Was “Easter” a Mistranslation in the King James Bible? Acts 12:4 [video]
Every day of the week is rooted in pagan mythology. Yes, that is exactly right! The days of the week in English have deep roots in ancient Pagan and Roman mythology, with their roots tied to celestial bodies and their associated deities.
The ancient Romans and Norse peoples mapped their gods to the days of the week, a naming convention that Anglo-Saxon Germanic cultures later adapted:
- Sunday: Named after the Sun (dies solis in Latin). Ancient pagans and Romans worshipped the sun as a deity, such as the Egyptian god Ra.
- Monday: Named after the Moon (dies lunae in Latin), honoring the Roman moon goddess Luna or the Anglo-Saxon moon god.
- Tuesday: Named after Tyr (or Tiw), the Norse god of war, replacing the Roman war god Mars.
- Wednesday: Named after Odin (also known as Woden), the supreme Norse god, replacing the Roman god Mercury.
- Thursday: Named after Thor, the mighty Norse god of thunder, replacing the Roman sky god Jupiter.
- Friday: Named after Freya (or Frigg), the Norse goddess of love and beauty, replacing the Roman goddess Venus.
- Saturday: The only day to retain its original Roman name, honoring Saturn, the Roman god of time and agriculture
In light of this fact, we should ask: Is it a sin to call Moon-day, Monday, Saturn-day Saturday, and call Sun-day, Sunday? No. Each day of the week designates, speaks to, identifies that day just as Easter signifies, speaks of a certain time and this is how it is to be viewed when we see it in Scripture.
In the same way, so are the months of the year named – after pagan mythology. One source notes:
“The 12 months of the year are not all named after pagans. While many originate from ancient Roman mythology and polytheistic culture, others are named after Roman emperors, springtime agriculture, or Latin numbers. [1, 2, 3]
- January: Named after Janus, the two-faced Roman pagan god of beginnings, doorways, and transitions.
- February: Derived from Februa, an ancient Roman pagan festival of purification and cleansing.
- March: Named after Mars, the Roman pagan god of war.
- April: Derives from the Latin word aperire, meaning “to open,” referring to the opening of buds and spring flowers.
- May: Named after Maia, the Greek pagan goddess of spring, earth growth, and fertility.
- June: Named after Juno, the Roman pagan goddess of marriage and queen of the gods.
- July: Named to honor the Roman emperor Julius Caesar.
- August: Named to honor Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor.
- September: Named after the Latin word for seven (septem), as it was originally the seventh month of the old Roman calendar.
- October: Derives from the Latin word for eight (octo).
- November: Derives from the Latin word for nine (novem).
- December: Derives from the Latin word for ten (decem).”
Luke the physician’s style of writing included things that were indicators yet not sanctioned by the LORD in the worship of God. For example:
“And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.” Acts 28:11
Of this use of the “sign” of “Castor and Pollux,” the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes the following:
“28:11 The figurehead of this ship was the Twin Brothers, that is, Castor and Pollux. These were supposed, by heathen sailors, to be the patron gods of mariners.”
This is clear proof that everything in Scripture is not necessarily sanctioned from God as part of worshipping Him but is rather frank talk in mentioning the facts being communicated and timeline.
Just because the Bible uses the word “Easter” does not mean 1. It’s a bad translation, or 2. that it was sanctioned in the worship of God. In relating this event, Luke used the word “Easter” to mark a certain event, tradition, time. Notice the phrase “after Easter” which simply referred to a time, after a certain day designated by the heathen in their pagan worship. This in no way indicates that it has anything to do in honoring, worshiping the LORD. Nor does this mean it was the wrong word to use in this text by the translators.
We use this same principle in our own communications today. If someone were to ask another person when they thought they’d be finished building their new home, the builder may say something like: Some time after July 4th. Is July 4th a celebration by Christians to worship God? No. Yet we wouldn’t think twice about using it to mark a designated weekend in our calendar year, right? Right.
When you read the text, it becomes apparent it’s a narrative of Herod using the pagan calendar, and not something giving reverence to this pagan holiday. The passage is describing HEROD’s timeline to kill Peter, and not giving reverence to paganism. It’s simply narrating from Herod’s perspective.
“Now about that time HEROD the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. … 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.” Acts 12:1,4
Defenders of fake “bibles” love to try to use this one to discount God’s preserved Word and justify their use of Satan’s counterfeits, Satan’s attack on “bibles” against the LORD they claim to serve. Not.
The “Easter” Question Cleared Up Conclusively
As usual the King James Bible got it correct-because it is God’s Word.
Samuel C. Gipp.
QUESTION: Isn’t “Easter” in Acts 12:4 a mistranslation of the word “pascha” and should it be translated as “passover”?
ANSWER: No, “pascha” is properly translated “Easter” in Acts 12:4 as the following explanation will show.
EXPLANATION: The Greek word which is translated “Easter” in Acts 12:4 is the word “pascha.” This word appears twenty-nine times in the New Testament. Twenty-eight of those times the word is rendered “Passover” in reference to the night when the Lord passed over Egypt and killed all the firstborn of Egypt (Exodus 12:12), thus setting Israel free from four hundred years of bondage.
The many opponents to the concept of having a perfect Bible have made much of this translation of “pascha.”
Coming to the word “Easter” in God’s Authorized Bible, they seize upon it imagining that they have found proof that the Bible is not perfect. Fortunately for lovers of the word of God, they are wrong. Easter, as we know it, comes from the ancient pagan festival of Astarte. Also known as Ishtar (pronounced “Easter”). This festival has always been held late in the month of April. It was, in its original form, a celebration of the earth “regenerating” itself after the winter season. The festival involved a celebration of reproduction. For this reason the common symbols of Easter festivities were the rabbit (the same symbol as “Playboy” magazine), and the egg. Both are known for their reproductive abilities. At the center of attention was Astarte, the female deity. She is known in the Bible as the “queen of heaven” (Jeremiah 7:18; 44:17-25). She is the mother of Tammuz (Ezekiel 8:14) who was also her husband! These perverted rituals would take place at sunrise on Easter morning (Ezekiel 8:13-16). From the references in Jeremiah and Ezekiel, we can see that the true Easter has never had any association with Jesus Christ.
Problem: Even though the Jewish Passover was held in mid April (the fourteenth) and the pagan festival Easter was held later the same month, how do we know that Herod was referring to Easter in Acts 12:4 and not the Jewish Passover? If he was referring to the Passover, the translation of “pascha” as “Easter” is incorrect. If he was indeed referring to the pagan holyday (holiday) Easter, then the King James Bible (1611) must truly be the very word and words of God for it is the only Bible in print today which has the correct reading.
To unravel the confusion concerning “Easter” in verse 4, we must consult our FINAL authority, THE BIBLE. The key which unlocks the puzzle is found not in verse 4, but in verse 3. (“Then were the days of unleavened bread… “) To secure the answer that we seek, we must find the relationship of the Passover to the days of unleavened bread. We must keep in mind that Peter was arrested during the “days of unleavened bread” (Acts 12:3).
Our investigation will need to start at the first Passover. This was the night in which the LORD smote all the firstborn in Egypt. The Israelites were instructed to kill a lamb and strike its blood on the two side posts and the upper door post (Exodus 12:4,5). Let us now see what the Bible says concerning the first Passover, and the days of unleavened bread.
Exodus 12:13-18: “And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.
16 And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.
17 And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.
18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.”
Here in Exodus 12:13 we see how the Passover got its name. The LORD said that He would “pass over” all of the houses which had the blood of the lamb marking the door.
After the Passover (Exodus 12:13,14), we find that seven days shall be fulfilled in which the Jews were to eat unleavened bread. These are the days of unleavened bread!
In verse 18 we see that dates for the observance were April 14th through the 21st.
This religious observance is stated more clearly in Numbers 28:16-18: “And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the LORD.
17 And in the fifteenth day of this month is the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten.
18 In the first day shall be an holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work therein:”
In verse 16 we see that the Passover is only considered to be the 14th of the month. On the next morning, the 15th begins the “days of unleavened bread.”
Here in Deuteronomy we see again that the Passover is sacrificed on the first night (Deuteronomy 16:1). It is worth noting that the Passover was to be celebrated in the evening (vs.6) not at sunrise (Ezekiel 8:13-16).
In II Chronicles 8:13 we see that the feast of unleavened bread was one of the three Jewish feasts to be kept during the year.
II Chronicles 8:13: “Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.”
Whenever the Passover was kept, it always preceded the feast of unleavened bread. In II Chronicles 30 some Jews who were unable to keep the Passover in the first month were allowed to keep it in the second. But the dates remained the same.
II Chronicles 30:l5,21: “Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the LORD. And the children of lsrael that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the LORD.”
Ezra 6:19,22: “And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month. And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.”
We see then, from studying what the BIBLE has to say concerning the subject that the order of events went as follows:
(1) On the 14th of April the lamb was killed. This is the Passover. No event following the 14th is ever referred to as the Passover.
(2) On the morning of the 15th begins the days of unleavened bread, also known as the feast of unleavened bread.
It must also be noted that whenever the Passover is mentioned in the New Testament, the reference is always to the meal, to be eaten on the night of April 14th not the entire week. The days of unleavened bread are NEVER referred to as the Passover. (It must be remembered that the angel of the Lord passed over Egypt on one night, not seven nights in a row.)
Now let us look at Acts 12:3,4: “And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.”
Verse 3 shows that Peter was arrested during the days of unleavened bread (April 15-2 1). The Bible says: “Then were the days of unleavened bread.” The Passover (April 14th) had already come and gone. Herod could not possibly have been referring to the Passover in his statement concerning Easter. The next Passover was a year away! But the pagan holiday of Easter was just a few days away. Remember! Herod was a pagan Roman who worshiped the “queen of heaven.” He was NOT a Jew. He had no reason to keep the Jewish Passover. Some might argue that he wanted to wait until after the Passover for fear of upsetting the Jews. There are two grievous faults in this line of thinking.
First, Peter was no longer considered a Jew. He had repudiated Judaism. The Jews would have no reason to be upset by Herod’s actions.
Second, he could not have been waiting until after the Passover because he thought the Jews would not kill a man during a religious holiday. They had killed Jesus during Passover (Matthew 26:17-19,47). They were also excited about Herod’s murder of James. Anyone knows that a mob possesses the courage to do violent acts during religious festivities, not after.
In further considering Herod’s position as a Roman, we must remember that the Herods were well known for celebrating (Matthew 14:6-11). In fact, in Matthew chapter 14 we see that a Herod was even willing to kill a man of God during one of his celebrations.
It is elementary to see that Herod, in Acts 12, had arrested Peter during the days of unleavened bread, after the passover. The days of unleavened bread would end on the 21st of April. Shortly after that would come Herod’s celebration of pagan Easter. Herod had not killed Peter during the days of unleavened bread simply because he wanted to wait until Easter. Since it is plain that both the Jews (Matthew 26:17- 47) and the Romans (Matthew 14:6-11) would kill during a religious celebration, Herod’s opinion seemed that he was not going to let the Jews “have all the fun.” He would wait until his own pagan festival and see to it that Peter died in the excitement.
Thus we see that it was God’s providence which had the Spirit-filled translators of our Bible (King James) to CORRECTLY translate “pascha” as “Easter.” It most certainly did not refer to the Jewish Passover. In fact, to change it to “Passover” would confuse the reader and make the truth of the situation unclear.
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Articles
The Essential Doctrine of Repentance – If he’s not preaching repentance, he’s false. Read that again. Run.
The Biblical Statement on the Essential Doctrine and Necessity of Repentance – in Life and in the Dispensing of the Original Gospel Message.
Firstly, we should understand that God’s command for us to repent means “turn to Me.” The LORD calls us to Himself.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Regrettably, we seldom hear this word, this Gospel essential. Though nearly never heard in today’s apostate modern church world, according to Christ’s unchanging original Gospel, repentance is an absolute imperative.
Karen Cochran observes:
“It doesn’t seem the word repent is part of the Christian’s vocabulary! In the modern church, it’s all about God accepting you the way you are without any requirements to repent and die to self.”
Note that in modern churches, “Christian” radio, media, books, the word “repent” is rarely if ever heard. Yet Jesus says that repenting is essential to salvation (Luke 13:3, 5, etc.).
The words “repent” and “repentance” appear 72 times in God’s Word – the King James Bible.
God will not forgive the sins of anyone who doesn’t repent – even if they confess their sins every day of their life!
Any “preacher” not preaching repentance is not preaching the original Gospel and is absolutely a fraud! Now, let that sink in and see if you can count the number of “pastors” NOT preaching the first Word of the Gospel – repentance! Get out the calculator! Better yet, count those who ARE preaching repentance and you won’t get to your second hand!
The Essential Doctrine of Repentance has Never been more Needed and Yet has Never been more Scarce!
No person who doesn’t repent will be saved. To deny the need, the absolute necessity of repentance is to deny the LORD who is “Holy, holy, holy” and to deny sin (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8)!
DO WE know the original Gospel message? Where does the relationship begin – between fallen man and God? What is the first divine command for sinners to appropriate the justification of God? Repentance is essential (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38, etc.) Does your pastor use this word, YES THIS BIBLE WORD – “repent”? No, not some modernized, toned down, lame word but the literal word “repent”?
ALL who are living in sin
are on a collision course
with divine justice.
Hell awaits.
COMMUNICATING THE ESSENTIAL DOCTRINE OF REPENTANCE
Let it not drop. In fact this divine command (Acts 17:30) – to “repent” – is nearly if not completely missing from the apostate modern church world and the counterfeits therein. They preach a false gospel because the original Gospel requires repentance to be saved (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21, etc.). Let it not be! Be true to the LORD and preach it.
If Jesus isn’t important enough to you to seek and obey, you do not love Him (John 14:15). You have rejected Him and all your cover up operation is a silly sham that He sees right through. Going to church, reading God’s Word, running through a canned prayer before bedtime or each morning, etc., will never replace getting honest in repentance with the LORD. He will accept nothing short of repentance and laying your life at His holy feet (Ezekiel 18:30; Hosea 10:12). This is called true repentance, something most who claim to be saved have never done (Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19, etc.). They said a prayer. They didn’t repent and Jesus says “Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).
God absolutely requires “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” to save a soul (Acts 20:21). Yet HE is the Savior, not us. WHY did Jesus ever have to come if we could save ourselves? When or if we are emphasizing our own repentance more than the sheer mercy of God in Christ who alone saved our most depraved, wicked souls, we are imbalanced at best. Pour over the words of Titus 3:5-7.
“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:21
“Mark 1:15
and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Repent ye, and believe the gospel. These words may be regarded as a summary of the method of salvation. Repentance and faith are the conditions of admission into the Christian covenant. Repentance has a special reference to God the Father, and faith, to Jesus Christ the eternal Son. It is in the gospel that Christ is revealed to us as a Saviour; and therefore we find Jesus Christ, as the object of our faith, distinguished from the Father as the object of our repentance. Repentance of itself is not sufficient—it makes no satisfaction for the Law which we have broken; and hence, over and above repentance, there is required from us faith in the Gospel, wherein Christ is revealed to us as a propitiation for sin, and as the only way of reconciliation with the Father. Without faith repentance becomes despair, and without repentance faith becomes only presumption. Join the two together, and the faithful soul is borne onwards, like a well-balanced vessel, to the haven where it would be.” Pulpit Commentary
In God’s Word, in the Early Church, “REPENT” is repeatedly seen as the very first word, command of the Gospel.
John the Baptist
“And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2
Jesus
“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17
Peter
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” Acts 3:19
Christ’s Apostle Paul
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:” Acts 17:30
No one will be saved without repenting (Luke 13:3, 5, etc.). AFFIRMATION without salvation, regeneration, is rampant in today’s apostate modern church world. Beware.
One is hard pressed to hear any modern pastor use the word and essential divine command to “repent.” This was foretold for these final days in which we live. Any man not preaching the essential biblical doctrine of repentance, not using the Bible word “repent,” is preaching “another gospel” and is an “accursed” wolf with no exception (Galatians 1:6-9)! Run. If you sit under, if you patronize any preacher who isn’t regularly using the divine essential command to “repent,” you are as deceived and hell bound as this vile antichrist you are bidding Godspeed to (2 John 10-11).
Any preacher not preaching repentance is not preaching the original Gospel and is “accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9). He’s a wolf! Run.
God NEITHER forgives nor blesses any man who doesn’t first repent.
IF he’s not preaching repentance and remission of sins he’s a fraud! No excuse! “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).
ALL who don’t preach repentance are not preaching the original Gospel of Jesus! This fact clears out 90% of the cowards many call “pastor” in this late hour!
ARE YOU preaching the absolute Gospel essential of repentance beloved of God? Jesus commanded that we do just that.
Beware of the devils who are running around saying that repentance is not needed to be in Christ’s kingdom. They are using the thief on the cross to “prove” their point. Is this conclusive and true?
ANY “MINISTRY” NOT PREACHING REPENTANCE IS ABSOLUTELY FALSE!
It’s laughable and lame that these heretics use the thief on the cross to say that there’s no need for repentance. Unreal. Scripture must be interpreted with Scripture. Jesus says it’s essential to “repent” or one will “perish” (go to Hell). See Luke 13:3, 5. And, the thief on the cross who turned to Jesus (that’s what repentance is defined as!) in his last moments is in glory according to Christ. So, we conclude that Jesus, who knows all things, saw repentance in that man! Bam. Cased closed! Devil exposed.
Repentance: The Essential that Beguiling Wolves Refuse to Preach
WHAT’s the very first word/command of the original Gospel saints? Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19, etc.). Are you ready to “give an answer to every man”?
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15
Repentance is a reversal of the direction of one’s life, a full turning to God, away from self. It must be preached as it was the very first word, divine command that proceeded from the mouths of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2), Jesus (Matthew 4:17), and the apostles (Acts 2:38, 3:19, etc.). Jesus said it is essential (Luke 13:3, 5).
Let’s consider….. Some seem to speak of repentance as merely turning from sin. Is that a complete view? Is repentance more of turning from sin or turning to God? What’s most important? Obviously both are vital and yet, let’s think about how Jesus says “Come unto me…” and “I will draw all men unto me” (Matthew 11:28-30; John 12:32). Coming to God initially and ongoing seems to be a conviction by the Holy Spirit and Law convicting and drawing us to HIM and therefore departing from sin from which we are delivered by His power and grace as we come to Him. First and foremost it seems that true repentance is turning TO God and therefore away from sin, that which displeases Him.
IF you aren’t preaching REPENTANCE you are preaching a false gospel! Repent!
“Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:31
Repentance – Greek: Metaneo/metanoia …. definition from Greek Dictionary – (subject) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication reversal ….
Repentance means a change of mind, turning fully to the LORD, doing a 180, and fully giving ourselves over to Him. When we do, all of us will be His and all we have will be His. If these fruits of being totally abandoned to Him are not resident, the individual has not truly repented – laid down their life. Repentance is a gift as is every good and perfect gift (2 Timothy 2:25; James 1:17).
- If you truly want refreshing, you will receive such when you come to Jesus in true repentance. Read Acts 3:19.
- Confessing sin is NOT repenting. There’s a difference. Admitting your sin and poverty of spirit in surrender before the LORD.
- YOU can confess till you die and will go to Hell if you haven’t truly repented. Repentance is surrender, turning to the LORD from where you are.
Confession of sin is ONLY for those who’ve repented and have a relationship with God. Catholics confess their sins to a sinner wearing a costume but will never be forgiven unless they repent and receive Christ. Jesus says that “Except ye repent (not confess sin) ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Yes confession of sin is a blessing but reserved exclusively for those who are born again and presently in relationship with Christ.
ANY man pretending to represent Christ who is not preaching repentance on a regular basis is a wolf!
There is the initial and ongoing need for repentance. It’s the divine requirement for one to enter God’s kingdom and should be practiced by all believers as needed, ever turning to the LORD fully. No forgiveness of sins is granted outside of it.
Concerning repentance, Geerhardus Vos writes:
“Our Lord’s idea of repentance is as profound and comprehensive as His conception of righteousness. Of the three words that are used in the Greek Gospels to describe the process, one emphasizes the emotional element of regret, sorrow over the past evil course of life, metamelomai; Matt. 12:29-32; a second expresses reversal of the entire mental attitude, metanoeo, Matt. 12:41, Luke 11:32; 15:7, 10; the third denotes a change in the direction of life, one goal being substituted for another, epistrephomai; Matt. 13:15 (and parallels); Luke 17;4, 22:32. Repentance is not limited to any single faculty of the mind: it engages the entire man, intellect, will and affections… Again, in the new life which follows repentance the absolute supremacy of God is the controlling principle. He who repents turns away from the service of mammon and self to the service of God.” (Geerhardus Vos, The Kingdom of God and the Church, P&R, 1972, p. 92-93)
Sadly, the vast majority of modern “pastors” are seminary indoctrinated, Vatican corrupted and use Catholic “bibles” which have removed the word/doctrine repent, repentance. For example, the NKJV removed repent over 40 times! The great falling away! Corrupt Bible Versions
IS IT any wonder repentance is seldom heard? WHEN you realize that the “pastors” we have in the pulpits today are Vatican trained by Jesuit infiltrated seminaries which falsely promote the Catholic “bibles” these pastors now read and get their message from. And, the people they preach to are reading those Vatican “bibles” and so don’t know repentance is an essential, vital biblical doctrine. They have no excuse! King James Bible readers are much sharper, more astute Bible students due to reading the real, preserved Word of our God (Psalms 12:6-7).
Beware of the Vatican Trained Seminarians!
True repentance, when someone truly turns their whole being over to the LORD, without fail, brings a regenerated, a changed life and new lifestyle – a holy life. Refreshing, a clean heart, a clear conscious ensues.
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” Matthew 3:7-8
Preaching the essential of repentance eliminates easy believism. Anyone preaching a “salvation” without the necessity of real repentance that brings forth fruit, clear proof of that repentance, is preaching a false gospel (Matthew 3:7-10).
“Repentance is to TAKE SIDES with God against yourself. It is a CHANGE of attitude toward SELF, toward SIN, toward GOD, toward CHRIST that is so REAL that it RESULTS in a changed life. It is raising the WHITE FLAG in SURRENDER to God and turning to Christ as your only LORD and Savior. Repentance is NOT a work … works are the fruit of repentance (Ephesians 2:8-10).” Trent Austin
“And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” Luke 3:9
To “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance” means to show you have repented by doing God’s work now consistent with your true repentance.
Did you notice what Jesus promised in verse 9? – “every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire”?
1 John 3:18 says “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
As usual, as Bible students, we should understand that the actual Scriptures themselves are the best and ultimate definition of any topic. Consider Jesus’ words here…
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33
“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” Luke 19:27
The Savior and His blessed salvation does not come into a person’s life until they repent.
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3, 5
Could Jesus have been any plainer? Do you now see that true repentance, as from God’s definition, is essential? No one can be saved if they refuse to acknowledge their sin before a holy God and Judge and turn their lives over to Him unreservedly.
The Very First Word of the True Gospel
“REPENT” is the very first Word/divine command of the original Gospel – Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30; 20:21 etc. ANY man who isn’t constantly teaching and calling men to repent is a vile antichrist Hell bound wolf.
The true Gospel begins with the command to repent doesn’t it? – per John the Baptist, Christ, and Peter the apostle (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30).
“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2
“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17
When the New Testament church was born, the LORD’s apostle Peter preached this which resulted in 3,000 souls being saved:
“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:37-38
“Times of refreshing” come only from the LORD upon repentance.
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.” Acts 17:30
Jesus commanded that repentance be preached and any minister, leader, or ministry not preaching “Repent,” is not fulfilling a New Testament purpose and is counterfeit (Luke 24:47).
“God … now commandeth ALLLLL men EVERY WHERE to repent” (Acts 17:30). Could it be more clear?
“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.” Ezekiel 18:30
Repenting means that your life is no longer your own anymore. It’s now all about God and not you, surrendering with nothing withheld to the LORD, falling upon His blessed mercy, broken, contrite, and given over to Him and His blessed Gospel.
To repent is necessary to receive salvation and true repentance always yields the fruit of a totally changed life – from the inside out. Even believing in Jesus in the easy believism manner so prevalently peddled in today’s apostate modern church world will not bring God’s regeneration/salvation (2 Corinthians 5:17-18; Titus 3:5-7). “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” (James 2:19)
With these biblical truths in mind, let us realize that any “ministry” or leader, church, or preacher whose message does not begin with and constantly contain the necessity of repentance, if a false teacher/ministry. This is a major discernment nugget. Please nourish your heart and meditate upon this truth. Look closer at the ministries you may be currently espousing, and ask yourself if they are preaching that men must repent. Make no excuses for mere men. If they are not preaching the divine command to “repent,” that is a false ministry.
Also, to bring forth fruit proving there has been true heart repentance and regeneration should be preached (Matthew 3:7-8).
When Jesus brought salvation to the home of Zacchaeus, genuine repentance yielded restitution in the newly saved man’s life.
Luke 19
1And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. 6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. 8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:1-10
Of repentance, A.W. Tozer wrote:
“Do a thorough job of repenting. Do not hurry to get it over with. Hasty repentance means shallow spiritual experience and lack of certainty in the whole life. Let godly sorrow do her healing work. Until we allow the consciousness of sin to wound us, we will never develop a fear of evil. It is our wretched habit of tolerating sin that keeps us in our half-dead condition.”
What True Disciples Preach and What Wolves Don’t Preach
In His Great Commission message, the Son of God commanded “That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations.” Here’s the whole verse:
“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:47
So, is it becoming more clear in your understanding why repentance must be preached in obedience to Jesus? Is it more clear now that any and all ministries and leaders who do not preach repentance are wolves?
If one will begin to observe, he will find that the vast majority of leaders today, claiming to be representing Christ, do not preach repentance. These leaders who refuse to preach the original Gospel message which begins with the divine command to “Repent,” are utterly false. In fact, the Word of God says they are “accursed” for preaching “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6-9).
“I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. 22 But if they had stood in my counsel (if they had preached my Word), and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.” Jeremiah 23:21-22
It’s real simple: God is eternally perfect and therefore unchanging. His requirement for men to repent has not been changed one bit and yet, enterprising, self-serving wolves have “crept in unawares” or undetected by the gullible (Jude 3-4). They have ignored and dodged the hard truths which don’t serve their self-serving purpose to exploit enough people to build their own dreams upon, leading them to darkness and ultimately damnation. Their goal is not to please God at any cost but rather to create a large following – to build their own kingdom (Philippians 3:1-3; 2 Peter 2:1-3). So, they have eliminated the hard truths of the Gospel in order to church the un-churched for their own greedy purpose.
You see, the Bible is chock full of Scriptures speaking of God’s holiness and man’s sinfulness and iniquity. Yet, most preachers today refuse to acknowledge such. So, why repent? What’s there to repent of? This is no new thing as we saw in the passage above from Jeremiah. Now, look at what we read in Lamentations 2 concerning false leadership who refuse to preach on sin and the necessity of repentance:
“Thy prophets (false leaders) have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity (bondage from sin); but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment (they’ve entertained and exploited you for their own self-serving purposes).” Lamentation 2:14
The prophet Isaiah was told to reveal God’s view of sins to the people so they could repent and be rescued:
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Isaiah 58:1
If you are upset at those messengers that are obeying God by marking false prophet wolves today, this proves that you yourself are against the LORD and are His very enemy (Romans 16:17-18; Jude 3-4).
“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30
In the divine economy there is no way to justify such rebellion. Those who do not preach repentance regularly are not preaching the original Gospel and found to be beguilers on this fact alone (Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 22:18-19).
Repentance is a pillar doctrine of Holy Scripture. It’s named as one of the foundational, elementary, principle doctrines of Christ (Hebrews 6:1-3). It is a must to be “born again” and all true Heaven-bound disciples of Jesus who are on the narrow road that leads to life, are speaking this truth.
“Therefore leaving the principles (beginning, elementary truths) of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection (maturity); not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.” Hebrews 6:1-2
Of the six principle or elementary doctrines of Christ, the very first one deals with “repentance.”
Repentance is not just confession of sin but rather is turning wholly to the LORD and therefore turning away from all sin (that which He says is sin and displeases Him).
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
The vast majority of modern so-called “evangelicals” don’t personally diligently study the Bible and therefore have no foundational knowledge and understanding of the doctrines of Holy Scripture. So, they are easy to mislead. So many modern “pastors” deceitfully mislead their gullible listeners to believe that Paul was only “the apostle of the grace of God.” These beguiling mis-leaders eliminate and ignore the essential biblical doctrines of repentance, denial of self, taking up the cross, and personal holiness that Paul taught. These things are purposely ignored and made to be an option but not eternally consequential to the soul. What is tragic is that these modern beguilers have misled a whole generation of people to believe they are saved and going to God’s holy Heaven and yet these people have never truly repented.
Of repentance, Brian Sirois notes:
“The Bible (KJV) plainly teaches that the church was COMMANDED to preach REPENTANCE as well as REMISSION OF SINS by GRACE through FAITH. Paul, whose example the church is COMMANDED to follow, preached REPENTANCE as well as GRACE (cf. Luke 24:47; Acts 17:30; Acts 24:25; Hebrews 9:27).
William Booth, the great Christian leader of a century ago, in one of his last major addresses said, ‘I fear the day will come when preachers will preach heaven without hell, and faith without repentance.’ The day that Booth feared would come, has come!”
Genuine, sincere repentance and faith are what God requires to bring a sinner into His kingdom and it doesn’t stop there. One must endure to the end of his earthly life, repenting if needed and continuing to trust Jesus Christ, staying upon the LORD, abiding in rich, vital union and fellowship with Him (Matthew 24:13; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 1 John 1:7-9; Revelation 2-3, etc.).
God bless us to repent and walk in the light as He is in the light so that the blood of Jesus will continue to cleanse us and keep us clean (1 John 1:7). Also, the LORD empower each of us with His holy fear to obey Him in telling His original Gospel message which begins with repentance.
Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I am here and now asking You to unite me in a truly abiding relationship with Yourself and Christ – as You define it. Graft me deeper into Thy bosom and Thy cross. Please save me now, wash away all my sins afresh in Your precious blood my LORD Jesus, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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Abiding
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“Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.” Job 22:21
“nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine”
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6
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Abiding
“Be Strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus” – 2 Timothy Chapter 2 [podcast]
A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus
1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
A Workman Approved by God
14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
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