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“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and IF HE REPENT, forgive him. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” Luke 17:3-4

Though we should forgive from our hearts those who harm us, forgiving seems to be spoken of here as concerning bringing them back into fellowship. It’s one thing to forgive someone in your heart and another thing to continue to spend time and energy on a relationship with them.

Of this passage, John Wesley wrote:

“If he sin against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day return, saying, I repent – That is, if he give sufficient proof that he does really repent, after having sinned ever so often, receive him just as if he had never sinned against thee. But this forgiveness is due only to real penitents. In a lower sense we are to forgive all, penitent or impenitent; (so as to bear them the sincerest good will, and to do them all the good we can;) and that not seven times only, but seventy times seven.”

Wondering about reconciling with someone? You will know when someone should be back in your life when they truly repent and openly confess their sins before the LORD and their offence against you. And, until they do this, you can know they have not repented before the LORD. WHEN they truly repent before the LORD, He will send them back to you to sincerely admit they were wrong. Fruit. 

God requires that we forgive and yet, He also instructed us not to give our pearls to the swine – don’t put yourself in harms way unnecessarily by remaining in fellowship with those who have not truly repented and therefore are under the influence, the control of and operate according to the agenda of their father, the devil – to steal, to kill, and to destroy (Mark 11:25-26; Matthew 7:6; John 10:10).

“Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:27

God’s Word commands us to forgive and yet, this is qualified. That’s not all it says.

QUESTION RECEIVED:

“Are we to still forgive them even if they never repent to God or apologize to us? What is true forgiveness? The world has their ways but I want to know what it really looks like.”

REPLY:

Yes we must forgive and yet, receiving them back into our lives seems to be another issue.

We must of necessity view all things from the full counsel of God’s Word. Remember: It was the LOVE and MERCY manifested to the unrepentant fornicator which was the goodness of God which led him to repentance, lest he perish irrevocably in hell.

In Luke 17, Jesus seems to teach that we are not to let some offending brother back until they repent. He is not to be shown the LORD’s acceptance until he truly repents and that will always bring forth making amends with those he’s offended (fruit). Offending one of God’s children is punishable by eternal damnation:

“Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” Luke 17:1-2

This teaching from our LORD seems to coincide with His teaching about not giving that which is holy to dogs (Matthew 7:6). Church Discipline

Forgive unconditionally from the heart yes and yet there’s the Luke 17:1-4 teaching.

PERHAPS we should today consider that God is attempting to protect His children. Following His wisdom, His Word, will do just that (Proverbs 30:5). Those who allow a swine, a heretic, to remain in close range, will again be stabbed in the back by that swine (Matthew 7:6; Titus 3:10). Swine – unrepentant evil doers are to be rejected (Titus 3:10). In this life, there are people you will have to forgive and also, to get out of your life, to keep them at a distance. Beware of the Swine

“Years ago I was hurt by a certain person, and when I found myself in a prayer meeting with that one lady I felt I should ask her for forgiveness if I had offended her someway and the Lord spoke clearly and immediately, saying, ‘Do not cast your pearls before swine’ and stopped me seconds before I asked.” Anita A.

Perhaps we can say that if we forgive too early, we may hurt someone – prevent them getting right with God due to the divine working of repentance not being able to take its full course.

“Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” 2 Corinthians 7:9-10

Repentance is a yielding to the conviction of the Spirit upon our conscience. Repentance is a work of God and yet GOD requires that we hearken to it. Repentance is an absolute work of God and yes He made it an essential (Luke 13:3, 5, etc.). Repentance is the very first word of the Gospel (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31, etc.).

“True repentance is actually speaking of firstly an internal change more than outward expression or external change of behavior.”

The inward change by the working of the Spirit of God will always bring the fruit of that change on the outward (Matthew 3:7-10). In this case that would bring forth the fruit of an apology, readily confessing ones sin, wrongdoing – a leaving of ones gift before the altar until things are cleared up (Matthew 5:23-24; James 5:16).

“Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 

Repentance is a gift and yet that gift must be received and CAN be rejected:

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will GIVE (it’s a gift) them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26 

Remember, when someone sins against God by deliberately harming a one of God’s people, it’s only because their own heart is not right with God.

The consequences for harming one of Christ’s people is severe and will be eternally irrevocably if that sinning soul isn’t brought to repentance. Jesus issues this severe warning:

“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6 

When a professing believer wrongs you, this is no excuse to retain hatred in your heart toward them even though there’s a separation and before there’s a reconciliation or restoring of fellowship. God will not forgive us lest we forgive others from our hearts (Matthew 6:14-16; 18:21-35; Mark 11:25-25).

God is not going to bless our lives unless we are willing to sincerely admit our sins, repent and confess them, and make amends (restitution) with anyone we’ve harmed (Proverbs 28:13). In the divine economy, there’s no such thing as being right with God when you’ve done another person wrong, haven’t repented, and haven’t made amends for what you’ve done. Such a person will be outside of the will and blessings of God until he makes things right with God and man (Matthew 5:23-24; 7:12; 22:37-39).

God will not answer the prayer of any person who does not honor and obey His Word and if a person has an outstanding offense He wants them to clear up these matters (Proverbs 28:9, 13).

The LORD requires that His people “examine” and “judge” themselves.

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?   2 Corinthians 13:5

Examine and honest judge yourself and amend your ways or God will judge you.

“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32

Divine wisdom and mercy would have the offending, backslidden believer to be restored and He has chosen His people to be His “ministers of reconciliation” in such matters due to desiring that none should perish (2 Corinthians 5:18; 2 Peter 3:9).

When the believer forgives and restores an unrepentant sinning saint, giving that approval, they short circuit the repentance needed in the offending party and without which God will not forgive them. So, they stand in danger of hell fire.

Also, when we restore a departed saint who has not truly repented before God and rendered the fruit of true repentance by sincerely admitting and apologizing to us, we bring a “swine” back into our lives who will certainly stab us in the back again (Matthew 7:6). Jesus instructed us not to do this.

When you allow an offending person back into your life without them having truly repent and show that by their fruits, you have brought a swine in to wreak more havoc.

If you seek to reconcile with someone who has clearly attacked you without their real, sincere repentance before God and confession to you of their wrong doing, it’s just going to be a patch job that will again end tragically. They are still a “swine” until after they hearken to the LORD’s conviction and repent.

Jesus instructed us:

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Matthew 7:6

“Wait, the Bible says we must forgive no matter what.”

Good point. Can we seek to sort this out as we seek out the whole counsel of Scripture? Jesus says:

“So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.” Matthew 18:35 

This is in context with a man who was wronged and humbling asking for forgiveness. Read Matthew 18:21-35 for the context.

Are we to forgive no matter what or are we to forgive freely, unlimited those who truly repent? Perhaps “forgive” in this context below is dealing with restoring that person back to fellowship.

“IF he repent”

“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and IF HE REPENT, forgive him. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” Luke 17:3-4

The words of Jesus immediately preceding the above passage are very important….

“Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” Luke 17:1-2 

The LORD is a God of Restoration!God’s Desire to have Unity Among the Brethren

Subverted Hereticks [podcast]

WHY Christians Sin and the Only Solution

The Miracle Working Power of God Manifesting in Your Daily Life [podcast]

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Articles

Eternal Security Death Nails [podcast]


SATAN’S FIRST AND BIGGEST SCAM – BUT IT ONLY WORKS ON THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO LOVE THEIR DARKNESS AND SIN MORE THAN THEY LOVE JESUS! Get to know Genesis 2:17 and 3:4.

Here’s the eternal security / OSAS category on the ministry site….. have fun!


QUESTION RECEIVED:

“I don’t believe in osas but one of my context scriptures was John 6:37 I read it in context and looked it up in Strong’s can you please help me?”

REPLY:

Firstly, we must look at the what the whole of Scripture reveals on this matter and know that “God is not the author of confusion.” (1 Corinthians 14:33)

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37

This is simply saying that Jesus will receive anyone who come to Him, which speaks of initial salvation. Yet Jesus says to His own that they must “endure to the end” to be saved into eternal glory – final salvation (Matthew 10:22; 24:13, etc.). The fact that Jesus receives all who come to Him in repentance and faith for initial salvation, in no way means He will keep them if they don’t “abide” in Him according to His own terms of agreement (John 15:1-6). In fact, Jesus says that those who come to Him and then don’t remain in Him, “abide” – continue – with Him, will be cast into the fires of hell (John 15:6).

Notice later in this very chapter, John 6, we read the following:

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

God never forces any person to come to Him nor to remain (abide) in Him. Free will is the gift of God (Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15).

Jesus will not cast out anyone He brings into His kingdom and yet they can leave, they are always free to leave, because He gives them free will….just as did the prodigal son who left his father’s house. We choose to leave Him by not adhering to His just and stated conditions. Jesus says that there will be some who believe and are saved only later to “fall away.” (Luke 8:12-13)

 

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Eternal security is one thing he gets right….Plenty of scripture to back it up.”

REPLY:

The term “back it up” that you use makes it all too clear that you are looking for a reason to believe this sin-justifying lie because you love your darkness rather than light, refuse to truly repent, lay down your life in this world, deny self daily, take up the cross, live a crucified life, and follow Jesus for real (Luke 9:23-24).

You are deceived and guilty of bearing false witness against the LORD. Does the conversation between God and Adam and Eve and then Satan’s conversation with Eve back it up? No. It identifies OSAS as the first lie of satan that led to the fall of mankind. It’s irrefutable. Gen 2:17; 3:4

“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

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Eternal Security/OSAS | Calvinism Exposed | Accounted Worthy to Escape [podcast] |Sealed?The Return of Christ | SupportLie of the Ages [podcast]10 Questions about Eternal SecurityIs Salvation Eternal?The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security [podcast]The Essential of Fearing God | The KING is Coming [podcast] | Lie of the Ages (Blockbuster book exposing OSAS and calvinism) | Lukewarm is Hell Bound!

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Abiding

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


“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

“It is through much trial and tribulations that we are made pure, holy, and clean in His sight by the working of his Spirit in our hearts to conform us to Christ Image.” Jon Crane

The trials God allows into our lives, purify – but only as we praise, worship, thank, and obey Him through those seasons of tribulations.

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8  Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9  Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:7-9

God is Purifying His Kingdom Saints

“Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” Isaiah 48:10

“Gold tried in the fire” refers to a spiritual metaphor, primarily from the Bible, that describes how difficult trials and hardships purify and strengthen one’s faith, revealing and removing hidden impurities like bitterness or pride, similar to how fire removes impurities from gold to make it purer and more valuable. It encourages believers to view challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth, resulting in a more genuine, tested, and valuable faith.”

“I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:18-19

“Purify the sons” – Christ’s kingdom disciples

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

We should not be surprised by the trials and sufferings of all true disciple of Jesus.

“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 11  My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. 12  Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:10-12 

“the fiery trial which is to try you”

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

As we abide in Christ, bearing fruit, He will continue to purge us so that we bring forth even more fruit.

“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” John 15:2

In the fiery trials, Job declared:

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

Being purified, remaining true to God no matter what adversity he face guaranteed that Job would see God…

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:” Job 19:25

Only “the pure in heart” are going to see, to be with God in eternity.

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

“This verse is not for the hypocrites. Who play being a Christian on Sunday mornings. This is for the honest remnant who sit at His feet and pour out their hearts. As David did in Psalm 51. Asking God to create in them a clean heart! The ones Jesus is coming back for without any spot of sin. Let us draw near to God having our hearts and conscience washed with the pure water!” Karen Cochran

“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried” Daniel 12:10

“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33  And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34  Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35  And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:32-35

“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10

The trial of our faith is for the salvation of our eternal souls. Let me explain: No, we are not earning our own salvation and yet the LORD is working in our lives to purify us to be presented to Him as His bride.

The people, the church Jesus is returning for:

“… Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27

The trial of our faith is for the salvation of our eternal souls. No, we are not earning them and yet the LORD is working in our lives to purify them to be presented to Him as His bride.

“And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:35 

They “shall fall” and God is going “to try them, and to purge, and to make them white.”

Of this verse, one source notes the following:

“The verse begins by stating that “some of them of understanding shall fall.” This is a reference to the wise and learned individuals in Israel who will suffer and be persecuted. This suffering is meant to “try them, and to purge, and to make them white.” The use of the word “try” suggests that the suffering is a test, a way to prove the true character and faith of the people. The word “purge” has connotations of purification, removing impurities or unwanted elements. This suffering is a means of refining the people, making them stronger and more steadfast in their faith. The phrase “to make them white” suggests that through this process of suffering and purification, the people will be made pure, clean, and righteous in the eyes of God.”

HOW do we know, how can we discern who Christ’s true remnant, His bride is?

“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9  And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:7-9

We know the true bride by their adherence to Christ. They are about the “Father’s business” as they are accomplishing the Great Commission Jesus gave His people:

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

YOUR PRAYER: Dear LORD I know You are going to chasten, try, scourge, and purge my life in order to purify it for Your acceptance and glory as I know You are Holy, holy, holy. Please multiply Your enabling, heart softening grace to this life You gave Father. Bless me to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Your grace is sufficient for You to be glorified in this life no matter what. I love You LORD and am living to see You soon, for Your soon return. In Jesus’ name.

See all shorts videos here on ministry youtube channel.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates |  Because You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God  | Waste | Stewardship | GivingLet Him be Your Fear [podcast]Why We Need Not Fear DeathFear Not Little Flock | The Glorious Church Jesus is Returning For [podcast]

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Is Your Name Written in the Book of Life? [video]

Guest contributor. Contrary to the artwork in this video, there are no female angels.

How to be Saved and Sure! Click here.

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