruin the precious fellowship the LORD and His first people were experiencing? Just one, right?
Satan’s Three-Point Deception
There were three things the subtle serpent did to derail Adam and Eve in the Garden:
- He attempted to get them to doubt God and His Word—sought to foster unbelief in the man and woman, by casting doubt upon the character of the LORD. He wanted them to doubt that the LORD was going to do what He told them He would do if they sinned against Him (3:1-3). The first thing Satan did was to cast doubt upon the Source—God. This deception set up the man and woman with the lie that led to their fall into sin, and consequential curses upon all of mankind to come (Gen. 3:1-3).
- The enemy subtly inferred to the first family that God didn’t really mean what He said, and that they were “eternally secure” no matter what they chose to do—obey or disobey Him (Gen. 3:4).
- The adversary told the man and woman they could “be as gods”—that is, in control of their own lives and destiny—after all, he had just told them that the LORD wasn’t going to judge them for their sin (Gen. 3:5).
Death by addition: One word added to God’s Word, to the first man and woman, led to the fall of mankind. One little three-letter word perverted the truth of God and altered the course of history. Could it be that this one little word and what it conveys to men’s hearts is altering the eternal destiny of millions who don’t even realize it?
This truth should be sobering to our hearts. Adding to, or omitting from, the words of the Almighty carries with it a severe curse (Prov. 30:5-6; Rev. 22:18-19).
Holy Fear Robbed
Though one may not know it from what he hears in most teaching going on in Christendom, fearing God is ultra-important in the divine economy, especially in light of the Judgment we will all stand in.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:10-11
When a person believes that he is unconditionally secure in relation to the holy God of all, the restraint from sin is removed. Where the lie of the ages reigns, the fear of God is stolen from the hearts of men. This was the enemy’s goal in sowing this lie into the first man and woman. Nothing has changed as far as what he intends upon those alive today. The enemy of all souls knows that when the fear of the LORD is absent, sin and spiritual separation are inevitable (Jas 1:14-15).
“By the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” ~ Proverbs 16:6
“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” ~ Proverbs 14:27
Of sinful men who are not possessed and moved with the fear of the LORD, but rather living after their depraved nature, the Bible says: “There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Rom. 3:18).
Serpents in the Pulpits
“Eternal Security is surely Satan’s masterpiece. This doctrine that claims that one can be ‘in Christ’, while willingly dead in ‘trespasses and sins’, is pure heresy. The doctrine is rooted in unbelief, seeing that they deny that Christ has any power to deliver the believer here and now. The Bible tells us that Jesus came to destroy the work of the devil, and that Jesus came to save His people from their sins, not in their sins. A Savior who cannot live up to his promises to deliver us from our sins in this life cannot be depended upon to deliver us after our death! I am uncomfortably confident that at the consummation of time, it will be revealed that this sole doctrine alone will have populated the regions of hell far more than all other false teachings put together. Those that teach this heresy have exchanged light for darkness, truth for lies, and called it the Gospel!” — Jeff Paton
——— • ———
The enemy went from using a serpent to using men. Satan’s lie led to Adam and Eve’s sin which caused their fall and separated them from God. This no-consequence-to-face-for-sin lie removed all restraint from sinning and the man and woman entered into that which God promised would cause them to “die” (spiritual death—separation; see Rom. 8:13; James 1:1315). This same lie is being boldly preached today through the most “subtle” means—our very church leaders!
It is regretful that the fear of the LORD is rarely mentioned, much less thoroughly dealt with in the modern church world. The lie of the ages has so permeated the thinking of our institutions and leaders that there seems to be very little fear of God among those claiming to know the LORD Jesus Christ. In the absence of such a pillar doctrine of the Word, restraint is greatly weakened in the hearts of individuals.
“Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.” ~ 2 Chronicles 19:7
The same most insidious serpent who intruded into the Garden, has slithered his way onto center stage in the modern church. While the LORD tells us that He desires to teach us the fear of the LORD, such is seldom instilled in those today who claim to be believers in Jesus Christ. “Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD” (Ps. 34:11).
“Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.” ~ Isaiah 2:10
Spiritual Death
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” ~ Romans 5:12
Is spiritual death the result of sin? Are the wages of sin still death? (See Rom. 6:23.) Has the Almighty changed since the Garden of Eden? Is He still holy? What happens when we blatantly disobey the unchanging God like the first man and woman? Spiritual death is the result of sin as it was with Adam and Eve. They died spiritually, which means they were separated from the holy LORD by the sin they committed.
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.” ~ Exodus 32:33
“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” ~ Ezekiel 18:4
“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 3:20
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die.” ~ Romans 8:13
“But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die…When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.” ~ Ezekiel 18:24, 26
“The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression …neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.” ~ Ezekiel 33:12-13
“Judas by transgression fell.” ~ Acts 1:25
“For the wages of sin is death.” ~ Romans 6:23
“O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.” ~ Hosea 14:1
Any person not delivered from living in sin, is not truly saved. He is facing the penalty of sin—eternal death. Genuine justification always bears the fruit of a sanctified life. Such involves the volitional will of the recipient of the grace of God.
Beware of any leader claiming to be a representative of Jesus Christ who does not teach the fear of the LORD and the absolute necessity to utterly trust God in all things and live obedient to His righteous commands. Selah.
PRAYER: Jesus, I love You. Imbue my heart with Your holy truth. Please keep me in Your loving care and safely from the schemes and snares of Satan, which he would use to cause me to offend You with sinful thinking and living. Cleanse, heal, bless, and deliver me from all evil, LORD Jesus! Amen.
Eternal Security is a Lie from Hell
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico 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] | Justification | Grace 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.
Articles
The Laid Down Life [podcast]
Chapter 5 from the book Raised Up (narration)
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5
You know the counterfeits far outnumber the authentic followers of Jesus when you put out a message on youtube or social media titled something like “How to know your gifts” and the response is overwhelming due to the many self-centered, self-absorbed cross-less professors (2 Timothy 3:1-7). In contrast, when you put out a message titled something like “Learning to live the crucified life Jesus calls all His followers to” and but a “few” listen – you are reminded of how Jesus says His remnant, is a “little flock” and how Jesus says “FEW there be which enter therein.” (Luke 12:32; Matthew 7:13-14).
Living in the Spirit
Those who descend into death and burial will be blessed to be raised up by the LORD.
“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Romans 6:5
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24-25
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:13-14
“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12
IT BOILS DOWN TO LOVE!
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
WHEN Jesus died for our sins, He submitted to the cross without reserve to the Father in order to redeem us! When you obey Jesus by laying down your life, you are saying: “Whew I love You LORD Jesus! You alone are my supreme LORD, love, and the Head of my life. I love You more than sinful self, and I have made a complete mess of my life, spinning my wheels for far too long. Please forgive my rebellion against You! I want You to reign supreme in my life Jesus, from this moment forward. Have Your way in me my LORD, I love You Jesus. I’m all Yours Jesus!”
Living in the Spirit and not in the flesh is a settled issue with the remnant. They “have crucified the flesh” and the evil the sinful nature would do. It’s a done deal – They “HAVE crucified the flesh” that Christ the LORD might reign in their mortal body.
“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:18
We cannot be a servant of righteousness unless we are crucified with Christ and sin is out of our way.
“Likewise reckon (count) ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you (because you have accounted yourself dead): for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:11-18
The “form of doctrine” delivered by Christ and His holy apostles in the original Gospel, included the accounting of one’s life now dead and then being raised up by Christ, with His life-giving grace operating within to please Him fully (see also Rom. 12:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 12:9).
“What does this mean for us? Remember that there are two aspects of Christ’s death. He died for our sins. He died for us – substitution. But then Paul tells us that we are also to die with Him. “I have been crucified WITH CHRIST” (Gal. 2:20): “Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin” (Rom. 6:11). The Israelites in bondage were delivered by the blood shed and sprinkled. But they are pursued by certain of their foes. These foes are slain at the Red Sea, but they themselves escape and are free. Egypt stands for the world of sin. Christ found us in “Egypt,” and by His death in our stead delivered us from the penalty of sin. But even after our conversion some of these sins followed us and harassed us – temper, pride, jealousy, lust, worry, avarice – causing discomfiture and misery, and occasionally temporary defeat. Where is there any escape, any real victory? Only through the Red Sea – baptism, or what baptism implies; i.e., a death to sin and a rising again to righteousness. That is a crucifixion with Christ, so as to be able to “reckon ourselves dead indeed unto sin.” How to Live the Victorious Life, by an Unknown Christian
God’s desire, plan, and command is that His people reign victorious in this life over sin and the enemy and become abundantly fruitful as we await the soon return of our LORD Jesus Christ (John 15; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).
“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17
The Cross of Christ and the One He Commands us to take up are Essential
Let’s peer again into the words of our LORD found in John 12:
“And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John 12:23-26
Laying down our lives is paramount to walking with Jesus. It is His command (Lk. 9:23-24; 14:33, etc.). He raises up in new life those that are bowed down before Him (Ps. 146:8). The seed (“corn”) is planted or buried alive, and is resurrected by God to a life of glory and blessing. Without a death, there can be no resurrection. This death to the self-life is volitional and ongoing in this life – “I die daily.” (1 Cor. 15:31)
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
As we are blessed to be “planted together in the likeness of his death”, so “we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Romans 6:3-5
This is rightfully the most popular Bible passage on water baptism and what the meaning and purpose of water baptism is. At water baptism, we are buried in water, figuratively dying to the old man, the man of sin, and being resurrected by the risen Savior and LORD to a new life where He reigns supreme.
“And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:10-11
There are symptoms in the life of one who is not buried. The disciple who is buried with Christ is “dead to sin.” (Rom. 6:2) When we argue to justify the things we do in this life and call those who point them out “legalistic”, it is symptomatic of a life that is not laid down. When we argue against the truth (the Bible says “Lie not against the truth” (James 3:14) when we are shown it, we manifest the rebellion in our hearts because our lives are not authentically laid out before the LORD. The “corn of wheat” (dead seed) must be planted and remain planted in order to bud and bring forth new life. The laid down life does not make excuse when he realizes that he has sin. No, instead he rejoices to be yet more delivered and in the place of blessing and holiness with the One He delights to please and serve.
Aren’t we the temple of the Holy Ghost and commanded to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God”? (2 Cor. 7:1)
If we still have habitual sin in our lives, we should know that we are not buried with Christ. If we were, His life would be teeming in us and causing us to put away sinfulness.
Overcoming sin happens when we bury the old man of sin by nailing it to the cross. God is with us to do such (Rom. 8:13; Phil. 2:12-13)
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:21-24
The LORD looks upon the hearts of men (1 Sam. 16:7). Getting our hearts right with God begins with laying down the right to ourselves and releasing ourselves into the unfailing hands of the One who made us and gives us the breath of life (Lk. 23:46). This is in following the ultimate example of our LORD Jesus who came and laid down His sinless life for us (1 Pet. 2:21; 4:1).
Let’s check our deadness. Let’s see how dead we are to this world system and all of it’s arrogant rebellion against the God of the universe and all that is: Do we defend our “right” to fill our minds and hearts with the evil things that are blatantly and subtly portrayed on some TV and radio programming (and other forms of modern media)? If so, the fleshly nature is not dead but is still alive and we are therefore not raised to new life.
Oswald Chambers wrote:
“The passion of Christianity is that I deliberately sign away my own rights and become a bondslave to Jesus Christ. Any fool can insist on personal rights, and any devil will see that he or she gets them, but the Sermon on the Mount means that the only right the saint will insist on is the right to give up personal rights.” Oswald Chambers, God’s Workmanship, p. 329
Perhaps it is true (as has been stated by some) that a person can be known by what he laughs at or finds humorous. What do we laugh at? What do we find entertaining? – “Charity…Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.” (1 Cor. 13:4, 6)
Apparently, according to the Word of God, returning laughter when we witness foolishness (folly) confirms the person we are laughing at in his folly and causes us to partake of his foolishness and deeds.
“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.” Proverbs 26:4
Laying down our lives requires a deliberate, willful decision to fear and obey the LORD and not men. Believers are called to be circumspect (fully set apart in holiness) and not glorify anything the LORD calls profane (Prov. 17:15; 24:24; Isa. 5:20-24; Ezek. 44:23; Eph. 5:15-17).
Yet we should ask: Why crucify the flesh when there is no reason to do such as the false church would have us believe? When a new believer is told that he is “eternally secure” or OSAS, why then should he get sanctified, live a repented life, be wholly set apart to the LORD, be matured and equipped to do ministry, and prepare for the soon return of Jesus Christ?
The following brief and yet convicting commentary is taken from the Life in the Spirit Study Bible concerning Romans 1:32. First let’s view the Biblical text, then the commentary.
“Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Romans 1:32
“‘HAVE PLEASURE IN THEM THAT DO THEM’. Paul’s last word on general human sinfulness is God’s condemnation of a condition even more damning than the practice, i.e., supporting, approving, and encouraging evil by taking pleasure in the immoral actions of others. This disposition is the ultimate in depravity – vicarious enjoyment of lust and evil. Sin becomes entertainment. (1) The word ‘have pleasure’ (Gk. suneudokeo) means ‘are pleased with,’ ‘delight in,’ or ‘give approval to,’ and points to the casual enjoyment of the sins of others that prevails in human society. (2) Today we know that great harm is produced by the portrayal of immorality that dominates the entertainment media; yet many consent to it and derive pleasure from it. Being entertained by watching other people sin and engage in ungodly actions, even while you yourself abstain, brings you under the same condemnation of God as those engaging in such evil practices. Iniquity is intensified in any society where sin meets with no inhibition from the disapproval of others and where people enjoy watching it. (3) Hence, those (and especially those who profess faith in Christ) who use the immoral actions of others for entertainment and enjoyment are directly contributing to public opinion favorable to immorality and, therefore, to the corruption and eternal damnation of an indefinite number of other people. This sin is worthy of death and will be exposed and judged at the final day of judgment (2 Thess. 2:12).” p. 1729
Concerning the many things in this sinful world that would draw our affections away from Jesus Christ and blur that pure-focused disposition, the Psalmist wrote:
“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” Psalms 101:3
Do we seek to protect our “right” to continue over-relishing or over-indulging in the things of this world which are despised of God? See 1 John 2:14-17. The Bible tells us that those who love this world system and the things in it, hate God and are His enemies – regardless of what they profess (Tit. 1:16; James 4:4).
“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:24-26
When we live out the Word, He promised persecution and instructed us to rejoice (Matt. 5:10-12; Mk. 4:17; 1 Pet. 4:12). Have you ever been persecuted by other “believers” and called legalistic because you chose not to watch a movie that mocks at what God calls sin? I guess I have seen people do this to truth-speakers for so long, that it has little affect anymore, other than inducing a concern for where they really are in their hearts. Seeking to be upright in one’s ways in not legalistic – it is biblical. The Word instructs us to “walk circumspectly” which means fully obedient – exactly, diligently, perfectly.
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Ephesians 5:15-20
“And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.” Exodus 23:13
What the LORD tells us in Proverbs 26:4-5, is that when we join a fool in his folly (foolishness), we become as guilty as he is and perpetuate this sinfulness in his life and more importantly – we offend the holiness of the LORD we claim to be serving.
What we partake of and/or laugh at reveals who we really are. If all these sinful things and justification of them are still alive in us, we do not have a laid down life.
“Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” Proverbs 14:9
“Folly (foolishness)is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.” Proverbs 15:21
Yes, laughter is a blessing and there is a “time to laugh” and to rejoice, yet we are not made free from sin by the blood of Christ to laugh at evil things (Eccl. 3:4). LORD please bless us to be purified in our hearts and to rejoice and laugh more – for the right reasons! Please grant us Your joy Jesus! Amen.
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge and those who have it walk uprightly – they walk biblically in the Holy Spirit of grace and not legalistically. They have joy from Jesus and are the most blessed people in the world.
“The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.” Psalms 145:14
Beloved, our LORD is calling us to lay down our lives like Christ did – that He might fully possess us. Bow down before His holiness that He may raise you up His way. Let it all go. Die to justifying your sins. Before this day expires, get alone with the Savior and release the life He gave to you back to Him. Completely relinquish control as you cry out like Jesus did on the cross when dying for us – “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Lk. 23:46) Give up the ghost. Cease living life on your terms. Lay your whole life at His feet and let Him raise you up in newness of life in the Holy Spirit and reign supreme in your body.
The Path of Our LORD Jesus
Jesus was to be glorified by the Father in laying down His life for all men (Jn. 15:13).
“…nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done…” Luke 22:42
He laid down His own will because of the immeasurable love He has for each of us.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Do we love Jesus Christ in return? How much do I love Him? Will I lay down my whole existence before Him, knowing He will raise me up to new life and fruitfulness as He lives His life through me? Is this not the essence of Galatians 2:20?
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
He must increase and we must decrease, that He might be glorified in us, and we might be the living epistles He has called us to be. When Jesus is reigning in a person’s life, it is obvious. His holy and impelling presence is the life that exudes from that person instead of the stench of the self-centered and selfish nature (Jn. 3:30). At this place of resurrection life, the LORD who made and redeemed us is greatly glorified and pleased and His fruit is being yielded.
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:1-2
Finding that place with God in prayer is where the laid down life begins. May I suggest that you begin with prayerfully, and from deep within, citing Galatians 2:20 aloud.
“Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.” Psalms 42:7
PRAYER: Please draw me deeper in You LORD Jesus. Father in Heaven, You sent Your only begotten Son to die for me in order that I might be raised up in new life in this brief life and eternally. I love You Jesus and ask You to lead me to that crucified life that you lived when here on earth. Quicken me by Your Holy Spirit and fill me afresh O LORD, that this life You gave might be fully fruitful and pleasing to Thee. Lord, I am watching and praying in light of Your soon return. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Sign up here for free email devotional.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Because You Care Page | The Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God |
Abiding
Chosen, Ordained, Joyfully Fruitful [podcast]
“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
- “Ye have not chosen me”
- “I have chosen you”
- “and ordained you”
- “that ye should go and bring forth fruit”
- “and that your fruit should remain”
Of this truth, the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes the following:
“15:16 Lest there be any tendency for them to become discouraged and give up, Jesus reminded them that He was the One who chose them. This may mean that He chose them to eternal salvation, to discipleship, or to fruitfulness. He had appointed the disciples to the work which lay before them. We should go and bear fruit. Fruit may mean the graces of the Christian life, such as love, joy, peace, etc. Or it may mean souls won for the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a close link between the two. It is only as we are manifesting the first kind of fruit that we will ever be able to bring forth the second.
The expression “that your fruit should remain” leads us to think that fruit here means the salvation of souls. The Lord chose the disciples to go and bring forth lasting fruit. He was not interested in mere professions of faith in Himself, but in genuine cases of salvation. L. S. Chafer notes that in this chapter we have prayer effectual (v. 7), joy celestial (v. 11), and fruit perpetual (v. 16). “That whatever you ask … .” The secret of effective service is prayer. The disciples were sent forth with the guarantee that the Father would grant them whatever they asked in Christ’s name.”
Adam Clarke writes;
“The first ministers of the Gospel were the choice of Jesus Christ; no wonder, then, that they were so successful. Those whom men have since sent, without the appointment of God, have done no good. The choice should still continue with God, who, knowing the heart, knows best who is most proper for the Gospel ministry.
To be a genuine preacher of the Gospel, a man must –
1. Be chosen of God to the work.
2. He must be placed in the true vine – united to Christ by faith.
3. He must not think to lead an idle life, but labor.
4. He must not wait till work be brought to him, but he must go and seek it.
5. He must labor so as to bring forth fruit, i.e. to get souls converted to the Lord.
6. He must refer all his fruit to God, who gave him the power to labor, and blessed him in his work.
7. He must take care to water what he has planted, that his fruit may remain – that the souls whom he has gathered in be not scattered from the flock.
8. He must continue instant in prayer, that his labors may be accompanied with the presence and blessing of God – Whatsoever ye shall Ask.
9. He must consider Jesus Christ as the great Mediator between God and man, proclaim his salvation, and pray in his name. – Whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, etc. See Quesnel.”
God alone ordains His people to His work and brings them through many purging seasons to cause His fruitfulness in them, preparing them to bear more of His fruit. God chose us and blessed us with the ability to repent and receive Christ. As His people, He’s also ordained us to “go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.”
As we read this discourse from our LORD (John 15 and 17), we discover that He is speaking of that abiding fellowship we have with Him, and how out of it is borne the good fruit of His ministry in and through our life.
Being rooted in that oneness, the abiding relationship with Christ, is all-important to our relationship with Him and the Father. As his student, His disciple, may the reader be encouraged to pour prayerfully over these truths captured, and given to us in John, chapters 15 and 17.
Isaiah 43
“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. 4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. 5 Fear not: for I am with thee … “
Prayer: Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, please make me one with You. Please deeply root and establish my life in an abiding fellowship with You dear LORD.
Moments with Our Master [book] 365 Day Devotional book available at STORE and amazon. English and Spanish.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Bridegroom is Calling His Bride | Purifying Ourselves as He is Pure [podcast] | 10 Clues Your Love for God is Waxing Cold [podcast] | More on the Sabbath of the New Testament – Jesus!
Articles
The One Essential to Victory [podcast]
Victory is at hand!! This message is at the heart of the original Gospel message Christ and that His apostles gave. Yet, this is seldom if ever heard today. Victory awaits you!!!!! God desires to give it to you!!!! You be careful though saint. Be not deceived. Get this truth in your heart and life and God will raise you upward to the victory that brings Him glory and where you belong. Paul said that there are many “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Phil. 3:18-19) Discover who they are and what is divinely required for you to be blessed with victory in this life and in eternity with Christ!
The Victory is in Jesus [podcast]
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Return of Christ | Stewardship | Apostate Modern Church Exposed | Beware of the BUZZ WORD Bandits [podcast] | Preach the Word | Wolves Exposed | Church Membership Exposed | 100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich Podcasts | Knowing God | The Cross Life | Christology = the Study of Christ
The Laid Down Life [podcast]
The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]
Following Christ’s Great Commission Command [podcast]
Chosen, Ordained, Joyfully Fruitful [podcast]
The Truth about Tradition and Church Membership [podcast]
The One Essential to Victory [podcast]
Bowels of Mercies [podcast]
Kiss Jesus Or be Crushed as His Enemy! [podcast]
Mission Mexico Part 31
Mother Teresa was a Fraud [podcast]
The Truth about Fellowship and Going to “Church” [podcast]
Death and Resurrection
Settled at His Feet [video]
WHAT is the Context of Fighting the Good Fight of Faith? [podcast]
Satan’s First Lie that He is Still Telling Today! [podcast]
Mother Teresa was a Fraud [podcast]
Dispensationalism Exposed as an Antichrist Cult [podcast]
Rejecting the Swine: Swine Among Us! [podcast]
Satan’s First Lie that He is Still Telling Today! [podcast]
The Lying Vanity of “Eternal Security” [podcast]
WHAT’S On Jesus’ Prayer List? [podcast]
Tozer: The Cross
Bowels of Mercies [podcast]
Parenting and the Eternal Destiny of Your Child [podcast]
The Laid Down Life [podcast]
The Goal of the Ungodly Eternal Security Teachers [podcast]
Settled at His Feet [video]
Following Christ’s Great Commission Command [podcast]
Kiss Jesus Or be Crushed as His Enemy! [podcast]
The Truth about Tradition and Church Membership [podcast]
The Laid Down Life [podcast]
The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]
Following Christ’s Great Commission Command [podcast]
-
America10 months agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
-
Articles2 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
-
Articles8 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
-
Apostasy2 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
Providing Christ-centered Scripture-rich resources to feed, edify, and equip the body of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15).
Navigation
Quick links
Newsletter
Stay updated of the ministry operations. We saved a spot for you on the ministry email list.
© 2025 Safe Guard Your Soul. All Rights Reserved