Articles

The Divine Attributes [podcast]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

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

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

In their unrepentant, darkness-loving hearts, many today have created a false god in their own sinful image. Jesus told us that evil “men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19-21) They choose to look only at the goodness, grace, mercy, and love of God while intentionally refusing to acknowledge that the LORD is “Holy, holy, holy” and that “The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth.” (Psalms 9:16-17; Romans 11:22; Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8, etc.).

Just as the Holy Spirit warned us, these same counterfeits have also “heaped to themselves”, or set up before them, self-serving false teachers who conjoined them in their deliberate corruption of the image of a Holy loving God who is just and will judge each of us.

“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.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4

The only proper image of God in our hearts comes from acknowledging “All” that He’s given us in His Word.

“ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Those who stay in and worship God on the record and the terms He gives in His Word learn sound “doctrine”, are reproved, and corrected, and instructed by the LORD. They are perfected, matured, equipped and “furnished” through and through by the LORD.

Those who truly love God supremely desire to know Him fully, to know all about Him, and to please Him, to do things His way and not their own (John 14:15; 15:14; 1 John 2:3-6; 5:3).

We cannot worship God on the basis of what we think He is but rather on who He says He is. The psalms gained understanding by being in God’s Word and therefore hated “every false way” or everything that didn’t align with the Word of God.

“And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.” 1 Chronicles 28:9

“God is not the way we say He is, God is the way the Bible says He is.” A.W. Tozer

“Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.” Psalms 119:104

When a man decides to truly repent, he will then worship God on the basis of who He tells us He is. Such a man will love and be “valiant for the truth” and therefore he will “HATE every false way.” (Jeremiah 9:3)

“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.” Psalms 119:128

Many today render false worship toward the LORD in that they have not dethroned the god of self and therefore are seeking God for what He can give them or do for them – instead of loving and worshipping Him for who He is. Do we seek the heart of God or the hand of God? (Psalms 33:11) Do we only know the Word of God and not the God of the Word?

Saul’s Rebellion

Saul did not remain in the Word as Israel’s kings were instructed to do (Deuteronomy 17). He therefore became wise in his own conceit because of his evil heart of pride, arrogancy which is witchcraft or control, doing things our own way and not God’s

“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23

Saul was full of pride. He not longer saw himself as “little” or humble and small in light of the Almighty. No, he was full of arrogance for not keeping his heart pure before God and therefore leaned to his own darkened understanding instead of trusting and obeying God.

“And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?.” 1 Samuel 15:17

In 1 Samuel 15: The LORD reminded Saul what Amalek did to Israel after God brought His people out of Egypt and told him to annihilate Amalek. In the Old Testament Amalek represents the flesh, the “old man” which must be “put off” (crucified) by the cross life (Colossians 3:3,9). Egypt represents the world. The LORD saves and delivers His people out of the world and commands us to kill, to crucify the flesh perpetually (Amalek). See 1 Corinthians 9:27. Like many Christians today, Saul chose do things his own way instead of God’s way, which is the way of the cross. Therefore Saul did an impartial job at dying, at killing the flesh. He let it (Amalek) live and for that God called him a rebel and took away his ministry. The same happens today to many who do not take up the cross wholly, who make concession for the flesh, who do not lay down their lives in this fleeting world, living a crucified life. “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” (1 Samuel 15:23)

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7

Worshipping God for who He truly is is essential, and not having a distorted image of the Almighty with whom we have to do (2 Timothy 4:1-4).

PRAYER: Father, we come to You in Jesus’ name, asking You to clarify in our hearts and minds who You are and to clear up any and all misconceptions, false notions that are in us….

Knowing the LORD Involves Worshipping and Serving Him on His Stated Terms

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3

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

How can we possibly get to know God except on the basis of who He said He is?

“CHRIST” appears 532 times in the New Testament Scriptures. The Greek word is CHRISTOS and means the anointed One, the Messiah. | Christology (the study of Christ).

This is a fascinating study sure to mature the believer’s understanding, relationship, and fellowship with the LORD. The whole of God’s Word reveals who He is and so the more of the full counsel of His Word we know and understand, the more we can know Him and how He operates. In fact, He is very “jealous” and tells us that even His name is “Jealous.” (Exodus 34:14) And, if we have the image of a false god in our hearts, erected by false notions, philosophies, we have another god in place of the LORD. This further underscores the necessity of searching the Holy Scriptures in diligent, daily digging and Bible Study.

The LORD levels a scathing rebuke to the three friends of Job for their misrepresentation of the LORD, of His attributes.

“And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.” Job 42:7

Nothing has changed. Job’s friends spoke incorrectly of God while Job kept the Word of God, held to the declarations the LORD had given them of Himself. As the wrath of God was kindled against the friends of Job for misrepresenting Him, so is His holy wrath set against those today who do the same – and they are many.

Like “many” today, Job’s friends did “corrupt the word (the record) of God.”

“For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17

The words of God are the record of God – that which is on record directly from Him concerning who He is and who will be His and who will be excluded from His eternal kingdom (Revelation 21:8). Like Paul, men of God keep His Word unfailingly. They speak with “sincerity,” they speak “in Christ” or out of a crucified life, disposition (Galatians 20:20; Colossians 3:3).

NEWSFLASH: Dear sinner: You don’t get to decide or choose who God is. Read His Word honestly, with sincere heart, and own all of His truth (Proverbs 23:23). The immutable divine nature and attributes of the Almighty are perfect and don’t change, aren’t altered because a piece of dust (you, I) denies them, Him. Repent now sinner.

The problem with fashioning a god after our own sinful image, one who justifies our sin instead of judging it, is that such is not the God we shall give account to, the God who is the very Judge of our eternal souls and has given us His Word to which we are fully and personally accountable.

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12

Face and take God at His Word or perish with every other rebel.

“Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.” Proverbs 13:13

“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” Proverbs 23:23

An attribute is simply something you attribute to someone and taking the name of the LORD in vain is prohibited by Him.

“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” Exodus 20:7

Study to Know Him and His Attributes – and You Will IF He matters to You – and You Won’t if He Doesn’t

“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

Proper and thorough assimilation is essential in apprehending divine truth (Isaiah 28:13; 1 Corinthians 2:13, etc.). – “Rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) There’s serious error and danger in diminishing from one divine attribute to accommodate another Deuteronomy 4:2). Beware! (2 Timothy 2:15) One divine attribute in no way negates nor diminishes from another (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18-19, etc.).

Just because “God is love”, gracious, forgiving, and merciful to those who fear and obey Him, does nothing to negate that He is “Holy, holy, holy.” (1 John 4:8, 16; Psalms 103:10-12; Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) And, just because God is “Holy, holy, holy” does not diminish from His merciful kindness! (Psalms 86:5, 15)

Beware of going to seed on one Bible truth to the exclusion of what is transmitted in the whole counsel of God’s Word.

When we don’t yet know and understand His divine attributes, are we not susceptible to having the image of a false god in our imagination?

One of the goals of this post is to simply quicken your understanding of the revealing of the divine attributes in His Word. It’s the source, the treasure chest of blessedness!

“Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. … For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:7, 14

The LORD’s attributes are in His Word shown both in direct statements of revelation and also in His acts and ways towards the children of men throughout recorded biblical history spanning 6,000 years and into eternity future.

“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalms 107:8

God Reveals to Us that He is both “Good” and “Great” …

“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” Psalms 86:5

“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalms 86:15

God is also both good and severe in His justice and judgment to those who despise instead of receiving His goodness. We are warned to “behold” both “the goodness and severity of God”:

“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.” Romans 11:22

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15

“That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:14-16

“Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:23-24

“And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3

“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” Revelation 4:8

Here are some examples of the emotions of the LORD ….

God grieves: “his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel”

“And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the Lord: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.” Judges 10:16

The LORD weeps …

“But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock is carried away captive.” Jeremiah 13:17

The LORD rejoices ….

“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. … Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:7, 10

QUESTION:

“Was Jesus always sad on earth?”

REPLY

Notice the word “above” in Hebrews 1:9:

“Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness ABOVE thy fellows.” Hebrews 1:9

Christ was “a man of sorrows” for the things He suffered as the very Son of God and for being persecuted unto death for our sins (Isaiah 53). Yet, Jesus had more joy than any man who ever walked the earth (Heb. 1:9). This should be understandable due to joy coming from obedience and He was perfectly obedient (John 15:11). Jesus also supplied wine at a marriage celebration (John 2). It’s obvious that we are all still learning … but only if we remain teachable. Jesus was not a prude … the image of Jesus being a prude is catholic actually …. they have no image of Jesus except sad and emaciated ….. also, the idea that Jesus was a prude seems to be consistent with self-righteous, novice believers who find out some truth and take it to seed and do not continue to grow in grace and in discovering the whole of who Jesus was …. He invented joy, celebration, etc., and has a Great Supper and eternal celebration awaiting His own (1 Cor. 2:9; Rev. 21-22, etc.)

“Jesus wept” when He beheld the rebellion of His own people or those who were supposed to be His (John 11:35).

Jesus also rejoiced greatly when His disciples returned from a mission trip and at the truth that their names were written in Heaven.

“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.” Luke 10:21

The Greek word for “rejoice” here is agalliao and means “to jump for joy with exceeding joy, to rejoice greatly.”

IF JESUS didn’t walk around all mad at world and upset like a prude, why would we do such? Is there the possibility that we have some further learning to do? Are we teachable or full of pride and therefore unteachable?

Christology (the study of Christ).

Let’s Grow Together! Sign up here to begin receiving the Moments with Our Master email devotional that is sure to help you grow in grace and in the knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:2; 3:18). It’s sent out for the edification of the body of Christ. Sign Up HERE.

Join Us

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

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

How We Know the Bible is the only Holy Book on Planet Earth [podcast]

Getting Gospel Grounded [podcast]

H.O.T. BIBLE STUDY [podcast]

Worship of Idols and Demons in the Modern Church

Keep Thy Heart with all Diligence [podcast]

Articles

The Essential Doctrine of the Virgin Birth of Christ [podcast]

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

“Begotten” means “to father”

WHY does the King James Bible use the word “begotten” when informing us of the Messiah? (John 1:14, 18; 3:16; Hebrews 11:17; 1 John 4:9) Firstly, the translators faithfully translated as the LORD ordained and oversaw and guided such. Secondly, the arch enemy of Christ, Satan, has been hard at work through evil men to steal the testimony and the glory due to the Messiah (Mark 4:15).

Concerning Jesus Christ, the words “only Son” NEVER once appear in the Word of God. Yet, “only BEGOTTEN Son” appears 5 times in the Bible concerning Jesus Christ – The King James Bible. Make no mistake: This is a Gospel essential. No one can be saved who does not believe the record of God – that Jesus was born of a virgin, “the only begotten of the Father.” (John 1:14)

“The only begotten of the Father – That is, the only person born of a woman, whose human nature never came by the ordinary way of generation; it being a mere creation in the womb of the virgin, by the energy of the Holy Ghost.” Adam Clarke

“Made flesh, not spirit; man, not God; and earthly, not heavenly. This made Him God’s Son, for sonship in connection with Jesus Christ always refers to humanity, never to deity.” Dake

“Jesus is the only begotten of the Father, that is, Christ is God’s unique Son. God did not have any other Son like Him. In one sense, all true believers are sons of God. But Jesus is the Son of God—in a class all by Himself. As the Son of God, He is equal to God.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

When you hear someone say things like “a better translation would be”, you know you are dealing with a person who does not fear the LORD, is believing he is wiser than God, is not trusting that the LORD kept His promise to preserve His Word (Psalms 12:6-7).

There cannot possibly be a perfect sacrifice without a virgin birth by divine operation.

Only by being both deity and humanity could Jesus Christ bridge the sin-caused chasm that divided the two parties after the first man sinned (John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16).

One disciple writes:

“The DNA/chromosomes of the Sin Nature (“Sin” Rom 5:12) I believe can only be passed down thru the male. The woman cannot pass it down. Therefore the woman could be impregnated by the Holy Spirit and the child, Jesus, did not receive from Mary a sin nature or flesh. He was 100 % human but without a sin nature. God with sinless skin on. He maintained this state of sinless perfection all his life and had no sin nature until He drank and absorbed the cup of Sin right before He died. He was “made sin” in order that we might get rid of sin and become the righteousness of God having received the life of God in this very real exchange that happens at the cross. 2 Cor 5:21.”

The RECORD!

Holy Scripture tells us that the man who does not believe upon Christ according to the “record” given to us in God’s Word, make themselves “unworthy of everlasting life” … “because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.” (1 John 5:10; Acts 13:46)

What’s written or recorded of Christ? What’s “the record”?

Could anyone be saved by Christ if He was not virgin born?

No.

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a VIRGIN shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (GOD with us).” Isaiah 7:14

NO ONE CAN BE SAVED WHO DOES NOT BELIEVE “THE RECORD GOD GAVE OF HIS SON” – INCLUDING THAT HE WAS BORN OF A VIRGIN. This is the only way Jesus could have carried and offered the perfect blood of God on the altar of the cross for the sins of the world.

What are the 2 central reasons Jesus had to be born of a virgin – “begotten of the Father” in the womb of a virgin? (John 1:14)

Because the Messiah had to be sinless in order to be the perfect sin offering to expiate the sins of fallen men (Hebrews 7:26; 1 John 2:22, etc.).
In fulfillment of Messianic prophecy (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23).

One writer notes:

“The woman cannot transmit the sin nature to her offspring. The male DNA chromosome is the carrier of Sin that passes it down. Jesus could not be born to an earthly father.

Jesus had to partake (participate) in our plight (Heb 2:14) for us to participate in His resurrection, ascension and session. He was willing to take our sin condition in exchange for His victorious righteousness and glory. He came down to earth and even went under the earth to rescue us to the top of heaven. Eph 2:6.

Jesus demonstrated that it would never be by military might, control, threat, coercion, violence or killing that He would deliver us but only by becoming a helpless little embryo in the woman’s womb then a weak little baby lying in a filthy manger between the ass of ignorance and the ox of self-will. And then a carpenter.

The weakness of God is stronger than man. In the divine economy, power is perfected in weakness.”

It’s one thing to say we believe on Christ and yet, what Christ? Is what we believe according to the record – that which has been recorded in Holy Scripture by the Holy Ghost through “holy men of God”? (2 Peter 1:20-21)

If a person doesn’t believe the whole “record” of God concerning His “ONLY BEGOTTEN Son”, such a person is not of God – “because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.” And just what is that “record” – what is RECORD-ed in God’s Word concerning His only begotten Son?

“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.” 1 John 5:10

That “RECORD” or that which is recorded in the Bible of Christ is that He, of necessity, and by prophetic utterance and divine ordination, was and could only be born of virgin! The virgin birth of Jesus Christ the Messiah is an absolute Gospel essential which means that anyone who doesn’t believe it is a hell bound antichrist. Now do we begin to see why Satan wanted this removed from his new “bibles”? Isn’t it time to burn those counterfeits and get a real Bible – the King James Bible?

“The doctrine of Christ” or that which the Bible reveals about the only Messiah, is essential to know, follow, and believe:

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not (does not remain) in the doctrine of Christ, HATH NOT GOD. He that abideth (remains) in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9

“The only begotten”

“Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, and if a person doesn’t believe that they are condemned (John 3:15-18 KJB).” D.

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

The First prophecy of the Messiah

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it (the Messiah) shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15

The Messiah would be born of a “virgin.”

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:18-23

Join Us

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

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Was Jesus the "One and Only Son" OR the "Only Begotten Son"? [podcast]

WHAT does the Bible word “begotten” mean to salvation? Everything! Remove it and there is no salvation and God lied! AND you still don’t think the changes made by satan’s agents in the new fake “bible” versions doesn’t change essential doctrine? You better think again. What are the 2 central, essential reasons Jesus had to be born of a virgin – “begotten of the Father” in the womb of a virgin? (John 1:14) Because the Messiah had to be sinless in order to be the perfect sin offering to expiate the sins of fallen men (Hebrews 7:26; 1 John 2:22, […]

The Essential Doctrine of the Virgin Birth of Christ [podcast]

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 “Begotten” means “to father” WHY does the King James Bible use the word “begotten” when informing us of the Messiah? (John 1:14, 18; 3:16; Hebrews 11:17; 1 John 4:9) Firstly, the translators faithfully translated as the LORD ordained and oversaw and guided such. Secondly, the arch enemy of Christ, Satan, has been hard at work through evil men to steal the testimony and the glory due to the […]

The Only Begotten Son of God [podcast]

SHOCKER: This message exposes how Satan’s new “bibles” attack the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith. The virgin birth, the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the perfect sacrifice for man’s sin cannot be separated. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 “Begotten” means “to father” WHY does the King James Bible use the word “begotten” when informing us of the Messiah? (See John 1:14, 18; 3:16; Hebrews 11:17; 1 John 4:9.) Firstly, the translators […]

Made Nigh by the Blood of Christ [podcast]

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:13 By the blood of Jesus, we are made one with the Father, Son, and body of Christ! Ephesians 2, 4 Only Jesus could have satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to redeem, to forgiven men – and He did just that – when He shed His perfect, precious, sinless blood on Calvary’s cruel cross for our sins. “It is finished” means the price to bring us back to God, to forgive us, is now “paid in full” (John […]

Abiding

Worshipping the God of all Grace through the Fiery Trials [podcast]

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7

“In the world ye shall have tribulation”

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:21

WE the body of Christ, are a separate entity from the world (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). We are here on earth for but a short time more—saved and sent to do Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 9:35-38; 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; John 4:34-38). Jesus foretold that these final days before His return would be tumultuous (Matthew 24; Luke 21). And to “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1).

“Let not your heart be troubled” … and when we begin to perceive the big picture of the LORD, it will be easier to not be “troubled” in “the sufferings of this present time” (Romans 8:18).

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

Making biblical sense of the suffering.

Makes us want to go home and to live like it (Daniel 12:10).

“The sufferings of this present time” are a mere speed bump saints. We are going to eternal glory with our King Jesus!

“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.” Romans 8:18

Nothing can separate God and His true saints—those who are hearing His voice presently and following, walking with Him, abiding in vital union with Jesus (John 10:27-29; 15:1-6).

“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.” Romans 8:31-39

DO WE have the “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” spirit and disposition of the beloved Job?

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15

Going though a season of testing and trials and yet not worshipping God through it all, is a waste. Personally I had to learn this the hard way.

God has been so wonderfully gracious to teach this disciple!

“I am understanding Job in a new way. Old Adam wants to see it as a punishment, or an injustice, and this belief is subtle and corrosive.” Justin Ballis

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:10-11

Final Greetings

“By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.” 1 Peter 5:12

Knowing it’s God’s stated will for us to worship, love, and trust Him at all times—and in particular in the midst of that which He sees fit to allow us to go through….. is vital. Personally I chose initially to do laps in the desert and so such delayed getting to His promised land of peace. God is able beloved.

The LORD is “a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons” of His kingdom.

“And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.” Malachi 3:3

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:2

“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15

Are we worshiping our LORD in the midst of our seasons of suffering? Have we of late looked up and said, “Jesus, I love You“?

What’s God worth to me? How much does He matter? Is Jesus truly my very “first love”? See Revelation 2:4-5.

Worshiping God in this presently dark world will bring sufferings and ultimately eternal glory with Him and the true body of Christ.

What would we think of the man, the husband who didn’t defend his wife? He’s a self-serving coward, who loves himself more than his wife, right? What if we refuse to suffer for Heaven’s King that we claim to love? Wouldn’t this prove that we love self more than the Savior?

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:10-11

It’s in our sufferings that we discover, we find out, we come to understand about God’s sufficiency. See James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 5:10.

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

Being “hid with Christ in God” is how the LORD powers us through, past the many afflictions to be suffered by Christ’s saints.

“There is a beauty in being rejected, misunderstood, unseen, and unsupported by people. It teaches you to rely on God for everything.” unknown

“the fiery trial which is to try you”

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:12-14

“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:5-9

“Weeping (death and burial—suffering the death of self) may last through the night, but joy (resurrection) comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5

Join Us

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

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

"If we Suffer, we shall also Reign with Him" [podcast]

Suffering is Required Suffering with the Savior – Suffering the death of our own will in order for God’s will to be done. Following Jesus. “And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:41-42 Dead, Buried, and Raised Up with/by Christ! Is He worth it? Paul says: “IF we Suffer, we shall also Reign with Him” When the Holy Spirit led Paul to pen these words, what did He mean? What is […]

"The Trial of Your Faith" has a Divine Eternal Purpose [podcast]

“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22 “It is through much trial and tribulations that we are made pure, holy, and clean in His sight by the working of his Spirit in our hearts to conform us to Christ’s Image.” Jon Crane The trials God allows into our lives, purify—but only as we praise, worship, thank, and obey Him through those seasons of tribulations. “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that […]

Articles

Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth

How To Apprehend the Truth About Eternal Security – Every Time

“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

In this important post we are going to visit a few Bible verses and doctrines as examples of how we have the opportunity to either rightly divide or to have a distorted understanding in the things of Christ’s kingdom. The apprehension of truth is all-important to the LORD (Prov. 2:1-22).

Regrettably it is rare to find someone who has and is taking time to truly, personally study God’s Word for themselves and actually knows WHY they believe WHAT they believe. They are sound in the faith, grounded in biblical truth. As is evidenced by the dialogues today, so very many insist they know the truth when they’ve never personally, thoroughly, honestly studied God’s Word for themselves (2 Timothy 2:15). All they’ve done is follow false teachers and are now regurgitating those lies on others. They are false teachers and hell bound if they don’t repent (2 Peter 2:1-3).

It’s very dangerous to go to seed on a certain truth to the exclusion of the whole of Scripture. Such always results in error.

Twisting Scripture, truth is fueled by the enemy of souls who is the first on record to do so as he misled the man and the woman in the Garden, causing their fall (Genesis 3). Did not Satan also tempted Christ using Scripture out of context? (Luke 4)

“As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest (pervert, twist, corrupt), as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:16

“For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17

Here’s the Greek word and definition for the word “corrupt” used here in the above verse of Scripture:

kapēleuō
kap-ale-yoo’-o
From κάπηλος kapēlos (a huckster); to retail, that is, (by implication) to adulterate (figuratively): – corrupt.

It’s interesting that included in this definition is the word “retail.” Peter speaks of those false leaders who would “make merchandise of you.” (2 Peter 2:1-3)This refers to ungodly men misleading their audiences with half-truths in order to buy them wholesale and sell them retail as the saying goes – to make dollars signs of the people for their own self-serving, greedy purposes.

WHY DO WE BELIEVE WHAT WE BELIEVE? DOES your basis for believing something hold biblical water? What is your basis, the reason you believe the doctrine you currently espouse? Is it 100% biblically air tight? If not, why not ditch it, be corrected, and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4b; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17, etc.). Are you teachable? Are you correctable? Have we made an idol out of what we believe? Is Christ and the Bible truly top shelf or something else? Can we say with Paul “Let GOD be true and EVERY man a liar”, beginning with ourselves? (Romans 3:4)

Example of Doctrinal Corruption

Our example of misusing Scripture, taking it out of context, will address the un-conditional eternal security teaching we also know as “once saved always saved” or “eternal security.”

Many OSAS (once saved always saved) proponents seek to isolate John 3:16 as if it were more inspired than the rest of Scripture. This may be due to the fact that certain denominations have used it every Sunday morning for decades to win souls. These OSAS defendants get shook up when other Bible verses and texts are brought into the picture, because they have never been introduced to the whole counsel of God by their leaders. Their leaders simply do not truly embrace the truth that “All scripture” (not just some) has been God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16).The apostle Paul was a complete full-counsel teacher of God’s truth (Acts 20:20, 27). He held nothing back that was profitable for the LORD’s people. The Psalmist was a full-counsel believer. Are we?

“Therefore I esteem ALL thy precepts concerning ALL things to be right; and I hate every false way.” Psalms 119:128

Personally, I wonder why some people are so insecure about what else Jesus stated about eternal life and the other things the Holy Spirit intentionally had recorded and canonized as divine and eternal truth in the Bible. Didn’t He tell us that “great peace” accompanied the embracing of His Word?

“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalms 119:165

Why would any true believer shun any part of God’s Word? Could the fear of previously unknown Scripture stem from an incomplete personal knowledge of the whole of the Word of God? Have some stopped at John 3:16 and consequently possess a limiting and skewed view of the LORD and His truth due to lack of knowledge of the Word? Could it be that many are not being encouraged to study and know the whole of the written Word?

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous Judgments endureth for ever.” Psalms 119:160

Why would any believer ever be resistant to any portion of Holy Scripture? What would this indicate one is afraid of? Why would any true disciple of Jesus ever be afraid of something else from the Bible being revealed to their hearts, even if it violates what that person has previously been taught? In many evangelical circles, verses like John 3:16 have been presented to the exclusion of the whole counsel of Scripture. Even when John 3:16 is broken down, it clearly proves that the word “believeth” pertains to those who are presently trusting in Christ and not just a one-time belief. To those who are currently believing, eternal life is promised, and not to the one who once believed and was saved and yet is not presently walking with God. 1 Corinthians 15:2 says:

“By which also ye are saved, IF ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:2

Note the phrase “unless ye have believed in vain.” The Holy Spirit is saying here that anyone who has believed and been saved, yet is not “keeping in memory” the Gospel of Christ, is not saved, but rather their initial saving faith is counted to be “vain.” “In vain” means that it has no power to save them now due to their own personal decision to rid their heart “memory” of what they had previously “believed.” Initial saving faith has no effect on the present if one stops walking in the obedient faith that initially accessed God’s grace (Rom. 5:1-2). Saving faith must remain in one’s heart in order for him to continue to receive the saving grace of God and be wholly cleansed by the blood of Christ, without which no man will see God (1 Jn. 1:7-9; Heb. 12:14).

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth (remains, continues) not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9

Looking only at John 3:16, to the exclusion of the whole of Scripture, in itself violates biblical interpretation laws (Isa. 28:9-10, 13; 1 Cor. 2:13). The same God who spoke John 3:16 spoke all that is in Holy Scripture which when taken collectively, clarifies itself. “All Scripture” has been given by the same one LORD God and must be considered as a whole in order to apprehend and rightly divide truth and avoid error (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16).

Honest Interpretation, Apprehension of Truth

The true disciple of Jesus searches, studies, and considers, puts together “ALL scripture” in order to be correctly “taught of God.” (2 Timothy 3:16; John 6:45)And He lets the truth lead wherever it goes by divine design, holding on to no preconceived notions, philosophies, or doctrines of men and devils.

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing (putting together) spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:13

“Comparing spiritual things with spiritual” – in other words, we put together, we collate what we know to be divine truth – the written Word – by putting Scripture upon Scripture in order to learn and discern the perfect divine doctrine, mind of Christ, and will of God.

Beware of Being the “Back it Up” Bubbas

Personally studying God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation, organically, is ultra-important. | The Importance of Personal, Organic Bible Study

To “back up” a belief with Scripture seems to really mean: “I believe ABC doctrine and I’m hell bent on finding Bible verses to prove it!” In other words someone like this doesn’t really care what the whole of Scripture teaches as much as they care to hold on to some pet doctrine (it’s usually something to justify their sin such as the falsehood of eternal security).

Some put forth their subjective beliefs and defend those beliefs by saying “I can back everything up with scripture.” Satan can too as we see him do when tempting Jesus (Luke 4). The devil used Scripture out of context as many today do. Are we merely backing up what WE say and what WE currently believe with Scripture or are we simply reading and diligently studying the whole counsel of Holy Scripture and letting GOD speak for Himself as we “compare spiritual things (Scripture, known truth) with spiritual things”? (1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:15) Big difference. Think about that. Men and devils can deceitfully make the Bible say anything THEY want it to say but that doesn’t make it biblically sound and true. We must beware of our own tendency to espouse and hold on to philosophies, notions, and doctrines that do not line up with the whole counsel of God’s Word and we must be corrected (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

We must honestly examine our own selves to see WHY we believe WHAT we currently believe. Discernment, “rightly dividing the word of truth” seem to be concretely connected to searching the Scriptures as we see with the Bereans who tested Paul and all that he taught, right? (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:10-11) Lots of people who talk about discernment trust their own subjective discernment instead of letting the written WORD be their two edged sword of discernment (Hebrews 4:12). Many believe they are discerning correctly and yet aren’t daily, diligently being grounded in the written Word, which God will never contradict (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21).

The Words of Jesus

Here is a sampling of Scripture truth spoken by the Son of God, which clearly reveals a conditional eternal security:

Matthew 10:22 “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.”

Revelation 2:10-11 “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”

Revelation 3:5 “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (written to the Church)

Matthew 10:32-33 “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”

Luke 8:12-13 “Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.”

Luke 13:24 “Strive (Greek – Agonize) to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.”

Building a thorough theological understanding cannot be done with one or two verses, especially when all of the words of those particular isolated texts are not considered, much less the whole of Scripture. This is actually how cultic groups get started – on a verse which is extracted and isolated from the whole of the Word of God. The Bible is perfectly harmonious (in concert) with no contradiction. Each verse must be taken in light of its surrounding text and all of Holy Scripture. Prayerful study of God’s Word that seeks to understand divine truth must be done with the whole counsel of God being observed – “precept upon precept; line upon line.” (Isa. 28:10; Acts 17:10-11, 20:20, 27)

Jesus spoke of those who have “an honest and good heart” when it comes to hearing the Word of God (Lk. 8:15). Do you have “an honest and good heart” in your personal approach toward God and His Word?

“But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, KEEP IT, and bring forth fruit WITH PATIENCE (continuance).” Luke 8:15

The God of order (1 Cor. 14:40), who is perfect and not the “author of confusion”, has set up a simple system to protect His people from being deceived (1 Cor. 14:33). If one verse or text of Scripture seems to say one thing, yet violates other clearly revealed Scriptural truth, it must be interpreted in light of the clearly revealed Scriptural truth, as a whole. The LORD God cannot contradict Himself.

“ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine…” 2 Timothy 3:16

The Bible has built-in interpretation laws which must be followed if one is to apprehend divine truth in the context the Author intended. It is important to hear and understand this. First, one must know the Author of the Holy Scriptures to properly understand them. Jesus stated:

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you…Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.” John 14:26; 16:13

Then, one must collate (compound, put together) Scripture with Scripture in order to comprehend divine truth: “Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept MUST be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” (Isaiah 28:9-10)

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing (to compound; put together) spiritual things with spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 2:13) Note the method that the Holy Spirit uses to teach us: “the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing (compounding; putting together) spiritual things with spiritual.” This refers to collating Scripture upon Scripture, that is, the line upon line stacking and learning of Holy Scripture.This method assures the establishing and rightly dividing of truth. Biblical truth must be placed upon biblical truth (collated – line upon line) in order to apprehend and understand the things of God. Truth must be compounded, that is, put together or compared with the whole. It is all-important for the one who desires to guard his heart against deception to cross-reference verses in his Bible. Both Jesus and the apostle Paul gave us this key to knowing the truth:

“But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” Matthew 18:16

“This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” 2 Corinthians 13:1

Each inspired Bible text is to be enjoined with the full-counsel of holy Writ. All individual scriptures must be interpreted in light of the whole of the Word of God.

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

Let us cease weighing in, speaking out on topics we have no biblical understanding on – because we’ve not thoroughly studied that topic in God’s Word. You do not yet qualify to give input until you have fully studied all God’s says on a given topic. Your ridiculous opinion and human reasoning are rebellion and so are mine! Time to shut it! Study!

“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly (foolishness) and shame unto him.” Proverbs 18:13

There are many people who act like they are “experts” on certain topics who are clueless….. It’s one thing to simply not know something. It is a completely different thing to argue your point when shown Scripture that contradicts it! The Bible says such a person is a fool to do so (Proverbs 18:13).

Those who are “of God” put God’s Word first and those who are “NOT of God” put their own opinion or human reasoning or anything else first, proving they are lost souls. They peddle “another gospel” and are “accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-8) Listen closely to Jesus:

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

Simply put, we should always interpret Scripture with Scripture. Who is it that “should not perish, but have everlasting life”? The ones who are believing – presently.

According to the Bible, to stop believing is to stop being justified by God. Can a true Christian stop believing? If he does stop believing, is he still justified?

“Now the just shall live (continuously) by faith: but if ANY man draw back (this is obviously possible), my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition (eternal destruction); but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:38-39

Matthew 24:13 “But he that shall ENDURE unto the end, the same shall be saved.”

Mark 13:13 “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall ENDURE unto the end, the same shall be saved.”

Hebrews 3:6 “But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, IF we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”

Hebrews 3:14 “For we are made partakers of Christ, IF we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;”

Hebrews 6:11 “And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:”

Revelation 2:26 “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:”

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that everyone believing into Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

“By which also ye are saved, IF ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:2

“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:26-27

- “Strong confidence”
- “A place of refuge”
- “A fountain of life”

Fearing God

“The fear of the Lord is clean.” (Ps. 19:9) It is wisdom. It is right. It is holy. It is just. It is fair. Fearing God to obedience is the only thing that will bring divine peace. The fear of the LORD will keep our feet held fast on the narrow path that leads to life with the “few.” Note here that “strong confidence”, “a place of refuge”, and “a fountain of life” are exclusively promised to those who possess “The fear of the Lord.” Again, these are the 3 things promised to those who fear God.

Humbly Bowing Down Brings us to Study and Know His Word for Ourselves Lest We be “Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)

“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” Proverbs 22:17-21

What we choose to believe directly affects how we live. What we belief determines our future – our destiny. Knowing God and rightly deciphering His truth is an all-important undertaking in the keeping of one’s soul before the LORD. Lack of knowledge is a deliberate choice as is knowing His Word. Misunderstanding God, by not choosing to fervently gain the understanding of His Word, can have eternal consequences. For example, the Scriptures above have revealed that the ultra popular doctrine of “once saved, always saved” (OSAS) is a very misleading lie at best. The myth of OSAS robs from the believer the fear of God. This lie of lawlessness fosters rebellion and gives way to sin, the enemy, delusion, and disobedience. This is exactly what it did the first time it was told – by Satan. Adam and Eve proceeded to sin against God when they believed this lie of the ages (Gen. 2:17; 3:4). It is the “ye shall not surely die” lie (Gen. 3:4).

Beloved, we must avoid this error at all cost. It could cost one his eternal soul. Here is another verse the OSAS proponents have purposely excluded from their thinking: Jesus stated that “In your patience (endurance) possess ye your souls.” (Lk. 21:19) The Greek word for “patience” is HUPOMONE which is defined in the Strong’s Concordance as “cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy:-enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting).” The doctrinal examples used in this chapter reveal the danger of not including the whole of Scripture when drawing conclusion on any doctrine. In summation, those who believe and teach OSAS fail to acknowledge the plethora of Biblical texts which clearly state man’s responsibility before God and that He has designed that His salvation grace is contingent upon such. OSAS proponents seem only to acknowledge God’s grace in saving men, but never the truth that men have free moral agency. The Bible teaches us that men have a divinely-granted free will to exercise – for or against the LORD. God is perfect and has done His part through Christ and left the appropriation of His salvation up to the individual (Joshua 24:15; Deut. 30:19; Isaiah 1:19-20; Jn. 1:12; 3:16, 36; Rom. 11:19-23).

John 6:66 “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”

Luke 8:13 “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.”

Ezekiel 33:12-13 “Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.”

Remember the Old and New Testament verses about the just LIVING by faith? This truth is found in Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11 and Hebrews 10:38. Here is yet another text which clearly reveals the need to keep on believing to the end – to keep on clinging to the Lord. There are many Bible verses revealing this truth.

A Peek Into Greek

Let’s look at John 3:16 along with some other biblical texts. I am going to pull out my Textus Receptus Greek Interlinear Bible (The Received Text is the real Word of God, from which the King James Bible was translated). The literal Greek reads: Note the phrase “that everyone believing into Him should not perish.” The Greek word translated “believing” is a present participle – used as a verb; “everyone believing (currently) in Him”, not everyone who has at one time in the past believed. This is confirmed by many other clear texts. Here is but one: In the literal Greek rendering above, notice the term “believing into.” The Greek word for “into” is EIS (pronounced “ice”) which is defined in the Strong’s Concordance (1519) as such: EIS – to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time or (fig.) purpose (result, etc.); throughout, till, to (be, the end, -ward), (here), until (to-)ward. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively). The John 3:16 promise (eternal life) is not made so much to the one who has once believed, but to the ones who have and are presently believing. Yes, eternal life is eternal, yet the possession of it can be forfeited if the person who once believed upon Christ to salvation neglects His walk with God and then does “cast off their first faith.” (1 Tim. 5:12) See also Luke 8:13; Col. 1:23; Heb. 2:3; 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39.

Let us cease arguing about the things of God when you don’t THOROUGHLY KNOW HIS WORD. You are a novice (IF you are truly saved) and have no business arguing doctrine.

The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security! [podcast]

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

Grace vs Holiness [podcast]

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

THE ESSENTIAL IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTOLOGY [podcast]

WHO do WE say that Jesus is? “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8), and He is asking us the exact questions today that He asked His disciples while on earth. “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” Matthew 16:13 “But whom say ye that I am?” Matthew 16:15 Jesus is asking each of us “What are others saying of Me and Who do you say that I am?” In other words, perhaps He’s asking us “In a world of many swirling ideas about Me, who do you say that […]

Jesus Christ is God

The Divinity of Jesus Christ WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS CONCERNING JESUS CHRIST AS GOD ALMIGHTY: (Note: this is not an exhaustive look at the divinity of Jesus Christ. Also, note that some of the particular words that announce His divinity are underlined). “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (means God with us).” Isaiah 7:14 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given (He already existed as God-with no beginning or end): and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and […]

Who was the Bible Written to? [podcast]

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 God gave us His Word in written format so they’d be no confusion and also, no excuse on Judgment Day (John 12:48; Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 14:33; 2 Timothy 3:16-17, etc.). The Word of God is the basis by which the LORD shall judge each of us. Beware of “Private Interpretation” | Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth | Whitewashing […]