Liberty in Non-Essentials: Receive Ye One Another [podcast]
“Let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.” Zechariah 7:10
Get gone the guile. Crucify it.
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Colossians 3:12-14
The divine command to “love one another” appears 13 times in God’s word.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
When God’s people walk in God’s love, they are not nit picking or busybodying the lives of others. Never. No, rather they are realizing the potential of their own wicked hearts and the great and sheer mercy of God in saving them (Psalms 103:10; Romans 7:18, 24; 1 Peter 4:15). Whew!
Have you needed, do you presently need, and will you need future mercy? Yes.
Memorize:
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
Love and Liberty in things Not Essential to Salvation – Things that don’t jeopardize the eternal soul.
God gives each of His saints liberty in NON-essentials, that is, in things not clearly stated as being sin. Read Romans 14 prayerfully, carefully.
The decisions other believers make concerning NON-essentials is none of your business. Read Romans 14 and obey God.
Concerning this important chapter, the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes:
“Romans 14:1-23
In Relation to Other Believers (14:1-15:13)
14:1 Romans 14:1-15:13 deals with important principles to guide God’s people in dealing with matters of secondary importance. These are the things that so often cause conflict among believers, but such conflict is quite unnecessary, as we shall see. A weak Christian is one who has unfounded scruples over matters of secondary importance. In this context, he was often a converted Jew who still had scruples about eating nonkosher foods or working on Saturday. The first principle is this: a weak Christian should be received into the local fellowship, but not with the idea of engaging him in disputes about his ultra scrupulousness. Christians can have happy fellowship without agreeing on nonessentials.”
Issues arise among believers concerning non-essentials. Just what are the essentials of the faith? And therefore what things are non-essential to believers?
Love is the essential concerning non-essentials. Love doesn’t judge another saint concerning things not essential to his salvation which is in Christ (1 Corinthians 13; 1 Peter 4:7-8; 1 John 4:7-8, etc.).
God gives each and every believer individual liberty in the non essentials according to Romans 14. This are part of the in-house order of God’s people.
Never destroy the work God has and is doing in someone’s life for something not essential to salvation.
Read the Galatians 5:19-21 list of soul damning sins so that when you are thinking of addressing another believer on something, you make sure it’s that such as issue is named on this list of sins.
What kind of food someone eats is not on that list. The day of the week a believer chooses to gather with other believers in fellowship is not on that list. Who a believer chooses to marry (age, race, etc.), as long as they are a true believer, is not on that list. How one chooses to spend his money, is not on that list. etc.
One writer notes:
“And whether you are a ‘Lord’s day’ observer (Sunday) like Ignatius of Antioch, or a ‘Sabbath’ observer (Saturday) like his very close friend, Polycarp, as Paul the apostle would say ‘Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.’ These two men had NO contentions whatsoever between one another. In fact, Polycarp called Ignatius ‘Ignatius the BLESSED.’ Perfect harmony between brothers in Christ.”
The way an individual believer chooses to operate with his God-given personal liberty in non-essentials is up to him and no one else. Yet, he must not condemn others in his heart or otherwise for seeing and practicing their own God-given liberty as they see fit. See Roman 14. Being a “busybody” is condemned in Scripture (1 Peter 4:15).
God’s Word makes it clear that only a “fool” will meddle, interject themselves into the affairs of others unnecessarily.
“It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.” Proverbs 20:3
This is a biblical truth, component, not tended to enough. In order to “grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ”, we must cease being condescending towards other saints concerning things that are none of our business (Ephesians 4:15).
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink (non-essentials); but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. … For meat (any non-essential) destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.” Romans 14:17, 20
“It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.” Romans 14:21
Concerning judging other believers on NON-essentials, the apostle Paul forewarns:
“But why dost thou judge thy brother (on NON-essentials)? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10
Do you know what Scripture reveals of essentials and non-essentials?
It frustrates the grace and work of God when we infringe upon the individual liberty He gave each and every individual saint in non-essentials.
Among authentic disciples (not counterfeits nor wolves), we must never judge each other’s servant/serving. And, we must admit to/realize just how imperfect our own serving is…..
“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” Romans 14:4
If you dare take this self-righteous stance to judge other Christians for non-essentials, then you have some things to explain: Unless you are reading the Bible and praying 24 hours per day every day, then you have need to explain just why that’s not sin.
The point in this matter that Paul makes is that what we eat or drink has nothing to do with our salvation and is a matter of individual liberty. So, we have and we give liberty to other believers in non-essentials.
To eat or not to eat is the God-granted decision of the individual disciple. Neither eating or not eating certain foods has anything to do with one’s place with the LORD. The person who doesn’t eat has no better relationship with Christ than the person who chooses to eat that pork, drink that coke, or otherwise.
Speaking of NON-essentials to the faith….
“Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.” Romans 14:1
“By thought and prayer and the study of God’s Word, conscience becomes educated and strengthened, and ceases to worry as to whether we should be vegetarian or not; whether we should observe saints’ days, or adopt a specific method of observing the Sabbath. Some people are constantly wondering and questioning about such things, as though their eternal salvation depended on minute observances.” FB Meyer
ON THE MATTER OF WHAT IS SIN IN GOD’S EYES AND WHAT IS A NON-ESSENTIAL
Recently, a dear brother in Christ began sharing with me how he’s being told by some self-righteous novices that he’s going to hell because he on occasion watches a football game. Here’s my reply to him:
I’ve been attacked by these pharisees too in the past. They are delusional, totally self-righteous. Ask them this: “So, is playing a GAME of cards going to send someone to hell? yes or no?” Force them to answer. Ask: “Where does God’s Word tell us that playing a game of cards is a soul damning sin? Chapter and verses please? Be the one asking the questions. Then ask them this: “Okay, so if my son or nephew are participating in a sporting event like say, they are playing in a football game, please show me in the Bible exactly what sin I am committing by attending the game. Waiting…..
So, in other words, a game is a game, so where do we draw the line? right? We draw the line where GOD draws the line in His Word. If something is not directly or principally listed as a sin, it’s not a sin. It’s a non-essential and totally an individual choice for the believer as he/she works out their salvation with fear and trembling before the LORD (Romans 14). Such liberties are not to be judged by other believers which would be being a busybody.
“But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a BUSYBODY in other men’s matters.” 1 Peter 4:15
If something isn’t listed at least categorically on the list of 17 soul damning sins in Galatians 5:19-21, it is not a sin and is a NON-essential. Rebuke and then point these self-righteous devils to Romans 14 and insist they read it. Personally, I hit and run with these self-righteous devils, for they are the same ilk as the hell bound religious devils Jesus dealt with and told they are going to hell three times in Matthew 23.
COMMON OBJECTION:
“But wait, James 4:4 says that if any man love this world, he’s the enemy of Christ.”
REPLY:
When James speaks of loving the world, he is not speaking about the liberties God gives to each individual believer in this life, otherwise James would be contradicting Paul, and we know that’s not possible. James is speaking of the 3 things Jesus specifically defines as loving this world in Mark 4:17-19: 1. the cares of this world, 2. the deceitfulness of riches, and 3. the lusts of other things. Not the use but the LUST of other things.
“And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:19
If you define anything other than Bible reading, praying, praise, and fellowship as a sin, you better stop all things like shopping, paying rent, walking down the street, going to work, driving a vehicle, getting something to eat at a restaurant, etc. – because in your conscience, your calculating, mis-guided mind, all those things are sin.
The neutral things of this world are NOT sin. The misuse of them is. Listen to what Christ’s apostle Paul wrote about this world as pertains to married people:
“But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; 30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; 31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away (is temporal). 32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: 33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.” 1 Corinthians 7:29-33
It’s the abuse of the temporal things of this world Paul addresses and not the simple use of them.
Perhaps we’ve all got a bunch of legalism still in us due to the bad example and teachings we’ve heard and our own lack of knowledge of God’s Word on this topic…. we are not yet experiencing Christ’s liberty…. not liberty to sin but rather His joy and love in all things….
In this post, we are addressing and citing those who are sinfully judging other believers for things not essential to salvation – never specifically mentioned as sin…. Read Romans 14:4-5 again please.
Romans 14 is the chapter that is all about non essentials and personal liberty given to each individual believer by the LORD. Get familiar with it friend so we don’t judge other believers on non-essential issues that are none of our business.
PLEASE read Romans 14 every morning this week prayerfully. We must grow up into Christ in all things saints. Learn about essentials and non-essentials. Never argue or in any way hinder God’s work in one of His children concerning a NON-essential. That’s one of the main truths in Romans 14. Please share this truth with other believers.
No where in Scripture do we see that a certain end time view (pre, post, etc.) is essential to our salvation – other than knowing Jesus is coming back. Food and drink are also not essential to our salvation (Romans 14; Mark 7:20-23). Such is never mentioned as a soul-damning sin or as a Gospel imperative. God wants us to mature and not judge other saints for things that are non-essential – not necessary/essential to our salvation. IF you don’t see something identified as a soul-damning sin or essential foundational truth of the Gospel, you may want to refrain from despising in your hearts another believer. This doesn’t negate exhortation or admonishment when needed but we are never to judge another true Christian for observing Saturday or Sunday being that that has nothing at all to do with salvation (Romans 14; Colossians 2:14-19).
Unwarranted intrusion. In part perhaps “intruding” can mean going to places we are not sure of, such as citing someone for something you don’t like while the Bible never says that such a thing is sin. Such non-essentials must be kept in mind to be the God-given individual liberties of each believer, as that individual does so according to his own conscience. We are instructed not to judge another believer on something that is not an essential – something not specifically named as a sin in God’s Word. If something cannot be ascertained as a sin, a disciple of Jesus should not be cited, confronted about such. Instead, perhaps we should mind our own business and allow other members of Christ’s body to exercise themselves as they see fit in non-essentials to salvation. Get to know Romans 14.
“Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:18-19
Many times, when we become hyper-critical of others, it’s because there’s a deficiency in our own lives. Many times, when called upon to servant-lead, we wonder why others don’t desire to follow. On this note and namely concerning when we are called to lead, Oswald Chambers writes:
“If you are in a position of authority and people are not obeying you, the greatest heart searching you can have is realization that the blame does not lie with them but with you; there is a leakage going on spiritually. Get right with God yourself, and every other one will get in touch with God through you.” Oswald Chambers, God’s Workmanship, p. 328
Open God’s Word (KJV) and study Romans 14-15 today prayerfully.
Concerning “meat and drink” which represents non-essentials to salvation, Christ’s apostle warns: “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” (Romans 14:4-5)
It’s wrong if we impose upon other saints our own personal convictions on non-essential issues – in those things are not essential to salvation. Not one Scripture says watching a family clean movie is a sin or playing a card game or watching a soccer game or going out to eat….. Those who say such things are novices and adding to God’s Word and imposing your own conscience convictions concerning non-essential on others. Obviously you have no clue what Paul taught in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 10 on Christian liberties.
If Jesus is teaching YOU personally to stay away from all these things, do it – BUT DON’T IMPOSE SUCH ON OTHERS unless it’s clearly taught in Scripture. Paul says “Why is my conscience judged of another man’s conscience?” ….
1 Corinthians 10:29-32: “Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? 30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:”
It is wise to take a day weekly to worship and rest, reflecting upon the goodness of our LORD. However, this is not essential to salvation. The New Testament Scriptures tell us not to judge one of God’s children if they choose a different day of the week than we do (Romans 14 and Colossians 2:14-17). The point made here is to not condemn another blood-washed saint for something that God gave them personal liberty to choose and that doesn’t affect their relationship with Him. We are saved by faith in the blood of the only Savior and not by what day we observe or don’t observe or our end time view or what type food we choose to eat.
Consider that we are to worship the ONE who makes ALL days whom we are blessed to worship in spirit and in truth every day (John 4:23-24). No certain day is more special to the LORD than is the other days of the week (Galatians 4:9-11). Yet, if a believer chooses to count a certain day as a day of particular rest and worship, they are not to be condemned for such and neither are those who don’t agree. To walk in Christian maturity, this truth is a must.
Personally, this disciple loves Hebrew 13:9. This truth has helped me much, that is, to grow in divine grace. Asking the LORD to multiply His blessed grace in my life which has taken away nit-picking, critical, “evil eye” which Jesus says is a sin (Mark 7:20-23; Hebrews 13:9; 2 Peter 1:2; 3:18).
It seems obvious that our LORD’s rebuke applies to those, to us, if we have unresolved sin, a lack of victory over sin in our own lives and yet are pointing out the sins or supposed sins of others. In addressing hypocritical judgment, Jesus calls us hypocrites in such a case, in need of repentance ourselves.
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5
Praying this verse, taking it before our LORD, has had a great impact on my needy heart.
“Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.” Hebrews 13:9
God’s Word informs us that the LORD Jesus wants His beloved people to “grow up”:
“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:15
Some unfortunately dis-fellowship other believers for whom Jesus died due to a differing view on the end times. Ones view of the end times or some other non-essential does not affect their salvation. We have no divine license to cut off any of Christ’s children for things not essential to our salvation. If we do such, perhaps Christ will cut us off.
We are to receive them as Christ has. Romans 15:7 says “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” “For meat (a non-essential) destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.” (Romans 14:20) Paul wrote in Romans 14:4: “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.”
To those of you who have or are being judged for a non-essential, this Word is for you:
“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:33-34
Your verdict comes from God alone:
“Let my sentence (verdict) come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.” Psalms 17:2
“One Body in Christ”
“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” Romans 12:5
Saints, this is not a message about “peace at any price.” No, this is an in-house message from God’s Word concerning Christ’s body – His true, remnant saints who are born again and abiding in Christ via His Word. As such, we are to dwell together in unity as His body, which is made up of “many members.” (1 Corinthians 12:12)
“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:12
“But now are they many members, yet but one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:20
“The Unity of the Spirit”
“Endeavouring (working diligently) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3
—– Those who are not working hard to keep “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” amidst Christ’s true, fruit-bearing remnant, are out of God’s will (Ephesians 4:3).
Listen to His Words in Psalms 133:
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” Psalms 133:1-3
IT IS truly a blessing to see how God’s true children are walking in His love and “endeavoring (working diligently) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3) This is beautiful in the sight of our Savior. He is watching exactly how we treat others which is how we are treating Him (Matthew 25:40-46). In these final days, as Jesus promised, the “love of MANY” is waxing “cold.” (Matthew 24:10-13) In light of this and so much more that He told us, you must remember that love, “shall cover the multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:7-8
Concerning Unbelievers – Those not Yet Saved
Tattoos, length of hair, length of skirt, has NOTHING to do with salvation. It’s a NON-essential (Romans 14). And, these women aren’t even saved so what’s that matter anyway? “The LORD looketh on the heart.” 1 Sam 16:7 …. It’s time to cease attempting to scale the fish that aren’t yet in the boat…. AND, once they are in Christ’s boat, HE will scale/clean them up. The hell bound self-righteous religionists in our midst haven’t even led themselves to Christ by true repentance and so have no clue or chance to leader another sinner to the Savior.
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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.
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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:
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- 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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