“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:” Romans 1:4
Chapter 1-16
Chapter 1
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7 to all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10 making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 that is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 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. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Chapter 2
Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 but after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 but glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 for there is no respect of persons with God.
12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 16 in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, 18 and knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 19 and art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? 23 thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? 24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. 25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Chapter 3
What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. 5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? 7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? 8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14 whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 their feet are swift to shed blood: 16 destruction and misery are in their ways: 17 and the way of peace have they not known: 18 there is no fear of God before their eyes. 19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30 seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law
Chapter 4
What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 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. 6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (as it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: 20 he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Chapter 5
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 and patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (for until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Chapter 6
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 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.
Chapter 7
Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? 2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. 4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. 9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. 12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Chapter 8
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 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. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Chapter 9-10
I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, 2 that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: 4 who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; 5 whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7 neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. 9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. 10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11 (for the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? 20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? 21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 23 and that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, 24 even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? 25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. 26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. 27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: 28 for he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. 29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33 as it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Chapter 10
Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7 or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 and how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. 19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. 20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. 21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
Chapter 11
I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded 8 (according as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. 9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: 10 let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway. 11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14 if by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. 15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? 16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18 boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. 24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 for this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31 even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Chapters 12-16
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Chapter 13
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Chapter 14
14 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. 10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Chapter 15
15 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: 9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. 10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. 11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. 12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. 13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, 16 that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. 17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, 19 through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: 21 but as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; 24 whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. 25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. 26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. 27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. 28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. 29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; 31 that I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judæa; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; 32 that I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Chapter 16
1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 2 that ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4 who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epænetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. 7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. 9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. 10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household. 11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. 12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. 13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. 15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. 16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. 22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. 23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 27 to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
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Abiding
The Prayer Life of Jesus [podcast]
Prayer is communion, communing with God. Those who earnestly seek God in prayer, who earnestly seek to know Him and to fulfill His will for their temporary lives in this world…. will glorify Him here and to be with Him eternally.
What do we learn from the prayer life of our LORD Jesus?
“Luke 5:16 PRAYERS OF JESUS. Luke stresses more than the other gospels the place of prayer in the life and work of Jesus. When the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at the Jordan, He was ‘praying’ (3:21), at times He withdrew from the multitudes ‘and prayed (5:16); ‘and He continued all night in prayer before choosing the twelve disciples (6:12). He was ‘alone praying’ before He asked His disciples an important question (9:18); at His transfiguration He climbed the mountain ‘to pray’ (9:28); the actual transfiguration occurred while ‘he prayed’ (9:29); and He ‘was praying’ just before He taught the disciple’s the Lord’s Prayer (11:1). In Gethsemane He ‘prayed more earnestly’ (22:44); on the cross He prayed for others (23:34); and His last words uttered before His death were a prayer (23:46). Luke also mentions that He prayed after His resurrection (24:30).
In examining the life of Jesus in the other Gospels, we note that He prayed before extending the invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labour …’ (Mat. 11:25-28); He prayed at Lazarus’s tomb (John 11:41-42), for Peter (Luke 22:32), and during the institution of the Lord’s Supper (John 17).” Life in the Spirit Study Bible
“And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.” Matthew 14:23
“14:23 PRAY ALONE. While on earth, Jesus often sought time to be alone with God (cf. Mark 1:35; 6:46; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18; 22:41-42; Heb. 5:7). Time alone with God is essential to the spiritual well-being of every believer. We must continually remember that the lack of desire for solitary prayer to our heavenly Father is an unmistakable sign that the spiritual life within us is in a process of decline. If this is happening, we must turn from all that offends the Lord and renew our commitment to persevere in seeking God and His saving grace.” Life in the Spirit Study Bible
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” Luke 18:1
“18:1 MEN OUGHT ALWAYS TO PRAY. Jesus was frequently concerned that His followers pray continually in order to accomplish God’s will for their lives. From this parable of the widow who persevered we learn several things; (1) We must persevere in prayer with regard to all matters until Jesus returns (vv 7-8; Rom. 12:12; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17). (2) In this life we have an adversary (v. 3), Satan (1 Pet. 5:8). Prayer can protect us from the evil one (Mat. 6:13). (3) In our prayers we should cry out against sin and for justice (v 7). (4) Persistent prayer is counted as faith (v. 8). (5) In the final days before the return of Christ, there will be increased diabolical opposition to the prayers of the faithful (1 Tim. 4:1). Because of Satan and the pleasures of the world many will cease having a persistent prayer life (8:14; Mat. 13:22; Mark 4:19).” Life in the Spirit Study Bible
SUMMATION you might ask?
Following Jesus by living a life of prayer with the Father and Himself – living your life in complete submission to and dependency upon the LORD …. daily declaring with John the Baptist that “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30).
“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” John 5:30
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Be persistent. Be relentless – in praying, communing with your God!
Read aloud, begin to memorize and live out:
“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
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Articles
IS DOUBTING YOUR SALVATION ALWAYS A BAD THING? [podcast]
Making Sure We are Truly Saved While We Still Can
Obviously, the assurance of salvation should concern each and every one of us.
“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32
Notice “if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” Note that those who honestly assess and amend their ways in the LORD will not be judged with the wicked. Those who don’t, will be. They will fall away and not endure to the end (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 3:6, 12-15; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21, etc.).
Are you judging yourself, testing and discerning your life against Holy Scripture?
“Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.” Proverbs 28:5
Counterfeits refuse to judge their actual fruit, their lives. They want the assurance of eternal glory with no responsibility of actual repentance and an abiding, obedient relationship with the Savior they claim. They want the crown without the cross. They do not wish to be bothered with truly engaging in an abiding relationship with Jesus on His stated terms but rather seek to use Him to get them out of hell. Jesus tells all who’ve been saved that abiding, remaining in Him to the end of their lives is essential to eternity with Him (John 15:6, etc.).
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
Is believing the biblical truth that a saved person can backslide, fall away, and forfeit their place with God (lose salvation) a bad thing? No. It’s only a bad thing in the minds of those who want to live on their own depraved, self-serving terms while deluding themselves into thinking they are going to God’s holy Heaven.
WHY are we so afraid of doubting if we are truly saved – born again AND presently abiding in Christ? (John 15:1-6). It will be too late when we die which could be today. Think about this. NOW is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2) and so today is the day to honestly examine ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:31-32; 2 Corinthians 13:5). Please read the LORD’s book of Ezekiel. You will discover many divine treasures in this magnificent volume. Share this message if you wish to help others.
“A disciplined conscience is a man’s best friend. It may not be his most amiable, but it is his most faithful monitor.” Austin Phelps
“LORD Jesus, please grant me the Holy Fear of God!” should be the daily prayer of every true saint.
“Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” Psalms 86:11
I told someone recently that I love listening to a preacher or reading Scripture that can make me doubt my salvation because it further quickens my spirit in the fear of God to scamper to the feet of Jesus afresh.
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” 1 John 3:19-21
As we see in the passage above, assurance of salvation fills the hearts of all born again believers are who working out their own salvation with fear and trembling.
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13
There are conditions the LORD requires to procure and walk in His blessings.
Assurance of salvation is biblical. Eternal security is not. The idea that one is eternally secure no matter what they do after being saved, is a lie from hell. Jesus told us that among those He saves, any who don’t abide, continue with Him, will be cast into the fire (John 15:6).
The lack of a clear conscience, the lack of assurance in one’s heart, is due to the lack of present abiding, obedience. All who are Christ’s and presently abiding, are filled with the assurance of His salvation. Read John 15.
Wolves among us, when addressing assurance, nearly never speak of the personal responsibility God gives to all He saves – to obey Him (John 14:15, 21-23, etc.). When one lacks assurance, it’s only because they have chosen to lack obeying the Savior (2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Jude 3-4).
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22
WHAT ABOUT WHEN SOMEONE ELSE DOUBTS THAT YOU ARE TRULY SAVED?
When a true believer in Jesus Christ questions someone’s salvation, it is in no way to be rude, but rather out of godly concern. Jesus told us to “know” (discern) people “by their fruit” (Matt. 7:16, 20). Good “fruit” (produce) can only come forth from the born again, abiding disciple of Jesus. Good fruit comes forth from a real relationship with Christ (John 15). One must know Him and that begins at the moment of true repentance and faith (Acts 20:21).
If the overall fruit of someone’s life is not that which the Bible teaches is consistent with truly knowing Jesus and having been regenerated, then there should be concern.
There are some among us who violently object to doubting someone’s salvation, Yet, based on the biblical mandate to “know” (discern) others “by their fruits,” this will happen at times (Matthew 7:16, 20). When a professing Christian’s salvation is doubted based upon lack of good fruit to prove it, some become irate with a “How dare you doubt my/that person’s salvation! Just who are you to do such a thing!?” But wait a minute – didn’t Jesus instruct us to “know” others based on their “fruits”? (Matthew 7:16, 20). And if there are no counterfeits who pose as Christ’s people, why did Jesus say that there are chaff among the wheat? (Matthew 13). Yes He did and so why are we surprised if some of those around us are found to be lost even though they think they are saved? And yes the chaff are going to be separated by the angels in the end but for now Jesus told us to discern (to distinguish between) or to “know” them “by their fruits” and that’s done by fruit inspection.
One man said that he believed that over 90% of church goers in America have never been genuinely born again as we “must be” in order to be brought into God’s kingdom (John 3:3, 7).
Repentance is where and when regeneration happens. In the modern church world, such a foundational biblical doctrine is rarely mentioned much less preached or correctly taught to define what it is and bring conviction to the hearers. In the vast majority of churches today, salvation is never or seldom presented. So how can the sinner respond in repentance and be saved? Is it any wonder so few are saved? People are rarely if ever called to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ today as they were publicly called to do by the apostles of Jesus (Acts 2:38; 3:19).
There are some people who hang around with the Christian body that I just never got a peace about. There doesn’t seem to be the presence of the divine Person of the Holy Spirit and therefore the fruit He alone can produce is absent (Galatians 5:22-23). One must be born again and given a new nature by the LORD or we are not His. When this conversion takes place, there will be good fruit (Matthew 3:7-10).
Should we float people all the way into hell instead of helping make sure they have truly repented and been born again? Is that love or hatred?
If someone questions our salvation, how should we react? How about this way: “Well, thank you for being concerned about my eternal soul. I am open and willing to investigate (biblically) the possibility that I may not have truly repented (laid down my life) and placed my faith in Jesus Christ. Or, since He saved me in the past, perhaps I have backslidden and no longer know Him due to allowing sin in my life.”
HONEST CONCERN VERSUS CRUEL CONDEMNATION
There are going to be children of the enemy that will come in and attempt to confuse and to derail you by doubting that you are saved. They do this to bring “confusion and every evil work” instead of “godly edifying” (James 3:16; 1 Timothy 1:4).
David, the man after God’s own heart, was often persecuted by the wicked, his place with God being the central attack of the enemy.
“My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? … As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?” Psalms 42:3, 10
Those who are His have the “witness” of His Spirit in them:
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Romans 8:16
Why are you bothered when someone else doubts your salvation? Do you have the bearing witness of the Holy Spirit as a witness in your heart? (Romans 8:16). If you are assured by God (not self or mere man) of your salvation, why would you be concerned if someone else doubted it? Can you say with Paul “nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day”? (2 Timothy 1:12). Did God not say that we who have and are believing the record He gave of His Son have HIS “witness” within us?
“If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:9-13
David told us that our “sentence” comes from the LORD Himself not man:
“Let my sentence (verdict) come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.” Psalms 17:2
The Hebrew word that is translated “sentence” here means: act of deciding a case, decision, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable), sentence of formal decree.
By reason of creation, God Himself is the only One who can determine judicially that one is righteous or unrighteous, just or unjust, justified or not justified. The Almighty is the only One qualified to sentence any individual to Heaven or hell. Either He approves of us or He disapproves of us (Ezekiel 18:4).
“STRONG CONFIDENCE”
“In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:26-27
The key to having “strong confidence” and escaping “the snares of death,” is fearing God.
God’s Word tells us that “The fear of the Lord is clean” (Psalms 19:9). The heart that truly fears God is made “clean” from any doubt and has full and “strong confidence” or assurance and strength of conviction.
The key is being with Jesus – being in Christ. Jesus told us that those who are “with” Him are His and all others are “against” Him (Matthew 12:30). The whole of Holy Scripture is the very testimony of God and we can plainly observe that being presently and truly “in Christ” is the determining factor.
The Father spoke from Heaven audibly, declaring of Christ, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). ALL who are presently in Christ, are well pleasing to God – justified, sentenced and declared righteous. Justification, to be declared righteous by God, is always “by faith” (Romans 3:21-5:17; Hebrews 11:4-7).
Ultimately, your “sentence” or sentencing comes forth from God alone who is the only Judge of your eternal soul. In light of this, Paul writes:
“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:33-34
According to the whole counsel of God’s Word, believers in Jesus Christ – those who genuinely turn to God in repentance, placing their faith in Jesus Christ – have been shown mercy by God. This gift of eternal life was made possible through the finished and perfect work of the One sinless, perfect Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who bled on the cross, was buried, and rose again from the dead. He is “the Son of God with power.”
“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:” Romans 1:4
Being rooted and grounded in God’s love is so very important to being “sound in the faith,” having a “sound heart” and a “sound mind” (Proverbs 14:30; 2 Timothy 1:7; Titus 1:13). This all comes from learning and believing “sound doctrine” (Titus 1:9; 2:1).
GOING DEEP
Heeding the apostle Paul’s exhortation to all those whom the LORD has saved, is essential to an ever-deepening, abiding, assured place with the LORD.
“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.” Colossians 2:6-7
Only going on to perfection (spiritual maturity) by learning and obeying the truth of God can make one free from doubting that He is God’s child (Hebrews 5:11-6:3).
“As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. … If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:30-32, 36
As the born again disciple of Christ continues to walk in the light of truth with Jesus, He is kept in Christ and assured of salvation.
“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 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 1:6-7
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Apostasy
BEWARE of the Wolf Defenders [podcast]
A DANGEROUS BREED OF HYPOCRITE!
Truth-Despising, Wolf-Worshiping,
Devil-Defending Agents of Satan who Think they are Saved (think again!)
Walking in God’s love can never be separated from walking in God’s truth! They are divinely, eternally married! Don’t you dare claim to be walking in God’s love if you are not speaking God’s truth (Ephesians 4:15; Proverbs 27:5-6).
The true man of God fears God and therefore fears no man. He will speak the truth no matter what the cost.
“When you want to help people, you tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear.” Thomas Sowell
MORAL cowards are self-serving and deceitful. When THEY want something to be true, they ignore God’s Word and want to argue to defend their position instead of dying to self and believing and living by the WORD of God. Repent sinner. “Let God be true and EVERY man a liar” (Romans 3:4).
Jesus says, “Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15).
If you seek to justify sinners against the counsel of God’s Word, you are not a man of truth but rather a self-serving moral coward who seeks to justify sinners instead of loving them enough to give them the truth so they can be saved. Repent sinner.
“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.” Proverbs 17:15
Judge not those who “judge righteous judgment”! (John 7:24)
“Today’s church cannot remain faithful if it tolerates false teachers and leaves their teachings uncorrected and unconfronted.” Albert Mohler
The JUDGE has spoken in a book called THE BIBLE. He’s calling us to pay attention when we read it. His written WORD records for us HIS judgments – the judgments of the Judge. So, the lame misuse of the “judge not” scripture is a cover up from novices to justify their worship of wolves who feed their flesh nature instead of telling them God requires them to live the crucified life (Matthew 7:1-5; Philippians 3:18-19; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 2 John 10-11, etc.).
Jesus says “Judge righteous judgment” and the only way to do that is call the shots like He does in His written Word – beginning with our own lives and out from there (John 7:24). YES GOD is the Judge and THE JUDGE HAS SPOKEN His judgments in the 66 glorious books in the canon of His Word. So there are no excuses. We shall be judged by His Word, the Bible (John 12:48; Romans 2:16; Revelation 20:10-15).
“The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” John 12:48
YES, God is the Judge and THE JUDGE HAS SPOKEN – it’s called the BIBLE. We have HIS judgments on record in the Bible. Now let’s repent and cease the smokescreens to evade truly repenting! See John 3:19-21.
ATTENTION: The LORD calls His people to mark and to expose His enemies and not defend or support them! Those who prop up, support, follow, and defend the obvious wolves operating among the professing church only do so due to their own refusal to study to show themselves approved before a holy God (2 Timothy 2:15). It’s time to get immersed in the Word!
WARNING: YOU’D BETTER MAKE SURE YOU AREN’T COVERING FOR AND DEFENDING ONE OF THE “MANY FALSE PROPHETS” JESUS REPEATEDLY WARNED US TO “BEWARE OF” (Matthew 7:15; 24:11, 24, etc.). IF YOU DO, YOU WILL GO TO HELL WITH THEM!
Isn’t it so hypocritically interesting how those who misuse Jesus’ word “Judge not” and how they don’t think twice to condemn you for supposedly condemning others? So, they are telling you not to judge (out of context) while they openly judge you. SMH at these blinded hypocrites. In Matthew 7:1-5 Jesus was speaking of hypocritical judgment, not all judgment! Stop taking Jesus’ words out of context!
The kingdom of God is not dictated by any mere human’s emotions or notions. Let’s live by God’s Word saints.
LIKE IT OR NOT, it is the divine mandate and duty of the members of Christ’s body to “earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints” against “ungodly men” who are false teachers. Read Jude 3-4. The divine mandate to mark false teachers is none of your business or mine! God didn’t ask you before He spoke and commanded that these things be done. This kingdom of God is not relegated to you or me, nor our flimsy musings. We live by God’s Word and not someone’s emotions or un-sanctified whims (Colossians 2:8). Do we not understand that God wants to protect His sheep? The kingdom of God is about KING JESUS, not you! It’s time to die to self!
SUPPORTING WOLVES (Christ’s very subverting enemies) will land you in hell with them according to God’s Word.
Those who try to shut down warnings are simply afraid they are the next ones to be exposed! Repent! John 3:19-21
Counterfeits defend their wolves while true remnant disciples of Jesus are “set for the defence of the gospel” as was Paul the apostle (Philippians 1:17).
Tina McGovern writes:
“It is astounding and amazes me every time people defend these actions and condemn the actions of the righteous who hold to the truth clearly brought forward in Scriptures. But…as we know…it takes false followers to follow false teachers and false prophets…all in hopes of being extravagantly rich to spend it on their lusts. It’s like manipulating the mind to feel free to lust guiltlessly. Dear Lord, You alone know who are Yours. In your great mercy make a way where there appears to be no way, to deliver those who are deceived and fallen captive to the deceiver. Deliver them to the uttermost.”
JOIN THE CHORUS with the remnant of Christ’s elect … by openly shining the light of truth on the false teachings and teachers of our day who are being used of Satan to lead millions to eternal damnation (Isaiah 9:16; Matthew 15:14). This is not a game! The apostle Paul said he was “set for the defence of the gospel” and Jude mandated that we “earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints” against “ungodly men” (Philippians 1:17; Jude 3-4). When we look at what the whole of Scripture tells us about wolves among us and their mission (steal, kill, destroy), we may see a different picture. We will see them as the very agents of Satan we are told they are (2 Corinthians 11:12-15). The books Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us and Predators in Our Pulpits were written to showcase a myriad of shunned and purposely neglected Bible verses about wolves and their characteristics and methods.
The “Great Shepherd of the sheep” (Heb. 13:20) fully intends to protect the sheep He died for and part of that protection comes from His body/watchmen’s warnings. “Warn them from me” (Ezekiel 3:7).
THE LORD’S WATCHMEN are on their posts and doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing – warning. “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.” (Ezekiel 33:7)
In fact, if the watchman doesn’t sound the alarm, warning of danger, he is guilty before God.
“But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.” Ezekiel 33:6
Ernie Collins writes:
“WOE UNTO THE FOOLISH WHO CONTINUE TO BE DECEIVED WITH GREAT DECEPTION OF FALSE TEACHERS AND PREACHERS; FOR THEY WILL SURELY FACE THE GREAT JUDGMENT AND WRATH WITH THE LAKE OF FIRE FOR THEIR FOOLISHNESS. A DIRE WARNING WITH GREAT CONSEQUENCES FOR ALL FALSE TEACHERS AND PREACHERS: JEREMIAH 23:1-2 (KJV) AUTHORIZED EDITION BIBLE:
1: WOE BE UNTO THE PASTORS THAT DESTROY AND SCATTER THE SHEEP OF MY PASTURE! SAITH THE LORD.
2: THEREFORE THUS SAITH THE LORD GOD OF ISRAEL AGAINST THE PASTORS THAT FEED MY PEOPLE; YE HAVE SCATTERED MY FLOCK, AND DRIVEN THEM AWAY, AND HAVE NOT VISITED THEM: BEHOLD, I WILL VISIT UPON YOU THE EVIL OF YOUR DOINGS, SAITH THE LORD.” ERNIE COLLINS
The LORD told us that He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Yet, He will not save any person who freely chooses to give ear to, to support, to fund, and/or defend His enemies (2 Chronicles 19:2; 2 John 7-11, etc.). Such is high treason.
Does Satan have agents? Yes (2 Cor. 11:12-15). And, who would want to defend those emissaries except those who are also Satan’s agents? JUST WHO would want Satan’s emissaries to continue to mislead people? Who? Who other than those who are also Satan’s property due to their unrepentant hearts? Do you recall how Satan entered into one of Jesus’ own twelve? See John 13:27.
So who can prove by Scripture or even common sense that protection via warning is a sin? Who can show that it’s God’s mandate and His will for His body to do?
“Judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). When you attack someone for judging, you are judging them. If there is no judgment/discernment, why are you judging someone for judging? You are doing exactly what you are accusing them of doing (Romans 2:1-3). Jesus says: “Ye shall know (Gr. discern) them BY THEIR FRUITS” (Matthew 7:16, 20).
Charles Kennon writes:
“‘Judge Not’…One of the most misunderstood and improperly applied verses in the Bible. Few read the entirety of this portion of Scripture thus understanding that Jesus was not condemning righteous judgment but rather rebuking men for hypocritical judgment.
Be not deceived my friend, WE ALL JUDGE…The question is this; By what STANDARD do we Judge? By God’s Word or by what seems right to US. Here is a touchstone by which you can examine yourself. Those who are of God employ the phrase ‘Judge not’ in a DIDACTIC manner to properly instruct others in the way (Matthew 7:1-5). Those who are not of God employ ‘Judge not’ in a DEFENSIVE manner to evade the truth and justify themselves when the light of God’s Word uncovers or confronts them in their sin (Genesis 19:9).”
Jesus says “Judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). Paul wrote “do not ye judge them that are within?” (1 Corinthians 5:12).
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“God is the only one can judge everyone. He will judge you also guys. Be careful of what you are saying. Anyway your judgment isn’t going to change anything. It conveys hatred and not Christian love. We will be judged with the same measure.”
RESPONSE:
1. Is God the Judge? Yes or no? 2. Did God, the Judge, speak? Do you know about the Book called the Holy Bible? THAT is God’s judgments and He, the Judge, told us that all idolaters are going to hell (Rev 21:8). All who reject Christ for their religion, like Teresa, are not forgiven and going to hell. The Judge has spoken – from Genesis to Revelation. It’s time to repent, fast and pray, until you fear no one except the LORD. At that point He will grant you a fearlessness to preach His Word, regardless of how mere sinful men respond (Is. 51:7, 12; Gal. 1:10). This person you are defending is a sinful woman who refused to repent and be saved by the grace of God through Christ alone. She promoted an antichrist, works-based religion her whole life. The Bible assures us that every false teacher will have eternal “damnation” (2 Peter 2:1-3.) You have no clue what love is. You going to call JESUS CHRIST unloving for openly lambasting the false leaders of His day and telling them they were going to hell? Read Matt 23. Repent. “Open rebuke is better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Proverbs 27:5-6). You are in direct disobedience to the LORD by not earnestly contending against His enemies and marking and exposing them (Rom. 16:17-18; Ephesians 5:11; Jude 3-4, etc.). Repent and follow Jesus by exposing false leaders! (Matt, 23, etc.). While feigning to love Jesus, you are defending one of the false prophets He repeatedly warned us about who spent her life leading precious souls away from Him and into eternal hell. Repent.
Since when is warning Christ’s sheep of the devouring wolves hateful? Since when is such judgmental? It’s only wrong in the eyes of those who are biblically illiterate. They have time to watch TV, listen to clowns like Osteen, etc. and no time to diligently study God’s Word. “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). DO YOU warn your children when they are young to stay away from the street? Yes. Why? TO PROTECT THEM. How hateful would you be NOT to teach them to stay clear of danger?
So, are you saying the apostle Paul was being unloving and judgmental when he said this to a false prophet? – “And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” (Acts 13:10).
You are attempting to selfishly protect and defend those who have told you everything’s okay without repenting (tickled your ears while flattering your flesh). They make you feel good now but you will hurt forever unless you truly repent and lay down your life and truly follow Christ – become HIS disciple. When you do, you will forsake the false Christs and idols.
As the Holy Ghost foretold, false prophets in this late hour are very popular because most would rather listen to feel good, tell-me-what-I-want-to-hear stories than “endure (hold themselves accountable to) sound doctrine.” But rather are “turned unto fables” which are feel-good, it’s all about ME stories (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
“WHO HATH BEWITCHED YOU? THE LORD SAYS COME LET US REASON TOGETHER.CHOOSE THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE. TRUTH CUTS AWAY AT THE FLESH, YES THE FLESH AND GUESS WHAT? IT HURTS NOW DOESN’T IT? BUT SHALL WE PLEASE MAN?(GOD FORBID) OR GOD? THIS IS THE PROBLEM WITH ALL THESE APOSTATES, THEY DELIVER A SELF SERVING, GOOD FEELING, EAR TICKING, DOCTRINE OF DEVILS! JESUS CHRIST SAID TO DENY OURSELVES AND PICK UP OUR CROSSES AND FOLLOW HIM.NOT MAN! BUT THIS IS PRECISELY WHAT THEY PREACH, NOT TO READ THE WORD AND NOT REPENTANCE AND NOT BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST. O GOD, FORGIVE THEM THAT REFUSE YOUR TRUTH, WE KNOW YOU WARN US OF THE STRONG DELUSION SENT FORTH BY YOU, THAT THEY SHOULD BELIEVE A LIE, BUT FATHER, FOR THE GLORY OF JESUS CHRIST, AND THE LOVE HE HAS FOR HIS BRIDE, GIVE THEM EARS LORD! GIVE THEM EYES!IN YOUR PRECIOUS AND MIGHTY NAME – THE NAME OF JESUS – WE PRAY! AMEN! I SAID AMEN!” SHANNON COOK
If you are defending wolves, you have no clue of true, New Testament Christianity because you have not truly laid down your life (repented, which is essential to salvation) and have therefore followed the voice of the enemy of all souls who is speaking through his false prophets (2 Corinthians 11:12-15). And, what we are seeing in this very post is God’s merciful attempt to get you to see that you are not following Christ and are in need of true repentance.
Those who defend Christ’s wolves are quite hypocritical actually. Isn’t it amazing how some people who come out of the woodwork to judge me/us for obeying God by identifying His enemies, are telling me/us we’re being judgmental? So, let’s get this straight – they freely judge and condemn those who warn the flock of God while saying we’re wrongly judging others by exposing those others to be Satan’s wolves. Wow! Can anyone spell “h-y-p-o-s-c-i-s-y”? Oh and not one of those who condemn and who are judging us have ever once said anything good about a post. Wow. No edification or agreement with truth, only condemnation for exposing their favorite wolf they have formed a soul-tie with instead of forming an intimate, abiding relationship with the One they claim to be serving (John 15:1-6).
“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.” Romans 2:1-2
You want to see vicious hatred? Just watch when wolves are uncovered by divine truth via Christ’s true, obedient remnant. Oh yes, you are going to see some of the vilest hatred you have ever seen from the defenders and supporters of those enemies of Christ. On this note, Shannon Cook writes:
“BELOVED BRIDE OF CHRIST, DEVILS COME BACK IN FULL FORCE TO DEFEND THEIR WOLF, THIS IS TO BE EXPECTED. THEY DESPISE TRUTH AND EXPOSURE OF LIES.”
Mark Herridge writes:
“The whole ‘judge not’ philosophy that has entered into the modern church has served to take the church further down the road of apostasy. It is a dangerous thing when we are told that we cannot use the Bible to judge matters concerning the church, the leadership of the church, or even those that claim to be a part of the church. It is certainly a fallacy to believe that we cannot compare people to the Word of God to determine what type of person they are. No sane person would allow a stranger to babysit their children without a background check and references, or in other words they are going to judge that person by some type of standard before placing their children’s lives in their hands. Everything should be judged by the Word of God, and it is absolutely biblical for us to do so.”
Those who aren’t warning the flock are not protecting the flock and are exposed as wolves themselves (Colossians 1:28).
Hell hath seen not fury like the scorn of a gullible follower of a wolf. They will lash out with pure hatred and malice while condemning you for daring to expose the wolf who is tickling their ear (2 Timothy 4:3). I make no apology for this “controversy.” Actually, this is exactly what we are told will happen when we discern –
“And they (true pastoral watchmen) shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to DISCERN (distinguish) between the unclean and the clean. 24 And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.” Ezekiel 44:23-24
“BUT YOU’RE NOT THE JUDGE” CRIES THE NOW EXPOSED WOLF-SUPPORTER. YES, THE LORD IS THE ULTIMATE JUDGE. AND GOD WILL JUDGE FOR SURE AND HE WILL JUDGE US FOR OBEYING OR NOT OBEYING HIS WORD WHICH INSTRUCTS US TO EXPOSE HIS ENEMIES IN ORDER TO PROTECT HIS SHEEP. YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT?
It’s called discernment and judging righteous judgment (Ezekiel 44:23-24; John 7:24; 1 Corinthians 5:11-13, etc.). This doesn’t mean recklessly condemning anyone but it does mean discerning and pointing out false teachers whom Paul says are “accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9).
Saints, this whole thing of counterfeits balking about their favorite wolves being exposed for who they really are simply underscores the need to obey God by “earnestly contending for faith,” the original Gospel, revealed to us in the Holy Scriptures (Jude 3-4).
It seems like those who don’t want false prophets exposed (and so they defend them) are the ones who love the lies they have been told by those wolves. Isn’t this exactly what the LORD is saying through His prophet Jeremiah when he had him write that “My people LOVE to have it so” (Jeremiah 5:31; 2 Timothy 4:3). This would be biblical actually. Look at what the people who had once served God were saying to their leaders in Isaiah’s day:
“That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: 10 Which say to the seers (leaders), See not; and to the prophets (leaders), Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: 11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.” Isaiah 30:9-11
As it was in the prophet Isaiah’s day so it is today. It is “a rebellious people” who love lies and despise the law/Word of God and so by their attitudes and actions say “Don’t go overboard with all this Christian stuff. Going to church is good enough. Give us smooth, deceitful things! Continue to be enemies of the cross of Christ (Philippians 3:18-19)! We don’t want to be part of dying to self so Christ can reign in our daily lives! We just want Heaven but refuse to be bothered and inconvenienced with obedience to what Jesus instructed! We ‘love’ Him only inasmuch as we believe He’s going to get us out of hell!”
Wolves are identified as those who oblige this self-loving, self-serving, pleasure-loving last day generation of those who do have a “form (outward appearance) of godliness” and yet deny the power or authority of Christ’s reign in their daily lives (2 Timothy 3:1-7).
WHY WOULD ANY TRUE DISCIPLE OF JESUS WANT TO PROTECT THE WOLVES WHO ARE POISONING THE CHILDREN OF THE ONE THEY CLAIM TO BE SAVED BY? WHY WOULD ANY GENUINE SERVANT OF CHRIST WANT TO BID GOD SPEED (ENDORSE, DEFEND, SUPPORT) TO A FALSE TEACHER? WHO PROFITS WHEN WOLVES ARE LEFT COVERED? AND WHO SUFFERS WHEN DECEIVERS ARE LEFT UNIDENTIFIED, UNDETECTED, UNLABELED, AND UNMARKED? WHO IS BENEFITED BY CHRISTIANS WHO KEEP THOSE RAVENOUS WOLVES HIDDEN FROM OTHER SHEEP?
These and other questions must be asked and sorted out by Holy Scripture which gives us “ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3-4). Firstly, you will note that our brother Lee Ebbs did not mention any specific wolf (although that’s biblical to do also) … he is speaking the truth in order to “mark” (identify) false teachers and to warn Christ’s sheep so they can be safe (Romans 16:17-18).
Is it Biblical to Mark False Teachers?
Millions are being taught by the wolves who have deceived them not to expose them. I was personally taught by the wolves who deceived me not to ever speak a word against them. They were covering their tracks by using Scripture out of context to their own self-serving advantage (Philippians 3:18-19).
ACTS 20:27-32 IS TRULY KEY TO SEEING THE APOSTOLIC FAITH AND HOW IT AND THOSE SAVED BY THAT ORIGINAL GOSPEL ARE TO BE SAFEGUARDED AGAINST THE ENEMY’S WOLVES. ALSO PHILIPPIANS 1:17 AND JUDE 3-4. IF YOU NAME THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, PLEASE STUDY THESE PASSAGES PRAYERFULLY AND CAREFULLY.
Identifying the Source
Firstly, let’s establish exactly who “false apostles” and all false “ministers” are from. Are they of God or Satan himself?
“But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:12-15
Any person who is not discerning all leaders and teachings against the Holy Word of God is in blatant disobedience to the LORD who says, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).
We are commanded to never endorse or help in any way those who do not preach strictly God’s Word, which is “the doctrine of Christ”:
“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 (take personal responsibility to earnestly contend for the truth), that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth (remains) not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth (continues) 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
BE CAREFUL: IF you dare defend or promote or in any way condone the enemies of Christ, you are going to hell with them (2 John 10-11). Repent sinner.
BIDDING GOD SPEED TO DECEIVERS (FALSE TEACHERS, FALSE RELIGIONS, ETC.) MAKES ONE THE ENEMY OF CHRIST AND UNDER THE SAME DIVINE CONDEMNATION AS THE WOLF THEY ARE CONDONING (2 JOHN 7-11; 2 CHRON. 19:2).
ANY PERSON WHO BIDS GODSPEED (CONDONES OR DEFENDS IN ANY WAY) TO ANY OF THESE “MANY DECEIVERS,” WILL BE JUDGED WITH THOSE WOLVES.
THE DISCIPLE OF CHRIST MUST NEVER DO ANYTHING TO FURTHER THE CAUSE OF THAT WHICH GOD CONDEMNS. TO HELP SOMEONE WHO IS TEACHING “ANOTHER GOSPEL” – ANY MESSAGE DIFFERENT FROM THE ORIGINAL GOSPEL – IS TO FURTHER THE CAUSE OF THE ENEMY OF THE ALMIGHTY AND THE EVIL HE PERPETRATES ON PRECIOUS SOULS (GALATIANS 1:6-9).
Are you the enemy of God? Is His holy wrath upon you? We should repent of helping wolves before the LORD judges us for participating in this betrayal of Him.
I DO UNDERSTAND THAT WE ALL WISH TO BE CIVIL. YET, GOD’S VERY WORD CALLS/LABELS EVILDOERS AS DEVILS/CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL. IF YOU CHOOSE TO SUPPORT A FALSE PROPHET (ENEMY OF CHRIST) AND DO NOT REPENT BEFORE YOU DIE, THEN YOU WILL RECEIVE THE SAME ETERNAL “DAMNATION” AS HE WILL (2 PETER 2:1-3). IF YOU AGREE WITH, VOTE FOR, HELP, ENDORSE, OR IN ANY WAY BID “GOD SPEED” TO THE WICKED, YOU ARE PARTAKER IN THEIR JUDGMENT (2 CHRONICLES 19:2; 2 JOHN 10-11). GOD MADE UP THE RULES IF YOU WILL, NOT US. HIS MESSAGE IS CLEAR. HE WILL JUDGE YOU AND ME IF WE CHOOSE TO SIDE WITH HIS ENEMIES WHICH INCLUDE ANYONE WHO ESPOUSES DOCTRINE OR LEGISLATION THAT VIOLATES HIM/HIS WORD.
To an evil man who withstood the LORD, His servant, and His blessed Gospel message, Paul said:
“AND SAID, O FULL OF ALL SUBTILTY AND ALL MISCHIEF, THOU CHILD OF THE DEVIL, THOU ENEMY OF ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS, WILT THOU NOT CEASE TO PERVERT THE RIGHT WAYS OF THE LORD?” ACTS 13:10
“Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.” 2 Chronicles 19:2
ANY person who helps the ungodly is equally as guilty as those devouring wolves in the eyes of a holy God who says “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4). If you in any way “bid … God speed” to or in any way help or defend a wolf, you yourself are just as guilty as they are in the eyes of God.
“The Bible gives us no liberty to tolerate the incursion of evil into the church. We are not to be passive; we are not to be neutral. Proverbs 8:13 says, The fear of the Lord is to hate evil. It is sinful to compromise with evil. It is sinful to be neutral toward evil. In John 10:10 Jesus spoke about the thief, the devil, who comes: to steal, to kill and to destroy. We always need to remember, whether it is in an individual life or in a congregation, the devil only comes with three objectives: to steal, to kill and to destroy.” Derek Prince
Making determinations about false leaders – “BY THEIR FRUIT” is not sin, it is obedience to Christ and the message of His holy apostles (Matthew 7:15-23). In order to keep themselves hidden – not seen for who they really are – spineless wolves have taught their audiences well.
These wolf defending counterfeits have nothing good to say of the many good, scriptural things about God’s truth put out by the LORD’s watchmen and yet hypocritically claim the watchmen are being judgmental WHILE they simultaneously judge and condemn those watchmen! Go figure folks! Deceitful haters of truth.
When your system of theology or the wolf propagating it trumps the very Word of God, you are lost and without the Savior just exactly as were the evil-hearted religious devils Jesus rebuked when He said
“Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men (you let your tradition trump God’s Word), as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” (Mark 7:6-9)
Who is “of God” and who is “NOT of God”? – “He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God” (John 8:47).
No person can serve religion or any religious leader and Christ simultaneously. Jesus said “He that is not with me IS against me” and “NO man can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24; 12:30). Paul wrote “Ye cannot drink of the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils” (1 Corinthians 10:21). One may vainly think they are serving Christ but if that person doesn’t walk with God according to His Word and only His Word, that person is not right with God.
TO EXPOSE A WOLF IS TO EXPOSE THE UNREPENTANT HEARTS OF THOSE WHO PATRONIZE, SUPPORT, GIVE EAR TO, AND DEFEND THOSE WOLVES. WHAT’S AT STAKE? THE THIN VENEER OF THEIR OWN LITTLE PAPER FORTRESS THEY HIDE BEHIND IS BEING DISMANTLED. THAT’S WHAT’S AT STAKE.
“Let God be true and EVERY man a liar.” Romans 3:4
WHAT do Jude 3-4; Romans 16:17-18 and Ephesians 5:11 tell us? If you don’t personally have a foundational knowledge of the doctrines of Holy Scripture, you have no clue and have no business commenting with your useless opinion (mine is useless too – all that matters is what God’s written Word says!). If you don’t know God’s Word, you are still unlearned and a babe in Christ at best (Hebrews 5:11-14). You should open your King James Bible and read and begin learning every single Bible verse given in this important article. Only His holy truth will make you free from ignorance (John 8:31-32; 17:17). So, if you truly fear and love the LORD Jesus Christ, it’s time to begin this moment to “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 FACILITATE THE WORK OF SATAN’S WOLVES, THE VERY ENEMIES OF JESUS CHRIST, ARE SAYING THAT THESE EVILDOERS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE – TO DESTROY ETERNAL SOULS – UNHINDERED.
If you are defending wolves, no matter what your iniquitous, demonic excuse, you are of Satan and against Christ. “He that is not with me IS IS IS against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” ~ The Son of God, Matthew 12:30. You are scattering abroad which means you are endorsing and facilitating the separation of souls from Christ, the only Savior. It’s time for you to repent and be truly saved.
Defending wolves enables them to continue to devour the sheep for whom Jesus bled on that cross to save!
YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE THE FLACK WE SOMETIMES RECEIVE FROM CHRIST-DESPISING, WOLF-PROTECTING, DEVIL-DEFENDING PEOPLE WHO COME AGAINST US FOR SHINING THE LORD’S LIGHT ON THE DARKNESS OF SATAN’S WOLVES (EPHESIANS 5:11; ROMANS 16:17-18; 2 CORINTHIANS 11:12-15). IN TRUE HYPOCRITICAL FORM, WHILE SAYING WE ARE WRONGLY CONDEMNING OTHERS, THEY SIMULTANEOUSLY HARSHLY CONDEMN US WITH NO SECOND THOUGHT. WOW! UTTER HYPOCRISY! … GOD BE PRAISED – WE ARE NOT WORTHY TO RECEIVE PERSECUTION FOR OUR LORD JESUS’ NAME! SEE EZEKIEL 44:23-24 VERY CLOSELY. OKAY, HERE IT IS:
“And they (true under shepherds) shall teach my people THE DIFFERENCE between the holy and profane, and cause them to DISCERN (distinguish) between the unclean and the clean. 24 And in CONTROVERSY they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments (written Word): and they shall keep (uphold) my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies…” Ezekiel 44:23-24
According to the above passage, “controversy” will come to those who teach Christ’s people to “discern” between light and darkness, truth and error. It will usually come from those who claim to be saved but do not love the truth (John 8:47); 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
AMAZINGLY, THESE WOLF-DEFENDING COUNTERFEITS HAVE NOTHING GOOD TO SAY OF THE MANY GOOD THINGS ABOUT GOD’S TRUTH PUT OUT BY THE LORD’S WATCHMEN AND YET HYPOCRITICALLY CLAIM THE WATCHMEN ARE BEING JUDGMENTAL WHILE THEY SIMULTANEOUSLY JUDGE AND CONDEMN THOSE WATCHMEN! GO FIGURE FOLKS! DECEITFUL HATERS OF TRUTH.
Your Prayer of Repentance: Holy Father, thank You for sending Your only begotten Son to pay the full price for my sins and the sins of the whole world. Through His precious blood I come to You this moment, asking You to please forgive me for any way I have bid God speed to Your enemies who deceitfully and clandestinely pose as Your representatives. Open my eyes through Your Holy Word and Holy Spirit so that I am able to see the wolves You so often warned us about and to withstand and expose and mark them as you mandated for Your people to do. In Jesus’ holy Name, amen!
Naming Names: Is it Biblical? | Angry Man in Hell
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Note: WHO’s THE REAL BAD GUY? ARE YOU Being Exploited by a Pulpit Pimp? – “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” ~Apostle Paul, Galatians 4:16… WHO’s the real “bad guy”? SO, God’s watchmen who are warning you so you can be safe and secure from the fires of eternal damnation are the mean spirited ones, right? So, ask yourself: When you are in hell, burning, suffering and fully conscious, in excruciating pain without end, WHO then will be the bad guy? If you die having followed these prophesied false prophets, you will have no one to blame but yourself – for being so gullible and foolish and not getting before the LORD in a real way. No, instead of loving the LORD and His truth/Word, you chose to follow the self-serving, thrill-seeking, greed-crazed crowd who made a circus out of “church.” What does 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 say? Why hasn’t the wolf you are following shown you this passage? JUST WHAT is he/she trying to hide from you? Once you are in hell, burning, how wonderful will you think these wolves are then and for eternity when it’s too late?
Typical Hypocritical Judgment Coming from those who Yell “Don’t Judge My Favorite Wolf!”
Personal attacks from people who hide their own shortcomings while judging yours are going to happen folks. It’s interesting how hypocritical it is that while judging and personally condemning you for supposedly wrongly judging others … it’s okay for them to condemn you while telling/condemning you not to condemn others. Unreal. Ever heard the term “chasing your own tail”? We, as Christ’s body are called to sound the alarm on those misleading His sheep with false teachings. That’s God’s judgment, not man’s. The men and women who sound the alarm do so in obedience to the command of the LORD (Romans 16:17-18; Jude 3-4; etc.). So, since we all have shortcomings in this or that area, does that mean we should cease to serve God? No, we just work out our own salvation with fear and trembling as the LORD works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Phil. 2:12-13). So, if you have shortcomings – if you are not sinless perfection – does that mean you are a hypocrite for teaching your children to stay away from the street so they don’t get killed? Think about it …
From Shannon Cook:
“They reveal the proof in their rotten to the core fruit. NEVER dares Joel utter the biblical word repentance. Why? BECAUSE HE’S A MESSENGER OF SATAN! It’s really NOT that difficult to see, if you’re God’s elect people. But without God’s Holy Spirit dwelling inside of you, we can show you Scripture after Scripture that PROVES this and you will not believe! You want a “feel good” doctrine of devils, follow Joel and Victoria and the many like them, to the bowels of hell. But read your Bibles, every apostle in the Bible dies BAD! And they preached the truth! Boiled in oil, stoned to death, crucified upside down. And they did it all for the glory of our King! Best life now can go back to hell where it came from! Satan we rebuke you from this thread, and the people you’re trying to come in through, in Jesus Name! Amen. One thing we cannot do is sugar coat the gospel of Jesus Christ. We’re accountable to Him alone. The blind not only lead the blind, but the blind defend the blind. Beloved, it isn’t judging, when we expose the lie, with the truth of the gospel, for the sake of Jesus Christ and his bride. Amen.” Shannon Cook
Dialogues / Feedback
Message Received for Exposing Osteen’s False Teachings:
“What part of LOVE one another don’t YOU get!!!”
Reply:
What part of “earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints” do you not get? Jude 3-4 … how loving is it to allow people to continue to be deceived?
This is a clear product of clueless people who refuse to diligently and daily study God’s Word for themselves and so they relegate their learning and understanding to a spineless moral coward who is nothing but a story teller who refuses to “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2). What we are seeing is an exact, to the “T” fulfillment of this prophecy:
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (stories).” 2 Timothy 4:2-4
You are defending “ungodly men” who pose as Christ’s representatives but are seen not to be by their false teaching and practices …
“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 3-4
“Wow this hits it on the head, some people need to pay attention to what God says in his word about people causing division. God’s not happy with it at all. And on top of that they need to obey God and quit being under subjection to people, but being subjection only to God. Amen.” Paula
Of those who defend wolves, Stephen Michels notes:
“You are living in sin and need a justifier for it. THAT’s WHY you defend wolves!”
“Been running into a lot of these “wolf defenders” as of late … These people have a great spirit of pride, and they tend to fear men rather than God. Also they have no clue about what salvation is and don’t know what Bible to read.” Aaron Paul Johnson
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TO A WOMAN WHOSE IDOL WOLF (or wolves) has been exposed, by the ministry, …. and who accused myself and others of hate for exposing these enemies of the LORD, and came strongly to his/their defense, I wrote:
You are the one with hate …. you are defending the very wolves who are leading millions to hell … you care more for your idol wolves than you do the millions they are misleading to hell ….. apparently you still love this world and the things in it (fleeting riches) and therefore the lust you have not repented of is causing you to worship and defend these mere sinful men and women … 2 Tim 4:3-4 … This is the epitome for delusionment saints. …. here she is boldly posting pictures of her idols (Ez. 14:3) who have taught her to covet the riches of this fleeting world and thereby she has forfeited her eternal riches, which is Christ and eternity with Him.
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To a person that insisted that they were not going to partake with the expose’ of wolves, the following reply was sent:
Yes and LOVE and TRUTH cannot be separated. In fact, those who truly walk in God’s love, tell God’s truth (Ephesians 4:15; Proverbs 16:6). It’s not God’s love if it’s not accompanied with a sincere love for God’s truth.
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Message Received:
“I will await the judgment of God Mighty, The True Author and Finisher of My Faith…because He also States Do Not Argue and Quibble over My Words…do only what will Edify and When Souls….that’s why He said Judging is His Job, and His Alone…I will Never Be Arrogant Enough To Presume To Do God’s Job For Him… I trust Him and the Holy Spirit Alone….gracias for your words though…i have taking them to my Father God In Prayer….be well mí amigo…”
Reply:
Interestingly, you seem to be boasting about not wrongly judging others while you condemn me. If you wait for the Judgment Day without taking close heed to what the JUDGE has told us in His Word/Judgments, it will be too late. It’s an open book test and you WILL fail the judgment if you don’t study and know what pleases and what displeases the Judge of your eternal soul. See Prov. 28:9, 13. You seem to be under the notion that it is loving to not speak the truth directly and not to uncover the very enemies of the LORD (2 Corinthians 11:12-15). It’s actually displaying hatred to not expose Satan’s agents who pose as Christ’s representatives so that precious, eternal souls can be protected and spared (Matthew 7:15-21, etc.).
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Message Received:
“Brother your bitterness is plain for all to see. Pray for those you might think are missing it but to publicly bash them is certainly not Christ like at all. Just stick to preaching Christ.”
Reply:
You gullibility is clearly manifesting. The Bible never specifically says pray for wolves – but it does say to “mark them” so that others can be warned. No offense but you are a novice as far as Bible knowledge, otherwise you would know this. What THREE things did the apostle Paul do to prepare Christ’s body to meet Him? Colossians 1:28 – PWT – Preach, WARN, Teach.
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To a person who objected to the expose’ of wolves (false prophets) who are destroying souls and calling them at times “devils,” a reply was given this way:
Hi. How are you? Hope all is well. One thing’s for certain, this is not a salvation issue (essential). God’s LOVE can only be defined by God’s WORD and not by emotions. ACTUALLY, strong rebuke is what God uses to get to an otherwise hopeless, hell bound conscience – that’s love and mercy, not hate. Was it hate or love for God to demand that the believers at Corinth turn that unrepentant fornicator over to SATAN? (1 Cor. 5) Well, it led to that man repenting so he wouldn’t go to hell for eternity (2 Cor. 2). Was that love or hate? Are we wiser than the Almighty? Have we been swept away in the apostate, false “love” that is defined by the sinful whims of mere men? … Was the great apostle Paul hating when he told a man “And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, THOU CHILD OF THE DEVIL, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” (Acts 13:10) Paul called this guy a “child of the devil.” Was the apostle of Jesus walking in hate? Was the Son of God being mean and hateful when He lambasted the evil leaders of His day who were leading millions to hell? Was Jesus Christ being hateful or loving when He told those wolves they were going to hell 3 times in Matthew 23? “Open REBUKE is better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Proverbs 27:5-6) Is rebuke (with the truth) hateful or a manifestation of God’s mercy? Titus 1 says “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. 12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, the Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. 13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith … They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:10-16 Is Truth Negative or Positive?
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