"so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." Hebrews 9:28
Please read the welcome message.
Showing posts with label Forgiveness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Forgiveness. Show all posts
Thursday
Sunday
Beware of One Point Calvinist Reformed Teachers
It's the "one point" of Calvinism that rears its ugly head even with so called Grace teachers. In this case the one point preacher believes that a person faiths forgiveness. They won't say that, but by their fruits of what they teach that is what they are claiming to be the case. In essence God hasn't really forgiven a person at the cross unless a person believes it. So the preacher can not say to anyone "your sins are forgiven by God" because he does not know if a person truly believes it (and is saved with the Holy Spirit alive living in them giving them LIFE) or will believe forgiveness of sins in the future. There is no good news in that message of conditional forgiveness. It's a limited propitiation message; the old code name was "limited atonement" (which is what many preachers use the erroneous atonement statement for what Jesus did on the cross), which is the one main tenet of Calvinism. It is the "L" in the T.U.L.I.P. acronym for Calvinism, also known as Reformed teaching. In this view, Jesus did not die for the sins of the whole world, just for those that would believe (the elect in their minds). This is a false gospel. It is a fake gospel message.
Bottom line is, if Jesus did not die for "ALL" then no one could come to God the Father in the first place. The offer of Life Eternal to anyone that would believe is hollow and makes God out to be a liar.
JESUS DIED...
- For all (1st Timothy 2:6; Isaiah 53:6).
- For every man (Hebrews 2:9).
- For the world (John 3:16).
- For the sins of the whole world (1st John 2:2).
- For the ungodly (Romans 5:6).
- For false teachers (2nd Peter 2:1).
- For many (Matthew 20:28).
- For Israel (John 11:50-51).
- For the Church (Eph. 5:25).
- For "me" (Gal. 2:20).
For those that deny the completed forgiveness on the cross for all people, I have the following questions and thoughts for you to ponder.
Does "faithing" forgiveness cause God to go backwards and forgive you your sins on the cross? God's word says, "For without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." (Hebrews 9:22)
Christ Jesus died for "sinners." Guess what, we were all sinners to begin with! So did God die for you while you were still a sinner or when you were a saint according to God's word? "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
If your pastor/teacher is a one point Calvinist or doesn't believe that Jesus forgave everyone their sins on the cross, then they are preaching a weak gospel and not preaching the Gospel of Christ. And as far as the message of the cross is concerned for you, if Jesus did not forgive everyone, then how can you be sure you are included in the ones that Jesus did forgive on the cross? Is it your faith in your faith that saves you, or is it the Grace of God, through faith in completed forgiveness on the cross that saves a person? Have you really worked out your salvation if you can not answer the question? I plead with you, work out your salvation today. Understand what you believe and who you place faith in. Do not place faith in your own belief system or in your own understanding, but on the word of God.
"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." Philippians 2:12,13
Tuesday
Introductions to Jesus
God is the instigator of Grace.
We are simply the vessel(s), the instrument(s), the messenger(s) that God uses to share the Grace of Jesus with the world.
Grace does not always sit right with lost unrighteous people with their responses to the message. There are typically three responses from lost people, to the sharing of the message of Jesus with these people to begin with.
- Indifference
- Anger
- Thankfulness
The person who doesn't believe in God at all will typically respond with an outward attitude of indifference. Don't bother me with Jesus, I don't believe in him, or I don't even believe in God to begin with, is their typical attitude in life and things of God. Yet God is revealed in nature in so many ways; and for those that say they do not believe in God, the bible refers to them as fools, yet they are without excuse.
"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." Psalm 14:1
"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20
The person that gets angry at grace are the religionists and legalists. They don't want to hear that their self-works, or their church attendance, or their religion, or their traditions will not gain them eternal life. They are proud of their own self-efforts to please God. They don't want to hear that all their sins have been forgiven on the cross and there is no more sacrifice for their sins. This is why when you share the gospel message with self-righteous folks they will justify themselves for their self efforts and make a mockery of the cross by their confession booth attendance or misinterpretation of 1 John 1:9 and using it as a forgiveness vending machine from God. Be forewarned, just as Jesus was despised and hated by the Pharisees, the teachers of the Law, and the world in general during the time Jesus walked on earth, we too, will feel the wrath of those that despise the message of the Grace of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.
"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." James 4:6
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’ John 15:18-25
The third response to grace is total thankfulness to God. When one hears that God is not counting your sins against you, the person that receives this message can not help but to say. "Thank You!" to GOD. [2 Corinthians 5:19] For, that is the only response that is acceptable to God. Our response to His drawing us to Himself, is thanksgiving in your heart for what Jesus, God in the flesh has done for you. This is true confession (agreeing with God), and responding with an attitude of gratitude of the heart. Thanksgiving to God is a sign of faith in God. For without faith it is impossible to please God!
"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;" 1 Timothy 1:12
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6
God is drawing you to himself. Which person are you?
Jesus said, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." John 12:32
Are you going to respond with indifference, anger or thanksgiving in your heart?
I implore you, listen to God's calling today and respond by faith.
As it says, "Oh, that today you would listen as he speaks! Do not harden your hearts..." Hebrews 3:15
Please read the welcome message.
God is Not a Forgiveness Vending Machine
Some people place an emphasis on the receiving of forgiveness for themselves by God, like they have to go out of their way to receive it, or do something to get it. However, the receiving of forgiveness is a matter of fact, that whoever believes in Jesus does indeed accept "receive" forgiveness (believes it was done and finished on the cross by God) for themselves. No one pushes God's buttons and out plops forgiveness for sins. God is not a vending machine of forgiveness. If forgiveness was not taken care of for all, then no one could come to the Father by faith. There are many that would claim that Jesus only died for those that were to believe. But, how would you know if you really believed, if Jesus did not die for the sins of the whole world? In essence, how would one know that Jesus died for them too, if that wasn't true?
Asking for forgiveness from God is a denial of the forgiveness that God gave to the world to begin with. For the very act of asking is saying to God, "I am asking you to forgive me now." This person doesn't really believe their sins were forgiven on the cross, because they place the emphasis on their asking or their own "believing the process of asking" or "believing the process of believing" forgiveness (that that somehow causes God to forgive them, even though many know in their hearts, that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness").
However, God forgave the sins of the whole world on the cross, so that whoever believes in Him has eternal life. Eternal life could not be given before sins were taken care of. For sin had to be taken away before eternal life could be given to the believer, otherwise when a person were to sin, the Holy Spirit would depart.
It is not how much a person believes, but what a person places faith on. Do they place faith on Jesus, the one who took away all their sins on the cross? Or, do they place faith on their own belief system (of asking for or believing in their own believing)? It's a subtle thing that needs to be delved into for everyone. Even some grace teachers do not believe that the sins of the whole world were forgiven on the cross. They can not say to anyone, "your sins have been forgiven on the cross," for they do not know if a person's sins were forgiven or not. All they can do is say, "believe your sins were forgiven on the cross." But, what they won't tell a person is, if you do not believe it, then God did not forgive you, though they will not even imply that either, because they would say a person can believe until they die, then they would know that God forgave them on the cross.
One way is declaring that God forgave the sins of the whole world and placed the emphasis on God. The other way, man places the emphasis on believing, and it is the very act of believing that somehow goes back to the cross that Jesus forgave them. One is a Strong gospel message. The other is a weak man made message of belief.
This is so important for all people to get right and "work out" their understanding of salvation and how forgiveness was taken care of "once for all sins" on the cross. [ref. Philippians 2:12 and 1 Peter 3:18] The righteous just (Jesus) for the unrighteous unjust (includes all of us).
Well, some might ask, "What About 1 John 1:9?" So, let us reason together.
Please read the welcome message.
There is No Quid Pro Quo With God
"For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." Hebrews 9:24-28
Jesus died once, for all sins. He does not offer himself over and over again, as some think he does. We should not be placing Jesus back on the cross ourselves, nor should we be asking him to do what he has already done. Jesus did not offer himself on the cross in expectation that we could give something back to him. He offered himself while we were yet sinners. He demonstrated his love for us by forgiving us our sins on the cross. When Jesus returned, he did not deal with sins again on the cross.
"Thank you Jesus" is the only response that makes sense from our standpoint. This is faith in Jesus, God in the flesh, who sacrificed himself for our sins.
Please read the welcome message.
Friday
Confessors vs. Possessors of Forgiveness From God
Many people are simple human confessors for forgiveness from God, instead of possessors of divine forgiveness from God.
But, some of you reading this may ask the question or hear the question being asked by others, "what about confess in 1 John 1:9 and the Lord's Prayer given by Jesus?" Before we go there again, (and you can read about those items in great detail from the links), what are you going to say to God in your prayers on a daily basis? Are you going to continue to ask Him for what He has already done? Or, are you going to place faith in what He has done for you in His finished work on the cross?
Are you a simple confessor of Jesus, giving lip service to what Jesus has done; or are you a possessor of the Holy Spirit, alive living in you, never to leave you, never to forsake you, never to stop loving you, never to get out of fellowship with you, no matter what you do or don't do?
Some will say that there are a couple of different types of forgiveness. They will say, "I know my sins were forgiven on the cross judicially," (also known as positional forgiveness) and here comes the big "BUT" out of their mouths, "but I have to ask God for forgiveness to experience it in my life when I sin, (this is experiential forgiveness) - after all, take a look at what Jesus told us to do in the Lord's prayer, and look at 1 John 1:9."
When Were Your Sins Forgiven?
Let us reason together...(Isaiah 1:18) First off, can you really talk to God out of both sides of your mouth, and have it be truth? Can you really imagine going to God on a daily basis and thank him for what he has done for you on the cross, and then in the very next breath ask for forgiveness from God? This is exactly what some folks are doing everyday in their prayer life, and sometimes multiple times during the day. Which is it, do you believe God forgave you, or do you need more forgiveness today from God? What about all the sins you forget to confess? What happens with those sins that you forget to confess under the banner of experiential forgiveness?
Confess Means to Agree With God - Not ask for Forgiveness
For many folks, the word "confess" is synonymous to asking for forgiveness from God. Catholics will tell you that they go to the priest, in a confession booth, and ask for forgiveness. Protestants will tell you that they don't have to go to a priest at all to confess their sins, they go directly to God, confessing their sins to Him, to get their sins forgiven.
God on the other hand has declared, "It is Finished!" Forgiveness has been finalized. Forgiveness is completed. Forgiveness is eternal. Forgiveness is total. Forgiveness is found in the person of Jesus. A person receives complete forgiveness of sins when they receive Him. A person does not get forgiveness of sins over and over again as they did in the old covenant. This is exactly what Protestants and Catholics are doing. Catholics are sacrificing God everyday in the Mass. Protestants are sacrificing Jesus everyday in their minds, asking God to do what He has already done. Neither the Catholics nor the Protestants recognize that Jesus took away all their sins on the cross. They are in unbelief that God did it all, and they think there needs to be something from man to extract (appropriate) the forgiveness from God.
What Does a Person Truly Believe?
The following question comes to my mind. Does a person really believe in completed forgiveness on the cross, if they believe God did it judicially, yet they turn around and say they need to ask for it experientially? For anyone that is sitting on this mode of forgiveness, it is difficult to tell really what they believe in their own minds, and how they are praying to God at each moment in time. Do they thank God for His forgiveness to begin with in a judicial mode, and then turn around and ask for forgiveness in an experiential mode? Which does a person really believe and when? This type of behavior is indicative of a double-minded person, unstable in all things (James 1:8), no matter who it is. This type of sinful behavior can be seen in pastors, teachers, and laity. Anyone in this mode, it is like pulling teeth for them to look closer at the Word of God. They are resting in their traditions, in their religious systems, and their own understandings.
Is God Waiting for Man to Ask For Forgiveness Before God Forgives?
Pastors and teachers are pulling people away from Jesus (with a watered down gospel) as much as the cults are pulling people away from Christ. These pastors and teachers will have this wonderful sermon on Grace, and tell the people of how Jesus took away all sin on the cross, and then at the end will say something completely opposite like, "God forgive me for the bad things we have done in life." Which is it? Did God take away all sins on the cross, or is there more forgiveness required by God? Their idea of forgiveness is not that Christ completed the work at the cross, but that forgiveness is now a joint works action between God and man. They will say this is how we forgive others, so God must forgive like human forgiveness. Are we now to think that God's divine forgiveness is like man's forgiveness? May it never be so!
People living like this think they only need God 10% of the time. The other 90% of the time they think they are basically good. "Watch me God, look how good I am, - and I ask for forgiveness for the times I am not good" is what a person is indirectly saying to God, living in a mode of confessionalism for forgiveness instead of living by faith in what He has done for them. In essence, most folks don't believe their sins are completely forgiven. They need a little soapy scrubbing cleaning action now and then to get themselves presentable to God. They have exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and gotten caught in the sin that so easily entangles.
Putting Faith Into Practice
Put an end to your confessionalism for forgiveness, and agree with God (confess) that he took your sins away on the cross for all time, for all sins. He is the faithful one to have forgiven you and to have cleansed you for all time of all unrighteousness. Confess it. Agree with God concerning it. Put it to rest. Walk by faith that He has done it all.
If Jesus is God in the flesh (and He is - John 1:14), and Jesus prayed from the cross to the Father and said, "Father forgive them for they know what they do" (which He did say - Luke 23:34), do you think that prayer was answered by God?
Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. "
Please read the welcome message.
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace" (Ephesians 1:7) New International Version (©2011)
"He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins." (Ephesians 1:7) New Living Translation (©2007)
But, some of you reading this may ask the question or hear the question being asked by others, "what about confess in 1 John 1:9 and the Lord's Prayer given by Jesus?" Before we go there again, (and you can read about those items in great detail from the links), what are you going to say to God in your prayers on a daily basis? Are you going to continue to ask Him for what He has already done? Or, are you going to place faith in what He has done for you in His finished work on the cross?
Are you a simple confessor of Jesus, giving lip service to what Jesus has done; or are you a possessor of the Holy Spirit, alive living in you, never to leave you, never to forsake you, never to stop loving you, never to get out of fellowship with you, no matter what you do or don't do?
Some will say that there are a couple of different types of forgiveness. They will say, "I know my sins were forgiven on the cross judicially," (also known as positional forgiveness) and here comes the big "BUT" out of their mouths, "but I have to ask God for forgiveness to experience it in my life when I sin, (this is experiential forgiveness) - after all, take a look at what Jesus told us to do in the Lord's prayer, and look at 1 John 1:9."
When Were Your Sins Forgiven?
Let us reason together...(Isaiah 1:18) First off, can you really talk to God out of both sides of your mouth, and have it be truth? Can you really imagine going to God on a daily basis and thank him for what he has done for you on the cross, and then in the very next breath ask for forgiveness from God? This is exactly what some folks are doing everyday in their prayer life, and sometimes multiple times during the day. Which is it, do you believe God forgave you, or do you need more forgiveness today from God? What about all the sins you forget to confess? What happens with those sins that you forget to confess under the banner of experiential forgiveness?
Confess Means to Agree With God - Not ask for Forgiveness
For many folks, the word "confess" is synonymous to asking for forgiveness from God. Catholics will tell you that they go to the priest, in a confession booth, and ask for forgiveness. Protestants will tell you that they don't have to go to a priest at all to confess their sins, they go directly to God, confessing their sins to Him, to get their sins forgiven.
God on the other hand has declared, "It is Finished!" Forgiveness has been finalized. Forgiveness is completed. Forgiveness is eternal. Forgiveness is total. Forgiveness is found in the person of Jesus. A person receives complete forgiveness of sins when they receive Him. A person does not get forgiveness of sins over and over again as they did in the old covenant. This is exactly what Protestants and Catholics are doing. Catholics are sacrificing God everyday in the Mass. Protestants are sacrificing Jesus everyday in their minds, asking God to do what He has already done. Neither the Catholics nor the Protestants recognize that Jesus took away all their sins on the cross. They are in unbelief that God did it all, and they think there needs to be something from man to extract (appropriate) the forgiveness from God.
What Does a Person Truly Believe?
The following question comes to my mind. Does a person really believe in completed forgiveness on the cross, if they believe God did it judicially, yet they turn around and say they need to ask for it experientially? For anyone that is sitting on this mode of forgiveness, it is difficult to tell really what they believe in their own minds, and how they are praying to God at each moment in time. Do they thank God for His forgiveness to begin with in a judicial mode, and then turn around and ask for forgiveness in an experiential mode? Which does a person really believe and when? This type of behavior is indicative of a double-minded person, unstable in all things (James 1:8), no matter who it is. This type of sinful behavior can be seen in pastors, teachers, and laity. Anyone in this mode, it is like pulling teeth for them to look closer at the Word of God. They are resting in their traditions, in their religious systems, and their own understandings.
Is God Waiting for Man to Ask For Forgiveness Before God Forgives?
Pastors and teachers are pulling people away from Jesus (with a watered down gospel) as much as the cults are pulling people away from Christ. These pastors and teachers will have this wonderful sermon on Grace, and tell the people of how Jesus took away all sin on the cross, and then at the end will say something completely opposite like, "God forgive me for the bad things we have done in life." Which is it? Did God take away all sins on the cross, or is there more forgiveness required by God? Their idea of forgiveness is not that Christ completed the work at the cross, but that forgiveness is now a joint works action between God and man. They will say this is how we forgive others, so God must forgive like human forgiveness. Are we now to think that God's divine forgiveness is like man's forgiveness? May it never be so!
People living like this think they only need God 10% of the time. The other 90% of the time they think they are basically good. "Watch me God, look how good I am, - and I ask for forgiveness for the times I am not good" is what a person is indirectly saying to God, living in a mode of confessionalism for forgiveness instead of living by faith in what He has done for them. In essence, most folks don't believe their sins are completely forgiven. They need a little soapy scrubbing cleaning action now and then to get themselves presentable to God. They have exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and gotten caught in the sin that so easily entangles.
Putting Faith Into Practice
Put an end to your confessionalism for forgiveness, and agree with God (confess) that he took your sins away on the cross for all time, for all sins. He is the faithful one to have forgiven you and to have cleansed you for all time of all unrighteousness. Confess it. Agree with God concerning it. Put it to rest. Walk by faith that He has done it all.
If Jesus is God in the flesh (and He is - John 1:14), and Jesus prayed from the cross to the Father and said, "Father forgive them for they know what they do" (which He did say - Luke 23:34), do you think that prayer was answered by God?
Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. "
Please read the welcome message.
Thursday
Books Recommened
Bob George, bestselling author of Classic Christianity, shows readers how grace changes everything because of one often-ignored foundation of the faith—the New Covenant.
Many Christians feel anything but new. They are told salvation is a free gift, but trying to live up to what they think God demands seems like anything but a gift. Feel free? They don’t. Bob explains how this results from basing Christianity in the Old Testament—making the faith a law-based religion.
But the New Covenant, God has put in place through Christ’s death, changes everything. Readers will see the joyful truth that,
The breakthrough book that has helped over half a million Christians worldwide since 1989!
Classic Christianity—Bob George’s eye-opening distillation of the life-transforming truths of the gospel—now has a fresh cover and interior that reflect the up-to-the-minute relevance of its message.
Like so many Christians, Bob George started out in love with Jesus, only to end up feeling disappointed and empty. Drawing on his struggles and his teaching and counseling experience, Bob cuts to the heart of believers’ common questions…
Purchase: Classic Christianity: Life’s Too Short to Miss the Real Thing
More than half a million tired, frustrated Christians have rediscovered the life-transforming truths of the gospel in Classic Christianity. In this practical study guide to the book, they’ll find more step-by-step help for becoming grounded in the Father’s liberating love.
After briefly reviewing a section of Classic Christianity, author and Bible teacher Bob George provides Scriptures, questions, and insightful examples to help readers fully understand and grow in their identities in Christ. Used with the book or as a stand-alone study, this resource encourages believers and seekers to discover the true Source of life and freedom—Jesus Christ.
Fill-in space is provided for readers to use as they work through this volume. Together with Classic Christianity, this study guide provides a great curriculum for small groups or Sunday-school classes. Find out more at www.classicchristianity.com.
Purchase: Classic Christianity Study Guide: Life’s Too Short to Miss the Real Thing
If your only experience of God’s grace is salvation, you’re missing half the good news. The other half is equally inspiring—Jesus wants you to experience His grace every day as He lives his life through you!
Discover vibrant, life-embracing faith through the simple and timeless truth of God’s grace. As people who have been saved by grace and set free by grace, our next step is to grow in grace. As we grow, we rejoice in the scriptural promises that enable us to give up guilt and anxiety, let go of legalism, and rediscover the joyous reality of Christ living His life through us!
The helpful study guide is perfect for small groups and all who desire to learn even more about the freeing life that is ours as followers of Jesus Christ.
Purchase: Growing in Grace : With Study Guide
A new cover and study section invites readers to experience victory over anger, disappointment, and depression! Bob reveals how Christ can break the power of unmet needs, unhealed hurts, and hopelessness in our lives.
Readers explore principles that help them:
Purchase: Victory Over Depression: How to live above your circumstances
Why do so many people experience disappointment and failure in their lives? Why do so many men and women struggle with a sense of low self-esteem? Could it be they’re unsure of how to obtain true fulfillment in life?
God never meant to offer us a self-improvement course. Instead, He offers us an entirely new identity. Not only will He forgive your sins, but He will give you a new life in exchange for the life you have been trying to live in your own strength.
In Complete in Christ, Bob George, author of the bestseller Classic Christianity, explores this exchanged life and provides clear meaning for often-misunderstood truths—fundamental truths that ensure abundant, fulfilled living.
Begin to focus not on your own failures and inadequacies but on His view of you—that you are fully loved and accepted in Christ. Receive God’s invitation to exchange your old identity for the joy of being Complete in Christ!
Purchase: Complete in Christ: Discovering God’s View of You
You Don’t Need to Strive for What You Already Have
You began your new life in Christ with joy and peace. Then your attempts to please God and grow as a Christian brought bewilderment, frustration, and defeat. You know there’s a better way, but where can you find it? In Faith That Pleases God, Bob George offers a practical look at true, biblical faith — the kind of faith that produces the joy God offers to every believer. It’s all here — in Faith That Pleases God.
From the author of Classic Christianity, comes a dynamic book to help readers strengthen their faith.
Every Christian desires to please God, but how is that done? Faith That Pleases God helps readers discover that a proper understanding of faith is essential and includes—
Purchase: Faith That Pleases God: You Don’t Need to Strive for What You Already Have
Please read our welcome message.
Jesus Changes Everything
It’s Time to Embrace God’s Unconditional Love
Bob George
But the New Covenant, God has put in place through Christ’s death, changes everything. Readers will see the joyful truth that,
- effort, guilt, and fear from living under law give way to rest and peace from realizing their relationship with God doesn’t depend on their performance;
- motivation by punishment is replaced by inner motivation through God’s complete acceptance;
- and the experience of distance from God gives way to the experience of His unconditional love.
Classic Christianity
Life’s Too Short to Miss the Real Thing
Bob George
Classic Christianity—Bob George’s eye-opening distillation of the life-transforming truths of the gospel—now has a fresh cover and interior that reflect the up-to-the-minute relevance of its message.
Like so many Christians, Bob George started out in love with Jesus, only to end up feeling disappointed and empty. Drawing on his struggles and his teaching and counseling experience, Bob cuts to the heart of believers’ common questions…
- Doesn’t God expect me to clean up my act before I approach Him?
- I know God loves me—but does He accept me?
- I’m saved and forgiven… do I just wait for heaven now?
Purchase: Classic Christianity: Life’s Too Short to Miss the Real Thing
Classic Christianity Study Guide
Life’s Too Short to Miss the Real Thing
Bob George
After briefly reviewing a section of Classic Christianity, author and Bible teacher Bob George provides Scriptures, questions, and insightful examples to help readers fully understand and grow in their identities in Christ. Used with the book or as a stand-alone study, this resource encourages believers and seekers to discover the true Source of life and freedom—Jesus Christ.
Fill-in space is provided for readers to use as they work through this volume. Together with Classic Christianity, this study guide provides a great curriculum for small groups or Sunday-school classes. Find out more at www.classicchristianity.com.
Purchase: Classic Christianity Study Guide: Life’s Too Short to Miss the Real Thing
Growing in Grace with Study Guide
Bob George
Discover vibrant, life-embracing faith through the simple and timeless truth of God’s grace. As people who have been saved by grace and set free by grace, our next step is to grow in grace. As we grow, we rejoice in the scriptural promises that enable us to give up guilt and anxiety, let go of legalism, and rediscover the joyous reality of Christ living His life through us!
The helpful study guide is perfect for small groups and all who desire to learn even more about the freeing life that is ours as followers of Jesus Christ.
Purchase: Growing in Grace : With Study Guide
Victory over Depression
Bob George
Readers explore principles that help them:
- Recognize unrealistic expectations.
- Deal with the causes of depression.
- Put their hope and trust in God.
Purchase: Victory Over Depression: How to live above your circumstances
Complete in Christ
Bob George
God never meant to offer us a self-improvement course. Instead, He offers us an entirely new identity. Not only will He forgive your sins, but He will give you a new life in exchange for the life you have been trying to live in your own strength.
In Complete in Christ, Bob George, author of the bestseller Classic Christianity, explores this exchanged life and provides clear meaning for often-misunderstood truths—fundamental truths that ensure abundant, fulfilled living.
Begin to focus not on your own failures and inadequacies but on His view of you—that you are fully loved and accepted in Christ. Receive God’s invitation to exchange your old identity for the joy of being Complete in Christ!
Purchase: Complete in Christ: Discovering God’s View of You
Faith That Pleases God
Bob George
You began your new life in Christ with joy and peace. Then your attempts to please God and grow as a Christian brought bewilderment, frustration, and defeat. You know there’s a better way, but where can you find it? In Faith That Pleases God, Bob George offers a practical look at true, biblical faith — the kind of faith that produces the joy God offers to every believer. It’s all here — in Faith That Pleases God.
From the author of Classic Christianity, comes a dynamic book to help readers strengthen their faith.
Every Christian desires to please God, but how is that done? Faith That Pleases God helps readers discover that a proper understanding of faith is essential and includes—
- recognizing the differences between faith, belief, and trust
- seeing the kind of faith that pleases God
- realizing faith’s role in the work God is doing
- learning how to “rest in faith”
Purchase: Faith That Pleases God: You Don’t Need to Strive for What You Already Have
Please read our welcome message.
Tuesday
The Sin That so Easily Entangles
The LORD said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.
Numbers 21:8,9
Numbers 21:8,9
Not looking upon, and accepting Jesus's finished work on the cross is the sin that entangles, snares, entraps, trips up, clings, and besets people today; as it did in the early days of Christianity with people going back to the day of atonement after hearing the truth of Jesus.
In chapter 12 of Hebrews, and in the first verse we read:
New International Version (©1984)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
New Living Translation (©2007)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
English Standard Version (©2001)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Now, consider what was in chapter 11 of Hebrews to see the comparisons between heros of the faith. The whole of chapter 11 talks about faith, and then in the beginning of chapter 12, the writer summarizes and declares to being surrounded by this great cloud of witnesses. Faith is the keyword in Hebrews chapter 11. Chapter 12 tells us to fix our eyes upon Jesus and exhorts us to not lose sight of this.
Hebrews 11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Each and everyone of these witnesses exercised faith regardless of what the consequences meant for them, even to the point of some being mocked, tortured, whipped, stoned, sawed in half, killed, becoming destitute, afflicted, and tormented.
So, let's put the sin that so easily entangles, thwarts, and skillfully besetts in biblical context and understand the meaning of the Greek word used once in the bible, and translated to English as easily "Entangles" or "Besetts," and others, in the various bible translations:
G2139
εὐπερίστατος
euperistatos
yoo-per-is'-tat-os
Strong's Definition:
From G2095 and a derivative of a presumed compound of G4012 and G2476; well standing around, that is, (a competitor) thwarting (a racer) in every direction (figuratively of sin in general): - which doth so easily beset.
G2139
εὐπερίστατος
euperistatos
Thayer Definition:
1) skilfully surrounding, i.e. besetting
Part of Speech: adjective
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G2095 and a derivative of a presumed compound of G4012 and G2476
The opposite of faith is unbelief in what God has done through Jesus our Lord and Savior. It is the sin that so subtlety clings to a person, and in so many ways is undetected by many in the world of how the devil gets people to be tripped up by it and they don't even recognize it.
Let's get real, and realize the sin that so easily and skillfully entraps a person into believing the lie, and not believing the truth, that God was in Christ Jesus, and is no longer counting men's sins against them.
New International Version (©1984)
"That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation."
Exercise faith today in the finished work of Jesus Christ our Lord, Savior, and God who came in the flesh to bring new life to the dead. Focus your attention on Jesus not yourself. Look upon Jesus and live. Understand that God has forgiven you forever, and ever; now receive eternal life.
Please read the Welcome message.
Monday
Love, Joy, and Peace; The Greatest is Love
I saw a birthday card today that had the following three keywords on it; Joy, Peace, and Love. It was not meant to be a religious card, but those words reminded me of what eternally is at the heart of what true Christianity is all about. The gift of God to us is Jesus, God our savior.
I know I will not be doing these words the ultimate justice they deserve, especially from a biblical text standpoint, but with the help of God, hopefully it will put things in the proper context.
We have all heard the words, or the various quoted biblical texts about the fruit of the Spirit. The quoted texts below have been used by many folks both in the Christian and secular worlds, and even those words have been used in many songs throughout the ages. I have to say though, the words have lost their true meaning, because we as a world, fail to realize of "who" the words are actually talking about.
What I really want to point out here, is each and everyone of these attributes are of God, or should I say is how God displays himself to us through Jesus Christ.
Some folks might be thinking that you are able to outwardly perform one or two of those attributes described above sometimes, and even you might say to yourself you can do some of them most of the time, but inwardly they can not be attained not even close to 100% of the time, nor can you display those fruits to all people all the time.
What is Love? This is the question that has been asked down through the ages. Until we understand what God's love has been, and is for us, we can not love the way God loves us.
Love is forgiveness; not as the world forgives, but as God has forgiven us. Before we ever asked for forgiveness, God forgave us all (the whole world) of all our sins. Yes, read that a second time, God forgave you of all your sins before you ever asked for forgiveness. He forgave you of all your sins before you even committed them. He forgave you of all your sins before you were even born. God in Christ Jesus, sacrificed himself for all of us on the cross. God is not upset with you. Love is Jesus and Jesus is love.
Once we understand true forgiveness from God's perspective, then we can start to forgive others as God has forgiven us.
Joy in my heart, because he has done it all for me. There is nothing more I need to do to have God love me. I am forgiven for all time. I am loved for all time. Nothing separates me from his love.
Peace that passes all understanding. Jesus gives us the peace that passes all understanding. His peace is the greatest, because in spite of our circumstances, in spite of what we do, in spite of what others do to us; he will never leave us or forsake us, and totally loves us.
Now is the time to receive his forgiveness, receive his love, receive his joy, receive his peace, and receive his life giving Holy Spirit today.
Please read the Welcome message.
I know I will not be doing these words the ultimate justice they deserve, especially from a biblical text standpoint, but with the help of God, hopefully it will put things in the proper context.
We have all heard the words, or the various quoted biblical texts about the fruit of the Spirit. The quoted texts below have been used by many folks both in the Christian and secular worlds, and even those words have been used in many songs throughout the ages. I have to say though, the words have lost their true meaning, because we as a world, fail to realize of "who" the words are actually talking about.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Colossians 3:14
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
1 Corinthians 13:13
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 John 4:8
Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
Romans 13:10
Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Bible quotes from English Standard Version
What I really want to point out here, is each and everyone of these attributes are of God, or should I say is how God displays himself to us through Jesus Christ.
Some folks might be thinking that you are able to outwardly perform one or two of those attributes described above sometimes, and even you might say to yourself you can do some of them most of the time, but inwardly they can not be attained not even close to 100% of the time, nor can you display those fruits to all people all the time.
What is Love? This is the question that has been asked down through the ages. Until we understand what God's love has been, and is for us, we can not love the way God loves us.
Love is forgiveness; not as the world forgives, but as God has forgiven us. Before we ever asked for forgiveness, God forgave us all (the whole world) of all our sins. Yes, read that a second time, God forgave you of all your sins before you ever asked for forgiveness. He forgave you of all your sins before you even committed them. He forgave you of all your sins before you were even born. God in Christ Jesus, sacrificed himself for all of us on the cross. God is not upset with you. Love is Jesus and Jesus is love.
Once we understand true forgiveness from God's perspective, then we can start to forgive others as God has forgiven us.
Joy in my heart, because he has done it all for me. There is nothing more I need to do to have God love me. I am forgiven for all time. I am loved for all time. Nothing separates me from his love.
Peace that passes all understanding. Jesus gives us the peace that passes all understanding. His peace is the greatest, because in spite of our circumstances, in spite of what we do, in spite of what others do to us; he will never leave us or forsake us, and totally loves us.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Now is the time to receive his forgiveness, receive his love, receive his joy, receive his peace, and receive his life giving Holy Spirit today.
Please read the Welcome message.
Friday
Confession of Sins 1 John 1:9
 |
| Confess Jesus Has Done it All |
Peace,
You seem to suggest that one does NOT have to nor need to CONFESS their Sins to be FORGIVEN of those Sins.
Perhaps you would also suggest then that Jesus was confused when He was teaching His disciples to PRAY the Lord's PRAYER in Lk. 11:4 - when he personally COMMANDED Believers to PRAY to the FATHER for the FORGIVENESS of their Sins...which you suggest they do NOT even need to CONFESS/Acknowledge/Admit.
Luke 11:4 (KJV) 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
However, if it is NOT necessary to CONFESS/Acknowledge/Admit our Sins then Jesus was wrong. Likewise, so was John, in 1 Jn. 1:10, which immediately follows, by the way, the CONFESSION Passage of 1 Jn. 1:10, John declares that he who does NOT say (CONFESS) that he has sinned, would be untrue as well.
1 John 1:10 (KJV) 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. In summary, while not being personally required to CONFESS one's Sins, sounds all warm and fuzzy - Initial Justification absent CONFESSION of one's Sins, while CONFESSING that Yeshua Jesus did indeed die for those said Sins - would seem to be a bit contrary to each other.
FORGIVENESS without CONFESSION...? Can we actually be JUSTIFIED and FORGIVEN for Sins we KNOWINGLY refuse to CONFESS.
PLEASE read Heb. 10:26-31
What does confess mean according to 1 john 1:9?
First off, the word "confess" simply means to agree with God. The word in Greek means according to Strong's G3670 - homologeō - ὁμολογέω is to say the same thing as another, i.e. to agree with, assent. Let's be crystal clear; confess does not mean to ask for forgiveness.
Source: The New Testament Greek Lexicon
Strong's Number: 3670 o(mologeÑw
Original Word Word Origin o(mologeÑw from a compound of the base of (3674) and (3056) Transliterated Word Phonetic Spelling Homologeo hom-ol-og-eh'-o Parts of Speech TDNT Verb 5:199,687 Definition
- to say the same thing as another, i.e. to agree with, assent
- to concede
- not to refuse, to promise
- not to deny
- to confess
- declare
- to confess, i.e. to admit or declare one's self guilty of what one is accused of
- to profess
- to declare openly, speak out freely
- to profess one's self the worshipper of one
- to praise, celebrate
Translated Words KJV (24) - acknowledgeth, 1; confess, 17; confession is made, 1; give thanks, 1; profess, 3; promise, 1;NAS (26) - acknowledge, 2; admit, 1; assured, 1; confess, 6; confessed, 4; confesses, 6; confessing, 1; declare, 1; give thanks, 1; made, 1; profess, 1; promised, 1; Verse Count KJV NAS
Matthew 3 Luke 1 John 3 Acts 2 Romans 2 1 Timothy 1 Titus 1 Hebrews 2 1 John 5 2 John 1
Matthew 3 Luke 1 John 3 Acts 3 Romans 2 1 Timothy 1 Titus 1 Hebrews 2 1 John 5 2 John 1 Revelation 1
Confession has a much deeper meaning.
The very word to confess also has a much deeper meaning to agreeing with God about the whole aspect of what Jesus did on the cross and what sin really is all about. The question and statement being proposed above is one of confession for the forgiveness of sins as what Jesus was teaching in the "Lord's prayer" as some would say is for today's believers to do. And while we are at it, why stop there in our understanding of forgiveness? Why not take it back all the way to the sacrificial system of obtaining forgiveness for a person's sins where they practiced atonement (killing of animals) for sins on the alter? After all, didn't God command the Israelites to sacrifice animals for their sins? If Jesus and God are one and the same, was God wrong for requiring a sacrificial system for getting a person's sins covered in the first place?
What has changed? Why don't we use the sacrificial system for forgiveness today? Why don't we use the Lord's Prayer as a foundation for getting our sins forgiven today? What has so drastically changed that the forgiveness issue has been settled once for all? Why does God say in the bible today that when Jesus comes back, he is not going to deal with sin ever again? "And he will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly wait for him." (Hebrews 9:28) So, how could the writer of Hebrews ever make a statement like that if we still need the sacrificial system in place, or use the "Lord's Prayer" as a template guide to getting our sins forgiven? The answer is, he could not.
My point here is that there are periods in time from the human perspective where something is said in the bible that is required by God at that particular point in time. In the old testament, God required the sacrificial system in place for getting ones' sins forgiven or atoned for, or covered, until the one that was promised (Jesus) would take them away. In essence, atonement was a covering of sin until Jesus took sin away at the cross. Jesus was the complete propitiation for all the world's sins at the cross. The word is propitiation in the new testament when it comes to describing what Jesus has done. Jesus did not cover sin, but took it away on the cross. We have so watered down the cross today, and even the message of salvation, that many use the word atonement (and even some bible translations have the word atonement) to describe what Jesus has done for us; as though Jesus is an extension of the atonement system in the old testament. Let's clarify this completely, Jesus is the one that took the sins away. God is not going to uncover them or expose them again. John the Baptist got it right when he said, "Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world." Now, we should be shouting from the roof tops, "Behold the Lamb of God, Jesus the one that took away the sins of the world!"
As far as confession, or agreeing with God concerning our sins, of course the believer agrees with God concerning their sins. But, there is also the agreement with God concerning what has happened to our sins when Jesus, God in the flesh, took them away completely on the cross. In fact, many are living a lie today, and the truth is not in them, and thinking that they need more forgiveness today in order to be saved or even maintaining salvation, or to remain in fellowship with God, because in their minds, salvation to them means getting their sins forgiven. Salvation is not getting your sins forgiven today. Salvation is receiving eternal life. See also, "What is salvation and how can I know with full assurance that I’m saved?"
What is willfully sinning according to Hebrews 10:26?
The book of Hebrews and especially the section of Hebrews 10:26-31 puts this in perspective. This section is talking directly with the person that is going back to the sacrificial system or in this case, thinking that they need more forgiveness from God for their sins. A person like this is wilfully sinning in their continual denial before God when it comes to understanding of what Jesus has done on the cross for their sins. This person is trampling on Jesus.
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
I agree, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." What are you going to do with the sin issue? Are you going back to the confession booth for forgiveness? Are you offering a sacrifice for your sins after knowing the truth? Are you continually using 1 John 1:9 to cover your sins to gain forgiveness? Are you asking God to do what he has already done for you? Are you trampling on the Truth? Are you thinking that more forgiveness is needed by God for your sins?
Please read the Welcome message.
More information on related topics below:
- Understanding First John 1:9
- The Lord's Prayer: Understanding it in Context
- Saints and Sinners
- When Jesus Christ Comes Again
- Hebrews 6:4-8 Understanding of Falling Away
- What Must I Do To Be Saved?
- Do Sins Separate Us From God?
Ultimately, the sin that so easily entangles is the denial that Jesus has done it all, and wrongfully thinking that something else is necessary for forgiveness to be executed on our behalf. Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Wednesday
When Jesus Christ Returned
Jesus is not coming back to deal with sin ever again. He did it once, for all. Forgiveness of sins has happened in the past, now eternal life is at hand in the present. Receive eternal life via the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, the perfect man without sin, who became sin for us. Your sins are forgiven now. Jesus offers everyone that will receive forgiveness, eternal life. Receive his forgiveness today, and receive his life in you.
By the way, Jesus has indeed already returned, and this has already happened, including the actual physical Millenial Reign of Jesus Himself, and we are now in the Little Season time frame where satan (all of satan) has been released to deceive the nations for a period of time. Note this is physical, NOT a spiritual interperation of real events. And furthermore, Jesus is still down here on Earth, in physical flesh and bone form, in a location that is called "The Camp of the Saints."
Many folks on both sides of the Calvinism and the Arminian debate are fighting over the forgiveness issue and not understanding the life giving issue of Jesus Christ. Calvinists and Arminians definitely do not speak the same language at all. I am not talking about differences of opinion, and they certainly have that; but more toward an understanding of the very foundation of Christianity. This is not about semantics, but truth.
Jesus Did Not Atone for Sin, He Took it Away Forever.
It will probably come as a shock to both the Arminians and the Calvinists, that Jesus did not atone for sin. Jesus took away the sins of the whole world. Jesus was the propitiation of sin. Propitiation is not atonement. Atonement covered sins in the Old Testament via the blood of bulls and goats. Jesus did not cover sins, he took them away completely, never to see them again, never to bring them up again, never to condemn a person again because of their sins. Yes, I know there are a couple of places in the New Testament that some bible translations have the word propitiation, translated as atonement, but if you look at other translations, the word is propitiation, not atonement. I suspect bible translators over the centuries have struggled mightily with the forgiveness issue (and translations are simply translations from the originals and Satan has gone out of his way to hide the truth), along with the eternal life issue and the election issue too, as though these were all one and the same. They are not one and the same, and people have placed faith on the traditions of men instead of the Truth of the word of God.
If there was any more forgiveness required by God, he would have to die on the cross again. Is he going to do that? No! Forgiveness was completed, finished, done once for all, done for all time.
Forgiven Forever. Behold the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world. Jesus
Please read the Welcome message.
Jesus Did Not Atone for Sin, He Took it Away Forever.
It will probably come as a shock to both the Arminians and the Calvinists, that Jesus did not atone for sin. Jesus took away the sins of the whole world. Jesus was the propitiation of sin. Propitiation is not atonement. Atonement covered sins in the Old Testament via the blood of bulls and goats. Jesus did not cover sins, he took them away completely, never to see them again, never to bring them up again, never to condemn a person again because of their sins. Yes, I know there are a couple of places in the New Testament that some bible translations have the word propitiation, translated as atonement, but if you look at other translations, the word is propitiation, not atonement. I suspect bible translators over the centuries have struggled mightily with the forgiveness issue (and translations are simply translations from the originals and Satan has gone out of his way to hide the truth), along with the eternal life issue and the election issue too, as though these were all one and the same. They are not one and the same, and people have placed faith on the traditions of men instead of the Truth of the word of God.
For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Hebrews 9:24-28
If there was any more forgiveness required by God, he would have to die on the cross again. Is he going to do that? No! Forgiveness was completed, finished, done once for all, done for all time.
Forgiven Forever. Behold the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world. Jesus
Please read the Welcome message.
Sunday
Hebrews 6:4-8 Understanding of Falling Away
There is much confusion for many, over a few passages in the Bible, in the book of Hebrews concerning being brought back to repentance, falling away from God, and crucifying Jesus repeatedly. Let's take a look at the book of Hebrews in the proper context.
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Hebrews 6, verses 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8
But before we look at those specific passages in the book of Hebrews, it is wise to keep the following verse of scripture from the book of Romans at the forefront of our minds.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
The book of Hebrews was written to the Hebrew Christian Church around 70 A.D. Some scholars have placed the writing after 70 A.D., between 85 A.D. to 95 A.D. However, given the fact that there is so much talk about the Hebrews sacrificial system, the Hebrew Levitical Priesthood, and the Hebrew Temple, my inclination is it was written sometime before the destruction of the Hebrew Temple by the Romans in 70 A.D. However, it isn't necessary to be dogmatic on the actual date the book of Hebrews was written.
The human author that penned the book of Hebrews is equally not written in stone. I trust God wanted it that way. Some folks think it was written by Paul because of certain writing styles, and others theorize it could have been written by someone else around the same time. Others have made the case for someone close by to Paul, or even one of the other Apostles. Once again, I don't believe it is an absolute requirement that we establish who the human writer that penned the book of Hebrews down on parchment, but it is much more important to focus on the subject at hand. Besides, there have been numerous theologians down through the centuries that have written volumes in regards to "Who is the author of Hebrews?" that we don't need to rehash that subject here. Feel free to do some research yourself; do a Google Search on Who Wrote Hebrews if you wish. I'll place my vote on Paul, but I can ask God that in the future.
From a historical standpoint, the early church was made up of mainly Christian Hebrew believers. Yes, I know that might be an oxymoron statement of "Christian Hebrew believers" to some people today, because they would say, "that you can't be both a Christian and a xyz person at the same time," but in the interest of clarity and brevity, the early church was mostly a group of Hebrew people that were believers in Jesus Christ. These Hebrew believers, believed in Jesus the Christ, Jesus the Messiah, believers in the New Covenant, and had come out of centuries of their families being steeped in the traditions of going to the Hebrew Temple to get their sins forgiven on the Holy Day of Atonement and offering other ongoing sacrifices.
The Hebrew people down through the centuries, before and after Jesus' birth, death, burial, and resurrection, had been involved in a sacrificial system of various and diverse types of offerings being brought forth at the Temple Alter of God in order to gain forgiveness of sins by God. The Temple sacrificial system by the Hebrews had ceased for the most part after the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, after fire was set to the temple, and subsequently tearing the temple down by the Roman soldiers, stone by stone, to get to all the melted gold that had run down in the cracks of stone. There probably were still pockets of animal sacrifices being performed by Hebrews after this time, but without the prescribed method for sacrifices no longer present with the Temple having been destroyed, the days of animal sacrifices by the Hebrews had all but ceased.
So, when reading the bible, Christian Old Testament [Tanakh (Hebrew Bible)] or Christian New Testament, it is important to always understand the context of the various books in the bible when reading the words of God. That is extremely important when it comes to understanding the historical settings and understanding within regards to the book of Hebrews from the target audience's perspective.
The book of Hebrews is one of comparisons. It is comparing the new to that of the old. It compares Jesus Christ being superior to the prophets, superior to the angels, superior to Moses, superior to Joshua, and superior to the Levitical Priesthood in which the priests offered sacrifices day in and day out in the Temple. The book goes into great depths of explaining the new promise in detail for Israel and the New Covenant, which was promised long ago by the Prophet Jeremiah. It really is a foundational book for Christianity and understanding early Hebrewism (the early law keepers, those that thought they could keep the law), that people today would do well to read it from gaining a better insight into their own world beliefs, and the world of their forefathers before them.
Jeremiah 31:31-34
"The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the LORD. "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
The following hypothetical question was brought forth about a passage in chapter 6 of the book of Hebrews.
I am still confused about Hebrews 6:4-8. I become a Christian when I was younger, but then recently I have fallen away the Lord. Can I come back? I think so.
The person asking this question is confused on falling away from the Lord; as though there is something they can do to cause God to separate one's self from the Lord. There have been numerous pastors, teachers, and professors at Christian Bible colleges, universities, and even seminaries that are teaching people and seminary students that they can fall away from salvation. Once again, this shows that they have a strong misunderstanding of what salvation and forgiveness are in the first place. These folks equate getting your sins forgiven as salvation. Salvation is new life from the death. Salvation is receiving Jesus' life inside you the moment you believe in him. This is the true meaning of being "Born Again". A person goes from spiritual death to receiving the Holy Spirit of God for life. I will add, it is for eternal and permanent "life." It is not temporary life. You can not repent of your unbelief one day, because repentance in the New Testament is always a one way street, and receive Jesus to begin with that day, and then somewhere down the line, in your life, do something bad where he is going to leave you. This teaching that you can do something to get rid of Jesus is bunk. For ... he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5
Let's take a look at the passages together in detail from the beginning of the 6th chapter of Hebrews. Let's grow up. Let us all become mature in Christ is the theme.
1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.
4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, 6 if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
The writer of Hebrews was trying to take these early Christian believers, and bring them up in maturity. But, the writer had to keep going back to the basics for many of them. They were so caught up in their traditions, that they were finding it impossible to move forward. The writer was talking to two groups of people. Those that were babes, and those that were mature in Christ. However, the babes were constantly going back to their traditions of thinking that they had to offer sacrifices at the alter, even though they were saying that they believed in Christ Jesus and the total sin offering he provided for all. In my opinion, the writer of Hebrews had the patience of Job, but wrote this as a warning and exhortation for the baby group.
It is important to note that only God and the individual person of God are themselves the only ones that can truly know whether they are a Christian or not. However, the writer of Hebrews writes in such a way that it causes a person to think.
Not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death.
What is the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death? First off, it bears repeating here, that repentance is always a one way street in the New Testament. That means that you can not repent one day of your unbelief in Jesus Christ, and then then turn around the next day and say, "I don't believe in Jesus Christ," because that would mean that you never repented in the first place. I will also say that no one has ever repented of all of their sins. I know, you have heard it said many times, "that a person has to repent of all of their sins in order to be saved." That saying is a bunch of baloney. Think about it, let's say you say, I am going to repent of saying lies, and then tomorrow, you lie again. You never repented with the true meaning of repentance in the first place. Repentance has been so watered down, both in Christianity and in Hebrewism (those that believe in law keeping), that most people don't even look at the true meaning of the word repentance. You are speaking double talk and are double minded in your thinking. You are confused in your understanding of forgiveness by God.
You must repent of your unbelief, or you will remain spiritually dead.
The King James Version might be a bit clearer in the true meaning of verses one and two in chapter 6 of Hebrews.
1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
This is baby stuff. This is immature thinking. This is the early church trying to go back to the Mosaic sacrificial system of bringing the sacrifices to the alter, and also at the same time saying Jesus did it all. These were dead works that never brought life. They never repented of them. The organized church of today is no different in their teaching when it comes to error in thinking about repentance, faith toward God, baptisms, laying on of hands, and eternal judgment.
Catholic churches teach that you must go to the confession booth to get your sins forgiven, while at the same time saying that Christ forgave you of your sins. Which is it? Did he forgive you or do you need more forgiveness in the confession booth?
Protestant denominations teach that you need to 1 John 1:9 yourself before Christ will forgive you, while at the same time teaching that all of your sins; past, present, and future have been forgiven. Which is it? Do you need more forgiveness of sins if all your sins are forgiven? The bible teaches that forgiveness of sins and atonement is in the blood, both in the Old Testament and New Testament, there is no forgiveness of sins without the shedding of blood. So, either Jesus did it all or you need more forgiveness.
The fundamental question comes into play is how many prayers and how many good deeds will earn enough forgiveness from God? Think about it, how much is required by God? Furthermore, Yom Kippur is one of the most important holidays in the Hebrew religion. 'The name "Yom Kippur" means "Day of Atonement," and that pretty much explains what the holiday is. It is a day set aside to "afflict the soul," to atone for the sins of the past year.' In the Old Testament Days gone by, the "Day of Atonement" was the day that the High Priest "Kohen Gadol" was required to make a blood sin offering in the Temple "Holy of Holies and call upon the Name of YHVH to offer blood sacrifice for the sins of the people." References: Yom Kippur - Day of Atonement.
Shemot - Exodus 30:10
And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the LORD.
So, we see that the main religious systems are all about what you are doing, instead of what Jesus Christ The Messiah has already done. The focus with religion today, is always on self.
True Christianity is always focused on God, and what he has done for us, by providing the perfect sacrifice for all of our sins, through Jesus Christ The Messiah.
The hypothetical question above shows the deep inward misunderstanding of the Gospel message, and the thought process of the person asking the question in the first place. It shows the focus of self, instead of the focus on God and salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.
When a person "falls away" today, they are falling away from the true Gospel. They are going back to their own sacrificial systems of playing religion, thinking double minded thoughts, going to the confession booth, trying to make or keep themselves clean with a Christian bar of soap (confessionism 1 John 1:9), and never having repented in the first place. Remember, repentance is always a one way move. A person can not repent one day and then repent another day of the same thing, because they did not repent in the first place. Again, read more about the true meaning of repentance and understand why this is impossible to be brought back to repentance. In verses 4 through 6 of Hebrews chapter six we read, "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace."
These people were sampling with a taste at the table of God. They never wholly swallowed what they were tasting; which is to say, they never truly repented. They were spitting it right back in the face of God. They were around people enlightened, sharing the Holy Spirit, going through the motions as though they accepted what Jesus had done for them, but they continued to fall away from the true teachings of Jesus. They kept wanting to go back to the "Day of Atonement." They kept sacrificing to God. They wanted to earn their own forgiveness in things that they were doing. This was a public disgrace, because to their loss, they were crucifying the Son of God over and over again. Here they were saying that Jesus did it all for them, and then the next day rolled around, and they wanted to sacrifice for their sins again. How could anyone be brought back to repentance, if they never repented in the first place? This shows that they never repented in the first place. You can not go back from where you have never been. It is impossible.
This is exactly the same as the Catholic saying to their people that God forgave them, and then the next day going to the confessional booth and the Mass, and thinking that somehow God is being sacrificed all over again. This is exactly the same as the Protestant saying that all his sins are forgiven, and then the next day asking for more forgiveness through a misunderstanding of 1 John 1:9. These folks are spitting in the face of God, publicly disgracing Jesus Christ in front of everyone.
Then the writer of Hebrews issues a very stern warning for those folks with a comparison with land that has good soil, and land that has poor soil.
Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
Now, the writer of Hebrews turns the coin, and starts talking to the other group of people. He has confidence in the following group.
Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
The writer is talking to another group and encouraging them not to become lazy in their understanding. Not to give in to error in teaching. Be diligent to the very end. If that means going against the tide of religion, then so be it. If that means focusing on God, and not yourself, which is the things that accompany salvation, then so be it. If that means standing up for what is right, and good, and honorable, even when it goes against the tide, then so be it. If that means loosing a friend because of your true belief in the truth of Jesus Christ, then so be it. If that means being thrown out of your church or synagogue when you share the truth, then so be it. Allow God to lead you in all ways. Remember, the work of God is this, to believe in the one God has sent. Imitate those that through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?"
Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."
John 6:28,29
Believe in Jesus, and receive eternal life today. I beseech you, God has reconciled you to himself through Christ Jesus, now be reconciled.
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