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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Apostasy
“THE GREAT DRAGON” [podcast]

Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages
Origin of Evil
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” ~ Revelation 12:9
Like it or not, you have a sworn enemy. He has drawn a line in the sand. You are in a war for your eternal soul and you must fight or you will be destroyed.
The introduction to the God of all creation and lover of His highest creation—mankind, is of supreme importance. And so is realizing and understanding the existence of the most wicked and iniquitous being in this universe. He is one of the major themes and realities in this record of mankind’s beginning. The Word of our God unveils creation’s account, leading to our present day and into the eternal future. What is set forth in the book of Genesis would set the stage and affect all of the history that would follow.
This book of origins is about that fatal falsehood which emanates from the Garden where it all began—a garden that was sinless bliss and perfection until the lie was introduced and acted upon by the first two people.
Of this very archenemy of the Most-High, from whom all lies originate, the Word states: “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God” (Ezek. 28:13). The serpent, animated by the vilest of all beings, was allowed to slither into the innocence and purity that originally existed in the sanctuary of creation. This was due to the fact that perfect divine wisdom has seen fit to allow His creation to have the opportunity of choice between good and evil (Deut. 30:19; Josh. 24:15; Job 12:16; 1 Cor. 11:19).
Satan has a purpose. Since love is volitional by its very nature, our Creator has seen fit to permit this evil and beguiling villain to remain present amidst those professing sanctuary in the LORD. Life on earth is a test for all—all humans are on probation. Love is a choice and so is rebellion. The Maker of all made man with free will so that the choice could be made to love or not to love Him. Among volumes of other Scriptures found in Holy Writ which demonstrate this, the following words from on high make plain that the LORD made Man with free will: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Josh. 24:15).
Such a statement would not have been spoken by the LORD if He had not made man with the ability of choice. Man was created with the ability to “choose” every “day” whom he will serve, and this choice is ongoing while men are upon the earth in this temporal life.
It would be remiss to attempt discussing the very lie of the ages without opening the grand subject of the one whom Christ said was the father (originator) of all lies. Of Satan, the Son of God informed us, as He spoke to the rebellious religionists of His day:
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” ~ John 8:44
All men are born in sin and are “by nature” the “children of disobedience.”
“Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” ~ Ephesians 2:2-3
There are, at this moment only two classes of people in the earth—those who have relationship with the One who made us all, and those who don’t. According to this passage (Ephesians 2), all those who have not been brought into the kingdom of God through Christ, have as their father, the devil. The reason the Son of God came to the earth was to sever the ties and claim of Satan from mankind. He came to deliver men from this relationship of fear, domination and bondage that is only enabled by sin.
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” ~ Acts 26:18
“Who (God the Father) hath delivered us from the power of darkness (Satan), and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” ~ Colossians 1:13-14
The mission of Christ was to reconcile or restore the relationship that had been severed by the sin of the first man and woman which caused death (separation) to fall upon all men, the whole race (Romans 5:12). He fully accomplished His mission and is now seated at His Father’s right hand, enforcing this victory (Heb. 4:14-16; 7:25-26).
From the dawn of the creation and fall of mankind, all evil, tragedy and pain in history has been caused by Satan and enabled by man’s sin (Prov. 26:2). Only the LORD, the One whose holiness is violated when sin is committed, can save, restore and heal (Jer. 17:14; 1 Cor. 15:57; Rev. 21:4).
Victory was obtained through the precious blood of Jesus (1 Pet. 1:18-19). Being forgiven and released from all sin and its evil effects and the dominion of Satan, comes through Christ alone. Jesus utterly conquered His enemy on the cross (Col. 2:13-15; 1 Jn. 3:8). Blessed forgiveness and spiritual power enables the individual disciple to serve the LORD without fear and bondage to sin. Sin enables Satan’s rule and only those who are free from it by Jesus Christ can rule over His enemies (Ps. 8:6; 17:4; Jn. 8:31-36; 1 Jn. 4:4). Christ triumphed over the enemy of all souls with His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. Read the following passage for all it’s worth:
“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 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. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel.” ~ Colossians 1:19-23
The Son of God accomplished complete victory in bringing God and men back into perfect union by “the blood of His cross” (Col. 1:20).
“And you, being dead (separated) in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened (made alive) together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show (sport; spectacle) of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” ~ Colossians 2:13-15
The “serpent” who was in the Garden of creation and still “walketh about” in the midst of the earth, is specifically identified as Satan and the devil (1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:9; 20:2). This ultimate enemy of all that is good took control of the serpent in his attack against man. The serpent, animated by the enemy of souls himself, was used as the instrument that led to the fall of mankind and the righteous retribution of the holy Creator. Yet, Jesus Christ accomplished mankind’s redemption through “the blood of His cross” (Col. 1:20).
Know Your Enemy
Allow me to parenthetically say here that if one does not personally believe in a literal devil (Satan) and his insidious work of evil among men, then perhaps that person will do well to begin to search God’s Word for the volumes of Scripture which identify and describe him along with unveiling his wicked purposes. The LORD inspired the Scriptures and has much to say about His enemy—our enemy. It is interesting to discover that the word “devil” appears 57 times in the Bible. The word “Satan” appears 50 times. These are the most utilized terms to describe this darkest of fallen beings, and yet there are several more which identify this enemy of all souls who is the personification of evil, such as “serpent,” and “adversary” (1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:9).
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” ~ Revelation 12:9
His goal may be summed up this way: Satan’s complete and total purpose that underlies all that he does is to cause men to fall from grace just as he himself did and was banished from fellowship with the life-giving God. There is a horrible prison of fire which will be the eternal home of all who leave this earth apart from a personal and intimate relationship with the One who died for sinners.
On Judgment Day, that Great and Terrible Day of separation between the righteous and the unrighteous will include these horrible words “from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away”:
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” ~ Revelation 20:11-15
To those whose existence in this temporal life ends disconnected from the only Savior, the following will be the verdict delivered to them in Judgment: “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41).
Hell is a place of indescribably horrid eternal punishment and was created by the LORD for his archenemy and all those who are not His.
Back to the enemy, the one who wants you dead and in hell: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).
One may find great intrigue in uncovering this iniquitous fallen foe and gain much insight into the dark world of demons and deception along with gaining perception into the real battle in the spirit realm that rages over mankind.
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” ~ Ephesians 6:11-12
By the volume of information about His enemy included in His Word, we know that the LORD intended for us to know our enemy—His enemy.
Believers are to give him no place: “Neither give place to the devil” (Eph. 4:27).
Believers are to set themselves against him: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (Jas. 4:7); “Stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11).
Believers are to know his scheming goals and ways and avoid them lest he gain advantage of us: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11).
The devil seeks to trip up, war against, wear out and devour the sheep of the LORD’s pasture. He has come to wreak havoc among the Lord’s highest creation: “The thief (devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
Power Over All the Power of the Enemy
Believers are warned to live in obedience to the Word of God in order to escape falling into “the condemnation of the devil” and being caught in “the snare of the devil” or giving an “advantage” to him (1 Tim. 3:6-7; 2 Tim. 2:26; 2 Cor. 2:11).
The enemy of our souls prospers through the ignorance of God’s people—he is shut out and his work nullified by the knowledge and obedience of God’s people.
“By the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” ~ Psalms 17:4
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” ~ Psalms 91:1
Disciples of Jesus are kept from being destroyed by the enemy in obeying the Word of God. Holy Writ informs us that Jesus came to successfully “destroy the works of the devil” and that “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 Jn. 3:8; 4:4).
Christ promised power to those who are truly His:
“And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” ~ Luke 10:17-20
Jesus Christ, the eternal Word, became flesh so that He might destroy the works of the enemy of our souls:
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” ~ Hebrews 2:14
Believers are told to be of a sober mind and diligent in light of the proactive and evil plans of Satan to destroy them:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world”. ~ 1 Peter 5:8-9
Here’s what the Bible says about Satan’s work in the last days:
“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:12
As foretold here, the work of the evil one is accelerating in this late hour before the destruction of all rebellion and return of our LORD Jesus Christ.
The Alpha and Omega is coming back, and His enemy’s end is sure:
“And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” ~ Romans 16:20
“And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.” ~ Revelation 20:2-3
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” ~ Revelation 20:10
Surrounded and Outnumbered
Elisha’s servant was brought to the understanding that there are more angels of God with God’s children than there are fallen angels who rebelled:
“And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he (the prophet Elisha) answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” ~ 2 Kings 6:15-17
The one who is following Christ need not fear. LORD Jesus open our eyes! Nothing has changed—there are “more” angels of the LORD “with us…than they that be with them (the enemy).” The saints of the Most High are promised protection and His angels are part of that plan.
“Are they (God’s angels) not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.” ~ Hebrews 1:14
“The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” ~ Psalms 34:7
In Heaven and in eternity past, two-thirds of the then-angelic beings remained under the command and blessing of the Almighty, while a third chose to depart with Lucifer and are forever alienated from the Most High. Let’s take a glimpse into a war that took place in Heaven in eternity past, a war that has great impact today:
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. ~ Revelation 12:7-12
It would remain difficult to understand this life and present world system, and the world to come if one were to pass lightly over this war of wars that occurred (took place) in Heaven. When we begin to delve into the data given in this matter, understanding comes of our great God and His arch adversary. Enlightenment and understanding into the 6,000 years of mankind’s history open to us when we know what preceded this time period. Knowledge into what we are told prophetically is transpiring before our very eyes. As we are seeing, the Holy Scriptures reveal much about that dark and sinister being called “Satan” and the “devil” who is and will have a large part to play in the fulfillment of prophecy. Although his rebellion against the Almighty began in eternity past, the serpent’s workings among men began in the Garden of Eden. He crept in to accomplish his wicked agenda. He has seemingly succeeded for this moment, yet the divine promise is that his time is running short. “The devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time” (Rev. 12:12).
The First Fall-Out: Eternal Termination
We all understand what it means when someone says, “John and Mark had a falling-out.” This means they were friends or business partners, and then because of some disagreement, they parted company and are no longer friends. Well, the first falling-out occurred between the Almighty and Lucifer. The angel Lucifer fell out of the favor of God and consequently fell out of Heaven. Of Lucifer’s ejection from Heaven, the Son of God stated: “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven” (Lk. 10:18).
The evil one was evicted from Heaven when he turned against God. Originally, he was a good angel, “the anointed cherub,” who led the worship of the Almighty, until the day that “iniquity was found” in him (Ezek. 28:14-15). Lucifer, who became Satan and the devil, led a third of the angels of the Most-High God in rebellion against Him. “And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth” (Rev. 12:4).
Ultimately, all deception and all lies have their origin in this greatest of all enemies who brought about the sin and fall of mankind and wages war today against the Almighty’s highest creation (mankind). Of Satan, the Son of God said: “for he is a liar, and the father of it” (Jn. 8:44). He also informed us that this supreme adversary has come to do three things— “to steal, to kill, and to destroy” (Jn. 10:10). He wages war against God and His people. He is defined as and called “the accuser of our brethren” (Rev. 12:10).
Satan is a real being. He is not a figment of someone’s imagination. In fact, anyone who is convinced of such has already been conquered by his deception. He is forever the sworn enemy of the LORD, and will ultimately be put away for good, never again to tempt another soul to rebel against the Maker of all that is. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Rev. 20:10).
The one who studies the Word of God will gain priceless insight into the reasons for the current condition of the world, and, into the future blessedness of all those who know and follow the One who bled to save us from God’s holy wrath against sin and Satan (Rom. 5:9). In fact, a divine blessing is pronounced upon all who read and obey the words of Holy Scripture: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Rev. 1:3).
PRAYER: Holy Father in Heaven, please bless me to know You more and to be kept from the evil one and his wicked schemes against Your people. Right this moment I ask You for and receive a fresh cleansing of all my sins by the blood of Jesus Christ my LORD and Savior, whereby I am blessed to overcome, along with the word of my testimony of how you have washed and delivered me. I declare afresh and aloud, right this second, if never before, that Jesus Christ is LORD of my life, and He alone will I worship and serve. Glory to His precious Name! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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Apostasy
The Deaths of Voddie Baucham vs Charlie Kirk [podcast]

Yes it’s an amazing impact and effect God is doing in the lives of so many through Charlie Kirk’s life and death. Undeniable. His life wasn’t perfect, neither was Abraham’s, Rahab’s, Noah’s, Moses, Samson, Peter…. etc God has each of them with Him now. Dare you pretend to self righteously pretend to be wiser and more just than the Almighty? You’ve been telling everyone else to repent and yet perhaps now it’s your time to obey the LORD’s command to repent (Acts 17:30).
Compare how people are reacting to Voddie Baucham vs how they are reacting to the death of Charlie Kirk.
Interestingly, some of the same people condemning Charlie Kirk listen to Voddie Baucham.
A simple search confirms Voddie Baucham’s calvinism. He died a heretic. He never renounced the false teachings of calvinism. In contrast Charlie Kirk denounced bribe money, catholicism. My inclination is to blast catholics but Charlie Kirk’s method was much wiser… and so he retained the ear and attention of the catholics which has and will continue to lead many to Christ. My own family member is now saved due to Charlie Kirk.
The error man can do does not negate the WORD of God, the truth that the same man may have spoken – because GOD’s Word shall “always accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
Judas was sent by Jesus to preach the Gospel, heal the sick, raise the dead, etc. See Matthew 10:1-8. Then after that, Judas sinned and betrayed the Son of God. Should we believe that Judas’ sin thereafter somehow negates, does away with the work God accomplished through him previous to his rebellion?
Now I hear and heard Charlie saying he salutes the mormons due to their sending missionaries all over the world, etc. Not good. I don’t think Charlie knew the slightest bit about what mormons really believe. I remember after being saved that I thought mormons were just another Christian group, till I was pulled aside and enlightened by true disciples. Had Charlie been enlightened to what mormonism really is, he’d have denounced them as he did the catholic church, who he started out believing were true. He later found out what they believed and denounced it. Is it a sin to immature in the faith, to not understand everything? No. If that were the case why would God have ever address those immature in the faith? Heb 5:11-14; 1 John 2:14
Has God used you?
Does God use imperfect vessels?
Surely you wouldn’t claim sinless perfection, would you? (Job 9:20; Proverbs 20:9; 1 John 1:8-10)
Isn’t finishing strong, in faith, in Christ what is most important? Yes (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
What about Noah who got drunk? (Genesis 9:21)
How about Abraham who lied and even adulterated with his Egyptian handmaid? (Genesis 16)
What about Moses who killed a man and also struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God instructed him to do? (Numbers 20)
How about David who committed adultery with Bathsheba and then had her husband murdered and then sought a cover up? (2 Samuel 11-12).
No this does not justify sin and yet, God is just and holy and yet He’s merciful to His own, as they repent (Psalms 103:10-12)
Can you disprove the veracity of the above?
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19
Charlie Kirk vs Vodie Bauchum
Bauchum, like Washer, Piper, and MacArthur, spent his life pushing calvinism. Calvinism is a false system of theology. Every false teacher shall have eternal “damnation.” (2 Peter 2:1-3)
Voddie was close friends and calvinist ministry cohorts with the likes of Paul Washer, John Piper, and John MacAthur, all calvinist heretic false teachers. See Ezekiel 22:25-27.
Some claim that Charlie Kirk pushed a false Christianity. Is that true?
In my opinion, Sam Adams seems to have no joy, the fruit of the Spirit…. (Galatians 5:22-23). He’s reading from a script in this video. Just because someone is exposing something doesn’t mean they are in the truth and giving a fair, thorough, just assessment of such. I’m not buying into Sam’s version of this. The facts seem to reveal something different. Sam is a hardshell baptist type and though he’s said some good things, he seems to be going dark. Remember, Sam Adams teaches the heresy of OSAS/eternal security, which was satan’s first lie and it led to the fall of mankind then and is now doing so (Gen 2:17; 3:4). The facts seem to indicate that Charlie finished in the faith. He rejected catholicism and other cultic persuasions. Where were the Sam Adam’s when the young man was being misled? Were they reaching out to help him as did Aquilla and Priscilla when they encountered the young man Apollos when he needed help in maturing in Christ? Acts 18. Be careful what you listen to saints. | Eternal Security is a Life from Hell
Wisdom sees beyond the surface. Charlie was a young man whose discernment was very shallow at best. In the end, he died in the faith, declaring that it’s all about Jesus and that Jesus died for our sins to give us eternal life. Like Samson his life was spotted as are all of our lives. He defended the Bible and faith against a mormon who was trying to convert him, literally seconds before he was assassination. A month before that he denounced catholicism as false. What many fail to understand is that every evil system of antichrists will come after those who have a platform, so that they can have that platform, they can seize that opportunity to get their evil message to the masses. The facts reveal that Charlie was gaining traction against these evil systems and that’s why they murdered him. He hard rejected, turned down $150 million to compromise with Israel. That’s the fair fruits we should see him by it seems (Matthew 7:16, 20).
Samson finished strong
“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:” Hebrews 11:32
Reminder: The thief on the cross lived a whole life of sin. In his dying moment, he called on Jesus and was forgiven, pardoned, and promised paradise. He’s been there with Jesus and the saints for 2,000 years (Luke 23:42-43).
“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” 1 Timothy 2:4-6
Are we underestimating the mercy of God for “all men”? Are we looking for ways to exclude eternal souls from His kingdom? If YOU died right now, would there be things you did that people could isolate and blow up into a huge issue and yet ignore that you died in faith, you died in the faith?
“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” James 2:13
Have you fought a good fight? Have you fought a perfect fight, a fight with no sinful set backs?
Who did Jesus say was seeking to sift the apostle Peter?
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, SATAN hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:31-32
This reveals to us that Satan who “walketh about seeking whom he may devour”, seeks to devour, to swallow up, to sift all who are in Christ – just as he did with Peter the apostle of Christ (1 Peter 5:8).
After being sifted by Satan and sinning, Peter was then restored to the LORD and soon after went forth to preach to 8,000 people who all repented and received Christ! See Acts 2-4.
As a recent example, do we think from the evidence that Satan sought to sift, to seduce, to devour Charlie Kirk? Yes he did and yet it seems that as it was with the case with Jesus and Peter, Charlie finished in faith.
Some choose to emphasize the things Charlie seemed to dabble in and yet ultimately openly forsook (catholicism, compromising for money, etc.). They are dead set on him being in hell. They just can’t seem to get past his vulnerableness to temptation and sin, so easily forgetting all the temptation and sin God has saved them from AFTER He saved them.
SOMEONE might say “they are a MASON”!!! Even when there is no real proof and fruit that says otherwise. Well I was worse, a CATHOLIC! Which is a worse system. I was farther from God but not unreachable by Him. Thank You Jesus for finding and saving this wretch!
Is there more proof that Charlie Kirk was a mason or a Christian?
There are only 2 type people on earth – saved and unsaved! Lost or found. Washed in the blood or not!
God is able.
None of us are the Savior. Luke 19:10
God is love. God is holy. God is merciful. God is just.
One of the final things Charlie Kirk stated before he was assassinated. He could have said ANYTHING and here’s what he chose to say. Matthew 12:34 anyone? Jesus says we know people “by their fruit” and not by what some others are saying (Matthew 7:16, 20). Sticking with the facts.
Solomon had 1000 women right?
What did he say of women?
“Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” Proverbs 14:1
“Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.” Ecclesiastes 7:28
Have we seen anything of overt wickedness with Charlie Kirk? He was being courted, played, seduced by the enemy of souls and yet seemed to finish in faith as did Samson after a life of inconsistency. He did this while being surrounded by evil doers.
The fact that no one from TPUSA is calling for a real investigation is beyond suspicious in my opinion.
I don’t trust nor like Erika at the helm or any woman.
It appears possible that God blessed what Charlie did for HIM. The others were riding on God’s blessing upon Charlie. It’s all too typical to see that the pride of men leads them to believe they can do better, in this case, better than Charlie. We can count on this being a catastrophe as it always is. Perhaps they thought that getting rid of Charlie would be the best move (John 16:1-2). It seems now that these evil doers who surrounded Charlie will make a mess of TPusa. It will be controlled by Netanyahu and/or other evil interests. It seems plausible that they murdered him in order to take over his organization – just like Jezebel had her husband Ahab murder Naboth murdered to take over his land. They offered him a sum of money to purchase his vineyard, but Naboth refused the money and so they murdered him to get his land. See 1 Kings 21. In this case apparently Netanyahu offered $150 million to Charlie Kirk for influence over TPUSA. Charlie refused the money and many believe it was his Israeli security detail that killed him.
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Articles
Your Life Will Never be the Same [podcast]

The “More Blessed” Life
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
The “more blessed” life is the cross life our LORD calls us to.
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24
These are the words of the Messiah – who gave His life to purchase His church. And dare we say the eternal Word was “more blessed” as a result, as He brought back His alienated fallen race? (2 Corinthians 5:19-21)
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
To lose our lives, to abandon them to Christ, is to gain them everlasting. Those living the more blessed life, are giving their lives over to the LORD daily, as Jesus instructed and in preference to Christ, their “first love.” (Revelation 2:4-5) They choose Him over themselves as Romans 12:1 declares to us to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)
“He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he can never lose.” Jim Elliott
Lose, forsake it all to gain it all.
Our lives are not our own. We’ve been bought with the highest price. – “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; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” (1 Peter 1:18-19)
Do we begin to realize, to understand the Gospel? – to understand the price God chose to pay to buy us back to Himself out of the world, out of a life of sin, out of separation from Him?
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
The way we “glorify God in our body” is to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1) This is how we are to be crucified with Christ our LORD and thereby raised up into new life, the life of “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:17)
Let’s look at and memorize our theme verse again:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
Perhaps many times we view the above statement in terms of giving money or aid to someone in need or to the work of Christ. Yet it seems that more important than giving some thing or some money, etc., is the giving over of our lives to the LORD. And, when our lives are given over to our Maker, our Savior, all we have will be His and giving will be the result of this crucified, raised up disposition (1 Chronicles 29:14; Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
Those who give their life over to the One who gave them life are “more blessed” than what they could ever otherwise be.
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
In fact the cross life is the “more blessed” life Jesus is speaking of – the life that is dead, buried, and raised up with Christ (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 8:11; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.). The resurrection is the healing, the wholeness! The life that isn’t “crucified with Christ” doesn’t get blessed with resurrection life and power. Only when the self-life is “crucified with Christ” can the blessing of the resurrection life of God be realized.
Of this, one writer notes:
“Healing is the resurrection. Wholeness, holiness, completeness, entireness, perfectness, undividedness are all words that describe those that are dying and RISING again with Christ.
The religious person, the legalist, humanly moral person are all divided. They are not whole or holy. They cannot be holy even if they, like the Pharisees, are strictly moral. They do not know undivided unconditional love. Even the tax collectors can do conditional love said Jesus in Matt 5:38-48. They are moral hypocrites. ‘Depart from Me. I never knew you.’ And they never knew Him.
The law says if you sow good deeds you will reap blessing. Grace says if you sow your old self into death you will reap the resurrection life and power of Christ. Thus, the Bible has redefined the meaning of sowing and reaping in the New Testament.”
The resurrection healing, wholeness, comes to those who are truly “crucified with Christ.” (Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12)
The LORD our Creator has designed/set things up so that we ourselves can only personally be fulfilled if and when we are walking in His perfect will and meeting the needs and desires of others.
It is the “mind of Christ” to give our lives over to the LORD Jesus and others. This disposition runs counter to all the self-centered notions and philosophies taught among sinful men, including the recovery-addicted false church world.
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:3-5
The above passage is a great one to read every morning this whole week. If you do so in sincere prayer to the LORD, your life will never be the same.
We cannot and will not be fulfilled by worldly riches or pursuits but only by obeying God and fulfilling the needs of others
“But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:6-8
The LORD requires that all who will follow Him (and go to Heaven), must lay aside their own will. Jesus cried “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”(Luke 22:42) The daily cross is some Jesus mandates and all who truly know and are following Him are learning that daily cross by simple submitted obedience and the enablement of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:12-14).
True repentance means laying our lives down at His feet and being dead to self which means we have NO personal agenda! (Romans 6)
“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” John 5:30
Regrettably, most who claim to be saved have not the slightest desire or clue as to what truly following Christ really is. This is because they are trusting what their pastor has told them instead of searching the Holy Scriptures to see what the Judge of their eternal souls says.
“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15
Today, write Philippians 2:3-5 on an index card and begin to read it daily, to meditate upon it, and assimilate into your mind, thoughts, actions, and life.
Your life is going to change now. God is going to begin undergirding your thoughts and life, orchestrating His perfect will as He conforms you to the image of Jesus Christ.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:28-29
Get out of your own world disciple of Jesus. Embark on this cross journey. You are Jesus’ servant and student. Look around you. Anticipate the needs and legitimate desires of your mate, your children, your family, your friends, and those you don’t yet know. If you will help with the business of others, God will take care of yours.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
Crying out with John the Baptist….
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
Jesus came and empty Himself (Philippians 2). The Son of God withheld nothing. Christ gave all. He poured out His whole heart and life to please His Father and to bless fallen mankind (Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Acts 3:26). God bankrupted Heaven to redeem us.
The measure of your spiritual maturity and state can clearly be seen in how you are given over with reckless abandon to the LORD and to serving others.
Why would God raise up someone who is already alive, alive to self, in self? He will not. It takes the cross to liquidate the old man – a laying down of our own lives, our will, our agenda, our way. God only raises up, resurrects those who are willingly dead and buried with Christ. Those live in the dead and buried posture, are being raised up in the power of God, blessed, and mightily used of Him! There is no other way for us – just as there was no other way for Jesus to redeem the world without the cross and buried. He defeated sin, Satan, and death by dying and being raised up! (Romans 8:11; Hebrews 2:14-15, etc.).
Here’s the “remnant” of Christ described:
“And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward: 32 For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.” Isaiah 37:31-32
Note in the passage above that the remnant escaped from that which claims to represent the LORD while subverting His truth – “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18-19) God is calling out His remnant to lay down our lives and in doing so there will be a separation, a coming out of the cross-less apostate modern church world (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). If it’s a cross-less gospel, it’s a false gospel. The redemptive cross of Christ and the one He commanded we take up, are at the center of the original Gospel message. This is how we know who is true and false.
Being Jesus’ Disciple
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33
Jesus instructed us to “Remember Lot’s wife.” Genesis 19 records the escape from Sodom, from divine judgment upon the inhabitants. As she was obeying the command of the angels not to look back, while she was escaping judgment, Lot’s wife looked back and perished. She was judged with the wicked and make no mistake, this is exactly was our LORD wants us to “remember.” Many today, like Lot’s wife, were saved and yet then they turned back to the old, to the evil, to the fires of eternal judgment that were once behind them. Now they face those same fires of damnation and the torment will be even “worse with them than the beginning.” (2 Peter 2:20-22) They’ve turned back to what they were delivered from and are perishing.
“Remember Lot’s wife. 33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” Luke 17:32-33
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I come to You in Jesus’ name and ask You to forgive me for my self-idolatry, my heart rebellion, my uncleanness, and ever other sin I’ve committed against You. LORD, I know You are holy and ask You to make me holy as You are holy. Please set me apart unto Yourself and grace a broken, contrite heart of flesh. Here and now I lay my life in Your hands. I am crucified with Christ. I am dead and my life is hid with Christ in God. Thank You this moment Jesus for washing me clean of all sin in Your precious blood LORD Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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