Sinners Saved By Grace?

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Rightly Dividing this Popular Phrase

Are God’s people hopelessly sinful? Is there victory over all sin?

Does the Bible state or teach that those who have been born again are “sinners saved by grace”? Is it true humility to go around stating that we are “sinners saved by grace”? We’d better find out because, as you know, each of us is exposed to this statement on a regular basis and should be good Berean believers who examine every saying and the concept behind it, including this one, in light of the Scriptures (Acts 17:10-11).

“As he spake these words, many believed on him…Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin (a sinner). And the servant (of sin) abideth (remains) not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free (from habitual sinning), ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:34-36

According to Christ here, if we have “believed on him” and are continuing in His Word (Jn. 8:30-32), we have and are being made “free” from sin and its control over our lives. We are “free indeed” from the power and penalty of that which separates man and a holy God – sin (Is. 59:2; Rom. 6:23 etc.).

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope (of Christ’s coming again) in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” John 3:1-3

Those who are ready to go, are purifying their hearts, minds, and bodies “even as he (Jesus) is pure.”

You don’t seriously believe that the beloved and Holy LORD Jesus is going to marry someone, anyone who won’t make up their mind to love, to worship, to serve, to obey Him, now do you? Such a concept would be delusional at best.

Yes, we were sinners “in times past” before Christ found us and then we said “Yes” to His plan by repenting, turning to Him from our sins and believing upon Him (Acts 3:19; 16:31; 20:21; Ephesians 2:3, etc.). Now we are called “saints” and “sons.” To say anything else is to disagree with God. The term “saint” or “saints” occurs 99 times in the Bible.

“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” Philippians 2:15

Just because Jesus paid the debt for our sins in full, does nothing to negate His stated initial and ongoing conditions for remaining in a relationship with Him, The vast majority of evangelical churches, pastors today, have sold a lie to their prey – teaching initial salvation alone with no mention of enduring to the end which Jesusand His holy apostles taught is essential to eternal glory (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; 2 Peter 2:20-22, etc.). Get over yourself sinner. Repent now.

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. If you will remain in Christ, you must remain in Him, set apart to Him.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Not one of us can imagine being in engaged to be married to someone and yet allowing them to consort romantically with someone else, with other “lovers.” We’d rightfully break it off immediately. Such transgressing of what is right warrant severance. In light of this how then would it be difficult for us to understand that God, who is “Holy, holy, holy” and commanded us to “Be ye holy; for I am holy”, would keep the marriage date with anyone who does not have Him as the very first and only love? (Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:8) Those who choose to live in sin after being saved, of their own doing, cancel their glorious wedding appointment with the Great Bridegroom of Heaven (Matthew 22:1-14; 25:1-13; Revelation 19:7-10). God is holy and will not co-exist with sin (Psalms 5:4; Habakkuk 1:13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 4:8; 21:8, etc.).

“How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Romans 6:1-2

Jesus died to make you His own, not to give you a license to live apart from Him, to live in sin. Read 1 John 3 today. KJB

“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15

Sister Karen Cochran notes:

“I hear many Christians today say I am just a sinner saved by grace. This is not biblical. Our identity should be in Christ not in being a sinner. This statement is saying our flesh is more important than our relationship with God and we want to hang onto it. If we are taking our sinful flesh to the cross of Christ, we should be being made into his image, who knew no sin. We should no longer serve sin. Romans 6:6. When we do sin we know the wages of sin is death. Romans 6: 23. It separates us from God. We repent and take it to the cross and ask forgiveness because our relationship with Jesus is more than than our fleshly selves.”

REPLY:

Amen Jesus. After being regenerated by Him, saved into His eternal kingdom, we are now “saints”, not sinners. 96 times “saints” appears in Holy Writ, each time specifically speaking of God’s people. Only 2 kingdoms – saints/sinners, light/darkness, Jesus/satan.

“Called to be Saints”

“Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:” 1 Corinthians 1:2

We are to be “called” by the people of God, “sons” and “saints”, not sinners. This is not an arrogant attempt to exalt our position above that which has been divinely ordained, but a mere adherence and obedience to God’s Word. We are blessed in the grace of God and rescued, snatched up out of the mire and filth of sin and placed upon His rock of refuge (Ps 40). We can do nothing without Him and all things through Him (Jn. 15:5; Phil. 4:13). He stated that we are His “saints” in contrast with those who are not His – sinners. He has even given to us the down payment of our inheritance:

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest (down payment) of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14

Remember the wonderful and Scriptural song we sing:

We’re the people of God

Called by His name

Called from the darkness

One holy race

And delivered from shame

Saints every one

Because of the Blood of Christ Jesus the Son

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” 1 John 3:1

Sorry, I know a lot of people like to use this little saying (“I’m a sinner saved by grace”) which while being true in one aspect, also fosters a form of false humility and forecasts defeat and a life relegated to sinful living, but we must be accurate in our sayings and accurate in our living. This means we must die to self-thinking and be renewed and transformed by the written Counsel of the Lord as we offer our bodies a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2).

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:” Titus 2:1

“SINNERS VS. SAINTS: The sinner and lukewarm practice and justify sin. The saint is at war with sin, has remorse, and repents. He goes to the throne room of grace for cleansing and grace (divine enablement), from that which defiles one’s garment, often…” Erik van Niekerk

This “sinner saved by grace” concept gives way to sinfulness. This statement and concept are no where to be found in Scripture. Yes, we WERE sinners, yet have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and from the power of the sinful nature and “renewed in the spirit of our minds.” To those redeemed, the Holy Ghost speaks and says:

“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:23-24

Simply put, we are to cause our minds to conform to what God has done through His Son to redeem us. As a regenerate saint, we do not practice sin in our lives. That doesn’t mean we haven’t stumbled and walked in darkness after being saved, it simply means that if we are continuing in our relationship with the One who bought us back from the sinful life and devil, we do not live habitually in a transgression against Him. We are called to be holy as He is holy. (See John 8:31-36).

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

We have not been saved and then granted a license to sin and anyone who is teaching any doctrine such as OSAS (once saved always saved) or any of the five points of Calvinism, is fulfilling Jude’s prophecy and is an “ungodly man” who is “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness.” (Jude 3-4)

Such as attitude is what apostate Israel lived by:

“And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?” Jeremiah 7:10

To remain a saint, one must continue living his life unto God to the end of it.

“Here is the patience (volitional endurance) of the saints: here are they that KEEP the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:12

Galatians 5:24 “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”

You are NOT a “sinner saved by grace” if you have been regenerated. Beloved of God, please rid your mind of this erroneous thinking. There is an “old man” and a “new man” spoken of in Scripture (Col. 3:9-10; Eph. 4:24). We are to “put off” the deeds and desires of the “old man” and “put on” the Christlikeness of the “new man.” The “new man” refers to the truth that God has redeemed us and calls us out from the way the world (the unsaved). We are blessed to live these lives separated to God in all things. We are to worship Him and no other, having no other gods before His majesty. We are to be “separate from sinners” (Heb. 7:26), as Christ was. To be “separate from sinners” refers to separation in the way we live, not necessarily removing ourselves physically from them, although in some cases this is essential.

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” 2 Corinthians 6:14-17

Sin is a decision and it’s largely due to what doctrine we obey in our minds (Romans 6:17). Some have been told that they can’t help but sinning every single day. Where does the Bible say such? Why have bought into such a philosophy?

“And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. ⁶Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” 1 John 3:5-6

Note particularly this portion of the above passage:

“… in him is no sin. ⁶Whosoever abideth (remains in intimate fellowship with) in him sinneth not.” 1 John 3:5-6

Instead of being a “sinner saved by grace”, you are a Son of God. You are one who is in covenant relationship with God, whereas a sinner has no covenant relationship with the Lord. The sinner is one who has not yet received the redemption Jesus died and rose again to give him. Remember that the Word says that “the redeemed” are to “say so.”

“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;” Psalms 107:2

If I am “redeemed”, I am to speak this out (“say so”), not go around confessing “I am a sinner”! The word “redeemed” means bought back. We are to breath hope into others by telling them we have been bought back and they can be too!

We have been bought back by Christ’s precious blood from a life of sinful separation from a holy God. We have been redeemed from the control of sin over our lives (Rom. 6:14). How are others going to have hope if we are saying that we are still “sinners” who are relegated to a life of sinfulness??? Also, if we are still sinners, then God must permit sinfulness in His kingdom, right? Wrong.

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

Notice the book ends, the beginning and ending of the monumental cross chapter, Romans 6:

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? … But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:1-2, 22-23

Those who were initially saved and are abiding, remaining in, continuing with Christ, have their “ye have your fruit unto holiness” which also means they have “everlasting life.” Jesus taught us that any person who is born again into Him and yet does not “abide”, continue with Him, on His stated terms, evidenced by good fruit, will be thrown into the fires of eternal damnation. Read John 15:1-6.

God’s Word clearly teaches initial and final salvation (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Colossians 1:22-23; 2 Timothy 2:12; Hebrews 3:6, 12-15; 10:26-39, etc.).

In Colossians 3:12, those saved are called “the elect of God, holy and beloved.” In 2 Corinthians 5:21, we are called the “the righteousness of God in him (Christ).”

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

YES!, you were born into sin and depraved to the depths of your being, contaminated with sin and iniquity (Rom. 5:12, 18-19, etc.), but you have been bought back (redeemed) by Christ’s perfect blood sacrifice, regenerated, and are a new creature in Him.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;” 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

Concerning His children, the Lord says we are made:

a new creature
old things are passed away
all things are become new
all things are of God

If we are “redeemed”, what are we “redeemed” from? The power of the sinful inclinations to rule in our lives and therefore the penalty (eternal damnation) that awaits all who die without such (Rom. 6:14; Col. 1:14, 3:1-11, etc.).

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:14

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” Colossians 1:14

Here we witness that one who is connected in a covenant relationship with His Creator has “redemption”through the “blood” of the covenant and “the forgiveness of sins.” Tell me, where is the concept of a “sinner saved by grace” here?

We should cease immediately confessing something that is absolutely unbiblical and misleading to our own hearts and others also. Remember, where your words lead, your life will follow (James 3).

“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar (special) people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” 1 Peter 2:9

All comments Welcomed.

God Bless You Richly, You Saint and Son of God,

todd

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Articles

The High Treason of False Leaders [podcast]

PWT = Preach, WARN, Teach

“Whom we PREACH, WARNING every man, and TEACHING every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:” Colossians 1:28

Did you catch what the apostle Paul did to prepare the church to meet Christ?

Preach
WARN
Teach

*Letting God Speak for Himself***

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Matthew 7:15

Bible truths/words you never hear from wolves: Repent, obedience, the cross – crucified life, holiness, judgment, eternal Hell, the lake of fire, being spotless and ready for Christ’s return, etc..

Many today preach the crown but not the cross, the promise without the condition. They perpetually peddle half truths as they use words like “soar” and “rise up” and “elevation,” a going upward but never the essential non-negotiable condition of going downward before God will raise one upward (Isaiah 37:31; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12). Their misleading cross-less messages are “another gospel” and we know that because there is no cross, no mention of dying downward, no crucified life (2 Corinthians 11:2-5; Galatians 1:6-9; Philippians 3:18-19). The LORD will raise no one upward who doesn’t first humbly bow downward before His Majestic holiness (Luke 9:23-24; James 4:6-10). | Myth of Elevation without the Cross

“MANY pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. 11 They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.” Jeremiah 12:10-11

Were we not warned repeatedly to beware of those who would spoil us (ruin us eternally)?

This “famine” is here and has been induced by the “MANY false prophets” Jesus and His apostles foretold (Amos 8:11; Matthew 24:11; Isaiah 9:16; 2 Peter 2:1-3, etc.).

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:” Amos 8:11

Self-induced “famine”: Those rebels who refuse to repent and get into God’s Word for themselves are starved out and deceived by the false gospel of the apostate modern church world. In contrast, every true disciple will study God’s Word diligently for themselves and feast in the midst of this prophesied “famine” for the Word of God.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

PAUL GAVE LITTLE PLACE TO FALSE LEADERS (GALATIANS 2:4-5). THEY ARE TO BE IDENTIFIED, REBUKED, REJECTED, AND MARKED UNLESS THEY REPENT (ROMANS 16:17-18; TITUS 1:13).

Jesus warned:

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening (devouring) wolves.” Matthew 7:15

The false leaders Christ speaks of here would have all the trappings of a true Christian leader so as not to be detected. But the true remnant cling to Christ and therefore His Word and are thereby able to discern (Ezekiel 44:23).

“The majority has always believed the lies, gone the wrong way, never changed, and suffered great devastation. The pattern is repeated every third or fourth generation. People warning them are always considered alarmist or fools (conspiracy theorists). But God ordains faithful people. They will not cease to warn them until repentance is no longer an option.” C.

Paul Speaking to the Ephesians

“Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” Acts 20:27-32

God’s Word informs us that Christ’s true servant-elders WILL TEACH God’s people to discern by weighing all against the standard of the Word of God (Ezekiel 44:23; Acts 17:10-11; 1 John 4:1, etc.). Therefore we know that any man in leadership not teaching people to discern between the holy and profane, between true and false, is himself a wolf!

“Even the very elect! We need to be guarding our hearts every moment because the devil loves an idle mind.” Charles Pray

“DISCERN”

“And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23

For a moment, let’s explore what true ministry is so that we can see what is not true ministry. Perhaps one good definition of what true ministry is would be: Giving people God’s Word in order to endear them to Him by His very own words. Is not the divine Person of the Holy Spirit integrally involved in that exchange? Did He not orchestrate it?

Watch closely at what the elders of Israel did when they stood before the people:

“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly (directly, literally), and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” Nehemiah 8:8

Truly God-fearing servants of Christ get people into HIS Word so that they follow Him and not them – mere men. Note that in this important passage in Nehemiah 8, we see the principle for leadership: Leading the souls of men to Christ, not to self.

Those who flatter you by refusing to preach the absolute necessity of repenting, taking up the cross daily and following Jesus…. Are setting you up for the kill …. You may vainly believe that it’s all fun and games now but judgment is coming if you don’t repent and diligently study and adhere to the whole counsel of God’s Word. When you do truly repent, you will no long put yourself under a smooth talking wolf who refuses to preach the whole counsel of the original Gospel of Christ (Isaiah 30:9-10; 2 Timothy 4:2-4).

“A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.” Proverbs 29:5

All ministers who soft peddle and do not endeavor to unapologetically declare the whole counsel of God’s Word, are deceivers. Run.

JUST because a preacher has a few good quotes does NOT at all mean he’s not a false teacher. If he has one false doctrine, he is false. Speaking of false doctrine, Paul wrote: “A little leaveneth the WHOLE lump” (Galatians 5:9). Example: There are many teachers/pastors of old who left behind good quotes and yet were false teachers. Examples would include the often quoted wolf C.S. Lewis, the diabolical monstrostity John Calvin, and the vile legalist Charles Finney. Also, there are many today who say a lot of good things and yet, then you find out they believe calvinism or the lie of eternal security/OSAS. Run.

One minister of Christ declared:

“People think that because I skin the brethren alive when I preach, that I’m not showing any love. That’s because they’ve been brainwashed by the glass toilet (the TV), and they respond to the tone of my voice much as my German Shepherd would. But I do love the brethren. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t preach against their sins. I would preach on coping and sharing and family values and let them hit a bonfire at the Judgment Seat of Christ.”

Think about how many people are promoting THEIR ministries and how much money is wasted on such trash.

“For THE LEADERS of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16

Leaders who betray the LORD and His people.

Remember that according to the record of the Gospels, it was the wicked religious leaders, the Jews of Christ’s day, who betrayed the Son of God their KING to the Roman authorities, calling out for His crucifixion (Matthew 27; John 19, etc.).

The kingdom of God is not about mere men’s ministries or churches or church organizations. Reading the history of Israel and the New Testament plainly reveals that false leaders have done inestimable damage – they have done so very much to oust Christ right out of the hearts and minds of the people they are misleading while posing as those who are leading them in the ways of the LORD (Isaiah 9:16).

“And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer (true worship); but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Matthew 21:13

Today is no different – In fact we are told it will get even worse in these final days at the hands of deceivers (2 Timothy 3:13). Like the wolves of old who were constantly exposed by Israel’s prophets, modern beguilers are intercepting the heart affections and resources of those they have misled. Listen to God’s prophet Ezekiel:

“There is a conspiracy of her prophets (false leaders) in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening (devouring) the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. 26 Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. 27 Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening (devouring) the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.” Ezekiel 22:25-27

Ready to Magnify Christ?

“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” Psalms 34:3

The eternal kingdom of God is all about KING Jesus.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil (ruin) you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power … 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 2:6-10, 18, 19

Most men in ministry are “not holding the Head” of the body – Christ – and therefore have intercepted the affections of the people in order to exploit them to build their own ministry business.

Any leader who is not constantly doing every possible thing he can to get YOU into God’s Word for yourself, is an absolute wolf of the worst kind.

Revelation: People don’t need you and me – they need the LORD – and He reveals Himself through His Word.

Christ must be magnified, not mere men – “And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another” (1 Corinthians 4:6).

IT’S SO very important not to over aggrandize any mere man. We must rid our hearts of all idols (Ezekiel 14:3). The personality cults must be seen for what they really are and shunned by Christ’s true remnant. Think about the personalities so many (most) modern popular ministries are built upon? Think about the ingratiating, manipulative, and flamboyant personalities of circus clowns like Jesse Duplantis, Joel Osteen, and Joyce Meyer, Rick Warren, and a host of other false leaders who have built their enterprises/empires on THEIR own personalities and telling people what THEIR unrepentant hearts want to hear instead of what God says in the full counsel of His Holy Word (2 Timothy 4:2-4). Others we could name are more subtle and yet nevertheless draw people to THEMSELVES, not Christ! This is robbery – robbing Christ of the glory due only to Himself.

The great apostle went out of his way – he made sure and steadfast provision – to never draw or entice the affections of men’s hearts to himself. That would be theft – high treason against Heaven. In the holy fear of God, Paul took great precaution not to endear the hearts of men to himself, a mere man, but rather he espoused them to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2-5). Listen to him:

“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2

Have you memorized the above verse yet?

“I Have Espoused You to … Christ”

Let’s again listen closely to the heart of Paul to the people of God, Christ’s messenger/apostle:

“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. 5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. 6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things. 7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?” 2 Corinthians 11:2-7

Paul espoused those he oversaw to Jesus, not to himself. He caused them to trust Christ through His blessed Word and invited others to compare what he taught to the Holy Scriptures (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17). Is this what your pastor is doing?

In a recent conversation with my friend Tim, he was edified to hear the encouragement that every time he gets someone into the Word of God for themselves, he is doing much more than most pastors or “Christian” authors who make people dependent upon them – so that they get repeat customers for their business.

Are you in the Word daily friend?

How can God’s Word get into you if you don’t get into it?

Are you drawing and remaining close to the Savior in this late hour like the wise virgins who kept the oil of His presence in the lamp of their lives and were therefore ready when He returned? (Matthew 25:1-13)

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (abundantly) in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16

Listen to this audio message: Esteeming the Words of His Mouth | Colossians 1:28 PWT Preach Warn Teach

Penknife Sacrilege

Bible Burners in the Modern Church World: Butchering the Word of God for Self-Serving Purposes (excerpt from the book LIE of the Ages) Forsaking the Full-Counsel of God “And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire (this is what is happening today in our churches) that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth. Yet they were not afraid (no fear of God), nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these […]

The Myth of Elevation without the Cross [podcast]

THE CROSS: Know it. Live it. Preach it. God will never lift up those who stand in their pride but only those who bow before Him in humility (Psalms 145:14; James 4:6-10, etc.). Running to a “revival” is not the answer. The reason people run to a “revival” is due to their refusal to deny self, take up the cross daily, and thereby be re-vived (filled with life!) daily – experiencing the resurrection of Christ each day in their personal lives as God has ordained (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12). A cross-less life is a life of defeat. A life in […]

Is Loving God Enough? Must We Fear Him? [podcast]

Often, I’ve heard seminarians and modern “Christians” reject the biblical concept, the divine command to fear God. Both loving God and fearing God are divine commands (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Matthew 22:37-39; Luke 12:4-5, etc.). Yet we must ask: Is loving God enough? Is loving the LORD all we need to do? Will saying we love God keep you out of sin? It’s a nice platitude, yet this is false humility. Trite. Holiness by way of the fear of the Lord is an essential to remaining, abiding in Christ. May God instill in the depth of our being His holy fear […]

Strive to Enter in at the Strait Gate [podcast]

“Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Hebrews 4:11 “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the […]

Apostasy

Why Did God Give Us His Word? [podcast]

The 4 Pillar Purposes for the Holy Scriptures

There are 4 reasons detailed in 2 Timothy 3:16 for the Holy Scriptures being given to us by God. Under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, the apostle Paul wrote:

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16

According to this verse, the Bible, God’s very Word, has been given to the people of God for 4 reasons: Doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Let us take a brief look at these 4 reasons for the written Word so carefully presented here concerning the very purpose of the Bible.

Doctrine – (Gr. DIDASKALIA): that which is taught; teaching, instruction. An individual’s doctrinal body of truth consists of that which he has been taught and holds to be true.

Reproof – (Gr. ELEGMOS): proof, proving, test. As the noble Berean believers demonstrate and John commands, to test every doctrine that comes from the mouth or pen of men, against the holy Standard – the Scriptures. This is, in part, what is being spoken to us by the Holy Spirit in this verse at hand. Therefore, we conclude that we have been given “All scripture” in order to exercise “reproof,” or the testing of men’s doctrines against Holy Writ and to test every notion of belief we currently hold against the divine standard of the written Word which is final divine authority (Acts 17:10-11; 1 John 4:1).

Correction – (Gr. EPANORTHOSIS): a restoration to an upright state or right state. The Scriptures are “given by inspiration of God” to bring correction into our own hearts, and into the hearts of all who heed the divine message (James 1:21-25).

Instruction in Righteousness – (Gr. PAIDEIA): training in righteousness is what is meant here. The Bible is given to train us in the ways of the One who inspired the same. The divinely given Precepts of life can never fail anyone who would search out and do its commands (Isaiah 34:16). All of life’s answers, as pertains to man, are found within its pages (2 Peter 1:3-4; Psalms 119:128a). Millions of godly pilgrims, journeying through this earthly life, has found the perfect divine will and direction by studying the words of Holy Scripture (Psalms 119).

The verse following this monumental 16th verse, v17, also reveals to us another reason for the Scriptures – “That the man of God may be perfect (mature), throughly furnished (equipped) unto all good works.” This maturity will come as a result of the workings of God as we walk with Him. He will teach our hearts His doctrine, His correction, His reproof, and instruct us in righteousness.

In review, what are the 4 reasons that God gave us His Word in written form?

doctrine
reproof
correction
instruction in righteousness

The Bible was written to CHANGE you – TO CORRECT FALSE THINKING – and not to accommodate the lies you believe. Are you washing your mind of every false notion – by daily study of God’s Word, OR are you backslidden? (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 5:26) Repent now and conform to Christ by learning, embracing, adhering to, searching, studying, and obeying His truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17). WHY DID GOD GIVE US HIS WORD? WHAT are the stated 4 reasons God gave us His Word? Do you know this truth, and are you ready to share it with others?

You are obviously saved when you are putting God’s Word as final divine authority of your life and that’s pleasing to the LORD (John 8:47). When we allow God’s Word to correct us, we prove He is authentically the LORD of our lives (2 Timothy 3:16).

SOFT-PEDDLING, HALF-TRUTH preachers are Satan’s agents. No conviction, no cross, no holiness, no repentance, no readiness for the return of Christ, no judgment to come, no hell, no lake of fire! RUNNNNNN

WHY did God give us His Word? It was to establish His truth in and to protect His people from the many deceivers – “them that seduce you.”

“These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.” 1 John 2:26

God gave us His Word so that we may be established in him and kept safe from the “Many false prophets” He so often warned us about. He provided His written Word, his tangible revelation, so that we may fear Him (Deuteronomy 4:10), and so we can know Him (John 5:39). As you study Scripture, be on the look out for the many divinely stated reasons our LORD gave us His written Word.

Beloved saint, will you now teach these Bible truths to others? Share this.

Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16

God gave us His Word in written format so they’d be no confusion and also, no excuse on Judgment Day (John 12:48; Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 14:33; 2 Timothy 3:16-17, etc.). The Word of God is the basis by which the LORD shall judge each of us.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

“Read your Bible for yourself. Please. A YouTube sermon clip is not enough. A podcast is not enough. Your favorite preacher is not enough. Know your Bible.” Biblical Man

“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail…” Isaiah 34:16

Read God’s Word itself, yourself (KJB). THAT is God speaking. Every time you read His Word, God is speaking to you.

In Christ’s Love.

PASS IT ON

Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16

GOD’S WORD

LET’S LEARN GOD’S WORD TOGETHER – ONE TRUTH AT A TIME: Are you tired of reading Scripture or hearing a good message from the Word and not retaining any of it for yourself and to help others? This message was sent out to each person on our Moments For My Master email devotional list. We would love to add you and have the privilege of nourishing your heart with God’s Word (1 Tim. 4:6). Sign up here.

Loving not our Lives unto the Death [podcast]

Just WHAT do we need to “remember” about “Lot’s wife”? (Luke 17:32) “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:11 Will you finish with joy? “But none of these things move me, neither count I my […]

The Necessity of Earnestly Contending for the Faith from a Full Counsel Perspective [podcast]

“Search the scriptures … they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” John 5:39-40 Those who are Christ’s come to Him and the way they do that is that they “Search the scriptures” to see Him for who He is, to know His will, to learn to worship, love, and obey Christ who is the Word of God. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 Those who truly know and are […]

Doctrine, Correction, Reproof, Instruction in Righteousness [podcast]

Doctrine, Correction, Reproof, Instruction in Righteousness 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17 ARE you learning sound “doctrine”? Are you being corrected by the LORD? Are you being reproved by Jesus? Are you being instructed in Christ’s “righteousness”? RED FLAG: You attend a “church” and yet aren’t searching, diligently and daily digging into, devouring, and memorizing God’s Word daily. Backslidden! Under the bless-ed weight of the true original Gospel, men are convicted, broken, and crushed to repentance! (Matthew 21:44; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 2:4; 2 Corinthians 4:20; James 4:8-10, etc.) WHEN a minister’s message is all about encouragement, prosperity in this fleeting life, […]

Apostasy

If it’s not the Word, it’s Waste [podcast]

Nourished Up in God’s Word [podcast]

Christ’s true followers are known in that they love Him truly and therefore hear and are corrected and guided only by His voice, His written Word (John 8:47).

“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47

God will Never Anoint and Bless Us to do our Own Thing! Watch this Closely …..

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

Did you catch what Jesus just said? – That God is with His people to the end of the world to help them do what He said – teach His Word to all!

LOTS of people on social media claiming and preaching their own visions and dreams and not the Gospel! Beware.

When I hear someone speaking live or in a video, if the Word is not coming from their mouths, I soon close it out and unfriend. What is it that we don’t understand about the divine command to “Preach the word”? (2 Timothy 4:2) Wolves entertain goats while true under-shepherds of Christ feed sheep. Beware.

IF we stick with God’s Word, if we do things His way and no other way, we will be involved in the preaching, the teaching – dissemination – of His Word (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20).

“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.” Philemon 1:6-7

“The bowels of the saints are refreshed” when God’s people communicate His Word!

The Waste of the Modern Church World

If you are born again and abiding presently in Christ, you have “mansion” in glory awaiting you! (John 14:1-6) Did you know that you also have an “account” in Heaven? Now, what’s in that “account”? Is it empty or full?

“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Philippians 4:17

Paul, Christ’s apostle, wanted to see the heavenly accounts of God’s people full!

God is not going to reward you good for not contributing to that which He stated is most important.

ANY leadership curriculum that isn’t literally the Scriptures – and learning THEM – is a scam! (Psalm 119; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21, etc.) How long shall prop of the wolves and their self-agenda “ministries”? How long shall we be be deceived?

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

“Read your Bible for yourself. Please. A YouTube sermon clip is not enough. A podcast is not enough. Your favorite preacher is not enough. Know your Bible.” Biblical Man

“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail…” Isaiah 34:16

Read God’s Word itself, yourself (KJB). THAT is God speaking. Every time you read His Word, God is speaking to you.

Today we see LOTS of clowns raising money to continue to fund their circuses they have and are building using the name of Jesus in vain to do so (Exodus 20:7).

Looking around us and perhaps beginning with our own lives, we see a biblically illiterate generation of Christians – people who can’t quote 10 Bible verses. Yet, those same people have been good church members for many years.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” Hosea 4:6

The vast majority of “churches” today are simply not teaching God’s Word to the people which alone makes them disobedient frauds. Fruit.

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16

If you help a “ministry” that is not instilling God’s truth in people, you are bidding Godspeed to these workers of iniquity and will be judged with them (2 John 10-11). The teaching of God’s Word is paramount and for the divine purpose for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom in the hearts of men (Colossians 3:16).

“And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” Acts 28:30-31

Many today campaign aggressively to raise money for and promote things that do not involve the communication of God’s truth into the hearts of men. In fact, very little “ministry” being done today even has the unchanging divine goal of instilling God’s Word into the hearts and lives of His people. God will only reward that which is in keeping with what He’s clearly stated – which will never change. His New Testament Gospel program is plain. Are you walking in it?

“Preach the gospel.” (Mark 16:15)
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
“Preach the word.” (2 Timothy 4:2)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly (abundantly).” (Colossians 3:16)

Saints, God forbid that we waste the wealth on the waste of spreading the false modern gospel and the trinkets used to promote it!

If it’s a ministry and they’re not the teaching of God’s Word, it’s not of God (John 8:47).

“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” Acts 8:4

If people are not literally learning and obeying and speaking God’s truth, it’s not of God! (Joshua 1:8; Proverbs 12:17)

The “Success” of Christ’s Saints Depends on This….

“This book of the law (God’s written Word) shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8

Can you personally name just 5 “Christians” you know who can quote 10 Bible verses from the King James Bible?

I can’t.

Bible Literacy Series

The Danger of Endorsing – Bidding Godspeed – to False Teachers, False Ministries

“For MANY deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 7-11

Wolves entertain goats while true servants of Christ feed sheep! (John 21:15-17)

Prayer: Holy Father, I come now to You in the name of the LORD Jesus Christ. LORD, this moment I stop this life You gave and I ask You to make me truly, authentically Your disciple. Teach me Thy Word and forgive me for the sin of supporting, for bidding Godspeed to anything claiming to be of You while not truly and literally teaching Your people Your Word and to know it thoroughly for themselves. Please forgive me of this sin Father, in Jesus’ name. I love You Jesus. Thank You for dying for me, for finding, and for saving me by Your blood. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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STORE

“Be Ready in the Morning" [podcast]

MUST-READ: IF YOU don’t wake up swinging, you’re going to get knocked out. You’re going to lose. As God’s child, YOU are in a FIGHT, A WAR – like it or not. A war is raging over your life, for your eternal soul. And you are losing if you don’t get up swinging, every day. Set your life up for success by hard-scheduling Christ into the first waking moments of your day – in prayer and His Word (Matthew 6:6; Mark 1:35; 2 Timothy 2:15). Build your days upon the Rock – the only immoveable platform, destined to victory! ANY person […]

At His Feet [podcast]

If we desire, if we want God to use us publicly, we must see Him privately. If you want God to fill you overflowing where those blessings of His holy presence, His grace, mercy, truth, love, joy, and peace spill, gush over upon those around you ….. you have to anchor your life in daily communion with the LORD – waking each morning to seek the face of the LORD in His Word and prayer communion. Those who are serious about, with the LORD place HIM first each day – as they arise to praise Him, to thank Him, to study […]