The Separation of Sin

 “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” -1 Timothy 1:15.

It isn’t bad to tell someone that God, or Jesus loves them, but people do repeat this a lot, which has a way of diminishing its value. We often repeat this phrase in the lightest possible way, yet scripture shows that the real proof of it comes through Jesus’ atoning death on the cross for our sins; this is the critical, often overlooked aspect of salvation we’ve largely become insensitive to.

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” -Romans 5:8.

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” -1 John 4:10.

But our SIN is what actually separates us from God, and why we need Him to save us; men find it far easier just to receive love from God, and NOT accept His condemnation for their sins! Even Jesus said the world HATED Him for saying its works are evil (John 7:7).

Scripture warns that in the Last Days men will abandon sound doctrine and become proud, and boastful, lovers of their own selves, with a form of godliness which actually denies Him (2 Timothy 3:1-5); even though all the while the letter to the Galatians affirms that God accepts no man’s person (Galatians 2:6), and concludes everyone to be guilty under sin (Galatians 3:22)!

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” -Romans 3:23.

Consider also that Jesus said only God is truly good (Mark 10:17,18), and that He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance; if we don’t recognize our true sinful state in God’s eyes, how can we repent from sins, and be forgiven by God?

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” -1 John 1:8-10.

But instead of the right way Jesus shows us through His Word, mankind usually  turns away from teachings that confront our sins, because they make us feel guilty;  and in the end we wind up fulfilling prophecy by embracing teachers (2 Peter 2:17-21) who support the desires of our flesh, turning us away from the right path. The danger here is that many will likely receive a false conversion (Matthew 7:21-23) not based upon the scripture, but one which tries to only receive God’s love, without FULLY surrendering their old lives and practices. (See also Acts 5:1-11, 8:18-24).

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” -2 Timothy 4:2-4.

            Paul once testified to the Corinthians that he had determined not to know any thing among them, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2), which is the real focal point in this blog; a focus that reminds us that in our flesh we are naturally sinners (Romans 7:18) who deserve God’s wrath, but have instead received His mercy (Romans 9:15,16) through the precious blood atonement He provided through Jesus, His Son.

Let us pray for grace to always tell the truth about God’s real love for mankind, never being ashamed for the cross of our Lord, nor any ridicule it may bring.

“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” -2 Corinthians 5:18-21.

I also have a short YouTube video on this subject that can be found at https://youtube.com/shorts/oJ6irry5U1I?feature=share.

The Context of 2 Thessalonians 3:10

“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” -Psalm 37:25.

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus told us that when we seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; that He will provide everything we truly need.

This verse was often quoted in the church of my teen years, yet many times someone would quickly add, “Yeah, but you still need a job”; to which all of us would readily agree! It was a faithless addition to scripture, yet I fear the misapplying of verses like 2 Thessalonians 3:10 may lend to this conclusion, for taken by itself it says; “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”

We need to keep in mind that chapters & verses were added to the Bible well after it was written, and 2 Thessalonians 3:10 is a part of ONE complete letter, and the letter is a part of God’s complete Word, which has 66 books. Paul explains one direct reason for the instructions of v.10 in v.11, where it says,

“For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.”

 Too much idleness lends toward gossip, and other mischief that working can help people avoid, and this is the direction being pointed out.

Every Christian is an individual member of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:14,15), and our functions differ greatly in appearance; which becomes a point of stumbling when we expect other Christians to look too much alike in their service to God. We also take a lot for granted if we’re thinking that every job will have paychecks, or a time clock, or other visible things we can point to, when we know that FAITH is the evidence of things UNSEEN (Hebrews 11:1).

“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” -John 7:24.

Godly work doesn’t always receive tangible rewards, like when the Apostles refused to wait on tables, and gave themselves to the Word of God and prayer, instead (Acts 6:1-4); or when Jesus commended Mary for listening to His teaching, instead of helping Martha serve (Luke 10:38-42); or when scripture shows that elders labouring in the word and doctrine are worthy of double honor (1 Timothy 5:17,18). Even Paul points out that he & his group could “forbear working,” yet they labored to set an example for others (1 Corinthians 9:6-14). Related scriptures are in the description. If we would take time to realize the importance of the Golden Rule in dealing with others, we’d know that it’s a work duty each of us has, that may not get much notice.

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” -Matthew 7:12, a.k.a. the Golden Rule.

“So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.”       -Luke 17:10.

When we read the passages about God’s provision for those who seek first His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:25-33, Luke 12:22-34), Jesus never even hints that we should labor to supply our own needs, but actually seems to discourage it; thus allowing the emphasis to rest upon His will for our lives, whether or not that means work men can see!

Often our real struggle isn’t about knowing or carrying out God’s will, but with the loud opinions of protest we’re subjected to for being different. Pray diligently to be sure of His daily will for your life, then be strong in remembering the Bible’s admonition that;

“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.” -1 Corinthians 7:23,24. 

I also have a short YouTube teaching on this subject, that can be found at https://youtube.com/shorts/vL8ekDIT2zI?feature=share.

Choosing Christ over Karma

“All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.” -Ecclesiastes 7:15.

The idea of Karma has been greatly promoted on the internet, and various media sources, and it’s usually applied to someone being repaid for an evil deed they’ve done, getting what they deserve; and thus the catch phrase, “It’s Karma” has become synonymous with a type of naturally occurring vengeance; yet it can also refer to a repayment for good things.

But the concept of KARMA itself traditionally stems from the notion of reincarnation in Eastern religions; where Good Karma or Bad Karma works will lead individuals to either a favorable or an unfavorable outcome both here on earth, as well as in their next reincarnated life. Yet the Word of God tells us there’s only one appointed time to die (Hebrews 9:27), and salvation comes by God’s grace, and not our good works.

“For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” -Romans 9:15,16.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” -Ephesians 2:8,9.

And while we’re told in Galatians that whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7,8), God only guarantees this at the final judgement, with Jesus saying,

“Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” -Revelation 22:12.

Jesus gives an example of this last judgement through the separating of sheep & goats in Matthew 25:31-46, and it’s clear these people weren’t aware of any Karma being applied their final standing. Jesus gave us guidelines for behavior which simply state that,

“...all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”; 

any rewards we receive for doing so will only come later in Heaven, and for now the Lord says that,

“...when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: We have done that which was our duty to do.” -Luke 17:10.  

God’s Word actually contradicts the laws of Karma many times, like in these verses from Matthew 5:11&12 where Jesus says,

“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

In this passage, Karma would call this persecution a punishment; yet Jesus says it will mean there’s a heavenly reward; Karma sees an immediate temporal judgement for sins, while the Christian believer’s eyes look to eternal forgiveness. Karma’s doctrine greatly contradicts our own, and we must avoid being yoked together with this form of unbelief (2 Corinthians 6:14-17).

“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.” -Proverbs 24:17,18.

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” -2 Corinthians 4:17,18.

I also have a short YouTube video on this topic at https://youtube.com/shorts/MUqMUhGg_pI?feature=share.

Popular with Men, Unpopular with God

 “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” -Galatians 1:10.

People really just don’t get it; we could never be tricked if the devil actually appeared to be evil, but would avoid him; and he therefore transforms into an angel of light to bait the hook for us poor fish;

“For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.” -Ecclesiastes 9:12.

Put a handsome man in a suit behind a pulpit, and everyone sees a successful businessman, whose “fruit” must be from God, right (Genesis 3:3-6)? Have we forgotten warnings from scripture not to judge only by appearance (John 7:24), or that God doesn’t see like men do?

“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” -1 Samuel 16:7.

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” -2 Corinthians 11:14,15.

Jesus warned about the deception in these Last Days, saying,

“ For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.” -Matthew 24:24,25.

To distinguish between true and false teachers can be challenging, but one simple principle we may apply is found through Jesus’ words in Luke 6:26;

“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” 

This verse shows that when ANYONE is regarded favorably by nearly everyone, it should alert Christians that something is spiritually amiss, and needs further scrutiny. Ultimately, we need to compare the scriptures with what the person teaches, and also compare them directly to Jesus’ life. False teachers often flatter with messages of self-esteem, while leaving out sin and the need for repentance.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” -2 Timothy 4:3,4.

“Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.” -John 7:6,7.

And while the multitudes loved Jesus for the miracles He helped them with, our blessed Lord really wasn’t spoken well of by all, as we see in John 7:12;

“And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.”

Jesus was accused of having a devil in Matthew 10:24,25, and John 8:48; the congregation of His home town synagogue once tried to push Him off a cliff in Luke 4:28,29; He & His disciples risked their lives upon going to raise Lazarus from the dead John 11:7-16; and Jesus told His disciples they’d be hated like He was (John 15:18,19). Related scriptures are listed below.

So how can some Christian teachers today achieve what the perfect Son of God could not? Why are they loved by nearly all, but Jesus’ very life was often in jeopardy? A closer look at this spiritual fruit may show it to be a negative indicator of the person’s real relationship with Christ.

“15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” -Matthew 7:15-20.

It’s strange to think that popular, well thought of individuals are actually exhibiting evil spiritual fruit, but such is typically the case. We’re still remembering that our enemy doesn’t present himself for who he really is, but as an angel of light; so we’ll need to patiently look beyond mere appearances, and taking time to test the spirits like we were told in 1 John 4:1, examining them in the light of God’s Word (John 3:21).

We do well when we consider false teachers with compassion (2 Timothy 2:23-26), yet still being ready to point out those who cause divisions and offences that are contrary to the doctrines we have learned; and avoid them (Romans 16:17).

The Bible gives us serious warnings about Satan’s deceptions, and we need to take them that way.

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” -2 Peter 2:1.

“And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” -Acts 17:10,11.      

Bold type added for emphasis.

I also did a short YouTube teaching on this subject. It can be found at https://youtube.com/shorts/hn7G8exY2gI?feature=share.

The Problem with Predestination

 “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” -1 Timothy 2:3,4.

        Many people question if God predestinates mankind for salvation, or if He allows us to choose for ourselves; and while Jesus said that few would be saved (Matthew 7:13,14), scriptures like the one above indicate it’s by our CHOICE. We need every Word of God to live eternally, so let’s examine the Bible more closely to determine it’s true message.

        But while we find that the Bible does mention predestination, it’s referring to the WAY of salvation, NOT the individuals who are saved; JESUS was the one prophesied of, and predestined to be our Messiah (Isaiah 53)! Just take a look at this description from Ephesians 1:3-5; “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us…in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world…Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself…” Bold type added for emphasis.

        God wants us to serve Him of our own free will, yet He planned in advance the way of redemption in advance, even BEFORE creation, should we fall by choosing to sin. These verses show that the predestination before the foundation of the world provided that it would be through Jesus we’d be adopted as children of God.

        Another related factor involves the creation account in Genesis 1, which at the end of it in v.31 reads;

“And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good…”

In fact, things were so good, that there was only one thing God withheld from mankind (Genesis 2:17)! And the scriptures even show that neither the devil nor Hell were yet in existence…

        First, the creation account in Genesis 1 only covers the universe we see all around us; but scripture says there’s a third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2), a spiritual realm where the eternal God dwells; it only makes sense that He had also created the angels to live there, long before the Genesis 1 account. We find this briefly affirmed later on in the book of Job;

        “Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said…Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” -Job 38:1,3-7. Bold type added to emphasize.

        We also know the angels’ rebellion (Revelation 12:7-9) came only after man was created. That’s because our enemy’s name was initially Lucifer, and called “the anointed cherub that covers“ in Ezekiel 28:14; with v.13 of the same chapter also showing his presence in the Garden of Eden prior to his fall. See Ezekiel 28:12-17.

        And finally, when Jesus refers to Hell in Matthew 25:41, it shows that Hell wasn’t initially made for mankind at all, but for the fallen angels after they rebelled, and evil (d-evils) became a part of their names.

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” -Matthew 25:41.

Note: Hell would only have been prepared (not created) after the angels rebelled, because until they did, there were NO devils.

        There can also be some confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33) about God’s relationship to evil, like in Isaiah 45:7 where it says,

        “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” Underlining added.

        Remember that when God finished creating in Genesis 1:31, EVERY THING WAS VERY GOOD, and nothing came into being without Him. The Lord created all things as good, but through our own choices they were corrupted, and became evil. God is indeed still Sovereign over all, but He doesn’t bring evil directly, and provides examples of how these things work in both Job chapters 1 & 2, and 1 Kings 22.

        People will often get hung up on particular words or phrases, but the Lord taught me long ago that we need the entire Bible to receive the best understanding of what He’s telling us. And when we take the time do that, we’ll know God doesn’t eternally predestine anyone to Heaven or Hell, but holds us personally accountable for the choices we make (Romans 14:12).

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” -2 Peter 3:9.

“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;” -Hebrews 2:3.

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” -Matthew 4:4.

I also have a short YouTube video on this subject at https://youtube.com/shorts/omI48TSNgSA?feature=share

Evidence of an Unseen Foe

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” –Matthew 7:20.

There are some who won’t accept that evil spirits exist, but Christians believe every Word of God is true; and scripture says these entities are the real cause of conflicts, and ALWAYS disguise themselves in order to hide their involvement in our trials, and may even appear as angels of light.

            It was a Friday morning when I put new batteries in our weather station; a simple device which displays the indoor & outdoor temperatures on a base unit, and utilizes an  outdoor sensor.

            But strange things began to happen early Sunday night, just 2 days afterward; while looking at the outdoor temperature display, it began rising right before my eyes; it rose from 14 degrees right up through the 20s, and at 36 degrees I went outside to inspect, and retrieve the censor.

            We had placed the censor in a well sheltered area, and I didn’t notice anything visibly that could have affected it; which wasn’t a surprise! The rising temperature I’d witnessed made the circumstance all the more puzzling, and it was at that time when I’d started to pray. 

After I brought the censor inside, the temperature reading became consistent with the indoors, but some 20 minutes later the censor display went blank; which would indicate it needed new batteries, which we knew wasn’t the case. It remained in this condition until I went to bed, and though still trusting the Lord, it was a real possibility that the unit might need replacing.

But we thank the Lord for His mercy that He didn’t allow our enemy’s attack to succeed; for the next morning we found the censor reading normally, and it’s been functioning well ever since then.

The devil certainly vexes God’s children in many ways, but the Lord showed me a further reason for this particular strike; for on the day before it happened, I’d testified to someone of an earlier time God had unexpectedly provided the money we needed for a new weather station; nearly exact at 15 cents above the cost! Our adversary hates when we share, & glorify God, so he’d struck our current weather station for payback; yet his rage exposed that he was behind it, and by God’s grace we prayed & resisted.

What goes on in the spiritual realm is seldom obvious to our eyes, but sometimes God’s Opponent will show up, and reveal himself through events which are  impossible to explain, or at least very unlikely; except for those who believe by FAITH that every Word of God is true.

 Let us remember that Jesus gave His disciples authority over all the power of the enemy, so that when such instances do present themselves, take the time to bind these evil spirits in Jesus’ name, and command them to leave. God’s Word for us is His OATH, and it tells us to, Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.    

         “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ” -2 Corinthians 2:14A.

I also have a short YouTube video on this subject that can be found at https://youtube.com/shorts/VFaFGWFt-xI?feature=share.

Listen First, and Wait for God

 “...my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” -from James 1:19,20.

These opening verses reflect sound judgment from the Lord, and have broad application to interactions we may have as Christians. Conflicts are bound to arise with both the unsaved, AND others who profess Christ, but see things differently. The Bible says that every one believes their own views to be right, and today people have little tolerance for opinions that disagree.

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.” -Proverbs 21:2. 

This condition is common in today’s fast-paced world, where people seldom take the time to really listen, or to even explain their opinions to others; but instead judge them hastily due to prejudiced generalizations about the “type” of people they’re dealing with, based on thin evidence without examination. It’s imperative that we learn to cultivate patience, rather than embrace intolerance. Jesus said;

“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” -John 7:24.

Christians, we really should be the first in line for opposing this wicked trend (Proverbs 18:13) sweeping the land, and not returning evil for evil, but overcoming it with good.

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” -Romans 12:21.

When the disputes come about, it’s likely that both sides have a general idea of each other’s opinions, though a lot of generalized assuming may cloud the full picture. Scripture guides us by saying we should be swift to hear, and SLOW to speak; we should exercise patience by listening to the other side explain their position, and ask questions; making sure of our own understanding, and also in helping them to think & articulate clearly.  

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

And the believer’s hearing should also be listening to the Holy Spirit for God’s wisdom (James 1:5) in responding, and for gaining insights that only the Almighty would know. If the dispute is with a fellow Christian, the Word of God is our authority, and should be relied upon for direction by both parties; NOT how each person feels about things (2 Corinthians 5:7), or the opinions of others who may involve themselves.

“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” -2 Corinthians 10:12.

“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” -1 Corinthians 7:23.

Brethren, we live in a time when many won’t even consider they could be wrong about something, and are generally described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Only God is able to open their eyes, or ours, when such is the case! It’s crucial to rely on the Lord for  His discernment in knowing when simply to walk away, and leave the remaining work with Him alone, for the scripture tells us to;

“Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.” -Proverbs 14:7.  

Even though this spirit of self righteousness has overtaken our land, the Bible promises that When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him; pray that God will grant that wisdom from above to be outfitted as a part of that standard, while there’s still time.

“There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.” -Proverbs 30:12.

“...When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” -Isaiah 59:19B.

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” -James 3:17.

I also have short Youtube video on this subject that can be found at https://youtube.com/shorts/_IaG565A5pE?feature=share

The Bible on Eternal Life

 “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” -2 Peter 1:10,11. Bold type & underlining added to emphasize.

Some people claim that once a person is “born again” in Christ, they can never fall from that state, while others say we don’t lose our freedom to choose; yet ALL Christian doctrine needs to be founded upon God’s Word (King James Bible), without adding men’s personal viewpoints to it (Proverbs 30:6, 2 Peter 1:20).     

While scripture has many verses which warn about turning from God, it’s good news that nothing our enemy does can separate us from God’s love in Jesus;

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?…For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 8:35,38,39.

Some applaud these verses as a proof the born-again believer can’t lose their salvation, but it’s just one passage out of many in the Bible; and it only covers any EXTERNAL forces working against us, not our free will to choose. And while most who are truly saved wouldn’t knowingly reject the Lord, the devil will seek to deceive us into making compromises against Him.

All of us stumble in our Christian walk, with some offenses being worse than others; yet Jesus is still our advocate. Romans 5:1&2 tells us;

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Bold type added for emphasis.

And we should remember that later on in the same chapter, we find;

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” -Romans 5:8-10. Bold type was again added to emphasize.

Do you see it? If Jesus gave His life for us when we were in sin, He’ll still love us now when we stumble while trying to please Him. One reason some like to think they can’t fall away from God, is simply out of fear that some momentary mistake will keep us from Heaven, something the Lord wouldn’t do. His Word shows that we’ll have struggles here in the flesh, and the victory He brings us (Romans 7). And remember that by confessing our sins, God promises to forgive us (1 John 1:8). Even Peter once fell away by denying Jesus (Matthew 10:33, Luke 22:61), but soon converted back to faith with the other disciples (Luke 22:32, Mark 16:7).

Another reason some think they can’t fall away comes from a misconception of WHEN eternal life begins; and for this we need every Word of God (Luke 4:4) to get the true perspective. God’s gift of eternal life is ours, but we cannot receive it while still in our physical bodies; from the passage in 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 we see;

“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption…For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”

Other passages supporting this are found in Romans 8:18-25, & 2 Corinthians 5:1-8.

One verse that some like to use to support the view of immediate eternal life for believers, is 1 John 5:11, which says;

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” Bold type added for emphasis.

So we see here that the gift of eternal life rests with Jesus, who sits at the right hand of God the Father; it IS our inheritance, but there’s an appointed time to receive it, which comes after death; it’s not immediately received.

“...it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” -Hebrews 9:27.

“Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.” -Galatians 4:1,2. Bold type was added.

Hopefully this clarifies it; something like inheriting a car before you’re old enough to drive. There may also be other stipulations for an inheritance that keep it  from the recipient for a time. The Bible indicates that such is the case with eternal life, and it cannot be employed in a body of corruption.

With regard to our subject, 2 things always seemed obvious to me; the first is that God gives us free will to choose or reject Him, and never removes this. The second is Heaven & eternal life can ONLY be received after the body dies. It seems like common sense, and it’s clear that after salvation nothing changes physically in or around us. Jesus even told His disciples that, …I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. -from John 14:1,2. Jesus brings us into Heaven, not Heaven into us.

People like to believe they have eternal life immediately, for it would mean they can’t fall away from salvation, but they would lose their free will. The Bible, however, shows something different; God’s Word wouldn’t give so many directions & warnings to believers if there wasn’t still a choice.

Not only is it still possible to fall away, but scripture even warns that names can be removed from the book of Life in Revelation;

“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father.”

“And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life…” -Revelation 3:5 & 22:19.

It should also be noted in Revelation that 5 of the 7 churches had at least some elements within them that needed to repent (2:5, 16, 22, 3:3, 19), or be cast away; only the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia weren’t rebuked.

Scripture compares the Christian walk with God to a marriage; both parties pledge lifetime commitments through every circumstance, either good or bad. It’s a daily, growing relationship with the Lord that’s intended to be permanent. Yet just like with any marriage, there may be legitimate events which cause it to end. But God is long suffering toward us (2 Peter 3:9), and more faithful than any earthly spouse would be; the fault of separation will always be ours, yet God will still receive our repentance and restore us;

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” -from 1 John 1:8-2:2.

“...If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man’s, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD.” -from Jeremiah 3:1. Added bold type reminds of God’s mercy!

Marriage comparisons are found in Matthew 9:15, 25:1, John 3:29, Ephesians 5:30-32, Revelation 21:2,9, 22:17, and;

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

Jesus gave 2 examples of falling away in the parable of the sower; the seed in shallow soil, and the one fallen among thorns. For those unfamiliar, the seed of the sower represents the Word of God, and the explanations for the 4 types of seeds are found in Matthew 13:18-23, Mark 4:14-20, and Luke 8:11-15.

The seed in shallow soil is someone who initially receives the Word with joy, yet don’t last long because they’re not well rooted; then when troubles come because of God’s Word, they’re quickly offended. We read in Luke, “these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.”

Next is the seed among the thorns, which are the “cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in”; these choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And scripture says,

“that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.” -Hebrews 6:8.

“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away:” -John 15:2A.

“If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” -John 15:6.

Gospel referrals to falling away from faith are found in Matthew 12:43-45, 18:21-35, 24:48-51, 25:1-13, 14-30, Luke21:34-36, John 6:66, and Acts 8:13-22.

Please take time to also read & consider Matthew 7:21-23 which begins, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven,” but ends with Jesus saying, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” This may not be a sample of those who actually fall away, but they would appear to be great Christians! How many of these had been previously assured by others that they were saved? And if the certainty of heaven for people like this couldn’t be known, how can anyone assure them they already have eternal life?

Scripture also gives strong warnings against spiritual deception; warnings which don’t come with any reassurance of not losing a previous salvation!  Deceit is the way Satan convinces us to make choices that oppose the gospel of Christ. Some passages about this are Matthew 24:4,5,11,24; Mark 13:5,6,22; 2 Corinthians 11:3,4, 13-15; Philippians 3:17-19; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12; Jude 3-5; Revelation 13:14 (Christians are still here, v.7). And now for a look at 2 others passages;

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock…For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” -from Acts 20:28-31. Bold type was added.

Paul’s warnings about deception were so deadly serious that he “ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears;” why would he feel this way if people’s souls weren’t in jeopardy of falling away from Jesus? Why didn’t he reassure them that they were eternally secure?

“...there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” -see Galatians 1:6-9.

When Paul warned the Galatians against those preaching “another gospel,” besides the one he’d already preached, he included himself! Paul was acknowledging here that even he could possibly fall away, and turn from the truth. In light of this frailty, he urged them to cling to what he’d already preached;

But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. -Galatians 1:11,12.

2 Peter 2, however, carries a very grave warning of another deception to come, and it’s good to read it entirely, but I’ll abbreviate it here;

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of…18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” -2 Peter 2:1,2,18-21. Bold type & underlining are added.

The possibility of falling away is plainly shown here, agreeing with the prophecy in 2 Timothy 3:13 which says;

“...evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”

Another warning for falling away is also found in 2 Peter 3:17.

Bad Behavior. The New Testament has several lists of bad behaviors to avoid, with scripture saying that those practicing such will be lost; yet many who espouse the eternal security view will do these things, bringing a contradiction to their claim. They’ll say they have eternal life, no matter what; yet all the while habitually doing  things that God says will keep them from it. At least a few of these lists are found in 1 Corinthians 6:9,10; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3-7.

In the book of Romans we find;

“Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” -Romans 11:22. See also Romans 16:17,18.

Going forward now into Corinthians we have;

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” -1 Corinthians 10:12.

“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.” -2 Corinthians 6:1.

See also 1 Corinthians 3:16,17, chapter 5, 9:27, 11:31,32, 15:1,2,                                    2 Corinthians 12:20,21, 13:5.

Galatians is an entire book written to a group of believers who were falling back into a works based religion (see Ephesians 2:8-10);

“But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.” -Galatians 2:17,18.

See also Galatians 3:3,4, 4:9-11, 5:1,4.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” -Ephesians 5:13 (v.11-18).

Moving on to the next books we see;

“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” -Philippians 2:16.

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” -Colossians 2:8.

See also Philippians 2:12, 3:12,13, Colossians 1:21-23.

Moving on now into Thessalonians we find;

“For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.” -1 Thessalonians 3:5.

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;” -2 Thessalonians 2:3.

See also I Thessalonians 3:8, 5:14, & 2 Thessalonians 3:6.

Next we look at the letters to Timothy, which are very strong;

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” -1 Timothy 4:1.

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 

-1 Timothy 6:10. See also 1 Timothy 1:5,6,19, 5:11,12,15.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”                            

-2 Timothy 4:3,4. Bold type is added.

See also 2 Timothy 1:15, 2:10,12,16-18, 3:5,13, 4:10.

And now for a look at the books not yet covered;

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” -Titus 1:16.

“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” -Hebrews 3:12.

See also Titus 3:10,11, Hebrews 3:6, 6:4-6, 10:26,27, 12:5-8.

“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” -James 5:19,20.

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” -1 John 2:15.

“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” -Jude 4.

See also James 1:21-26, 2:26,4:4,17, 1 John 5:16,17, 2 John 9,10.

Christianity is an ongoing relationship with God similar to marriage; that’s what the Lord wants. There are many assurances given in scripture of our relationship with Him; we know His salvation is strictly a gift, and not earned by our works; we’re able to stand before Him through Jesus’ righteousness, and not our own; we have the Holy Spirit within to intercede and strengthen us; but above all else (Psalm 138:2), we have His precious words preserved for us in the Bible (Psalm 12:6,7, 2 Timothy 3:16,17), through which we can weather any storm (Matthew 7:24-27) of the enemy. Let us cling tightly to our Savior in faith, for His gift of eternal life will soon be in view.

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” -Jude 24,25.