Author: Don Gerrity

Does Hebrews 10:26-31 prove a person can lose their Salvation?

Don Gerrity Hebrews, Q&A: Difficult Passages, Q&A: Salvation
Does Hebrews 10:26-31 prove a person can lose their Salvation?

“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.” (Hebrews 10:26-30 KJV)

There are many teaching and preaching from pulpit that this verse proves that a believer can lose their Salvation. They are sincere, but sincerely wrong. They are not seeing the context of the entire book of Hebrews. In Hebrews 10:1 we see the writer emphasize the point that the animal sacrifices performed under the Old Covenant never took away sins but only covered their sins for a time period of one year. Each year, this had to happen again to cover another year of sins and so on. It was not a perfect sacrifice for their sins. It was just a temporary covering until the Messiah would come and be the final sacrifice for sins.

“For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.”(Hebrews 10:1 KJV)

This verse starts with the word “for”. It is the same as reading “therefore”. And whenever we see the word ‘therefore‘, we need to find out why it is there for! Hebrews 10:1 is just continuing the conversation and topic from Hebrew 9.

“And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death,for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.” (Hebrews 9:15-17 KJV)

Hebrews 9 is explaining how Christ has replaced the Old Covenant with a NEW Covenant. He replaced the Old Covenant of the Law of Moses with the New Covenant of the Grace of God through Jesus Christ. Under the Old Covenant, the Israelites had to sacrifice unblemished animals as a ‘temporary covering’ for their sins. This covering would last one year and then had to be repeated so that the people’s sin could keep being covered. This sacrificing of animals is a foreshadowing and looking forward to the final sacrifice that God would make on the cross to not just cover, but pay in full all the penalty for all the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). The passage reads the “promise of eternal inheritance” and so how long is eternal? Well, it is everlasting, forever and ever and ever. Anything other than that is not the correct definition.

Now the last part of Hebrews 9 is what leads into Hebrews 10 and this is vitally important. Watch the words closely to see context.

“For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: BUT NOW ONCE in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:26-28 KJV)

This tells us that Jesus sacrifice has replaced the Law with God’s Grace and all who look for His Second Coming (that would be the believers) are saved. His sacrifice was a one time event and animal sacrifices to cover sins was no long required for the Jews. Jesus paid for the sins of the whole world ONCE and our sins have not been temporarily covered like the Old Covenant animal sacrifices; Jesus put away sins in finality by His blood atonement sacrifice on the cross. The sin debt of the whole world has been paid (1 John 2:2). The writer of Hebrews goes on to tell us that when Christ comes at the Second Coming, He is not coming to judge the sins of believers. Only the sins of the unbelievers. It is only those looking for His return in belief that Jesus will return “without sin unto salvation”. Knowing this context, when we reread the first part of Hebrews 10 we see that it is a continuation of this point as it reads,

“For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.” (Hebrews 10:1 KJV)

The Old Covenant animal sacrifices never paid , nor put away, the sins of the Jewish people. Nor can our good works and self righteous efforts. The animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant only gave a covering for sins for one year at a time. Jesus once paid for all the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2) and as Jesus cried out on the cross, ‘IT IS FINISHED’; a debt paid in full. In context, and throughout the book of Hebrews, the writer is addressing the Hebrew believers in Christ and also mentioning unbelievers who were pressuring them. This is not talking about sins we commit as believers after Salvation. It is talking about the sin of unbelief in Christ’s atonement. This is the one and only sin that is not forgivable. Because without belief in Christ and His once for all sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, there is no payment placed to their account. Jesus made this very clear in one short verse in John 3,

“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. “(John 3:18 KJV)

God’s righteousness is not imputed to an unbeliever (2 Cor. 5:17-21). Salvation is a GIFT (Ephesians 2:8-9) and as a GIFT, it can be received and accepted in belief or rejected by our free will (John 3:14-18). Accepting this gift is by believing on Christ as God in the flesh, the only begotten Son of God, and His finished work on the cross. If the gift is received, and not rejected, a person becomes a Newly created Spirit of God, which is the righteousness of God, in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-21) and the person is saved from the very moment of their belief (Ephesians 1:13-14) and has become complete in Christ (Colossians 2). In the Book of Hebrews (in fact looking in all the first 10 chapters), there is only one sin that is mentioned and is the focus of attention and that sin is the sin of unbelief in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, crucified, died and risen as the only atonement for our numerous sins during our lifetime. Why? Because Jesus’ sacrifice replaced the Old Covenant and Law of Moses animal sacrifices with the New Covenant of God’s Grace Through Christ Crucified, died and risen.

To show this by the Book of Hebrews is as simple as going back to chapter 8,

“In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.“(Hebrews 8:13 KJV)

The writer of Hebrews is basically pleading with the Jewish believers to keep their trust in Salvation in Christ and not their own self righteous good deeds, works of the Law nor religious rituals. In context, Hebrews 10, is about not going back to Jewish Law of Moses and trying to make it a requirement of their justification and Salvation. And that under the Law the unbelieving Jews can only expect the judgement and wrath of God. And those believers who do so, will also have judgment (not in condemnation or loss of salvation, but disciplinary judgment and maybe loss of rewards at the Bema Seat Judgement of believers).

The writer continues , in verse 10-14, to show the Jewish people the contrast between the Old Covenant, with continuous sacrifices needed as a covering for sins, and the New Covenant through the FINAL once for all blood atoning sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 10:10) through Jesus Christ crucified; paying for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2).

“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which CAN NEVER TAKE AWAY SINS: But this man, after he had offered ONE SACRIFICE FOR SINS FOR EVER, SAT DOWN on the right hand of God;From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For BY ONE OFFERING he hath PERFECTED FOR EVER them that are sanctified.”(Hebrews 10:10-14 KJV)

This passage makes me shout in my heart ever time I read it! What great love and GRACE has God bestowed on us! A believer is forever (Eternally) perfected in our Spirit. And what is the significance of Christ ‘sitting down’? The High Priest of the Old Covenant was only permitted to stand and was busy to do all the Lord commanded about the animal sacrifices to make sure the sins of the people were covered. Jesus was the once for all penalty payment for all the sins of the whole world from all of time. His work in accomplishing this is finished. It was finished at the cross 2000 years ago. He sat down. And believers are in Christ and so, we sat down with Christ. He is waiting for His enemies to be His footstool now. Just as when kings of the past would go into battle and capture their enemy king when defeated. The king would make the enemy king kneel on all fours and the winning king would place his feet on their back. Jesus has already won the war. And then the writer goes on to make this claim of truth,

“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities WILL I REMEMBER NO MORE. Now where remission of these is, there is NO MORE OFFERING FOR SIN.” (Hebrews 10:16-18 KJV)

So Hebrews verse 1 to 18 are all saying that Jesus paid the full price for the sins of the whole world and replaced the Old Covenant with the New Covenant of Grace, just as John reads in 1 John 2:2. Those who believe on Christ are saved and have eternal life, and are in the present, heaven bound. Our sins cannot prevent that. Only unbelief on Christ will prevent that. Those who tell others, that based on Hebrews 10:26, that a believer can lose Salvation are conveniently omitting all the other verses in Hebrews 9 and 10 and making verse 26 mean something opposite to what it actually means. You can see here just how important reading verses in proper context is. Hebrews 9 and 10 must be read together as the writer intended. This passage in verse 26 reads , “there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” , is what throws people off on the true understanding of this Scripture when taken out of the context of the entire book of Hebrews. This statement is an encouraging statement and not a punitive one. Reading this verse alone and ignoring all the other verses in Hebrews will cause great confusion and turn what it really means into a lie.

The writer of Hebrews is writing to eternally saved believers and about unbelievers who are Jewish persecuting them. Remember, that it was hard for believers at the time Hebrews was written. The Jewish believers on Christ’s final atonement for sin had family and friends entrenched in the tradition of the Law of Moses following for righteousness. These believers were being persecuted and had great pressure to go back to following the Law and relying on animal sacrifices to cover their sins. And that was something the Jewish people were entrenched in and rightfully so before the cross event.

Now back to the verses, used out of context, that some are using to teach wrongly that it is about a believer losing Salvation. Let’s look at it again in the proper context just shown to you.

“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?”(Hebrews 10:26-30 KJV)

I want you to notice something in these few verses and that is the wilful sin is NOT plural. It is addressing a single sin; the sin of unbelief in the sufficiency of Christ’s blood atonement that we read in Hebrews 9. The second use reads as SINS; plural. This is all our sins. The only sacrifice for sins is Jesus’ blood atonement and we are only saved by actually believing it was sufficient to the Father for remission of all our sins.

In verse 26 and 27, the writer is just explaining to these persecuted believers to not go back to the Law animal sacrifices like their Jewish friends and neighbors are pushing them too. It is like committing adultery against Christ and all He did for them! All verse 26 and 27 are meaning is that going back to animal sacrifices and deeds of the Law to remain justified with God is like rejecting the great ONCE FOR ALL sacrifice Christ did for us on that cross. It is meaningless anyway and will not work, because Christ already came and fulfilled the Law and became the final once for all blood atoning sacrifice for all sins.

In comparison to the unbelieving Jews, if they do not rely on Christ alone in faith for Salvation but are doing animal sacrifices to keep themselves saved, there remains no more sacrifice for sins because there is only one sacrifice for sins, and that was Jesus Christ on that cross when He took our sin debt and eradicated it forever! Animal sacrifices do not forgive sin. That is how Chapter Ten starts. It is the very context from the beginning of the chapter. Animal sacrifices before the cross only covered sins until the final sacrifice would come; Jesus, the Messiah on the cross.

The writer goes on to encourage these Jewish believers in Christ, to not go back to animal sacrifices. The writer also warns them that it is a fearful thing for those who are crucifying Jesus afresh by going back to animal sacrifices. It is slapping God in the face when He shed His blood for them to not just cover their sins, but to be the final sacrifice for their sins. It is a warning also for the Jewish people to accept Christ based on faith alone without self righteous deeds and religious rituals to keep you saved. It is God alone who keeps us saved.

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31 KJV)

The writer then tells the believers,

“But WE ARE NOT of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that BELIEVE to the saving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:39 KJV)

The whole misunderstood passage of Hebrews 10:26 is the writer of Hebrews encouraging the persecuted believers to press on in the faith of the New Covenant of God’s Grace Through Jesus Christ and not to be following the Law for righteousness. They started out as strong believers when they got saved but all the persecution is running them down. They feel like hiding from their Jewish family, friends and some started going back into The Law of Moses just to get relief from all the persecution. The writer of Hebrews is encouraging them to stay the course and stand firm in their faith in Christ. He is also warning them of judgment if they go back to animal sacrifices.In the next chapter, Hebrews 11, the writer then recalls the greats in using their faith to encourage them even more to stand firm.

That is the truth of the Gospel of the Grace of God Through Jesus Christ! And it is the BEST NEWS ever for all of us – if we believe on Christ alone for our justification.

 

Related Articles:

Modern Bible Versions Are Corrupt

Don Gerrity Q&A: KJV / KJB Bible Only, Q&A: Modern Bible Corruption
Modern Bible Versions Are Corrupt

Modern Bible Versions Are Corrupt!
Watch Out For Them!


“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” (Psalm 12:6-7 KJV)

We must also be aware that the Bible is under attack. Satan, who succeeded in selling the first “revised” edition of God’s Word to Eve in the Garden of Eden, has surely been busy in this 20th Century along the same lines.

Visit this website for a great article on this truth:

⇒ http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Bible/all_corrupt.htm

The NIV Perverts The Gospel Of Jesus Christ!

Don Gerrity Q&A: KJV / KJB Bible Only, Q&A: Modern Bible Corruption, Q&A: Uncategorized List
The NIV Perverts The Gospel Of Jesus Christ!

This generation has a hunger for perversion. What was perversion just a few years ago, is now “normal”. What was “hiding” in the closet is now “parading” in our streets. Perversion has found a welcome home – from the living room, to the White House; from our churches – to even the word of God!

Our friend Webster, defines “pervert” as 1. to cause to turn aside or away from what is good or true… 2. to twist the meaning or sense of: misinterpret (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, 1977, p.856).

A perfect definition of The New International Version (NIV): “to cause to turn aside or away from what is good or true” and “to twist the meaning or sense of”. If you doubt that, before you start reading this tract – get the NIV and check it as you read this tract!

Read this web page, such an eye opener:
⇒ http://www.av1611.org/niv.html

Are future sins forgiven by Christ on the cross? Can Salvation be lost for sins committed after Salvation?

Don Gerrity Hebrews, Q&A: Salvation
Are future sins forgiven by Christ on the cross? Can Salvation be lost for sins committed after Salvation?

“For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”
(Hebrews 9:26 KJV)

When Jesus was on the cross He cried out “IT IS FINISHED”. In Greek this means “PAID IN FULL”. Jesus did not pay for sins only in the past. If that were true yours and my sins would not even qualify because we are all in the future of the time of the cross. NO no no. Jesus paid for the sins of THE WHOLE WORLD and whosoever will believe and accept the FREE gift of eternal life have been 100% forgiven all the sins of their entire life (past/present/future).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us WITH ALL spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, that we should BE HOLY and WITHOUT BLAME before him in love: Having predestinated us unto 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, wherein HE HATH MADE US ACCEPTED in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1:3-6 KJV)

“For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now ONCE in the end of the world hath he appeared to PUT AWAY sin by the sacrifice OF HIMSELF.” (Hewbrews 9:26 KJV)

In Colossians 2 Apostle Paul wrote,

“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you ALL trespasses; BLOTTING OUT the handwriting of ORDINANCES that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it OUT OF THE WAY, nailing it to his cross;” (Colossians 2:13-14 KJV)

The Greek word translated all in this passage is pas (Strong’s G3956). It means ‘individually, each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything collectively’. This supports the fact that all sins past present and future were forgiven at the cross. And it agrees completely with other Scriptures below.

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that YE BELIEVED, YE WERE SEALED with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the EARNEST (in Greek means ‘downpayment’) of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”
(Ephesians 1:13-14 (brackets added for incite) KJV)

We see this clearly again in this passage of Scripture,

“Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also SEALED US, and given the earnest(in Greek means ‘down payment’) of the Spirit in our hearts.”
(2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (brackets added for incite) KJV)

Jesus offered Himself as a once for all time sacrifice for sin that has made us perfect forever. Forever means what? Well, it means FOREVER! Never to be lost! And then He sat down on the right hand of God. It is finished!

“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:12-14 KJV)

Look what Paul tells us,

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV)

No, Salvation cannot be lost but rewards at Bema Seat can be. You see, as Paul taught us, God has separated the sin from the sinner at the very moment of our Salvation when he wrote:

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth NO GOOD THING: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I FIND NOT. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, BUT SIN THAT DWELLETH IN ME.” (Romans 7:18-20 KJV)

The sin that dwells in us is called ‘the flesh’ and it remains in us until our full and COMPLETE perfection when we receive our new immortal bodies at The Rapture. Until then we have the Holy Spirit within us as our down payment and assurance of our future perfection.

Salvation cannot be lost if it is Salvation the Biblical way and not what men may teach. Salvation is not by good works, being a good person nor following religious rituals.  Read your Bible in proper context and it is clear, Salvation cannot be lost once you are in Christ.

++ How do I get Saved?

Daniel 9:27, Antichrist: Peace Treaty or Alliance Against Israel?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Bible Prophecy & End Times
Daniel 9:27, Antichrist: Peace Treaty or Alliance Against Israel?

“And he shall CONFIRM THE COVENANT WITH MANY FOR ONE WEEK: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.” (Daniel 9:27 KJV)

I keep hearing people say the Antichrist will make a peace treaty with Israel, yet I do not find this in Daniel. What I see is the Antichrist making a STRONG alliance (see original Greek) , an alliance WITH MANY. Even in the original Greek a peace treaty just with Israel is not what Daniel 9 is saying.

“The Hebrew Tenach says “ he will forge (give strength to) a covenant (alliance) with the great ones (Hebrew: rabim – many, strong ones) for one week. So who are these strong ones? If he is giving strength to the alliance against Israel, this alliance may already exist.” (source: https://heavenawaits.wordpress.com/what-kind-of-covenant-will-the-antichrist-really-confirm/)

Notice that even though Daniel 9 gives a timeline to 70 weeks, it does not say Israel is in agreement with the Antichrist. Israel is not really mentioned. A covenant is just an agreement or alliance. It may have nothing to do with peace. Looking at how Muslim nations are ganging up on Israel in this light is quite interesting to me!

Each time Israel has been attacked they win. We are still waiting for the Ezekiel 38 war, where the Bible Prophecy shows us that Israel will win miraculously by God. An alliance against Israel may be the result of such defeat.

When Jesus returns at the Second Coming all the nations He attacks are ALL MUSLIM NATIONS. The entire Book of Zephaniah is about the future Day of the Lord’s return and His judgment on the nations that will be going to war against Israel at that time. This is the Battle of Armageddon.

Zephaniah lists these nations and they can all be found in the Middle East today. In other words, none of them are European. (see http://p2alm.com/2013/09/23/zephaniah-names-the-nations-christ-defeats-upon-his-return-and-none-of-them-are-european/ for details)

The Antichrist will persecute Jews and Christians and all that oppose the Antichrist. How? By beheading. Does that sound like any Middle East group of peoples? Saudi Arabia..ISIS…. yes.. the rising Radical Islam.

Eyes wide open..the stage for this alliance is already starting to form. Israel’s enemies are Muslim nations. Turkey wants to head a Islam Caliphate ..so does Iran. Revelation mentions Turkey (Pergamos is in modern day Turkey) as the seat of Satan:

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.” (Rev 2:12-13 KJV)

The Bible tells us it all starts in Syria. Damascus will become a ruiness heap (Isaiah 17:1). Watch the news. Syria, Russia.. Turkey.. Iran..ISIS… radical Islam.. my oh my how God’s prophecies are coming to pass before our very eyes!

Yet most of the world, even in Christian circles, are unaware.

What Is The Will Of God For My Life?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Christian Living
What Is The Will Of God For My Life?

“Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that YE BELIEVE on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV)

The question of God’s will for our lives as believers is one that many ask and wonder about. We wonder if we are doing the will of God and performing as He wishes. We wonder and pray to God asking things such as:

  • God should I marry this person? Is it your will?
  • What college do you want me to attend? Which one is your will?
  • Should I take this job or the other one? Which is your will?

The list of questions goes on and on. However, is the Will Of God something elusive or hard to understand? We need to turn to the Word Of God to find out what the will of God actually is and we need to understand about the Sovereignty of God in our everyday lives with the Holy Spirit living inside of us.

In John 6 Jesus was asked very directly about the Will Of God for our lives and His answer has a simplicity and beauty to it. “This is the work of God, that YE BELIEVE on him whom he hath sent.” Jesus continues in John 6 and says this as to be very clear and to the point for us:

“And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, AND BELIEVETH ON HIM, may HAVE EVERLASTING :LIFE: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

We can see clearly here two points from Jesus. The first point is that God’s ultimate will every person in the world is to believe on Christ for Salvation from our sins by belief and faith that Jesus Christ is who He said He is throughout His ministry; God in the flesh. And that He lived a sinless life and died on the cross willingly to pay the penalty for our sins. We can also see here the Sovereignty Of God where Jesus states “ that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing”. Were you and I given to Christ back in the time of Jesus’ Earthly ministry? We were not but this speaks of the truth that God foreknew every person that would accept the free gift of Salvation through faith in Christ from the very foundation of the world. Even before you or I were born! God is the great I AM THAT I AM, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having PREDESTINATED us unto 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, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1:3-6 KJV)

God’s Will Is Not An Elusive Thing

God’s will is not such an elusive thing as we may think. It is not meant to be something kept in secret from us. By the Word Of God we are shown the Will Of God and even by the words of Jesus Himself.

Accept Christ Who Is God’s Grace Gift For Our Salvation.

Salvation is Grace ALONE, through FAITH alone in the atonement provided by the Son Of God, Jesus Christ on the cross alone. Jesus tells us the will of God directly Himself! The disciples ask him directly what is the will of God for us. Jesus is thorough in His answer but He never says it is by our deeds nor works! It is BELIEF by faith alone in Jesus Christ!

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

“Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, “This is the work of God, that YE BELIEVE on him whom he hath sent. They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I AM the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that BELIEVETH on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, AND BELIEVETH ON HIM, may HAVE EVERLASTING life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:29-40 KJV)

“For by GRACE are ye saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT of yourselves: it is the GIFT of God: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

Be Thankful And Humble, Wise And Filled With The Spirit, Living In A Holy Pleasing Manner To God

“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” (Luke 6:37 KJV)

Do not judge others as if they are more a sinner than you after your Salvation. Please brothers and sisters in Christ, know this; God hates a haughty spirit. God hates the sin of pride.

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18 KJV)

Avoid wrongdoing and instead be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit who works and guides you in your life and by The Word Of God.

“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” (Ephesians 5:17-20 KJV)

It is the Will Of God that we live Holy lives and pressing forth to do what is right and in a forgiving manner. See how Christ lived and what He did in circumstances in the Bible, and do the same in how we treat others.

“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 KJV)

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” (Colossians 3:13 KJV)

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32 KJV)

“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” (Luke 17:3-4 KJV)

Abide In Christ And His Word

Abide in Christ and His words by reading the Bible for the renewing of your mind from the worlds view (the lie) to God’s view (the truth) so that your inner being is so changed that God’s good works flow outward into your life because you believe right. God then places desires in you to accomplish good works he has prepared for you to do FROM Salvation and renewal (not good works for Salvation).

“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. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (John 15:5-8 KJV)

“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. SANCTIFY THEM THROUGH THY TRUTH: THY WORD IS TRUTH. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” (John 17:15-19 KJV)

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall MAKE YOU free.” (John 8:31-32 KJV)

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” (Ephesians 6:13-17 KJV )

Love God. Treat Others In Love.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40 KJV)

“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. “ (Luke 6:31 KJV)

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” (Luke 6:35 KJV)

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” (1 Corithians 13:4-8 KJV) Note: Charity means love.

Pray To God. Talk With Him. He Is Listening!

Above these main points of the Will Of God for our lives we should pray and talk to God in and for every circumstance in life. Remember the Holy Spirit of God resides very close to you! He is indwelling you! He is right here with you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! When you are awake and when you are sleeping. The love of God is with you always!

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV)

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: “ (1John 5:14 KJV)

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; “ (Ephesians 6:18 KJV)

“Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.” (Jeremiah 29:12 KJV)

Do We Sanctify Ourselves or Does The Holy Spirit Sanctify Us?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Christian Living, Q&A: Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit

“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

SANCTIFY THEM THROUGH THY TRUTH: THY WORD IS TRUTH.

As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” (John 17:15-19 KJV)

When a person believes Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who was with God before the foundation of the world, and that He as God became human for the purpose of paying the penalty for OUR sins, and rose from the dead, that person IS MADE the very righteousness of God, in Christ.

 

“Being then MADE FREE from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:18 KJV)

 

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might BE MADE the righteousness of God in him.” ( 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV)

Such a believer has become one with Christ, who is one with the Father. And so that person has been made one with the Father as well. This is a truth that many believers fail to grasp because after our moment of Salvation in Christ, we still have our mortal flesh and sin nature. We are not yet complete in Christ from our mortal perspective. And we will not be until our bodily Resurrection when the sin nature in us will be removed.

However, to God, He foreknew every person that would accept His unmerited Free GIFT of Salvation from before the foundation of the Earth. When Moses asked God at the burning bush what name of God to tell Pharaoh sent him, the reply was “I AM THAT I AM”.

This is significant! Our God lives in the forever present. By that, I mean that God sees our past, present and future all at the same time. Hard for us to comprehend because we are living within this thing God created called time. God knew before he created you and me, who would accept Christ and who would reject Christ. The Bible says there is ‘The Wicked’ and ‘The Righteous’. To us living in time, we all start out in the ‘wicked’ group from the age of accountability. And “whosoever” accepts Christ, God predestined to conform to His image (Ephesians 1) and become the Righteousness of God, IN CHRIST. To God, we are already in Heaven and the New Jerusalem with Him because God exists in all times. He is the great “I AM”. The ONE and ONLY.

Hard for us to grasp right? So when you fail, when you fall into sin, when you stumble, remember that NOTHING you do takes God by surprise. He has it all worked out before you were even born.

“And we know that ALL THINGS work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 KJV)

Knowing this to be true is a real wake up call. We are to God already completely righteous. Because we Christians are so good? No. It is because what Christ did on the cross when He shed His blood for the remission of our sins (Matthew 26:28). When a person accepts the Gift of Salvation the Holy Spirit indwells the person. He then starts to guide and teach and sanctify the person (John 14:26).

Do We Sanctify Ourselves or Does The Holy Spirit Sanctify Us?

In John 17:17, Jesus answers this question.

“Sanctify Them Through Thy Truth: Thy Word Is Truth.”

Before Jesus became human His name was The Word. (John 1) Jesus Christ is not only the truth, He is the way and the life!

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6 KJV)

Jesus Christ is the only way back to a proper relationship with God. Such a relationship requires a perfectly Holy Righteousness but we have sins committed standing in the way of this. That is why The Word (Christ) became human, never sinned, and shed His blood for the remission of our sins. Believing in the atonement for our sins through the Passion of Christ, God made us the Holy Righteousness of God, in Him.

What Is Our Part Though?

Again, what should we do as believers? First, thank God for such an amazing gift! Second, read the Bible because it is God’s Word and the absolute truth. The more you read the Bible and the words of Jesus the more you are helping the Holy Spirit renew your mind. You will see the truth and be set free from the guilt of your sins and set free from the punishment of your sins. You will look at things from God’s viewpoint and not the world’s viewpoint and that will empower you to accomplish the good works of God through you.

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall MAKE YOU free.” (John 8:31-32 KJV)

Notice the word ‘make’. The Bible does not ever say it is our efforts making us saved and righteous before God. And it is not our own efforts that sanctify us completely. Only the Holy Spirit renews our minds and changes us from the inner self outwardly. That said, by reading the truth from the word of God we are pressing toward the goal of the Holy Spirit. It says over and over again what Jesus said in John 8. It is God alone that MAKES US positionally righteous and justified. It is never our works accomplishing this. It is our belief in Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! (John 1:29)

Writing to even the the carnal believers in Corinthians Paul makes this statement,

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” ( 2 Corinthians 4:16 KJV)

And we see in Titus,

“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; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” ( Titus 3:5-7 KJV)

Paul also makes it clear that we should do our part in this renewing of our mind. How a person thinks and believes about the world will determine their actions in the world. A person’s viewpoint is an important key factor in how a person lives. We all begin with the world’s viewpoint. And who is controlling the world’s viewpoint of truth? The Bible says it is our adversary, Satan.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12 KJV)

In Ephesians 6, Paul continues and is telling us to put on the whole armour of God and it is all about knowing the truth in the Bible and allowing this to transform us. And that means we should be studying the word of God to know the truth. Knowing the truths in the Bible will also protect us from our adversary!

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” (Ephesians 6:13-17 KJV )

We have our part to do in the Holy Spirit’s work of renewing our mind to God’s view point and truth.

You still have free choice after the moment of your Salvation to walk by the Spirit in truth (by God’s word) or to walk by the flesh in carnality as the Corinthians were doing. Are you still saved either way after Salvation? Yes. Paul called the Corinthians believers. Does that mean there are no consequences for sin and we can just keep sinning and ignoring God’s word without consequences? No!

We have our part to do and why would we not want to know the truth from God’s word? Jesus redeemed us with His shed blood and has given us all things. Christ says in John 15 to abide in Him and His words and Christ will abide in us.

Do not just listen to Pastors or Priests. Do not just read my articles or e-books and believe. No.. start reading your Bible after your moment of Salvation, having received this most amazing GIFT from God. The Holy Spirit within a believer will Sanctify you and guide and teach you the truth.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2 KJV)

When that happens over time, you will be changed and conformed more and more into the image of Christ. God will place desires in you to accomplish good works He has prepared for you to perform.

Start reading the amazing truth in God’s word; The Bible.

3 John 2:2. Does this teach about mainly monetary prosperity?

Don Gerrity Q&A: False Gospels, Q&A: The Truth About...
3 John 2:2. Does this teach about mainly monetary prosperity?

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (3 John 2:2 KJV)

This verse is a verse that prosperity preachers today use to pertain mostly to money and riches. But is that what John means by the word ‘prosper’?

Lets look at the original Greek to gain better understanding on this verse.

The English word ‘prosper’ is the Greek word ‘euodoō‘ and the meaning is: ‘to grant a prosperous and expeditious journey, to lead by a direct and easy way, to grant a successful issue, to cause to prosper, to prosper, be successful‘

The English words ‘all things’ in this verse is the Greek word ‘pas‘ and the meaning is: ‘ individually, each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything collectively, some of all types.‘

The English word ‘soul’ is the Greek word ‘psychē‘ and the meaning is: ‘the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.) , the (human) soul in so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end and secure eternal blessedness, the soul regarded as a moral being designed for everlasting life.’

John here is talking to believers because He writes ‘beloved‘, a term known to be used for believers in Christ. So in the Greek the meaning is clearer and I will paraphrase using the Greek meanings just shown understanding that these are believers John is speaking to. And we looking back know more about the Holy Spirit who has come because we have the full word of God in our hands to understand more truth.

My own Paraphrased and expanded in English when reading this verse in Original Greek.. — Fellow believers in Christ, I pray that you will be -granted by God- an expeditious journey with good physical health and be -lead in a direct and easy way- by the Holy Spirit to cause each of you success in all things in -your life journey- with God, just as when you became saved your soul has prospered when Christ saved you and made you the righteousness of God in Christ.–

Does that sound like John is talking just about monetary riches? NO. Is monetary riches part of ‘all things’, WELL, YES. Is this talking just about being rich all the time as a saved person. WELL, NO!

John is saying in ‘all things‘. Things that pertain to your life after Salvation with God being now with you and guiding you as a son or daughter of God. Once we are saved we start a NEW CHAPTER. You have a newly created Spirit within you now and the Holy Spirit is dwelling within you and guiding you on your NEW LIFE in CHRIST.

We are eternally saved and Heaven bound from the very moment of our Salvation and are now on a NEW journey in this Earthly life and that is abiding in Christ and His words (John 15) and allowing the Holy Spirit of God to guide us, using the word as a lamp for our feet in our walk after Salvation. Jesus said Himself that ‘in this life, you will have tribulation‘ and that means troubles. But in faith knowing God is with us and guiding us in this journey of newness of life in Christ and that He will show us all truth. And one of those truths is the glorious ‘end game‘ and ‘finish line‘ of our Earthly life… Life in Heaven and the soon coming New Jerusalem!

Sure, it is good to have money. Money is NOT the root of all evil after all; the Bible says it is the –LOVE of money– that is the root of all evil. Money can help us to help others. But it is not some equation that the prosperity teachers these days are teaching where if we GIVE GIVE, then God MUST make us monetarily rich. We do not ‘wheel and deal‘ with God for our own benefit!! They use this verse COMPLETELY out of context!! That is non-sense and lie!

There are other things that make us prosper such as prospering in loving others and the fruit produced by that. God says that it is better to give than to receive, right? Yes, it is. That gives more joy and feeling of accomplishment and success than money ever could produce in our hearts! And Prospering in helping others come to Christ, what a joy to us and to the angels in Heaven rejoicing over every person that comes to Christ! And in many many other ways God will prosper us in a manner that will produce REAL JOY in our hearts and cause our soul to prosper. OUR SOUL.. OUR SPIRIT.

After your Salvation we need to be like Christ who humbled Himself even to physical death on a cross, in love. Love God and LOVE ONE ANOTHER! Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. In these two things you fulfill the Law and your soul prospers and the result is amazing joy.

John felt this joy as we see in the very next couple of verses,

“For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (3 John: 3-4 KJV)

May God GRANT us TRUE SOUL prosperity in our walk with Christ and that our joy be filled in this way.

Amen!