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Romans 8:28-30. Who is the called? Who is the predestinated?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Salvation, Q&A: The Truth About... August 17, 2022August 17, 2022

“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. For whom he did FOREKNOW, he also DID predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he DID predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” (Romans 8:28-30 KJV)

This is a very powerful passage. Apostle Paul wrote this and He also wrote basically the same truth in his letter to the Ephesians in the first chapter of Ephesians in the New Testament.

Who exactly is “the called” in this passage? What exactly is ‘his purpose’? Well, we just need to look at each point of the passage and the the truth is very clear.

1. GOD FOREKNEW

God foreknew all that would accept the gift of salvation. God lives outside of time because HE CREATED TIME. For us living inside of time it is hard for us to grasp but for God He sees all time as the forever now. That is He is the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega. God is not a created being. He ALWAYS existed, otherwise He is not God you see?

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8 KJV)

That is why the two words “I AM” in reference to God is so important. Not He was, not He will be; “I AM”. God lives in the forever present and sees every moment of all of time from the beginning of time to the end of time because God created time. He lives outside of time and inside of time. God created time, space and matter. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the part of the Triune God that created all THINGS in the universe. In John 1, we see that the Word was God. Notice that it is capitalized as “Word”. Why? Because it is a name. Later we see who this Word actually is; Jesus, the Christ.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made…And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.” (John 1:1-3..14-15 KJV)

So God foreknew, before He created time, space and matter, ALL THINGS CREATED and ALL THINGS that would happen. He created all time, space and matter and He also foreknew who would accept Christ as saviour and Lord in acceptance of the gift of salvation Jesus would one day in time purchase (John 3:14-18).

2. GOD PREDESTINATED

Knowing who would in one moment in time, accept Christ in belief, God predestined those in salvation. That is, He CALLED THEM and appointed to them and ordained them to receive all that comes with that gift of salvation. God reserved them from before time began and reserved them who would receive Him and choose Him, in salvation. Understand that God created each of us with a FREE WILL and it is not that God ordained us to be condemned to hell or to enter Heaven through salvation in Christ. In fact, Scripture tells us that the lake of fire was not created for humankind but for the devil and his fallen angels.

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

God knew all that would happen and He is using everything to His purpose. And His purpose is to save as many people as would believe. We are the ones that make the choice to accept the gift of salvation in belief or reject salvation in unbelief.

Before the creation of the universe and humankind God drew a dividing line in the free will of humankind. This dividing line is that every person must choose a side. Choose Christ in belief and live. Choose the devil in unbelief and you will die and end up where he is going. The devil wants us to use PRIDE and be our own god. God wants us to be humble and choose Him. That is the dividing line in humanity.

3. GOD CALLED US

This passage reads that God CALLED us and even though we have free will to believe or reject salvation through Christ Jesus, God is the one that creates the situations in our life to bring us to the moment of decision regarding which side we will choose. It is God that reveals who Jesus really is to a person (Matthew 16:15-18 ). God does all that He can to keep our free will intact in this process, in fairness and justice, that each person will accept Him; knowing those who will and will not. He loves us so much that as Peter wrote,

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, NOT WILLING that any should perish, but that ALl SHOULD come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV)

The English translated word “repentance” is defined by the Bible as ‘change of mind”. Change of mind about what? Change of mind about how we are justified by God, not by works but by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9).

4. GOD JUSTIFIED US, GLORIFIED US

Because of Jesus’ once for all blood sacrifice atonement for all sins on the cross (Hebrews 10:10, 1 John 2:2), all who will accept this great free gift of salvation through belief on Christ (John 3:18) are deemed justified and righteous before God. In fact, God made all who will believe on Christ for righteousness (1 Cor. 15:1-4), complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10) and the very righteousness of God, in Christ (2 cor. 5:21), and has ALREADY sealed them in salvation (Eph. 2:8-9, 4:30) and given them ETERNAL LIFE (John 3:14-17, Colossians 2). Colossians 2 shows a present event takes place when a person believes on Christ for salvation and righteousness. Yet, it reads that at this present event in time, God foreknew we would believe on Christ and so 2000 years ago in the past tense, such a person WAS placed on the cross WITH CHRIST and it explains what happens to the person in the present tense moment they believed. Watch the tense of the words to see this truth!

“And YE ARE (present tense) complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also YE ARE (present tense) circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried WITH HIM (past tense) in baptism, wherein also YE ARE (present tense) risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who HATH (past tense) raised him from the dead. And you, BEING (present tense) dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, HATH HE quickened together WITH HIM (past tense), having FORGIVEN you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that WAS (past tense) against us, which WAS (past tense) contrary to us, and took it out of the way, NAILING IT TO HIS CROSS (past tense); And having spoiled principalities and powers, he MADE (past tense) a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 210-15 KJV, added parentheses for tense of words & clarity)

This is how God glorified believers in the Spirit.

This is why we see Jesus’s words during His Earthly first coming ministering to the Jewish people in a manner saying ‘all that the Father give me’ such as in John 6 (KJV),

“35 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.”

We each have a choice to make to accept Christ as Messiah and Savior or reject Him in unbelief. This clearly shows a CHOICE we each must make.

“36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. 37 All THAT THE FATHER GIVETH ME SHALL COME TO ME; and him THAT COMETH to me I will in no wise cast out.”

Jesus is saying that only those that BELIEVE He is the Son of God, the Messiah foretold to come, will be saved and never cast out. Yet, it also reads only those the ‘Father giveth me’. This is the foreknowledge we see in Romans 8:28-30 and Ephesians 1. To those who believe on Christ for righteousness are predestinated to all the benefits of having received the gift of salvation.

“38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 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. 40 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 6:36-40 KJV)

And one day, at the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of church age believers, a believer’s physical body and mind will be changed, and become perfection with a new resurrected glorified body like Jesus now has. Only Spirit and mind and body that is perfected can enter what we know as Heaven. Sinless perfection is able to enter the New Heavenly Jerusalem, in bodily form. Our Spirit is already perfected from the moment we believed on Christ for righteousness (Eph. 1:13-14, Hebrews 10:14). When a believer physically dies, their Spirit is already in Christ and heaven ready. But our body is still corrupt with this thing, a noun called SIN, until our body is resurrected (1 Cor. 15:50). That is why we need our body resurrection.

Some are using Romans 8 and Ephesians 1 and teaching Calvinism; that God foreordained some to heaven and others to hell and that what they choose in life does not matter because God created some for heaven and others for hell which is unchangeable. This is complete heresy and turns God into a liar. God loves us far beyond anything we can imagine but He gave us a free will to choose him or choose the devil. God set the dividing line. God does EVERYTHING POSSIBLE to setup life circumstances so that each person has the opportunity to come to salvation through belief on Christ. He is long suffering so that none should perish and end up in the lake of fire. He sent His only begotten Son to die and take the wages of our sin upon Himself (Romans 6:23) so that we can be with Him forever. Yet, our free will matters to God and we each must choose which side of the dividing line we will be on at our death. The dividing line has been set from before the universe was even created. Before time was created. Before matter was created. Jesus stated so clearly,

“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)

Choose wisely. Choose God. Choose to accept Christ and His gift of salvation by belief on Him alone, in faith alone. Be humble not pride. it will change your life forever.

Are you saved yet? Are you sure?

> Learn About Salvation & How To Get Saved <

Brief Overview Of Two Groups Of Believers

Don Gerrity Q&A: Bible Prophecy & End Times, Q&A: Law of Moses, Q&A: The Truth About... July 31, 2022July 31, 2022

The Pre-Tribulation Harpazo (Rapture) Of Church Age Believers.

Jesus The Christ is coming back to Earth TWICE. (John 14:1-3, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Titus 2:13. ) First at the Pre-Tribulation Rapture, for His Bride; the saved in our current dispensation of grace, where believers are taken off Earth in a twinkling of an eye, to meet Him in the air, to be with the Lord forever (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Titus 2:13). Second at His Second Coming when He places His foot on Earth when those previously Raptured return with Him to Earth to setup His Earthly 1000 rule of Earth in the Kingdom Age to come. The Kingdom Age of Christ is predicted to be a 1000-year time of peace when Jesus himself will rule over all the nations in perfect righteousness. (Revelation 1:7, Isaiah 11:4-5, Psalm 46:9, Isaiah 2:4)

The Second Coming Of Jesus, The Christ, To Earth

Matthew 24 and 25 Is Not About Church Age Believers (The Bride Of Christ). It is about the Tribulation Period and After Until The Second Coming Event.

Matthew 24 and 25 is Jesus answering the disciples question about when the Kingdom Age and Christ’s Second Coming will be. The disciples only understood the 1000 year Kingdom Age on Earth after Messiah took control of the world. This is the prophecies they knew and what they looked forward to; The Kingdom Age on Earth with Christ ruling and reigning on the Earth in the future.

The disciples at that time in Matthew 24 and 25, knew nothing about an event called the Harpazo nor what we refer to as The Pre-Tribulation Rapture of Church Age believers. We know this because Paul was given this information from the risen Christ and he described the Harpazo Rapture as a mystery, not yet revealed to humankind. It was new information not known!

Paul describes the Pre-Tribulation Rapture in 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Titus 2:13. So the disciples were not asking Jesus when the Rapture, the great snatching off Earth of believers, would be. They were asking about only what they knew which was The Kingdom Age to come on the Earth. In fact, Old Testament Saints have a destination at their resurrection at Second Coming of being on Earth as PRIESTS. Church Age believers will be returning to Earth with Christ at the Second Coming. Their destination and eternal home at their bodily resurrection at the Rapture Event is the HEAVENLY New Jerusalem, the place Jesus went to prepare for us (John 14) which will be in space hovering at a distance above the Earth (Scripture tells us it will be the light for the world as the sun was darkened.)

Old Testament Saints & those martyred during the Tribulation Period on Earth are bodily resurrected as The Second Coming of Christ to Earth occurs and will reside on the Earth as priests. The Bride Of Christ, Church Age Believers, will reside in the Heavenly New Jerusalem, not on Earth. These will go too and from Earth during the 1000 year Kingdom Age as Kings and Priests.) Old Testament saints are not mentioned as Kings during the time period of the Kingdom Age on Earth.

The survivors of the Great Tribulation (last 3 1/2 years of 7 year Tribulation Period) are the Sheep and Goats of Matthew 25. This is not about Church Age believers nor the Bride Of Christ. The sheep helped others in need because they refused the Mark Of the Beast and refused to worship him or his image. They visited those imprisoned. Help feed each other etc. The goats were the ones that took the Mark of the Beast and worshipped him. They turned in those who refuse the mark. They persecuted the sheep believers. They imprisoned them. They refused to sell the sheep goods and food etc.

At the Second coming we see the Sheep and Goats Judgment of the survivors of the Tribulation Period. The sheep will repopulate the Earth in mortal bodies. The goats will be killed by Christ and will one day be found at The Great White Throne Judgment of the unbelieving, wicked.

Matthew 24 and 25 is all about Israel and those living during the Tribulation Period and after (Matthew 24:29). Even the Parable of the Ten Virgins is NOT about the Bride of Christ, nor the Rapture. The very first word in Matthew 25 is the English word ‘THEN’. So when… is the then? We go backward into Matthew 24 to verse 29, ‘after the tribulation of those days’. It is about the Virgins (always referred too as Israel in the Bible) and Bridesmaids (not the Bride of Christ). The Five wise virgins remained in belief of Christ to come, refusing the Antichrist and his mark to buy and sell. They have to endure Antichrist persecution until the end and remain in belief or be lost. The other five virgins fell and worshipped the beast and took the Mark to buy and sell. They did not endure in belief and will end up taking the Mark of Antichrist and will be refused entry to the 1000 year Kingdom Age on Earth.

The Second Coming Of Jesus, The Christ, To Earth

Our Lord Jesus Christ will bodily return to rescue Israel at Armageddon and to establish His 1000 year Kingdom Age on Earth. This future time period we see Christ reigning over this earth from David’s throne in Jerusalem. Old Testament Saints and those martyred during the Tribulation Period for their belief on Christ and refusal of the Antichrist Mark of the Beast, will be bodily resurrected at the Second Coming event of Christ and will be Priests on Earth. Satan and his fallen angels will be locked up in chains of darkness in the Abyss (Rev. 20), no longer able to interfere with human civilization for 1000 years. Survivors of the Tribulation Period who refused the Mark of the beast on their hand or forehead, in belief on Christ (The Sheep in Matthew 25) will repopulate the Earth during the Kingdom Age in mortal bodies. Christ will rule and reign on Earth and restore the Earth to the conditions before the fall of humankind. Peace will reign supreme under Christ’s rule.

The End Of The 1000 Year Kingdom Age To Come In The Future

At the end of the Kingdom Age in the future, there will be a final rebellion as Satan and his fallen angels are released from the Abyss for a short while (Rev. 20:7). All who oppose Christ will be killed and the Great White Throne Judgment of all unbelievers from all of time who rejected Christ will take place. Those found at this judgment seat will be found guilty because they never trusted in Christ by faith for salvation and are not found in the Lamb’s Book Of Life. During their life, they refused the free gift of salvation and choose to pay for their sins themselves and will be judged by their works (Rev. 20:12) and found guilty and thrown into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:15), prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). God will create a new heavens and new earth.

Two Groups Of Believers and Two Destinations Of Believers When Resurrected

Old Testament Saints looked forward to the time when Messiah would one day come and be the final payment for sins. This belief kept them saved and animal sacrifices in the Temple, year after year, covered their sins until the Messiah would come and be that final blood sacrifice for sins. The animal sacrifices never paid for their sins, but only covered them as a remembrance of how terrible sin is. It was a foreshadowing of what the Messiah, the Christ would one day accomplish on the cross (Hebrews 10). It was their belief in the foretold Messiah coming that kept them saved until their physical death. They had to remain in belief to remain saved. The Holy Spirit did not permanently indwell Old Testament Saints as we see David show in Psalm 51:11. After the Harpazo Rapture of Church Age believers, the dispensation of grace will end and a new dispensation time period will begin. God will turn back to Israel to save them. During the Tribulation Period the temple will be rebuilt and the animal sacrifices will start up again (all preparations for this are ready today in Israel!). The Holy Spirit will work as in Old Testament times and no one will be permanently saved and born again in the Spirit from the moment of their belief (Eph 1:13-14) as is the case in The Church Age dispensation of grace that we live in. That is why we see the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25, the 5 unwise are Tribulation believers who fail to remain in belief that Christ is coming again, who will instead take the Mark of the Beast. They will become goats and be judged (Matthew 25).

The Body Of Christ membership is anyone who, during the Church Age, from Pentecost to the Pre-Tribulation Rapture event, that believes on Christ for salvation apart from our works but by trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross . This is by grace through faith and not of ourselves nor our good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). A person who believes the Gospel of Grace Salvation is from that very moment of belief, indwelt by the Holy Spirit and SEALED in salvation until the Pre-Tribulation Rapture (the day of our bodily resurrection), and that means forever (Eph. 1:13-14). God MADE such a person a NEW CREATED BEING in the Spirit that was MADE by God the righteousness of God, in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-21). A truth that even many believers do not understand! The most amazing truth!

God Has Something Special In Mind For Each Group Of Believers

Old Testament Saints were promised by God and were looking forward to what God promised them; an Earthly Kingdom with Messiah ruling and reigning in Earth. This is the destination when they are bodily resurrected at the Second Coming of Christ. This is what we refer to today as the future 1000 year Millennium Kingdom on Earth. The Temple animal sacrifices will take place during the 1000 year Kingdom Age on Earth (Ezekiel 45:13 – 46:15). The Law of Moses never ended but was only paused for the Church Age we now live in. This Church Age was a mystery not known until Jesus sent Paul on that road to Damascus. That is why the Disciples were shocked when Jesus said He was going to leave so the Holy Spirit would come and be the comforter (John 16:1-7) as they thought He would setup the Kingdom Age right then. The truth by Scripture is that The Law of Moses will continue in the Kingdom Age on Earth. Remember that the people will be mortal on Earth except for the Old Testament Saints and Martyred Tribulation Saints who are to be priests on Earth (Rev. 20:6) when they are resurrected at the Second Coming Of Christ, as He places His feet on the Earth on the Mount of Olives in Israel (Zechariah 14:4). Life in the Kingdom Age is described with animal sacrifices in place in the rebuilt cleansed Temple, as a remembrance and acknowledgement of their sin, which they will still have in mortal bodies. The purpose of the Law remains even today, as a mirror showing us our sins (1 Timothy 1:8-10) and how we cannot perfectly keep all the Law (James 2:10). Those born during this time period will have Christ ruling on Earth and an amazing peaceful environment, untouched by Satan and his angels who will be locked in the Abyss. They will be taught what Christ did on the cross. What many believers today fail to understand is that The Law of Moses will be in place in the Kingdom Age and Jesus will rule with a “rod of iron” (Rev. 19:15).

The Bride Of Christ, The Body Of Christ, is promised by God and are looking forward to a different destination called The Heavenly New Jerusalem (Rev. 21). This is a real physical place in our universe as it has physical dimensions of 1500 miles cubed. This place is the place Jesus promised us believers in Christ,

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:2-3 KJV)

This amazing physical and Spiritual place is the permanent home of the Bride Of Christ which will be hovering above the Earth in the Heavens (space) somewhere above the Earth as it gives light to the Earth at that time (Rev. 21:23-24). It is described in Revelation 21. There will be no TEMPLE IN IT (Rev. 21:22). No temple means no animal sacrifices because those residing in this place are the redeemed. We will be going back and forth to the camp on Earth, the Earthly Jerusalem and will be Kings and Priests. Old Testament Saints resurrected will be priests but the Body of Christ will be Kings and Priests. Two separate groups.

Why Will There Be Animal Sacrifices In The Kingdom Age On Earth?

Those on Earth will still have a sinful nature and will be mortal beings that can sin and can die. In the Old Testament times, God had showed the perfection of His character and Law. A Law no one could keep perfectly and kept them looking forward to the Messiah to save them from this. In the Church Age we now live in, God is showing us the ultimate goodness of His Grace, not under the Law but under eternal salvation by belief on Christ and His finished work on the cross and his rising again (1 Cor. 15:1-4). Scripture shows that in the 1000 Year Kingdom Age, the people on Earth at that time will have both simultaneously. Both the Law and animal sacrifices showing those born in the Millennium Kingdom how terrible sin is and their need to believe on Christ’s payment for sin and will receive God’s amazing grace.

Who “OVERCOMETH” in Revelation 2 and 3? Is it those who do more works or is it all believers from the Church Age?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Bible Prophecy & End Times, Q&A: The Truth About..., Revelation February 27, 2022February 27, 2022

First, to understand who ‘he that overcometh’ is in Revelation 2 and 3, we must be using the Biblical definition of who an overcomer actually is. The same John that penned Revelation (yes it is Jesus telling John what to write, but John penned it down) uses the word ‘overcometh’ clearly in 1 John. It is not about a difference of context between 1 John and Revelation 2-3 either as some teach. It is just the opposite I believe. John’s definition is correct and here in Revelation 2 and 3 those who ‘overcometh’ is indeed the believer in Christ and not just a special group of believers who have more works. Here are some context observations as to why I believe this is so.

OBSERVATION 1: REFERENCE TO THE SECOND DEATH

“11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” (Rev. 2:11 KJV)

Here we see who the person that ‘overcometh’. The one who overcometh is the one that will not see the Second Death. So what is the Second Death?

“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death” (Rev. 20:14 KJV)

This is describing what will happen to those at the Great White Throne judgment of the wicked, unsaved, unborn again, who reject the GIFT of salvation. So the person that ‘overcometh’ is all who have accepted the free gift of salvation by belief on Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4, John 3:14-18, 37-40, Eph 1:13-14, etc.)

This is the Bible’s definition of ‘The Second Death’ which is where all unbelievers will end up, The Lake Of Fire. So this cannot be a correct interpretation and we must apply this truth as stated to Rev 2:11 as well. And when we do, in proper context, we see the meaning cannot be that ‘he that overcometh’ is a believer who has done over the top works. It is telling us that only the overcomer will not be found at the Second Death. Is that by works? If so, than that means this passage in Rev 2 and 3 is teaching the false ‘salvation by works’, or as we know it today as ‘lordship salvation’ and that just cannot be when we take all the passage on salvation. And I know that the person who preached this does not believe in the false ‘works for salvation’ teaching that is so rampant today. I believe he just has not seen the context I am showing that I see.

In Rev 2, avoiding the Second Death, is everyone that is saved. Not just a special group of believers. That is correct context right? Context found in the passage of Rev 2 and 3 itself. If this alone is not convincing enough there is more.

OBSERVATION 2: JOHN 1. WHO IS A SON OF GOD?

What is the definition of a person who are a ‘sons of God’ in the Bible? Is it any being created by God? Well, no it is not according to Scripture.

In the book of Genesis, we see Angels described as ‘sons of God’ who intermingled with human women and produced offspring called the Nephilim. Why were they called ‘sons of God’? Because a ‘son of God’ is any being that was created by God, as eternal. Not that they always existed, but that they were CREATED BY GOD into an eternal state of being. When Satan and the angels who sided with him in ride against God (their creator!), they fell and became the enemy of God and humankind. They are still eternal beings because that is how God created them. One day they will be cast into the Lake of Fire.

John wrote that,

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (John 1:12 KJV)

As a human, only those who BELIEVE on Christ for salvation and have received Him by being born again in the Spirit (John 3) have BECOME ‘sons of God’. Why? Because the VERY MOMENT a person believes on Christ alone (Eph 1:13-14, and not by our works Eph 2:8-9) for righteousness by faith and trust in His once for all sacrificial blood atonement on the cross (Hebrews 10:10) and His rising from the dead (1 Cor, 15:1-4), their Spirit has been RECREATED by God as a NEW CREATION which God MADE the very righteousness of God, IN CHRIST.

“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 Cor. 5:21)

This is not anything we work to achieve. Our Spirit is a new created BEING as a believer and it is now an ETERNAL being Heaven bound to be with God forever as a son or daughter in His family. In UNION with Christ and the Father and Holy Spirit (John 17).

Now let’s go back to the book of Revelation 21:7 where it reads clearly,

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Rev. 21:7 KJV)

The one who ‘overcometh’ shall be His son. Not just a special group of believers who have more or better works on their belt. In Rev 21, it is all about the place Jesus went to prepare for ALL born again in the Spirit believers (John 14) and where all believers from the Church Age will end up. It is our blessed hope to be Raptured with glorified bodies as Jesus has and live in this place, the HEAVENLY New Jerusalem.

This is the definition of the ‘sons of God’ in Revelation as well then. Do you see what I mean? Not just some special believers who did more works.

OBSERVATION 3: 1 JOHN’S DEFINITION OF HE THAT OVERCOMETH

Some pulpits are teaching that because the context is different in Revelation 2 and 3, 1 John 5 does not apply. I strongly believe otherwise, especially when we see the context I have shown in observation 1 and 2 above.

Now going back to what I believe is the very definition the Bible is giving for ‘he that overcometh’, found in 1 John. Not just 1 John 5, which is where it is very clear to see what the definition is. But looking at the context just prior in 1 John as well. And we must remember that this is the same John that penned Revelation 2 and 3 we are discussing here. I feel that certainly holds much weight.

John tells us the very purpose of his writing 1 John and it is “so that your joy may be full”. He is refuting the Gnostics that did not believe Jesus is God and that we have been given a new born again recreated Spirit. The joy is knowing that as a born again believer, we are sealed in salvation. We have become the ‘sons of God’ as he wrote in John 1.

In 1 John 5 we see the clearest definition of what the New Testament defines ‘he that overcometh’ is referring too. And it is all believers from the Church Age, not just a special group of believers. John wrote these letter to the various churches in his time of writing as instructed by the risen Christ Jesus our Lord. First, do you think all members of churches are truly believers? Or are some using the lingo and seem to be believers but are not even born again. We find this true in today’s church organizations and it was also true back then when John wrote this. IN fact, he wrote 1 John to refute those teaching falsely among the church. That is how we also must be reading and interpreting Revelation 2 and 3 to see clearly what is being said by Jesus. The churches in Revelation 2 and 3 being discussed by Christ also have meaning of not just the churches of that time, but is a history of the Church of Jesus over time. And we are likely the last churches. Each church discussed have implications for individual believers as well right? So it is important to get the definition of who the overcomers are being discussed.

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that OVERCOMETH THE WORLD, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4-5 KJV)

What does the world view believe? They believe in false ‘works for salvation’ to have right standing with God. Even in non Christian religions, it is all about works works works. We are bombarded with this false teaching constantly. The one that overcometh the world is the one that knows the truth. They are overcoming the lies of the devil ruling our current world system. Our ‘many wonderful works’ will not save us (Matthew 15-23) nor will our works keeps us saved (Gal 3, 4:4-5). It is clear however, that as born again believers, we SHOULD have good works because we have been MADE a new creation in the Spirit, created in Christ UNTO good works (Eph 2:10).

HE THAT OVERCOMETH is all true born again believers in Jesus as the Messiah, The Christ, who is God in the flesh, never sinned, and took our sins and paid fro all sins of the whole world and then rose from the dead. By belief on Chris the believer surely has OVERCOME the world. They are Heaven bound. It is the ONLY way a person can overcome the world; trust and belief on Christ.

OBSERVATION 4: JOHN 16:33, WHO OVERCAME THE WORLD EXACTLY?

Jesus said that HE OVERCAME THE WORLD. He did not ever teach that by OUR WORKS WE can overcome the world. In fact, in Matthew 7 Jesus warned sternly that such people will find themselves at the Great White Throne judgment to be condemned because they were never born again in the Spirit by trusting in Him as the foretold Messiah who was to come and be the final payment for sin. In PRIDE they thought they were good enough. Jesus will tell them, “I NEVER KNEW YOU”. Scary words!

Jesus said,

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 KJV)

So who are the “he that overcometh”? Jesus or believers? We are only overcomers because we are in union with Christ! We are only

deemed HOLY and righteous (2 Cor. 5:17-21) because we are sealed in union with Christ (Eph. 1:13-14). We are only perfect in the Spirit because we are in union with Christ (Heb. 10:14). We are only complete in Christ because.. yeah, we are in union with Christ, and already risen with Christ (Colossians 2).

It Is Christ in us, the hope of glory you see?

OBSERVATION 5: REV. 2:26. IS OVERCOMING & GOOD WORKS THE SAME THING?

“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” (Rev 2:26 KJV)

See that word “AND”? This verse is the only one in Rev 2 and 3, where works will be given a special reward.

There is those who “overcometh”. How? by belief on the testimony of Christ and His death, having paid for our sins and His resurrection. BELIEVERS are all Church Age people who believed on Christ and received the FREE GIFT of being born again in the Spirit.

In this specific verse, it states the one that overcomes AND ALSO “keepth my works unto the end” will be given POWER over the nations on Earth during the 1000 year Kingdom age to come. This is a special reward for a select few exceptional believers.

Two different groups of believers in this one verse and only for a select group of believers – not all believers. The rest of Rev 2 and 3 promises for ‘he that overcometh’ is for ALL Church Age Believers.

This is how I see it with context. Rev 2 and 3 has always been a challenging passage. So many teaching differently about it as well. So far, this is how I see it and believe because of the context.

Does A Backslider and an Apostate Have The Same Meaning?

Don Gerrity Q&A: False Salvation Invitations, Q&A: The Truth About... February 16, 2022February 16, 2022

We hear about Christians who ‘backslide’ from the faith. Some say they have lost salvation. Others say that this is what an Apostate person is. However, when we look at Scripture in context these two things are not the same. A believer who backslides is not an apostate.

A Back Slid Believer

A person that has believed on Christ for salvation, apart from their works, is a born again person in the Spirit and is saved eternally from the moment of belief on Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4, Eph. 2 :8-9, Eph 1:13-14, John 3:14-18). Some after they are saved fall into a sin, or sins, that leads to a loss of fellowship with God. That is not to say that God has left them, nor that the Holy Spirit has left them. It could be a guilt of such a believer that keeps them from confessing their sin to God. They feel God no longer will want fellowship after committing such a sin. They may turn from God because they fear and are ashamed. Instead, we should run to God and confess the sin and ask God to help us overcome the specific sin. God knows EVERYTHING and He also foreknew what sins you and I would commit before and after our moment of salvation. We cannot hide sin from God. Run to him for help. God will help us. God already forgave all our sins on that cross of Christ (1 John 2:2). Yet, we need to improve and live right for God. We will not doing this perfectly as we still need our minds renewed (Romans 12) and our mind will not be perfectly renewed until our bodily resurrection. But in gratitude, we should be striving to avoid sinning. We will fail at times and we should not deny that fact (1 John 1:10) but we should confess our sins to God, thank Him that He forgave us through the cross of Christ and ask God to help us do better. That is a healthy prayer of truth and faith.

Backsliding can also be a result of a person who, because of life circumstances, has turned from God in their life, after salvation. Does this mean the person has lost salvation? No. Ephesians 1:13-14 tells us that from the moment a person believes on Christ, they are sealed with the indwelling Holy Spirit until the day of our bodily resurrection. At that time, we will be in Heaven already and so this means for eternity. The Holy Spirit works to restore a believer who has back slid from the truth, for them to confess their sin and come back to fellowship with God. We see this in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The son made the decision to leave the father. The father did not kick him out of the house. While in the world, away from fellow shipping with his father, it brought the son to a place of being with the pigs and finally coming to his senses. He went back home to ask to be a servant in the father’s house, as he felt unworthy to be treated like his son. He came to an end of his self in sinful living, out of fellowship with his father. He confessed to his father. But what did the father do? He seen his son coming from a distance and he ran toward him and embraced him. And then he had a celebration because his son has come back to fellowship. This is our God!

All this to state that a back slid believer is not a person who has lost salvation. For whatever reason, they lost a solid fellowship with God, they lost that close relationship for living with God. They did not lose their salvation.

An Apostate

An Apostate is not a back slid believer. The English translated word ‘APOSTATE’ in Greek is the word ‘apostasia‘. It is defined as a ‘falling away, to forsake’. When we read this Scripture, the English translated word FORSAKE is this very same word ‘apostasia’.

“And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to^G575 forsake^G646 Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.” (Acts 21:21 KJV)

To forsake Moses is to not believe Moses. Apostates are not believers. It is a person who has learned the knowledge of the truth of the Gospel of Salvation, yet when he came right down to it, they decided to NOT BELIEVE. An Apostate is a person that may seem to others as if they are actually a born again believer, yet do not believe the Gospel of salvation without works required. There are some who know the Gospel so clearly that they can teach it, yet they themselves never came to true belief on Christ for their righteousness.

Judas Iscariot is a person that comes to mind in Scripture. Judas lived and travelled with Jesus during His earthly ministry. He was in the inner circle of the disciples who would become known as the Apostles. He was one of the men sent out to the house of Israel, to p reach the good news. So, he could obviously teach the Gospel and knew the Gospel. Yet, in the end he never really believed Jesus was the Son of God. In the end, he was more interested in Jesus becoming leader and tossing out the Romans. He betrayed Jesus with a kiss.

Eventually an Apostate is a person that looks and acts like a believer but the true colours will show them to not be a believer. In 1 John 2, John wrote this,

“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” (1 John 2:18-25 KJV)

They went out from us. These are not believers who lost salvation and left. They are those who, in the end, never believed even though they were among the believers and talked like them and may have even acted like them. But ACTED is the key word. They were not born again believers.

In 1 John, John is refuting the false teachings of the Gnostics, an enormous heresy in the early church. John tells believers to have NOTHING TO DO WITH APOSTATES and to stay away from them. Why? Because, THEY ARE ANTICHRIST. That means, they look like believers but they are AGAINST CHRIST. They deny that Jesus is the Son of God. They deny Jesus’ deity. We see the same Apostate teachings and religions today. People who use the name of Christ but deny His deity. People who call themselves CHRISTIANS but who deny being born again in the Spirit through belief and trust in Christ and HIS finished work on the cross alone and His rising from the dead (John 3). To them, being a Christian is all about living a Godly life, doing good deeds and being a good person. This is not the Gospel. The Gospel is not by our own efforts, nor our good works before salvation (Eph. 2:8-9), nor our good works after our moment of salvation (Eph 1:13-14, Galatians 3, 5:4-5). Salvation and a born again Spirit is only by BELIEF ON CHRIST and HIS FINISHED work on the cross and His rising from the dead.

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1 Cor. 15:1-4 KJV)

Believing that our works has anything to do with how we are born again in the Spirit is called BOASTING in pride by Apostle Paul,

“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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV)

Having good works in love of others is a good thing, but it will never make a person righteous before God. Only AFTER a person trusts on Christ’s blood atonement sacrifice on the cross , having paid for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2), and His rising from the dead, will our good works count FROM our new Spiritual state of righteousness that God MADE US (2 Cor,. 5:17-21). This is what Paul is stating here. Works do not save us. God’s grace through faith in the FREE GIFT Of GOD by belief on Christ saves us. As a GIFT, it is unmerited. It is unearned. We do not earn gifts, we accept or reject a gift. By believing on Christ we have accepted the free gift of salvation as Paul had just stated earlier in Eph 1:13-14. Verse 10 then explains that good works will flow from our new born again Spirit. We are HIS workmanship, CREATED in Christ, UNTO good works. But the works are not what saves us, nor makes us a righteous person. So, as believers we should have good works because we had a heart transplant. We have a new Spirit which is fully redeemed and as righteous to the Father as Christ is. Good works after salvation do not keep us saved though (Gal. 3, 5:4-5).

An enormous truth that many Christians have not known nor believe but that Apostle Paul stated,

“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 Cor. 5:21 KJV)

Notice BE MADE. Who is doing the making? Us by our works? Paul says no in Ephesians 2:8-9 and so the answer is a resounding no! GOD MADE US! All our sins have been paid in full. Our Spirit is now the righteousness of God, because we are in Christ and Christ is in us. A perfect union which Jesus prayed for us in John 17 and that Paul explains in detail in Colossians 2. Two passages, that if you have not read, go read; SUCH A BLESSING TRUTH!

Jesus taught the same in Matthew 7 and gave a great warning to those who are not born again, but are using Jesus’ name in their false teaching. They are FALSE PROPHETS among true believers. They look like believers. Their works are good looking. They talk the talk but do not believe the Gospel. They are Apostates who are actually not believers, though they may think they are. Jesus warns them that on their judgment day, they will find themselves not at the Bema Judgment Seat of believers in Heaven, but instead they will find themselves at the Great White Throne judgment of Unbelievers to be condemned. They will have trusted in their own works and own perceived goodness by their works and rejected salvation by God’s grace through Christ Jesus on the cross. As such, they are not born again in the Spirit and they will have to pay the wages of sin (Romans 6:23) themselves. It was their choice and they chose wrong in boastful pride. Jesus stern warning,

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21-23 KJV)

What is the ‘will of the Father’ Jesus spoke of here? I will let Jesusu answer that question for you because in John 6 Jeus was asked and He answered what the will of the Father is.

“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 6:37-40 KJV)

The will of the Father is to believe on Christ for salvation.

The apostates in Matthew 7 had an iniquity and it was not sins they committed. Their iniquity was their unbelief and boasting in their own works tio save themselves. They think they are good enough without belief on Christ alone! God states that “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isahiah 64:6 KJV). These are Apostates. They are UNBELIEVERS who DENY Christ as Messiah, the Son of God who paid for all the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2) and rose again. Yet, they are among the believer community and may look like they are believers by their works.

We see many religions today that are Apostate. Religions teaching our works are what matter for salvation and righteousness. So many, so called ‘Christian’ Religions rising and growing stronger, while true born again believers are leaving them.

Jack Kelly (RIP) wrote something to take notice about in Revelation. It is so right on the bullseye of truth and so relevant to us living today, here in the End Times generation just before the Church Age ends. Jack wrote:

“For the Lord’s prophecy to the churches of of our times, compare the Church of Philadelphia with the Church of Laodicea in Rev. 3 About Philadelphia, a model of the evangelical Church, He said, “I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and not denied my name.” (Rev. 3:8) But when it comes to Laodicea, a model of the apostate church, it’s a different story. Here Jesus said, “You say, ‘I am rich. I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” (Rev. 3:17)

– Jack Kelley from https://gracethrufaith.com/ask-a-bible-teacher/the-declining-church/

Does that ever describe the declining state of Christianity today. Apostasy, a great falling away has occurred, and is still occurring increasingly, in many churches that were once teaching being born again in the Spirit by belief on Christ and not by works. And some apostates left true teaching Churches and started their own which completely deny Christ’s deity but who are still using Jesus’ name! Religions such as:

The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints
Jehovah’s Witness
Christian Science
and the list goes on.

The Church is NOT a building. The Church consists of members who believe salvation is a free gift of God, not of works, through belief in Christ and His once for all payment (Hebrews 10:10) for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2) and His rising from the dead (1 Cor. 15:1-4).

Are Trespasses, Transgressions and Iniquity All The Same Thing?

Don Gerrity Q&A: The Truth About... May 10, 2021

“I acknowledge MY SIN unto thee, and mine INIQUITY have I not hid. I said, I will confess my TRANSGRESSIONS unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the INIQUITY OF MY SIN. Selah.” (Psalms 32:5 KJV)

“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all TRESPASSES;” (Colossians 2:13 KJV)

“All unrighteousness is SIN: and there is a sin not unto death.” (1 John 5:17 KJV)

“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.” (Hebrews 9:15 KJV)

We see Jesus and Apostle Paul use the words SIN, INIQUITY, TRESPASSES and TRANSGRESSIONS.

Are they all just ‘sin’? Ask yourself why not just write ‘sin’ when they translated the Bible to English then? Sometimes sin and these other words are used in the same verse even. If we look into the Hebrew and Greek in Strongs Concordance we gain some more light about this.

SIN: Strongs, ‘hamartía, ham-ar-tee’-ah; from G264; a sin (properly abstract):—offence, sin(-ful).’

TRANSGRESSIONS:

》 Old Testament: Strongs, ‘peshaʻ, peh’-shah; from H6586; a revolt (national, moral or religious):’

》 New Testament: Strongs, ‘parábasis, par-ab’-as-is; from G3845; violation:—breaking, transgression.’

TRESPASSES: Strongs, ‘paráptōma, par-ap’-to-mah; from G3895; a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e. (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression:—fall, fault, offence, sin, trespass.’

INIQUITY: Strongs, ‘anomía, an-om-ee’-ah; from G459; illegality, i.e. violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness:—iniquity, × transgress(-ion of) the law, unrighteousness.’

It is true that all these words are sins, but each word has specific definitions or classifications of sins, since each word have different meanings that give more details from passages using each word.

TRANSGRESSIONS are specifically all out rejection IN REVOLT against God by breaking The Law of Moses (613 Laws including the Ten Commandments.)

TRESPASSES are a lapse, a slip up, fall or stumble of a person, unintentional or willfully, into a sin.

INIQUITY is breaking The Law of Moses (613 Laws including the Ten Commandments. ) by a wrong view IN RELIGIOUS BEHAVIOR.

When you read verses using each word you see this more clear.

Example: Matthew 7:22-23,

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done MANY WONDERFUL WORKS?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that WORK INIQUITY.”

Some teach this as if this ‘work iniquity’ just means any type of sin. But that is not the case. Jesus is telling them that ‘many wonderful works’ will not save a person from condemnation. Only belief on Jesus as Messiah and His finished work on the cross can save. His Work on the cross, not our good works. Believing in ‘works for salvation’ is false RELIGIOUS BELIEF. That is the iniquity and it fits Strongs Greek definition. Jesus was not talking about all sins in Matthew 7. By the context of the entire chapter, He was refuting false ‘works for salvation’ which is actually boasting in the sin of pride. Paul taught the same in Ephesians 2:8-9,

“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)

Use these specific definitions and see the context of a passage to see the truth.

James 3:1: Are Believers To Fear Teaching and Witnessing Of The Gospel?

Don Gerrity Q&A: The Truth About... May 5, 2021

Is James 3:1 Something To Fear For A Believer In Salvation By God’s Grace?

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” (James 3:1 KJV)

In James 3, it is warning that teachers of the Gospel can face more severe judgment by God. Does that mean witnessing to others about the Gospel of Grace and teaching others by God’s Word is something to fear? A good question. I see many posting James 3:1 and pushing it as a fear tactic ! That sound more like the devil trying to stop believers from witnessing to others as Jesus instructed us to do!

James 3:1 is truth and it is true but it also to some may come off as ‘we should not preach the gospel’ or ‘witness to others’ in fear of great judgement? As if those teaching God’s Word to others cannot make ANY ERROR AT ALL or face severe judgement.

Think about this logically a moment. God knows we are not perfect. God knows we are all growing in the knowledge of the truth. He is the one teaching us. We will get it wrong at times and eventually will have correction in right belief. Who of us believers are perfect in the MIND right now? NONE! Paul says we need to RENEW OUR MIND by God’s Word (Romans 12). Jesus said the same in John 17:17. It happens over time. Even the most prolific Bible teachers are still learning the truth and correcting some things they previously taught wrongly. We must keep context in mind. Who in specific is this warning about?

Looking at the very next verse, James 3:2, it shows us that perfection is not the standard of this verse,

“For in many things WE OFFEND ALL. If any man OFFEND NOT in word, the same is A PERFECT MAN, and able also to bridle the whole body.” (James 3:2 KJV)

Here is a good question at this point, ‘How are we PERFECT before God?’ Is it by what we do or by believing what CHRIST JESUS DID on the cross in saving us. We are the righteousness of God, IN CHRIST by the imputation of God (2 Cor. 5:17-21) since our belief on Christ (Eph. 1:13-14, John 3:14-18, 6:37-40, Colossians 2).

The offense is what then?

It is believing salvation is by OUR WORKS. Here in specific it is teaching ‘works of the Law’ for righteousness which is false. If a person is teaching ‘works for salvation’ today, it is basically the same thing, SELF RELIANCE for salvation – a false salvation Jesus warned about in Matthew 7:15-23. ‘Many wonderful works’ will not save anyone!

Even here within the book of James in the previous chapter he stated this,

“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10 KJV)

That is the offence. Going back further for more clarity on proper context, remember James 1, and who he is addressing,

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, -TO THE TWELVE TRIBES- which are scattered abroad, greeting.” (James 1:1 KJV)

James is writing to the Jewish people in specific. What did the Jewish people believe about becoming righteous with God? They believed in LAW FOLLOWING for righteousness, which Jesus taught AGAINST.

In James 2, it starts with “MY BRETHREN” and he is addressing the Jewish believers. James 3 comes after James 2 and that matters. So we must understand these important contexts to understand the truth of what James is teaching in James 3.

Later in James 3, there is also a point that envy and selfish ambition are two of the criteria for judgment.

“But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” (James 3:14-16 KJV)

We see this today as well as the false gospel of ‘works for salvation’, mixing the Law with Grace is rampant in church organizations and many many pulpits.

Therefore, if you are witnessing to others and teaching others that salvation is by belief on Christ and not works, you are teaching correctly the Gospel of Salvation. Even if you misinterpret some passages and later are corrected on other things; if you teach the true Gospel, you are doing what Christ instructed us to do. Learning the deep things of the knowledge of truth happens over time by the indwelling Holy Spirit for all who believe on Christ – even Pastors and Bible teachers. But the core belief of the Gospel is either the true Gospel of faith and trust in Christ or faith and trust in others things. It is never the mixing of the two.

And remember also that Jesus paid for the sins of the whole world. And that includes sins of believers after salvation. James 3:1 is not a salvation issue. James 3:1 starts with “MY BRETHREN”. That is addressed to already eternally saved BELIEVERS. I suspect that most teachers of the Bible and even all believers who witness using Scripture may have some loss of rewards when we got it wrong. But even so, we are already in glorified resurrected bodies in Heaven at the Bema Seat Judgement of Believers. No sins are even mentioned because they were all already paid in full on Christ in judgement (1 John 2:2).

We may lose some rewards and gain some other rewards for our witnessing and teaching to others in the Bible. Who is perfected yet?! I believe for the most part, it will be rewards for helping others come to salvation by pointing them to Christ.

Lordship Salvation: Is It Not About Good Works?

Don Gerrity Q&A: False Gospels, Q&A: The Truth About... February 25, 2021

Lordship Salvation leads people to think that works are required to remain saved. This is not the Gospel of Christ Jesus. It teaches salvation is by grace but if a person does not MAKE a person Lord of their life with evidence of good works, then, they are not “truly saved”. That statement is very conflicting in Scripture. Why? Because we do not MAKE Jesus Lord; HE IS LORD whether a person is saved or not. If we are saved, the Lord helps us in being fruitful in good works but we do have our free will to live outwardly as we choose. Of course, we should be wanting to live outwardly in good works and love towards others just as Christ loved us. But no one MAKES Jesus Lord. We accept or reject His GIFT of Salvation.

When Does Jesus Become YOUR Lord?

Scripture says Jesus IS LORD OF ALL! Not just believers. He is everyone’s Lord whether they accept Him as the foretold Messiah and savior, the only begotten Son of God, or not.

“The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)” (Acts 10:36 KJV)

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11 KJV)

Look what this is telling us in Luke 2. Jesus IS OUR SAVIOUR who is The Lord. What we are to do is to TRUST in Jesus AS OUR SAVIOUR, because He is Lord, the foretold Messiah, The Christ.

“For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, EVERY KNEE shall bow to me, and EVERY TONGUE shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Rom 14:7-12 KJV)

EVERY KNEE WILL BOW

This applies to unbelievers as well at the Great White Throne Judgement where they will find themselves condemned for not accepting the free gift of salvation without works required that Jesus and Paul taught. It is not the works nor deeds condemning them. It is because they are not found in the Lamb’s Book of Life and those in that book are those who accepted the free gift of Salvation through Christ crucified died and risen. ALL their sins were paid for by Christ and by believing on Him, the only payment for sins was placed on their account. And all sins and failures we have committed are future from the cross and that includes sins and failures of the believer as well. But those who do not accept the free gift of Salvation by BELIEF ON CHRIST ALONE, and who trust in their ‘many wonderful works’ (Matthew 7:21-21) have boasted in their own efforts to save themselves. So their sins must still be paid for (Romans 6:23); they had rejected the only payment that would eradicate the wages for their sins and that is Christ crucified, died and risen. The ONCE FOR ALL blood atoning sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10) for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2).

No one is saved by their works nor deeds.

Matthew 7 shows this as Jesus states that ‘many wonderful works’ will not save a person but only by trust in Him to save them. Paul stated that thinking salvation is kept by works and deeds makes Christ of “no effect unto you” in Galatians 5,

“Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” (Galatians 5:4-5 KJV)

It is fine and good that a believer wants to do good works after being saved. We have a new Spirit after all. Good works are, well, GOOD! Helping others come to salvation as ambassadors for Christ is a good privilege indeed! But to state that if we do not have good works after salvation that we do not have salvation is boasting in PRIDE (Ephesians 2:9).

I will also say this, born again believers, even those currently saved but living carnally, magnify what Jesus DID on the cross. They trust in HIM ALONE for their salvation. That said, I am not condoning living a sin lifestyle, God forbid (Romans 6). Also, new born again believers still need their mind’s renewed by God’s Word, more and more, to even come to understand what things they are doing are sin and which are not. It takes time. So are such new born again believers not saved because they have no good works as evidence of being saved? No, because works and deeds have NOTHING to do with salvation. And just HOW MANY good works are required to know you are saved anyway?

Anyone claiming to be born again and eternally saved who is teaching that NOW, BECAUSE I am saved, I am somehow better. NOW that I am saved I do not sin anymore. NOW because I am saved I am better than others because “I HAVE MADE Jesus Lord of my life” has got it all wrong. A person is only saved and kept saved by Jesus and His FINISHED blood atonement on that cross and rising again. Where is the bragging for a born again believer? In our own efforts, works or repentance after salvation? Or bragging on Christ and what He has done for us? This great love of God is what brings a person to repentance in the first place. Lordship Salvation is leading many to believing salvation has a “works” component to it and that is very dangerous belief.

What actually IS REPENTANCE?

Lordship Salvation teaches that repentance is ‘turning from sin’ and ‘doing good outward works’. If a person believes on Christ but never stops sinning, that they were never saved. Jesus never said such a thing. In fact, in John 3 and John 6 He emphasized BELIEF ON HIM, with nothing else required.

Repentance is just a WORD and it literally is defined by the Bible as “change your MIND”. Before salvation it is changing from our works for righteousness to belief on Christ for righteousness. After salvation it is about again ‘changing our mind’ by God’s Word (Romans 12, John 17:17) to believing the truth by God’s Word FROM SALVATION. This renewal can lead to outward good works but that does mean the good works after salvation will keep a person saved. IT IS CHRIST’S FINISHED WORK – NOT OUR WORKS that save us and keep us saved! Anything else is the sin of boasting and pride.

Lordship salvation teaches that your actions and works is how a person makes Jesus your Lord by “your works and repentance” after belief on Christ for righteousness. Find one verse of Jesus stating that, with the proper context of a verse intact. It is not there.

JESUS BECOMES A PERSON’S LORD AND SAVIOR AT THE SAME TIME

Jesus Christ becomes a person’s Lord, AND SAVIOUR AT THE SAME MOMENT OF TIME and that moment is from the very moment you believe on Christ for righteousness. Jesus was Lord before their salvation you see? We do not need to MAKE HIM our Lord after being saved. What we need is to be BELIEVE in HIM as our saviour and to trust in His finished work on the cross, which we have nothing to do with other than be thankful and accept this free gift of salvation through Christ Crucified, died and risen. Then we need to REPENT FROM OUR SALVATION which is renewing OUR MIND by God’s Word to the truth (Romans 12, John 17:17). Doing so leads to better decisions and God gives us desires to outward works in love for others.

“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 of our inheritance until the redemption of the PURCHASED POSSESSION, unto the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14 KJV)

The moment we believe on Christ, we were purchased by Christ and He owns us for ever! We are no longer slaves of unrighteousness and we became slaves of righteousness. Apostle Paul wrote,

“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness…For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.” (Romans 6:18, 20 KJV)

There has been a big change! We were in the prison of unrighteousness and we could not get out by our own efforts in good works. The sin remained and needed to be paid. Believing on Christ and His finished work on the cross we were by grace (Romans 5) transferred to another prison! A prison of righteousness and nothing we do, or not do, can make us unrighteous again either! That does not mean we should just go and sin all we want and not care about how live. It is BECAUSE of this that we should want to.

Our works for Jesus before or after our MOMENT of salvation do not make Him our Lord. Belief on Christ and His blood atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world makes us saved BY THE LORD. To say that AFTER being saved a person needs to make Jesus the Lord of their life by how they live outwardly is to say salvation is BY JESUS PLUS OUR WORKS and that is false! It is confusing the Gospel of our salvation. It is leading many to believe they are saved when they may not be saved!

To bear good fruit what did Jesus tell the disciples?

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 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 YOU CAN DO NOTHING.” (John 15:4-5 KJV)

It is all about Jesus Christ in us, the hope of glory! (Colossians 1:27)

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1 Cor. 15:1-4 KJV)

“And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:30-31 KJV)

BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IN YOUR HEART.

That is it. That is all as a REQUIREMENT of being saved. Now that we have been saved BY THE LORD (not trying to make Him Lord by our works after salvation), in great gratitude and by renewal of our mind by guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we SHOULD have outward good works in love for others from our newly created Spirit of God (Ephesians 2:10). Absolutely!

The Work Of Salvation Is Already Done. It was done by Christ 2000 years ago. Our job is to believe it. Renew our mind by the truth of God’s Word and love others.

Can A True Born Again Believer Become Demon Possessed?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Satan & The Lost, Q&A: The Truth About... February 16, 2021

A born again believer in Christ does have a MIND that needs renewing (Romans 12, John 17:17) but their Spirit is RIGHT NOW, COMPLETE IN CHRIST (Colossians 2), the very righteousness of God, IN CHRIST (2 Cor. 5:17-21), indwelt by the Holy Spirit from the very moment of belief on Christ for righteousness and sealed (Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30).

The Bible is very clear that Christians cannot be demon possessed. The Bible does say that a believer can be OPPRESSED AND TEMPTED by a demon, the ‘wiles of the devil’ (Ephesians 6). BIG DIFFERENCE!

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV)

Demon Oppression Is Biblical

DEMON OPPRESSION is Biblical and means that the devil and his demons will try to work circumstances against you and try to tempt you to sin. These are the schemes and wiles of the devil and we are to put on the Armour of God from Ephesians 6 to resist and fight them. That starts with verse 10,

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
(Ephesians 6:10 KJV)

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
(James 4:7 KJV)

Asa born again believer with the Holy Spirit indwelling us (God is not ‘out there’, He is right here INSIDE believers!), we can stand against the demon attacks. But we must know who God made us, IN CHRIST! We are part of God’s family as born again believers with God inside of us.

“Ye are of God, little children, and have OVERCOME THEM: because greater is he THAT IS IN YOU, than he that is IN THE WORLD.” (1 John 4:4 KJV)

The demons are ‘in the world’ but born again believers are now far above them in authority and position. In fact, we are told that we who are born again in the Spirit will one day be judging these fallen angels / demons.

“Know ye not that WE SHALL JUDGE ANGELS? how much more things that pertain to this life?”
(1 Cor. 6:3 KJV)

Even Peter was shocked to hear that he was influenced by Satan. This does not mean he was demon possessed though. The demons enticed his fleshly mind. Peter did not yet understand why Jesus was fine with going to be killed. He was hurting in his mind and was going through Jesus’ words in his mind over and over in despair, not understanding why Jesus had to die. The Devil knew it and kept enticing until Peter could not take it anymore.

“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Then Peter took him, and began to REBUKE HIM, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

But he turned, and said unto Peter, GET BEHIND ME, SATAN: thou art AN OFFENSE TO ME: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that BE OF MEN.” (Matthew 16:21-23 KJV)

Notice that Jesus did not CAST OUT any demons within Peter. If Peter had been demon possessed, Jesus would have surely cast the demons out as He had for others. No, He did not! It is just that the devil enticed Peter’s fleshing thinking mind. And in great emotion did not want Jesus to die. Jesus knew it came from Satan who was trying to use Peter to prevent it. Peter was thinking as men think. Jesus did not say “get thee behind me Peter”. He said “GET BEHIND ME SATAN”.

At times a believer will fall into temptation and sin. The oppression from demons is very real. That does not mean the sin committed means loss of salvation. The Holy Spirit is still indwelling and Christ already paid for all sins of the whole world on that cross (1 John 2:2). That includes sins after salvation because all our sins are future from the cross. The demons know that you are eternally saved. They know the Bible. However, if they get you to sin it can RUIN YOUR WITNESS TO OTHERS with the Gospel of Grace Through Christ Crucified died, buried and risen. And it is the Gospel they are trying to prevent unsaved people from hearing!

These are what demons are doing to born again believers. They are OPPRESSING but not able to POSSESS born again believers with the Holy Spirit of God living inside of them.

Demon Possession

DEMON POSSESSION means that a demon, or demons, has taken over FULL CONTROL of a person as we see in Matthew 17:14-18 and Luke 4:33-35 and Luke 8:27-33. When Jesus cast out demons in people, the people were awakened from being unable to control their bodies. Keep in mind these verses are all before the cross and before the Holy Spirit indwelling upon believers happened on Pentecost.

No born again believer since Pentecost has been possessed by a demon nor is that found anywhere in the Bible. Demons can tempt and influence a born again believer toward sinning. Demons can, and do, try to entice the Fleshly thoughts in THE MIND (left over from the now DEAD old Spirit of Adam- Colossians 2, Romans 6) but can never ever possess as God MADE US through imputation, a new creation in the Spirit, which is of God and not Adam/man. BORN AGAIN IN THE SPIRIT is not something we work to achieve; it is a GIFT God gave us from the moment we believed on Christ for righteousness ( Eph. 1:13-14). It was NOT a partial gift!

In fact I can find no commands by Jesus to cast a demon out of a born again believer. Don’t you think God would have gave instructions to do so if it were true that a demon could possess a born again believer? Yet, it is not found anywhere in Scripture. Instead what do we see in Scripture? Just as Jesus did, when He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights with the devil tempting Him, believers are only instructed to resist the devil and use the Word of God against such influences and temptations:

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
(James 4:7 KJV)

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
(1 Peter 5:8-9 KJV)

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 KJV)

Will Christ Be Ashamed Of A Believer At The Judgement Seat Of Christ For Believers (The Bema Seat)?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Bible Prophecy & End Times, Q&A: Judgement Of Believers, Q&A: The Truth About... January 25, 2021

Jesus was the full payment for the sins of the whole world. Those who believe on Him and HIS blood atoning sacrifice on the cross and His rising from death, HAVE eternal life. All sins (future sins too, as all our sins are future from the cross) fully paid by Christ. As a full payment, we need not pay the wages of sin (death Romans 6:23) because He paid it all for us. Anything we may do wrong, including sin, is no longer a hindrance to your salvation. In fact, it gives us great gratitude to do good works in love to others and encourages us to live right.

“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2 KJV)

“And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” (1 John 2:28 KJV)

If you believe on Christ for salvation, you will not be ashamed!

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED.” (Romans 10:9-11 KJV)

But What About At The Judgement Seat Of Believers?

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, WHICH IS JESUS CHRIST.

Now if any man build upon THIS FOUNDATION gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s WORK of what sort it is.

If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive A REWARD.

If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED; yet so as by fire.

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.

Let no man DECEIVE HIMSELF. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

Therefore LET NO MAN GLORY IN MEN. For all things ARE YOUR’S”;

Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; ALL ARE YOUR’S;

And YE ARE Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” (1 Corinthians 3: 11-23 KJV)

Paul tells us here that there is no other foundation other than Christ. Only He is what saves us and keeps us saved. He paid it all! Believers should have ZERO PRIDE in the fact that God saved us when we believed on Christ. ZERO!! Did we do anything to save us from our sins and from our old fallen sin bent Spirit of Adam? No. Nada. Who did this for us? Who MADE US righteous? Christ alone! Look closely at Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians, look very closely at the words to see the truth.

“Therefore if any man be IN CHRIST, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

And all things ARE OF GOD, WHO HATH reconciled us to himself BY JESUS CHRIST, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, NOT IMPUTING their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Now then WE ARE ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

For HE HATH MADE HIM to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might BE MADE the righteousness of God IN HIM.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-21 KJV)

See the truth Paul is stating here? It is God alone who made our salvation possible by sending His only begotten Son, Christ Jesus to pay for our sins and when He did that on the cross, God through imputation (not by our deeds) MADE US the righteousness of God, in Christ. Oh the world needs to hear this truth! In fact, there are many many saved believers who know their sins were paid by Christ but yet do not know the other amazing part. A believer has BECOME a NEW CREATURE in the Spirit, at our core being, and WE ARE right now deemed as righteous as God. Think about that! When God sees His children (anyone who believed on Christ) , He sees His perfect Son! Heaven is a perfect place full of ONLY perfect people. Yes, a believer may fall into sin. Yes believers still sin. But all those sins were already [aid for by Christ. And yes, we strive to not sin by walking in the new Spirit God (Galatians 5:16) has made us. And yes, we renew our mind by God’s word (Romans 12, John 17:17), The Holy Bible. The fact is though, to God all He sees is that we are perfect. How amazing is that! Do we deserve it? NO WAY! And that is why it is called God’s GRACE. So, we should have ZERO pride and boasting about ourselves just because God saved us by His grace. In fact, it should encourage us to live our lives for God and in love toward others.

The Bema Judgement Seat For Believers is about gaining rewards for the good works we have done after we were saved by our belief on Christ. Some eternally saved will be at this event who have had nothing but DEAD works. They had a DEAD faith as James 2 reads. But the dead faith is not about being saved or not. James is writing to already saved believers, the Brethren, as we see in the very first verse of James 2. In 2 Corinthians 3 above, in Verse 15, we do see that there will be believers who lived carnally after accepting the free gift of salvation. They will have no eternal rewards. Are they still saved? Well, yes! They are already in Heaven in their perfected glorified bodies.

What about the believer’s sins? Well, do you see the word ‘sins’ or ‘transgressions’ even mention in 1 Corinthians 3? We do not because Christ ALREADY judged our sins on that cross and God has no need to judge our sins again. The Father accepted Jesus’ blood atonement fr our sins 100%. Will they have remorse for having no rewards? Yes they will. They have missed great opportunities during their Christian life on Earth. And now in their perfected glorified bodies, with perfected minds, they will see so clearly what they have missed out on.

This English translated word ‘ashamed’ in the Strongs Greek concordance is G2617, the word kat-ahee-skhoo’-no; from G2596 and G153; to shame down, i.e. disgrace or (by implication) put to the blush:—confound, dishonour, (be a-, make a-)shame(-d).

Is It God’s Will For Believers To Be Ashamed Of Them For Believing The Gospel At His Coming For His Bride?

Every believer is sanctified and so to God, He has MADE YOU PERFECT FOREVER.

“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 OR EVER THEM THAT –ARE– SANCTIFIED.” (Hebrews 10:12-14 KJV)

When Is A Believer Sanctified? Is That Something W Do or Something God Made U?

To understand the truth about a person being sanctified we need to first understand what the word ‘HOLY’ is defined as. What does the Bible mean when it uses the English translated word ‘HOLY’. This is a matter of great importance in interpreting passages about a believer and how they are SANCTIFIED. Is sanctification a life long process, where we are moment by moment becoming more and more Holy? Or does a believer’s sanctification happen in an instant, from the very moment that they believe on Christ and His finished work on the cross, having in the past, PAID the just penalty for all our sins?

When we look up the English translated word SANCTIFY in the New Testament in the Greek , what do we find as the definition of the word? What we find is Strongs G37:

G37: ἁγιάζω hagiázō, hag-ee-ad’-zo; from G40; to make holy.
( Strongs Concordance)

So, the word Sanctify literally means to MAKE HOLY. So we see that how we define the English translated word HOLY matters much in seeing the truth about being sanctified as believers. So, when we further look into this in Greek, we are pushed to look into the word ‘Holy’ which is, as G37 tells us, G40:

G40: ἅγιος hágios, hag’-ee-os; from ἅγος hágos (an awful thing) (compare G53, G2282); sacred (physically, pure, MORALLY BLAMELESS or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):—(most) holy (one, thing), SAINT.
(Strongs Concordance)

In essence, the meaning is ‘most holy thing, a saint’.

Let us first look at this word Holy as it is used whenever the ‘Holy Spirit’ or ‘Holy Ghost’ is mentioned.

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the HOLY Ghost.” (Matthew 1:18 KJV)

The Holy Ghost is GOD right? So how Holy and set apart is God from all of His creation? Hugely set apart! He is the Alpha and Omega; the beginning and the end. The one and only God of all that exists! So when the word HOLY in ‘Holy Spirit’ is used in the Bible, it is basically saying that God is completely SET APART from all of His creation. He is the almighty God who always existed and always will. Now, THAT is definitely a set apart being! Yes? The word HOLY in the name ‘Holy Spirit’ is Strongs G40 in Greek.

You see this word HOLY is used by many in so many different ways by believers today that it has become a pivotal part of how they believe about Salvation and justification with God. This is something we must get right! To be Holy is basically to be PERFECT and SET APART. Understanding this as the proper definition of the English translated word for HOLY, we now return to the word SANCTIFY (G37) in the New Testament because it references the very same word ‘HOLY” in the ‘Holy Spirit’, which is G40.

Apostle Paul used this word SANCTIFY many times in his ministry such as,

“That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being SANCTIFIED BY THE HOLY GHOST.” (Romans 15:16 KJV)

“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but YE ARE SANCTIFIED, but YE ARE JUSTIFIED in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the SPIRIT OF OUR GOD.” (1 Corinthians 6:11 KJV)

This last quoted Scripture from 1 Corinthians 6 is a real eye opener. Sanctified by what? It states by the SPIRIT OF OUR GOD and when you look that phrase up in the Greek, it literally means the HOLY SPIRIT.

The word ‘sanctified’ is G37 and again, it is not defined as believers striving to become more sanctified by living more holy lives, as if we can even do that in our own efforts. Yes, of course a believer is to live right outwardly in love towards others and in good works. But regarding this word SANCTIFY that is not we see as the meaning. The word Sanctify literally means ‘TO MAKE HOLY’. Does that mean we have to make ourselves Holy to be sanctified by God? Not according to Scripture!

“And THE VERY GOD OF PEACE SANCTIFY YOU WHOLLY; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be PRESERVED BLAMELESS unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 KJV)

In this verse, it is GOD who is making the believer HOLY. And it is God who keeps us in this state of being called ‘HOLY’. It is not our work; it is God’s work to make a person HOLY! That is in fact how we are saved is it not? Apostle Paul taught so,

“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. For we are HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN Christ Jesus UNTO good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:9-10 KJV)

The writer of Hebrews also states so,

“Wherefore Jesus also, THAT HE MIGHT SANCTIFY the people WITH HIS OWN BLOOD, suffered without the gate.” (Hebrews 13:12 KJV)

Do we read, in any of these verses, that a person is sanctified by our works and right living? NO! A person is sanctified by God through belief in Jesus the Christ (God in the flesh, who is God!)

“But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, BECAUSE GOD HATH from the beginning chosen you to salvation THROUGH SANCTIFICATION OF THE SPIRIT and belief of the truth:” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 KJV)

Again, we see that it is GOD who is setting a believer apart and making them Holy, which is the very definition of the word sanctification (G37), ‘TO MAKE HOLY’.

“But of him ARE YE IN CHRIST JESUS, who of God IS MADE UNTO US wisdom, and righteousness, and SANCTIFICATION, and redemption:”
(1 Corinthians 1:30 KJV)

It is God who sets us apart in sanctification and not something that we do. We do have an ongoing sanctification while still on Earth but this is really renewing our corrupt Fleshly mind to God’s truth of the Scriptures by guidance of the Holy Spirit. But that is about the beliefs in OUR MIND, not our Spirit. Our Spirit was already perfected the moment we believed on Christ and rose WITH HIM, and we are right now, in The Spirit COMPLETE IN CHRIST (Read Colossians 2 for a great blessing to see what happen to anyone, the moment they believe on Christ Jesus.)

Does Any Of These Truths Mean We Just Do Nothing For Christ?

God forbid!

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6 KJV)

YE BECAME SERVANTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Christ lives within every believer right now ! Believers are a new Spirit of God at your core being as a believers. Strive to avoid sin at all costs. sin still has consequences, even though loss of salvation is not one of the consequences. A believer who steals is still going to jail right? They are an eternally saved believer who stole something in sin. Christ foreknew that sin and they are still saved. But we should not be wanting to sin all the time. We are a new being now, and we should be doing good works in love for others. That should be our goal. Helping others come to salvation through Christ Crucified. That should be ou goal in life. Focus on the world to come when Jesus returns and do not conform to this current corrupt world which will be passing away.

Apostle Paul tells us that we should be Ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). Jesus prayed the the Father not take us out of this world the moment we believe and get saved (John 17). He wants us involved for the Kingdom Of God!

Love God. Be thankful in great gratitude for what God has bestowed on us, His very own Righteousness and eternal life! Live in love for others as Christ loved us. Renew you mind by God’s Word. Believe it over any emotion you have!

BELIEVE IT ALL!

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16 KJV)

The Truth about using ‘In Jesus Name’ in regards to Philippians 4:13

Don Gerrity Q&A: The Truth About... July 13, 2020

Colossains 1:27 Christ In Your. The Hope of Glory.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
(Philippians 4:13 KJV)

Today, we see many pulpits and TV evangelists using the phrase ‘IN JESUS NAME’ to invoke God to do something that they want. Praying to God in Jesus’ Name is one thing but trying to force God into your will is another! It is rampant false teaching in these End Time in which we live.

I am writing this article because of a recent comment by a fellow believer. He is a real born again and saved believer. A brother in Christ. I was showing that a believer is not to BIND a devil as if we can do that in our own power and that is the proper context of the Scripture in Matthew 18:18. His response is one I see often. It is a belief pushed onto the Christian community by these same TV evangelists and many pulpit teachers actually. I hope it helps you see the truth by context.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN UNTO GOD. And the PEACE OF GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV)

Just Some Logical Questions…

- If you have an issue of disease you are facing. You pray to God. If you get healed.. AMEN! But what if you do not? Is it just lack of faith?
- A person living in a third world Country, literally starving. They pray to God. If they receive food in abundance, amen! But what if they do not? Is it just lack of faith?

Do you see an issue here? I DO.

Jesus prayed to the Father that the cup of the cross, if possible, would not have to happen.. but then adds.. THY WILL BE DONE. That does not sound like, no hardships for believers to have does it?

Again, Jesus in John 15 said this,

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” (John 15:18-20 KJV)

Does that sound like using ‘In Jesus Name’ will mean your troubles will just leave you? A resounding no is what we see Jesus stating right?

Continuing in Philippians 4 Paul writes,

“Not that I speak in respect OF WANT: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith TO BE CONTENT. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
(Philippians 4:11-13 KJV)

What is Paul saying here then by the very context of Philippians 4? That we can do anything at all through Christ because we believe it? Because we NAME IT and CLAIM IT using Jesus Name? NO. Do we know the mind and purpose of God for everything in our life? NO, other than what Christ told us.

I personally have medical issues and have prayed and continue praying for God to heal me. For some medical issues, I was healed. For others, they are still here affecting me negatively. Is it a lack of MY FAITH? No it is not. I trust God. If I did not, I would not have my website seekknockfind.org my facebook group.

I have to be content knowing that GOD HAS A PLAN FOR ALL THIS. This is what Apostle Paul learned and is teaching about. This is FAITH and TRUST in God. And having peace knowing that God will be using this bad circumstance in my life for a greater good.

CONTENTMENT IN LIFE CIRCUMSTANCES

Paul is writing about being CONTENT in the hardships we face in life and in the persecution believers receive. That no matter what comes our way, Jesus is within us. We are to TRUST that God knows what is happening to us when we have trying hard times in life and TRUST and know that God is NOT UNAWARE. Having this kind of look at our life’s troubles is what faith is all about and we can endure hardships in this life with this kind of faith.

We see how Paul has learned this. What he went through in persecutions was so many incredible hardships. Beaten. Spit on. Imprisoned. The list goes on and on. Paul was under house arrest for 2 years. Cold he get out of that, or did he even try to get out of that hardship, by invoking ‘In Jesus name’? Or did he TRUST that God was in it and it was for a purpose? The truth is that we may not even have these writings of Paul (2/3 of the New Testament) if God did not allow Paul to be placed under house arrest for 2 years. THAT IS WHY HE WROTE THE EPISTLE LETTERS!

GOD HAS A PLAN!

And what about when Paul and Silas were thrown into a harsh prison? What we do we see them doing? Fighting it? NO! They were singing praises to God in worship! And what happened? Earthquake from God, prison doors opened and the jailer and his whole family became saved. And if they were saved.. how many others were saved by that family telling others and they telling others etc etc etc .. See how their faith in the fact that God allowed the hardship circumstance in their life, saved countless people!

GOD HAS A PLAN! EVEN IN OUR HARDSHIPS.

This is what Apostle Paul is writing about in Philippians 4, even though many pulpits teach falsely about verse 13, using it and ignoring the context of the verses in the very same chapter.

Yes, pray to God in hardships. It is also okay to ask God to help remove it. But in faith, we trust in the power of HIS MIGHT (Ephesians 6:10). And we must be CONTENT in TRUST when God’s answer is, “wait”, “not now” or flat out “no”, because He has a greater purpose.

GOD HAS A PLAN FOR EACH OF US

This is the PEACE passing all understanding from verse 7 that Paul is writing about.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 KJV)

IT IS CHRIST IN US, THE HOPE OF GLORY!

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