Beware of the Grace-Perverting Wolves
One of the most prevalent and cancerous doctrines being taught from hundreds of thousands of pulpits every Sunday is the deadly lie of “once saved always saved.” This was Satan’s lie to the first man and woman in the Garden. It led to the fall of mankind – “Ye shall NOT surely die” said Satan and yet God had just told the man and woman that if they sinned against Him, they would “surely die.” (Genesis 2:17; 3:4) The enemy of all souls inserted or added just one 3-letter word that led to the fall of the first man and woman and sadly, Satan is still using the most subtle source to lie to and damn the souls of millions – the pastors of today. It could be argued that this one teaching of Satan, has led to the downfall and eternal damnation of more souls than any other.
The most popular passage misused by the “once saved always saved” proponents is found in John 10. It is unfortunate that they siphon out selective verses to the exclusion of the whole counsel of God’s Word. The problem with the misuse of this passage is that those who conclude that a person cannot ever lose salvation after receiving it, is that they divorce verse 27 from verses 28-29. Let’s read these words of Christ:
“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
Here the LORD identifies and qualifies just who His sheep are by what they do. He says that His true sheep “hear my voice … and follow me.” (v27) The promise of not being plucked out of the Father’s hand is only for those who are currently hearing the voice of Jesus and following Him.
When we read the whole text, we see just exactly WHO the security promise is given to and that it is conditional, not unconditional. John 10:28-29 are promises of security to those who are currently hearing His voice and following Him. In this passage, which obviously includes the words of our LORD in verse 27, we observe that those who are hearing His voice and following Him are promised that they will never perish. Jesus taught that some would “fall away” after being saved and as they stopped believing (Luke 8:12-13).
In John 10:28-29 Jesus was speaking to those He pre-qualified in the previous verse, verse 27. According to Christ, only those who are currently hearing His voice and following Him, have eternal security.
Laughably, OSAS dupes are going to act like they take the high road in interpreting things in context. John 10:27-29 is one passage they don’t like to hear in context. They want to extrapolation v28-29 and don’t even know Jesus’ words in v27 exist and give the conditional qualification for the promise of v28-29.
Jesus sure is our Salvation and security and Jesus says that such security only applies to those whom He saves AND of them, those who are presently hearing His voice and following Him. The promise of verses 28 and 29 are made contingent by Jesus on the condition of verse 27 – only those who are presently hearing His voice and following Him are secure in Christ and going to His holy Heaven. In John 15:5 the Son of God made it clear that any person in Him that doesn’t remain in Him will be cut off and cast into the fire. Read the WHOLE of God’s Word friend or you will continue to be misled by mere men (Revelation 3:11).
YOU don’t believe the lie of OSAS because you found it in God’s Word through honest, thorough study but rather you believe it because you haven’t gotten into God’s Word seriously for yourself and have allowed diabolical, grace-perverting wolves to deceive you. Now repent and get into God’s Word for yourself as He instructed you to do! (2 Timothy 2:15)
Heaven will be full of those who responded in repentance and in receiving Jesus as they were quickened to do so by God. Oh, and those who after being saved continued to the end abiding/remaining in Christ (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; 25:1-13; Luke 13:27; John 15:1-6; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Revelation 2-3…).
A clean, clear, and assured conscience comes only by way of saving faith and literal, practical obedience to God’s Word which is always the fruit of saving faith (1 Timothy 1:5). If a person wants a clear conscience, assurance, and eternal security, he must hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and follow Him. It’s only then – as he is presently worshipping Jesus with no idols or unrepentant sin, that he is assured of eternal life.
It is clear to the honest, objective, truth-seeking Bible student that Jesus placed condition on being saved and remaining saved. There is condition for final salvation. According to Jesus, as long as we whom He has saved are abiding (remaining) in Him, we are saved and assured of eternity with Him (John 10:27-29; 15:1-6; 2 Corinthians 1:10).
Those who have adopted the “once saved always saved” cliche of mere men, are believing on a “Jesus” that is different from the One found in the Bible. The false “Jesus” says that after he saves you, you have no more responsibility whatsoever to do anything ever and that you can live in the most vile, dark sin known to man and still go to Heaven when you die. That is a false Christ!
Someone please tell me where the LORD Jesus Christ or His holy apostles ever used the phrase “once saved always saved.” Where does this phrase ever appear in the Holy Bible? It simply doesn’t. Yet, terms like “cut off,” “fall away,” and “fallen from grace” and the “if” condition, and the need to “endure to the end” appear many times in Holy Scripture (Matthew 24:13; Romans 11:22; Galatians 5:4). The warnings are abundant and departing from the faith is one of them which terminology makes it abundantly self-evident that such is possible (1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:12-14). The Biblical terminology is clearly self-interpreting. Why would God repeatedly warn us of losing out in the end and for eternity if there were danger of losing out in the end? The Bible truth is clear that once the LORD saves you, you do not have a license to live in sin and if you die in sin you will be in the lake of fire forever! (Hebrews 10:26-39; Jude 4; Revelation 21:7-8, 27; 22:15, etc.)
God’s Word and condition does not stop with the initial reception of salvation. According to “the faith once delivered to the saints,” the same faith that initially appropriated God’s grace must be continued in to the end of one’s life, or eternal life will be forfeited. Though eternal life is eternal, the possession of it is not – necessarily.
Eternal life is the life of Christ in the believer and yet the possession of eternal life is contingent upon abiding in Christ. Although most Christian circles seem to stop right here – at the obtaining of initial salvation through faith, the LORD Jesus and His holy apostles have more to say concerning “Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:9)
“By faith are we saved, and by faith we stay saved.” E.M. Bounds
Jesus taught that one could believe and be saved for a time and then “fall away.” (Luke 8:12-13)
The Son of God taught that once He saves someone, they are responsible to remain in Him or be cast into the fires of hell.
“Every branch IN ME (not the lost) that beareth not fruit he taketh away … IF (denotes conditional) 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 (hell).” John 15:2, 6
While it is true that we as believers have all stumbled, sinned, and been weak, it is also true that God was not the author of it, was not pleased in it, and that we must confess and forsake all sin.
Who did the LORD tell us He does and does not grant His mercy to?
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsakeththem shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
Jesus Christ came to die for our sins, not only to forgive them, but also to redeem us from all sin. Those still living in sin – not redeem from sinning habitually – are not saved for Heaven, even if they were born again in the past.
“He that abideth in him sinneth not.” 1 John 3:6
God did not send His only begotten Son to give us a free pass on sinning. Contrary to the diabolical teaching of most evangelical churches, all future sins are not automatically forgiven. One must “walk in the light” with Christ – abiding holy, and obedient in Him – in order to have their sins cleansed.
“But IF we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
Nearly the whole evangelical movement believes and is taught that Jesus died for us to keep on sinning and that we simply cannot stop sinning. Yet, the Bible never teaches such.
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
The announcement of the birth of Christ tells us that Jesus was coming to “save his people FROM” and not in “their sins.”
Of the true grace of God, in Titus 2:11-14 we read:
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us,that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14
When divine, saving grace is truly in our lives, it will manifest in “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” (v12) We will also be looking for Christ’s soon return, literally be being delivered “from all iniquity” and be being purified and set apart as “a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (v13-14)
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19
Note that all who have been saved and name the name of Christ as their Savior, are to “depart from iniquity” and not excuse or justify it or adopt some false theology to rationalize remaining in sin.
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
1 John 3:3 identifies the exclusive “few” who are on “the narrow road that leads to life”with Christ eternally:
“And every man that hath this hope in him (the hope of Christ’s soon return) purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3
So, while all Christians most likely stumble, are weak at times, and might sin, there are two ways people deal with this:
1) Some, having no fear of God and taught the lies mentioned above, do not confess their sins, vainly believing they have no responsibility to be accountable for these violations of the holiness of our Great God and Judge.
2) Some, if they stumble, fall, are weak, or sin, they are stricken with the holy fear of the LORD and repent, return back to the LORD, confess, and forsake that sin.
Those listed in number two above are the true remnant. They are dead to self and sin and alive unto Christ alone (Romans 6).
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24
“But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: 10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.” 2 Corinthians 1:9-10
To those already saved, Paul writes:
“For IF ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but IF ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Romans 8:13
Jesus said “many be called, but few chosen” and those “chosen” in the end will be the “few” who kept their garments of His righteousness “unspotted.” (Matthew 20:16; James 1:27) Just what people does God’s Word tell us that Jesus is coming back for? Is it a people who are justifying their sins through false teaching of an unbiblical “security” or otherwise? Do you mind if we allow God to answer that question for Himself?
“Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27
Jesus and His holy apostles never painted the lukewarm lie we see presented in the apostate modern church by the beguiling hirelings today. In fact, in order to illustrate this, let’s test your favorite author or pastor against the words of Christ. Does your favorite leader preach this or is he an antichrist rebel?
“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22
“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:10-13
“Strive (agonize) to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Luke 13:24
Jesus taught that those who do not cut off the hand and pluck out the eye that causes them to offend His holy Father by sin, will be cast into everlasting, always-conscious, fire (Mark 9:42-49).
The Son of God also taught that we are to fear God who is able to cast us into hell:
“And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” Luke 12:4-5
When Jesus cited the sins of the seven churches He addressed in Revelation 2-3, He called them to repent and be overcomes or they would not be with Him in His Father’s Heaven.
The Holy Spirit warned us through Jude of the grace-perverting wolves we are earnest contend against in this late hour:
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:3-4
When citing the false shepherds of Israel, Jeremiah the prophet reveals one of their damning characteristics to be that of promising eternal security to those of God’s people who are still living in sin:
“They say still unto them that despise me, The Lord hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.” Jeremiah 23:17
The word image is the root word of “imagination” and in the imagination of the hearts of most who claim to know Jesus, is the image of a false Christ – one who allows them to live in sin while keep them secure for Heaven. “The imagination of his own heart” refers to how that in evangelical America, the false image or “another Jesus” is present in the hearts of those who claim to be saved. It’s not the same Christ revealed in Scripture as He who will punish all sin and sinning people in His holy Judgment to soon come (2 Corinthians 11:2-5).
“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:7-8
The false god of the evangelical movement today has preached a false Christ who doesn’t have the right to do what He told us He would do in His very Word – separate from His eternal kingdom, all who return to their sin and vomit after being saved. In fact, He made is clear that those who once knew Him and then departed from Him, would suffer the most excruciating pains in eternal damnation:
“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
The prophet Ezekiel makes it clear that the devil-inspired myth and cliche’ of “once saved always saved,” is utterly impossible:
“Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. 13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.” Ezekiel 33:12-13
Contrary to the willing ignorance of millions, Jesus is in total control and told us that He is going to eternally damn in the lake of fire all who got saved – were made righteous by Him – and then fell away and died in sin. Those who belief contrary are the tens of millions of who said a prayer and perhaps got saved, and yet, have given their eternal souls into the hands of grace-perverting wolves instead of seeking the LORD daily in studying His Word for themselves. “They are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)
“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.” Romans 1:21-23
If there is no danger of losing out after being saved, why so very many severe warnings, all written to those who were saved in the past? Is God a lunatic or, are those wolves teaching an unconditional eternal security the very vile wolves our LORD so often warn of?
Why such a severe warning to “holy BRETHREN” if there were no no need to endure “unto the end” and were no possibility of having “an EVIL heart of unbelief” and no danger of “departing from the living God” after being saved?
“But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. … Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.” Hebrews 3:6, 12-14
To “holy BRETHREN” (3:1) the writer of Hebrews warns:
“For IF (that means it’s possible) we sin wilfully AFTER that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. 34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence (saving faith), which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience (enduring to the end), that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise (Heaven). 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall LIVE by faith (not just one moment of initial salvation): but IF any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition (destruction in hell); but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:26-39
Lie of the Ages | Calvinism | Eternal Security
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Abiding
Colossians Narrated [podcast]
Colossians Chapter 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, 2 to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, 5 for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; 6 which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: 7 as ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; 8 who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12 giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24 who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: 25 whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
Colossians Chapter 2
1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 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; 3 in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. 5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
6 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 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: 11 in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 18 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. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
Colossians Chapter 3
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 in the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. 22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
Colossians Chapter 4
1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: 8 whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; 9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) 11 and Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. 12 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. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. 15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. 16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds.
Grace be with you. Amen.
Written from Rome to the Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.
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Articles
Sinlessly Perfect? I Doubt it [podcast]
Yes the LORD commands His people to “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16) Yet we should ask whether or not His desire is for His people to tout to others that they are “sinlessly perfect” or does His Word rather reveal that His people are to be dependent upon Him through the humility of Christ and crucified life He ordained us to walk in? Did the apostles walk around telling people they were sinlessly perfect? No. Didn’t Paul confess his own utter poverty of spirit outside of the saving, present grace of Christ? Yes. (Romans 7:18, 24, etc.) Are there biblical warnings about claiming that one is sinlessly perfect? Yes. (Job 9:20; Proverbs 20:9)
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
Saints, would it be accurate to observe that we cannot possibly begin to appreciate this “so great salvation” that is Christ until we understand how lost, helpless, and alienated we were in our sin? (Ephesians 2:1-10; Hebrews 2:3) We must pray and study to understand the biblical doctrine of inherent sin, fallen mankind, and the holiness of God …. in order to begin to be able to appreciate the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.
“If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.” Job 9:20
Solomon said:
“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Proverbs 20:9
Speaking of king David’s imperfections, even nearing the end of his life on earth, one commentator writes:
“Surely there can be little ground for the doctrine of perfectionism, otherwise David, whose religion was so earnest and so deep, would have been nearer it now than this chapter shows that he was.” Expositor’s Bible
“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Ecclesiastes 7:20
I am not a good person, neither are you – “There is none righteous, no, not one“ (Romans 3:10). Admit it. The sooner we become HONEST with that which is more than obvious, announcing freely and transparently – that there is “NOOOO good thing” in us except CHRIST, the sooner God will begin a new, deeper work in us! (Romans 7:18, 24) The Cross!
God is able to establish our hearts in His grace and to multiply His grace to us (Hebrews 13:9; 2 Peter 3:18)
ALL of our deeds are not perfect (1 John 1:8-10). “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Proverbs 6:23). The truly righteous remain humble, teachable, and repentant. Note verse 21 saints:
“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:19-21
Saved by Divine Grace and Yet Now Made Perfect by Your Flesh?
“Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Galatians 3:3
The Galatian believers had begun their walk with Christ by responding to the conviction of the Spirit, repenting, putting their faith in Christ, and being regenerated. Yet, now they were allowing false teachers to seduce them back under the law, law-keeping for righteousness – to attempt to please God by their own self-will and performance.
Jesus’ disciples must live a set apart life. Living sinless? Well, it can be done: Here’s the key – “In him (Jesus) is no sin. He that abideth in him sinneth not” (1 John 3:5-6). We whom Jesus has saved must “cleanse ourselves from ALL filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). Yet, the only way to be sinless is in presently abiding in Him and that begins with the essential of announcing our own poverty in self which is being poor/desperately dependent on Him in spirit (Matthew 5:3, 6). Yet some insist that they are perfect by their own will, ability, and doing. This is the exact error of the Galatians which caused them to fall from saving grace (Galatians 5:4). They left Christ for something else – law keeping. Leaving Christ, departing from faith, and casting off trusting fully in HIS saving grace, is deadly. Realizing there is “NO good thing” in us except Christ, is essential to abiding saved in Him (Romans 7:18, 24; John 15:1-6). Galatians 3:3 says it all – “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3). The great apostle of Jesus was desperate for the LORD, ever seeking His holy face and dreadfully not wanting “to be found having mine own righteousness which is of the law” (Philippians 3:9-10).
“The great secret of abiding in Christ is the deep conviction that we are nothing, and He is everything.” Andrew Murray, Abide in Christ
Heart purity and a sinless life emanate only from intimate union and abiding with a holy God. This occurs as we consent to the cross and not by human effort alone. Jesus raises up those who are truly bowed down – crucified with Christ (Psalms 145:14; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.). One cannot possibly “stop sinning” until they come to Jesus and He saves them, making them new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). Only then can the regenerated disciple “put off the old man” and “put on the new man” (Colossians 3:9-10). There MUST be something to “put off” …. that inherent sinful nature, otherwise no such language would be in Scripture (Colossians 3).
Beware of the sinless perfectionists who speak of overcoming sin outside of the daily cross and the saving, enabling grace of God. It’s only possible by God’s enabling grace in and through a true abiding relationship.
If we claim we are sufficient in and of ourselves and because of our own “natural ability” to do right, and can be perfect (which God requires) without Christ and our total trust IN HIM, we are apostate. Memorize Romans 4:4-5.
We cannot be “made perfect BY the flesh” or by means of our own self-will and effort alone. If that were possible WHY then did Jesus come? We are only perfect in the sense of Christ’s perfection AS we abide in Him (John 15:1-6). As we do, we will “walk in the light, as he is in the light … and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Here’s the whole verse:
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
Yes, we are “new creatures” in Christ and must humble ourselves before Him, put off the old man, put on the new man, and walk in the Spirit with Him. Yet, the victory Christ has wrought and ordained for us to walk in daily all begins with acknowledging instead of denying that there is something to deny and die to and “put off” (Colossians3:5; 2 Corinthians5:17-18). Denying that we have inclination toward sin is not the answer. Crucifying the deeds of the body by the power of the Holy Spirit is the answer (Romans 8:12-14). Many are getting hoodwinked by this self-righteous “I can do it with my own ‘natural ability’” spirit. This is a Christ-denying devil-exalting heresy, doctrine of devils (1 Timothy 4:1-3). Many who are not grounded in the grace and Word of Christ are adopting this error of Pelagianism which fosters self righteousness. They are aggressively teaching this sinless perfectionism (in the flesh) error to others. These people seem to have one common denominator – they have studied the teachings of Charles Finney or Mike Desario. Beware!
Many of those who preach sin without saving, rescuing, enabling, overcoming divine grace are perhaps still trapped in their own sins. They have no answer for others and therefore we should wonder if they have the LORD’s answer for and in their own lives. If they did, would they not be full of His great joy and sharing with others how to be delivered? Why are they content with condemning others in sin? Is God willing that ANY should perish? See 2 Peter 3:9.
Never forget to make a decision to be deepened in the essential truth that it’s “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.”
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7
WHEN we realize that God is “Holy, holy, holy,” we will no longer wrongly condemn others if they sin, just because the flavor of their sin differs from that sin which we’ve committed, knowing that the sin we committed was no less evil in the eyes of He alone who is “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).
G.R.A.C.E. = God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense
It’s only by God’s grace that we are found and saved by Him and kept and enabled to please Him which includes participating in holiness, separated unto the LORD, as He is holy (Hebrews 12:14-15; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:8, etc.).
Titus 2 tells us that we are only saved by divine grace and only kept to the end by His enabling grace.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:11-15
Deliverance from sin/sinning is only possible through faith, loving, worshiping, and obeying our LORD, that is, moment-by-moment abiding in Christ, the crucified life, being raised up by His Spirit (Romans 6; 8:13-14, etc.).
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” 1 John 3:3-6
Perfection is the perfect forgiveness and justification of the LORD which God brings about by His Spirit and our faith which always brings our adherence to the daily cross (Philippians 2:12-13). It’s divine perfection worked out in the abiding disciple as he walks in the Spirit abiding in Christ (Galatians 5:16, 25, etc.).
True OR Feigned Holiness? | Saving, Enabling Grace | Have We Ourselves Become Pharisees? | The Spirit of Holiness |
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