True Success for the Born Again Believer
Joshua 1:8
TRUE SUCCESS
Framing our own worlds? Numerous or most “success” teachings, whether the speaker/author claims Christianity or not, will often quote and make use of Scripture in their speeches and books. These “experts” will use selected portions of the Bible like Prov. 23:7: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he”; 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people perish”; 18:20-21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Though Bible verses are utilized, it is not with the Christian world view nor intent that the Bible, God’s Word, is the final authority for divine knowledge and that its clear message is relationship with its Author – which begins with the essential of acknowledging one has sinned against God and repentance (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21, etc.).
Here is a mere sampling of some of the self-development, personal “success” books available today.
- The Power Within You
- YOUR Best Life NOW
- The Purpose Driven Life (not Spirit Led)
- Think and Grow Rich
- Self Love
- Psycho Cybernetics
- How To Win Friends and Influence People
Are these book titles not indicative of the focus of these writings? These are philosophies which fill the minds of millions, including many who call themselves Christians. This type of godless philosophy is expected among those who don’t know the LORD but should be clearly rejected among believers whose trust is in Christ alone. Perhaps the Bible is referenced by some “success” coaches in the attempt to justify certain actions and draw in their audiences. Whatever the reason they may quote the Bible, it doesn’t mean they honor the LORD it reveals, and the central message communicated through their use of God’s Word is not intended to honor Him. In fact, a relationship with the LORD is avoided because such would require humility, repentance, change.
Using God’s words and refusing to give Him the honor for it is thievery. These teachers are stealing from and making use of the words of the God they refuse to serve in spirit and in truth. Many of the verses from the Bible used (out of context) are those which concern the thinking and the power of the tongue. Yet, have you noticed that these messages purposely exclude any slight glimpse of submission to the Author of the Words of Life they are quoting? A “success” message that excludes the LORD and empowers men instead of God, is Luciferic (Is. 14:12-14). This is the ultra-popular message that trains people to trust in their own inner ability or self-worth. People are being taught that they can speak into existence their own desired end and think to grow rich or become “successful.” They are being taught that they are “little gods.” The “little gods” teaching fosters the notion that one is in control of his own universe and can therefore think himself or speak himself into the success he so desires. This is rebellion and many of God’s people have bought into it. Many desire “godhood” that is, to be in control of their own lives, destinies, etc.
BABEL: SUCCESS WITHOUT GOD?
Isn’t the message of “unity without God” the sin we see committed at the tower of Babel, where men sought in unity to frame their own world, apart from the LORD? (See Gen. 11.) This same age-old rebellion still exists within sinful hearts that refuse to truly submit wholeheartedly to their Creator. So many who claim Jesus as Savior still retain beliefs, CD’s, books, and materials from people who are clearly teachers of godless rebellion. These teachings clearly exclude the Almighty from the success formula, just as Nimrod did at Babel. Many of those who teach such are the modern-day Nimrods and are anchored within the Christian community, dispersing these poisonous teachings in pulpits and through various mediums of communication.
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly” (Ps. 1:1). Look closely at this statement from the LORD. He didn’t say that the counsel of the ungodly wasn’t at times true, but that we are not to walk in the counsel of any person who is not clearly speaking as from His eternal truth—the Bible (1 Pet. 4:10-11). One may speak truth and even claim to be Christian and yet not possess the fruit of a true believer as defined in holy Scripture (Mt. 7:15-23; 1 Jn. 4:1-4; etc.). “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD” (Jer. 17:5). If we desire to be blessed, we must rid our minds and libraries of all ungodly counsel, even that which claims to be Christian (comes in the name of the LORD yet doesn’t pass the Biblical acid test). Why do those who claim to be Christians, seek the world’s teachers and teachings, when they have the very Word of the all wise, eternally existent God? Isn’t this ludicrous and completely inconsistent with Biblical Christianity? Jesus asks: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Lk. 6:46). What success could there be outside of the Alpha and Omega? What great success there is in the LORD’s “so great salvation”! (See Heb. 2:3.)
DIVINE PRESCRIPTION FOR SUCCESS
True success is knowing, loving and obeying the One who made us. This is the heartbeat of all who are seeking first His kingdom and righteousness (Mt. 6:33), and not ourselves; to think according to His Word, and to speak His words, not our own that are crafted according to how we want our lives to turn out. He told us to follow exactly what He told us and that such would result in real success, both now and forever (2 Tim. 3:16; Josh. 1:8; etc.).
Note carefully what the Almighty tells us about “good success” and being “prosperous”: “This book of the law (God’s written Word) shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Josh. 1:8). “THEN”— after you begin to speak, meditate upon and observe to do all His counsel, yes, HIS COUNSEL, your way will be made by Him to be prosperous and successful.
The word “success” appears only one time in the Bible and is directly connected to God’s written Word (Josh. 1:8). Real success occurs when the believer does not allow God’s Word to depart from his mouth, meditates upon it, and puts it into practice in his daily life. Our Father told us that in honoring Him, we were to fast (abstain from) our own words and speak His words: “…and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words” (Is. 58:13). This author positively believes in speaking and thinking the right words and thinking the right thoughts—which are all in God’s Word (Josh. 1:8; Php. 4:8; 1 Pet. 1:13). God owns true success, not mere men. He is the One who promotes to real success (Ps. 75:5-6).
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” – Psalm 1:1-3
God blesses the man who does not walk in the supposed “success” counsel of those who exclude the LORD Jesus Christ from their lives and teachings— “the ungodly.” Such is antichrist (against or in place of Christ). The “blessed” man is the one whose “delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Ps. 1). God’s written Word is His will and plan for your life. Learn, memorize and meditate upon it and you will experience real success both now and forever.
COUNTERFEIT SUCCESS / WHAT SUCCESS IS NOT
Using God’s Word while rejecting Him is error. Is this not the “pride of life”? (See 1 Jn. 2:15-17.) Didn’t Satan utilize God’s Word in the desert when tempting Jesus? (See Lk. 4.) And we know he has no relationship with Christ. Did our LORD not warn us that there will be “many” (who were leaders in their earthly life) who say to Him on Judgment Day that they did many works in His name and yet they didn’t get to know Him in their earthly life? What will be their eternal end?
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” – Matthew 7:21-23
Supposed “success” without Christ, the Creator and Redeemer, is no success at all, but rather rebellion. It says, “I don’t need God, I can make my own way and secure my own success and future!” “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. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power” (Col. 2:8-10).
Using Scripture for their own benefit, the “success experts” teachings normally go along these lines: “As a person thinks so is he and as he speaks his life will be— negative or positive. So self-concocted verbalized affirmations are to be devised to cast the vision and goals essential to success.” What is eliminated in these “success” teachings is the LORD Himself and true trust in Him. Those who truly know Christ are not ashamed of Him: “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed” (Rom. 10:11). Trusting in the LORD would include not leaning to our own understanding by speaking our own words in an attempt to frame our own world/path/success, but rather by speaking His words and obeying His immutable vision recorded in holy Scripture (Josh. 1:8; Prov. 3:5-6; Hab. 2:2; Ps 33:11).
The vision He would have us to covet, internalize, possess and enact would be that recorded in His Word. His Word is His vision. Do you have His vision in your heart? “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it” (Hab. 2:2). God’s “vision” for our lives is written and “plain” and clearly the path for the disciple of Christ to “run” on, as he “readeth it.” Praise His holy name forevermore! We have His “vision” in writing. “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law (God’s Word), happy is he” (Prov. 29:18). The LORD has bestowed upon us the beautiful treasures of His Word which paints His vision upon the tables of our hearts in living color!
Oh, How Great He is! “The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations” (Ps. 33:11). God’s written counsel is His will. Our own words, crafted out of our own desires—apart from God—originate out of our will, not His. Thousands of books line bookstore shelves filled with godless philosophies and visions that call people to worship at the altar of self. How limiting! How narrow! How futile! How empty! King David, rich with God’s love and earthly wealth, made God’s Word His ultimate riches: “The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver” (Ps. 119:72). Job counted God’s Word more valuable than the food necessary to his body: “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12).
If we truly follow the One who made and saved us, we will cultivate an ever-deepening love for the riches of His counsel and employ verbal affirmations from His Word. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth” (Jos. 1:8). As we are made teachable, we realize that His thoughts are higher and superior to ours (Is. 55:8-11). Confessing His words for the right reason is powerful (Prov. 18:20-21). He instructed us to do such (Col. 3:16; Josh. 1:8). His thoughts and ways are higher than ours and it is His words that never return void (Is. 55:8-9).
TWO KINDS OF RICHES
“Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’s wrath” (Zeph. 1:18). Many who occupy leadership positions in the church world are teaching the age-old doctrine of covetousness and even using God’s Word to justify it. This should not be a surprise in light of the Holy Spirit’s prophecy through Peter:
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily (secretly) shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious (destructive) ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned (fictitious) words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not” (2 Pet. 2:1-3).
For years I was sucked up into this greed gospel movement. While the perpetrators of these teachings claim to be “Word” people, they do not approach the Bible from a full-counsel perspective. In fact, it is utterly amazing and dishonest how they completely avoid certain Bible texts which would damper their message of greed and ability to “make merchandise” of their audiences. For example, they purposely dodge this following New Testament text:
“Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” – 1 Timothy 6:5-12
By not embracing the full-counsel of the LORD’s Word, these men are leading the undiscerning down a path that leads to deception, despair and ultimately destruction (Eph. 5:5).
Only the selfish, cross-less, wicked hearted person judges, grades, measures others by what they do or do not have (Luke 12:15; James 2:1-5).
Among the many CDs and books these leaders produce and sell, never are the words of our LORD heard as recorded in Luke 12:15: “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” While financial success in this life is not necessarily an indication of one’s state with God, it is not the consuming focus of the genuine child of God. In fact, Christ told us that seldom a rich man enters into His kingdom.
“And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” – Matthew 10:23-25
Why do the vast majority of “success” messages leave out the very words of Christ? What do these “experts” want to hide from their audiences? What don’t they want you to know?
KINGDOM FOCUS
“And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist (knew) ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Lk. 2:49). His “Father’s business” was obviously not laying up earthly treasures, otherwise we would see Him doing such in the Scriptures. To the contrary, Christ possessed little in the way of earthly goods or real estate, even though He made and owned it all. “And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Lk. 9:58). In keeping with the King of the kingdom, let us focus on being utilized to build His kingdom (not our own) in this late hour.
All our needs and even desires will be met as we seek His kingdom first (Php. 4:19; Mk 11:22-26). The LORD cares about and desires to fill and grant our desires. As we are fully given to Him, our desires will be His desires. “The desire of the righteous shall be granted” (Prov. 10:24). “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mk. 11:24); “Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant” (Ps. 35:27); “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Ps. 84:11). To those who gave of their substance to the work of the ministry, the Holy Spirit promised: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Php. 4:19). When we take care of God’s business, will He not take care of us? “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Mt. 6:33).
Those seeking Real Success should occupy themselves with the business of the King and His kingdom and not the obtaining of temporal wealth that will not be transferred into the next life. “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity” (Eccl. 5:10). So many fool themselves into believing that they need to have earthly monies in order to be fruitful in the LORD’s work. Nonsense. Jesus Himself didn’t have much money, did He? Yet, no one before nor since has impacted the peoples of the earth as our LORD. At one point during His earthly ministry, Jesus and His twelve didn’t have the money needed to pay taxes, so he sent Peter to catch a fish which would have a gold coin in its mouth to pay the taxes (Mt. 17:27).
REAL SUCCESS IS WALKING IN HUMILITY AND LOVE
“Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth” (1 Cor. 10:24). Real Success begins with humility. Realizing that we are created beings fashioned by the infinite hands and mind of our loving Creator is a starting place for our standing in light of Him. Personally discovering a glimpse of His magnitude will help any prideful heart to adjust itself in the proper role as the creation under the Creator. The Almighty would ask: “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding” (Job 38:4). This very eternal Creator and living Word told us to “love one another.” The two commandments that envelope all others were given us by our LORD: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Mt. 22:37-39). Real Success is walking in love with God and pouring out His love to His precious people. This requires entering into the place of humility.
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:3-5
Thirteen times God’s Word tells us to “love one another.” “Beloved, let us love one ANOTHER: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” (1 Jn. 4:7-8).
Money is not the ultimate provision of God. In fact, many times our LORD warned against the “deceitfulness of riches,” covetousness and idolatry (Mk. 4:19; Luke 12:13-21; Eph. 5:5, 1 Tim. 6:3-12, etc.). The greatest provision is the cross and blood of Christ and the love He has placed in our hearts “whereby we cry, Abba, Father” (Rom. 8:15). “The greatest of these is charity” (1 Cor. 13:13).
THE RICHES OF HUMILITY AND SELF-DENIAL
Here is where real success begins: “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Lk. 9:23). Jesus Christ taught self-denial. In stark contrast, most “success” teachings today teach self-love, self-actualization and self-esteem. Any teaching that is self-centered is Luciferic, regardless of who is teaching it. The pride of life or self is what got lucifer kicked out of Heaven and forever separated from the One who made him an angel to lead worship (Ezek. 28). It was Lucifer who attempted to exalt himself to the level of the Most High just before becoming the devil (Satan) and being violently thrust out of Heaven by the Almighty (Lk. 10:18). From Isaiah 14:12-15, we know that any teaching that leads people to trust in self is of satanic origin.
The LORD has instructed those who will follow Him to deny the self-life and spend their energies lifting others up. “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Php. 2:3-5). Following Christ requires self-denial, not the exalting of self, which is what counterfeit “success” philosophies lead people to do. God promises to lift up and promote those who live in humility before Him. “The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down” (Ps. 145:14); “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life” (Prov. 22:4). The LORD’s route to real success is different from the world’s and all who will follow Him must separate themselves to Him in such— “Be ye separate” (2 Cor. 6:17).
Perhaps it is a parallel evil to be possessed with a disposition which glories in poverty as if it has anything to do with righteousness or humility (in God’s economy). Wouldn’t this be called false humility? Such a poverty mindset would contradict some of the LORD’s greatest patriarchs who were embellished with earthly wealth. Yet, the true riches are shown to lie within the infinitely rich Person of Christ and His character etched upon one’s heart and exemplified in their life. “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Php. 2:7). Our LORD came to earth as a humble servant, not a spoiled prince who possessed endless earthly riches. He came to accomplish His Father’s will and then sent us to do the same.
“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. ...Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” – John 4:34; 6:27
Is this what your life is about? Are you after the Father’s heart and seeking to do His will in all things? To be Christ-like is to have humility whether rich or poor at present in this life, and to be active about being filled to fulfill His will in this short life (Ps 90:12). Developing and Maintaining a humble and teachable heart and disposition is essential to walking in this success. This He leaves up to us: “Humble yourselves” (Jas. 4:6-10).
“At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.” – Matthew 18:1-5
While the world’s people run greedily after the fleeting riches of this life, the true disciple abides in the riches of Christ’s redemption and holds eternity in view at all times. “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven” (Prov. 23:4-5). The riches of the kingdom child is Christ. He is the exceeding great reward of the one who has a heart after the LORD. The true disciple allows nothing to deter him from such a love nor remove his feet from the narrow path on which he treads. His main prayer and cry is not for more money but for more of the riches of Christ. He glories in the riches of the cross of Christ and not in earthly wisdom that is “earthly, sensual, devilish” (James 3:15).
“Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” – Jeremiah 9:23-24
THE REWARDER
To look to earthly riches or any other author than our Creator and Redeemer, is to commit spiritual adultery. Every time Israel (our example 1 Cor. 10:11) did this, they were miserably defeated by their enemies. God lifts His holy hand of protection and blessing from any person who goes after strange gods. Gold and earthly wisdom that does not originate from the Wisdom of the Ages, is deadly. “Woe to them that go down to Egypt (the world) for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!” (Is. 31:1). This should stand as a holy, piercing, and fear-inducing rebuke to the very notion or thought of going to any other person or system of wisdom than the LORD.
Real Success lies in the hand of the LORD alone and He doles it out to those who seek Him with a whole heart. Their hearts are truly engaged in Him (Jer. 30:21). “Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long” (Ps. 35:27-28); “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6). So many Christians today are simply down and out because they have refused to hunger and thirst for the LORD (Mt. 5:6). Everything else seems to be more important to them than knowing the LORD deeper and learning and living His Word. They somehow believe that they can work things out for themselves and yet, year after year passes them by because they have not embarked upon knowing God’s Word and pressing in to know Him more intimately, which is the foundation for real success.
When we are not in high gear pursuing the LORD, the sins of the flesh inevitably take over in our lives. This is exactly what kept Israel out of their promised land, and this is exactly what will keep us out of the promised land of milk and honey where the LORD has ordained for us to live. According to 1 Corinthians 10:1-14, five sins keep people from their promised land: lust (v. 6); idolatry (v. 7); fornication (v. 8); tempting Christ (v. 9); and murmuring (v. 10). Are you willing to seek the LORD and be delivered from those sinful ways and embrace Him? “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin” (Rom. 6:6-7).
Are you willing to eradicate all idols out of your life, giving honor to His holy Word and its ability to cleanse your heart and life from all that displeases Him? (See Eph. 5:26.) “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you” (Hos. 10:12); “O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?” (Jer. 4:14). Friend, please remember always that there will never be real success until there is real repentance first. The LORD refreshes and blesses those who live a repentant life (Acts 3:19,26).
LORD, INCREASE OUR FAITH
“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith” (Lk. 17:5). Here the twelve were asking the God of the universe to “increase” their “faith.” You will note that there is no hint in this passage that the twelve original disciples of Christ sought to believe in themselves more fully. This author visited a church fellowship recently and was listening to some good preaching … until the preacher said that we should “believe in ourselves.” The Son of God instructed us to “Have faith in God (not self)” (Mk. 11:22). Is not self-trust the message of the new age movement and all the cults—to look within because all you need is inside you? Wasn’t this the first lie Satan told to the man and woman in the garden … and is still using? Didn’t he convince them that they didn’t need God because they were sufficient in and of themselves? (See Gen. 3:1-5; 1 Cor. 10:13.) Isn’t this the message of all of alienated mankind (the world) who are not trusting in the total sufficiency of Jesus Christ? The complete absence of even one instruction in holy Scripture to trust self should tell us something. Isn’t self-reliance the very thing that separates the saved and the unsaved? Wouldn’t self-trust be the antithesis of trusting in God? Why would we need to “trust in the LORD with ALL thine heart” (Prov. 3:5-6) if we were sufficient in ourselves? Why would we need God if we have all we need inside us … without Him?
“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. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” – Galatians 2:20-21
Have you noticed that this self-trust message has infiltrated every segment of society and nearly all motivational communications? This is to be expected among those who are without God (Eph. 2:12). Most unfortunately it has greatly consumed the church world through the psychologizing of the faith, and most people in the church world do not realize this. Most modern-day church goers believe that they need a mixture of faith in God and self-trust and self-reliance. Yes, we have our part in many things—but not justification. This is the free gift of God provided through Christ’s one sacrifice (Jn. 19:30; Heb. 10:12). In our daily lives, the LORD calls us to use what He gave us with all diligence while simultaneously trusting Him in and for all things (Php. 2:12-13; Prov. 10:4; 1 Cor. 15:10, etc.). “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge” (Prov. 14:26). Our “place of refuge” is in “the fear of the LORD” and it is there we have “strong confidence.”
Some have even taught that “God believes in you.” How could this possibly be in the light of what He establishes in His Word about mankind (doctrine of man)? No doubt that the LORD knows who His good stewards are, but to say that “God believes in us” is unfounded and can be misleading. The LORD is all-knowing, and the following is what He tells us concerning fallen mankind.
THE DOCTRINE OF MAN: A FOUNDATIONAL BIBLE DOCTRINE
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jer. 17:9); “Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah (meditate upon this deeply)” (Ps. 39:5); “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Eccl. 7:20); “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one” (Rom. 3:10). When we truly understand the doctrine of sinful man, we realize the utter futility of placing confidence in him.
“Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.” – John 2:23-25
Notice here that Christ “knew what was in man” therefore He “did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men.” Every human being has faith in something or someone. Would you agree that faith is only as valid as the object or person in which it is placed? Why place trust in any other than the eternal and all-knowing, omnipotent, God and Creator of all things? “Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more” (2 Cor. 5:16); “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh” (Php. 3:3).
The “manifold grace and wisdom of God” are totally sufficient to make His children excel in this life and be pleasing to Him in all things and at all times (Eph. 3:10; 1 Pet. 4:10). His surpassing greatness consumes and elevates all those who are pursuing ever-deepening relationship with Him, possess genuine humility and truly trust in Him for all things (Jas. 4:6-10; Ps 75:5-6). His grace is sufficient for them. “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Cor. 15:10); “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor. 12:9).
Let’s ask God to “increase our faith” in Him and diminish all self-trust which has never led to anything except failure, misery and sinfulness (Lk. 17:5). Jesus Christ told us to “Have faith in God,” not man/self (Mk. 11:22). Paul, the apostle of the LORD said “We…have no confidence in the flesh” (Php. 3:3). Self-trust and self-reliance are the antithesis of trust in God. Why would we need Him, if we are sufficient in and of ourselves because we can somehow draw power from within (as many teach)?
All must choose. If one claims to be a Christian and yet trusts in self, he is deceived. All godless philosophies foster such rebellion. “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Mt. 4:10). God requires faith from those who will please Him, and He will exclusively and abundantly reward those who look to Him and not themselves or some other idol. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6).
What extraordinary privilege to be granted grace to have faith in the loving and eternal, unchanging LORD who is, and was, and is to come! God truly is love! (1 Jn. 4:8,16).
SUCCESS THAT ONLY THE LORD CAN GIVE
In the pain and agony of successfully completing the mission His Father sent Him to accomplish, our LORD said: “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Lk. 22:42). True success is walking in the will of God, no matter what else is occurring. The ultra-popular “success” message only uses selected portions of God’s Word while excluding Him from the equation—His own message. True submission to the Person of the LORD Jesus Christ never enters the distorted picture which has been cunningly crafted to keep Him on the outside.
In this rebellion, do we not see the same thing that Satan told the man and woman in the garden, “Ye shall be as gods”? (See Gen. 3:5.) The tempter’s message is “You will be as gods so you will not need your Maker anymore.” So many are being sucked into this lie because of their neglect to lay their lives in God’s hands. Many want to be in control of their own lives, as did Lucifer just before he became Satan and was ejected from the presence of the LORD (Is. 14:12-14; Lk 10:18). Hearts that are not submitted to the LORD (Jas. 4:6-10) are still in control for themselves. They have not yet given that control to their Maker and so, will go about trying to design their own lives instead of trusting in the one Life-Giver to lead and guide them.
Many do all this using His words and claiming to know Him. Often, people will even use God’s Word to justify their own rebellion against His lordship. “Having a form of godliness (outwardly), but denying the power (authority, rule) thereof: from such turn away” (2 Tim. 3:5). Note that the Holy Spirit tells us here to “turn away” from those who claim Christianity and yet do not allow the lordship of Christ. To detach ourselves from a relationship with our Creator while using His Word for our own personal purposes, is simply not right. The true child of God is not to buy into this deceitful message that fosters further rebellion in the hearts of men. “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple … But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me” (Lk. 14:27; 19:27).
The life of the true disciple of Christ is all about laying down his own right to rule and allowing the LORD Himself to live His life in and through that vessel (Gal. 2:21; Jn. 3:30, 12:24-26; Rom. 8:11; Col. 3:3). God calls those who will be His to give up the right to themselves. This is what true faith is: “Trust in the LORD (not self) with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him (not self), and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5-6); “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5); “The LORD (not me!) will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands” (Ps. 138:2); “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Php. 2:13).
Thank the LORD for the blessing of being successful in all things in this life, including monetarily, but most of all, being successful in eternity by being “kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation” (1 Pet. 1:5). We must remain in the way of the LORD, in the narrow way which leads to life … and that few find (Matt. 7:13-14; 2 Pet. 2:20-21).
The true success of the believer is God’s life indwelling his and conforming him to the perfect will and image of Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:29). When Christ soon returns, He said that His reward will be with Him. In other words, He is our reward.
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” Revelation 22:12-16
The LORD gave Abraham, the father of faith, a vision of how He was Abraham’s “exceeding great reward.” “After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward” (Gen. 15:1). The vision our LORD Jesus Christ would impart to us is that He alone is our “exceeding great reward,” and that He is coming soon. The child of God should examine and beware of every teaching or influence that would seek to draw him away from this truth.
“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly [sinful appetites], and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” – Philippians 3:17-21
In the end, what will be the fate of those who die in control of their own lives, having refused to deny themselves, lay down their own will and truly submit their hearts to the only Savior? “Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver” (Ps. 50:22).
PRAYER: LORD, please forgive me for having myself as a false god before You and seeking my own way instead of Your perfect way. Please forgive me for not loving You in truth and therefore obeying Your Word/will. LORD, please grant me success Your way, not my own way – meticulously, astutely following your every instruction in Your Word, just as did Abel, Noah, and Moses. LORD, right this moment, I lay my life in Triune holy hands. Please grant me Your grace to live in true success as You have willed and will bring forth in me. Heavenly Father, please live Your life through me. In Jesus’ holy Name, amen.
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Apostasy
GOD’S GRACE “IN THIS PRESENT WORLD” TITUS 2:12 [podcast]
Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages
LOTS OF FRAUDS WHO CLAIM TO BE SAVED BY GRACE YET DEFEND INSTEAD OF ADMITTING, REPENTING, CALLING OUT AND CONFESSING SIN. “Grace” that isn’t leading you to live godly in this present world, denying ungodliness instead of living in it, is NOT saving grace. You are lost if this is the phony “grace” you have.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Titus 2:11-12
YES God’s grace in Christ is certainly amazing and yet, the evangelical, calvinistic worlds have grossly emphasized and perpetrate a perverted view of God’s grace…. Fulfilling the prophecy of Jude 3-4. God says these are “ungodly men” who we are to “earnestly contend” against! (Jude 3-4)
It’s only the sin-justifying, grace-perverting frauds who hate personal accountability and obedience as the manifestation, the fruit of true worship and love for God (Titus 2:11-12; Jude 4).
IF you love God, truly, you will obey Him. Those who do not obey Christ, don’t love Him (John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-6, etc.).
Hell is full of people who got saved, then made excuses for their Christ-denying cross-less life on earth (Matthew 7:21; Titus 1:16).
This is how true grace manifests IF someone is saved by it….. otherwise they have either never been saved or have since fallen away from saving grace (Luke 8:13; Galatians 5:4; 2 Peter 2:20-22, etc.).
“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” 2 Peter 2:20-21
Dear OSAS fairytale believer: Grace is given to overcome sin and not to justify it.
This “so great salvation” (Heb. 2:3) that “hath appeared to all men” was wrought for us by the grace and life blood of the Son of God (Lev. 17:11; Rom. 3:23-26). We were down and out “having no hope” and “when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Rom. 5:6; Eph. 2:12) We were “without strength!” – In other words we had no ability in and of ourselves to get back to the one true God we were separated from due to our own sin (Isa. 59:1-2; Rom. 5:12). Yet, “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8) He saved us to be made progressively more free and to please and serve Him with joy in the Holy Ghost. He is our Salvation and enabler in all things. We truly CAN do “all things through Christ which strengtheneth” us! (Phil. 4:13)
Whenever God commands something, He also provides the grace for it to manifest in your life – as you are submitted and therefore obedient to Him (James 4:6-10; 1 Peter 4:10-11). His grace, divine enablement, operational power, is always sufficient to bring His perfect will to pass in our lives and to bring us through any and all difficulties, grueling seasons we may find ourselves in! (2 Corinthians 9:8; 12:9-10; 1 Peter 5:10)
No gift could possibly be so “great.” See Hebrews 2:3. It is to Jesus Christ the LORD of all lords that we as vile and depraved sinners, owe all thanksgiving and have the immeasurable, grand and blessed privilege to worship. There is no fathoming the magnitude of the blessing, of the grace and mercy of our God poured out to us through “the blood of his cross.” (Rom. 11:33; 1 Cor. 2:9; Col. 1:20; Tit. 3:5-6) His grace truly is amazing and yet He is holy and righteous and will not permit sin into His presence.
“By him (Christ) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Hebrews 13:15
Seems to me that in “grace” circles grace itself is deified instead of the One who alone granted that grace?
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17
My identity, my salvation is first and foremost in CHRIST JESUS Himself and not in the grace He brought and provided via His death on the cross! First things first! Keeping the main thing the main thing! (1 Corinthians 2:2; Galatians 2:20; 6:14; Hebrews 2:9)
The apostle Paul, the divinely inspired grace teacher, stated here in our theme verse (please re-read Titus 2:11-12 above) that when God’s grace is genuinely at work in a person, that person is being taught and learning certain things. Let’s go to the divine source, God’s Word, to discover what these things are:
According to Titus 2:11-12, just what does God’s grace teach one who possesses it?
- To “deny ungodliness…in this present world”
- To “deny…worldly lusts…in this present world”
- To “live soberly…in this present world”
- To “live…righteously…in this present world”
- To live “godly, in this present world”
If a person claims to be saved (secure for Heaven) and yet is not “denying ungodliness” and “worldly lusts…living soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world,” he is simply deluded. See also Matthew 7:21; Titus 1:16; James 1:22; 4:4 and 1 John 2:3-6.
If you don’t mind, I am nominating Titus 2:11-12 as that place in Scripture believers think of when they think of the grace of God. Do you think that saints and/or those who claim to be saints might take on a whole new level of responsibility if such were the case?
The person who currently possesses and is living in the grace of God can be assured of eternal life (Heb. 12:14). One can know or verify whether or not he truly possesses the grace of God by reading closely this enlightening theme passage of Titus 2:11-12. The authentically saved person is presently abiding in Christ’s grace – “Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts” and living “soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world (life).”
If these things are not manifesting in our lives, be sure that we are not presently living in the grace of God and should immediately repent before the LORD (James 4:6). In verse 11 of Titus 2, the Word states that it is “the grace of God that bringeth salvation.” And then Holy Writ reveals how those who truly and currently possess this essential grace live their lives – “in this present world.”
“‘For whom ye yield yourselves, servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey.’ (Rom. 6:16) If we are compelled, therefore, to yield ourselves servants to sin, and be subject to Satan’s power, insomuch that we cannot help but obey him, and really have no choice in the matter, then our free agency, our volition, is destroyed; and to make matters worse, the devil has more power than God. Satan can make us disobey God, but alas, God cannot make us disobey Satan. The devil compels us to be sinners, but God cannot compel us to be righteous. What kind of doctrine is this?” –Howard W. Sweeten
In America, the vast majority of those who are called evangelicals do not even realize that this Titus 2 text exists. The masses have never had this text pointed out to them and expounded upon by their leaders. What is it these leaders are afraid their audiences will discover if they unveil this text? Some leaders just simply do not teach the Word (2 Tim. 4:2-4). This alone makes them false. For the Calvinistic leader I must ask: What are they hiding? What are they afraid people might find out? Why are other Bible passages on grace spotlighted and not Titus 2? Why is this Bible passage purposely neglected and avoided? What are our leaders afraid will be revealed to the people they communicate to? Do these leaders fear that the divine truth revealed in Titus 2 will contradict what they are teaching? Do they fear offending people by communicating what the evidences (fruit) of true grace and salvation are?
Unrepentant rebels who claim to be saved lack the discernment and ability to rightly divide the word of God because they refuse to turn their hearts over to the LORD – 2 Corinthians 3:14-16; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12. OSAS dupes reject the mountains of Scripture that teach a conditional eternal security because they simply do not want to repent and lay down their lives in this sinful world.
Speaking of “A Foreign Grace,” David Servant, in his book The Great Gospel Deception, says:
“It is not only the fruit of people’s deeds that mark them as false teachers, but also the fruit of their words. If they teach what is contrary to essential New Testament doctrine, they are false teachers.
Of course, no teacher in the church is going to stand up and declare that he is teaching what is contrary to the New Testament. Rather, he will neglect certain important scriptures and twist others to persuade his constituency that he is teaching the truth. This is being done today by many very popular and influential teachers who teach about a grace that is foreign to the Bible. The grace they proclaim is not the true grace that leads to holiness…
How is it possible that people who denied the only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ, could have ‘crept in unnoticed’? The answer is that they were not standing in front of congregations declaring, ‘I deny Jesus Christ.’ Rather, they were denying Jesus Christ through their false teaching about grace, turning it into licentiousness.
Their message could be summarized as follows: ‘Isn’t God’s grace wonderful? Because our salvation stems from His grace and not from our meritorious works, holiness is not essential for salvation. Because of God’s wonderful grace, all who believe in Jesus are saved, even if they continue practicing sin.’” p. 230, 231
As David Servant points out, the false teacher is not going to stand up and announce that he is a wolf. It is the individual believer’s responsibility to discern leaders by the fruit of their teaching. What is not taught (left out of the message) can be more deadly than what is taught. What we don’t know can kill us. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hos. 4:6) To be able to discern one must study the Word diligently and be exercised therein (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16; Heb. 5:11-14). This gross lack of knowledge among some who claim to know the LORD is also an indication that many have not diligently studied the Word of God for themselves, but rather have relied upon their leaders to tell them what God has said. Consequently, so very many have been deluded with a false gospel.
Saints of the LORD, let us allow Jesus Christ to become important enough to our hearts to learn for ourselves what He has stated to us in His Word. Is the LORD truly your first love? Are you actively and fervently memorizing Scripture – His very words? Let me encourage you to do so from the Authorized Version (KJV). See Proverbs 4:4 and Psalms 119. Index cards are a great way to do such.
“In This Present World” – Holiness Now Or Then?
If we do not possess His grace “in this present world,” evidenced by our denial of ungodliness and holy living here and now, then how can we deceive ourselves into thinking we are truly His? If not now, the then (eternity) is surely eternal damnation. According to God’s Word, without holiness, no person will be with Jesus Christ in eternity (Matt. 5:8; Heb. 12:14; Rev. 21:8, 27). Think with me for a moment of how many people who are at this very instant, residents of the domain of the damned – hell. What is their unalterable and horrible future? These eternal souls will shortly be cast into the lake or ocean of fire (Rev. 20:11-15). Why? These people were given the choice and willfully and deliberately chose in their brief earthly life to make something else more important than the LORD and doing His will (Exod. 20:3; Matt. 7:21; Eph. 5:3-6; 1 Jn. 5:21). Pretty simple, yet the consequence is forever fixed – They have reached the point of no return. Hell’s eternal occupants who have gone before us to damnation will, after a million years of excruciating and conscious torment, have not one less second to spend there.
Is it worth it? Is living apart from life-giving fellowship with Jesus in this short life worth eternity in torment? Is justifying instead of crucifying the sins of the body worth spending eternity in the prison of fire? Jesus told us we must abruptly cut off the hand and pluck out the eye that causes us to offend the one true and holy God with our sin, that we might be in Heaven (Mk. 9:42-50). Ready or not – Jesus is Coming!
The Fruit of True Grace: Grace that is not taught with responsibility and the fear of the LORD is not Biblical grace at all. Be not deceived! (Tit. 2:11-14) According to Titus 2:11-12, true grace produces a specific fruit. God’s grace is active. When it truly abides in a person, it has specific earmarks of its possession while “grace” without this fruit is shown to be no saving grace at all. This is a sham that so many today have been taught. It is the bill of goods that is being sold from pulpits across America every week.
Comprehensive grace includes the fear of God which alters the lifestyle and causes the recipient to live a holy life. The adherent is led into intimate fellowship with Christ and from living in habitual sin that would disqualify him from the prize of eternal life. The good news is that there is the precious blood of the Savior available at the “throne of grace” to grant us all a fresh start! This believer, who is less than the least of all saints, has had enormous reason to rejoice in that he has fallen short so many times, only to be drawn back in by the LORD to receive mercy and grace afresh! This priceless grace, purchased with the blood of Christ, is available at all times to those who are born again. We therefore have no excuse to have any sin remaining on our account (Heb. 4:14-16; 1 Jn. 1:7, 9). We are blessed to have EVERY sin washed away in His holy blood as we simply go before His precious throne of grace and cry out in repentance and receive His priceless mercy which we do not deserve yet was merited by Christ’s blood. This truth makes me want to shout for joy!
What a rich blessing it is that God’s grace empowers the believer to fulfill what its Author demands. Through the apostle Paul the Holy Ghost tells us that “sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Rom. 6:14)
PRAYER: LORD Jesus thank You for Your saving grace which enables me to experience relationship with You and live completely pleasing in Your holy sight in all things. Right this moment I denounce all dissimulation and self-deception, lies, and excuses. LORD I beg You to make my heart pure LORD Jesus! Thank You that sin shall not have dominion over my life as I obey You in the daily crucified life, as I remain in fellowship with You, forsaking all thoughts and deeds that offend You. Your grace is sufficient to bring about Your perfect will which is holiness. In the name of Jesus, amen.
No honest Bible student reads the whole of Scripture and comes out with the idea that he’s OSAS. No, such a doctrine is taught by men who lure in their un-repentant prey with ear-tickling promises. “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.” (2 Peter 2:18) Instead of preaching the original Gospel message by calling their audiences to repentance and live a holy, cross-bearing life, they assure them in their sins, just like the false prophets Jeremiah cited (Jeremiah 23:17). This is exactly why those wolves who teach this lie of the ages have such lucrative “church” businesses. They’ve gotten rich peddling Satan’s first lie and are fulfilling prophecy as they lead many to damnation (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4
The OSAS believer is vested in his own flesh which he serves instead of Christ and so he doesn’t care how many Scriptures contradict the lie he loves – because he refuses to truly repent and bring forth fruit consistent with that authentic repentance. Instead of overcoming all sin he wallows in it, justifying that which God condemns because he’s self-deceived with this antinomian (lawless) lie.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Eternal Security/OSAS | Accounted Worthy to Escape [podcast] |Sealed? | The Return of Christ | Support | Lie of the Ages [podcast] | 10 Questions about Eternal Security | Is Salvation Eternal? | The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security [podcast] | The Essential of Fearing God | The KING is Coming [podcast] | Lie of the Ages (Blockbuster book exposing OSAS and calvinism)
Antichrist
Message from an Antichrist Refuted! Is Jesus Christ Divine? [podcast]
Beware that this message received, below, is from a slick antichrist who misuses Scripture, leaving out truth to promulgate his denial of Christ’s divinity.
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“I agree that Jesus is the Son of God, King of Kings, my savior, the rock on which the church was built. I agree that the Bible from the beginning to the end tells us about God’s plan toward Jesus, his role in establishing the Kingdom of God and freeing the creation from sin. I love Jesus. This is why it’s hard for me to fathom how on one part you quote that “Jesus is the Son of the Living God” and say that it is this revelation that the church is built on and not Peter, and a moment later you say that Jesus is “the God of all creation”. I think this needs to be clarified. In one place you say that Jesus is God’s “only begotten Son”, then you also say that he always existed. It’s either one or the other. Either Jesus was begotten, or he ever existed. You said that everything in the Bible is about Jesus. So let’s read Micah 5:2: “And you, O Bethʹle·hem Ephʹra·thah, the one too little to be among the thousands of Judah, from you will come out for me the one to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from ancient times, from the days of long ago.” I think we will agree that this scripture speaks about Jesus who will come in the future, but “whose ORIGIN is from ancient times, from the day of long ago”. God, who always was, has no origin. Jesus does. Jesus was begotten, he is “the beginning of the creation of God” (Rev. 3:14), “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation” (Col. 1:15). Peter correctly believed that Jesus is the Son of the Living God. The Holy Spirit revealed it to him. Jesus said so. Jesus also was very clear about the fact that he had God, the Father, who is more powerful than him: “Jesus said to her: “Stop clinging to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father and to my God and your God.’”” (John 20:17). “If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I am.” (John 14:28). “Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus, who, although he was existing in God’s form, gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God.” (Phil. 2:5,6). “But I want you to know that the head of every man is the Christ; in turn, the head of a woman is the man; in turn, the head of the Christ is God.” (1 Cor. 1:13). “But when all things will have been subjected to him, then the Son himself will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone.” (1 Cor. 15:28). Thanks be to God and to his Son Jesus Christ for giving us a second chance and showing us a way out of darkness. “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). May the truth reach everyone. “This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3). Hallelujah!”
REPLY:
Isaiah uttered this prophetic word of the coming Messiah: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty GOD, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6-7
Jesus Christ existed “from everlasting” which clearly reveals He has no beginning or ending and is divine.
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, FROM EVERLASTING.” Micah 5:2
It’s both. Jesus Christ is both God and man. He’s God from eternity past with no beginning or ending and yet became flesh to redeem mankind (Galatians 4:4).
“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Galatians 4:4-5
“The Word (Christ) was made flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Are you denying that Jesus has come in the flesh? That would make you an “antichrist” (1 John 4:3; 2 John 1:7). “Only begotten Son” pertains to the virgin birth of Jesus when He was for a time made flesh to dwell among us and die for us, which is why He came (2 Corinthians 5:19). The “son” who was brought forth was God from all eternity. “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, GOD with us“ (Matthew 1:23). Jesus Christ is God, one of the Members of the triune Godhead, and as such has no beginning or ending. Read Colossians 1.
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14
There cannot possibly be a perfect sacrifice without a virgin birth by divine operation.
“Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life”
“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20
Christ declared: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, THE ALMIGHTY“ (Revelation 1:8). 1 Timothy 3:16 says that “GOD was manifest in the flesh” and we know that is not the Father or the Holy Spirit but rather, Jesus who was born of a virgin, incarnate in human flesh, and “GOD … in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16). Jesus Christ is divine, has no beginning or ending, has always been and always will be God Almighty. Yet, when it pleased the Father, He was sent to the earth to be born in the flesh (incarnation), to show us the Father, and to redeem mankind. “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,” (Galatians 4:4).
“But when the fulness of the time – Appointed by the Father, Gal 4:2. Was come, God sent forth – From his own bosom. His Son, miraculously made of the substance of a woman – A virgin, without the concurrence of a man. Made under the law – Both under the precept, and under the curse, of it.” John Wesley
“4:4 The fullness of the time refers to the time appointed by the Heavenly Father when the heirs would become of age (see v. 2).”
Of this truth, Galatians 4:4. William MacDonald notes:
“In this verse we have, in a few words, a marvelous statement as to the deity and humanity of the Savior. He is the eternal Son of God; yet He was born of a woman. If Jesus had been only a man, it would be gratuitous to say that He was born of a woman. How else could a mere man be born? The expression, in our Lord’s case, witnesses to His unique Person and the unique mode of His birth.
“Born into the world as an Israelite, He was therefore born under the law. As Son of God, the Lord Jesus would never have been under the law; He was the One who gave it. But, in condescending grace, He put Himself under the law that He had made, in order that He might magnify it in His life, and bear its curse in His death.” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary
The Holy Spirit spoke beforetime through the beloved David of this coming event: “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.” (Psalms 2:7)
“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;” Revelation 3:14 – “The Lord Jesus speaks of Himself as the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God. As the Amen, He is the embodiment of faithfulness and truth, and the One who guarantees and fulfills the promises of God. He is also the originator of the creation of God, both material and spiritual. The expression, ‘the Beginning of the creation of God’ does not mean that He was the first Person to be created; He was never created. Rather, it means that He began all creation. It does not say that He had a beginning, but that He is the Beginning. He is the origin of the creation of God. And He is pre-eminent over all creation.” William McDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary
You cited Colossians 1:15 but then you stopped. Let’s look at the text which clearly reveals that as God, Jesus Christ created and sustains all that is: “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:14-17
It’s becoming clear that you are under the control of the spirit of antichrist, which denies the divinity of Jesus Christ. Notice how you quoted John 20:17 yet ignore v. 28 – “And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).
“Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.” John 14:28 – Of this, William Macdonald notes: “At first it seems as if this verse contradicts all that Jesus had taught concerning His equality with God the Father. But there is no contradiction, and the passage explains the meaning. When Jesus was here on earth, He was hated and hunted, persecuted and pursued. Men blasphemed Him, reviled Him, and spat on Him. He endured terrible indignities from the hands of His creatures. God the Father never suffered such rude treatment from men. He dwelt in heaven, far away from the wickedness of sinners. When the Lord Jesus returned to heaven, He would be where indignities could never come. Therefore, the disciples should have rejoiced when Jesus said that He was going to the Father, because in this sense the Father was greater than He. The Father was not greater as God, but greater because He never came into the world as Man to be cruelly treated. As far as the attributes of deity are concerned, the Son and the Father are equal. But when we think of the lowly place which Jesus took as a Man here on earth, we realize that in that sense, God the Father was greater than He. He was greater as to His position but not His Person.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
The Philippians 2 passage says exactly the opposite of what you asserted. Notice that Jesus “thought it not robbery to be equal with God” because He is God, He is divine and yet, for a time, He humbled Himself and was begotten by the Father through a virgin and was incarnated, clothed upon with human flesh to redeem fallen mankind.
“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:5-7
“PROLOGUE: THE SON OF GOD’S FIRST ADVENT (1:1-18)
John begins his Gospel by speaking about the Word—but he does not explain at first who or what the Word is. A word is a unit of speech by which we express ourselves to others. But John is not writing about speech but rather about a Person. That Person is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. God has fully expressed Himself to mankind in the Person of the Lord Jesus. By coming into the world, Christ has perfectly revealed to us what God is like. By dying for us on the cross, He has told us how much God loves us. Thus Christ is God’s living Word to man, the expression of God’s thoughts.” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made … And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-3, 14
The divinity of Jesus Christ stated repeatedly here: “the Word was God … ALL things were made by him … the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” The eternality, the infinitude, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the divine Word made flesh, is made known in the Gospel of John in more poignant fashion than any other place in the Bible.
Of John 1:1-5, the late William MacDonald noted:
“The Word in Eternity and Time (1:1-5)
1:1 In the beginning was the Word. He did not have a beginning Himself, but existed from all eternity. As far as the human mind can go back, the Lord Jesus was there. He never was created. He had no beginning. (A genealogy would be out of place in this Gospel of the Son of God.) The Word was with God. He had a separate and distinct personality. He was not just an idea, a thought, or some vague kind of example, but a real Person who lived with God. The Word was God. He not only dwelt with God, but He Himself was God.
“The Bible teaches that there is one God and that there are three Persons in the Godhead—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All three of these Persons are God. In this verse, two of the Persons of the Godhead are mentioned—God the Father and God the Son. It is the first of many clear statements in this Gospel that Jesus Christ is God. It is not enough to say that He is “a god,” that He is godlike, or that He is divine. The Bible teaches that He is God.
“1:2 Verse 2 would appear to be a mere repetition of what has been said, but actually it is not. This verse teaches that Christ’s personality and deity were without beginning. He did not become a person for the first time as the Babe of Bethlehem. Nor did He somehow become a god after His resurrection, as some teach today. He is God from all eternity.
“1:3 All things were made through Him. He Himself was not a created being; rather He was the Creator of all things. This includes mankind, the animals, the heavenly planets, the angels —all things visible and invisible. Without Him nothing was made that was made. There can be no possible exception. If a thing was made, He made it. As Creator, He is, of course, superior to anything He has created. All three Persons of the Godhead were involved in the work of creation: ‘God created the heaven and the earth.’ (Gen_1:1). ‘The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.’ (Gen_1:2). ‘All things were created through Him (Christ) and for Him’ (Col_1:16 b).
“1:4 In Him was life. This does not simply mean that He possessed life, but that He was and is the source of life. The word here includes both physical and spiritual life. When we were born, we received physical life. When we are born again, we receive spiritual life. Both come from Him.
“The life was the light of men. The same One who supplied us with life is also the light of men. He provides the guidance and direction necessary for man. It is one thing to exist, but quite another to know how to live, to know the true purpose of life, and to know the way to heaven. The same One who gave us life is the One who provides us with light for the pathway we travel.
“There are seven wonderful titles of our Lord Jesus Christ in this opening chapter of the Gospel. He is called (1) the Word (vv. 1, 14); (2) the Light (vv. 5, 7); (3) the Lamb of God (vv. 29, 36); (4) the Son of God (vv. 34, 49); (5) the Christ (Messiah) (v. 41); (6) the King of Israel (v. 49); and (7) the Son of Man (v. 51). The first four titles, each of which is mentioned at least twice, seem to be universal in application. The last three titles, each of which is mentioned only once, had their first application to Israel, God’s ancient people.” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary
Any person who denies that Jesus Christ is God, is a lost soul and an antichrist for denying the record God gave us of His Son. The Messiah was foretold to be “the mighty God,” “Immanuel,” and so anyone denying this part of “the record” of God concerning the Messiah, is antichrist (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7).
“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.” 1 John 2:22-23
“2:22 John is careful to point out that to deny the deity of the Lord Jesus is to deny the Father also. Some people like to believe that they worship God, but they do not want to have anything to do with the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle says, ‘He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.’
“2:23 In Joh_8:19, Joh_8:42, Jesus said that those who failed to recognize His deity and to love Him neither knew the Father nor had Him as their Father. Similarly, John says, ‘Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.’ Here we have the wonderful truth of the unity between the Father and the Son. You cannot have the Father unless you have the Son. This is a message which should be heeded by all Unitarians, Christian Scientists, Muslims, Modernists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Jews.” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary
“He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.” 1 John 5:10
“The record that God gave of his Son,” is that which we have of Christ on record, recorded by “holy men of God” (2 Peter 1:19-21). We read in God’s Word, concerning Jesus, that He is “the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8), that “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58), that “ALL things were created BY HIM” (Colossians 1:16; John 1:3), that “God was manifest in the flesh,” (1 Timothy 3:16), etc.. And so it’s clear that all who deny, who reject the divinity of Jesus Christ, that He is God, are antichrists and have called God a liar.
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Matthew 28:18
Your salvation in Christ is most important. Your knowledge of God’s Word determines how effectively, how powerfully you can be used of God.
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Articles
FAKE THEOLOGIAN DESTROYED: Is Learning Hebrew and Greek Necessary to Understand God’s Word?
The question of whether or not knowing Hebrew and Greek helps one to understand the Bible
Matthew 11:25 – God says that He reveals His truth, truths to even the babes in Christ and you say that God’s people have to go learn 2 new languages before they understand God through His Word? Both can’t be right and so one of you is lying, is bearing false witness.
Notice how that “from a child” Timothy knew the “holy scriptures” and the wisdom they give us.
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17
Perhaps some of these guys are insecure novices who have found a way they think they can attempt to elevate themselves over others. They are full of pride. This is why God’s Word says that in the qualifications for overseers among Christ’s saints, the Word says “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil” (1 Timothy 3:6).
This is an important discussion. There are many would-be “theologians” who go around touting that they read the original manuscripts and know Hebrew and Greek, and that you can’t understand God’s Word unless you “go back to the Hebrew and Greek, etc.” This is a dangerous and diabolical ploy to mislead people.
The good news is that God provided every single inhabitant of earth the blessing of knowing Him and knowing His Word. This He did to secure them for His eternal kingdom and to protect them from the “MANY false prophets” He promised would “deceive MANY” (Matthew 24:11).
“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalms 119:130
Do we not call God a fool for bringing His Word into our language and yet we’re not even able to understand it?
Saying that we need to read the original language of manuscripts makes any one want to give up before they start.
Anyone telling you that you need to learn Hebrew and or Greek to understand the Bible is pulling the wool over your eyes…. is a lying snake, wolf, and false prophet, who is attempting to seduce you to elevate THEM in your mind and to perhaps trust in and follow them because, after all THEY, only THEY really understand God’s Word. Beware. We were warned.
To the deceiver, it serves a satanic purpose to tell people that they have to go learn two whole new languages in order to understand God’s Word:
- It makes the hearer think they need the one giving them this lie.
- to hide the truth from the common people.
Beware of those who seek to remove the key of knowledge from the people so they can corral and exploit them (Luke 11:52).
Telling you that you need to go learn two whole new languages is to their benefit – they are manipulating you – to put you under their control… because after all, THEY have the key of knowledge, the Hebrew and the Greek, and you don’t, so you need them. It’s a self-appointed elitist club and you’re not in it. Their agenda is to put you under them, to position you to exploit (2 Peter 2:19).
Make no mistake, my intent was to bury this filthy wolf who is misleading people to believe they need to go learn two whole new languages in order to understand God’s Word which God Himself made sure we have in our own language. Beware of Satan’s agents like this.
There are those who pretend to preside over the understanding of God’s Word. Beware. They are absolutely self-serving ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15).
In this exchange (below), please know that my intent was to rebuke this man sharply as the Holy Spirit commanded us to do to false teachers, wolves who mislead and devour Christ’s flock (Titus 1:13).
MESSAGE RECEIVED FROM A FAKE “bible” DEFENDER WHO PRETENDS TO BE A SCHOLAR:
“I use multiple sources so i dont have a ‘fake bible’ as you claim. And by your definition, all bibles would be fake that are english translated. I study manuscripts from as close to the 1st century as i can. So that means i use many sources. Any good student does the same. And since He is the Master, and I’m the student, then that makes my responsibility extremely important to study as one to be approved. You really need to repent of your anger and maliciousness. And before you comment on things being fake, make sure you study the original language used to determine if the translation is correct. And even then you have to be careful. Satan has done a masterful job at contaminating the scriptures.”
REPLY:
In other words, you are saying that anyone who doesn’t undertake to study the “original languages,” the Greek and Hebrews for the rest of their lives, cannot possibly understand the simple truth of God given to all men in His Word? …. hmmmmm OH OF COURSE THEY HAVE THE OPTION OF JUST PATRONIZING HIGH AND MIGHTY YOU WHO CAN TELL THEM WHAT GOD SAYS, RIGHT? How convenient.
Notice how you cowarded out and didn’t even answer the simple questions I asked of you concerning a mere sampling of Bible verses that have been perverted in the fake “bibles” you defend.
Here were the simple questions I asked you and you refused to answer:
-
- Why is the “BLOOD” of Jesus removed from the fake “bibles” you are defending? In Colossians 1:14.
- Why is Romans 8:1 chopped in half in the phony “bibles” you promote and defend?
- Why are whole verses such as Matthew 17:21 and Acts 8:37 completely removed from the cheap counterfeits you believe are the Bible?
You are now claiming that God did not keep His promise to preserve His Word to our generation (Psalms 12:6-7)…. which is a grand indictment upon the Almighty. Not impressed with your “study” of manuscripts because the LORD told us He would preserve His Word for us in our own language (Psalms 12:6-7). The pharisees were supposedly very learn-ed and yet hell bound (Matthew 23, etc.). You have been straight up rebuked, your false tables are turned over and now you’re trying to gaslight me, blame me for it. The need to learn the original languages has been debunked long ago. Typically, like an antichrist pharisee, the enemy of Christ, you desire to take away the ability for the average person to learn and know God’s Word (Luke 11:52). “Woe unto you, lawyers! (doctors of the law) for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.” What you are doing is selling people on the lie that YOU know things they can’t possibly know because they don’t know Hebrew and Greek. Do you speak Hebrew or Greek? No. Do YOU write in Hebrew or Greek? No, you don’t. So by your own false standard YOU can’t even understand the Word of God. So the god you serve is Satan because the God of the Bible makes known and makes available His truth to the humble and lowly who seek Him. Jesus says “At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes” (Matthew 11:25). This is the typical esoteric deception where certain wolves among the people claim to have exclusive access to secret knowledge as they seduce and attempt make people to be dependent upon them and not God. No one needs you or me, sinner. Repent now.
“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” Matthew 11:25
You are clearly a false prophet who wants people to come to you, to rely on you and your pretended knowledge of God and His Word. That is, you want them to patronize you instead of going to God Himself, in His own Word, which He gave us in our own language as He promised to do (Psalms 12:6-7). The demons in you are the same wicked spirits that inhabited the now burning in hell false leaders of Christ’s day who took away the key of knowledge from the common man (Luke 11:52). You and those spirits want people to hear your perverted, pretended version of what God says. God makes His Word available to all men so that they can know Him and His truth and not be deceived by the “MANY false prophets” whom Jesus said would “deceive MANY” in the final days before Jesus returns (Matthew 24:11).
A Classic Case of Antichrist Self-Promotion
Simon the Sorcerer
“But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, GIVING OUT THAT HIMSELF WAS SOME GREAT ONE: 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time HE HAD BEWITCHED THEM WITH SORCERIES.” Acts 8:9-11
This type of self-idolatry and worship of a mere sinful man is all too common today and comes in various packages, yet is the same principle of fact. Till Jesus returns, there will be those who give out that they are some “great one” when they are merely ungodly sinners. Recently a man was promoting himself as one who “reads the original manuscripts” and so he is higher and more special than others. He laughably went so far as to say that anyone who wants to understand the Bible must go to the original manuscripts. Would someone like to inform this self-serving wolf that God kept His promise to preserve His Word to us in our own language? It’s called the King James Bible.
So, do we trust in today’s wolves who claim THEY have the key of knowledge, of understanding God’s Word and pretending that people need them? Or do we trust GOD Himself who gave us HIS Word in our own language ….. and He alone can give us His understanding of His Word?
“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” Psalms 119:89
The LORD graciously gave us His written Word in our own language to nourish, edify, feed, and protect us—His very people.
“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield (protection) unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6
PRAYER: Father thank You for preserving and giving us Your written Word in our own language. Please teach us Your ways and grant Your children discernment. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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