Learning to Shake Off the Dust!

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

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

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

Deliverance from False Obligation

WHEN you minister the Word and someone rejects you, they are really rejecting CHRIST in you! Don’t get upset, “REJOICE” !!!!

THE WAY SOME CHRISTIANS PRESENT THE LORD AND HIS GOSPEL TODAY IS SO VERY DIFFERENT THAN THE LORD, HIS PROPHETS, HIS APOSTLES, AND THE EARLY CHURCH. TODAY, MANY ACT LIKE THE ALMIGHTY OWES SINNERS SOMETHING. THEY DEAL WITH OTHERS AS IF GOD IS SOME KIND OF A SAP AND IS BEGGING PEOPLE TO COME INTO HIS KINGDOM. EXCUSE ME …. WHILE I GIGGLE, AND FROWN! ALL REBELS NEED GOD – HE DOESN’T NEED THEM!!!!

“But foolish and unlearned questions AVOID, knowing that they do gender strifes.” 2 Timothy 2:23

IN LIGHT of this instruction from the LORD, are there times when we attempt to answer questions that divert us from preaching God’s truth to the lost? Is Satan routing us away from the core issue that all men have – sin? Is the enemy hindering us from giving them the Law to convict them of their sins as we are told to do in 1 Timothy 1? Do we ever see Jesus or His apostles entertaining or answering questions such as, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Are not rebellious hearts the ones who demand to know such answers in order to condemn God and cloak their own sin? Why would we think that God owes them an answer?

Obviously, people who are sincerely seeking the truth ask questions too. Answering questions is the open doorway to communicate the Law and Gospel which will convict and bring salvation. Christians should wisely discern between those seeking answers and those who are not interested in repenting. It is this writer’s humble opinion that far too much time is spent preparing to and answering questions that are “foolish questions” and that we should obey God’s instruction in 2 Timothy 2:23 to “avoid … foolish and unlearned questions.” Note – “foolish” AND “unlearned.” Perhaps “foolish” refers to a question that is coming out of a mocker in ridicule, while “unlearned” refers to a question from someone who is unlearned at the time yet perhaps sincerely seeking. Even “unlearned”questions are to be avoided according to 2 Timothy 2:23.

The way an “unlearned” question can be avoided is to springboard off their question into the truth they desperately need in order to bring conviction of sin and salvation to that soul (Psalms 19:7). May God grant His true saints His wisdom!

Typical Foolish Questions

Someone has stated:

“Why do bad things happen to good people? Well, it has only happened once, and He volunteered!”

The father of lies is laughing as so many Christians unwisely follow mere misled men who call themselves apologists.

The following question is commonly asked by those who seek to divert attention from their own personal and core problem – sin:

“What about the people who have never heard the Gospel? Is God going to send them to hell too?”

A good way to handle this question can be to quote 2 Peter 3:9 which states: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3) (AMEN!)

Do we honestly think that people who are truly seeking would ever ask such a question? I doubt it. Yet, much of ministry today that calls itself “apologetic”, wastes huge amounts of time and resources trying to answer this question and other “foolish questions” which the LORD told us to “avoid.”

The Almighty has given all men life, untold blessings, and His only begotten Son. This is all spelled out plainly in His creation, in their conscience, and in the Gospel or Good News of Jesus Christ. What more does He owe them?

When was the last time you saw someone who asked one of these “foolish questions”get saved after they received an answer from an apologist or Christian? You see, it’s the Word of God by which we are “born again” and it’s the law of the LORD that is perfect and that converts the souls of men (1 Peter 1:23; Psalms 19:7). It’s the very Word of God that never returns to Him void and always accomplishes that for we He sends it forth and not our explanation to a foolish question asked by a rebel.

“The Secret Things”

The very use of the term “secret things” by our LORD reveals that there are some things He will not reveal to mere men; especially not in this life. He most certainly will not reveal the deeper things to the rebellious.

“The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 29:29

Some who demand to know more than is fitting for a mere human, have not learned the critical foundation doctrine of fearing God in humility and wisdom. They cloak their rebellion and pride behind their requests to know more (Proverbs 1; Romans 2:1-7). They act as if God owes them the answer that they have already come up with. Have you ever met someone who acted like God owed them something? The very God who is their Creator and the Judge of their eternal soul?

“Nothing in life is insignificant or trivial when weighed in the balance of eternal justice.” FB Meyer

Romans 1 and 2 will offer great insight into the rebellion of sinful men against God. Part of what He says here is that all men have His truth in their conscience, know He exist, know His wrath is upon those who refuse to obey the truth, and that they are “without excuse.”

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold (surpress) the truth in unrighteousness; ¹⁹Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. ²⁰For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: … Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. ²But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. ³And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? ⁴Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? ⁵But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; ⁶Who will render to every man according to his deeds: ⁷To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: ⁸But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, ⁹Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; ¹⁰But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: ¹¹For there is no respect of persons with God.” Romans 1:18-20; 2:1-11

God has given all men more than enough for them to act on and get right with Him. He owes them nothing more.

Also, we must reckon with the truth that there is only one Savior and He is Jesus, not us.We cannot even save ourselves, much less someone else.

We are responsible to give others God’s Word and yet, only God can bless and save them.

Scott Alderman writes:

“The Gospel is a two-edged sword. People will either accept it or run away from it in anger. It’s not you Trudi. Here’s an example from the Bible. When Jesus raised Lazarus, He told men to roll the stone away, then He raised Lazarus. You’re doing your part. You’re rolling away the stone. It’s not up to you to raise the dead. If they are going to be raised, He will do it. Just keep rolling away the stones, relax, and don’t get discouraged. If the dead are going to rise, it will be His work. There’s absolutely nothing you can do, and there is great comfort in that.”

“Shake Off the Dust!”

I often find myself speaking straight to sinners who make excuses and throw questions out as a smokescreen for their own rebellion. I say “God owes you nothing. You are drowning in the beauty of His creation and breathing HIS air that keeps you alive. He made you and you will stand before Him to be judged. You need God, He doesn’t need you!”

“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. ¹⁰A man that is an heretick (refuses the truth) after the first and second admonition reject; ¹¹Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:9-11

The disciple of Jesus should communicate God’s truth in love and yet never coddle the unrepentant in their sins (Proverbs 16:6; Ephesians 4:15).

For years I operated under the false assumption that it was MY duty to make sure everyone got saved. Yet, as the LORD has and is continuing to teach my heart, it becomes more and more clear that such a notion is false, and a false obligation. Before you ever met that person you are trying to lead to Jesus, the LORD has been convicting them and in most cases, had someone else minister to them. The Holy Spirit has been at work. So, we should give them His Word but never play into the scheme of sin and Satan that seeks to draw us in to this deceptive, false obligation. The LORD says in Romans 1:18-20 that all men have His truth in their consciences and in by the testimony of His creation, and that they are “without excuse.”

Jesus told us that if men refuse to receive the Gospel message, we are to “shake off the dust” and move on.

“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.” Matthew 10:14

Beloved, God is not going to beg any soul to take Him up on this most grand privilege that He procured for us in His blessed Gospel. Since God is not going to beg any soul to be saved from sin and hell, we should not beg them either, nor should we pander to their rebellion, which they cloak behind their “foolish and unlearned questions.” The LORD commands us to “avoid” these foolish diversions (2 Timothy 2:23).

There’s even a time to shake off the dust and depart from religious folks who refuse biblical truth, especially in the foundational or major doctrines of the Christian faith. Jesus told His apostles to let the false leaders of His day alone.

“Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” Matthew 15:14

We are responsible to give others God’s Word in love. We are not responsible to believe for them. God requires that of them. There are no grandchildren in His kingdom.

Beware of Dogs and Swine

One sister in Christ admitted:

“I also have wasted too much time on people who had NO interest in the Gospel thereby throwing precious pearls to swine.” Carol Z.

The LORD also tells us never to give the good things of God to the “swine” or rebels. This clearly reveals that He won’t allow them to have those good truths and blessings anyway, so why, O why, would we waste His time trying to give His blessed truth to the rebellious who refuse to repent after being shown His truth? If we do try to force the issue, will they not use them against us in the end?

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Matthew 7:6

Dogs and swine are the most despised and lowest form of God’s creation, especially in middle-east culture. This is why Jesus used them here.

You are ONLY responsible for your own soul as far as the decision to repent, worship, trust, and obey the LORD is concerned. Every single individual is responsible to obey God. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that others don’t have the same full access to the LORD as you do. Yes, teach all men all these things and preach the Gospel as He commanded, but never think that you are obligated to go beyond what He has told us. Make a decision right now to never live under the spell of false obligation again. Read Ezekiel 3, 18, and 33. Much will be revealed to you concerning the individual responsibility God gives every single soul.

“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. … ²⁰The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.” Ezekiel 18:4, 20

Secret and Revealed Things are Exclusively for those Who Love God

“The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.” Proverbs 25:14

The LORD has chosen to give men understanding according to their faith in Him. He gives enough light for men to trust Him. If they choose not to, they lose even that light of understanding. This is what Jesus taught in His parable of the sower and the Word which is a teaching found in each of the three synoptic Gospels (Matthew 13; Mark 4: Luke 8).

“And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables.” Mark 4:11

God will give further light (understanding) only as the individual’s heart seeks Him. As the true servant of Christ embarks upon seeking His face, the veil is lifted little by little.

“But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail (that blinds our understanding) shall be taken away.” 2 Corinthians 3:14-16

God never promised to reveal all mysteries or knowledge and understanding to men. For now, “we see through a glass darkly.”

“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” 1 Corinthians 13:9-12

The LORD requires faith – that we believe Him at His Word. – “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.” (Hebrews 11:6)

The promise of greater understanding is ours for the seeking:

“My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.” Proverbs 2:1-7

All the treasures of Heaven’s knowledge are found exclusively in the crucified and risen Son of God sent from Heaven (Colossians 1-2).

“That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. … 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.” Colossians 2:2-3, 9-10

As we with “open face” behold our LORD Jesus, He is changing us into His holy “image from glory to glory” or from one level of understanding and maturity to the next.

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I ask You to remove from my heart and thinking, any notion of false obligation towards others. Make my heart whole that I might love without dissimulation with Your pure love. Thank You for dying for me Jesus and I now praise You afresh that You are the Resurrection and the Life! Teach me Thy holy ways O LORD! Amen Jesus!

Rejecting the Swine

https://youtu.be/fd4yBMP7EJw

Apostasy

Favorite Eternal Security “Proof” Text? [podcast]

Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages

Does John 10:27-29 Prove “Eternal Security”?

WHO are Jesus’ Sheep? Defined by, in God’s Word.

John 10:27-29

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” ~ John 10:27-29

Verse 27 is the condition necessary to appropriate the promises of verses 28-29.

Those who believe that a man can never lose his salvation, use this John 10:28-29 text but ignore the prerequisite, the divinely given condition – v27. Watch this:

Firstly, in this passage Jesus identifies those sheep whom He makes the security promise to. He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” In this we see one part divine and two parts the responsibility of the individual:

“I know them”—the divine part toward those who are truly in Christ, presently abiding (v. 27)
Those who are His sheep “hear” His “voice” and “follow” Him—the individual’s responsibility (v. 27)

The promise to be kept is a conditional promise which requires that we choose to continue to hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27-29). Many today wrongly detach our LORD’s words in verse 27 from verses 28-29. In doing so, they perpetrate their “eternal security” mythology.

The problem for the eternal securists is that v27 has been intentionally been ignored…. It’s the actual condition Jesus gives for receiving the assurance promises He then gives in v28-29.

Those who seek to spread the “once saved always saved” heresy use John 10:28-29 to their advantage and conveniently ignore the preceding words of Christ in verse 27. Verses 28-29 are promises of security to those who have been genuinely born again and are currently abiding in Christ – hearing His voice and following Him (John 15:1-6). Many ignore the previous qualifying words (v. 27) of Jesus where Christ tells us that only those who are hearing His voice and following Him are promised that they are secure and will never perish. There is a condition to being secure in Christ—knowing Him—which requires continuing to abide in Him, hear His voice and follow Him (see also John 15).

“Jesus will neither leave us nor forsake us, but we can leave and forsake Him by choosing our sins OVER His love, grace and mercy!” Dino Filardo

Eternal securists have been taught to selectively interpret Scripture while ignoring mountains of Bible truth, in order to come to a predetermined conclusion.

Many a false teacher has built his own ministry empire dishonestly peddling this passage. Take a closer look. Anchor the promise to be kept in verses 28-29 on verse 27 where Jesus identifies who His sheep are – those who hear and continue to hear His voice and continue to follow Him (present tense). The promise to be kept is a glorious and yet conditional promise which requires that the individual recipient of the salvation gift of God chooses to continue to hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27-29). Many today wrongly detach our LORD’s words in verse 27 from verses 28-29 of John 10. In doing so, they perpetrate their “eternal security” or otherwise called “once saved always saved” mythology. Beware as this was the first lie Satan told mankind, which led to the fall (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).

Instead of synthesizing the whole of Scripture, false teachers isolate certain verses for their own self-serving agenda and purpose (2 Corinthians 2:17, etc.).

The sheep Jesus’ promises are going to be kept are those who endure to the end, abide (remain) with Him (John 15:1-6). The Great Shepherd defines His sheep as those who are presently hearing His voice and following Him (present tense). John 10:27-29

It’s not difficult to mislead people in the direction of the sinful nature of their hearts – because then they can evade truly repenting which is a major life change and necessity for salvation. This is why Paul foretold of this hour and how men would “heap to themselves (false) teachers having itching ears.” (2 Timothy 4:3) “Itching ears” here represents unrepentant hearts.

OSAS people make a vain attempt at redefining the words of Scripture to fit their own self-serving agenda of lukewarmness, cross-less rebellion. For example they hyper-focus on “eternal” in the term “eternal life” while intentionally refusing to synthesize the whole of what Scripture states. They hyper-focus on the word “gift” and teach that a gift could never be lost which the rest of Scripture does not agree with. They then take the word “sealed” and make it to be permanent which it cannot possibly be because the same Greek word for “sealed” is used of Jesus’ tomb which we all know was NOT permanently sealed (Matthew 27:66). In this they bear false witness against the LORD and act like some Scriptures are more divinely inspired than others. This practice reveals the evil and deceit of their own hearts. Not just some Scripture in the Bible but rather “ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) It must all be synthesized, put together, compared (1 Corinthians 2:13). Error will result in the hearts and lives of those who do not search, study, and revere “ALL scripture” in God’s Word.

Eternal security deceivers don’t want to talk about Bible verses that contradict and expose their proof texts. You see, they don’t want to get awaken by the truth to the scam they’ve bought into. The wolves who they gullibly believe instead of God’s Word, taught them to cry “context, context” all while THEY are the beguilers who are taking Scripture out of context. Just like the demonic democrats in America, they accuse their adversaries of the exact thing THEY themselves are guilty of (Romans 2:1-3).

YOU are defending OSAS and yet you gave no Bible verses? Self-deception. If “once saved always saved” were true, WHY O WHY didn’t God tell us? Such a term, phrase, or concept appear no where in Scripture and the verses you use to “prove” it are taken out of their context. OSAS is undeniably the very first lie Satan ever told and it led to the fall of mankind from a HOLY God (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). If OSAS isn’t a doctrine of devils, nothing is! (1 Timothy 4:1-2)

Is the unchanging, Almighty God no longer “Holy, holy, holy” now that He sent His only begotten Son? (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) If He’s still holy, no unrepentant person with sin will enter His holy Heaven (Revelation 21:8, 27, etc.).

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14

HOW is it that so many treat the words of JESUS recorded in John 10 more divinely authoritative than the words of JESUS recorded in John 15? False teachers.

Most of the dupes who cite John 10:28-29 to “prove” they can never lose their salvation, 1. Don’t even know what the preceding verse says (v27), and 2. Have no clue what JESUS says in John 15:6.

“If a man abide (remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:6

In this John 10 passage used by the unconditional eternal security crew to peddle their wares, some neglect to look closely at verse 27 to see who Jesus was specifically speaking to when He promised “they shall never perish.” “They” refers to those who “hear my voice” and “follow me.” According to verse 27 the promise of eternal security is conditional. Assurance of salvation is only to those who are presently following Christ. In verse 27 we learn that protection from judgment to come is only to those who are currently 1) hearing His voice, 2) known by Him, and 3) following Him. This is consistent with the message seen in the whole of Holy Writ.

“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. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit AGAIN; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” 2 Peter 2:20-22

WHO did Jesus say His true sheep are?

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (Jn. 10:27). According to these words of Christ, those who “know” Jesus and “follow” Him are given the promise that they will “never perish.” As long as the follower hears His voice and follows Him, they are assured “eternal life.” This is exactly what the Son of God taught just a few chapters later in John 15 where He says that if a branch that is in Him does not remain or abide in Him, that person will be cut off and cast into the fire (hell).

Those who abide or remain under the shadow of His holy and protective wing shall remain secure in Him (Ps. 91:1). The Good Shepherd here said: “Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” No man can pluck us out of His protection except ourselves by our own decisions. We who are abiding are protected from the snare of other men drawing us away as we remain walking with the Son of God. If you’re tucked, you won’t get plucked. If you’re not tucked under the wing of intimacy with Jesus, you will, can, and are likely to be plucked out of His holy hand by your own sinful unbelief. The LORD told us “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Rev. 3:11).

It’s also notable that those who emphasize John 10 to convince themselves and others that they are “eternally secure”, don’t even know much less acknowledge the words of the Savior in John 15:1-6.

Telling.

“If a man abide (remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:6

Jesus taught repeatedly that some would not continue to follow Him (“abide”) and hear His voice and would consequently “fall away.” There is record of some who once believed and then stopped believing (Lk. 8:13; 13:23-30; Jn. 6:66; Acts 8:14-23).

Lie of the Ages (the book)

WHY do eternal securists get all upset when their fairy tale is exposed? Well, they are hiding behind the thin veneer of this heresy, feeling all secure, emboldened to live as they please, feeling assured in their lukewarmness and sin … denying Jesus instead of self, refusing to take up the cross that Jesus commanded all who would follow Him truly (Luke 9:23-24). Christ’s apostle Paul speaks of self-serving “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18-19) What’s behind this myth? The Psychology of Eternal Security [book]

Another Example of the Twisting of Scripture

The eternal securists seek to justify their OSAS heresy by misusing the following passage…. but in this Paul is speaking of those who go to Heaven, the judgment of saints, and not those who fell away and won’t be there because they will be in hell. They will not be present when this happens….

“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:13-15

One More….

Common Objection to Conditional Eternal Security….

“What about Romans 8:38-39 where it says nothing can separate us from the love of God?”

REPLY:

Simple: Notice the word LOVE not life. God will love us all the way into hell if we choose not to repent. His soul will even “weep in secret places for your pride” which comes before destruction (Jeremiah 13:17). The LORD is “Holy, holy, holy,” He’s just, and He will not ever coexist with sin. See the fall of lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:13-19; Luke 10:18). The wages of sin is still death and the LORD will damn every soul that dies in sin, with no exception (Psalms 5:4; Habakkuk 1:13; Isaiah 6:3; Romans 6:23; Revelation 4:8; 21:8; 22:11, etc.). Read Jesus’s parable of the prodigal son Lk 15. Did the father love and miss his son? Yes. Did the father (represents God) go chase him down? No. The son who departed had to choose to return. Much truth there. Speaking of Romans, read 11:20-22. Now read 2 Peter 2:20-22 and the book of Hebrews.

1 John 2:19 is often also utilized to “prove” eternal security. Not.

“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” 1 John 2:19

Interestingly, the word “never” does not appear in this verse above which is so often used to “prove” OSAS. Let’s read it again with an objective mind. And, also remember what Jesus says about the primary importance of His teaching of the seed and the soil, the sower and the Word:

“And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?” Mark 4:13

The honest student of the whole Counsel of God’s Word knows that numerous clear Bible truths reveal that a saved person can turn away from the LORD, so we know that the apostle John could not possibly be saying that a saved person could never depart from the LORD. In my opinion, this verse is the best argument the eternal security proponent has, yet it’s not enough. There must be two or three witnesses and not just one (2 Cor. 13:1). After a closer examination of this text, one will find that verse 19 does not teach or justify “once saved always saved.” When any one verse is taken to the exclusion of the whole Word of God, one will certainly misunderstand the doctrine of the LORD which can only be apprehended by “study.” (2 Tim. 2:15) This verse is like any other verse of Scripture – it must be taken in light of the entire Counsel of God. The context to be considered is 1 John 2:18-29).

In examining the context in which 1 John 2:19 is set, we see that false teachers whom John calls “many antichrists,” had come and were telling these believers that Jesus was not the Christ (v22).

Let’s look at verses 18 and 19 together:

“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” 1 John 2:18-19

Note here that it is specifically of these “antichrists” that John speaks and says that “if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”

John was speaking of those who were once saved but then departed from the faith (1 Tim 4:1), they believed and then fell away (Luke 8:12-13) …. then departed from the believers in that fellowship.

Teddy Caldwell writes:

“OSAS insists that those are professing believers, but 1 John 2:18 says such people are antichrists. 1 John 2:22 says an antichrist is one who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Anyone who does that isn’t a believer and isn’t even trying to look like one.”

Concerning 1 John 2:19, Donald Stamps, in the Life in the Spirit Study Bible, writes:

“‘THEY WENT OUT FROM US.’ When the antichrists departed from their fellowship with true believers, they were not in a saving relationship with Christ. This allows for two possibilities: (1) They were never true believers to begin with, or (2) they had once been in a saving relationship with Christ but afterward abandoned their faith in Christ.”

Right here in verse 24 of this passage we see the doctrine of personal responsibility to “remain” in faithful obedience to the LORD or lose one’s place with God (1 Cor. 15:2; Gal. 6:9; Col. 1:23). This is a teaching found throughout Holy Writ – the divine requirement to stay saved or lose all in eternity, “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” (Jude 7)

“Let that therefore abide (remain) in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. IF (denotes condition) that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” 1 John 2:24-25

Verse 24 alone tells us that we cannot think that verse 19 means that someone who is at some point in right standing with God can never depart from Him and lose out. Also, verse 25 tells us that “eternal life” (not just rewards) is at stake and the promise contingent upon the believer abiding or remaining in that “which ye have heard from the beginning” which is the Gospel. “Eternal life” is assured as long as one is remaining rooted in Jesus Christ. This is the overwhelmingly consistent message of God’s Word.

In verse 26 John says “These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.” Verse 19 is written about the deceivers who sought to “seduce” these disciples John was addressing and not of true believers.

With all of Scripture in consideration, we can conclude that 1 John 2:19 is a specific example and not a rule of doctrine.

If you truly wish to search out this matter, let me encourage you to closely examine, break down and study this entire text (1 Jn. 2:18-29). In order to ascertain truth, one must compare the verse in question with all other related Scriptures, beginning with the context in which the verse is set (Isa. 28:9-10; 1 Cor. 2:13).

Go here for more on the misuse of 1 John 2:19.

Eternal Security / OSAS Exploded

The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security! [podcast]

HELL Awaits! SO YOU THINK YOU ARE ETERNALLY SECURE? WHO TOLD YOU THAT LIE? NOT GOD! IT SIMPLY DOESN’T MATTER HOW POPULAR A PREACHER IS – IF HE’S TEACHING SATAN’S FIRST LIE THAT CAUSED THE FALL OF THE HUMAN RACE – OSAS/ETERNAL SECURITY – HE’S A FALSE TEACHER, AN AGENT OF SATAN (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). OF COURSE he’s popular – he’s not preaching the cross but rather excuses for sin against a Holy God! RUN from that devil! You will be safe and eternally secure when you get to Heaven, not before. ARE YOU enduring sound doctrine today or walking […]

5 Soul Damning Sins Named! Learning from History! [podcast]

THE 5 SINS THAT KEPT ISRAEL (God’s own covenant people) OUT OF THEIR PROMISED LAND OF BLESSINGS and will keep us out if not relinquished. Friend, please read 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 with all your might. Make this text your meat. The world seeks to romance sin but if God says it’s sin, that’s what it is. Toning down the terms changes nothing. Judgment Day is on the way. We are fighting the good fight of faith, “striving against sin” and “more than conquerors” over sin through Jesus who loves us and bought us with His own blood! (1 Timothy 6:12; […]

The Myth of Eternal Security [podcast]

“For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.” Psalms 73:27 BAD NEWS FOR CROSS-LESS COUNTERFEITS WHO HIDE BEHIND THE “ETERNAL SECURITY” SHAM: YOU WILL BE ETERNALLY SECURE WHEN AND IF YOU ARE WITH JESUS IN ETERNITY, NOT BEFORE! Can’t leave Christ after He saves you? Think again… dear one who continues to search for a way to justify your sin, for not truly repenting and laying down your life in this fleeting sinful world and overcoming (Luke 9:23-24; 14:27, 33; 17:33; 19:27; Titus 2:11-14; , etc.). All […]

Grace vs Holiness [podcast]

“The horrible travesty we have in America today is Christianity without holiness.” A.W. Tozer Grace and holiness come only from God. The LORD is Holy and He extends salvation by grace to repentant, believing sinners at the moment of conversion. Grave vs Holiness: WHY is one of these two so overwhelmingly overemphasized by today’s pastors and self-appointed “grace teachers,” when the other is prioritized by God as is demonstrated by the number of times it appears in Holy Scripture? Which word appears more times in the Bible?: Grace, or Holiness LET’S DO THE MATH: Comparing Grace and Holiness 170 […]

Articles

Laboring Fervently for Christ’s Body [podcast]

“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.” Colossians 4:12-13

One source notes:

“Epaphras’ prayer is a powerful New Testament model of intercession found in Colossians 4:12. As the founder of the church in Colossae, Epaphras is described by the Apostle Paul as ‘wrestling’ or ‘laboring earnestly’ in prayer so that his congregation would stand mature, firm, and fully assured in the will of God.”

Jesus Heals the Paralytic Man who was Dropped Down to Him from the Roof

Mark 2

“1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.” Mark 2:1-12

The Dynamic Prayer Life of Epaphras: Life Changing Prayer Nugget!!!! [podcast]

Emulating Epaphras! LIFE CHANGER! Who are those top 3-5 people you pray for every morning? (rhetorical question) Okay, ever wonder how to pray for someone? You will never again have that wonder after your grab this 1 Bible verse! All who are learning to love God are then equally learning to love people – to love others and put them above ourselves (Philippians 2:3-5). Why not assertively, proactively have a list of people you are lifting in prayer every morning? Isn’t that what we can learn from brother Epap? WHO? WHAT? … Let us learn from the life of Epaphras. […]

Prayer Mission of Epaphras [podcast]

Praying daily, diligently, God’s will for others, changes you. EVER wonder how or what to pray for others? Wonder no more! Amazing! 1 Bible Verse to a changed life! The all encompassing prayer!!! Simple and biblical!!! Life changing! Never again wonder how or what to pray for others or yourself! Do you have specific people you lift in prayer each morning? “Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:” 1 Samuel 12:23 WHEN you ask someone to “pray […]

Abiding

Abiding Under the Shadow of the Almighty [podcast]

“O Lord, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke. 16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: Jeremiah 15:15-16

Dwelling “in the secret place of the most High”

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” Psalms 91:1-2

“In the secret place of the Most High – Spoken probably in reference to the Holy of holies. He who enters legitimately there shall be covered with the cloud of God’s glory – the protection of the all-sufficient God. This was the privilege of the high priest only, under the law: but under the new covenant all believers in Christ have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus; and those who thus enter are safe from every evil.” Adam Clarke

“[Psalms] 91:1, 2 Jesus is the One who in a preeminent way dwelt in the secret place of the Most High, and abode under the shadow of the Almighty. There never was a life like His. He lived in absolute, unbroken fellowship with God, His Father. He never acted in self-will but did only those things that the Father directed. Though He was perfect God, He was also perfect Man, and He lived His life on earth in utter and complete dependence on God. Without equivocation He could look up and say, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in Him I will trust.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High [podcast]

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3 Prayer communion is inseparably connected with knowing God (John 17:3). Knowing the Father and the Son is the whole purpose for which He made you. “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” 1 John 1:3-4 Beloved of […]

The Cardinal Characteristic of Knowing God [podcast]

The word “love” appears 311 times in God’s Word. It’s one thing to know the Bible. It’s another thing to know the God of the Bible. “Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.” Deuteronomy 13:4 This is why He created you – to know Him. “And this is life eternal (the whole purpose for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3 The disciple has nothing more important […]