Monday, March 23, 2026
Thursday, September 21, 2023
'ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED' is NOT BIBLICAL
There is NO 'ETERNAL SECURITY' and 'ONCE SAVED; ALWAYS SAVED is NOT BIBLICAL.
Consider the following quote from A.W. Tozer:
"One distinguishing mark of those first Christians was a supernatural radiance that shined out from within them. The sun had come up in their hearts and its warmth and light made unnecessary any secondary sources of assurance. They had the inner witness. They knew with an immediate awareness that required no jockeying of evidence to give them a feeling of certainty. Great power and great grace marked their lives, enabling them to rejoice to suffer shame for the name of Jesus.
It is obvious that the average evangelical ['christian'] today is without this radiance. The efforts of some of our teachers to cheer up our drooping saints are futile because those same teachers reject the very phenomenon that would naturally produce joy, namely, the inner witness. In their strange fear of the relgious emotions they have explained away the Scriptures that teach this witness, such as, 'The Spirit itself beareth witness' and 'He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself.'
Instead of the inner witness we now substitute logical conclusions drawn from texts. A conversation between a seeker and a worker in an inquiry room is likely to run about like this: 'Do you want the Lord to receive you and make you His child?' 'Yes.' 'Well, read this: "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." Do you believe that?' 'Yes.' 'Now if He doesn't cast you out, what does He do?' 'I suppose He takes me in.' 'Amen. Now He has taken you in and you are His child. Why don't you tell others about it.' So the bewildered seeker forces a waxy smile and testifies that he has been converted to Christ. He is honest and means well but he has been led astray. He has fallen victim to a Spiritless syllogism. There is no witness, no immediacy of knowledge, no encounter with God, no awareness of inner change.
Where there is a divine act within the soul there will always be a corresponding awareness. This act of God is self-validating. It is its own evidence and addresses itself direct to the religious consciousness. Abundant external evidence may exist that a work has been done within, and in this the reason may rejoice; but such evidence cannot be sufficient to guarantee that a saving work has been wrought. Whatever can be judged by reason is subject to the limitations and errors of reason. God waits to assure us that we are His children in a manner that eliminates the possibility of error, that is, by the inner witness." (A.W. Tozer, Born After Midnight, p. 13-14)
Here are some verses on the inner witness:
Romans 8:16: "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God"
1 John 4:13: "Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit"
1 John 3:24: "And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us."
A pastor asking members of the congregation to raise their hands if they can give a Bible reason for going to heaven is a completely false and misguided approach as the above Bible verses and Tozer's explanation point out. Tozer further writes "When Jesus was here upon the earth and walked among us, He used no fancy evangelistic maneuvers. He never said, 'Now raise your hand; now put it down!'" (A.W. Tozer Faith Beyond Reason p. 46-47) The question to ask would be whether or not a person knows that he has the Inner Witness, the Holy Spirit.
Now, what if someone does have the Inner Witness, is there eternal security for that person? Is he guaranteed a home in heaven? The Bible pictures us as becoming one with the Lord Jesus Christ (as in marriage). He saves us by becoming one with us. 1 John 1:2 calls the Lord Jesus "that eternal life". It is only if we are in the Lord, one with the Lord that we have eternal life. Jesus said “I am the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25) God won't divorce us, but we can divorce Him.
Consider these Bible verses:
Hebrews 6:4-6: "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame."
Mark 13:13: "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Mark 4:13-20: "And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred."
2 Peter 2:20, 21: "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. "
Revelation 3:21: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."
John 15:5-6: "....I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. "If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned."
Romans 11:21-22: "....For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off."
1Cor. 3:16-17: "....Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are..."
Colossians 1:21-23: “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;”
1 Timothy 1:5-7: “From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;”
1 Timothy 1:18-20: “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.”
Jude 12: “These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;”
1 John 5:16: "If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it."
11 Chronicles 14-16 - read the story of King Asa
Philippians 2:12: “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
If there is no need to be faithful to the end, than why would all the martyrs down through the centuries have died – why bother? Revelation 2:10b: “be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
Some of the churches in Revelation 2 and 3 are warned to repent - read it and see the consequences for not repenting.
Ezekiel 21-30 - "But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. Yet ye say, The way of the LORD is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the LORD is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal? Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin."
Thursday, August 11, 2022
Eternal Security - Once Saved, Always Saved? By Joe Sweet
Preaching the WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD not HALF-TRUTH
Monday, July 4, 2022
Creflo A. Dollar announces a major shift in his doctrine - True Repentance?
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Monday, September 13, 2021
An Open Letter to the Singapore Church Leadership (I’m writing in my personal capacity) – By Rev George Ong
Dr. Simon Chong’s article was published on this website on 4 Sep 2021, last Saturday and the following are amongst the many things he said:
“How much more than the countless souls at risk of hell? In Joseph Prince, the Church is faced with a perpetrator of falsehoods and twisted doctrines, with many of the flocks drawn to it, as well as non-believers being seduced into a completely new brand of Christianity that is totally unlike what the Church preaches. For years, what has the Church done? Our response…Silence.”
“Hence to say one is ignorant and lacks information, that is totally inexcusable. But to have the inertia within to do or say anything, then that is disobedience, a spiritual malaise to a task or responsibility placed on every Christian and even more so Church Leaders & Pastors! For church leaders to continue to treat a heretic like Joseph Prince as a fellow shepherd is just unthinkable!”
“Will you continue to allow falsehood and lies to reign in your midst? Particularly as spiritual leaders, you must take responsibility and do what’s right!”
(If you have missed reading Dr. Simon Chong’s article and my response, please click here)
Upon reading Dr Simon Chong’s article, a friend of mine (who is willing to be identified by name if it becomes necessary) wrote the following to me on 4 Sep 2021:
“Hi George, just to let you know that I have written to the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) about 2-3 times about 1-2 years ago on what are they going to do with Joseph Prince and his teachings. I was met with silence.”
The Singapore Church leadership cannot remain silent anymore. If leaders choose to stay cowardly silent against the onslaught of Joseph Prince’s heresies, the Church is in dire straits. Silence is not an option. “To stay silent against the onslaught of false teachings is to acquiesce.” (George Ong)
They must demonstrate the courage that is expected of Christian leaders. They must come up front and state their stand. Is Joseph Prince a fellow shepherd or a heretic? They must examine what he said in his sermons and wrote in his books throughout his last 25 years of ministry.
If they can prove that he is teaching sound doctrine according to the scriptures and the church fathers, I will publicly apologize not only to Joseph Prince but also to the entire Christian Community – not only in Singapore but the whole world for falsely accusing him. If need be, I will make amends with concrete works or deeds of repentance.
But if they can’t, they must disfellowship and expel Joseph Prince from the Christian Community if he still chooses to remain unrepentant.
Allowing a heretic to operate under the official umbrella of the Singapore Church and preaching the false gospel for so many years leading many to their destruction is totally intolerable, unimaginable and starkly going against the scriptures.
Because of the inaction (irresponsibility to be exact) of the Singapore Church leadership (not just the present council but also the past councils throughout all these years; not just the council but also every pastor in the Singapore Church, including myself) to deal with Joseph Prince, it has somewhat caused his heresies to spread to the nations worldwide. Germany, which Timo Giesmann hails from (see below for his article) is just one of these nations.
Do we, as leaders of the Singapore Church even feel responsible to start with? Are we going to remain apathetic and pretend that everything is as normal? Are we so afraid of rocking the boat that we have become paralyzed to what needs to be put right? Can we be true to our conscience for failing to act for all these past 25 years and still refusing to act? Have we forgotten that Joseph Prince hails from our own nation of Singapore? So cleaning up the heretical dirt in our own backyard is our basic duty and obligatory responsibility. Period!
Continue reading Rev George Ong
Sunday, September 13, 2020
10 Common Unbiblical Beliefs in the Contemporary Church
by JOSEPH MATTERA
As an observer and participant in the broader body of Christ since 1978, I have heard many things communicated that I deem unbiblical. Many of these teachings are so commonly believed or assumed that the average Christian embraces them without examining the Scriptures.
The following are some of the more common erroneous beliefs:
1. Salvation and a decision for Christ at an altar are the same.
One of the most common misconceptions I have observed in the church today is the fact that folks think that if a person repeats "the sinner's prayer" or responds to an altar call, they are "saved." This is problematic, since we may be giving false hope to the respondent by reassuring them of their salvation, when in fact they may not really be saved.
Also, nowhere in the Bible does it say that merely saying words ensures salvation. Furthermore, the altar call is a modern development in the evangelical church that arose out of the methodology employed by evangelists who appealed to the masses to come to the altar to receive Christ (or to "walk up the sawdust trail). Though there is nothing wrong with this approach that identifies those who want to give their life to Christ (so people can get their names, pray with them and follow them up), it is not the same as salvation.
Scripture is clear that both the heart and the mouth have to confess Jesus is Lord (see Rom.10:9-10), and Paul the apostle regularly echoed the word of John the Baptist when he said to bring forth fruit proving your repentance (see Acts 26:20, Matt. 3:8). Hence, making an emotionally motivated "decision" to ask Jesus in your life is a good step, but a truly converted person will bear fruit, proving they really gave their life over to Jesus. (See also 1 John 3:9.) I used to say that "hundreds got saved tonight" when I was referring to an altar call response of masses of people; now I merely say, "hundreds made 'decisions for Christ,'" since, after all these years, I am now very careful to distinguish between a "decision" and a "conversion" experience.
2. Worship is just singing songs.
I have learned that the mere singing of words to a song doesn't amount to worship. Jesus also said that people can honor Him with their lips while their hearts are far from Him (see Mark 7:6-8).
True worship includes blessing the Lord with all your soul (see Ps. 103) which implies that your whole heart, mind and soul—your whole being—is willingly bowing before the lordship of Christ while adoring and worshipping the Godhead. (See Rev. 4.)
True worship also implies obedience which is why Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will obey My commandments" (see John 14:15). Consequently, I have known many persons either on worship teams and or people in church who—during the worship segment of the church service—displayed exuberant praise and worship, yet their private life was anything but submitted to God.
3. Repentance is crying at the altar.
I have seen countless people making "altar calls" week after week, crying as they came up. The average believer thinks that this is a sign of repentance; however, the word "repentance" has to do with a mindset change, a change of thinking, more than an emotional experience. I have learned that unless a person changes the way they think about God, their hearts will never be transformed by His power. Even Esau could not find repentance, even though he sought it with crying and tears! (See Heb. 12:17.)
4. We should say prayers.
Nowhere in the Bible does it say to merely "say" prayers. But everywhere, in both testaments, is a command to "seek God". God discloses Himself to the seekers—not just to the casual inquirers. (See Ps. 42, 63; Matt. 6:7,33; Heb. 11:6.)
5. God only expects us to give a tenth of our finances.
Tithing is only a principle handed down from God to Adam and to his offspring, which is why Abel gave God a first-fruit offering (see Gen. 4) and Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all gave God a tithe. This was reiterated again in the Law of Moses (Lev. 27) and in the prophets (Mal. 3) and taught in the New Testament (see Matt. 23, Heb. 7.)
That being said, when Jesus came He did not focus on a mere tithe—He commanded His disciples to surrender everything they had to Him (see Luke 14: 26-33.) This passage alone should dispel the notion that God only requires a tenth.
Nothing less than a total heart surrender of everything we are and have is expected by the Lord Jesus Christ (see Phil. 3, 2 Cor. 5:15). Consequently, although it is still important to set at least 10 percent aside to give to God, it doesn't mean you can do what you want with the other 90 percent. The earth is the Lord's, and He demands proper stewardship and obedience regarding what we do with 100 percent of our finances and possessions—not merely 10 percent.
6. The church is a meeting place.
Christians continually refer to buildings that house church services as "the church"—which is why when going to said building, they say, "We are going to church". This in spite of the fact that Scripture teaches that His people are the church and that each believer makes up the temple of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Cor. 3:16,12.).
We need to change our language to agree with the reality that the building or cathedral we meet in is not the church but merely houses the body of Christ for corporate worship, biblical instruction and the Lord's Supper.
7. Ministers are only in the church place.
The word "minister" simply means servant. Since we are all called to be servants of God, we are all ministers of God—irrespective of whether or not we are in full-time church ministry. Whatever job you have, your employer is paying you (whether they know it or not) to be a minister of God, representing Him to the particular entity where you work.
8. Eternal life begins when we die physically.
While many believers talk about going to heaven to be with God for eternity the truth of the matter is: eternal life begins the moment somebody receives Christ here on earth (see John 3:16-19, 5:24). Consequently, we can begin to enjoy the abundant (eternal) life now while living on earth!
9. The larger the church, the more influence it has.
The fact of the matter is, our nation has never had more megachurches, while at the same time, Christianity has never had as little impact on culture as it does today. Hence, there is not necessarily a correlation between the size of a church and its impact on the surrounding community.
There are even small to mid-sized churches that have far more impact on a community than megachurches that are only concerned with attracting their neighbors for church growth and care not about the conditions of the communities of the unchurched.
10. There is no need for a true Christian to confess their sins.
There is an unbiblical teaching going around in some hyper-grace circles that, once a person is born again, they never need to confess another sin since Jesus paid the price for all sins, past, present and future. While it is true that Jesus paid for the sins of believers—past, present and future—we need to continually live a life of true repentance and apply the blood of Jesus to our life after we sin. Even as the apostle John told all believers "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
The apostle James also admonishes believers to "Confess your faults one to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed" (see James 5:16a). If anyone teaches that Christians can live the rest of their life with unconfessed, un-repented-of sin—after grieving the Holy Spirit of God (see Eph. 4:30), then I do not know what Bible they are reading, but it is not the same one as I!
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Todd Bentley Scandal Reveals Bigger Problem: 2 Demonic Spirits Roam the Church Freely Todd Bentley Scandal Reveals Bigger Problem: 2 Demonic Spirits Roam the Church Freely
The uniting of two sinister forces, hyper-grace and hyper-love, has created a ferocious monster that is devastating lives.
I believe there are two evil, powerful and seductive demonic spirits that are roaming freely in churches all over the world, and people are celebrating them, promoting them and imparting them into millions of others. These spirits, dark and crafty entities that have already caused extreme destruction in innumerable people, are: hyper-grace and hyper-love.
The reason I call these two mindsets, philosophies and theologies "spirits" is simple: Satan has devised a scheme to deceive the church to such a degree that people believe themselves to be radical followers of Jesus while living in such a way that disqualifies them from an eternity with Jesus. Those infected by hyper-grace and hyper-love are at great risk, with many of them already surrendering their salvation and many others moving in that direction.
I was at Jimmy Swaggart's confession in 1988. I helped give leadership to a city-wide prayer movement with Ted Haggard approximately 15 years ago. My wife and I had a private meeting with Todd Bentley in Lakeland in 2008. All three had a powerful, undeniable anointing. All three failed dramatically. Hyper-grace didn't restore them. Hyper-love didn't remedy the destruction.
(If you'd like more details on the current crisis, read a Charisma News article titled "Revivalist Todd Bentley Accused of 'Sexual Perversion' With Male, Female Interns," that was released yesterday HERE.)
I remember John Bevere sharing the story of him visiting Jim Bakker in prison. John asked Jim, "When did you stop loving God?" Jim shocked John Bevere by saying, "I never stopped loving God. I stopped fearing God."
Hyper-Love
For a closer view into this topic of hyper-love, read one of my more popular articles titled, "The Great Love Deception: A False-Love Movement Is on the Rise," here.
When we encounter love, we will be presented with a view of God that is quite different than what we previously understood to be true. God's love can be expressed in a very direct, uncomfortable way that breaks you and may even wonder how a loving God could act that way. God's expression of love will often put you at risk, threaten you and trouble you. —"The Great Love Deception: A False-Love Movement Is on the Rise"
I'll say it loud, clear and repeatedly until it's finally received: The love of God that results in glorious breakthrough and warm feelings, no matter how great the revelation, is not nearly enough to keep us calibrated with the heart and expectations of God. (Yes, contrary to the love camp, God absolutely has expectations. If you read your Bible, you can't miss them.)
I've heard from countless people, most of them wonderful yet deceived, that all we need to do, whether in evangelism, in our personal relationship with Jesus, in ministry or in any place in our life is to focus on God's love. Reveal God's love. Preach God's love. Grow in understanding of God's love. Go deep in God's love. Meditate on God's love. Study about God's love. Minister God's love.
I'll be the first to say that I agree we have the glorious opportunity to do what they are campaigning for. Going deep in revelation of God's love will mark us, transform us and overwhelm us. God's love is powerful beyond description. However, it's not enough.
The fear of God is critical (and fear here doesn't always translate as reverence. It's also translated as terror in places.) We must embrace both God's kindness and severity. We must minister both.
Someone mentioned to me that God would forgive him if he starts dating a girl who wants to have sex prior to marriage. He knew that this sin was wrong, but he didn't believe it was a big deal, and God certainly wouldn't send anybody to hell over it. He argued he could just ask for forgiveness later, and all would be well.
While most might not be as brazen as this young man, millions would actually agree with him. The percentages of people who profess Christ while also living in sexual sin is staggering. Fornication, pornography, lust, adultery and other sinful lifestyles are a pandemic in the church. A misunderstanding of God's love has led to this. The Bible is clear on just what appropriate love looks like in this case:
But I have written to you not to keep company with any man who is called a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner. Do not even eat with such a person.
For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But God judges those who are outside. Therefore "put away from among yourselves that wicked person" (1 Cor. 5:11-13).
True love protects the flock, and true love trusts God's wisdom. True love obeys God even when it doesn't feel like the humanized love so many have adopted.
When leaders are the ones in sin, love demands we handle it immediately. Ministry must stop for that individual. Restoration into the ministry is not the next step. It's possible they will never step behind a pulpit again. That's okay. Ministry has become an idol for too many. True love will expose that in someone's heart and deal with it.
True repentance is so rare today. I am waiting for the day the failed minister is more broken over the lives he destroyed than he is endeavoring to start preaching again. That is true love in action.
Hyper-Grace
My article "Five Marks of the False-Grace Message" is my most read ever, and the most scrutinized. Read it here.
We as Christians are not exempt from judgment or from the repercussions of sin. If we are in Christ, there is no condemnation, but if we are deceived by false theology into thinking we are in Christ, while actually living in disobedience, we are in trouble. We are not in Christ and there is condemnation. No salvation. The wrath of God remains on us. False-grace doctrine is eternally deadly. There are many people following Jesus today in an unsaved condition. —"Five Marks of the False-Grace Message"
When you add the deception of hyper-love to hyper-grace, a rampant theology that actually encourages Christians not to confess sin, you have a two-headed monster that is bringing widespread destruction to the church.
Those who subscribe to both deceptions promote God's love and forgiveness to the exclusion of his severity, and they believe God is indifferent to sin. This monster creates the perfect environment for sin to be nurtured, and to kill.
"Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin; and when sin is finished, it brings forth death" (James 1:15).
So, the response to sin is tepid. The threat is wildly minimized.
Instead of a severe and immediate response to sin, "love" and "grace" is enacted, believing all is well and that is all that's necessary to see happy restoration take place. This fallacy has put millions in the path of unrepentant ministers and has caused many of those millions to adopt doctrines of demons as a result.
When true love and true grace are in play, it looks very different than the passive, mild response we see today. People presume that we are all sinners (we are not) and that we all sin daily (we should not) and therefore the sexual sin, sins of leadership, unforgiveness, lust, greed and any other number of evil acts are minimized, deemed benign. In reality, unrepentant, unresolved sin is eternally deadly, especially for Christians.
For if we willfully continue to sin after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation, which will devour the adversaries (Heb. 10:26-27).
False-love coupled with false grace will rip people to shreds spiritually. It's already seduced untold numbers of people.
I want to encourage you to read a bold, sobering and tear-driven message from Jeremiah Johnson regarding the recent controversy regarding Todd Bentley and Rick Joyner. It was written with much prayer and fasting, and the message it contains will have us all trembling in the fear of the Lord. You can read the message titled, "An Open Letter To The Body Of Christ 8/26/19," here.
To hear more on hyper-grace, listen to Michael Brown's two podcasts on the matter.
John Burton has been developing and leading ministries for over 25 years and is a sought out teacher, prophetic messenger and revivalist. John has authored ten books, is a regular contributor to Charisma Magazine, has appeared on Christian television and radio and directed one of the primary internships at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City. A large and growing library of audio and video teachings, articles, books and other resources can be found on his website at www.burton.tv. John, his wife Amy and their five children live in Branson, Missouri.
Saturday, June 15, 2019
Francis Chan Calls Out Artificial 'Moves of God,' Says He's Done Playing Games
Pastor Francis Chan says he's tired of man-made revivals and warned the church that there's no time for "playing games" any more. Chan's comments came during a February 6 speech at Liberty University's Convocation gathering.
Chan, an avid surfer, compared man-made revivals to a wave pool—controlled and fun, but ultimately predictable and artificial. He says he came to that realization while visiting a wave pool in Waco, Texas.
"One of my favorite things to do on this earth is to surf," Chan says. "So I just go, 'OK, what is this wave pool like?' And it was really cool. It just showed these people playing on this wave that comes in and I thought 'That's kind of cool. Like every 30 seconds, you know.' Because usually when you surf, you paddle out in the water [and] you don't know if a wave is coming or not. You kind of assume, you kind of see some things, but there's so much unknown. I thought 'That's so nice. You can just paddle out to this one spot in this pool and know what wave is going to come, and you know when it's going to peak and then it's going to die out, and you just paddle back out to the exact same spot over and over and over again. That's pretty fun.'
"It's so different than going in the ocean, where it's like, 'Gosh, I don't know if something huge is going to come.' There have been times where we've driven for like an hour and just sat in the water—nothing happened. ... There's so many things that can happen in the ocean. And I thought, 'This is so nice. You can just go to a wave pool and you won't have any fear.'
"And when I looked at that thing, I thought, 'Gosh, you know, this is what church services sometimes feel like to me.' It's like this wave that you can create. You know at 9:15 this is going to happen, and you know at 9:20, and then you know at 9:40 it's going to start dying out because it has to. It's just going to happen. And you can do it over and over and over again. And I feel like for many years I've been content with that, because it's fun and everyone's having a good time. But man, don't you read the Scriptures and go 'Gosh, there was so much that was unpredictable'? Where it really was a move from God. It wasn't mad-made. It wasn't this man-made wave, but things would happen that were out of your control."
Chan says he is done with artificial moves of God and instead said he craves an authentic move of the Holy Spirit.
"I've been praying that this would be something that is not man-made, because I feel like I know how to make a wave in a room," Chan says. "And I'm just done with it. There's just no time for that anymore. I'm just done playing games."
Monday, February 18, 2019
Rethinking "Grace Only" OR "OSAS" Doctrine by Jonah Lee
My concern
I believe the divisions among the members of the Body of Christ could be reduced should we put aside those unending controversial subject for the common good. For a long time I felt that the 'Grace Only' doctrine was just such a division and should be ignored. However, the more I encounter this doctrine the more it concerns me. My conviction is that if a disagreement in doctrine does not affect salvation or the truth in the Scripture such as rapture predictions or speaking in tongues etc then it's a minor issue and best left alone. However, in recent years, this doctrine has taken to the extreme by some mega-preachers and I believe it does concern salvation and therefore should be addressed and should not be ignored.
The doctrine of 'Grace Only' often goes hand in hand with the doctrine of 'Saved by Faith Alone'. It claims that to deny eternal security is to endorse a “faith plus works” salvation system. My concern with this doctrine is that it uses biblical truth to do away with another biblical truth. Many have fell for it because it appealed to their self esteem and that they do not need to repent and get holy before a Holy God!
My personal encounter
Back in 1987, I was helping a pastor friend of mine to organize a miracle crusade in Miri, Sarawak, East Malaysia. The crusade was a huge success. Each night, thousands of people came from all over the state by the busloads, and hundreds of them had responded to the call for salvation. Many that came were healed of their diseases, and demons were driven out from possessed men and women. During the crusade, I had the opportunity to pray for a demon possessed man. Even though, I was afraid but yet excited at the same time to see Jesus working through me. The demons were eventually subdued and cast out from the man. This was my first spiritual encounter, awesome but scary experience. After the crusade ended, we followed up with the people on the decision cards that were collected during the altar call. They were subsequently invited to our Sunday service on the following week. Much to our dismay, only one who actually came to the service. We have no clue, why they wouldn't come to our service, since these people had given their lives to the Lord and have said the sinners prayer. They had witnessed the miraculous power of God, yet they would not want to integrate into the fellowship.
I can still remember the disappointment on the pastors' face. All the efforts seemed in vain. The moment of jubilant had turned into absolute disappointment. We were puzzled by the flippant attitudes and we did not know what exactly went wrong? This question has always lingered at the back of my mind while I seek to understand the reason behind this experience.
Why are those who responded to the gospel so flippant?
After years of seeking and observation, I came to realize that it is a common phenomenon among the churches across the world. Then, I came across the writing of Ray Comfort. In his book, Bride of Heaven, Pride of Hell he quoted the statistics of a major denomination in the United States which disclosed that it has obtained an incredible 294,784 decisions for Christ in 1990. Yet, in 1991, it could only find 14,337 in a Christian fellowship. There were about 280,447 decisions that couldn't be accounted for. The leadership had no clue as to why this has happened but could only conclude, "Something is wrong!” The trend continued.
In August 1996 a leading US denomination revealed that during 1995 it secured 384,057 decisions, but retained only 22,983 in the fellowship. It couldn't account for 361,074 supposed conversions. Ray told of another crusade in which 600 decisions were obtained, no doubt with much rejoicing. But 90 days later, follow-up workers couldn't even find one person who was going on in his or her faith. In 1991 in Cleveland, Ohio, 400 decisions were obtained in an Inner City Outreach, but, again later not one person could be found to continue in the faith.
This phenomenon is not unique to the US or my experience in Miri crusade. According to Ray, a pastor in Boulder, Colorado sent a team to Russia in 1991 and secured 2,500 decisions. The next year they found only 30 persevering in their faith. In Leeds, England, a visiting U.S. speaker acquired 400 decisions for a local church. However, six weeks later only two continued on and eventually they too fell away. A pastor who traveled to India every year since 1980 told Ray he saw 80,000 decision cards stacked in a hut in the city of Rajamundry which were the "results" of past evangelistic crusades. But he maintained that one would be fortunate to find even 80 Christians in the entire city. That is 1/10 of 1%.
Ray quotes Charles E. Hackett, the Division of Home Missions National Director for the Assemblies of God in the US: "A soul at the altar does not generate much excitement in some circles because we realize approximately 95 out of every 100 will not become integrated into the church. In fact, most of them will not return for a second visit." Ray's emphasis is that we don't tell the truth - again fraud and deceit - when bringing people to Christ. As a result, the seed is scattered on stony ground and though received with rejoicing the person falls away quickly in times of difficulty and/or persecution.
What has gone wrong?
Why is the gospel no longer effective to our generation? Or is there something wrong with the manner in which the gospel is presented?
Richard Owens Roberts, President of Awakening Ministries says, the hindrance to revival is equally as great when over-confidence is placed in overt responses. That the Holy Spirit is powerful enough to totally and permanently transform a person in an immediate response to a partial truth is not questioned. That this is the normal way the Spirit works is certainly not the case. In the ministry of Jesus, the bulk of the permanent responses, came as a result of years of discipling. The records of those who had a one time exposure to a tidbit of truth and were eternally saved are scarce.
What he tried to point out is on partial truth sermons. Most of today's sermons are so brief and so shallow that almost any truth conveyed is incomplete. Some preachers even focus on miracles and external experiences rather than inner convictions from the word. Surely there is wisdom we found in the practice of the founding fathers who preached for days, even weeks, before issuing any call for overt (open) responses.
In Jeremiah the Lord laments, "For from the least of them even to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for gain, and from the prophet even to the priest everyone deals falsely. And they have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, saying, 'Peace, peace,' but there is no peace“ - Jeremiah 6:13,14.
These words are certainly true today and their application perfectly clear. Because of greed for gain, whether it be the love of money, the love of power, the love of acclaim, the love of crowds, the love of success everyone deals falsely. We have witnessed this across the globe in some of the most successful ministries. Their focus is on abundance living, prosperity, numbers and kingdom now. In these ministries sin is not a matter to be dealt with, often they claim this has been taken care of at the cross. Many that have been pronounced healed are superficial and still dying from the cancer of sin. In recent history (20 years) many of these preachers have been exposed publicly of the sins they embraced.
Is the modern day gospel preached and taught strictly according to the gospel of the LORD JESUS CHRIST? Or has it been presented on partial or selective truth from the word of God?
We often hear the “Grace Only” doctrine that says salvation is by belief alone, therefore, it requires no work or responsibility on the part of the believer and once saved always saved as the only doctrinal truth. Any opponents of this doctrine are considered as heretics by its supporters.
Is this the whole counsel of the gospel of Jesus and the Apostles, that is my question?
Before I continue to elaborate further, let me qualify my above statement. I've not been anyway influenced by any specific theological beliefs. I have no theological background in that I mean I've not attended any seminary or bible school that adopt the theology of Calvinism or Arminianism, though I'm from a Pentecostal background. To me, I'm just a simple bible believing Christian who believes everything that the Bible says. Even so, in my 38 years of walking with the Lord and being taught by the Holy Spirit, I find this doctrine defective, leaving a major portion of the Scripture unattended in supporting of its view.
For example in James 2:18-24-26, it says that faith without works is worthless: but someone will say, You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith from my works. You believe that there is one God, you do well; even the demons believe and tremble. But will you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Do you see how faith worked with his works, and from the works faith was made complete? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness, and he was called the friend of God." You see then how a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
In view of the above scripture, it is clear that we cannot show salvation by faith alone without the evidence of a working faith. Works are the byproduct or the consequences of faith. It is the evidence of our belief that results in action. James 2:15-17, if a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. True faith demonstrates itself by works of love.
Yet, we also read in Romans 4:2-5, For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness. So how then is someone justified, by faith or by works? Abraham was justified before men by his works but justified before God by his faith. Faith does result in works if it is indeed the true and justifying kind.
The works mentioned in the above passage cannot be in reference to "works of the law" as the law of Moses did not even exist as yet during Abraham's time. Therefore, we are not saved by works at all of any kind except by the work of Jesus Christ Himself through the Spirit of God! Titus 3:5, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Hebrews 9:14, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Read Hebrews 11 about faith that produces works.
What about Grace?
In Eph 2:8-10 (KJV) For by grace (kindness) are ye saved (deliver or protect) through faith (persuasion); and that not of yourselves: it is the gift (present) of God: Not of works (man's deed), lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works (benefit deed), which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
We cannot be justified by a faith that doesn't work. But yet, neither can we be justified by faith and works. Romans 11:6, And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. Once we attempt to add works to grace we have denied God's grace that is received by faith. Then how are we justified? By faith which works! James 2:22, Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? Faith did the works through Abraham. We are saved only by faith. However, that faith is a fruitfully productive one which is spurred by love.
Rom 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth (to have faith or entrust one's spiritual well being to Christ); to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith (persuasion: moral conviction).
Belief does not result only in knowledge but conviction. Having faith alone in Jesus Christ for our salvation means that we are believing only Jesus can save us. It also means we are not placing our faith in anyone or anything else, not even in our own works, for salvation. Our so call good works that initiated by the self are filthy rags in the eyes of God (Isaiah 64:6). The only work that is acceptable to God is to have faith in Jesus to save us, thereafter, produces good works that ordained by Him through the inner working of His Spirit that motivates by His love (1 Corinthians 13).
How do we receive GRACE?
By repentance, believing the gospel and be baptized and followed Him. Mark 1:15, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God draws near. Repent, and believe the gospel. Be Baptized - Matthew 3:11, I indeed baptize you with water to repentance. But He who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Follow Him - Matthew 8:22, But Jesus said to him, follow Me.
Let me put this to you, how do we receive grace, if we don’t really understand the gospel? If we don’t receive the whole counsel of the gospel? If we don’t know the requirement of salvation?
In order to qualify the four steps of salvation we need to truly understand the testaments of the Old and New. We must not believe that the entire Old Testament is obsolete, it is the covenant that abides by the law that is obsolete. The OT explains why the NT is needed in order to fulfill the eternal purpose of God. The moral law, attributes of God and prophecy are still intact, only the covenant has been changed.
Why I say this is because the way we present God is utmost important: what we hear and perceive made out of what we know. What we know depends on what is being presented to us. The presentation has to depend on how much we understand about God. A W Tozer has this to say, a local church will only be as great as its conception of God. An individual Christian will be a success or a failure depending upon what he or she thinks of God. It is critically important that we have knowledge of the Holy One, that we know what God is like. The Attributes of God, 41,42.
I'm fully convinced that God is not the author of confusion. There is no contradiction in the scripture against another scripture. Most of the erroneous doctrine come from men due to their preconceived ideas about God in their hearts and that is what they belief. Jer 17:9-10The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins (mind), even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Conditions of the heart
Jesus warn us in this parable: Some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. It means that not all who received the gospel would be successful in their faith it depends very much on the conditions of their hearts. Unless the rock and thorns are removed from the heart the seeds (word) have no chance of surviving - Read Mat 13:18-23 for the explanation of this parable.
Good or corrupt tree is know by the fruit because the fruit is the result of the natural process
Matthew 7:16-18, Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruits, nor can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. By their fruits you shall know them! 1 Titus 6:5 Perverse disputing of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness (bad fruit): from such withdraw thyself. 2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God (bad fruit)…
How do we remove the stones and thorns from the heart?
What was the first sermon that Jesus preached? From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent! For the kingdom of Heaven is at hand - Mat 4:17. I tell you, No. But unless you repent, you will all likewise perish - Luke 13:3 Apostle Paul says in Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His kindness (grace), and the forbearance and long-suffering, not knowing that the kindness (graciousness) of God leads you to repentance? Repentance is the key for the removal of the stones and thorn in the heart.
How do we repent?
Repentance in Greek: metanoia means compunction – feeling of shame and regret about doing something wrong (for guilt, including reformation); by implication reversal (of [another’s] decision.
First, it involves feeling of guilt
A feeling of regret or contrition for having done something wrong.
Secondly, it involves emotion – a strong sentiment
Contrition, regret, remorse, penitence, feels sorry, shame, compunction.
Thirdly, it requires actions to correct the wrong
Atonement, admission of guilt, be apologetic, make right from wrong, recompense, reparation, amends.
Reformation means: The act of reforming, or the state of being reformed; change from worse to better; correction or amendment of life, manners, or of anything vicious or corrupt; as, the reformation of manners; reformation of the age; reformation of abuses. This requires work to make it right from wrong.
Many has stopped short at the third requirement
The 'Grace Only' doctrine says repentance simply means a change of mind, no work is required on the part of the believers for salvation! Does this means the believers need not to obey the commandments of Jesus for salvation? Read this,
Matthew 3:8 (ALT) "Therefore, bears fruit worthy [fig., as evidence] of repentance." Act 26:20 (KJV) .... that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. The word meet means: axios - deserving, comparable or suitable, worthy.
Bearing fruit worthy of repentance is a life long process it does not mean just once during salvation by repeating a prayer or a change of mind at some point. We need to correct the wrong like Zaccheus. Luke 19:8-9 And Zaccheus stood and said to the Lord, Behold, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor. And in anything I accused anyone falsely, I restore it fourfold. And Jesus said to him, This day salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness because of his faith shown by his works - James 2.
We do need the Law
I put it to you: Do we need grace when there is no law? How could we understand grace without the law? Without the law how could we know and recognize our trespasses?
Jesus came to fulfill the law not to abolish the law. Matthew 5:17-20, Do not think that I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to destroy but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, Till the heaven and the earth pass away, not one jot or one tittle shall in any way pass from the Law until all is fulfilled. Therefore whoever shall relax one of these commandments, the least, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of Heaven. But whoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
This is one of the most important scripture in the gospel that repel the notion that Law is no longer valid for the NT believers. The word fulfill in Greek means: pleroo - to make replete that is abundantly supplied. The word commandments entole means injunction that is an authoritative prescription of an act or order. The Moral Law in the OT was never meant to be destroyed but to be complete by Jesus. The following verses explain further:
Mat 5:21-24 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Mat 5:27-29 You have heard that it was said to the ancients: "Do not commit adultery." But I say to you, Everyone looking at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. But if your right eye offends you, take it out and throw it from you, for it is profitable to you that one of your members should perish and all your body not be thrown into Hell.
"The commandment of Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law"
Luke 6:46 And why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say? John 14:15 If you love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me. And he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him. John 14:23-24 Jesus answered and said to him, If a man loves Me, he will keep My Word. And My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My Words, and the Word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me.
The second scripture is found in Romans 3:23-28,31 (MKJV) which is written by the Apostle Paul, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, being justified (to render just or innoncent) freely by His grace (kindness) through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God has set forth to be a propitiation (an atoning victim) through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness through the passing by of the sins that had taken place before, in the forbearance of God; for the display of His righteousness at this time, for Him to be just and, forgiving the one being of the faith of Jesus. Then where is the boasting? It is excluded. Through what law? Of works? No, but through the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the works of the Law. Do we then make the Law void through faith? Let it not be! But we establish (stand, hold up, abide, continue) the Law.
Law and Grace are related to the Flesh and Spirit.
Romans 8:1-7, there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally (flesh, human nature) minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity (hostile or hatred) against God: for it is not subject (obey or submit) to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Galatians 5:16-25; 6:7-8, But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (for the works of the flesh are lawless). And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (grace requires the flesh to be crucified) If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sow, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Ephesians 4:22 For you ought to put off the old man (according to your way of living before) who is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.
Matthew Henry says, how may we know whether we are after the flesh or after the Spirit? By examining what we mind, the things of the flesh or the things of the spirit. Carnal pleasure, worldly profit and honor, the things of sense and time, are the things of the flesh, which unregenerate people mind. The favor of God, the welfare of the soul, the concerns of eternity, are the things of the Spirit, which those that are after the Spirit do mind. The man is as the mind is. The mind is the forge of thoughts. As he thinketh in his heart, so is he, Proverbs 23:7.
Grace and Predestination
Grace comes with a heavy price not of the recipient but of the donor. Since He is the donor He has every right to grant grace to whomever He delights. Eph 1:4-6 according as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined (predetermine) us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, in which He has made us accepted in the One having been loved.
However, predestination does not mean the will of man become obsolete. The infinite and timeless God knows the ways of man and He knows who will eventually belongs to Him. Though, we may be chosen by Him due to His kindness, but the choice belongs to us either to accept or reject His grace. Grace is bestow to everyone who entrust their lives to Christ and serve Him - John 3:16-21, Joshua 24:15.
Views on the Usage of Law by the Founding Fathers of Faith
“Evermore the law must prepare the way for the gospel. To overlook this in instructing souls, is almost certain to result in a false hope, the introduction of a false standard of Christian experience, and to fill the Church with false converts…. Time will make this plain.” - Charles Finney“They will never accept grace until they tremble before a just and holy law” - Charles Spurgeon
“The man who does not know the nature of the law, cannot know the nature of sin.” “And he who does not know the nature of sin, cannot know the nature of the Savior.’ - John Bunyan
“The correct understanding of the harmony between Law and Grace, is to preserve oneself from being entangled by errors on the right hand and on the left.” - John NewtonWhen speaking of those who did not use the law as a schoolmaster…..
“All this proceeds from the deepest ignorance of the natures, properties, and use of the law. And proves that those that act thus, either know not Christ, or are stranger to living faith, or at least, are but babes in Christ and as such unskilled in the word of righteousness - John Wesley, he
suggested we should use 90% law and 10% grace
“Those that would know sin must get the knowledge of the law in its strictness, extent and spiritual nature.” (When speaking of using the law as a schoolmaster) “Of this excellent use of the law; it converts the soul, opens the eyes, prepares the way of the Lord….” - Matthew Henry“The first duty of the gospel preacher is to declare the Law and show the nature of sin.” - Martin Lurther
“the highest service to which man may attain on earth, is to preach the law of God.” - John Wycliff
The Usage of Law by the Jesus
Luke 18:18-23, And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. Jesus exposed his heart with the tenth commandments (Law of Moses). He kept all the nine but failed the ten and he broke all. “Thou shalt not covet”.{Covet: ‘khaw-mad' means to delight in: - beauty, greatly beloved, covet, delectable thing, delight, desire, goodly, lust, (be) pleasant (thing), precious (thing)}
Luke 18:24-30, And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. (Peter demonstrates his faith by his work to forsake all and followed Jesus) And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.
The law exposes sin
Apostle Paul said without the law sin is unknown to us - Romans 7:7. Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it - though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2 Cor 6:1, 7:8-10 (ESV)
MODERN-DAY GOSPEL
Often promise of happiness: love, joy, peace fulfillment. Jesus is here to improve our living standard in this present world. Love, joy, peace is legitimate of salvation but it's not legitimate to use these fruits as a draw-cart for salvation. If we did, we are only hurting the people that we are trying to save! Good and lasting fruit can only be produced by true repentance.
Therefore, if we continue to preach and teach Jesus "IMPROVES OUR LIFE", we will reap the consequences of it. Instead. we must warn them of the inevitable judgment. Hebrew 9:27 and as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. It is imperative to understand THE HORRIFIC CONSEQUENCES OF BREAKING GOD’S LAW. When that is understood, the lost come to Christ solely to flee from the wrath to come and that will produce TRUE REPENTANCE.
“Salvation comes through repentance and it unlocks the door to our soul to receive the grace of God”.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer says this: Nothing can be crueler than the leniency which abandons others to their sins. Nothing can be more compassionate than the severe reprimand which calls another Christian in one's community back from the path of sin. James says, My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins (James 5:19-20)
The confused doctrine
I've come across people that defended the 'GO' and 'OSAS' doctrine by saying the scriptures below are referring to unbelievers and the fulfillment of the will of the Father is simply by believing in Jesus. Thus, this scripture has no bearing to the saved believers.
Matthew 3:8,10; 7:19-23, Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance; And now also, the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree which does not bring forth good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. Not everyone who says to Me, Lord! Lord! shall enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord! Lord! Did we not prophesy in Your name, and through Your name throw out demons, and through Your name do many wonderful works? And then I will say to them I never knew you! Depart from Me, those working lawlessness! (ye that work iniquity - KJV) Work - to toil, labor, minister. Iniquity - illegality, that is, violation of law or generally wickedness: - transgression of the law, unrighteousness.
How can these people call Him Lord if they are not believers? How could they prophesy, cast out demons and do many wonderful works in Jesus' name if these are not believers? The truth is the Lord rejected them because they are workers of iniquity. The meaning is pretty clear. These are ministers of God violating or transgressing the law by acts of unrighteousness. 1 John 3:4, Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness, for sin is lawlessness. Allow me to say this, "Ministries are not above the truth of God". They are subject to God's law. They are sacred solely devoted for His purpose.
The correct understanding of the will of the Father is this: repent and believe in the gospel of Jesus, be baptized in water and Spirit; take up our cross (crucified our flesh), deny ourselves (put nothing else before Him) and follow Him (be His disciples).
Revelation 3:3-6, Remember then how you have received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. The one who overcomes (to subdue, prevail, conquer, get the victory) this one will be clothed in white clothing. And I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. This scripture repel the notion of once saved permanently saved doctrine. The word overcomes means to continue to live in an active faith.
Fallacy of "GRACE ONLY" doctrine
There is no such notion as under grace without first repent and believe in Christ. Justification is through faith but faith does not end up as facts; it requires to produce fruit of good works as the evidence of faith. In Christ we are now under a different kind of law - that is the law of faith and righteousness in the Spirit.
In summary, law is necessary to prepare the way for Salvation. Repentance is an act and attitudes of heart to unlock the door to the soul to receive the grace of God. The grace of God will enable us to live righteously through repentance and faith in Christ. Faith is trusting God to work in us and through us by the Holy Spirit to live a holy (consecrated) life so that He could receive us into His Kingdom. Grace is the fulfillment of the law through Jesus dying on the cross to give us the Christian freedom to be able to live righteously. Therefore, any other system of grace is another gospel.
Php 2:12 (KJV) Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Mat 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him... (not just believe in Him)
John 12:48 The one who rejects Me and does not receive My words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.
Related:
Can God's Love Fade?
Caution: Destined to Reign by Joseph Prince
Destined to Reign book review by Dr Gordon Wong
Biblical Repentance