The Answer to this Question May Shock You
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalms 103:12
SO, what sin is it that you committed that is greater than the cleansing power of Christ’s blood? Is it not idolatry of the worship kind to place anything above “the blood of His cross”?
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: … And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” Colossians 1:14, 20
Any person who has a problem with forgiveness, has a serious problem with God. That’s why Jesus came – to forgive the sins of the world.
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall his people from their sins” Matthew 1:21
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15
Isn’t it time you let God forgive you? Yes, He already has forgiven you when you sincerely confessed that sin but the problem is with you (your lack of understanding). You see, perhaps you have not taken the LORD at His Word and simply believed what He told us. – “If we confess our sins, HE IS FAITHFUL and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Dare we call the LORD a liar? Is that not what we do if we hesitate to believe what He plainly stated? Either He has forgiven you or He hasn’t. What’s it going to be in your mind and heart?
“Let God be true and every man a liar” beginning with you (Romans 3:3).
To those who believe that perhaps their sin was especially egregious and unforgivable, I want to ask you some simple questions:
- In light of God’s “Holy, holy, holy” divine nature, just what sin can be committed and has been committed that He didn’t send His Son to die for?
- Was our sin paid for in full by Christ on that cross or did He lie to us? (John 19:30)
- Why is your sin any worse than anyone elses in the eyes of a Holy God?
- Just what sin did Jesus not die for?
- Are we saying that God’s redemption through His only begotten Son is not complete?
- If in fact Jesus came and died to take away your sins, why do you somehow believe you are still guilty of them that you’ve acknowledged and confessed to Him?
Hindrances to Our Having a Clean Conscience
It’s clear from many Scriptures that God wants His children to have a clear conscience.
“Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:” 1 Timothy 1:5
He wants to “forgive us our sins” and “cleanse us from all unrighteousness” all the way to the conscience level. See also Hebrews 9:14.
Could it be that we have not fully and completely released someone we know who committed a sin? Could that be the reason we have struggled to sense a clean, clear conscience? Perhaps if we ourselves are not freely forgiving all as God has freely forgiven us, we are reaping bad results. Could it be that if we are not showing God’s mercy to others and letting them free (in our minds and attitudes), then we are hindering the blessing of a clear conscience. See Matthew 18:21-35 and James 2:13 and Matthew 7:1-5. Remember that God “looketh on the heart” of man (1 Samuel 16:7). Why is their sin any worse than the ones you have committed?
Those who oppose the ease of receiving God’s forgiveness through Christ are antichrists – they deny Christ’s redemption for works and they deny Him by disbelieving what He stated when He said: “It is finished.” (John 19:30) “It is finished” means that all of the sins of mankind – the whole fallen race – are “paid in full.” (1 John 2:2) And Jesus taught that if we individually answer the call to be “born again,” we are in His kingdom and can receive forgiveness for any sin we may commit along the way.
You see, there are many who want to use your past, already forgiven by Jesus sins against you and so, to preach this forgiveness of sins by His blood is to remove the tool of control they seen to wiled over you by holding a past sin over your head. Beware! This is witchcraft.
To combat this, we must know of a surety that Christ has completely paid for and has washed away all our sins in His blessed, precious blood. | Redemption Through Christ’s Sacrifice
“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.” Psalms 103:8-16
The Bible tells us that sin is a choice and of our own lusts and not of God at all (James 1:13-15). Yet, God made full provision for His people if they sinned after He saved them (Psalms 103:2; 1 John 1:6-2:2, etc.). The intercessory work of Christ didn’t stop when He bled on that cross to pay for our sins (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:24-26, etc.).
“In him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not.” 1 John 3:5-6
We know from this passage above that as we are truly abiding in Christ, we are not living in sin.
If you somehow believe that you have reached a place of sinless perfection, there is no need to read this article, but there is the need to read 1 John 1:8-10 and Proverbs 20:9.
What should a born again Christian do after he sins? Here’s the answer: Repent (turn back to the LORD), receive God’s forgiveness in confession through Jesus Christ and go help someone else! To this, some may respond with: WHAT are you talking about?!?! Are you crazy!? Go do ministry?! Are you crazy?! How can a person who recently sinned do ministry or show God’s love?!
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (atoning sacrifice) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” Romans 3:24-25
Remember when Peter was going to deny Christ, even with cursing, etc.? What did Jesus say for His child Peter to do after he had sinned and was restored back to rightful relationship with Him? Check this out:
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:31-32
Jesus told Peter what to do after he was recovered from that fall. Note initially here that Jesus didn’t instruct Peter (nor does He instruct anyone) to go do some kind of catholic penance to work off his sins and display some kind of outward work of false humility, but rather the refreshing command to “strengthen thy brethren.” What a freedom! We are to go and pour out God’s mercy to others as it has been abundantly poured out on us! Remember that one day Jesus spoke to a sinful woman and said: “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven (freely); for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.” As we realize how much undeserved mercy has been shown to us by God, we will naturally rejoice to share this unspeakable gift with others. Our sins were/are many and His mercy is enormous and endures forever to those who fear Him (Psalms 103:11).
Here are some of the things we glean from the words of Christ in this passage (Luke 22:31-32):
- Satan seeks/desires to “Sift you as wheat” away from God – to cause your fellowship with God to be interrupted. This is how the devil works. Yes, there is a real devil and he hates God and you because you are the Lord’s. If the leadership of your church doesn’t acknowledge a real devil and a real spiritual battle that rages daily, let me encourage you to either talk to them about it or find an honest fellowship where God’s Word is truly honored.
- Jesus is praying for each of His saints (YOU) – “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not” (see also Hebrews 7:25; John 17:9).
- “When thou art converted”
– When we sin, we are to be restored to fellowship with our Lord who loves us and has our best interests in His heart and is
- “Strengthen thy brethren”
– Strengthen the brothers and sisters around you when you are restored – and consequently refreshed – (Acts 3:19-21). Nothing could be more important than your vital union and communion with your Lord. Rejoice in His goodness toward you! Rejoice that He has shown you mercy and ponder sharing that same mercy with others as you have received such.
- “Freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) Comfort others who have fallen or are in a season of difficulties with the comfort you have received from God (2 Cor. 2:1-4).
- “ready (postured) to forgive” Psalms 86:5, 15 say: “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. … But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”
Nothing could be more important than your vital union and communion with your Lord. Rejoice in His goodness toward you today!
Chris Sitter writes:
“I can relate to that scripture that says Satan hath desired to sift you as wheat (Lk. 22:31-32). But, because of His mercy and blood, and longsuffering, and merciful kindness, I must share what He – in his great grace, has chosen to share with me – with His sheep. For only He, can make me accepted in the beloved. Oh, that I can share a part in the Savior’s blood. A thousand hymns will not be able to capture the greatness of HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT! Let us press on towards the mark – one moment at a time, for there is no promise of tomorrow. Grateful for Calvary.”
Wait just a minute!! What about the people who know I sinned? What will they say? What if they condemn me and call me a hypocrite because I am seeking God afresh, putting the past behind me, and serving Him by ministering His grace, love, and truth to others – after I sinned?
“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? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 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. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Romans 8:32-35
When we lapse in our faith for some reason or the other, perhaps we shouldn’t wallow in the mire of that experience, but get right back to being about our Father’s business. After Peter had sinned many times, Jesus told Him to “Feed my sheep.” (Jn. 21:16-17)
“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” Proverbs 24:16
It’s no time to wallow in the mire of past sins, but rather to rise up (yes again) and seek the infinitely beautiful face of the LORD. This one thing is what is needful.
“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.” Psalms 27:4
ORIGIN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Every false religion in the world has some type of penance or asceticism (personal works or torment to earn God’s forgiveness or favor). Christians stand alone, placing all of their trust and hope in the Son of God for full and complete forgiveness for all of their sin. Scores of true believers have given their lives for this very truth, which is at the very heart of the Gospel. Jesus Christ + nothing = total forgiveness and eternal life. Now this is a good moment to verbalize our thanksgiving to our heavenly Father of this unspeakable gift!
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7
Please allow me to strongly urge you to memorize this text above.
For the record: God is the only really holy One and we are made holy only by being in communion with Him. So, when we have truly repented, turning fully back to Him, He makes us holy again, instantly!
Friend, as a believer, you may struggle within with the fleshly temptation towards doing penance – trying (after sinning) to do enough good works to somehow satisfy the claims of God’s holy justice and regain His favor. Nothing could be more antichrist. Nothing could strike at the heart of the Gospel more than such unbelief in the hearts of those who call themselves His children. There could be no more severe denial of the blood of Christ than this, whether one realizes it or not. Such is a clear denial of the precious propitiatory blood of the Savior, and reveals a complete misunderstanding of the Gospel. Either Christ’s blood was the full payment for all of your sins, AND/OR 1) God is a liar, 2) His whole Word (the Bible) is not true, and 3) You should immediately give up playing the part of a Christian because there is no amount of perfect works you can do to pay for your own sins.
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6
Let me encourage you to study Romans 1-5 at least 7 times. Get this essential Gospel truth deep down in your heart. Pour over this text. Hi-lite, outline and cross reference. Write down on index cards select texts the Holy Spirit puts His finger on and memorize them.
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:10
No person can begin to understand divine forgiveness until he first understands the utterly depraved and sinful state of un-redeemed men and the ultimate righteousness and sinless perfection of Christ Jesus. Listen and let your heart be blessed by this life-changing passage from Romans:
“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:19-26
WHEW! Does this truth not lift the heavy and vain burden of self-righteousness? Read this last part of Romans 3 until it does. Pour over this passage until it saturates you heart, mind and thoughts.
Is our righteousness based on self-works, goodness or merit, OR the one supreme work of the Son of God? Such is a matter of life or death. Any person who leaves this earth trusting in any of there own righteousness instead of Christ’s, is going to certain damnation. There is no neutral ground – “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” (Phil. 3:9)
If you are going to try to be justified by your own works, instead of relying completely upon Christ’s work on the cross to make you righteous, you better not make even one slight mistake of sin:
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10
Saints, have we not all lusted, coveted, hated (heart murder), and committed adultery by entertaining evil thoughts? How can we repay Him? What are we going to do to merit His forgiveness and righteousness? What have we to offer the infinitely holy God of all that is? What are we in comparison to His Majesty?
We owe a debt we cannot pay
He paid a debt He did not owe
Friend, is it time for you to put away the notion or practice of self-dependence? If you are ready to repent of all traces of self-reliance and self-works for righteousness, then it is time to get excited and rejoice in the Savior who came from glory to pay the full price for all of your sins – to make you free to love and serve Him now and forever!
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:18-19
Let’s get something straight: As a believer, living in this sinful world, we do not proclaim or declare our own goodness or righteousness – we have none other than what is imparted from God through Christ, the perfect One. Hello! No, rather, we declare Christ Jesus the LORD, the One who said “It is finished”, as He drew His last breath in dying and becoming the supreme and only sacrifice for our sins and the sins of the world (Jn. 19:30; 1 Jn. 2:2). Yes, we ”worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” (Phil. 3:3)
“And he is the propitiation (atoning sacrifice) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:2
We should not sin again with “an evil heart of unbelief” by not accepting God’s forgiveness through Christ who lives forever to make intercession for us at the Father’s right hand (Heb. 3:12-15, 4:14-16, 7:25). The fact is that we were never personally worthy to be forgiven in the first place, but God did such on the basis of Christ propitiatory sacrifice.
Notice “if” not When – God expects His people not to sin. Sin is always a choice, a bad choice (James 1:13-15).
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.…My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 1:9; 2:1-2
Notice “IF any man sin,” and not “when you sin.” In God’s kingdom, overcoming is expected, not sinning. Yet, the LORD, through the blood of His only begotten Son, has made full provision in the whole package of the salvation He wrought through our LORD Jesus. See the book of Hebrews.
What do you think? Do you have a testimony of forgetting those things which lie behind you and getting back up and running the race – full speed? Will you accept His mercy and forgiveness in faith without which you cannot please the LORD? (see Heb. 11:6) Is your sin greater than Christ’s divine, holy, sinless blood and the power of His divine grace to break all shackles in your life?
“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23
Maybe something you say could strengthen another believer. The LORD truly is working and orchestrating all things together for the good to those who truly love Him. In conjunction with their obedience to Him, God is conforming their lives to the image of Jesus (Rom. 8:28-29).
Remember that YOU have a personal “advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous”, who restores your soul in the green pastures of His grace as you present yourself before Him in love. What a SAVIOR!!! What a Counselor!!! What a Shepherd!!! What a God of Restoration!!! What words could possibly do justice to His majesty?!
“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee…But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalms 86:5,15
Jesus is coming soon saint of the Most High. Remember to be about your Father’s business so that Christ will find your hand to the plow of worshipping Him supremely and feeding His sheep, helping others come to repentance and place all their trust in “the great Shepherd of the sheep.” (Heb. 13:20)
Restoration is the aim of the Father. Sin is wrong because God (not men) determines what is sin – it is a violation of the holiness of the LORD (1 Jn. 3:4). No excuse can be made for our sins (Rom. 6). Yet, the past sins of others should never ever be utilized by other sinners (forgiven sinners) to manipulate or control that person. Jesus did no such thing with Peter, nor anyone else. To in any way use another person’s sins against them, is unmitigated witchcraft and actually happens in local fellowships. If this is going on with people you are in relationship with, send them this article and lovingly call them to repent. If they don’t, run for your life beloved (see 1 Tim. 6:3-5 KJV). Also, for more in-depth study on this topic of control, order a copy of Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us. Two whole chapters are dedicated to exposing the control of other men and its detrimental effects.
Have you considered getting some Gospel tracts and beginning to sow the seed of God’s Word? Visit the TRACTS page on this site for more information.
Blessings In Christ,
todd tomasella – “less than the least of all saints” (Eph. 3:8).
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Abiding
WHAT is the Context of Fighting the Good Fight of Faith? [podcast]
Dancing on the Defeated Devil’s Grave! Get some! Now!
What was Paul speaking of when he declared that Christ’s disciples must “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses”? (1 Timothy 6:12)
First off, it’s a “good fight” because we are going to win – yet only if we do things God’s way with no compromise. What do we fight against? What must we put under foot, conquer and reign victorious over?
What did the Holy Spirit in Paul mean by fighting the good fight of faith? Think context.
You have to “fight” to keep these damning sins out of your life – and the way you “fight” is to be rich in giving – otherwise you will have a sand foundation that will not stand in the judgment. You will go to Hell irrevocably. This is the clear teaching of Scripture, throughout. Read this closely:
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:6-12
Wisdom is fellowshipping with those who are on fire for Jesus, who refuse to be lukewarm, who are fighting the good fight of faith, who are finishing their course, who are keeping the faith (2 Timothy 4:7) …. who make you wonder if you are saved. Conviction.
The cross is an absolute essential in the life of every saint of Christ. There will be no overcoming without putting the cross at the center of our daily lives. Paul said:
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27
Eternal security is the fairytale of counterfeits.
Jesus told us that the cross is “daily” (Luke 9:23-24). It must be daily or you will fall away. No one can truly serve God on any other terms but the ones He has set forth. The cross must be at the center of your life. You must plant, drive that stake in the ground. Your heart and life will never be flooded with His love, peace, power, and joy until you do.
Those who don’t endure to the end after being saved are going to hell (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Hebrews 10:26-39).
Do you truly love God above self and all else? That’s the big question. If you love God supremely, you will give Him the preference in the life He gave you and for which you will give full account to Him.
Do you truly desire the power of God to function in your life? The cross is His way beloved.
YOU, yes you are in a war. The cross is the instrument of your death so that Christ, who is “the resurrection and the life” might reign in and through your life (John 11:25). Don’t even think you’re going to conquer devils, principalities, when you haven’t even conquered your own heart, soul, lusts, and life.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
Scarcely will we hear a man preach on the cross – the crucified life – which proves he himself is not taking up his cross. And the cross is a non-negotiable essential in the divine economy. Never wait for any other man to take up the cross or preach it. You do it. God holds you 100% responsible to do so – and you will appear before the Almighty to give full account for doing so, or not.
The war is won within – as you push your love upward to God and outward to men. This must be the labor of love deliberately won by fighting, battling through everything that seeks to assume first place in your life, time, your thoughts, your heart, your affections, etc. God only raises up crucified – dead and buried disciples. THAT’s when the victory is won and such a crucified disposition must be diligently procured daily by the cross – knowing that God is only going to raise up the surrendered soul.
Memorize:
“Let us labour (fight) therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Hebrews 4:11
Treasure that will be Eternally Tremendous or Trouncing
Where your money is proves where your heart is …. Take a look at your bank statement and see where the money is going and also your investments and property. There is where you will see where your heart truly is. Your bank statement will reveal to you who you really are – as in contrast with who you may claim to be. The self-deception will be exposed.
Getting “honest” in your “heart” and life are a required essential to bear fruit unto everlasting life with Christ, the Father, and the saints (Luke 8:15).
Jesus says: “WHERE you treasure (money) is, THERE will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21).
Are you pouring into Christ’s kingdom? If not, what does that actually reveal about your life at this moment? – It reveals that you love this world, you love your life in this world.
Isn’t it time to lose your life in this world?
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33
Is Christ your Protector or is your money? Remember, you will soon be separated from your money – and stand naked before the Almighty (Job 1:21; 1 Timothy 6:6-11). What shall you say to Him in that day? Will He declare over you “Well done” or “Depart from me”? Read Matthew 25:40-46.
“Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” Luke 17:33
If you are rich toward yourself instead of “rich toward God” – you chose to forsake Christ, even though you were running a lot of religious interference. God sees through it all. Read what Christ taught in Luke 12:15-21 and 16:19-31.
Are the authentic ministries you know of, who feed you and others, well stocked with supply, fuel to function? Do you realize they have monthly bills and have a family to provide for as they have answered God’s call to do the infinitely most important and only eternal work in the earth?
Jesus spoke of those who are and those who aren’t “rich toward God.” Those “rich toward God” have God first and nothing else. Nothing gets spent before Christ’s workers and work are supplied. They make sure Christ’s work and workers are fully fueled. They are the bless-ed Obadiahs and Epaphroditus’ of our day.
Who was Epaphroditus? Well, he was like Obadiah in the days of Elijah and the other true prophets of God. He kept laborers of the Gospel supplied so they could function in the calling of the LORD on their lives.
“Lay up for yourself treasure in Heaven, not things on the earth. Because it will all burn up one day, all will be lost. Can’t take anything of this earth’s wealth with you. Only all you’ve given to God will last. Give as a cheerful giver. Jesus cheerfully gave His life for you. He died for you to save you. Our giving will not out give God. Supporting the work of the Lord is laying up treasures in Heaven. God Bless.” Darlene
Epaphroditus is the New Testament Equivalent to Obadiah
Timothy and Epaphroditus
“And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly: 4 For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)” 1 Kings 18:3-4
Read Philippians 2:19-30 to discover how this man, this brother in Christ named Epaphroditus, supplied Paul and the ministry of Christ.
WHO was Obadiah in the Days of Ahab and Jezebel?
“And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly: 4 For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)” 1 Kings 18:3-4
“Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD” (1 Kings 18:4). Through his ministers that held high positions within the kingdom of God, the devil “cut off” the supply of finances to those prophets who remained in the truth, refusing to compromise with the system and majority. God-fearing Obadiah secretly supplied these servants of Christ with food and water to sustain their lives. Is there any new thing under the sun? No. In our day, when those few who refuse to compromise are being cut off from financial supply by those who have a stranglehold on the control of 99% of the finances flowing in the church world, we, the remnant, have been called out to be like Obadiah and supply those who remain true to the LORD in serving His people. See 1 Kings 18.
The Most Dangerous and Prevalent Sins?
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor COVETOUS man, who is an IDOLATER, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” Ephesians 5:5-6
One man of God noted that “More people will be in Hell for covetousness and greed than all other sins combined.” The honest student of Holy Scripture cannot but agree to this. There is a direct connection between your money and the Messiah, your supply and the Savior.
Those not laying up treasure in Heaven (digging their way into Hell) prove such by not being “rich toward God” but are rather rich toward the god of self, who cannot save them from eternal damnation.
“Yes! Amen. Jesus shine your light into my heart and reveal your truth to me. I can hide and not want to know what is in me. Turn up the heat so I will surrender to you what is not of you.” Karen Cochran
Jesus Instructs You to Lay Up Treasures in Heaven
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24
At the end of his earthly life, the apostle Paul could declare with clear conscience:
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Sin must be warded off, must be kept at bay, must be put under foot by the cross, the crucified life. There are not shortcuts. Knowing you are expected to cling to and know and walk with Jesus is one thing – and walking it out is another. Here’s a memory verse:
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Those who answer the call of God to do His work forego, waive, give up their own earnings in this passing world in order to obey God by feeding and equipping His precious sheep for whom He died and rose again (John 15:16; 21:15-17; Acts 6:4; 15:26; 20:24; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, etc.). It’s a blessing for us to be able to contribute, to get behind this most important and only eternal work of our LORD transpiring in His earth as His children live in fervent expectation of His glorious and soon return.
“Earth is planning for war.
Heaven is preparing for a wedding.” unknown
This is not our home beloved saints of Christ. NO ONE is going to do His glorious Gospel work except HIS own children – and that’s us!
“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
Jesus Christ is KING.
YOUR PRAYER OF REPENTANCE: Holy Father, I come to You now in the name of Jesus Christ and ask You to forgive my sin of self-idolatry, of spiritual adultery. I have lived in sin, in pride, in self-love and am now turning wholly to Thee my God – asking You to wash me clean, to clear my sin by Your precious blood LORD Jesus. Here and now I denounce all covetousness for the trinkets of this world and choose, from this moment forth, to be rich toward You dear LORD – in getting behind and fueling Your Gospel work in the earth. In the name of Jesus Christ – let’s roll Jesus! Amen.
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Apostasy
Satan’s First Lie that He is Still Telling Today! [podcast]
WHAT WAS SATAN’S VERY FIRST LIE?
Who’s ready for a huge, life-changing revelation?
Satan’s First Teaching (below)
IN all of God’s creation, which being/beings know exactly what it means to be kicked out, expelled from God’s presence, kingdom, and blessings? (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-19; Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:7-12)

HOW can a man teach Satan’s first lie and NOT be a false teacher? Impossible. Eternal security/once saved always saved is Satan’s first teaching. It was a lie and caused the fall of mankind into sin. See Genesis 2:17 and 3:4 for yourself. Open God’s Word and read these 2 verses together, side-by-side. God said what? Satan then said what? This is essential to your biblical foundation saints.
“Individuals have believed the worst lie unleashed by Satan on humanity when they believe redemption cannot be lost in the temporal realm. It is as the lie the serpent told Eve. The fact is, that the eternal security lie has been largely perpetrated by Calvinism. There are no verses that support it. It is the major reason for the apostasy, and currently the great and final apostasy.” A disciple
“That old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world” never left the garden of God’s creation and he won’t till Jesus slam dunks him into the bottomless pit (Gen 3; Rev 12; 20). He must be overcome “by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:11) God is able. Satan
Eternal security is Satan’s first lie that cause the fall of mankind and Jude warned us about Satan’s agents today, “ungodly men”, who are “turning the (saving) grace of God into lasciviousness.” (Genesis 2:17; 3:4; Jude 3-4)
OSAS/eternal security is a lie from hell. OSAS was Satan’s first lie and so it’s blasphemy to teach this doctrine of devils and claim it’s part of the Gospel. You are attributing Satan’s lie to the LORD Jesus. Repent now sinner. See Genesis 2:17; 3:4; Romans 11:20-22; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21; Jude 4, etc..
The concept of an un-conditional eternal security is not established in Scripture … Except for it being Satan’s first teaching, His first lie – the “Ye shall NOT surely die” lie (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).
Satan caused the fall of the first man and woman using the “ye shall NOT surely die” lie (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). This is the origins of what’s known today as “once saved always saved,” “eternal security,” or “perseverance of the saints.” JUST as Satan did with the first man and woman, as he caused them to fall from divine grace, calvinism is still his doctrine to make men believe they have no personal responsibility to obey God (Matthew 7:21). This robs the fear of God from their hearts and they live in sin, inevitably. Moral cowards absolutely love this system of heresies, where they are told they can just say a little prayer, supposedly get saved, and then go their own way, living any way they choose (2 Timothy 4:2-4). Yet in the end it’s going to catch up with them – irrevocably.
Moral cowards migrate to the “eternal security” heresy because they simply do not want to genuinely repent, to change. They want the crown but not the cross. They vainly believe they are going to use the Savior to get them out of hell yet want nothing to do with a worship-filled, engaged, abiding, fruit-bearing, obedient relationship with the Son of God while on earth. These are the rebel will hear the LORD declare to them “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” (Matthew 25:4. Read John 15.
ALL who peddle this OSAS/eternal security heresy are teaching Satan’s first lie. Irrefutably. It’s the “Ye shall NOT surely die” lie with led to the fall of mankind and is leading to the fall of many today who buy this lie (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” 1 Timothy 4:1-2
Beware of those who are skilled in the fine art of putting a spin on Holy Scripture instead of taking it at face value and allowing divine truth to speak for itself. Jesus cited the false leaders of His day for doing just that.
“He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” Mark 7:6-9
What they do is sacrifice biblical truth to their traditions instead of letting GOD be true and EVERY man a liar (Romans 3:4).
Lots of “ministerial” training today involves teaching the students, the prey, how to not take God at His Word but rather to work it over, to whitewash it in order to cover for and promulgate the heretical tradition. Instead of honestly searching out biblical truth, allowing it to lead, many today have received traditions that are heresies and teach those same lies on others.
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.” Matthew 23:15
Can you find what Satan added?
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 2:17
“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:” Genesis 3:4
This is the very lie that got the first man and woman to fall and kicked out of God’s Garden, presence. Did God change? Did the saving grace of God somehow change His definition of sin? Did the Almighty cease to be “Holy, holy, holy”? (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8)
“The wages of sin is death” and “Death” in Scripture means separation (Romans 6:23). The wages of sin is still “death.”
James 5:19-20 is a warning.
“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:19-20
“Death” means separation.
“save a soul from death” is clearly eternal damnation.
“For this my son was dead (separated from his father), and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” Luke 15:24
“It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.” Luke 15:32
OSAS is clearly revealed in Holy Scripture to be the doctrine of Satan and his false teachers (Genesis 2:17>3:4; Jeremiah 23:17; Jude 4, etc.).
THE DOCTRINE OF LASCIVIOUSNESS: “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (license to sin), and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 4
They “Shall utterly perish in their own corruption”
MOST would rather make a god in their own image, one that overlooks their sins and allows them to live in sin. And by way of “the deceitfulness of sin” and their own hardened hearts, they still vainly believe they are saved and going to Heaven (Hebrews 3:12-14). This is the natural course when people refuse to repent and obey the LORD according to His written Word – on HIS stated terms (John 8:31-32, 47; Psalms 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16). Rebels who have a mere “form of godliness” refuse to “endure (hold themselves accountable to) sound doctrine” and so migrate to false teachers who tickle their ears (2 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:2-4). This is exactly why the OSAS/eternal security teaching prospers as do the frauds who teach it. It’s a money-maker and an integral part of their business plan – their church busin$$. All of this is a sign of the final days. Read 2 Timothy 3-4 saints. Jesus is coming. Hallelujah! We will do things GOD’s way or we shall perish in our own corruption (Matthew 7:21). Of apostates, Peter writes:
“But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;” 2 Peter 2:12
and just a few verses later …
“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” 2 Peter 2:20-21
“Sealed”? Are you sure?
OSAS (once saved always saved) / eternal security …. is a heresy, a doctrine of devils (1 Timothy 4:1-2; Jude 3-4, etc.).
“Sealed” simply means stamped and cannot possibly be indelible, unforfeitable because the same word “sealed” in Ephesians and 2 Corinthians is the same Greek word in Matthew 27:66 where Jesus’ tomb was UN-sealed when He raised from the dead. Case closed.
Jesus gave conditions for His blessings including the promise of having the Father keep you…. you must hear His voice – present tense – and follow Him or those promises are not yours – John 10:27-29. Context. Condition.
Just a few chapters later Jesus teaches that all who are in Him who do not abide (continue) with Him, will be cast into the fires of hell (John 15:6).
Accounted Worthy to Escape [podcast] | Eternal Security Exposed | Sealed?
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Abiding
LORD, Prepare Me! [podcast]
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8
“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” John 14:21
“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23
“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.” 2 Timothy 2:21
“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:6
“Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
“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
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