- Nov 17, 2018
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Hello Family of God,
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, [RESERVED IN HEAVEN] to you." (1 Peter 1:3-4)
(Parentheses) within Bible passages cited are used to expound on the word/s in [brackets] which precede the parentheses; this isn't me attempting to rewrite Scripture, but to exposit its teaching in a way analogous to a sermon snippet. ALL CAPS are used for double emphasis; this is my way of letting the reader know, "The Word of the LORD says what it says, and it means what it means." The Bible is self- explanatory (i.e., "the best defense of Scripture is Scripture itself") in its understanding (i.e., "the perspicuity of Scripture"), but even to this day, we find unnecessary criticism from Biblical "scholars" and theologians alike; no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation (2 Pet. 1:20; 3:15-16). For the Prophecy came not according to these "brilliant" minded men and women, and yet they persistently ask, "hath God said?" (cf. Gen. 3:1-5; Lev. 18:22; Isa. 66:1-2; Rom. 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 15:3-4; 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 1:9-10; 2 Pet. 1:3; Jude 7).
I knew a man who had dedicated his entire life to exposing the lies of the Devil; and it was only a matter of time before he was deceived himself by Satan. How did this occur? This is what I refer to as "the sovereignty of Satan." You know, when confronted with a teaching that they are uncomfortable with, they assert that it MUST be from the Devil. This man who dedicated his entire ministry to exposing the lies of the Devil began to suspect that the Satan was involved in the deceiving of Genuine Christians (i.e., "cardinal and essential doctrines"
pertinent to Salvation) as time went on. To him, the Devil was practically lurking behind every corner where this opinionated man suspected, and sadly, they were nothing more than personal beliefs brought about by his arrogance (cf. Ps. 119:125; Jer. 17:9; 1 Cor. 14:33; 1 Jn. 4:1).
Because he failed to acknowledge the Absolute Sovereignty of God the Almighty, and His protection over His flock, this man fell victim to the Devil himself. The end result was him taking a firm stand in denying the Doctrine of the Triune God, so please do not be led by your own understanding or "feelings" when interpreting Holy Scripture, but rather pray to your Heavenly Father and ask Him for spiritual discernment, and for Him ALONE to give you the precise understanding and discernment of any Biblical passage you may be uncertain of regarding its TRUE meaning (cf. Matt. 7:7; Lk. 11:9-13; Jn. 16:13-14; Jas. 1:5-6, 17).
"If any of you lack wisdom, [LET HIM ASK OF GOD], that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:5-6, 17)
Not everything that Jehovah's witnesses teach are lies: they are correct that the Devil is the one responsible for the world's system of deception; but they are absolutely incorrect in denying the Deity of Christ Jesus.
I want to makes this crystal clear from the outset: You must [know] the God whom you [serve], because if you [worship/serve] the One True God in the WRONG way, or make an image of Him to suit your own liking (e.g., "a golden calf" see Deut. 9:9-21 for context), then you are guilty of Idolatry, and you are also breaking the Greatest Commandment (Exod. 20:3-6; Isa. 45:20; Matt. 15:8-9). ONLY the One True God of Sacred Scripture can save you from Eternal Condemnation. God [is] Spirit, and to erect a visible icon of the Invisible God is idolatrous; God is to be worshipped [in] Spirit and [in] Truth (i.e., "from the heart, and not just lip service"; cf. Isa. 29:13; Mk. 2:30; Jn. 4:23; 1 Tim. 6:13-16). Please do not kiss the cross on your necklace if you have one, or venerate a picture of the classic long-haired hippy Jesus with the sparkling blue eyes. No one dead or alive (i.e., "with the exception of those who encountered Him during His earthly ministry") have ever seen His physical features (cf. Isa. 53:1-2; Jn. 20:29; 1 Pet. 1:5-9).
It has often erroneously been said innumerable times, that the Greatest Deception the Devil has ever successfully pulled off was that he had convinced most of the world that he (i.e., "the devil described in the Bible") does not exist; and I have to tell you that this is absolutely false, why? Because the Greatest deception foisted upon the world by Satan is that [God] does not exist, and I am not referring to a generic "god" made in the likeness of man's corrupt mind; but [the God] who possesses the Inherent, Immutable, and Divine Attributes revealed in Holy Scripture. Because if He (i.e., "The Triune God") does not exist (i.e., "hypothetically"), then neither does the Devil; who is described in detail within the pages of Sacred Scripture; and the preaching of the Gospel is in vain, and we are of most men miserable and without hope, but we know that this is not the case (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18; 4:3-4; 15:12-20; 2 Pet. 1:16).
I will now move on from the introduction of this message to discuss the most vital issue in the life of every man and women who are alive now, and will be alive in the years to come ahead. That being said: By the time this discussion reaches its climax at the very end of this topic, my readers should have no doubts within their hearts as to whether they are Truly Saved or not. This message has been prepared for anyone who "professes" to [know] (i.e., "Saving Knowledge and Faith") the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but have recurring doubts regarding their Salvific state from time to time; that they may attain the supernatural peace of God and Christ anchored within their hearts (cf. Rom. 8:31-39; 2 Cor. 13:5; 1 Pet. 1:1-5; 2 Pet. 1:10-11).
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. [MARVEL NOT AT THIS]: for the hour is Coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto [the resurrection of life]; and they that have done evil, unto [the resurrection of damnation]." (John 5:25-29)
Most professing Christians often struggle with doubts as to whether they are Truly saved or not, and there are several reasons why this commonly exists in the hearts and minds of even Genuine Christians. Self-examination of our spiritual state is imperative if we are to have FULL ASSURANCE of where we will spend Eternity; this is a type of "spiritual" litmus test if you will (2 Cor. 13:5; Jas. 2:14-26; 2 Pet. 1:10-11). One of my primary concerns are the growing number of obvious false converts within the church visible; and the ratio between the True and the False converts vastly differ according to what the Scripture reveals (MANY will end up in an Eternal Hell; cf. Matt. 7:13-14; 21-23; 13:1-41; 24:14).
Most of these reasons can be linked to each other, especially if one is self-deceived of their spiritual condition. I desire that those who are not 100% certain about their Salvific state to know whether they are saved or not without any hint of a doubt; that they may obtain a supernatural peace settled in their hearts: that if they were to die today, heaven will most undoubtedly be their permanent home. Listed below are several reasons why professing Christians may struggle with procuring a full assurance of their Salvation:
I. You are Disobedient to the Commandments of Holy Scripture (Isa. 29:13; Matt. 15:8; Lk. 6:46; 2 Tim. 3:5; Tit. 1:16; Jas. 4:17; 1 Jn. 3:6).
II. You lack a Saving Knowledge of the Doctrine of Soteriology (2 Cor. 13:5; Gal. 6:4; 2 Tim. 4:2-4).
III. You are attempting to maintain your Salvation through your works (Matt. 6:1; Rom. 3:24; Gal. 2:4,16; Eph. 2:8).
IV. You are not placing absolute Trust in God and Christ for the remission of your sins (Jn. 5:24; 10:27-29; Rom. 8:28-39; Phil. 1:6; 1 Jn. 5:11-13).
V. Your prayers are not answered, and why? (Ps. 66:18; Isa. 1:15-16; 59:2; Jas. 1:6; 4:3; 1 Pet. 3:12; 1 Jn. 5:14).
VI. You belong to a false form of Christianity taught by false teachers in the pulpit (Rom. 16:17-18; Gal. 1:8-9; Eph. 4:14; 1 Tim. 1:18-20; 2 Pet. 3:17).
VII. You may "feel" unsaved (cf. Rom. 8:1; 1 Jn. 3:18-22).
VIII. You were never saved to begin with (Matt. 7:21-23; Mk. 4:1-20; Jn. 6:66; 2 Cor. 5:17; 2 Tim. 4:10; 1 Jn. 2:19).
[You are Disobedient to the Commandments of Holy Scripture]:
"And why call ye me, [Lord, Lord], and [DO NOT] the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46)
I have been around the block enough times here on the Earth to know that there are MANY "professing" Christians who simply go through the motions (e.g., "bible studies, Sunday worship, fellowshipping, offerings, etc.") of what a Christian life entails, but they have no TRUE LIFE abiding [in] them; in other words, they are not connected to the life sustaining vine, who is none other than Christ Himself. Our lives are to be [hid in Christ] – and if they are merely playing the part of being a Christian, then it is only a matter of time that these false converts are withered and dried-up (i.e., "they have never drunk from the cistern of living water") and cast into the fire as a worthless and fruitless branch (cf. Jn. 8:31; 14:6; 15:1-17; Gal. 2:20; Col. 2:6-7; 3:3; 1 Jn. 2:6, 28; 3:24; et al).
[You were never saved to begin with]:
"Not every one that [SAITH] unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that [DOETH] the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, [I NEVER KNEW YOU]: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:21-23)
The PRIMARY reason why there exists false converts within the church visible is due to a lack of understanding and knowledge of God's Nature, Unparalleled Holiness, man's wretchedness, the pride of man, and the prevalence of false teachings. I will begin by asking my readers a few questions that can only have ONE CORRECT answer based on God's Immutable and Divine attributes (i.e., "Omnipotent, Omniscience, Omnipresence, Holiness, Righteousness, Justice, Aseity, et al."), and they are:
I. Is there any creature who [is] Holy [as] God [is] Holy?
II. Were ALL created beings with a conscience (e.g., "angels, humans, etc.") that have ever lived until now capable of making wrong moral decisions because of their imperfections in and of themselves? (i.e., "Not Perfect as God Alone is").
III. Are there any creatures in existence who are GOOD in nature [as] God [is]?
IV. Is every human being since the time of Adam born sinful in the eyes of the Most Holy God?
V. Is every human being [in] Adam deserving of God's Divine Wrath/Judgment?
VI. Is God "unfair" if He FREELY chooses to save a select FEW while MANY perish? And if so, why?
VII. Were the redeemed "more worthy" than those who will suffer the Wrath of God in Hell and the Eternal Lake of Fire?
VIII. Will those who ultimately end up in Hell and the Eternal Lake of Fire born "less worthy" than those who will Live Forever with God and Christ in the Eternal State?
IX. Is God a "monster" if He decides NOT to save those who will ultimately end up in Hell and the Lake of Fire to face Eternal Punishment? And if so, why? Is God unjust if He freely chooses to make that decision as the Most Absolute Sovereign Creator?
X. Is God "Unloving" if He Truly has the Power to save EVERY human that has lived, and will live, but does not "choose" to do so?, and if so, why?
XI. According to the Bible (i.e., "not the opinion of man"), is God's most Divine Attribute Holiness or Love?
XII. Is God "obligated" to save everyone if He TRULY has the Power to do so?
Continued next post . . .
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, [RESERVED IN HEAVEN] to you." (1 Peter 1:3-4)
(Parentheses) within Bible passages cited are used to expound on the word/s in [brackets] which precede the parentheses; this isn't me attempting to rewrite Scripture, but to exposit its teaching in a way analogous to a sermon snippet. ALL CAPS are used for double emphasis; this is my way of letting the reader know, "The Word of the LORD says what it says, and it means what it means." The Bible is self- explanatory (i.e., "the best defense of Scripture is Scripture itself") in its understanding (i.e., "the perspicuity of Scripture"), but even to this day, we find unnecessary criticism from Biblical "scholars" and theologians alike; no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation (2 Pet. 1:20; 3:15-16). For the Prophecy came not according to these "brilliant" minded men and women, and yet they persistently ask, "hath God said?" (cf. Gen. 3:1-5; Lev. 18:22; Isa. 66:1-2; Rom. 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 15:3-4; 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 1:9-10; 2 Pet. 1:3; Jude 7).
I knew a man who had dedicated his entire life to exposing the lies of the Devil; and it was only a matter of time before he was deceived himself by Satan. How did this occur? This is what I refer to as "the sovereignty of Satan." You know, when confronted with a teaching that they are uncomfortable with, they assert that it MUST be from the Devil. This man who dedicated his entire ministry to exposing the lies of the Devil began to suspect that the Satan was involved in the deceiving of Genuine Christians (i.e., "cardinal and essential doctrines"
pertinent to Salvation) as time went on. To him, the Devil was practically lurking behind every corner where this opinionated man suspected, and sadly, they were nothing more than personal beliefs brought about by his arrogance (cf. Ps. 119:125; Jer. 17:9; 1 Cor. 14:33; 1 Jn. 4:1).
Because he failed to acknowledge the Absolute Sovereignty of God the Almighty, and His protection over His flock, this man fell victim to the Devil himself. The end result was him taking a firm stand in denying the Doctrine of the Triune God, so please do not be led by your own understanding or "feelings" when interpreting Holy Scripture, but rather pray to your Heavenly Father and ask Him for spiritual discernment, and for Him ALONE to give you the precise understanding and discernment of any Biblical passage you may be uncertain of regarding its TRUE meaning (cf. Matt. 7:7; Lk. 11:9-13; Jn. 16:13-14; Jas. 1:5-6, 17).
"If any of you lack wisdom, [LET HIM ASK OF GOD], that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:5-6, 17)
Not everything that Jehovah's witnesses teach are lies: they are correct that the Devil is the one responsible for the world's system of deception; but they are absolutely incorrect in denying the Deity of Christ Jesus.
I want to makes this crystal clear from the outset: You must [know] the God whom you [serve], because if you [worship/serve] the One True God in the WRONG way, or make an image of Him to suit your own liking (e.g., "a golden calf" see Deut. 9:9-21 for context), then you are guilty of Idolatry, and you are also breaking the Greatest Commandment (Exod. 20:3-6; Isa. 45:20; Matt. 15:8-9). ONLY the One True God of Sacred Scripture can save you from Eternal Condemnation. God [is] Spirit, and to erect a visible icon of the Invisible God is idolatrous; God is to be worshipped [in] Spirit and [in] Truth (i.e., "from the heart, and not just lip service"; cf. Isa. 29:13; Mk. 2:30; Jn. 4:23; 1 Tim. 6:13-16). Please do not kiss the cross on your necklace if you have one, or venerate a picture of the classic long-haired hippy Jesus with the sparkling blue eyes. No one dead or alive (i.e., "with the exception of those who encountered Him during His earthly ministry") have ever seen His physical features (cf. Isa. 53:1-2; Jn. 20:29; 1 Pet. 1:5-9).
It has often erroneously been said innumerable times, that the Greatest Deception the Devil has ever successfully pulled off was that he had convinced most of the world that he (i.e., "the devil described in the Bible") does not exist; and I have to tell you that this is absolutely false, why? Because the Greatest deception foisted upon the world by Satan is that [God] does not exist, and I am not referring to a generic "god" made in the likeness of man's corrupt mind; but [the God] who possesses the Inherent, Immutable, and Divine Attributes revealed in Holy Scripture. Because if He (i.e., "The Triune God") does not exist (i.e., "hypothetically"), then neither does the Devil; who is described in detail within the pages of Sacred Scripture; and the preaching of the Gospel is in vain, and we are of most men miserable and without hope, but we know that this is not the case (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18; 4:3-4; 15:12-20; 2 Pet. 1:16).
I will now move on from the introduction of this message to discuss the most vital issue in the life of every man and women who are alive now, and will be alive in the years to come ahead. That being said: By the time this discussion reaches its climax at the very end of this topic, my readers should have no doubts within their hearts as to whether they are Truly Saved or not. This message has been prepared for anyone who "professes" to [know] (i.e., "Saving Knowledge and Faith") the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but have recurring doubts regarding their Salvific state from time to time; that they may attain the supernatural peace of God and Christ anchored within their hearts (cf. Rom. 8:31-39; 2 Cor. 13:5; 1 Pet. 1:1-5; 2 Pet. 1:10-11).
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. [MARVEL NOT AT THIS]: for the hour is Coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto [the resurrection of life]; and they that have done evil, unto [the resurrection of damnation]." (John 5:25-29)
Most professing Christians often struggle with doubts as to whether they are Truly saved or not, and there are several reasons why this commonly exists in the hearts and minds of even Genuine Christians. Self-examination of our spiritual state is imperative if we are to have FULL ASSURANCE of where we will spend Eternity; this is a type of "spiritual" litmus test if you will (2 Cor. 13:5; Jas. 2:14-26; 2 Pet. 1:10-11). One of my primary concerns are the growing number of obvious false converts within the church visible; and the ratio between the True and the False converts vastly differ according to what the Scripture reveals (MANY will end up in an Eternal Hell; cf. Matt. 7:13-14; 21-23; 13:1-41; 24:14).
Most of these reasons can be linked to each other, especially if one is self-deceived of their spiritual condition. I desire that those who are not 100% certain about their Salvific state to know whether they are saved or not without any hint of a doubt; that they may obtain a supernatural peace settled in their hearts: that if they were to die today, heaven will most undoubtedly be their permanent home. Listed below are several reasons why professing Christians may struggle with procuring a full assurance of their Salvation:
I. You are Disobedient to the Commandments of Holy Scripture (Isa. 29:13; Matt. 15:8; Lk. 6:46; 2 Tim. 3:5; Tit. 1:16; Jas. 4:17; 1 Jn. 3:6).
II. You lack a Saving Knowledge of the Doctrine of Soteriology (2 Cor. 13:5; Gal. 6:4; 2 Tim. 4:2-4).
III. You are attempting to maintain your Salvation through your works (Matt. 6:1; Rom. 3:24; Gal. 2:4,16; Eph. 2:8).
IV. You are not placing absolute Trust in God and Christ for the remission of your sins (Jn. 5:24; 10:27-29; Rom. 8:28-39; Phil. 1:6; 1 Jn. 5:11-13).
V. Your prayers are not answered, and why? (Ps. 66:18; Isa. 1:15-16; 59:2; Jas. 1:6; 4:3; 1 Pet. 3:12; 1 Jn. 5:14).
VI. You belong to a false form of Christianity taught by false teachers in the pulpit (Rom. 16:17-18; Gal. 1:8-9; Eph. 4:14; 1 Tim. 1:18-20; 2 Pet. 3:17).
VII. You may "feel" unsaved (cf. Rom. 8:1; 1 Jn. 3:18-22).
VIII. You were never saved to begin with (Matt. 7:21-23; Mk. 4:1-20; Jn. 6:66; 2 Cor. 5:17; 2 Tim. 4:10; 1 Jn. 2:19).
[You are Disobedient to the Commandments of Holy Scripture]:
"And why call ye me, [Lord, Lord], and [DO NOT] the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46)
I have been around the block enough times here on the Earth to know that there are MANY "professing" Christians who simply go through the motions (e.g., "bible studies, Sunday worship, fellowshipping, offerings, etc.") of what a Christian life entails, but they have no TRUE LIFE abiding [in] them; in other words, they are not connected to the life sustaining vine, who is none other than Christ Himself. Our lives are to be [hid in Christ] – and if they are merely playing the part of being a Christian, then it is only a matter of time that these false converts are withered and dried-up (i.e., "they have never drunk from the cistern of living water") and cast into the fire as a worthless and fruitless branch (cf. Jn. 8:31; 14:6; 15:1-17; Gal. 2:20; Col. 2:6-7; 3:3; 1 Jn. 2:6, 28; 3:24; et al).
[You were never saved to begin with]:
"Not every one that [SAITH] unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that [DOETH] the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, [I NEVER KNEW YOU]: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:21-23)
The PRIMARY reason why there exists false converts within the church visible is due to a lack of understanding and knowledge of God's Nature, Unparalleled Holiness, man's wretchedness, the pride of man, and the prevalence of false teachings. I will begin by asking my readers a few questions that can only have ONE CORRECT answer based on God's Immutable and Divine attributes (i.e., "Omnipotent, Omniscience, Omnipresence, Holiness, Righteousness, Justice, Aseity, et al."), and they are:
I. Is there any creature who [is] Holy [as] God [is] Holy?
II. Were ALL created beings with a conscience (e.g., "angels, humans, etc.") that have ever lived until now capable of making wrong moral decisions because of their imperfections in and of themselves? (i.e., "Not Perfect as God Alone is").
III. Are there any creatures in existence who are GOOD in nature [as] God [is]?
IV. Is every human being since the time of Adam born sinful in the eyes of the Most Holy God?
V. Is every human being [in] Adam deserving of God's Divine Wrath/Judgment?
VI. Is God "unfair" if He FREELY chooses to save a select FEW while MANY perish? And if so, why?
VII. Were the redeemed "more worthy" than those who will suffer the Wrath of God in Hell and the Eternal Lake of Fire?
VIII. Will those who ultimately end up in Hell and the Eternal Lake of Fire born "less worthy" than those who will Live Forever with God and Christ in the Eternal State?
IX. Is God a "monster" if He decides NOT to save those who will ultimately end up in Hell and the Lake of Fire to face Eternal Punishment? And if so, why? Is God unjust if He freely chooses to make that decision as the Most Absolute Sovereign Creator?
X. Is God "Unloving" if He Truly has the Power to save EVERY human that has lived, and will live, but does not "choose" to do so?, and if so, why?
XI. According to the Bible (i.e., "not the opinion of man"), is God's most Divine Attribute Holiness or Love?
XII. Is God "obligated" to save everyone if He TRULY has the Power to do so?
Continued next post . . .