sgys banner books

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

Sign up for free email devotional here.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Abiding

“And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be Preached in all the World” [podcast]


“All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9  Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

10  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.

14  And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:8-14

The true remnant of Christ are known in that they are enduring to the end in the midst of iniquity, abounding and preaching the Gospel of Jesus the King to the world.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”  Mark 16:15

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ, admitting I have been living for my own evil glory. I am a sinner. I’ve committed the sin of idolatry, having myself first instead of You. I admit here and now before You that I have been committing the damning sin of spiritual adultery. I have claimed to know You and yet refused to uncompromisingly adhere to Your Word. Here and now, right now if never before, I repent and ask You to forgive my sins and to wash me afresh from my sins in the precious blood of Jesus Christ my LORD. Into Your hands I commend, I submit my spirit, my life, right this moment and ask You dear LORD to fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me to preach Your glorious message of repentance to those around me so that they can receive the forgiveness of all their sins and walk in the times of refreshing from Your holy presence dear LORD. I love You Jesus. I am all Yours and I know You are all mine. In Jesus’ Name amen.

Evangelism

Here are all the ministry’s shorts (60 sec) videos. Feel free to share and subscribe to the ministry YT channel:

See all shorts videos here on ministry youtube channel.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates |  Because You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God  | Waste | Stewardship | GivingLet Him be Your Fear [podcast]Why We Need Not Fear DeathFear Not Little Flock | The Glorious Church Jesus is Returning For [podcast]

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Apostasy

Jesus Promised Judas an Eternal Throne in Heaven but He Chose to go to Hell #shorts [video]

​ Judas died and went to eternal hell, irrevocably as every lost soul shall experience (Acts 1:25). Judas is the “son of perdition” and “perdition” means damnation (John 17:12).

Here’s all the ministry’s shorts (60 secs) videos. Feel free to share:

See all shorts videos here on ministry youtube channel.

Judas was even sent out with the other apostles to heal the sick, raise the dead, and preach Christ’s Gospel (Matthew 10:1-8). He was real, then backslid and is in hell (Acts 1:16-25).

The Truth about Judas

“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones (not 11), judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:28)

Judas wasn’t kept and Jesus specifically and irrefutably promised him an eternal throne in Heaven – Matthew 19:28. “TWELVE” not eleven~!

At the time of this divinely-given promise, it is more than abundantly clear that Judas was eternally secure, otherwise Christ would have never given this promise to the “twelve” which includes Judas Iscariot (Matthew 19:28). It is only after this that Judas allowed iniquity in his heart and by his own deliberate will fell by his own iniquity (Acts 1:25; Heb. 3:12-15).

“Saying, I (Judas) have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.” Matthew 27:4

“Eternal security”? Don’t kid yourself. Moral cowards who refuse to take person accountability for their every thought, motive, and deed love this lie. Satan’s first lie – which led to the fall of mankind (Gen 2:17; 3:4).

“For if AFTER they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are AGAIN entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, AFTER they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” 2 Peter 2:20-21

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Eternal Security/OSASAccounted Worthy to Escape [podcast] |Sealed?The Return of Christ | SupportLie of the Ages [podcast]10 Questions about Eternal SecurityIs Salvation Eternal?The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security [podcast]The Essential of Fearing God | The KING is Coming [podcast] | Lie of the Ages (Blockbuster book exposing OSAS and calvinism)

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Articles

Obedience or Love – Which is Most Important? [podcast]


“IF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15

Have you ever noticed the “If” of this statement by our LORD Jesus?

Okay, reread the words of Jesus above and see what comes first in the sentence – “love” or keeping His commands.

“IF you love me, keep my commandments” says Jesus (John 14:15)…. IF we don’t know and love Him there’s no use trying to keep His Word…. He’s not speaking of keeping His Word in order to earn His justification but rather as the fruit of knowing Him in a saving relationship….

“Few seem to understand the huge difference between obedience and legalism. We obey because we love God and we know obedience doesn’t save us. Legalism believes by obeying they are saved by it. We that are born again know only the blood of Jesus saved us but we also know that obedience proves we are saved and keeps us saved. It is joy to obey the Lord as we love what He loves and we hate what He hates. Amen.” Shirley Bruso

—- JESUS IS NOT GLORIFIED BY THE KEEPing OF HIS INSTRUCTIONS/COMMANDS BY THOSE WHO DON’T LOVE HIM …. LOVE COMES FIRST – LOVING AND WORSHIPPING HIM IS MOST IMPORTANT TO GOD. “IF IF, IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.” JOHN 14:15

“Ye are my friends, IF ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15:14

LOVE is the governing factor:

“We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

Of John 14:15 and 15:14, one source notes the following:

“In John 14:15 and 15:14 (KJV), Jesus teaches that love and obedience go together, meaning real love for Him naturally leads to doing His commands rather than separating love from works.
What the Verses Say
    • John 14:15: Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” He makes keeping His words the direct proof of love.
    • John 15:14: Jesus says, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” He shows that friendship with Him requires action and obedience.
    How Love and Works Connect
      • Love is the root: Jesus starts with love as the inner heart motive.
      • Works are the fruit: Doing His commands is the outward action that proves the love is real.
      • They are not separate: Jesus does not say love replaces works; He says love produces obedience.”

    Love begins with God and any relationship requires reciprocating love – love flowing from each of the 2 parties to one another.

    “And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, FOR THE LOVE HE HAD TO HER.” Genesis 29:20 

    Jacob didn’t mind serving a whole 7 years for Rachel, because he loved her so much. The true disciple doesn’t view serving God as drudgery but rather delight – because he loves God supremely!

    “A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.” John 16:21

    “His commandment are not grievous”

    “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3

    IF I don’t love Jesus, do you think He’s honored when I try to obey what He said? No.

    “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God…” Matthew 22:37

    “IFFF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15

    IF WE LOVE JESUS, OBEYING HIM IS JOY, JUST AS IT WAS FOR JACOB AS HE SERVED A WHOLE 7 YEARS TO OBTAIN A LIFELONG MARITAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS BELOVED RACHEL (GENESIS 29:20).

    Perhaps we are not understanding the divine economy as Christ meant us to understand Him. Jesus says “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14) It’s only IF I love Jesus that He is interested in my doing the things He told HIS true people to do, otherwise, my good works are in vain, even if I suffer martyrdom by burning my body – “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2)  IF WE DON’T LOVE HIM – truly – with our whole heart, mind, and strength He’s not interested in us obeying Him (Matthew 22:37-39). Now, of course, if I truly do love Him, I will obey Him and yet Jesus doesn’t want us to think we are impressing Him by outward obedience only. In the divine economy, it all begins with LOVE – “God so LOVED the world that He gave ….” (John 3:16) The Bible informs us that “The Lord looketh on the heart” and if He sees that I don’t truly love Him, He’s not interested in my vain outward show (1 Samuel 16:7).

    “IFFFF you love me keep my commandments” and not “prove you love me by keeping my commandments” (John 14:15) … big difference. Jesus isn’t interested in any law keeper keeping His commandments …. He desires and calls His people to love Him! If not, there’s no reason to try to obey Him.

    “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

    Those who truly know and love Him do His commandments. They don’t live on their own terms but rather on His. They delight to do His will because they truly seek, know, and love Him who bled to redeem their otherwise hopeless, wretched souls. Yet, obedience saves no one. Keeping His commandments doesn’t save you – the pharisees claimed to do that while refusing to come to Christ whom (John 5:39-40). No, God alone can save and He does so on His terms – initial and ongoing faith “which worketh by love” which is relationship. Yes, “faith … worketh by love.” (Galatians 5:6) Remember that even if a person goes so far as to give their body to be burned and has no love – they don’t love God, their obedience, their sacrifice is in vain (1 Corinthians 13:3).

    1 Thessalonians 1:3 speaks to those already saved using the phrases “work of faith, and labour of love.” Please pay close attention to the words “faith” and “love.”  “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” (1 Thessalonians 1:3)

    When God initially saves us, He puts a love in our hearts for Him which is manifested by putting our faith in Christ. Jesus taught that knowing the Father and Himself were cardinal in His kingdom. – “And this is life eternal (the whole purpose for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

    “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8 

    That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:10 

    DID GOD send His only begotten Son to create an army of mechanical law-keepers OR a family who knows, worships, and adores Him? What does the Bible say is the cardinal reason for the whole plan of redemption? Why did God send His only begotten Son to bleed, be buried, and raised again to justify all who would come to Him? Are you familiar with what the LORD told us in Exodus 25:8, Matthew 22:37-40, and Philippians 3:10? We must have anchored in our hearts this glorious truth of knowing Him! Nothing else matters if we don’t relish Him, adore Him, and worship Him. If you name the name of Jesus Christ, it would greatly benefit your life, understanding. and ministry to memorize the words of the very Redeemer Himself as is recorded in John 17:3. More on that later.

    If we love the LORD truly and our neighbor we will not steal, lie, covet, bear false witness, hate, commit adultery, OR any of those other sins and be walking in God’s perfect will. It’s really quite simple actually. But first we must examine this day whether or not we truly love Him.

    One writer notes:

    “Holiness is first and foremost agape love. Unconditional love for all, including enemies of us and enemies of God. This over-emphasis on repentance can make us the initiator and God the responder if we are not careful. God is always the initiator.”

    IT IS MY OPINION THAT WE SHOULD BEGIN TO BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO OVER-EMPHASIZE OBEDIENCE WHILE NEGLECTING TO PREACH THE COMMAND TO KNOW, LOVE, AND ABIDE IN CHRIST. ALL OF OUR OUTWARD OBEDIENCE IS IN VAIN IF WE DON’T AUTHENTICALLY LOVE HIM.  MANY WHO PREACH SEEM TO BE DOING THIS AND ARE CALLING MANY TO WORSHIP AT THE ALTAR OF SELF BY PERPETRATING THE FALSE NOTION THAT CHRIST’S ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE WAS NOT ENOUGH. THIS SEEMS TO RESONATE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT TRULY AND UNRESERVEDLY SURRENDERED TO CHRIST AND WHO WANT TO FEEL AS IF THEY ARE HELPING TO EARN THEIR OWN SALVATION WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE. WHAT DOES ROMANS 4:4-5 TELL US?

    “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5 

    So, while it’s absolute that ALL who have saving faith in Christ are obedient and have good fruit in their lives, those good works and good fruit aren’t what saves them. No, good fruit merely evidences that there is a relationship. Christ alone can save and He does that instantly when a lost soul believes upon Him (John 6:47; Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1, etc.). The Great Shepherd of His sheep keeps His people saved as they keep themselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 21: 1 Peter 1:5)

    “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21

    The story of Jesus, Mary, and Martha is yet another place in the Scriptures of truth that clearly reveal what God is looking for from us – to love and to worship Him supremely.

    “Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

    Jesus speaks to us of an abiding union/relationship with Him where He calls us His friends. I want to encourage you to read John 15 closely this week. In this discourse on the Husbandman (the Father), the Vine (Jesus), and the branches (us), you will note that the relationship precedes the fruit bearing. While the fruit reveals the root – testifies to the relationship – fruit doesn’t save, neither does obedience. God does require us to obey Him by putting our faith in Christ to save us, but it’s He who saves us. Jesus Christ alone can save. Ephesians 2:8-10 reveals that we are saved by His grace through our faith and that we are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”

    Consider that our LORD was “moved with compassion” toward those in need (Matthew 9:36). The great apostle said “the love of Christ constraineth (compels) us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14)

    At times we quote 1 John 2:4 and yet, let’s look at a wider angle of this passage:

    And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandmentsHe that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:3-6

    “But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice…” Matthew 9:13

    “And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” Joel 2:13

    Is loving God more important that obeying God? Both are obviously important and yet, in the divine economy, which is most important?

    Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

    Am I choosing and learning to “love the Lord” with my whole heart?

    Andre Alexis writes: “Christianity is more than merely believing and obeying commands and reaping the promises of God. Christianity is not a religion: it is a relationship. And a relationship requires communication. Therefore, prayer is essential, because it is through prayer that you and I communicate with our heavenly Father.” …. This is a simple truth and yet bears stating as brother Andre did above. This is especially important due to the epidemic of charlatans which have promulgated a “what’s in it for me?” self-serving lifestyle upon millions who don’t bother to truly lay down their lives and see with their own eyes the full counsel of our LORD’s Word which actually communicate the very “thoughts of his heart.” (Psalms 33:11). The LORD wants a relationship with each of His children. He’s not just there to answer our every prayer while we commit spiritual adultery by wasting our time/lives in this fleeting world playing games, giving hours to frivolous foolishness, etc. He wants our hearts. Jesus told us the reason the Father sent Him in John 17:3. This was David’s and Paul’s whole goal in their respective earthly lives (Psalms 27:4, 8; Philippians 3:10). Jesus told us He wants an abiding relationship that bears fruit that remains to His eternal glory (John 15:1-16).

    After being saved, under the new covenant, it’s not law keeping but rather abiding in Christ, amen? John 15 “Abide in me.”

    “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

    LOVE IS THE CARDINAL EVIDENCE OR FRUIT THAT ONE KNOWS GOD.
    Do we truly know Him who “is love”? (1 John 4:8, 16) Love is a divine attribute that is, without exception, resident in every man who is truly in right standing with God (Galatians 5:22-23)

    PRAYER: Holy heavenly Father, I come to You impoverished in spirit. For without You dear LORD, we can do nothing. You are love and I am not and yet, I ask You here and now to more deeply imbue my innermost man with and teach me Your love. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

    Uphold Jesus (audio)

    Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.

    Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Bridegroom is Calling His BridePurifying Ourselves as He is Pure [podcast]10 Clues Your Love for God is Waxing Cold [podcast] | More on the Sabbath of the New Testament – Jesus!

    Join Us

    We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

    Please wait...

    Thank you for signing up!

     

    Continue Reading

    Categories

    donate button round
    sgys-books01

    Trending