Hello my friends, the goal here is to provide the reader with a thorough understanding of the basic Principles of Christianity. Even if you never go on to formally study the Scriptures, become a pastor, priest or bible teacher, you can still make it to glory if you follow these principals. Remember our Lord said, when the Helper comes, that is the Holy Spirit, he will guide us into all truth (John 16:13). None of them shall teach his neighbor and none his brother saying know the Lord, for all shall know me from the least of them to the greatest of them (Heb 8:11).
Now our salvation is accomplished through faith in Jesus’ death on the cross, our holy living and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. However, God is not working alone to bring us to glory because the Bible says we must submit our lives as living sacrifices (Rom 12:1). My friends, we must study the Bible and strive to put it into practice, which helps us abide in Christ (John 15:4). Also, without the discipline of studying and applying God’s word, we will be less effective in prayer and implementing our gifts. This question and answer format is designed to get the reader to ponder these concepts deeply, while working out their salvation before our Lord (Phi 2:12). Of utmost importance is this link where I provide my understanding of how a soul is born again because Jesus said, unless this happens, we cannot enter the Kingdom of God: The born again process
We must be rooted and grounded in God’s Word, this allows his Spirit to radically transform our thinking pattern and manifest or produce a new outer person or creation (2 Cor 5:17). While reading this teaching, please go to the Scripture references and ask God to open your mind and soften your heart in order to receive all his blessings. For in our Lord are hidden all the wisdom and knowledge of God (Col 2:3). Pray that Christ grows me up into the godly person who pleases him and I will keep you in my prayers. Currently, I am using the New King James Version.
Who wrote the Bible, God or Man?
My friends, if we are not thoroughly convinced the Bible is from God and he has preserved its truth, we will have a difficult time making it to heaven. Currently, I believe the Dead Sea Scrolls, dating around 300 BC, are the oldest manuscripts we have. This discovery in 1946 gave us copies approximately 1,000 years older, which means the Dead Sea Scrolls date back over 2,000 years. The scholars compared the wording of the Scrolls with our modern Bibles and found them remarkably similar. Again, God has preserved his word! Are there small differences among the translations? Yes, but the primary message on the subjects of sin, repentance, death, judgment, heaven, hell, and God’s redemptive plan, through his Son Jesus are consistent.
I understand, according to Scripture that God inspired men to write the Bible (2 Pet 1:21). In the Revelation, the Lord instructed John to write down all these things he saw and send them to the 7 churches (Rev 1-3). Paul says all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness (1 Tim 3:16). Paul said his teachings and revelation did not come from man, but through Jesus Christ (Gal 1:12). Peter said Paul’s epistles were apart of the Scriptures (2 Pet 3:16). Peter said they did not follow cunningly devised fables but were eyewitnesses of his majesty and prophecy never came by the will of man but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet 1:16,21). Therefore, I believe the Bible is the infallible Word of God, even as God is holy and without error. Ask yourself, what person would write a book that claims to help society, yet condemns it at the same time? This paradox is true of the Bible because it condemns society, if it attempts to exist apart from the God revealed in Scripture.
Understanding Testing and Temptation
What does it mean to be tested and what does it mean to be tempted? Is it a sin to be tested and tempted? Who is testing me and who is tempting me? Is God testing me and tempting me to sin? Why am I being tested and why am I being tempted? Is there a way for me to escape testing and temptation?
We know the act of being tested or tempted is not a sin, because our Lord was tested by the Holy Spirit and tempted by Satan for 40 days in the wilderness and did not sin (Heb 4:15). Being eternally perfect and having determined to obey the Father’s will, the testing of the Lord did not result in him succumbing to temptation. We are striving for perfection or holiness, but have sins in the past which disqualify us from the Lord’s level of perfection. We know that testing can lead to sin, if we fail the test and give in to the temptation. So, what is testing and temptation, who is doing this to us, when does this experiment cross over into becoming sin and most important, how can we overcome it?
God’s goals while bringing testing
The testing of our faith reveals the level of sacrifice and obedience we are paying to surrender to our God. This part of the experiment comes from God. The depth of the relationship God desires with us throughout eternity, must be forged through the crucible of this life. Remember there were many trees, including the tree of life in the Garden or Eden they were allowed to eat from, but were forbidden from eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen 2:16). God’s desire for us is always to pass the test and freely choose to obey him by not eating from the wrong tree. You can think of the tree of life as Jesus and us obeying God’s rules found in the New Testament, while the tree of the knowledge of good and evil represents Satan tempting us to fail the test, disobey God’s rules and give into our lust (2 Pet 1:4). Remember what our Lord said to the woman at the well, if you drink of this water, the wrong tree, you will thirst again. However, if you drink of the water I give you, the right tree, you will never thirst again (John 4:14).
Remember when God tested Job by allowing Satan to inflict him (Job 2:6). Did God want Job to fail the test? Who wanted Job to fail the test? Remember when God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, whom he loved, to him. Now, did God want Abraham to fail the test? This request from God must have confused Satan because God never required human sacrifice, similar to the other pagan nations (Lev 18:21). Remember when God tested the children of Israel for 40 years in the wilderness and many of them failed the test (Heb 3:10-11). Therefore, we conclude God’s intent when testing our faith is never for us to fail the test. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (Jam 1:2). Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful. Nevertheless, afterwards it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it (Heb 12:11).
When we pray, Father lead us not into temptation, this is us affirming what God is not going to do. Remember, God cannot be tempted with evil and neither will he temp any man (Jam 1:13). It is the same thing as us saying, Father deliver us from evil (Mat 6:9-13). We know God always wants us to overcome every evil scheme of the enemy. However, we know that from the Garden of Eden, until man’s last breath, his faith will be tested. In the end, we must say like Job, though he slay me yet will I trust him (Job 13:15). Also, remember the ultimate test our Lord submitted to in the Garden of Gethsemane. At the end of every test, we to must say like our Lord, Father your will be done (Mat 26:39). Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you as though some strange thing happened to you, but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when his glory is revealed you may also be glad with exceeding joy (1 Pet 4:12). That the genuineness of your faith being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to the praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Pet 1:7).
Satan’s goals while bringing temptation
As God provides the test or experiment to prove our love and devotion, Satan temps us to fail the test resulting in disobedience or sin. When God placed the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden, did he need Satan to tempt man to fail for his purpose to be fulfilled? No, because the test was in place without Satan’s involvement. Now, Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). His goal is to steal your relationship with God, kill your dreams of accomplishing things for him and ultimately have God destroy you in hell. Remember, he said God, let me at Job and I will make him curse you to your face (Job 2:5)!
However, Satan is not ignorant, remember when he came to our 1st parents he knew a statement like, I am God, God does not exist or you are God would be easily dismissed, because they were communing with God. Now the Serpent was the most subtle beast of the field and the Bible says he is the sum or wisdom (Gen 3:1, Eze 28:12). Therefore, our knowledge apart from God, is no match for this being. His approach to them was to convince them God was holding back some esoteric knowledge or better experience. For God knows in the day you eat of it your eyes shall be open and you shall be like God, knowing good and evil (Gen 3:5).
His temptations are strategically designed for this self focused, highly sexualized, highly technological, material world we live in. For example, if God gives us a great job or large sum of money, does he want us to become materialistic by worshipping these things? Do you think God wants you to take up gambling as a hobby or begin to live large? Now, who will come along and say your current car, which runs perfectly well, should be replaced with a brand new shinny one? Who will say your current wardrobe of clothing, which is functioning perfect, should be replaced with name brand clothing. If we purchase these new things, we probably have given into the temptation of the flesh, fell into pride and failed the test. This test was can we handle more money without lusting for unnecessary material things or chasing temporary highs? Paul said for we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out, therefore having food and clothing we shall be content (1 Tim 6:7). Therefore, when Satan enters our life, do you think he is coming to temp us to live holy or obey God?
For this reason, when I could no longer endure it I sent to know your faith lest by some means the tempter had tempted you and our labor might be in vain (1 The 3:5). Paul says in Corinthians no temptation has taken us but what is common to man and with each occurrence, God has provided a way of escape. Can we pass some test and resist some temptation without being born again or without the power of the Holy Spirit? Yes, but ultimately our way of escape is through the power of the Holy Spirit because the strongest form of temptation to sin is coming through supernatural powers. Therefore if we are living for this world or just weak in the Holy Spirit, we are probably going down! Remember what Peter did after Jesus was arrested (John 18:10, 27). The challenge to pass the test, overcome temptation and not sin is the command, not suggestion, given to each of the churches in Revelation 2 and 3.
Satan’s method: Let’s just keep them in disobedience
How does Satan steal, kill and destroy us? James says every good gift comes down from God and Jesus says his Father makes the rain fall on the good and evil or the just and unjust (Jam 1:17, Mat 5:45). Now even though the rain is falling on the good and evil, do you think both lives are experiencing it? Satan knows he is not stronger than God so when God pours out blessings for us, he cannot stop this. However, to receive these blessings, we must be walking in obedience, so if our life is outside the will of God, are we going to experience God’s blessing (1 The 4:3, 1 Cor 6:9)?
This is a crafty way of stealing the good things God has planned for us. My friends, there is a famous saying that goes like this, if we fail to plan, we plan to fail! Do you think this only applies to earthly goals? Let me encourage you to sit down and develop a 1-Year or 2-Year plan on how you are going to line your life up to receive God’s blessings. This starts with us getting things out of our life that God says in his word are wrong and adding things he says are good for us (Mat 5:29, 2 Pet 1:5). My friends, do you honestly think God does not desire to bless us beyond measure throughout all eternity (Eph 2:7)? Try to establish reasonable daily and weekly goals, while asking the Holy Spirit for power to accomplish them. Trust me, a belief in God without actions is not going to get it done. Please review this topic. Spiritual Warfare
Now, if we continue to miss God’s blessing over an extended period of time, hence living in persistent sin or disobedience, he has stolen that part of our relationship and killed the dreams we have of pleasing God (Heb 12:15). Do you know how many people desire to do good things for God, but the locust has eaten up those years (Joel 2:25)? Ultimately, we know the goal of Satan is to get us into a deep state of isolation, depression and hopelessness until we take our life, thus destroying us. I remember when my church was doing a series on depression and the Lord gave me these words. Marvin, if a mind stays in depression to long, the person will commit suicide. Now, while God test our faith to prove our love and devotion, these are the ways Satan accomplishes his goal.
The lust of the flesh
- Does this action make me feel good but against God’s rules? My friends, we need to know what the Bible is saying to know if an action is against the rules. If we are living with a philosophy that says, if it feels good do it, then we are never going to be able to obey God.
The lust of the eyes
- Is looking or thinking about this engendering thoughts against God’s rules? We cannot afford to allow our thoughts to run unchecked in our minds. The Bible says we must take every thought captive and submit it to the word of God (2 Cor 10:5). This means, when perverted thoughts or old sinful pleasures enter our mind, we say Holy Spirit, I am a new creation so please take this from me.
The pride of life
- Am I thinking too much or the wrong way about myself? We cannot have a preoccupation with ourself, but rather with obeying the Lord. Remember those who mediate on his word will be like a tree (Psalm 1). Also, do you think God wants you thinking negative, depressing thoughts about yourself? Once we are born of him, he declares fear not little ones, it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:32).
Can we escape testing and temptation?
When we consider how testing comes to us and how we literally exist, we understand it is impossible not to be tested. Remember, our Lord said in this world you will have tribulation or testing, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Even if we withdraw from society and live off the grid or in a monastery, we will always take our thoughts, desires and actions with us. Because there is that old saying, where ever you go, there you are! Remember we are in the world but not of the world (John 17:14). This is why the Lord said to his people when Mystery Babylon was being destroyed, come out of her my people, lest you share in her sins and receive of her plagues (Rev 18:4). My friends, the Lord is not saying come out of the physical world because then we would have to die, but stop living for this fallen world! Therefore, we can never escape testing and temptation while in this physical body because God promises the conflict between good and evil will always exist (Gen 3:15).
When temptation becomes sin
So the question of when does temptation cross over into sin must be answered by an examination of Scripture and prayer before God. Again, we must know the Bible to know when we are breaking the rules. Some thoughts or actions we might take pleasure in are clearly disobedient. A simple comparison against God’s written word reveals this for us. Also, we must be careful not to twist the plain text of the Scripture to our own peril (2 Pet 3:16). For other more subtle sins such as pride, greed, hatred, lust and unforgiveness, we must stay close to the Holy Spirit so he can reveal them to us.
So we conclude, like God tested Jesus, he is testing us because true love and devotion to God must be proved through submission, sacrifice and obedience, hence the forbidden tree in the garden. God’s goal is for us to pass any particular test and if we happen to fail that one by sinning, his desire is for us to humble ourselves and repent (2 Pet 3, Rev 2,3). When Satan shows up in our lives, he is always tempting us to disobey God’s rules and fall into sin. If he is successful in that instance, he then accuses us and tries to convince us God will not forgive that sin or we are not worthy of God’s love and forgiveness (Rev 12:10). After we repent and cry out for God’s power over that sin, we stand on the Scripture that says Jesus is a high priest forever (Heb 7:17). This means, if we come correct, his blood is always available to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
My friends, we know our Lord’s blood does not cover unrepentant sin because David said, if I hide iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me (Psalms 66:18). Just as committed God is to loving us and making the Holy Spirit available to us to obey him, Satan is equally committed to deceiving us and leading us into disobedience. The Revelation tells us that even after Satan is locked away for a 1,000 years, once released, he goes right back to working against God (Rev 20:7). That’s a being who has determined he will always fight against his maker!
How we overcome temptation, the marriage covenant
The Bible commands us not to love the world or the things in the world (1 John 2:15). If we love this fallen world, we will never be able to overcome temptation. We always love people and encourage them to obey the Lord. Just as God loves us, but definitely does not agree with us, if we are walking in sin. For Amos 3 says, how can two, God and us, walk together unless they are in agreement. James 4 tells us that friendship with the world will cause us to be God’s enemy. God has called us into a marriage covenant, therefore when we continue to hang out in the world, we become an adulterer or adulteress (Jam 4:4). The world in this passage is the same as Mystery Babylon, she is physically beautiful, decked out in materialism and selling herself to anyone willing to buy (Rev 17, 18). This is why the Lord says come out of her my people. In other words, if our treasure or what we receive the greatest pleasure from is in this fallen world, we will struggle with overcoming temptation and obeying the Lord (Mat 6:21). Those in the flesh might want to please the Lord, but they cannot (Rom 7:18). Will we lose many pleasurable experiences and even some people by choosing to obey the Lord? Yes.
Once we are born again, we have a power living in us to help us in our weaknesses or when we are tempted. Hebrews 4 says let us boldly approach the throne of God to find strength in time of need. Revelation 12 tells us that we overcome by the blood of the lamb, the word of our testimony and we love not our lives to the death. To overcome means we have overcome sin and are walking in holiness. This cannot mean we have overcome physical death, because if you are reading this, that remains to be seen. Now, does this mean we cannot sin? Of course not, however this means we are not practicing sin. Let us not deceive ourselves, if we are practicing sin, then our relationship with God is broken, until we repent and begin to walk in holiness again (1 John 3:8).
God is patient and we must continue to fight
Now, this does not mean when we initially disobey God, he immediately cuts us off from his Spirit. Just like the churches in the Revelation, God gives us time to repent before he takes action. Remember, the Lord says to the church of Ephesus in the Revelation, if you do not repent, I will come and remove your lampstand (Rev 2:5). Again, the Bible says that God is long suffering, not willing that any should perish but all to come to repentance (2 Pet 3:9). For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:3). I believe the swift action taken against Ananias and Sapphira was necessary due to the initial formation of the church (Acts 5:1). However, even in that instance, Peter gave them one final opportunity to come clean.
The Lord promises us power over all evil forces in Luke 10:19 and to accomplish the great commission in Matthew 28. However, this authority is only available when we get the sin out of our life, because the children of Israel could not advance beyond Jericho, until they delt with the sin of Achan (Jos 7:10). Lest when I come again, my God will humble me among you and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced (2 Cor 12:21). Like David said in 1 Samuel, the battle or victory has been won, because Jesus has died on the cross. However, we must pick up our 5 smooth stones and charge toward our giants. Remember, God promised the children of Israel a land flowing with milk and honey, however, they still had to fight and drive out the inhabitants. At the end of the day, let’s not assume God will delay judgment in our lives, if we continue in disobedience. In other words, we dare not tempt God by deliberately disobeying him (Heb 10:26).
Understanding Sin
What is sin and why am I a sinner? Am I a sinner because I am human? Was Jesus also human? Am I in sin when I feel broken, guilty, weak or angry? Did Jesus feel broken, weak, angry and frustrated at times? Oh faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you (Mat 17:17)! We are not necessarily in sin when we feel broken, sad, weak, angry or disagrees with someone. For the Bible says, be angry but do not allow yourself to fall into sin (Eph 4:26,27). Paul and Barnabas disagreed sharply over John Mark, but the Scripture does not indicate either of them was in sin (Acts 15:39). Am I always going to practice sin or can I ever become free of sin? What did Jesus mean when he said, he who the son sets free is free indeed (John 8:36)?
The New Testament was written in Greek and my understanding of the Classical Greek word, Hamartia, translated as Sin, is missing the mark. What is the mark God requires for his creation? The mark was established in the Garden of Eden, which is for us to perfectly obey God’s rules and laws. Jesus hit the mark and said which of you can prove I am a sinner (John 8:46). In other words, Jesus is saying, I always obey my Father’s rules and laws (John 8:29). Therefore, sin is disobedience to God, evidenced by the breaking of God’s rules and the transgression of God’s laws (Mat 5-7, Exo 20:1-17). Being a sinner is not something mystical or esoteric, it just means you are breaking God’s rules and laws. For whoever keeps the whole law and stumbles in one point, he is guilty of all (Jam 2:10).
For who having heard rebelled? Indeed was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? Now with whom was he angry 40 years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? And to whom did he swear they would not enter his rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see they could not enter in because of unbelief (Heb 3:16-19). My friends, these verses in Hebrews is telling us from God’s perspective, rebellion, disobedience and unbelief are all under the umbrella of sin and will definitely come under his wrath.
But with most of them God was not well pleased for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things became our examples to the intent we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted, nor let us become idolaters, nor let us commit sexual immorality, nor let us tempt Christ, nor complain. For all these things happened to them as examples for us, upon whom the ends of the ages have come (1 Cor 10). Again, from God’s perspective, lusting, idolatry, sexual immorality and always complaining or never having a grateful heart is viewed as sin and will come under his judgment.
All have sinned
Now, since we have all broken God’s rules, including Mary, we have all sinned (Rom 3:23). Unfortunately, my Catholic brothers have missed the mark on this one. If we say we have no sin or have not sinned, then we make him a liar (1 John 1:8,10). We can never say we have no sin, because our past actions, which we believe have been forgiven, were committed by us. We understand after repenting of those actions, God is no longer counting those against us. All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all (Isa 53:5). For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it (Gal 1:13). Among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were by nature children of wrath (Eph 2:3). For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another (Tit 3:3).
All are under the effects of the curse or sin
Why are some little babies born with heart defects? Why are some people born deaf, mute or blind? Why are people born without limbs or having both sexes? Why are some born with to much testosterone and some to much estrogen? Why are more children being born with autism? And they asked him, Rabbi who sinned that this man was born blind? His reply was neither this man nor his parent, but that the glory of God might be revealed (John 9:2).
Then to Adam he said, because you have heeded the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat of. Cursed is the ground for your sake, in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life, both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you (Gen 3:17). For the creation itself was subjected to the curse, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it in hope. For we know the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now (Rom 8:20,23). My friends, all of us, including Jesus are born under the curse. This does not mean we are born disobeying God or born sinners but means our physical bodies are always under the curse. This means our bodies get tired and are subject to bacteria, viruses, pericytes, germs, etc.
All deserve God’s payment for sinning
God said the soul that sins shall die (Eze 18). The payment God owe us for having sinned is physical death and spiritual death in the lake of fire (Gen 2:15:5, Rev 20:14), (Isa 5:14). Now, the physical or 1st death will be experienced by all of us, but God has made a way for us not to be hurt by or experience the 2nd death (Rev 2:11, 21:8). Who was the everlasting fire prepared for (Mat 25:41)? My friends, just as God used Ezekiel to warn the people and testify against all Israel’s abominations committed in his sanctuary, I am warning everyone that if we do not get the sin out of our lives disaster will overtake us and it will overtake us in Deborah’s lifetime. I recall in one of my dreams where I asked the Lord is the lake of fire ready? The Lord looked directly into my eyes and said Marvin, whoever gets into the lake of fire they cannot get out. My friends, that whoever includes me! We must never forget, no matter how holy we are living, we can never justify ourself before this eternally Holy, Being because we have broken his rules. Therefore, we all deserve to experience the 1st and 2nd death. Now, Jesus died, yet he never sinned, which is why God can legally use his death to justify or satisfy our debt.
All must not continue in sin
When Paul said Jesus Christ came into to the world to save sinners, of which he is chief, was he referring to his present actions or when he persecuted the church (1 Tim 1:15)? If we confess our sins he is faithful and true to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Notice the Bible does not say “when we sin” we must confess. If we are living from a position that says Lord I know I am going to sin in the future, then we will have a difficult time walking in holiness. This is why the Bible says we must present our bodies as living sacrifices and renew our mind continually (Rom 12:1). When God gave all the laws in Leviticus as well as the protocols to follow, he always said if the people sin, not when. Our Lord said if your eye offends you pluck it out, not when (Mat 5:29). Our desire is to live holy lives and through Christ we can do all things (Phi 4:13). The all things definitely include power to overcome sin. The Scripture says shall we continue in sin that grace may abound (Rom 6:1)? The obvious answer is no and some translations say what a horrible thought! The Bible says it is the grace of God that teaches us to say no to unrighteousness or sin (Tit 2:11).
Understanding Repentance
My friends, true repentance requires us to try and make amends, forsake our sins and press into holy living, while understanding we deserve the wrath of God. Remember Paul said one thing I do, forgetting the things behind, I press toward the goal for the prize by answering the high call of Christ (Phil 3:14). Now, can we press toward this goal without attaining true repentance? For Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, but the sorrow or grief of the world produces death (2 Cor 7:10). In other words, when the soul works through repentance the Lord’s way, through his cross, it will produce joy and strength leading to everlasting life. However, if the soul works through grief and sorrow outside the cross or the world’s way, ultimately, it will leave the soul in weakness, addictions, sadness and death.
True repentance requires us to try and make amends
Our Lord said if you bring your gift before the altar and remember your brother has something against you, first go and become reconciled to your brother and then come offer your gift (Mat 5:23). This is the Lord telling us we cannot just wrong someone and pretend everything is find with him without trying to make amends. Now, if the person we have wronged or wronged us have passed away, we must work this out between God. However, we might be able to impact their loved ones left behind, but we understand it is not the same as impacting the soul who has left. Typically, the deeper the wound, the longer we stay in the process. Now regarding our amends with God, our Lord said he who has been forgiven much, loves much and he who has been forgiven a little, loves a little (Luke 7:47). Remember Paul’s letter to Philemon, the master of Onesimus. Even after Onesimus found Christ and was useful in Paul’s ministry, he must still return to Philemon and seek reconciliation and forgiveness.
A personal example
I recall on one occasion when my father contacted me after being estranged for about 15 years. We started a new relationship and I begin to help him financially. After about 6 months, the Lord impressed upon me to stop giving him money and write him a letter asking him to apologize for how he treated the family. I wrote my father a lengthy letter and copied it to just about all my siblings. I assume my father received the letter because after I stopped the money, he never contacted me again. My friends, true repentance is not going to say no one is perfect, it is going to say I am so sorry for wounding you, please forgive me and how can I make this right? However, when my father arrived at his death bed, he broke down in tears and apologized for how he treated the family and asked us to forgive him, especially his daughters.
True repentance requires us to forsake our sins
In addition to confessing and trying to make amends, true repentance involves forsaking our sin or darkness and walking in the light or holiness (1 John 1:6). If we are wronging God or our fellow man, just saying sorry and continuing to wound them is not going to get it done. Therefore, let us leave the elementary principles of Christ and go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and faith toward God (Heb 6:1). Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to the Lord and he will have mercy on him and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon (Isa 55:6). But if they had stood in my counsel and had caused my people to hear my words, then they would have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings (Jer 23:22). Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves to determine if Christ lives in you, unless indeed you are disqualified (2 Cor 13:5).
True repentance produces holy living
Remember, John the Baptist says bring forth fruit worthy of repentance and James makes it clear that faith without works is dead (Mat 3:8). In other words, our actions must back up our mouth! Remember, the Scripture which says the goodness of God leads us to repentance (Rom 2:4). Yes my friends, we are saved by the grace of God but we will definitely work to enter eternal life. True religion is to help the widows out in need and keep oneself unstained from the world (Jam 1:27). This means we share our physical things and practice holiness. The Scripture says genuine faith will produce obedience toward God (Heb 11). All our good works, witnessing, evangelizing, going to church, feeding the poor, fasting and praying, not seeking riches, walking in humility represent the fine linen of the saints (Rev 19:8). However, if we are doing these same works to be seen of men and believe they are earning us salvation, apart from the cross, they are like filthy rags. We must always guard against pride, especially religious pride. The key phrases here are “to be seen by man and apart from the cross”.
True repentance understands what it deserves
Now prior to conversion, we must accept we are wretched or disgusting sinful people with wicked hearts (Rom 7:24) (Jere 17:9). My friends without a deep understanding of what we deserve and the cost God is paying for our redemption, true repentance is hard to attain. Do we honestly think going into a confession booth or pastor’s office and confessing an inappropriate relationship, then hearing God has forgiven you will gain us true repentance? If we believe this, we will stop at just head knowledge, not realizing the active role the Holy Spirit is playing in our lives (Eph 4:30). We must strive to attain true repentance and holiness to enter the narrow gate, while understanding we deserve the wrath of God in eternal hell (Mat 7:13, Eph 2:3). Then his master said you wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt because you begged me, you should have had compassion on your fellow servant just as I had pity on you (Mat 18:32). My friends, we all, except Jesus, deserve to experience God’s eternal wrath but he has graciously forgiven us through Christ. Therefore, our repentance toward him and others cannot stop at lip service, but must truly be reflected in our hearts and actions.
Understanding Salvation
Friends, what does it mean to believe in God for salvation? For instance, when we sit in a chair, we place our complete belief or trust or faith in the strength of the chair and its ability to sustain our weight and trust we will not hit the floor. This is true because no one sits in a chair and holds himself up by something else, except maybe a clown. Also, did you notice the words belief, trust and faith are interchangeable? Scripture says even the demons believe there is one God and tremble (Jam 2:19). Now we know the demons and fallen angels do not possess salvation (Jude 6:6), (Mat 8:29) (Rev 12). Therefore, our belief or trust or faith in God must cause us to seek Christ through the Scripture, listen to his voice through the pages and submit to his commands (John 15). As we abide in Jesus, we are born again, not rebirth in the physical world but rebirth in the spirit (1 John 1:12).
The gift comes from God
Friends, we are not able to cause ourselves to be born physically and therefore we cannot cause ourselves to be born again, thus the gift must come from God. However, if our actions cause us to leave his teachings and way of living, can we say we have been born again (1 John 2:6)? Little children, let us not deceive ourselves, those who practice righteousness are righteous, just as he is righteous, those who sin are of the devil (1 John 3:7). Our only hope is to cling to his promises by following after him in the Word of God, confess our sins if necessary and love our neighbors as best as we can. For Jesus has promised my sheep hear my voice, they follow me and I give unto them eternal life. My friends, this sounds a lot like a continuous relationship or marriage. We are communing with the Lord, obeying him and the result is eternal life (John 10:27). Obviously, if we are practicing sin or living in the flesh, we are disobeying the Lord.
Belief in Scripture must be lived out
When the Lord said whoever believes in me will not perish, was he saying you can just give mental assent to this statement (John 3:16)? When Paul says if we confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in our heart God raised him from the dead was he saying we can just say this with our mouth and believe these facts (Rom 10:9)? When Paul says for it is by grace we are saved and not by works, was he saying we do not have to practice holiness? My friends, in these verses where do we find the command for us to repent of our sins and live a holy life? We must be careful not to take a few passages out of context and say this is how to get saved. Any form of salvation which does not include a sacrificial life of holiness, is a lie.
The individual who tells you to quote John 3:16, Romans 8:38, Romans 10:9 or just have someone dunk you in some water as a formula to salvation, only has head knowledge and the heart is not ready to truly repent. True salvation requires us to run from our sin, live out God’s rules and accept the Lordship of Christ. Head knowledge is simply intellectual cognizance of Christ or devil’s faith, thus worthy of judgment (Jam 2:19). My friends, we are all saved by God’s grace, because Jesus said with men or solely by man’s efforts, no one can make it (Mat 19:26).
Assurance of Salvation
Can we have assurance or know that we have eternal life? Yes! The Bible tells us the Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Rom 8:16). My friends, you will experience supernatural encounters that your mind cannot deny. The Lord has performed many signs and wonders through me such as miraculous physical healings, spoken in tongues, received dreams, visions, direct verbal dialogue, casted out demons, physical sensations and circumstances that cannot be explained and he promises the same to others (Mark 6:17), (Joel 2:28). Now this does not mean everyone will perform the same actions because we all have different gifts (1 Cor 12:4). For instance, I only spoke in tongues once and did not have a clue what it meant.
Can we have assurance if lukewarm or practicing sin?
Alternatively, can we have assurance of salvation if we are lukewarm in our love toward the Lord, being witnessed by our minimal investment in the Lord’s work, practicing closest Christianity or have a life filled with sinful practices (Rev 3:16) (James 1:7)? His word says if we walk in the light as he is in the light, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin or darkness (1 John 1:7). John makes it clear in this letter that walking in the light means practicing holiness and walking in the darkness means practicing sin. Now, consider the opposite of this statement, if we walk in darkness and he is in the light, will his blood continue to cleanse us from all sin? Also, do you think we will have assurance of our salvation if living this way? Remember, God is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy (God’s part-Jude 1:24). We must present our bodies a living sacrifice and continue to renew our mind in his Scriptures (Man’s part-Rom 12:1,2).
We must go all in for our faith
I like to say it this way, God is giving it everything he has to save us and we must give it everything we have to be saved! Remember, the man who found the field and sold everything he had to purchase that field (Mat 13:44). Thus God determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed the promise to bless us by an oath, which gives us strong confidence. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast and which enters the presence behind the veil. This is where our forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek (Heb 6:17). My friends, if God delivered up Jesus for us, we know he wants to give us eternal life (Rom 8:32).
Therefore, brethren having boldness to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which he consecrated for us, through the veil that is his flesh and having a high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water, holding fast our hope without wavering for he who promised is faithful. We consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves but exhorting one another as we see the day approaching (Heb 10:19). My friends, God is not going to stop pulling the rope trying to rescue us, so let’s continue to hold on until we make it to the shore. My brother has written another great book that helps the individual live a life on point. Winning with your Body, Mind and Soul: Going all In
Man’s Baptism vs God’s Baptism
Does water baptism or the baptism by a man save me? Does baptism by the Holy Spirit save me? How do I know if I have been baptized by the Holy Spirit and placed into the body of Christ? If I was baptized as a baby or child, do I have to get baptized again? What if I was baptized in the name of Jesus but not in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38, Mat 28:19)? If someone baptizes me after I am dead will that save me? What are the baptism’s commanded in the New Testament under the New Covenant?
Man’s Baptism
The 1st mention of a baptism in the New Testament is by John the Baptist, whose ministry was to baptize people preparing them for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, under the New Covenant. John’s water baptism was based on a person’s confession that they repented of their sin, wanted forgiveness and believed Jesus was the Messiah. Prior to John’s instructions, people were following the Old Covenant rules to get their sins forgiven. John said I am initiating a new way to get your sins forgiven by saying I baptize you unto repentance, but he will baptize you, speaking of Jesus, with the Holy Spirit and fire (Mat 3:11).
From this passage, it is evident that John’s baptism or man’s, was different from baptism by the Holy Spirit from Jesus. I believe John is saying I baptize you based on your confession of repentance. John later indicates a person must bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. I believe John is saying our actions in life must be changed. This is consistent with Paul’s teaching that states anyone in Christ is a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). In other words, we cannot continue to have the same relationship to sin and disobedience before claiming Jesus as our Lord.
Simon the sorcerer in Samaria believed the words of Philip and was baptized but did not have the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:13). Simon received a baptism by Phillip or man, unto repentance, but he did not repent. We know this because when Peter came and laid his hands on some and Simon saw the Holy Spirit was given, he said give me this power and offered him money (Acts 8:18). Therefore, we conclude that man’s baptism did not save Simon because this physical act might not result in true repentance. My friends, if true repentance does not follow man’s baptism, it does not matter if you were baptized in the name of Jesus or the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
God’s Baptism
Peter was sent to Cornelius to deliver the message of salvation to the Gentiles (Acts 10:25). While Peter was delivering the message that Jesus is the Messiah, the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles, which was evidenced by tongues in this instance (Acts 10:44). However, notice these Gentiles did not get water baptized until after this event, because Peter said can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:47). Therefore, we conclude just as John the Baptist says, you can be baptized unto repentance by man, but must be baptized by the Holy Spirit or God.
My friends, just how God told Moses to have the people consecrate themselves and wash their clothes and I will come down to them, he commands us to repent of our sins and be baptized and he will come to us (Exo 19:10). After you have repented of your sins, then baptize yourself or have someone baptize you in water, then the Lord promises to baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Now water baptism or baptism by the Holy Spirit will not save us if we continue to live in sin, because Paul says let everyone who confesses the name of Christ depart from iniquity (2 Tim 2:19).
Peter also says just as the people during the flood were saved through water, that is physical water, you two are saved by baptism (1 Pet 2:21). However, Peter clarifies by saying, it is not the removal of the filth of the flesh by water, that is man’s baptism, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, which is the result of living right before God. Now once we have been baptized by the Holy Spirit, we must begin to live a holy life because Jesus says he who endures to the end, the same will be saved (Mat 10:22, 24:13, Rev 2:26). My friends without the indwelling baptism of the Holy Spirit, we do not have a chance of living a holy life.
Evidence of God’s Baptism
The evidence we are being baptized by the Holy Spirit is we are walking in the light rather than walking in darkness (1 John 1:6). The evidence is not speaking in tongues, the physical sensations we could be experiencing, quoting Bible verses, casting out demons or doing great works before the Lord, because those who died practicing sin, heard departure from me I never knew you (Mat 7:23). Again, walking in the light is symbolic of practicing holiness and walking in darkness is symbolic of practicing sin. In other words, we deny ourself, pickup our cross and follow the Lord.
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free and have been made to drink into one Spirit (1 Cor 12:13). This baptism is accomplished by the Holy Spirit, because Paul says His Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Rom 8:16). Now our obedience to the Lord definitely includes submitting to water baptism. Our Lord said all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth, go into all the world and make disciples baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I command and I am with you until the very end (Mat 28:19, Acts 2:38).
Passover vs Communion
What is the significance of the Old Testament observance of Passover and the New Testament observance of Communion? When were these rituals instituted? Should we observe the Old Testament ritual of Passover or the New Testament ritual of Communion? Am I saved by observing one or both of these rituals? If I am able to observe Communion and choose not to, am I in disobedience?
Old Testament Passover
The observance of Passover was commanded in the Old Testament to commemorate when the death angel killed the first born of Egypt and passed over those who had the lamb’s blood on their house (Exo 12:13). This also included the Egyptians who obeyed these rules. The Lord said so this day shall be to you a memorial and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord, throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance (Exo 12: 14). The significance of observing Passover was the children of Israel were rescued from their enemies the Egyptians. They had to kill a sacrificial lamb and place its’ blood on their door post, so God would not kill their first born, like he killed the Egyptians.
New Testament Communion
The observance of Communion was established to replace or fulfill the Old Testament Passover ritual because it was at this Old Testament ritual, the Lord took the bread, which symbolized his body and the cup, which symbolized his blood, and said these words. For this is my blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins, do this to remember me (Mat 26:26, 1 Cor 11:23).
Those who are continuing to observe the Old Testament Passover ritual have not recognized the Lord as the New Testament Passover Lamb sacrificed not to save us from the Egyptians but ultimately from our sins and the wrath of God (Rev 1:5, 20:15). Just as we are commanded to be water baptized, we are commanded to observe communion. Remember, the Lord said I have not come to abolish the law but to fulfill (Mat 5:17). The new practice of Communion is the fulfillment of the Old Testament practice of Passover. However, observance of communion or water baptism does not guarantee salvation, because we must continue to abstain from sin and abide in Christ until the end (1 John 3:8).
Transubstantiation
For those who believe in the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, this passage tells you the bread and wine symbolized the Lord’s literal body and blood. If these elements symbolized the Lord’s literal body and blood when Communion was establishment, there is no reason to believe they are not symbolizing it now. When the Lord says we must eat his body and drink his blood to be saved, he meant for us to continue in his teachings, which includes observance of the ritual of Communion (John 6:53). This language is consistent with the message given to John requiring him to eat the little book in the angels hand (Rev 10:9). Furthermore, there is no where in the Bible God supports eating human bodies or drinking blood.
When Communion was practiced in the early church, Paul says that whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord (1 Cor 11:27). The Communion meal was a substantial source of food for some because many were coming to the table hungry and drunk, thus falling under God’s judgment. Paul rebukes them and tells them to stop coming to the Lord’s table hungry because it is not about physical food, but about understanding what it cost the Lord to purchase our souls. Now, I commend the Catholics for taking communion very serious. However, believing a small piece of bread or wafer and a little wine is transformed into the Lord’s literal body and blood is inconsistent with this early observance of Communion.
The Image of God or Image of Satan
What does it mean to be in the image of God or the image of Satan? The Bible says Jesus is the image of the invisible God. When the Father brought Jesus into the world, he said let all God’s angels worship him. At one point, our Lord said if you have seen me, you have seen the Father. When God said let us make man in our image and in our likeness, what did he mean? When Jesus said to the Pharisees, you are of your father the Devil and the deeds of your father you will do, what did he mean? Was not the religious leaders also created in the image of God? Were we created a certain way, lost that image and are now continuing to evolving toward something?
The Image of God
Since God is the Creator, he has given each of us the ability to be creative. For instance, some of us have greater literary skills leading us to become authors, journalist, playwriters and similar type professionals. Some more artistic as expressed in singing, painting, acting, poetry and similar ways. While others are more analytical leading us into computers, technicians, sciences, legal, accounting, politicians, economists and similar professions. Also, others are more nurturing leading us into social works, teaching, pastoral, counselling and similar activities. Furthermore, others apply their skills though engineering, construction, architecture and the like. Others are more biological leading them into medical, pharmaceutical and genetic type fields. For some they are gifted as farmers, ranchers and love working with animals. Some desire to serve as protectors, such as law enforcement, fire, rescue and the armed forces. Others are physically bigger, stronger and more gifted athletically. My friends, regardless of the way we choose to create or express ourself, can you see this comes from our Creator?
Now as we use our God given abilities to express ourselves, we must understand the boundaries or rules God has created for us. Since our lives are made up of a series of minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years, every opportunity we have to grow closer to God’s image matters. Obviously, the first step is understanding we have lost the image of God, which means we have disobeyed his rules or sinned against him. For those of us not born again yet, we must submit to the initial born again steps. The Born Again Process Next, we must accept the fact that we are in a fight. Spiritual Warfare Next, we must understand the fight or the testing and tempting of our souls will continue until our last breath. Testing and Temptation Finally, it helps to have a general understanding of what God has revealed about the end of this age and the age to come. End Times (Eschatology).
My friends, our God given creative abilities, as wonderful as they are, will never reach fruition until they are enhanced through the miraculous gifts from the Holy Spirit. Many of you extroverts must surrender to him so you can hit these streets like me! Also, God’s introverts are designed to reach people in ways no extrovert can. No doubt, you can display empathy better than any extrovert, who will probably be talking when he should be listening. However, even though you are displaying compassion and care at deep levels, until you are born of him your healing is stopping short of God’s eternal plan.
The Image of Satan
When God said you were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom, perfect in beauty and the anointed cherub that covers from the day you were created till iniquity was found in you, what did he mean? When God said the Serpent was the most subtle beast of the field, what did he mean? When Jesus said for those of you who have not known the depths of Satan, I will put no greater burden on you, what did he mean? When Paul says Satan is the god of this age, what did he mean? When Paul said Satan transforms himself into an angel of light, what did he mean? When John said the whole world lies under the influence of the wicked one, what did he mean? When John says after the 1,000 years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations again, what is he talking about? My friends, as we transition through life, let’s see how we can order our lives to move closer to the image of Satan.
Our teenage and young adult years
Let’s doubt whether there is a personal God, whether the Bible is true and can be trusted. Let’s see God’s rules as outdated suggestions and just as long as we are loving and kind to each other, this is enough. Let’s not think of our lives as a series of minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years and just live to enjoy each day. Now this is not the same as being grateful for what God has given us, but rather a care free life not considering what happens after death. In other words, we do not have a thoughtful plan of how our days are spent. Obviously, no one can plan out each second, however we cannot let whole days and weeks pass without interacting with the Creator.
Let’s think we have the rest of our lives to find religion, but now it’s time to soar our wild oaks! Let’s fill our days listening to Beyonce, Taylor Swift and other secular music, not that old boring praise and worship stuff. Let’s explore horoscopes, astrology, fortune tellers, enlightenment leaders, spiritual guides, because there are many paths to truth. Let’s believe Jesus was just one of the ascended masters. Let’s not tell anyone about Jesus, we do not want to be perceived as a weirdo, cult member or religious freak. Let’s get hooked on the vape and other substances to relieve our stress. I believe one of Satan’s greatest tactics is to keep us from prioritizing or scheduling time to spend with God during parts of the day or week.
Our middle years
Let’s fill up each day with the cares of this world such as financial concerns, finding the right mate, enjoying vacations, raising children and planning for those golden years. Let’s take our relationship advice from Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Phil, The View, Dear Abbie, Steve Harvey and similar forums. Let’s see the relationship advice in the Bible as outdated for any modern society. Let’s think now is not a good time to serve the Lord. Now my friends, I am not saying these are not important issues, but if they keep us from pursuing God we are building the wrong image. Our Lord said come follow me and they each begin to make excuses, one said I have just started a business, one said I have taken a wife and one said first let me go and bury my father.
Let’s think we still have a lot of years to find God and do some good work for him. Let’s never discuss religion, subjects like absolute truth or what happens after death because this makes us uncomfortable and it is none of our business. Let’s think everyone is free to live how they want to as long as they are not hurting anyone, who am I to judge someone? Let’s think the church, food banks and other organizations are more equip to do God’s work. I am just one person and can one person really make a difference in God’s kingdom? These are powerful tactics from Satan to get us to think God’s priority is not the most significant, his rules are outdated, we have plenty of time to serve God or can one person really make a difference.
Our later years
Let’s think about the missed opportunities to serve God throughout our lives and believe we have waited to long. Let’s focus on our poor health, hopelessness, loneliness and mistakes we have made over the years. Let’s believe since we have rejected God all our lives, then he most certainly will not receive us now. For those of us who are in their later years and have never served God, this is a brilliant tactic from Satan to get us to believe we have waisted our lives and now it is to late. Yes my friends, the locust can eat up a lot of our years, but my Bible says God can restore the years eaten up by the locust. Let’s think we can never forgive the person who wronged us so many years ago or we can never ask that person to forgive us. I mean, after all it has been so many years. This is another tactic from Satan, to get us to think that reconciliation or forgiveness is not possible after so many years. So if we have spent our entire lives building toward the image of Satan, what can we expect from God after death?
Concluding thoughts on this topic
My friends, our Creator is so long suffering that he allowed the thief on the cross, who spent his entire life building toward the image of Satan, entrance into paradise. However, this does not mean the thief will not have some heavy lifting in heaven to rebuild into the image of God. The Revelation tells us the leaves are for the healing of the nations and some of us will definitely require more healing and further building to reach God’s image. Since our God is an eternal being, he will eventually get each soul where it needs to be. Our Lord said he who builds his life on the rock will stand when the storms of life come against it. What am I saying under this topic? We are all building toward the image of God or image of Satan. Let me encourage you to see your journey from this perspective.
Can I lose my salvation once I am saved?
This is a legitimate question for anyone who is concerned with their soul and its eternal resting place. Did God save me against my free will? Now that I am saved, is he going to keep me saved against my free will? Can I be judged for actions in the future I have not committed? Is eternal life something we get in the future or possess in the present? When Paul says nothing can separate us who are in Christ Jesus, was he saying that even if we walk in sin, we can never lose our salvation? When Jesus says no one can pluck us from his Father’s hand, was he saying, even if I practice sin I am still secure? My friends, let’s attack the answer from examining our past actions, present state and potential future.
My past actions
Let’s take our mind back to the first time we confessed our sin, asked the Lord to forgive us and subsequently begin our Christian journey. Now, this moment happened at the time of death for the thief on the cross (Luke 23:40). This man recognized he had lived a sinful life and repented by saying, we are getting our just reward but this man, speaking of Jesus, has done nothing wrong. He confessed Jesus as Lord by saying Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom. Obviously, he believed Jesus was Lord and had authority over death, otherwise his request made no sense. Jesus said today you will be with me in paradise. Our Lord looked at the thief’s heart and knew he was sincere in calling upon the Lord for forgiveness of sin, not rescue from physical death (Acts 2:21). The other thief was also calling on the Lord, but not repenting of his sin, he only wanted rescue from a brutal physical death, which they both deserved (Luke 23:39).
Therefore, whenever we repent of our sins we are in a state of salvation. For this man, it just happened to be immediately before his physical death. Jesus said, he who preservers to the end, the same will be saved (Mat 24:13). Jesus said for us to hold onto our crown so no one will take it (Rev 3:11). This man held onto his crown and continued in his belief or faith until the end, which happened to be at the time of his spiritual birth. Therefore, we conclude that if our initial free will encounter with the Lord was sincere, we were once in a state of forgiveness or salvation.
My present state
Although we can remember the past and anticipate the future, we can only live in the present. Now this does not mean we cannot learn from the past and apply this knowledge in hope of changing the future. But again, at the end of the day, all any of us have is the present. This is why the Bible says that today, if you will hear his voice do not harden your heart (Heb 4:7). Today is the day of salvation because tomorrow is not promised. James says what is our life but a vapor. The Lord also tells us not to worry about tomorrow for today has enough trouble in itself. In other words, give us this day our daily bread (Mat 6:11). If we are currently aware of unconfessed sin, then we should repent by asking the Lord to forgive us and ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with his presence, so we can walk in holiness (1 John 1:9). Now, true repentance might take longer for some of us. For more information on how to repent, please click on this link. Understanding Repentance Paul says shall we continue in sin that grace may abound (Rom 6:1)? Therefore, if you need to come before the Lord now, please do so. Otherwise, we are in a current state of forgiveness or salvation.
My anticipated future
If I sin in the future, will I lose my salvation? My friends, ask yourself if you sin in the future will you repent of this sin? Notice the Bible does not say “When you sin but if you sin” (1 John 2:1). The first thing you must realize is that no one knows their future, unless revealed to them by God, so do not believe you must sin in the future. Jesus said offenses or sins must come, but woe to that person who offends or sins (Mat 18:7). Then the Lord begins to say we should cut off body parts if they make us sin (Mat 5:30)! James says we all stumble in many ways, but this is in reference to humanity as a whole and not an individual. Also, if we do stumble, this does not mean we will not get up again? The Bible says if a righteous man falls 7 times, he will get up again, but not so with the wicked (Proverbs 24:16). My friends, our safeguard against disobeying the Lord is to practice holiness everyday (Rom 12:1). When Paul wrote the letter of Philemon, we see Demas was one of his fellow laborers (Philemon 1:24). However, in his final letter to Timothy, he said Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world (2 Tim 4:10). You see my friends, Demas started strong in the faith, but went back into the world.
Warning and restoration
James says if, not when, any among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins (Jam 5). Paul reaffirms this same teaching by saying, if a man falls into sin, not when, you who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of gentleness (Gal 6:1). To most of the churches in the Revelation, the message is I know that you have some good works, however you have fallen into sin, therefore repent or else. Remember the evil servant that said in his heart, his master is delaying his coming and begin to beat his fellow servants, eat and drink with the drunkards or returned to sinning (Mat 24:49).
And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now he has reconciled to present you holy and blameless, if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel (Col 1:21). Therefore, we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away (Heb 2:1). Beware brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God, but exhort one another daily while it is called today. Lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin, for we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end (Heb 3:12). My friends, these passages definitely tell us that it is possible to fall away into sin and warns us against going back to that old man. However, we know it is equally possible to be restored.
Worry not about what ifs, practice holiness today
The question of if I sin in the future will I lose my salvation or once saved always saved is not something we can answer. The reason is we cannot live in the future. Therefore, let’s not focus our attention on what ifs in the future, but just ensure we are not walking in disobendience. We know the Bible says, if I hide iniquity or sin in my heart, the Lord will not hear my prayers (Psalms 66:18). Remember, our Lord said do not worry about tomorrow for today has enough trouble itself (Mat 6:34). In other words, just ensure you are walking in holiness day by day. For we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul (Heb 10:39). Therefore, beloved looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found in him in peace, without spot and blameless (2 Pet 3:14). Now unto him who is able to keep us from falling and present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God, be glory and majesty, power and dominion, forever (Jude 24)!
Can I be sinning and saved at the same time?
My friends, can we be in a current state of sin or lost and possess salvation at the same time? Can we be living in the Kingdom or God and Kingdom of Satan at the same time? Now, if sin brings forth death and death is separation from God, can we be separated and joined to God at the same time? What did Jesus mean when he said you are either for me our against me (Mat 12:30)? When Jesus says narrow is the way and difficult is the road that leads to life and few find it, but wide is the path to destruction and many are on it, did he also mean it was possible to be on both roads at the same time (Mat 7:13)? What did Jesus mean when he said can anyone serve two masters (Mat 6:24)? But if while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly Not! (Gal 2:17). My friends, what is Paul saying here?
Can a spring bring forth both fresh water and salt water from the same opening or can a fig tree bear olives or a grapevine bear figs (Jam 3:11)? John the Baptist says every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire (Mat 3:10). Our Lord says that every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. Our Lord says if our eye is good then the whole body is full of light but if the eye is bad the whole body is full of darkness (Mat 6:22). Is our Lord talking about physical light and darkness or a state of holiness verses a state of sin? Our Lord says to the Laodicean Church, I wish you were cold or hot, so because you are lukewarm, I will vomit you out of my mouth (Rev 3:16). If the Lord vomits out the lukewarm Christian, is he still saved? What if we are currently lusting, living in sexual immorality, unforgiveness, vaping and getting hi all day, have a mouth filed with foul language or a drunkard, while saying that we are saved by grace?
Works of sin or works of holiness
For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 4). What is Jude saying? It sounds like Jude is saying these people were sinning because they believe the grace of God would allow it. Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense and walk after other gods, then come and stand before me in this house (Jer 7:9)? Paul said he was formerly a blasphemer and the chief of sinners, does that mean he was continuing in that state (1 Tim 1:13)? For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sin, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries (Heb 10:26). Little children, let no one deceive you, he who practices righteousness is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:7). Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know if Christ is in you or not, unless indeed you are disqualified (2 Cor 13:5).
Current sin and positional salvation
My friends, there is no such thing as living in disobedience or sinning currently and somehow being saved positionally, because of our past actions. When Paul says that we are seated in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus do you honestly think he is referring to people practicing sin (Eph 2:6)? Now if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear (1 Pet 4:18)? If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:6). The message to most of the Revelation churches is I know your works and if you have fallen into sin, you must repent or I will remove your lampstand.
Again, we cannot live in both states at the same time. Like the thief on the cross, when we stand in judgment before the Lord, we will be judged based on our present or final position with the Lord. The thief lived his entire life in a wrong relationship with the Lord but got his relationship right before dying. In Ezekiel, God clearly indicates that whatever state a man dies in, that is the condition he will be judged in. If the wicked turns he will be considered righteous and if the righteous turns to wickedness he will be lost (Eze 3,18,33). Again, at the end of the day, all we have is the present. If you are reading this and currently in a state of sin, then you are already dead. Remember what Paul said about the widows living in pleasure (1 Tim 5:6).
But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered and having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness (Rom 6:17). Paul makes it clear that we all once walked in the flesh as sons of disobedience, but now are walking by faith and obeying the Lord (Eph 2). My friends, let us therefore be zealous to enter in and not fall short as the children of Israel, who were disobedient to the Lord (Hebrews 4:11). Our Lord says he who is unjust or sinning, let him continue and he who is holy or righteous, let him continue (Rev 22:11). Now obviously, the Lord wants us to repent, but this statement is saying in whatever state we are in when he returns, this is how God will judge us.
Walking in truth, not confusion
My friends, even if we believe we can be sinning and saved at the same time and the Bible clearly says we cannot, I don’t believe the Lord will condemn us, unless we are actually sinning. Now this position is weak and God wants us to walk in victory. Also, this position can be tricky, because if we actually begin to sin, it will allow us to excuse it by saying we are still saved. Furthermore, this position can convince us that we can never overcome sin. Imagine that my friends, Jesus tells us that when the Holy Spirit comes in, we will receive power (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4). Now, here comes, guess who and begins to tell us that even with the power of the Holy Spirit we can never stop sinning! Furthermore, if we believe we can be sinning and saved at the same time, we will have a hard time preaching the message of true repentance. Remember, Paul said shall we continue in sin so grace will abound and John says I write to you little children so you may not sin (Rom 6:1, 1 John 2:1).
Now will God give us time to repent before he removes our lampstand? Of course, because he gave the wicked Queen Jezebel time to repent (Rev 2:21). However, God’s delay in not bringing judgment against our active practice of disobedience, does not mean we are still saved. When the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he shall die because of it, none of his righteousness will be remembered. When the wicked turns from his wickedness and does what is lawful and right, he shall live because of it (Eze 33:18,19). Since God is an eternal being, I do not see him removing his Holy Spirit from us at the first sign of disobedience. Remember, Cain disobeyed God but the Bible said after that event, sin lied at the door. In other words, Cain was in disobedience, but it had not yet reached a level of sin and death (Gen 4:7). However, to believe we can be living in both states at the same time is confusion and we know God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor 14:33).
Having this solid foundation, the Lord knows those who are his and let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity (2 Tim 2:19). Don’t run from this teaching my friends because it is definitely solid food and we need this to discern between good and evil, to understand if we are sinning or living holy (Heb 5:14). And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and unholy and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean (Eze 44:23). They shall be mine says the Lord of hosts on the day that I make them my jewels and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him. Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him (Mal 3:17).
God’s Love vs World’s Love
This topic has come up on a number of my outreaches so I am going to address it. When the Bible says God so loved the world, that he gave us his only begotten Son, that whoever believe in him will not perish, what does that mean? When someone tells you don’t judge me, just love me, what are they saying? When God commands us to love him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, while loving our neighbor as ourself, how should we implement this? Can I love my neighbor without agreeing with their lifestyle? Can I love God without following his rules? If I warn someone about danger, does that mean I am not loving them? Does God continue to love those in hell or is there a limit to God’s love? If I continue to lie, cheat, steal from and deceive someone, will they continue to me my friend and hang around me? What is the proper way for us to carry out God’s command toward him and our neighbor?
God’s Love
The Bible says beloved, let us love one another for love is of God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God for God is love (1 John 4:7). This is his commandment that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another as he gave us commandment (1 John 4:23). But whoever has this world’s goods and sees his brother in need and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children let us not love in word of in tongue but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:17). What does it mean to love or worship in deed and truth? What John is saying is our love must produce actions, however our actions must line up with the truth of God’s word. In other words, if I see my neighbor killing himself with drugs, am I going to supply a warm place to live and put food into his belly so he can continue to kill himself? No my friend, I am going to insist he gets into rehab! Also, the truth of where a lost person is headed, must always be conveyed.
Now, when Paul says for the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, is he saying God does not love these people (Rom 1:18)? For who the Lord loves, he chastens and scourges every son who he receives, but if you are without correction then you are illegitimate (Heb 12:6). Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he takes away and every branch that bears fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit (John 15:2). As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten, therefore be zealous and repent (Rev 3:19). Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness considering yourself lest you also be tempted (Gal 6:1). My friends, all these passages are telling us that God’s love judges and corrects us if we fall into sin, so we will not come under his ultimate judgment. Those who did not respond to God’s correction while they were living are not experiencing his love, but rather his wrath (Rev 20:15).
World’s Love
Do people in other religions love the way God has commanded us to love? Do none religious people have a love for their fellow man and will help those in need? Are there many non profit organizations that are not religious helping their fellow man? When catastrophes hit the world, do governments, entertainers, professional sports teams, wealthy individuals and everyday go fund me pages step up to help those in need? My friends, the answer to these questions is most definitely! Lots of people, religious or not have a concern for their fellow man’s physical and mental well being. However, the world’s love cannot perceive what a believer’s love can, that is the eternal condition of a soul. In other words, to truly love the way God commands us requires us to be born of him. For instance, same sex individuals of consenting age have decided to share their lives together under a marriage covenant, so how can this be wrong? My friends, apart from God’s rules, there is no way you can tell me this union is wrong. It is definitely not wrong because some government passed a law. In fact, many people are not sexually active, not raising children and just want companionship.
The world does not have to submit to the same rules as believers. The world accepts sexual intimacy, whether heterosexual or homosexual, outside of marriage provided the individuals are of consenting age. The world accepts open marriages, provided everyone is of age and consenting. The world accepts drinking, smoking, gambling, greed, porn watching, profanity, lusting, etc. provided this is done in moderation, because after all, no one is perfect. Now, some of these actions might not be sinful, provided the individual has not created an idol in their life, because some Christians have more liberty than others (Gal 2:4, 1 Cor 10:30). Do not love the world or the things in the world, if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life (1 John 2:15,166). My friends, what type of love is John telling us not to partake of?
Concluding thoughts on true love
Our Creator’s desire is to fellowship with us, but he has decided to give us free will. Outside the rules Christ has established for us, there is nothing but God’s wrath. God could have created us as robots without the ability to disobey him, but this type of being is not capable of fulfilling God’s desire. Now, our Creator determined that each individual, angel or man, must prove their love toward him through obedience to his rules for a specific amount of time. For most of us, God is only testing us for 70, 80 or 90 years. God’s only begotten Son, Jesus proved his love toward the Father by always obeying the rules. My friends, let me encourage you to begin experiencing true love, that is only found in Christ (1 John 5:12). Anyone telling us that we can break God’s rules while still experiencing his love is lying to us. We only experience God’s love as we submit to his rules within the born again process, so please click on this link to begin your journey. How the soul is born again?
Fighting vs Surrendering
Regardless of whether a person is religious or not, everyone has a moral standard. A point where the individual will not cross. In fact, if the individual crosses that line, the person knows there is no coming back. For example, the guy who takes the 9 millimeter or automatic weapon, goes into the public arena and opens fire. Trust me my friends, the line was crossed before the bullets started flying. For the guy who rapes or molest others, somewhere in their past the line was crossed. For the person who committed suicide, the line was crossed in their mind long before the act manifested. For the person who cheated on their spouse or taxes, the line was crossed before the action. For the person who wakes up and says, I am going to live life as another sex, the line was crossed earlier. What am I saying? I want you to understand that if we lose the battle in our mind, there is a strong probability, it will manifest in the physical world. This is why Paul tells us how to think (Phi 4:8, Rom 12:2).
Like all challenges we face in life, we must accept God has defined the rules on how we live, rather than following another moral standard. Now if I am convinced the Bible defines the rules on how we live, how do I feel when I break those rules? If I know I am breaking God’s rules, do I feel shame? Is God pleased with me when I resist disobeying him or if I disobey him and say I’m just human or nobody’s perfect? I have heard people say it is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Am I twisting the clear teaching of Scripture to justify my disobedience? Did God give Cain the proper way to obey him? If we do not accept God makes the rules, gives the instructions and defines the proper manner for us to obey them, can we win this fight?
Fighting the demons
My friends, to win this fight requires us to understand a few truths. First, we must understand the meaning of life. Without being thoroughly convinced of why we are here leaves the soul at a disadvantage. Please click this link to see how I summarize this question. What is the meaning of life or why are we here?
Next, we want to believe God has a wonderful reason for setting up the rules in this manner. If we understand and accept these axioms, we can fight from a position of strength. Next, we must accept that we are in a fight. Paul said, therefore I run thus, not with uncertainty as one who beats the air, but I discipline my body and bring it under subjection (1 Cor 9:26). For those of us who exercise, we can tell the difference between hitting something verses shadow boxing. We know the difference between exercising or saying I got to get off this couch and get to the gym. For those of us who distance run or train for marathons, we know without eating proper and regular training, we will not get very far. In other words, faith without works is dead (Jam 2:17).
Faith without works is dead
My friends, the same is true in the spirit world, we are not going to overcome our challenges and temptations without planning and disciplined implementation. I can say I believe Jesus and love God until I am blue in the face, but if I do not practice certain disciplines, I will not have victory. For instance, if we have a problem with profanity, let’s set a goal to stop using profanity in our conversation for 1 year. Now, if we do not think carefully before speaking, then the next time a highly emotional discussion comes, we will probably use profanity. Our method of victory is to disciple ourself to think and speak slower. My friends, for those of us who have a problem with profanity, look how much disciple it takes not to speak this way. What about a goal of not going to the casino, watching porn, drinking alcohol, vaping or agreeing with evil thoughts about a certain group of people for a year?
However, for victory over large mountains such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, lust, hatred, sexual immorality, materialism, pride, lying and ultimately death, we need more than human will power. Therefore, God has given us his Holy Spirit to help us fight our demons (John 16:13). However, if we never come before the throne do you think the Holy Spirit is going to show up when we need him the most (Jam 4:8)? My friends, when we hangout with the Holy Spirit, he shows up when our sinful desires begin to press into us. When evil temptations and desires enter our mind, the Holy Spirit counters that with God’s beautiful design for his creatures and his ultimate goal. This is why Paul says we must continue to renew our mind so we can prove what is that good and perfect will of God (Rom 12:2). Please click on this link to understand how to fight the good fight: Spiritual Warfare
Surrendering to the demons
So what if we continue to lose the fight and cross the line we established for ourself? First, let’s compare the boundary we did not want to cross against God’s rules to understand if our boundary even matters. The only rules that matter are the ones God says do not break. To get a good understanding of what the rules are please click this link. Understanding Sin After we determine this is a legitimate rule from God that I have broken, I must be honest with what type of feeling I am experiencing. Paul said in latter times, some will depart from the faith having their conscience seared with a hot iron (2 Tim 4:2). What this means is in the end times, people can break God’s rules and not experience shame. If we are breaking God’s rules and do not feel shame or remorse, then the conviction of the Holy Spirit is very weak in our lives.
Now I rejoice not because you were made to feel sorrow, but your sorrow led to repentance (2 Cor 7:9). My friends, God has given us the rules, a conscience and his Holy Spirit to help us continue to fight our demons. Jesus said I will not leave you alone but will send the Helper (John 16:7). Remember, when he comes he will convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8). The Holy Spirit is not just here to point out when we are breaking the rules, but to provide strength so we can obey them, thus conquering our demons.
Obviously, one must be born again to have access to the Helper. Remember, Paul says the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses for we do not know what to pray for at times, but the Spirit makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be spoken (Rom 10:26). Do you think this is for unbelievers? Do you think victory will be experienced by the individual who does not make time to study the Bible, worship through songs of praise and develop a prayer life (John 15:5)? My friends, there are no short cuts to glory, we must deny ourself, pickup our cross and follow Jesus (Mat 16:24). At the end of the day, the question remains. Are we fighting our demons and overcoming them or surrendering and losing the battle?
What news does God want us to hear?
My friends, when someone says to you I have good news or bad news, does anyone really want to hear the bad news? When our lives come to an end, do you really think God wants to give us the bad news? Then why will God have to give some the bad news? Some people have said to me, Marvin you are preaching a heavy burden, implying I am delivering bad news. I said yes my friend, the message of true repentance is a hard message. However, should I preach the bad news now, while the soul has an opportunity to change? What about a message that says come to Jesus for a ticket to heaven, but you do not have to pay the heavy price of walking in holiness? My friends, do we want to experience the good side of God or the bad side when we die? If we want to experience the good side of God when we die, then we much preach the good and bad news?
Well done good and faithful servant
Is God going to force me to read my Bible? Is God going to force me to pray to him? Is God going to force us to forgive others? Is God going to force us to stop listening to the worlds music? Is God going to force us to stop watching Rated R and MA programs? Is God going to force us to stop drinking, smoking or doing drugs? Is God going to force us to try and help others with material things? Is God going to force us to try and win souls? Is God going to force us to deny ourself, pickup our cross and follow him? My friends, the answer to all these questions is absolutely not! However, based on how these men finished, they heard the good news that is well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord!
Jesus finished the work the Father gave him and said Father into your hands I commit my spirit (Luke 23:46). After Stephen was stoned, he said Lord Jesus receive my spirit and do not lay this against their account or Lord forgive them (Acts 7:59). Paul said I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith and there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness (2 Tim 4:7). James says blessed is the man who endures temptation for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life (Jam 1:12). Peter said I write to you a 2nd time to remind you how to live in truth, knowing that I must put off my tent shortly (2 Pet 1:12). John said this is the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote these things and we know his testimony is true (John 21:24). We indeed are getting the punishment we deserve, but this man, speaking of Jesus, has done nothing wrong. Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom. To the thief he said, assuredly I say to you today you will be with me in paradise (Luke 43). Now since our God is long suffering, some of us who have lived a life of sin, can still repent at the end and hear the good news.
Depart from me you who practice sin
Will God accept my good deeds as proof of my faith if I continue to practice sin? What if I am a preacher of the gospel while living in sexual immorality? What if I give most of my time to serving the poor and large amounts money while secretly live as a drunkard? What if my relationship with the Lord comes down to a Sunday morning experience? What if I receive the bread and juice or wafer and crackers, while agreeing with the Pastor or Priest and continue to live for my desires? Does Jesus really demand that I live the way the Bible says? What if I continue to disobey God’s rules and believe I am going to make it? Now, based on these passages, some will hear the bad news, that is depart from me I never knew you.
Many will say to me, Lord have we not prophesied in your name, casted out demons and done many wonders, I will declare I never knew you, depart from me you who practice lawlessness or sin (Mat 7:23)! Let both grow together until the harvest then gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn (Mat 13:30. The Son of Man will send out his angels to gather out of his kingdom all things that offend and those who practice lawlessness and cast them into the furnace of fire (Mat 13:41). Then the king will say to the servants, bind him hand and foot and cast him into outer darkness (Mat 22:13). But if that evil servant says in his heart, my master is delaying his coming and begins to eat and drink with the drunkards or commit sin, the master will come when he is not ready, cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites (Mat 24:48). Afterward the other virgins came also saying Lord open to us, but he said assuredly I do not know you (Mat 25:11). You lazy servant, you should have deposited my money with the bankers, therefore cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness (Mat 25:25). Then he will answer them saying because you did not do it to one of the least of these you did not do it to me (Mat 25:45). My friends, let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest and not fall short according to the same examples of disobedience (Heb 4:11).
The Flesh vs The Spirit
My friends, when the Bible says those who are in the flesh cannot please God, is it talking about those who are in the physical body? Is my physical body sinful? What is the difference between being in the flesh and being in the Spirit? Can I be in the flesh and in the Spirit at the same time? Can I be serving the flesh and serving the Spirit at the same time? What is the difference between the fruit of the flesh and fruit of the Spirit? What is the difference between the natural man and the spiritual man? Should I understand this the same way as being in the Kingdom of Satan verses being in the Kingdom of God? Is this the same as walking in the light or walking in darkness? Is this the same when the Lord says you cannot serve two masters?
Understanding Romans 7
When Paul said in Romans 7 that with the flesh he serves the law of sin but with the mind the law of God, was he saying that I am constantly sinning with my body and living holy with my mind? When Paul says the things I want to do, I cannot do, was he saying that no matter how hard he tries, he is always going to sin? When Paul says now if I do the things I do not want to do, I agree it is no longer I that does it, is he saying he is no longer responsible for his sinful actions? When Paul says, I know nothing good dwells in me, that is in my flesh, is he saying that nothing good lives in his physical body? When Paul says in Romans 8 that we are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, we know he is not saying we are not living in a physical body. So, how should we understand the struggle Paul is describing in Romans 7?
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourself to God as being alive from the dead and your members as instruments of righteousness to God for sin shall not have dominion over you for you are not under law but under grace (Rom 6:12). For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death (Rom 7:5). For the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit (Rom 8:4). My friends, even if we know Hebrew and Greek, we must always be careful to interpret the Scripture in the context of the passage.
My friends, in the context of Roman’s 7 and 8, Paul is saying to live in the flesh does not mean you are not in a physical body, but you are living according to things of this world, which are opposite of God’s rules. Because the carnal mind is an enemy against God and cannot be subject to the law of God. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God (Rom 8:7). Obviously, Paul is not saying as long as we are in the body, we cannot please God. Paul is saying, for those living according to their selfish desires are going to struggle with pleasing God. The reason is God’s agenda says for you to continuously die to your wants and desires and live for his wants and desires. The world says, no this is your life and you can live it how you want to! When Paul says do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its’ lust, nor present your members as instruments of unrighteousness (Rom 6:12), he is obviously referring to us using our physical bodies the wrong way. Anyone teaching that Paul is saying the physical body is sinful or as long as he is in the body he is going to sin is misinterpreting the passage.
Corinthians consistent with Romans 7
If Paul meant in Romans 7 that no matter how hard he tries he will always sin, then 1 Corinthians 9:27 is a lie. Paul says I beat my body and bring it under subjection less after preaching to you, I myself will be disqualified. My friends, this does not sound like a man saying I cannot live holy. In the context of this passage, Paul is saying I would be disqualified from the prize, which is an imperishable crown. I have heard some teachers pervert the text by saying Paul was referring to being a pastor. Paul did not consider being a pastor a prize, but felt he was unworthy of being in the ministry, because he persecuted the church (1 Cor 15). Paul tells us to glorify God in our body since it has become the temple of God. For you were bought at a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are Gods (1 Cor 6:20). Therefore, having these promises beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Cor 7:1).
Galatians consistent with Romans 7
When Paul says in Galatians 5 that the flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh, so that you do not do the things that you wish, is he saying our body is fighting against the Holy Spirit? Is he saying that no matter how hard he tries, he cannot stop sinning or please God? Again, anyone teaching that no matter how hard we try, we will always sin or serve the flesh is misinterpreting Scripture. We must interpret the Bible in context. The passage in Romans 7 and here in Galatians 5 is clearly teaching that when we walk in the flesh, that is our sinful desires, the result is adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, etc. Paul tells the Galatians that just as he told them before and now, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal 5:19). My friends, this means that when we are walking in the flesh, no matter how much we want to serve God, we cannot.
Serving the flesh and trying to please God
I recall a period in my life after my first wife died. I begin to hit the night clubs on the weekend and was jumping up and down in church on Sundays. I convinced myself that I was just going to dance and enjoy the company of the girls, but most of the time ended the evening in formication. After about 6 months of this cycle, I remember crying out in my bedroom, Lord I do not have the gift of celibacy! The Lord calmly said, come out of the clubs and I will bring you a wife. After leaving the clubs, I was married after 70 days and we are now approaching our 24th year anniversary. I thank and praise my Lord, that he did not call my number then! I definitely wanted to serve God, but I was walking in the flesh.
Philippians consistent with Romans 7
When Paul says if he lives on in the flesh that would mean fruit from his labor, is he saying good fruit will be the result of him serving sin or good fruit will continue as long as he lives in the body? Therefore, if he meant that he was serving sin with his body in Romans, this passage in Philippians would be a lie. For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy. This usage of the word flesh in this passage is referring to the physical body. Again, it does not matter if we know Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic we must always interpret our words in context of the passage.
If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so. Paul was circumcised the 8th day of the stock of Israel of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews. Paul said concerning the law, a Pharisee, concerning zeal, persecuting the church, concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. My friends, this use of the word flesh is consistent with Romans 7, that is Paul having confidence in his will or ability to obey the Lord, rather than yielding to God’s will found in Christ. Anytime Paul or us give into our selfish will, rather than God’s we are serving sin through our flesh. Again, we must always interpret words in context of the passage and compare Scripture with Scripture.
1 Peter consistent with Romans 7
We know when Peter says Christ suffered for us in the flesh, he was saying our Lord was beaten while in his physical body. We know from every passage referring to how the Lord lived, he never sinned and I do not believe the Lord was constantly struggling with obeying the Father. The most difficult test was in the garden before the cross because the Bible says he sweat like great drops of blood. However, that was not a result of the Lord wanting to disobey the Father to experience some sinful pleasure. Remember, when Satan offered all the kingdoms to the Lord. There is not even a hint in the text indicating the Lord struggled with disobeying the Father to experience this pleasure. Now, Peter says for us to arm ourselves with this same mind. In other words, it is not wrong to suffer in the flesh or body for obeying the Lord. Again, we must always interpret a word according to the passage.
However, when Peter says that we should no longer live the rest of our time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God, he explains what this means. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. This usage of the word flesh means when we are living in sin, consistent with Paul in Romans 7, where he says with the flesh he serves sin. Now, Peter warns us God will judge those who are living this way. My friends, there is going to be some struggle to serve God while in these physical bodies because all of us, except Jesus, have tasted the pleasures of sin. Also, we know the testing by God to prove genuine faith and temptation by Satan to fail, must continue (Gen 3:15). So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God (Rom 8:8).
1st John consistent with Romans 7
What does it mean to be in the world but not of the world (John 17:14)? This means we are in the physical universe or the physical body but not living in the flesh or following our fallen, selfish desires. Remember, our Lord said to Pilate, my kingdom is not of this world. For all that is in the world is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). My friends, do not stay in Babylon because she is going down and going down hard! Revelation 17 & 18 gives us a good description of all that is in Babylon or this wicked, fallen world. Now the Bible says serving Babylon or our sinful flesh is pleasurable, but only for a season (Heb 11:25). The entire letter of 1 John is telling you that he who practices righteousness is righteous and he who practices sin is of the devil. If Paul was saying in Romans 7 that no matter how hard he tries he cannot stop serving sin, this whole letter would contradict his teachings. My friends, I pray the Spirit gives us understanding to realize if we are in the flesh or in the Spirit.
The Old Man vs The New Man
In Ephesians Chapters 4 and 5 as well as Colossians Chapter 3, Paul gives us a good contrast between the old man verses the new man and walking in darkness verses the fruit of the Spirit. My friends, Paul is saying the way you live is going to reveal where you are. At any given point in our lives, we are walking in obedience or disobedience. Paul tells the new believers in Ephesus that they should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened because of the blindness of their heart. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have been taught by him. Therefore, put off the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lust and be renewed in the spirit of your mind. He instructs them to put on the new man which was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness. If our life does not change and we continue to have the same old sinful practices, have we become the new man?
Therefore, putting away lying, be angry and do not sin, let no corrupt words proceed out of your mouth but what is good for necessary edification. He instructs them not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice. There cannot be fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, neither filthiness, nor fooling talking, nor coarse jesting. He cautions them not to be deceived with empty words for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. My friends, it does not matter how much Scripture we know or how many Bible verses we can quote, like John 3:16 or Romans 10:9, if we are living this way, we are lost.
Paul tells the new believers to be imitators of God as dear children and walk in love. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, therefore walk as children of light. For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness and truth, finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. We are to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. Paul admonishes them to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave them. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord. Remember to always give thanks to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus. My friends, is there a way for us to be the old man and the new man at the same time?
Faith vs Works
When it comes to how God saves us, am I saved by my beliefs or faith, apart from my works or actions or performance? Can I earn my way to heaven or is it a free gift by the grace of God? I heard a pastor say salvation is a free gift and you cannot add anything to your salvation. We know the word “free” here is wrong, because salvation was not free to God, it cost him Jesus death and true repentance will definitely cost us. No one sits down to build without counting the cost (Luke 14:28). Other than brining my sin to the cross for forgiveness, do I have anything else to bring to my salvation? Once I am saved, do I have a continuing responsibility to God? Does my faith in the facts of the Bible save me apart from my life changing? Can I know I am saved without living a holy life? They profess to know God but in works they deny him, being abominable, disobedient and disqualified for every good work (Tit 1:15). What does it profit my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? (Jam 2:14). My friends, God knows those who are his, but can we ever separate our faith from our works (2 Tim 2:19)?
What are the works that do not save you?
When we examine this question under the New Covenant, we must understand that the Jewish believers in Christ were still saying that circumcision, keeping the Sabbath and Ceremonial laws of Moses must still be followed. Paul was arguing these laws were not necessary under the New Covenant. Paul explains in Romans 3 that everyone, Jew and Gentile have all sinned, so all are under God’s curse. Hebrews tells us that Jesus blood is the only one that can pay the sin debt (Heb 10:4). Paul explains in Romans 4 that Abraham, who was before the law of Moses, was not justified by his works or following the law of circumcision, but by faith. However, James tells us that Abraham’s faith was not working alone, but his work of offering up Isaac established or made his faith perfect (Jam 2:21). Do you think God would have considered Abraham righteous apart from him obeying God by implementing the law of circumcision and offering up his son Isaac?
During establishment of the New Covenant, the church in Acts 15 was wrestling with whether the new believers had to observe the law of circumcision given to Abraham and all laws given under the Mosaic Covenant. In their letter given to Paul, they confirmed these works were not necessary. However, they indicated the actions or works new believers must observe. They were directed to abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled and sexual immorality (Acts 15:29). Therefore, we conclude that following our moral standards, false religions or the Old Covenant works does not save a person. So are there any works which prove we have saving faith?
Faith produces holy living
When Paul says the just shall live by faith, is he saying your faith does not have to produce works of righteousness (Rom 1:17)? My friends, even in this verse can you see the key concept is how the just “live”. In other words, if we have faith, what works or actions are coming out of our life? When Paul says we walk by faith, not by sight, what is he saying? Paul is saying that as we walk or live, our works are being manifested and proving we have genuine saving faith. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation because old things have passed away and all things have become new (2 Cor 5:17). We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father (1 The 1:3).
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble, for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:5). My friends, do you see how many things Peter is telling us to add to our faith to ensure we make it in. Johns tells us to look to ourselves that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward (2 John 8).
Old Testament saints faith was demonstrated by works
My friends, can you hear the Old Testament saints saying all we have to do is believe, but we do not have to obey or practice holiness? Can you hear the Old Testament saints saying we can live how we want and just bring the sacrifices to the temple so the priest can intercede for our sins? Because they had ignored holy living and was just performing ceremonial functions, the Lord said I am wearied with your bull and goat sacrifices (Isa 1:11)! The Old Testament saints, before and after the Law, were saved by grace and had faith or believed what God said. This belief was demonstrated in works or actions that caused them to circumcise and obey the law of Moses, as best as they could. Old Testament saints who disobeyed God and lived how they wanted, then ran to the priest with sacrifices demonstrated they did not have saving faith. Hebrews 11 provides us a summary of what it cost the Old Testament saints to follow God and have true saving faith.
New Testament saints faith was demonstrated by works
My friends, can you hear the New Testament saints saying all we have to do is just confess with our mouth and believe in our heart Jesus is Lord, but we do not actually have to obey him or practice holiness? Can you hear the New Testament saints saying let’s just continue to sin, because the blood of Jesus is always covering us? Us New Testament saints are saved by grace and have faith or belief in what Jesus has said. This belief or faith is demonstrated through our actions, as best as we can (Jam 2:14-26). Please follow this link to see what it cost the New Testament saints to prove they had saving faith. You will have tribulation
Will saving faith cost us?
The question my friends is not am I saved by works, but what are the type of works I am saved by? In other words, what is the type of life I must live? In Matthew 21, the Lord said there were 2 servants, one said I will go and work but never went and one said I will not go but later changed his mind and went. Now, the Lord said which one of these servants did his masters will? Both of the servants had faith in Jesus but only one obeyed him and went. When the Lord commands you to live a holy life do you think he is saying have faith in this statement or you must stop sinning? When the Lord commands us to pluck out our eyes and cut off our hands and feet, do you think he is serious about us getting sin out of our life? My friends, if you think faith means believing some facts about the Bible and not allowing the Holy Spirit to change your life, then you are deceived. James says can faith save you apart from works?
So are there any type of works or actions God is requiring us to bring forth? Let me examine this question another way. In Acts 9, when the Lord told Paul go and I will show you how much you must suffer for my name, do you think he was asking him to believe some facts or lay down his life? When Paul says in Romans 12 that we must submit our lives as a living sacrifice are there works involved in this? When Paul says what it has cost him to follow Jesus, do you think he was boasting about his faith or works (2 Cor 12)? Now Paul does say that his boasting was probably not good. Paul commands Timothy to do the work of an evangelist, preach, convince, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching (2 Tim 4:2). For I am already being poured out as a drink offering and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Tim 4:6).
What fruit does God demands from our life?
Think about it from this perspective, what is the type of fruit the Lord is looking for from my life? For when you were slaves of sin you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness and the end, everlasting life (Rom 6:20). For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated (farming to eternal life). However, if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned (farming to eternal death) (Heb 6: 7,8). My friends, every life has works because without physical functions, the body dies. The question has always been are our works obedient to the way the Lord commands us to live? Just like the children of Israel that failed to enter God’s rest because of disobedience, if our faith does not cause us to bend our will and live by God’s rules, we will not enter his rest (Heb 4). Our faith in Scripture is being fueled by the Holy Spirit and we are living out holiness in the fear of God (2 Cor 7:1).
God’s Sovereignty vs Man’s free will
This topic has been contemplated by the church for quite a while. We can also think of this as God’s predestination and man’s free will. I do not see this as one of the topics we must divide over, like the Deity of Christ or the Trinity. I place this topic on the same level as is hell a place of eternal conscience torment, whether the rapture is pre, mid or post tribulation, am I saved by faith or works or once saved always saved. These topics can definitely impact our Christian walk but if we are practicing holiness, why would God reject us if some of our theology is a little off? Remember, Paul said we all see through a glass dimly (1 Cor 13:12). For our discussion and the only aspect of this topic that really matters is, do I have the ability or freedom to obey God? A question like can I chose to fly, without the aid of machinery, is silly. Since I believe God is Sovereign and knows everything, do I possess the independent ability to obey him at a sufficient level? Obviously, no one can obey God at the same level that Jesus did.
If God knows what I am going to do, do I still have free will? If I put a cooked steak in front of my dog and command him not to eat it, does the dog have free will? Now this is a poor example, because humans have more self control than animals. However, there is development associated with our self control because little Jonnie ate the cookies when he was commanded not to, but a mature adult did not. Now, once I have disobeyed God and fallen into sin, do I have the freedom to repent and obey him again? If I never had freewill or the ability to obey God sufficiently, is he justified in sending me to hell? Did God predestine some of us to heaven and some of us to hell? What does the Bible teach on this subject? Like many paradoxes in life, we examine this topic from the ultimate source of truth, the Bible.
Old Testament Examples
I believe we can all agree that our 1st parents were free to obey or disobey God. Now, they had never disobeyed God, was living in a perfect environment, had God’s continuous presence and one being, the Serpent to contend with. Also, the Bible says they didn’t even know they were naked until they disobeyed. In other words, they were innocent as little children. God told Cain and Abel how to bring their sacrifice to him, but Cain chose to bring it the wrong way. Did Cain have the freedom to obey God? If you do well will you not be received, but if you do wrong, sin lies at the door (Gen 4). Even after Cain’s initial act of disobedience, did he have freedom to correct it before God’s judgment? When God decided to destroy the ancient world and graciously allowed Noah to warn them, did that world have the ability to obey him (Gen 6)? When Moses appeared before Pharoah and continued to ask him to let his people go, did Pharoah have the ability to comply? Now after Pharoah continued to disobey, there are indications that God hardened his heart, which I believe interacted with Pharoah’s free will. Now, after Pharoah let Israel go, did God force him to charge after them?
When God rescued the children of Israel from Egypt, but later destroyed many of them in the wilderness, did they have the ability to obey him (Heb 4)? When the children of Israel entered the promise land, God sent judges and prophets trying to get them to obey, did they have the ability to obey (Acts 7:51)? When God sent Jonah to that wicked City of Nineveh, they repented and stopped sinning. Did God force them to receive Jonah, repent and stop sinning (Jonah 3)? When I did a survey of all the kings, the Scripture says this king obeyed the Lord and this king did wickedness in the sight of the Lord. In other words, one king’s life was marked by obedience and the other wasn’t. When Nathan rebuked David he repented, but when John the Baptist rebuked Herod, he cut his head off. One king humbled himself before his prophet and one did not. Did God control either of these kings responses?
New Testament Examples
Jesus said Peter put your sword away, do you not know that I can now pray to my Father and he will provide me with more than 12 legions of angels. How then could the Scripture me fulfilled, that it must happen thus (Mat 26:52)? Now when we consider the role Peter, Judas, Caiaphas, Pilate and all those involved in his death, did they have free will or was God, like the puppet master, pulling their strings? The Bible says after Peter denied Christ he went out and weep bitterly, but Judas hung himself (Mat 26, 27). Did each of these men have the freedom to do this or was God controlling their actions? When Peter said in Acts 2 Jesus was delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, crucified and put to death, was he saying God’s Sovereignty and Man’s free will were both present? After Peter preached his sermon in Acts 2 and Stephen preached his in Acts 7, the Bible says both of the crowds were cut to the heart. However, one crowd cried out for repentance to their preacher and one stoned theirs. Did God control the actions of either of these crowds?
Our testing period continues
My friends, just because God knows everything does not mean he is forcing us to act one way or the other. If God is all powerful, desires and commands all men to repent and come to the knowledge of Christ, why on earth are some going to come under his wrath (Act 17:30)? The only reasonable answer is he has given man freedom to obey or disobey. Again, the depth of relationship he wants from us cannot be coerced. We thank God that he is giving us access to his Holy Spirit to help us obey him (John 16:7). Obviously, without Jesus death on the cross and access to the Holy Spirit, no one has any hope of pleasing God (Mat 19:25). Again, the Holy Spirit is not going to force you to obey God and live for his agenda. In our mind and actions, we must place our relationship with God has the highest priority. This means, denying ourself, picking up our cross and following Christ, thus we order our time and talents around his agenda. Now, will we lose other human relationships because of this decision?
Is obeying God going to be easy?
Let’s see, do we have old sins that can keep popping up in our lives? Do we have a world that is getting more and more Antichrist? Do we have serious concerns in life that can suck our time and turn us from God’s agenda? Remember our Lord said come and follow me, but one said I just started a business, one said I just married a wife and one said first let me go and bury my father. (Mat 8:22, Luke 9:60). Do we have greater deception from the demonic world? The answer to all these questions is a resounding yes! This is why Jesus says strive to enter the narrow gate for many will try and not be able (Luke 13:24). We all have the freedom to study our Bible, pray, ask God for his Holy Spirit and stay involved with God’s agenda. Make no mistake my friends, we must fight to stay this focused!
However, at the end of the day, God has spilled his Son’s blood and given us access to his Holy Spirit, therefore, he is not going to be blamed if we end up in hell. We must trade our temporary life down here to keep our eternal one (John 12:25). Therefore my beloved, as you have always obeyed, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who works in you both to will and do his good pleasure (Phi 2:12). To the pilgrims of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God and Father in sanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ (1 Pet 1). My friends, no one has been elected or predestined for hell, however I see God’s sovereignty and man’s free will all through the Bible.
Have the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit ceased?
This topic has come up on several different outreaches so I am going to address it. Like all discussions, our personal or anecdotal experiences cannot be denied. However, Scripture must me the ultimate authority. The individuals I encountered were saying the gifts, signs and wonders or miracles ceased after Pentecost. Now we know they did not cease after Pentecost because the book of Acts records the Lord worked unusual miracles through Paul, years after Pentecost (Acts 19:11). Pentecost occurred 50 days after the resurrection. So let’s say their position is that signs and wonders performed by the church ceased after the original apostles. Let’s review some passages I believe supports the promise of miracles after the early church.
The promise of miracles
I interpret Daniel 11:32 through the end of the book dealing with the time after the resurrection of Christ, up to the 2nd coming. The verse says those who know their God shall be strong and “carry out exploits”. I believer this phrase means the saints will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform actions beyond their natural abilities. Now, any action we perform beyond our natural ability is using supernatural power. Obviously, the greatest miracle is our ability to resist evil and walk in holiness while the enemies power is being fully unleased against us (Dan 7:25, 12:7, 1 Pet 5:8).
Joel prophesied that in the end, God would pour out his spirit on all flesh and we will get dreams, visions and prophesy (Joel, 2:28). Peter tells us that Joel’s prophesy was being fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2:17). My friends, Pentecost was commencement of the prophesy because it was not the great and terrible day of the Lord, but rather the wonderful outpouring of the Holy Spirit. I see our dreams, visions and prophesying occurring 2,000 years after Pentecost, as supernatural gifts from the Holy Spirit. During these end times, the Holy Spirit must be equipping us supernaturally because there will be false prophets doing great signs and wonders trying to deceive the very elect (Mat 24:24).
Mark’s gospel says go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved but he who does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs which will follow those who believe, in my name they will cast out demons, speak with new tongues, take up serpents and if they drink anything deadly, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick and they will recover (Mark 16). Now, this passage refers to those who believe, not just the original apostles. However, I would caution you not to pick up a deadly snake or drink some poison deliberately. I have heard of people testing the Spirit and unfortunately dying. Any sign we perform must be under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit
Other passages in the New Testament such as Romans confirm that gifts of prophecy, which we know are supernatural has been given to the body (Rom 12:6). Peter also tells us that each one has received a gift and to minister it as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. The most comprehensive teaching on the gifts given to the church are discussed in these chapters (1 Cor 12,13,14). These chapters indicate gifts such as healings, tongues, interpretation of tongues, miracles, prophecy and others are clearly given to the entire church, without any indication they have ceased. And he gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelist, some pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry and edification of the church (Eph 4:11). It stands to reason since we are fighting supernatural enemies, the Holy Spirit is equipping us with supernatural power (Eph 6:12).
Signs do not save us, practicing holiness does
Remember, John the Baptist did not performs signs but everything he prophesied about the Messiah was true (John 10:41). The Holy Spirit has used me to perform many signs and wonders including casting out demons, words of knowledge, healing, prophecies and speaking in tongues. However, in the final analysis, a sign or wonder is not going to save us because the Lord said, many will say to me in that day Lord have we not prophesied in your name, cast out demons and done many wonders. The Lord will say to them, I never knew you, depart from me, you who practice lawlessness or sin (Mat 7:23)! My friends, God started his church with a powerful outpouring of his Holy Spirit and will end it the same way (Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17).
Did Jesus resurrect himself? The empty tomb
The foundation of the Christian faith rest on whether Jesus brought himself back to life, thus proving he had power over death. Given all the teachings, miracles and sinless life Jesus accomplished, if he did not bring himself back to life, then those things did not matter. At the end of the day, the only thing that matter for Jesus or us, is whether we have power over death. If we are not believing in a Jesus who lived, died and came back to life physically, then we are not believing in the Jesus of the Bible. Paul said, I do not want you to be ignorant brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope (1 The 4:13). Let’s examine the options available to determine the most reasonable position.
There is no life after death
Again, like all subjects, the Bible must be our ultimate source of truth. First, we examine some prominent passages in Scripture which support the resurrection from the dead. In Matthew 22, some religious leaders known as the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to the Lord with a question regarding whose wife shall she be in the resurrection? Essentially, this group believed there is no consciousness after death or in modern terms they believed what atheist believe, which is we simply go out of existence. This belief is similar to the doctrine of annihilation. However, annihilation has an element of punishment before the soul is completely extinguished.
Jesus responds by saying have you never read how God responded to Moses from the burning bush? I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, thus God is the God of the living, not the dead. Now the patriarchs had been dead for over 500 years but God was referring to them as living, which supports life after death. Also, this doctrine had plagued the Corinthian church because some where saying, there is no resurrection of the dead (1 Cor 15:12,2, Tim 2:18). Paul confirms there is a bodily resurrection because if not, then Christ has not been raised. Later in the letter, Chapter 15 describes several types of flesh and assures us that God determines the type of body we receive in the resurrection. The Bible says Jesus confirmed he was alive over a period of 40 days through many convincing proofs (Acts 1:3). Furthermore, every letter in the New Testament, from Corinthians to the Revelation attest to a risen Jesus Christ. Now, let’s examine other possibilities.
Who rolled the stone away?
Did the women visiting the tomb roll the stone away? The Bible says while the women headed to the tomb with spices to anoint the body, they wondered who would remove the stone (Mark 16:3). Now the tomb was sealed by Rome and because Jesus death caused such an uproar, Pilate ensured a pretty large stone was used (Mark 16:4). Therefore, due to the size of the stone and this statement from the women, it does not appear they rolled the stone away.
Did the disciples role the stone away? Now, since the disciples were hiding in the upper room, in fear of the Jews, did they sneak away to role this stone away? Also, since the tomb was sealed and guarded by Roman and Jewish guards, who is going to break the seal and risk a brutal death at this point? Also, once they were told the Lord had risen, the text said the words appeared like idle or foolish talk (Luke 24:11). However, at some point, Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to investigate (John 40:4). If the disciples had fought the guards, removed the stone and stole the body, I do not think they would have responded like this. Based on examination of these passages, is it reasonable to believe the disciples rolled the stone away?
Did the Pharisees, temple guards or Roman soldiers role the stone away? This is highly unlikely since their goal was to prevent others from stealing the body. The Bible says an angel of the Lord descended and rolled back the stone from the door and sat on it (Mat 28:2). My friends, the stone was not rolled away to let Jesus out, because at this point our Lord was able to walk through stone. No doubt, it was to let others in to verify there was no body. Remember, the angels said, why do you seek the living among the dead (Luke 24:5).
The swoon theory
Jesus did not really die but kind of swoon, fainted, lost consciousness and later revived himself once in the tomb. This position must overcome the severe flogging and crown of thorns smashed into the head. These actions caused severe blood loss to a point where he could not carry his own cross. Next, there is the strapping to the cross through nails in the hands and feet, along with the ultimate spear in the side. The question them becomes are you going to follow a savior that stumbles out of the tomb, appears before you bloody, wounded and barely breathing? You then nurse him back to health over a period of months and began to say he rose from the dead. Would this position stand up in the face of severe physical harm and threat of death?
The wrong tomb
Did the disciples go to the wrong tomb? The Scripture says that Nicodemus, a Pharisee and Joseph, a Councilmember, under the permission of Pilate took the body and laid it in Joseph’s new tomb (Mat 27:60). Given all the miracles the Lord did while he was living and impact he had on the disciples lives, is it reasonable to think they did not know where he was laid to rest? Also, the Bible says the tomb was in a garden near the place the Lord was crucified and women who viewed the crucifixion observed where the body was laid (Luke 23:55). Furthermore, Joseph was a well known public figure and his tomb would have been clearly marked. Think of someone who has died and had a significant impact on your life. If you attended their funeral, do you know where they are buried? Finally, this position could have been easily corrected because they would have just searched until they found the right tomb. Remember, the man Jesus was the most significant person in their life.
The body was stolen
Did the disciples steal the body? This position has been around since the event. The Bible says the Pharisees said to the guards, tell everyone that while you slept, his disciples came and stole the body (Mat 28:13). Now it was a death sentence for a Roman soldier to fall asleep on duty. Therefore, the Pharisees paid the solders lots of money and told them they would appease Pilate if necessary. Pilate would not care if the Jewish temple guards fell asleep, so this payment was for the Roman guards because the tomb was sealed by Rome. The amount of money given to the soldiers had to be a lot in case they had to disappear. Also, if the disciples stole the body and later agreed to say he rose from the dead, could this position stand up in the face of tremendous persecution and threat of death?
The body was taken by force
Did the disciples overpower the guard and take the body? Here you have untrained disciples in warfare, remember Peter cut the guard’s ear off but undoubtedly was going for a kill (John 18:10). They had to overtake a Roman guard, anywhere from 4 to 16 highly, trained soldiers as well as the Jewish temple guards. Remember, the tomb was sealed by Rome and anyone breaking the seal had to face the penalty (Mat 27:66). Also, given the brutal death they just witnessed Jesus experience, who is signing up for this at this point? You recall that even while the Lord was alive, the fear of this type of death caused Peter to deny him 3 times (Mat 26:69). Also, this position has to overcome certain, future persecution because now the entire Roman army is aware that you overpowered the guard, broke the seal and took the body.
The disciples hallucinated
The disciples believed Jesus rose from the dead because of an hallucination, delusion or vision. I concede that visions, premonitions or hypnotic states are real to the person experiencing them. However, under intense torture will the hallucination stand up? Most experts say that hallucinations will not stand up under this level of physical pressure. Given intense persecution to the disciples and church throughout time, Christians have submitted to death rather than denounce Christ. This is strong evidence that the disciples as well as subsequent church, is not operating under an illusion. Now the Lord has spoken to my mind on numerous occasions and I am experiencing the physical presence of the Holy Spirit, moment by moment. However, without a firm belief that Jesus resurrected from the dead, I am on shaky ground concerning who is interacting with me and whether I am coming back from the dead.
The disciples conspired to lie
The disciples did not see the risen Lord and conspired to say he rose from the dead. Now Scripture and history demonstrates most of the disciples gave their life for a risen Jesus. Therefore, the question becomes would you die for something you knew or believed to be a lie? It is true that many religious people have been martyred for their faith. However, in that context, we believe these people were dying for something they believed to be true. Read the manifesto of any religious person and you will become convinced they believe their cause was righteous. I remember the Columbine High killings where some of the students were asked to denounce their fate in Christ. These students chose to die rather than denounce their faith in Christ. Remember, Job believed in the resurrection because he said, after my skin is destroyed I know in my flesh I will see God (Job 19:25). Finally, like Paul said, if the resurrection is not true, then we, speaking of Christians, are to be pitted above all people (1 Cor 15:19).
The Priesthoods of God
Since God is a perfect, holy being, once mankind disobeyed, extreme punishment was enacted as evidenced by God’s curse upon the serpent, the woman, the man and earth (Gen 3:14). Once the curse went out, Scripture indicates the effects are eternal which means an eternal priesthood must always be in operation (Rev 22:15, Heb 7:16). This section examines the various priesthoods and their implications for God as well as mankind.
Heavenly Priesthoods: From Melchizedek to Jesus
The Bible says Melchizedek, King of Salem, came out to meet Abram after rescuing Lot and he was Priest of the Most High God (Gen 14:18, Heb 7:1). There is no indication in the Bible where God established this priesthood, yet it was in operation. Why did Abram pay a tithe to Melchizedek? Abram understood this was a legitimate priest of God and his tithe represented an offering to God for granting him the victory (Gen 14:20). Hebrews tells us that Melchizedek is without father or mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually (Heb 7:3). My understanding is similar to how the Father determined Jesus blood now intercedes for us, Melchizedek was somehow interceding for humanity from the first sin until the cross.
The Bible tells us Christ came as High Priest of the good thinks to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle (Heb 9:11). This means the blood of Christ, being continually offered on the mercy seat in heaven is quenching the wrath of God for all those in him (Heb 9:14). Now, the blood of Christ is not operating alone to remove the wrath of God from us. I see the mystery of holiness as Christ blood, mingled with our holy living interacting on the mercy seat or altar of God. This process is a sweet smelling aroma to God (2 Cor 2:15), releasing the Holy Spirit and preventing the wrath of God from coming upon that soul (Rom 1:18). The Bible tells us we are being sanctified by the Spirit for obedience and sprinkled with the blood of Jesus (1 Peter 1:2).
At some point during the tribulation period, the temple of God will be opened and the ark of his covenant will be seen in the temple. Currently, we only have glimpses of how the Lord’s blood and our sacrificial lifestyles are interacting to keep the wrath of God at bay. This verse tells us that once this event happens, there will be lightning, noises, thundering, earthquakes and great hail (Rev 11:19). My friends, to keep the wrath of God off our life, our Lord’s blood must be mingled with our holy living. Now we live holy by accessing the power of the Holy Spirit, because Jesus said with men’s efforts alone, salvation is not possible (Mat 19:26).
Earthly Priesthoods: Under Old and New Covenant
Until the elaborate sacrificial system implemented by Moses and Aaron, did God provide instructions from Adam to Moses on how to approach him for forgiveness of sins (Gen 8:20, Job 42:8)? Absolutely! During their wilderness journey, Moses and Aaron where instructed to establish the earthly priesthood. The Levitical priesthood had divine services including a tabernacle system with operations outside the temple, in the first part of the temple and in the inner part or the holy of holies (Heb 9:1-10). This system was patterned after the things occurring in heaven (Heb 8:5). On one occasion, God killed two of Aaron’s son’s for not approaching him correctly while in their role (Lev 10:1).
The Bible says this old priesthood requiring the sacrifice of bulls and goats is no longer necessary, because Christ blood has been offered (Heb 9:12). However, remember the role of Aaron and subsequent priest was to offer sacrifices and burn incense on the altar. Paul tells us our bodies are now the temple of the living God. Therefore, is God going to require us to offer something? You also as living stones are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Pet 2:5). Paul says we must present or offer our bodies as living sacrifice, holy and blameless which is our reasonable service (Rom 12:1). My friends, are you operating as a priest and offering God what he requires from your life?
God’s Eternal Purposes
During this present age, the soul is being tested by God and tempted by Satan, so the balancing act between the wrath of God and grace of God continues to impact the soul. Now at the end of our trial we want to say as Paul did, I have finished the race, fought the good fight and kept the faith (2 Tim 4:6). Jesus’ blood is always available to intercede for us and we must continue to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to keep the wrath of God off us (Eph 4:30, John 3:35). Throughout the age to come, my understanding is the blood of Christ, grace of God and wrath of God will continue to operate. However, once we are in heaven, the heavenly and earthly priesthood operations become one and have reached God’s intended purpose, hence our testing period is over. The Holy City, New Jerusalem, which I believe is the Church, does not need a temple because God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple (Rev 21:22).
The Covenants or Promises of God
Are the covenants or promises of God conditional or unconditional? Is God’s promise to love and care for us conditional or unconditional? I remember hearing people say God’s love is unconditional. Now I agree there is a certain level of God’s love expressed toward everyone, because the Bible says he makes the sun rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the just and unjust (Mat 5:45). So, in this present age, we can see this aspect of his love is definitely unconditional. However, we know this aspect of his love is definitely conditional in the age to come, because some will experience his wrath in the lake of fire (Rev 20:15).
Is God’s promise to judge after we die and allow us entry into paradise or cast us into hell conditional or unconditional? Is God’s promise to create a new heaven and earth conditional or unconditional? Has God obligated himself to forgive us unconditionally or are there conditions to this promise? Is God obligated to hear our prayers and if so, is he obligated to respond? Our experiences tells us that even if God answers our prayers in a manner that is not consistent with his will, it was not good for us. Remember the old saying, be careful what you pray for. Our Lord gave us the parable of the unjust judge, which tells us to keep praying because the Father wants to answer us (Luke 18). Also, when Job had his trials, he desperately wanted God to answer him and explain what was happening in his life.
The Bible says God does not change and Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Mal 3:6, Heb 13:8). The Bible says God cannot lie so when he makes a covenant or promise, he is obligating himself to fulfill it (Num 23:19, Tit 1:2). Now our understanding of how a promise is fulfilled might not be consistent with God’s intent. Remember when God made a promise to Abraham that through him, all nations would be blessed and Abraham said may Ishmael live forever. God said yes, Ishmael will become a mighty prince but my promise is through Isaac, your unborn son (Gen 17:20). My friends, we are safe when God gives an unconditional promise, but when he gives a conditional promise, we want to ensure we understand what God expects from us. Let’s examine the primary covenants or promises given by God in Scripture to determine if they are unconditional or are there strings attached.
The Covenant to Adam and Eve
When God placed our 1st parents in the Garden of Eden and told them not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, was this a promise of everlasting paradise if they obeyed? Yes, this was a promise of continual paradise and we have no indication in Scripture the covenant would have ceased. However, we can see this promise was conditioned upon them not eating from the wrong tree, which brought death. Therefore, we conclude the initial covenant or promise given by God to us was conditional.
The Promise of the conflict between good and evil
After our 1st parents disobeyed God, he pronounced a curse on the serpent, woman, man and the earth. God cursed the serpent more than all of the cattle and every beast in the field. It appears the serpent was upright but after the curse, he was cast down to the ground on his belly (Gen 3:14). God promised to put enmity or strife between the serpent’s seed and the woman’s seed. My friends, this is the ultimate promise that in this age, the conflict between good and evil will always exist. Remember, Paul says we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities of wickedness in heavily places (Eph 6:12). Peter says Satan walks around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Pet 5:8). Is there anything in the promise we have to do for the curse to impact us? No, therefore, no matter what we do our struggle between good and evil is unconditional.
The Promise of the Seed of the Woman
At the time God pronounced the curse, he also pronounced a promise of blessing through the Seed of the Woman, who would bruise the head of the Serpent (Gen 3:14). Our Lord Jesus bruised Satan’s head and gained authority over heaven and earth after the resurrection (Mat 28:18). Is there anything in this covenant or promise required from the woman for the seed to come forth? No my friends, there is nothing required from the woman or mankind for this promise to be fulfilled. Now, did Mary cooperate by saying I am the Lord’s handmaid? Of course. However, the promise that God would send the Seed of the Woman, which we know is a reference to the virgin birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, was unconditional (Luke 1:34).
The Covenant to Noah
After God destroyed the world through water, he said behold I establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature. God said never again will I cut off all flesh by water and he gave them the sign of the rainbow (Gen 9:13). Just a while ago, I captured a beautiful picture of a rainbow after some afternoon showers. Was their anything required from Noah and his family within this promise? No, regardless of how wicked mankind will become, God has obligated himself never to destroy the earth again with water. Therefore, we conclude this covenant or promise was unconditional.
Abraham’s Covenant: I will bless or curse your enemies
God said to Abram, go get out of your country and take your family to a land that I will show you and I will make you a great nation. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you and through you all the nations of the earth will be blessed. When God made this promise, was there something for Abram to do to receive this blessing (Gen 12:1)? Yes, even within this general statement, we can see that Abram was required to leave his family and follow God’s instructions to receive the blessing. Also, we know that Abraham had to follow the requirement to circumcise himself and all males within his home (Gen 17:14). We also know that Abraham passed God’s test when he offered up Isaac. Now this same promise is repeated by Isaac when he blessed Jacob, even though he thought he was blessing Esau (Gen27:29). Therefore, we see this general promise was conditional.
The true Israel
Now, was this promise to a race of people, the Hebrews and their Israelite descendants or was it to a people of a particular faith and obedience to the one true God? When you track the journey of the Jews in the Old and New Testament, many died through disobedience. Also, Paul says because the Jews continuing in unbelief, hardness of their heart has come upon them (Rom 11:25). Also, the early church in Acts and book of Hebrews confirms that many of them rejected the Messiah and persecuted the church. Paul tells us that he is a Jew who is one inwardly and circumcision is that of the heart (Rom 2:29). Paul said the true Israel or sons of Abraham are not the children of the flesh, but the children of the promise are counted as the seed (Rom 9:6). Now, I am not saying God did not choose the Jewish race to bring the Messiah, but that does not guarantee them any special standing, because Paul said God does not play favorites. In other words, whoever lives unholy will get wrath and whoever lives holy will get glory (Rom 2:6).
In other words, the ultimate promise of blessing and cursing to Abraham is not to a specific race of people but a people with a specific faith. Is not this the same promise when Paul says who will bring a charge against God’s elect (Rom 8:33)? Remember the Lord said to the Jews, that unless you believe I am he, you will die in your sins (John 8:24). Our Lord said to the church of Philadelphia, behold I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie. I will make them come and bow down to you and know that I have loved you (Rev 3:19). No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue which rises against you in judgment, you shall condemn, this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord (Isa 54:17). For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their mind and write them on their hearts and I will be their God and they shall be my people (Heb 8:10). Therefore, I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory (2 Tim 2:10). My friends, can you see the promise of blessing and cursing given to Abraham is for all believers?
The promise of blessing or cursing was unconditional, in other words God is going to do one or the other. However, depending on whether Jews or we hardens our heart in unbelief, determines which side of God we will experience (Rom 11:23). My friends, what does God mean in the verse which says, behold I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense and whoever believes on him will not be put to shame (Rom 9:33)? Whoever wills let him come and drink of the water of life freely (Rev 22:17). The promises given to Abraham referring to personal blessing or cursing were conditional to the generation receiving them as well as conditional in its ultimate fulfillment. However, the part of the covenant regarding the father of many nations, I understand refers to the Seed of the Woman or giving of the Messiah and was definitely unconditional (Gal 3:16).
The Covenant given to Moses
After Moses received the laws in the wilderness, he gave a farewell address to the people. For this commandment which I command you today is not mysterious or far off but the word is very near you in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it (Deut. 30:12). Paul paraphrased this section for us by saying if you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart, then you will be saved (Rom 10:9). Moses was commanding the people to obey the laws given at that time and Paul was telling the Jews and us, to obey the teaching of Jesus. Neither Moses nor Paul was saying all you have to do is quote some facts and you are saved, while continuing in disobedience or sin.
Moses said, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways and keep his commandments, his statutes and his judgments. But if your heart turns away so that you do not fear and worship other gods and serve them, I pronounce to you that you shall surely perish. I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing, therefore choose life (Deut. 30:17). Therefore, we can see all the covenants given through Moses were conditional.
The Promise to send the Holy Spirit
God said to the house of Israel after the Old Covenant was broken, I will put my Spirit into them and write my commandments on their hearts and their lawless deeds I will remember no more (Jer. 31:33, Heb 8:10). My friends, there are two things being promised in this statement. The giving of the Holy Spirit and his function of convicting the world of sin, righteousness and judgment and this promise is definitely unconditional (John 16:8). However, the act of allowing the Holy Spirit to write God’s laws and forgive our lawless deed and sins is the born again process, which requires repentance and definitely conditional (Acts 2:38).
The mystery of being born again was illustrated as the wind blowing and we not knowing where it came from or where it goes (John 3:8). There is a mystery as to why Peter repented and Judas hung himself. There is a mystery as to why a person can quote Scripture and put themselves out as a Christian and peddle the word of God for money, while hating others and violating little children. My friends, our cooperation with the Holy Spirit for the redemption of our soul is definitely conditional, so we must use every tool to our disposal to win this fight (Eph 6:13, Heb 4:11, Mat 7:24, Jam 2:17, 2 Pet 2:5, Rev 12:11). If we believe salvation stops at us believing the facts of the Bible, we are severely mistaken.
The Promise to enter Eternal Life
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Now, we have examined the promise of the Seed of the Woman and determined the giving of God’s Son Jesus was an unconditional part of this promise. My friends, can you see the part of the verse that promises eternal life for believers, as well as destruction for unbelievers?
My friends, believing the facts of the Bible is just the start of how a soul achieves eternal life. Please click on this link to understand more about the born again process. We must be born again. The type of belief God requires of us will cause us to obey the rules in the Bible and run from our sin (Heb 4). Therefore, until we die, the promise or covenant of eternal life is conditional. However, once we have entered heaven, the promise or covenant of eternal life becomes unconditional because the Bible says we can never die again (Luke 20:36, Rev 21:4).
The Promise of the 2nd Coming and Judgment Day
The angels said you men of Galilee why do you stand here gazing into the sky, this same Jesus will return in the same way you have seen him leave (Act 1:11). The Lord said you shall see the son of man coming in the clouds and standing at the right hand of power (Mat 24:30, Mark 14:62). Paul said the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a loud shout and the trumpet of God and the dead in Christ will rise first (1 Thes 4:16). James said do not grumble brothers less you be destroyed, behold the judge is at the door (Jam 5:9)! Peter said there will be scoffers in the last days saying where is the promise of his coming for all things have remained the same (2 Pet 3:3). Jude said now Enoch, the 7th from Adam prophesied saying, behold I see the Lord coming with 10,000 of his saints to execute judgment (Jude 1:14). John said behold, he is coming quickly, every eye will see him and his rewards are in his hand to render to everyone according to their works. (Rev 1:7, 21:22).
My friends, the promise of the 1st and 2nd coming of Jesus are taught throughout the Bible. Now along with our Lord’s coming are the promise of individual judgment resulting in heaven or hell, paradise or condemnation, eternal joy or eternal suffering and these events are inescapable. The return of our Lord and subsequent judgment are definitely unconditional and our individual outcomes are most certainly conditional. However, like Paul said, if we have kept the faith or persevered to the end, we definitely know where we are headed (2 Tim 4:7,8).
Is the Bible against me judging others?
The subject of judging requires us to determine if someone or something is right or wrong. No doubt, this exercise requires wisdom. On many occasions, I have heard people saying you should not judge. Also, does the Bible say there is only one judge, so who are we to judge our brother? Is the Bible telling me not to help others discern between right and wrong or understand what’s good for them or bad for them? Is there a difference between judging motives and judging actions? Is there a difference between judging with a gentle attitude and judging with a condemning attitude? If I make a judgment in my mind, does that mean I have to assign an action? Like all subjects, we look to the Bible for guidance. Let’s explore this topic from some Biblical passages.
Judging in the Old Testament
Peter said Noah was a preacher of righteousness, warning the people to turn from wickedness before the flood came (2 Pet 2:5). Did Noah need to know the motives of the people to determine their actions were wicked? Lot said to the people, brothers do not behave so wickedly. Their response was who made you a ruler and judge over us (Gen 19:7)? Based on Lot’s understanding of God’s commands, he determined the actions of the people were wicked and warned them to stop it. Did Lot need to know the motives of the people to determine their actions were wrong? Based on God’s laws, Moses, Aaron and appointed elders judged the children of Israel for 40 years in the wilderness and assigned actions for every offense (Exo 18:20). Did they need to know the motives of the people to determine if their actions were wrong? After Israel settled in the promise land, God used judges, the Levitical priesthood, kings and prophets to instruct people into the way of righteousness. Based on God’s laws and commands, these leadership roles determined what actions were right and wrong, regardless of the individual’s motives. Therefore, we can see God required extensive judgment in the Old Testament.
Judging in the New Testament
When Jesus said you shall not judge, he was not telling us to stop discerning between good and evil for our brother, but be careful how we proceed when pointing out others faults. Why do you notice the speck in your brothers eye but do not see the plank in your own eye? This is a call for us to examine ourselves first before pointing out others sin. You hypocrite, first remove the plank from your own eye, then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brothers eye (Mat 7:3-5). When Paul says you who judge are condemning yourself, was he saying we should not judge (Rom 2:1)? No my friends, Paul was saying that you who judge and are practicing the same things will not escape God’s judgement. Paul says I have already judged the one who has done this deed. In the name of our Lord and my spirit deliver this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so the spirit will be saved in the Lord’s day (1 Cor 5:3). My friends, Paul is saying, regardless of the guy’s motives, this deed is wicked so please execute judgment so the guy can be saved. Notice, Paul’s motives in judging the person is that his soul would be saved.
Now when Peter judged Ananias and Sapphira, the Holy Spirit rendered the execution on the spot (Acts 5:1). Therefore, we always want to warn others that the Spirit might not delay execution, so try to repent as soon as possible. Remember, Paul told Timothy to rebuke those who are sinning in the presence of everyone, that the rest may also fear (1 Tim 5:20). Paul says brothers, if you see a person fall into sin, then you who are spiritual restore such a person in the spirit of meekness and gentleness (Gal 6:1). James gives us the same advice regarding helping a brother who has fallen into sin (Jam 5:20). My friends, how would you be able to help your brother if you do not render a right or wrong judgment on their actions? Remember, Paul says brothers is there not even a man among you who cannot judge between his brothers (1 Cor 6:5).
How we judge
The Bible says the word of God is sharper than any double edged sword piercing deep into the human soul, spirit, and heart to discern thoughts and intentions, revealing truth (Heb 4:12). Jesus says to the church in Thyatira, I am he who searches the minds and hearts (Rev 2:23). The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it. I the Lord searches the heart and test the mind (Jer 17:9). Am I a God near at hand and not afar off? Can anyone hide himself in a secret place, so I shall not see him? Do I not fill heaven and earth (Jer 23:23)? My friends, those judging as well as being judged are always within his presence. Therefore, when we judge others, let’s follow these guidelines:
- We get the plank or sin out of our lives before rendering any judgment.
- We use Scripture to support what is right or wrong, never our opinion.
- We try to understand the motives behind the person’s actions.
- We consider the timing and method when delivering the judgment.
- We deliver the judgment humbly, always hoping the soul finds repentance.
Our Lord says come let us reason together, although your sins are red like scarlet, they can be made as white as snow (Isa 1:18). Just as our God is willing to wrestle for the sinner’s heart, when we judge others we must be willing to wrestle in prayer for them to change. My friends everyone judges, but when you judge your neighbor are you using righteous standards (John 7:24)?
How is God revealed in the Bible?
There are many philosophies in life masquerading as truth and suggesting the way to bring peace or self-fulfillment that appears right. However, God assures us the end of them all is death (Proverbs 14:12). My friends, if we believe the Bible comes from God, we must accept the way God has revealed himself in Scripture. If you told an individual your name is John, you are a man with a wife, have three kids, a dog and work as a fireman. Later, you discover that individual has reported you are a woman, married to a man, do not have kids, hate dogs and have never worked a day in your life! How would your feelings toward that individual change? Let’s examine how God has revealed himself and be careful to approach and present him in this manner. Has God revealed himself as the Universe, an Active Force, Our Consciousness, Mary or any Created Thing?
God the Father
God revealed himself as Christ’s Father while our Lord Jesus was on the earth (Mat 6:9, John 8:29). Remember, Herod wanted to kill the young child but the Father protected the Lord. Jesus also said that he was in the beginning with the Father and wanted to return to that state (John 16:27). The Father or God the Father calls Jesus God in this passage (Hebrews 1:8). The Lord said to me, you are my Son, today I have begotten you. Ask of me and I will give you the nations for your inheritance. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling, kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you perish in the way (Psalm 2). It is clear in this psalm that Father God is speaking about the Son. At Jesus’ baptism, the Father spoke, Jesus came out of the water and the Holy Spirit presents himself as a dove (Mat 3:16). The Lamb takes the scroll from the hand of him who sat on the throne (Rev 4). Again, there are two beings involved in this transaction. At the cross, Jesus said Father into your hands, I commend my spirit (Luke 23:46). Therefore, we conclude God has revealed himself as the Father or Father of Jesus Christ.
God the Son
Who is Jesus Christ? Is Jesus Christ the Son of God, the Almighty God, a created being, just a prophet or a good teacher? Remember, Jesus said who do men say that I am (Mat 16:13). The Bible tells us there was no God before the God of the Bible and none after him (Isa 43:10, 46:9). Scripture tells us that in the beginning, I understand this means before creation, was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God (John 1:1). This Word created everything and became flesh, speaking of a human being, and lived among us (John 1:1,1:14). For by him, that is Jesus, all things were created that are in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, all things were created through him and for him (Col 1:16). For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Col 2:9). The Bible tells us that Jesus was in the form of God and did not consider it robbery to be equal with God (Phi 2:6). But to the Son he says, your throne O God is forever and ever, a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom (Heb 1:8).
In the Old Testament, the instruction given to man was only to worship the true God. In fact, because Israel continued to play the harlot and worship false gods, God eventually sent other nations to conquer them. Now here comes the man Jesus receiving worship as a child and all during his life, yet never once told anyone not to worship him. We know Jesus told Satan during his temptation that you should only worship God (Mat 4:10). We know when John received the message in the Revelation, he fell down to worship the angel who said stop and only worship God (Rev 19:10). Obviously, if Jesus were not God, he and God would have a problem. Remember, God said I am the Lord and I will share my glory with no one else (Isa 42:8). And we know the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding that we may know him who is true and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life (1 John 5:20). Therefore, we conclude God has revealed himself as the Son.
God the Holy Spirit
There has also been a 3rd person revealed in Scripture who occupies the position of God and his name is the Holy Spirit, referred to as the Helper, Comforter and Spirit of Truth (John 15, 16). Christ promised to send this Person after his escape back to the Father, in order that he may lead us into all truth (John 16:13). Jesus also said anyone who blasphemes against the Son of Man will be forgiven but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven in this age or the age to come (Mat 12: 22). For this statement to have any meaning, we see the Holy Spirit is presented separately from Jesus, but as God. Depending on how far a person goes, one being, the Son of Man will forgive you, the other being, the Holy Spirit might not.
We conclude this person, the Holy Spirit is leading us into Christ through a study of his teachings, which are the Bible. The Holy Spirit is a distinct person who was lied to and can be grieved (Acts 5:3, Eph 4). In fact, lying to the Holy Spirit in one instance, brought God’s immediate judgment. The Holy Spirit or Spirit of God was also involved in creation. The Spirit of God moved upon the waters (Gen 1:2). At the end of each letter to the 7 churches in the Revelation, the Lord says let anyone with ears hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Therefore, we conclude God has revealed himself as the Holy Spirit.
Final thoughts on God’s Nature
Jesus’ final command to the disciples was to baptize individuals in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Mat 28:19). In the Revelation, we see the greeting is from him who is, who was and who is to come (Father), from the 7 Spirits before his throne (Holy Spirit) and from Jesus Christ (Son). In the beginning, God refers to himself as Us, this is prior to creating humanity (Gen 1:26). Again, he refers to himself as Us prior to destruction of the tower of Babel (Gen 11:7). The Bible says there are 3 which bear witness in heaven, the Father, Word and Spirit and these 3 are one (1 John 5:7). We cannot know the Father or Spirit apart from knowing Christ (John 1:18). Is there a way for us to know the details of God apart from the revelation of God in the Bible?
Paul said certain mysteries of God were hidden in the Old Testament but now have been revealed. One was the nature of the Trinity and how God created all things through his Son, Jesus Christ (Eph 3:9). Now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (Son), the love of God (Father), and communion of the Holy Spirit be with us (2 Cor 13:14). Trust me, without Scripture, we will invent our own God. Any other doctrine, philosophy or teaching regarding the essence, makeup or substance of God, we reject.
Why do we need Jesus?
We need Jesus’ death and sacrificial blood to pay for our sin, provide strength in times of weakness and give us eternal life, ultimately escaping God’s wrath (John 3:16, Heb 4,6, Rev 20:15). Jesus death on the cross provides an opportunity for us to clear our account and receive the Holy Spirit, so we can enter eternal life. Man was separated from God and became the object of his wrath due to disobedience (John 3:36, Gen 2:17). Now, I am not saying God is going to send us to hell because of Adam’s sin, but rather because of our own. For the Bible says the fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers, but a person shall bear his own sin (2 Kings 14:6).
Given the fact that God separated man from the relationship, which is observed by God sending man out of the garden and killing him (Gen 5:5). Can man ever unite or justify himself through his own acts? Remember, prior to this separation, Adam enjoyed relating to God in a pleasant, none threatening manner (Gen 3:8). Can man ever find or justify or unite himself to God through his own religious, self-righteous efforts? The obvious answer is no, we need God to reconcile or join us again to his glorious body (Phil 3:21). My friends, this is exactly what Christ has accomplished (Col 1:20). This reconciliation is accomplished through the born again process. We rely upon the blood of the lamb, testify and witness for the Lord and remain faithful until our death (Rev 12:11). My friends, let us continue in Christ and not draw back (Heb 10:39).
A little humor
The Bible says we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of what was done in the body (2 Cor 5:10). Friends, at the judgment the Father will say through the Son, Marvin I evaluated your life and compared it to my standard of holiness to determine if you earned heaven (Rev 20:12). Did I earn heaven on my own or what have I earned? Will he accept my righteous acts as payment for this sin debt? Unfortunately, the Father is inexorable and unchanging. He states, Marvin you have sinned and the wage you earned is death in the lake of fire (Rom 3:23, 6:23, Rev 20:14). No pleading on my part will do for the Bible says every mouth will be stopped and all will be guilty before God (Rom 3:19). You see my friends, without Christ as my mediator, this is how it will go for me before the judgment throne (Mat 12:36).
But I would reply, Father God I remember what the Son has done, according to your words, you punished Jesus at the cross for my sins (Isa 53:5). Imagine if I said, Lord I went to church, I tried to love my brother and be a good moral person. Wasn’t I better than Jack the Ripper or Hitler? He will say you were not good enough you need to be as good as Jesus (Acts 4:12). This is the world’s religions, moral atheism and Christian church playing. The Father sends them to the lake of fire after judging their deeds (Rev 20:12). Now friends, I am not saying we will not have works or fruit of righteousness, which demonstrates we have saving faith (Mat 3:8, Jam 1:20). What I am saying is as we live holy, the Lord’s blood must still overcome the curse and provide us eternal life. Hey friend, you are next in line!
What is the meaning of life or why are we here?
Perhaps the most contemplated, scrutinized, examined and pondered question since the beginning of time is, what is the meaning of life or why are we here? Does my existence really matter to others and ultimately, God? When Jesus said seek first the kingdom of God, what did he mean? Was Jesus saying, that my driving passion in life must be seeking God’s agenda? When Jesus said this is life, that they know you the one true God and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent, what did he mean? Was Jesus saying that I cannot know the meaning of life apart from knowing the one true God and his Son? When Jesus said to the woman at the well if you drink of this water you will thirst again, but if you drink of the water I give you, you will never thirst again, what did he mean? Was Jesus saying that humans will not find fulfillment until they drink of the Holy Spirit?
My friends, to understand the answer to these questions, you must open up the Designer’s Manual, the Scripture. The Bible is complete with instructions on getting to know him, how to live a holy life, warnings to avoid unnecessary injury, behavior that may violate the warranty and a life-time guarantee with an extended warranty. He has laid this all out in the pages of Scripture. Without connecting to our Creator, finding meaning in our existence is like us trying to hold water in our hand. We will never experience that eternal, inward joy which transcends all experiences and human understanding (Phil 4:7). Without this answer, we will continue to fulfill the desires of the flesh (Rom 7:18). Please understand my friends, this is why we were created.
God created us for relationship with himself
- God created us for relationship with himself (Gen 3:8). Through this relationship, we obey, fear, sacrifice, love and worship him. From this union, God receives pleasure and is glorified (Isa 43:7, Rev 4:11).
God created us for human relationship
- God created us for relationship with each other (Gen 2:18). Through this relationship, we are to be fruitful and multiply, help each other, take care of the earth, take dominion over the demonic realm and our sin. (Gen 1:28, Gen 4:7).
God created us with freedom of choice
- God requires this testing period and has given us freedom of choice. God’s desire is for us to pass the test and dwell with him throughout eternity. (Gen 1:17, Rev 21:3). God has sacrificed his Son, Jesus and given us his Holy Spirit to help us overcome our sin and make it to glory (Rev 12:11).
We are not to live for our own self-fulfilling desires by obeying our every want and thereby disobeying God (Eph 2:3). Can we please God or bring glory to him by not seeking after him according to the truth revealed in the Bible? My friends, do not be deceived, God did not preserve the integrity of this book over thousands of years for us not to live it out daily. The question we must ask ourselves is whether or not God is getting glory out of our life. Now if we are practicing sin, what is the obvious answer to that question?
No one has the power to live the Christian life, display God’s love and become a disciple of Christ, without abiding in Christ and living out his word (1 Cor 13). Do we have an eternal perspective that believes God loves us and is leading us daily into holiness for his good pleasure (Rom 8:23)? If we believe this, our trust must rest in the promises of God’s Word.
Our focus in life
How should we approach life’s challenges and problems (John 16:33)? Are we going to be nervous, experience anxiety, depression, sadness, or anger, all because something did not go our way or we did not get something or someone’s attention? These are the things unbelievers are deeply concerned or seek after. Instead, our Savior says come unto me for salvation of soul, strength to overcome and rest from life’s circumstances (Mat 6:32). Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God (Phil 4:6). As times get more difficult, we must rely on Christ for our happiness, pleasure and joy, rather than pursuing these thing from other people, experiences, careers, etc. For our citizenship is in heaven from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Phi 3:20).
If we do not have a persistent focus on our final destination, it is going to be very difficult to get there. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. If anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops (2 Tim 2:4). All these passages say one thing, understand that we must live this life for the next. For we do not look at or focus on the things which are seen because they are temporary, but the things which are unseen for they are eternal (2 Cor 4:18).
Some Concluding Thoughts
It is my hope this teaching will inspire you to search the Scriptures and allow God to build you up into his dwelling place. Remember, we stand in Christ not by our own self-righteousness but by his grace and mercy through faith (John 6:29). Only, let’s not use our freedom in Christ to serve our sinful desires or flesh. God gives us talents, gifts and physical abilities for a reason, which is to establish a relationship with him, while serving our fellow man and this will bring him much pleasure (1 Cor 12). Help someone else discover this truth so they may be set free from the guilt of sin and fear of death, which has entered the world through lust (1 John 2:16).
Never forget, Satan our adversary wants to steal, kill and destroy (Gen 3:1), (Job 1:6), (Luke 10:18), (Acts26:18), (Luke 22:3), (Isiah 14:12) (Rev 12). He wants to control our thoughts and mind, for he knows if he can control what we think, he will be able to control us (Rom 2:15). This is true, because whatever our body is doing right now, it is a result of our thoughts. Therefore, we must dwell in God’s Word and ask him to occupy our thought life (Phil 4:7).
Remember my friends, if we died with him, we shall also live with him. If we endure, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us. If we are faithless, he remains faithful for he cannot deny himself (2 Tim 2:11). Now unto him who is able to keep us from falling and present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. To the only Wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, power and dominion, both now and forever (Jude 1:24)! Your brother and laborer in the patient waiting of the appearing of our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Tit 2:13).
Deborahs-Lifetime 