Articles

QUOTES FROM OSAS TEACHERS

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

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

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

OSAS Leaders Exposed! Caught Red Handed!

Quotes from the “Eternal Security” and Calvinist Beguilers of Our Day

Might the LORD be asking the following question to many today who recognize this unconditional security teaching for what it is?

“Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?” Psalms 94:16

To illustrate just how widespread this unconditional eternal security teaching is, let’s look at some quotes from leaders who have influence over millions of souls.

Charles Stanley:

“As we begin our study of eternal security, we must keep two definitions very clearly in mind: Salvation—Deliverance from eternal death, and possession of eternal life. Eternal Security—That work of God, which guarantees God’s gift of salvation, once received, is possessed forever and can never be lost.

“What you believe and know about these two terms is vital to your hope and confidence as a Christian, as well as to your witness for Christ. Confusion about how you were saved leads to confusion about how a person might remain saved.” Intouch.org

With no biblical authority whatsoever, Charles Stanley says that “salvation, once received, is possessed forever and can never be lost.” So he begins with an unbiblical and therefore false premise – that one can never forfeit the gift of salvation once he has truly received it. This he says in utter contradiction to the Word of God. Then Stanley says that what a person believes about his (Stanley’s) version of unconditional eternal security is “vital to your hope and confidence as a Christian, as well as your witness for Christ.” In actuality the “once saved always saved” message clearly robs the fear of God from the hearts of men, as it did with the first man and woman, so it is error to suppose that such a security is built on a false idea. This lie led to their sin and fall. The Word says, “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge” (Prov. 14:26). So Charles Stanley opposes the clear message of the Bible – which states that when we fear the LORD instead of living on the false presumption that we are “eternally secure,” we have “strong confidence.” “Strong confidence” or assurance and deep peace come from fearing God and not from adopting a doctrine that gives one’s heart a false hope and false sense of security.

Stanley also writes:

“If you believe that your salvation came about by anything other than simply believing in what Jesus Christ did for you on the cross, then you believe that your salvation was in some way related to your own will and to your own works. If you believe that your salvation is related to your will and your works, then you will believe that your will and your works can in some way ‘undo’ or negate your salvation.

“On the other hand, if you believe that your salvation was based solely on what Jesus did for you and what the Holy Spirit has done in you, then you believe that your salvation was a sovereign work of God. Your part was simply to believe and receive what God provided and what God promised. The person who believes this must therefore conclude that since he did absolutely nothing to transform his old sin nature into a new spiritual nature, he cannot do anything to cause his new spiritual nature to revert to his old nature.” www.Intouch.org

Charles Stanley, in a classic Calvinistic way, supposes that one gets saved without his own will involved. This is in blatant contradiction to volumes of Scripture. He also attempts to smokescreen his false grace message by insinuating that one who believes he has the choice automatically seeks to gain salvation by his own works. Then he says that nothing one can do after being truly saved can “negate” his salvation. Jesus said sin will lead one to hell – no matter what his previous experience with God (Mk. 9:43-49). Who shall we believe, Jesus Christ or Stanley (a mere man)? Paul the apostle of Christ told us that any one of 17 specific “works of the flesh” would pre-empt one from entering the kingdom of God. In fact, he was speaking to the Galatian believers, not unsaved people, when he told them that “they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:19-21).

On his website, Charles Stanley further states:

“…Since he (the saved person) did absolutely nothing to transform his old sin nature into a new spiritual nature, he cannot do anything to cause his new spiritual nature to revert to his old nature.”

In stark contrast, the LORD Jesus tells us:

“The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Rev. 21:8

Paul told us, “For there is no respect of persons with God” (Rom. 2:11).

Also, in this excerpt from his website, Stanley continues to insert his false assumptions by speaking of “what God promised.” In this he is speaking of unconditional eternal security as if God ever “promised” that a person can live in sin, depart from Him, and still remain in His grace and be “promised” to go to His holy Heaven. An absurd and unscriptural insinuation at best!

“It is NOT lying, cheating, stealing, RAPING, murdering, or BEING UNFAITHFUL that sends people to hell.” [emphasis ours] Charles Stanley, Eternal Security: Can You Be Sure? Oliver-Nelson Books, 1990, p. 70.

“Neither do we become unsaved by acting unsaved.” Ibid., p. 71. Charles Stanley

John MacArthur:

“The point is not that God guarantees security to everyone who will say he accepts Christ, but rather that those whose faith is genuine will prove their salvation is secure by persevering to the end in the way of righteousness.” John MacArthur, The Gospel According to Jesus, 1988, (Chap. 8, p. 97)

“Yes, someone says, but can’t Christians put themselves outside God’s grace? What about those who commit ABOMINABLE SINS? Don’t they nullify the work of redemption in themselves? Don’t they forfeit the love of God? CERTAINLY NOT … it’s preposterous to think that we can forfeit it [salvation] BY ANYTHING WE DO.” [emphasis ours] John MacArthur, The Love of God, Word Publishing, 1996, p. 159

“True believers will persevere. If a person turns against Christ, it is proof that person was never saved.” John MacArthur, The Gospel According to Jesus, 1988, p. 98

MacArthur here says that a Christian can never do anything that would put him “outside God’s grace.” What saith God’s Word?

“Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” Galatians 5:4

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” Hebrews 12:14-15

“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

John MacArthur here shows his brazen disregard for the holiness and full-counsel of the LORD. We have already addressed how the Word tells us plainly that sin does separate us from the LORD God, who is “Holy, holy, holy” and how that sin not repented of is still on the record and testifies against that person who refused to acknowledge and turn from sin (Isa. 6:3; 55:6-7; Heb. 2:1-3). The LORD “will by no means clear the guilty” (Exod. 34:7). He says here that He will not clear the guilty without that person touching the blood of the only sacrifice He granted us – of His beloved and only begotten Son (1 John 1:9). The LORD delights to show mercy yet will only do such as there is the fear of God and authentic repentance (Exod. 34:7; Ps. 103:11).

John Ankerberg:

“But CHRISTIANS may still lose rewards in heaven. Indeed, we can only wonder what some Christians will feel like and experience on that day when they lose those heavenly rewards because of the spiritually numbing and other consequences of FORNICATION or ADULTERY while on earth. It will certainly be an infinitely poor exchange — losing eternal rewards in heaven for a few fleeting moments of sexual pleasure on earth.” [emphasis ours] The Ankerberg Theological Research Institute, News Magazine (Vol. 2, No. 6), June 1995, p. 4.

What does God’s Word state?

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate (feminine men), nor abusers of themselves with mankind (homosexuals), Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Erwin W. Lutzer:

“Recently I spoke to a HOMOSEXUAL who believes he accepted Christ at the age of twenty, only to plunge into a life of WANTON IMMORALITY …. Whether or not he was a child of God during those days of heedless carnality (who of us knows for sure?), he lost fellowship with his Father.” [emphasis ours] Erwin W. Lutzer, How You Can Be Sure That You Will Spend Eternity With God, Moody Press, 1996, pp. 131, 132

See 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 above.

“But I’m convinced that those who have trusted Christ are in heaven today even if they die with the sin of murder on their conscience.” (How You Can Be Sure That You Will Spend Eternity With God, Chicago: Moody Press, 1996, p. 101)

God says:

“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” 1 John 3:14-15

John R. Rice:

“David committed sins of murder and ADULTERY. We must condemn his sins. They were bad. But David’s sins were under the blood of Christ, and in the fifty-first Psalm, the prayer of David shows that HE HAD NOT LOST HIS SALVATION, BUT THE JOY OF SALVATION.” [emphasis ours]. John R. Rice, Can a Saved Person Ever Be Lost?, Sword of the Lord Publishers, 1943, p. 16

The LORD says differently. Will we believe Rice or the Almighty?

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication…of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

Of Rice’s assertion of Psalm 51, Alan Burns writes:

“This author (White) is not reading and quoting this passage found in Ps. 51:10-12, in its entire context. A text of scripture taken out of context is a pre-text and is no text at all! He only quotes verse 12 and builds a theological pre-supposition on one verse alone, and is breaking a very important rule of interpreting Holy Scripture. I believe it is to justify this false concept of eternal security. In my opinion and in all reality, he left out the two most important verses in this chapter, which incidentally are the two previous verses–verses 10 and 11.

“‘Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.’ V 10, 11

“Why would David pray something this radical unless he knew he could very well lose his salvation as a result of committing his gross sins of murder and adultery? Furthermore, he knows that if God doesn’t give him a stedfast and faithful spirit; he would continue to go morally astray and then be eternally lost. (if indeed he died in that sinful condition). It just shows you that David knew and understood enough of the holiness and character of God that he feared this very thing could happen.” Pastor Alan Burns

Charles Ryrie says:

“…Sin does not cause us to lose our salvation.” Charles Ryrie, So Great Salvation, Victor Books, 1989, p. 143

The LORD says:

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.” Exodus 32:33

Arthur Pink

“Eternal Security is the teaching that God shall with no uncertainty bring into their eternal inheritance those who are actually justified—delivered from the curse of the law and have the righteousness of Christ reckoned to their account—and who have been begotten by the Spirit of God. And further it is the teaching that God shall do this in a way glorifying to Himself, in harmony with His nature and consistent with the teaching of Scripture concerning the nature of those who are called saints. Why is this important? Why is it important for every Christian to know that once God has taken him for His own, He will never let him go? Arthur W. Pink gives many reasons for this in this book on Eternal Security. For one thing, it is necessary in order to strengthen young and fearful Christians in their faith—by safeguarding the honor and integrity of God and His Word. And it is also necessary in order to preserve one of the grand and distinctive blessings of the Gospel, which to deny is to attack the very foundations of the believer’s comfort and assurance.” From the Foreword in the book entitled Eternal Security, by Arthur W. Pink

“The theme of this present series of articles is far more than a theological dogma or sectarian tenet: it is an essential portion of that Faith once for all delivered to the saints, concerning which we are exhorted to ‘contend earnestly’. In it is displayed, respectively, the honor and glory of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and therefore they who repudiate this truth cast a most horrible aspersion upon the character of the triune Jehovah. The final perseverance of the saints is one of the grand and distinctive blessings proclaimed by the Gospel, being an integral part of salvation itself, and therefore any outcry against this doctrine is an attack upon the very foundations of the believer’s comfort and assurance. How can I go on my way rejoicing if there be doubts in my mind whether God will continue to deal graciously with me and complete that work which He has begun in my soul? How can I sincerely thank God for having delivered me from the wrath to come if it is quite possible I may yet be cast into Hell?” Eternal Security, Chapter 2, Arthur W. Pink

Did you note that Pink never once mentions the holiness of God, sin, the utter depravity of men, the cross, the necessity of initial and ongoing repentance, the fear of the LORD or the need to trust God fully in all things? His words are very insidiously arranged and not reconcilable with the words of our LORD and His apostles. His framing of words fits what Paul said of those who are to be marked – “by good words and fair speeches (they) deceive the hearts of the simple” (Rom. 16:17-18). In looking at Pink’s words, I scratch my head at the deceitful and superfluous polemics he uses with very little Scripture included. Pink’s words seem to be an attempt to utilize flowery speech in order to lure people into the intoxicating lie of the ages.

Following Jesus vs The False Prophets He So Often Warned Would “Deceive Many”

“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:11

Many today, in this hour of great apostasy, rest their eternal souls on the so-called “reformers” and “church fathers.” They are no different than the pagan Roman Catholic who bases his false faith on faulty mere sinful men. In essence, those are the mere men they follow in lieu of following Christ. They relish John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, and others, of which all combined, were given zero divine, kingdom authority. Christ is the only Rock upon which His true remnant church stands and all who have genuinely repented and are trusting Him unto eternal life live by His words alone and those which He gave His holy apostles. They never once taught OSAS or unconditional eternal security. Keep reading if you aren’t afraid of the truth.

“And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, say unto her, Thou art the land (people) that is not cleansed, nor rained upon (shown mercy) in the day of indignation. There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. Her priests (leaders) have violated my law (Word), and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean…” Ezekiel 22:23-26

Jude and 2 Peter 2-3 feature lists of historical accounts where the LORD Almighty severely judged those of and among His own covenant people who made the choice to live in sin after knowing Him. There are angels, nations, peoples and individuals included in the list of those damned to hell for their disobedience to the LORD who is holy. In the face of such clear knowledge concerning the unchanging God, some still dare teach the eternal security heresy.

Today there are frightening scores of leaders who are teaching this license-for-sin doctrine. Some of the most popular teachers today are believers in the heresy of OSAS (“once saved always saved”). Perhaps they have been made popular by the demand of the populace to hear ear tickling messages which deal only with surface issues and never probe and penetrate to the depths of the heart. Though posing as Christians, these deluded leaders are ignorant of an intimate and personal knowledge of the LORD who is holy. They are violating the Word of God by not recognizing that the LORD is “Holy, holy, holy” and making a clear division between “the holy and profane” and showing the “difference between the unclean and the clean.” See also Psalms 51:10; 139:23-24, Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8.

Sin has separated mankind from his Creator (Gen. 2-3). Our LORD Jesus came to this earth because God is holy! Yes, Christ came to the world because God is holy and cannot fellowship with sin (Gen. 6:5; Isa. 59:2; 64:6; Rom. 3:23; 6:23; Eph. 2:1-7). Without Christ man was helpless to regain his place of relationship with His Maker (Tit. 3:4-7).

Is the LORD Still Holy OR did He Change?

The LORD is “Holy, holy, holy” and man is sinful. Any man in leadership who does not hold this cardinal truth (man’s utter depravity and God’s absolute holiness) in utmost importance and prominence is thoroughly deceived at best. According to the whole record of Holy Writ, the whole reason Jesus Christ came was that we might know God and be washed from that which separated us from Him – sin. He left the glory of His Father and came “In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight” (Col. 1:22).

Making the holiness of the LORD a light thing and therefore the sins that violate His holiness, is an extremely fatal endeavor and being perpetrated by the blind leaders who are leading many astray in this late hour (Matt. 15:14).

To illustrate the prevalence of the lie of lawlessness, one need only observe that most Bible commentaries come from proponents of this antinomian heresy and are therefore skewed across the board in their doctrines. Beware!

Personally, when I am checking out a ministry, there are a couple of initial things I look for in discerning where they are coming from. One of those things is whether or not there is an underlying belief in OSAS. If so, all their other doctrine will be amiss. Specifically concerning doctrine, the apostle Paul said “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Gal. 5:9). When someone has embraced a falsehood, their whole body of belief will be permeated with that error. The Bible imagery using leaven and bread is that it takes but a sprinkle of leaven to infuse, pervade, affect, and expand the whole loaf of bread. So, it takes but a sprinkle of falsehood to tilt or skew a person’s whole belief system.

As we see in Ezekiel 22, with all errant camps, their leaders build upon one another’s false doctrines and gain momentum doing so – “There is a conspiracy of her prophets” (Ezek. 22:25). The “conspiracy” of these false prophets is against the LORD and such is discerned by what they teach which is contrary to the biblical revelation.

Micah 3

As we see in Micah 3, so many leaders today are leading people into destruction by misrepresenting the LORD. Concerning “the prophets that make my people err” the LORD says they “hate the good, and love the evil…that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity. They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity”(Micah 3:2, 5, 9, 10).

Note that these false prophets who make the people err by loving evil and hating His holiness “build up…Jerusalem with iniquity.” In other words they infuse the people of God with the justification of sin and “iniquity” and then even have the audacity to “lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us”(Micah 3:11).

“There is a conspiracy of her prophets” (Ezek. 22:25). False teachers and prophets are self-driven and directed (Phil. 3:17-19). They are doing their own thing and have a natural affinity with others in their profession who are building their own kingdoms in lieu of the kingdom of God. True servants of Jesus Christ are all His – they are not purpose-driven or self-driven, but rather Holy Spirit led and obedient to the eternal Word above all else. These who live in the fear of God resolutely recognize that they have nothing good in themselves but all holy good is in Christ Jesus and His Word (Jn. 3:30; Acts 20:24; 2 Cor. 3:5; 4:5). These men, of whom the world is not worthy, are agents of the King and declare His truth relentlessly, leaving nothing out which might make them unpopular. In the fear of the LORD they have died to their own reputation among men. True men of God uncompromisingly esteem Christ as their sole and ultimate riches (Heb. 11:26). As He did with His prophet Ezekiel, the LORD is able to instruct those leaders who truly know Him as He fills their mouths with His truth (Ezek. 3:4). Take note to what the LORD says to Ezekiel:

“And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them…Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, thou shalt show her all her abominations…” Ezekiel 3:4; 22:1-2

As all of the LORD’s prophets and apostles do, so Ezekiel exposed the sins of God’s people in obedience to Him. The people were consequently able to know where they really stood with the LORD and were given the opportunity to repent (Isa. 1:18-20; Rev. 2-3).

Those true to the LORD “show difference between the unclean and the clean…” (Ezek. 22:26). Consider the message of Ezekiel and compare it to those who lead your life. Such will reveal whether you are being led into the true way of the LORD or into the ditch of darkness by a blind leader.

“Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.” Ezekiel 14:6

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” Ezekiel 18:30-32

The LORD is holy and is going to judge His own people for their sins. Those true to Him warn men unceasingly to repent and be cleansed (1 Cor. 11:31-32). Those in the house of the LORD who die in sin will suffer eternal “ruin.”

Of the false shepherds of His day Jeremiah said “For ye have perverted the words of the living God” (Jer. 23:36).

While those leaders who remain true to the LORD call men to repent, counterfeit leaders refuse to. God-fearing leaders communicate His sin-exposing truth unceasingly, false teachers embrace and espouse doctrines that justify sin and downplay the holiness of the living God while claiming to glorify Him.

“For we are not as MANY, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17

As the biblical revelation makes plain, Satan is very subtle. He is evil and insidious. Those who teach people the unconditional eternal security lie (OSAS), do it subtly in most cases. To come out too quickly with something so contrary to the Scriptures, would set off an alarm in the minds of those who read their Bibles. So, such a teaching is usually rolled out gradually, perhaps in a sequence. Let’s look at this a little further.

In his booklet entitled The Eternal Security Teaching, J. L. Stauffer shows the steps utilized by the eternal security teachers to entice people to embrace this falsehood:

“Three Steps in the Eternal Security Doctrine: The eternal security teaching is presented in about three steps, occurring in logical sequence. No one who accepts the first step or presentation of the issue can avoid the other two that follow, unless he is awakened to its error. For the believer who has been reading his Bible and yet has not heard of the eternal security claims, to be approached with the full eternal security teaching at once, would be a shock that would result in their rejection. Evidently for this reason, the eternal security teaching is unfolded a step at a time. The three steps in their order of presentation to a convert to eternal security are as follows:

“If a person is truly born again by the Spirit of God, he will not want to go out into sin, carrying on in that which separates him from God (1 John 3:1-10). He is:

1. kept by God and is eternally secure.

2. If a person is truly born again by the Spirit of God, he may go out into sin, but since he is born again, God will certainly bring him to repentance again before He allows him to die.

3. If a person is truly born again by the Spirit of God, he is saved eternally, no matter how he lives and how he dies.

“Christian people who are satisfied to abide by the Word of God will have very little criticism for the first step as stated above. The man who does not want to sin and trusts in the keeping power of Christ is certainly secure. The weakness in the first step is the fact that no conditions are admitted in connection with our keeping.

“The second step is unscriptural because it throws the responsibility of the sinning saint’s recovery on the Lord. Incidents will be given later on to show that man’s free will enters in, and that God will do nothing in the salvation of sinners and the recovery of sinning saints that violates this God-bestowed attribute of personality.

The last step is the ultimate one that believers in eternal security will hold, if they are consistent with their avowed principles. Newly won converts do not get the ‘third step teaching’ in the beginning. The very thought that a saved man is secure in sin would be repelling to a new disciple. As one grows in knowledge concerning the favorite arguments of the eternal security teachers and their mode of Biblical interpretation, he becomes reconciled to the third and final form in which this doctrine manifests itself.” The Eternal Security Teaching by J. L. Stauffer, copyright 1933 by J. L. Stauffer, second edition (revised).

“For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” 2 Peter 2:18-21

The Holy Spirit inspired Jude to write concerning those false teachers who mock at the holiness of God and are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness.” (Jude 3-4) He cites these wolves in sheep’s clothing for using “great swelling words” to allure and deceive their hearers with a message of “grace” that promises a home in Heaven no matter what vileness and depravity one practices after being saved. Jude also warns us what to watch for:

“These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage (self-gain). But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.” Jude 16-18

PRAYER: Jesus please grant me ears to hear what Your precious Holy Spirit is saying to Your Church. Grant Your holy fear and grace to this heart to live a life void of offense toward You and others. Bless my life to bring forth fruit to Your eternal glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Will Everyone Jesus Saved be in Heaven? | Lie of the Ages (the book)

Lie of the Ages | John Calvin Exposed | The Idiocy of Calvinism | Eternal Security Dialogue| Eternal Security-Once Saved Always Saved

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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.

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