 
# Contents

Are you an abominable living sacrifice to God?

Beware of the deceptive "love gospel"

Birth Pains for New Creation

Can Christians eat Halal? No

Can Christians eat Unclean Animals? Yes

Choice of Predestination

Deception of Charity and Giving to God

Deception of Eternal Security

Deception of Faith

Deception of God's Love

Deception of Perverted Gospel

Deception of Secret Pre-Trib Rapture

Deception of Unconditional Love

Discern Affectionate and Compassionate Love

Discerning Good and Evil

Do you have the Wedding Garment?

Father takes away, Son denies, Holy Spirit destroys

Flourishing false tongues! Beware!

Get away from name-Christians, don't even pray for them

Gift of Interpretation and Imaginary Explanations! Beware!

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

God does miracles through false prophets

God will not answer all prayers. Some prayers He will not even listen

Grace turned to Licentiousness

Hate others to love God

If you harden your heart today, God will harden your heart tomorrow!

Jesus Christ explains Calvinism and Arminianism

Love towards believers

Maintain your Salvation by Good Fruits

Mary was a Surrogate Mother

Matthew 2 is wrong about birth of Jesus Christ

Ministry of Jesus Christ on earth was only one year

Misinterpreted Paul's letters

Never commit an unforgivable sin! Beware!

Progressive Sanctification of Satan

Prophets from Persia

Sickness for God's glory or sin, but nothing else ..

Taxonomy of Sins

Teachings of Jesus Christ

The 7 Commandments of the Jesus Christ

The Good Samaritan: Who is my Neighbor?

The time is very near

There is no darkening of Sun, blood Moon or falling of stars

There is no original sin to justify your sins

Truth that are false, Lies that brings blessings

Undiscerning hypocrites are babies who deserve death

Where is the Garden of Eden?

Who are Seraphim and Cherubim?

Who are the sons of God?

Who are you to Christ? Snake? Wolf? Fox? Dog? Goat? Sheep?

Who can enter, inherit and be thrust out from Kingdom of God?

Why Jesus is the only way?

Why Should Christians Accept Millions of Years?

Women Must Dress Modestly

Works as Evidence of Faith is a Lie

You choose your predestined curse to be your greatest blessing

Bibliography

Statement of Faith

About the Author

# Overview

Christian Essentials is a collection of 56 articles of various topics that every true Christian must know and understand from the Bible in order to safe guard from false doctrines and deceptions in these last days. Each chapter is organized into an individual article in alphabetical order. Read and be blessed.

Disclaimer:

This book was written prior to discerning Paul's letters. I noticed Paul's doctrine is significantly different from Jesus Christ. While you may find references to Paul's letters in this book, it will never be used supersede Christ's words. If you notice any, please let me know.

Paul taught salvation by grace through faith (Eph 2:8) while Jesus taught salvation by keeping God's commandments (Matt 19:16-19; Rev 22:14). Paul preached the gospel of grace of God (Acts 20:24), instead Jesus preached the gospel of the Kingdom of God (Matt 4:17). Paul taught where sin abounds, grace abounds (Rom 5:20) but the grace Jesus taught is conditional (Matt 22:1-14), reversible (Matt 18:21-35) and expiring (Luke 13:6-9). Paul being the master builder built his own foundation and called it as Jesus (1Cor 3:10) while Jesus said, His sayings are the foundation upon which we must build our lives (Luke 6:46-49). Paul taught we are adopted by God for which we have no part to play to become His son (Eph 1:5) but Jesus taught, we must be born of God to become His son (John 1:13; John 3:5) and free from sins to dwell in His house (John 8:34-36). Paul taught faith is imputed for righteousness (Rom 4:11) but Jesus taught faith is not imputed for righteousness but obedience is required (Matt 7:21-23; Luke 6:46). Paul taught we are predestined according to the purpose of Him (Eph 1:5,11), but Jesus taught we will be taken away from Christ by the Father for bearing no fruits (John 15:2). Btw, the fruits mentioned by Paul is 'fruit of the Spirit' which are attributes of a good person (Gal 5:22-23) but the 'fruit of the Word' is obedience to His teachings (Luke 8:11-15). Paul taught we can't earn our salvation (Eph 2:8-9), while Jesus taught we must be worthy to receive salvation (Luke 20:35-36). Paul taught commandments of God brings death (Rom 7:7-25) while Jesus taught commandments of God brings life (Matt 19:16-19). Paul said, sin dwells inside him and blames his wrongdoings on his sins (Rom 7:17, Rom 7:19) while Jesus said, we need to be sinless (John 8:34-36) and even cut off our body parts (Mattt 18:8-9) and keep our garments undefiled for our names to get not blotted from the book of Life (Rev 3:4-5). Paul preached Christ abolished the law (Eph 2:15), while Jesus said, He didn't come to abolish but to fulfill (Matt 5:17). Paul's salvation is wide gate and easy way just by calling on Jesus name and believing in heart (Rom 10:9-13) but salvation from Jesus Christ is through the narrow gate and difficult path (Matt 7:13-14) by being righteous and holy.

Many who profess to be followers of Christ exalt a man's letter to be equal with Christ's words and even use it to deny His teachings. They declare Paul's letters also as scripture, thus rejecting Christ's words on what constitutes Scripture (Luke 24:44-45).

# Are you an abominable living sacrifice to God?

‎ We are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.

_(Rom 12:1-2) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that_ _you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God_ _, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God._

The question is, are you, being the "living sacrifice" - holy, blameless and acceptable to God?

_(Col 1:21-22) And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death,_ _to present you holy, and blameless_ _, and above reproach in His sight_

Beware! If blemish is found in you, you are cursed, referred as a deceiver and an abomination to God.

_(Deut 17:1) "You shall not sacrifice to the LORD your God a bull or sheep which has_ _any blemish [or] defect_ _, for that [is] an_ _abomination to the LORD your God_ _._

_(Mal 1:14) "But_ _cursed be the deceiver_ _Who has in his flock a male, And takes a vow, But sacrifices to the Lord what is_ _blemished_ _\-- For I [am] a great King," Says the LORD of hosts, "And My name [is to be] feared among the nations._

Be warned! Let us therefore be holy.

_(1Pet 1:14-16) as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, [as] in your ignorance; but as He who called you [is] holy, you also be holy in all [your] conduct, because it is written, "_ _Be holy, for I am holy._ _"_

Always remember, you are a living sacrifice to God and if blemish is found in you, you become an abomination to Him. Therefore, be holy still!

# Beware of the deceptive "love gospel"

‎Most of today's churches are preaching a wrong doctrine called "love gospel". Love gospel is not easy to identify and Satan uses this false doctrine to make the churches sleep in a false comfort. Hence, it is important to understand what this "love gospel" is and keep watch for ourselves.

## Symptoms of "love gospel"

People who are in this false doctrine usually believe or say the following.

  * Unconditional love

  * God loves the sinner but hates only the sin

While these are some of the biggest lies told in modern churches today, "love gospel" is about preaching "God's love" with no mention of God wrath, preaching a diluted gospel that does not offend a sinner.

## Litmus Test

If any sermon about God's love can be comfortably preached in gay churches or a gay audience, then those are "love gospel" sermons. Repentance, sanctification and holiness which are the most important message will be completely missing.

Source: https://flickr.com/photos/28222066@N00/9743880098

## What is God's love?

God's love is saving man from His wrath. If God's wrath is not mentioned, what's the point of even mentioning God's love?

Source: http://en.paperblog.com/bestnatesmithever-of-ambivalence-aphoticamy-consulting-mee-562618

The saddest part is, Christians and even pastors don't understand what God's love is. The reason for this is, they don't stand firm on the Truth. They don't even know the Scriptures properly.

God is love and love never fails (1 John 4:8; 1 Cor 13:8). Does that mean God never fails the devil? It is indeed sad that even Christians take verses out of context and justify their sinful actions. If God is love and love always trusts (1 Cor 13:7), does God trusts unbelievers? No, The loving God doesn't even trust His own servants (Job 4:18). Do you trust the words of devil coming from an unbeliever because you are told to love him/her? Jesus said get behind me Satan to His own disciple and did not trust his words (Matt 16:23). Similarly for all other attributes of love mentioned in 1 Cor 13.

Love in 1 Cor 13 is true within believers but if we go to Christ and does not hate others even our own life, we cannot be His disciple (Luke 14:26). Our love towards God and His Word supersedes all other love and even hates others for the sake of Him and His Word. Many churches today are diluting His Word for the sake of loving others, thinking they are reflecting God's love. Preaching God's love is fine but without His wrath mentioned, it is incomplete. Both God's love and His Wrath must always be in balance.

## Diluting God's Message

Church is the group of believers joined with one body of Christ with Christ as the head. But today's churches have more unbelievers and name-Christians and it is hard to find a true-believer. Because of this reason, the message preached in the church is also diluted and church had become a club of unbelievers seeking a message that doesn't offend them because of their sins, and the message required for spiritual growth for a true believer like sanctification, holiness and judgment is completely removed.

Source: http://www.debate.org/opinions/is-the-christian-view-of-homosexuality-wrong

The only message that is left in these kind of churches where God's Word and His true message is compromised has "love", and this message of love is not God's love given in the Bible. By allowing such unbelievers into the congregation, the true believers getting stuck in a whirlwind with no spiritual growth but rather, have fellowship with unbelievers which the Bible strictly warns not to, and become like one of them. This is exactly warned by Jude and Peter which is happening right now.

(Jude 1:4) For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

_(2Pet 2:1-3) But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, [and] bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed._ _By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words_ _; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber._

Therefore, I warn true believers to stand on the Truth always, keep watch always of the false doctrine of deceptive "love gospel".

# Birth Pains for New Creation

‎Bible uses several terms like born again, born of Spirit, born of God, new creation, new man but all refer the same.

_John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he_ _cannot see_ _the kingdom of God." ... v5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he_ _cannot enter_ _the kingdom of God._

Being born again is so important that it is even a requirement to enter kingdom of God.

## Born Again Deception

While the importance of being born again is widely known, the true meaning of what it means to be born again is diluted and many are even deceived.

_2Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;_ _old things have passed away_ _; behold,_ _all things_ _have become_ _new_ _._

_1John 3:9 Whoever has been born of God_ _does not sin_ _, for His seed remains in him; and he_ _cannot sin_ _, because he has been born of God._

Until our old things have passed away and have a transformed heart that cannot sin, that person is not born again. This does not mean a born again person will never sin or fall away. But being born again is the state of the transformed heart that has a strong aversion towards sin which makes it impossible to do it.

2Pet 2:20-22 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire."

For a born again person, doing sin will be like eating his/her own vomit like a dog or swimming in the dirty ditch like a pig. If you don't feel that level of aversion towards sin but still have struggle with the lusts of the world and enjoy the vomit and the dirty ditch in your heart, then you are still in labor pains and the new creation which is born of Spirit is not yet.

_Luke 13:23-24 Then one said to Him, "Lord, are there few who are_ _saved_ _?" And He said to them,_ _Strive to enter through the narrow gate_ _, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able._

_Matt 7:13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because_ _narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life_ _, and there are_ _few who find it_ _._

You may honestly seek to enter through the narrow gate by putting a good fight against sin and think to yourself as born again. But, putting a good fight against sin is not enough. You must actually overcome sin and enter into the narrow gate to get life. Jesus is never going to pull you into that narrow gate or force you through that difficult path. You, I mean, only you with your own free-will must strive to enter through the narrow gate and you will find life and be saved only "after" entering it.

## No Magic Transformations

Some Christians believe once they are born again, their heart is magically transformed by God but that is not what the Bible teaches.

_Ezek 11:19-21 "Then_ _I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit_ _within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God._ _But as for those_ _whose_ _hearts follow the desire for their detestable things and their abominations_ _, I will recompense their deeds on their own heads," says the Lord GOD._

To whom will God take the stony heart and give a heart of flesh and a new spirit? To those whose heart do not follow the desire for detestable and abominations. God is not magically transforming your sinful heart but rather, the new heart and new spirit is the end result for them whose heart do not follow the detestable and abominable things.

_Ezek 24:13 In your filthiness is lewdness._ _Because I have cleansed you, and you were not cleansed, You will not be cleansed of your filthiness anymore_ _, Till I have caused My fury to rest upon you._

Further, God can cleanse you, but if you still remain in your filthiness without becoming clean, you will not be cleansed from your filthiness anymore but His fury will rest upon you.

_John 8:31-36 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you_ _abide in My word_ _, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, 'You will be made free'?" Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you,_ _whoever commits sin is a slave of sin_ _. And a slave_ _does not abide in the house forever_ _, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed._

Jesus also explains there is no magical transformation. It is the responsibility of each Christian who believes in Jesus Christ to abide in His word and not commit any sin. This is how the Christ makes you free. As you see, there is no magical transformation as many modern preachers preach.

## Labor Pains of New Creation

Kingdom of heaven comes with a great cost. How far you are willing to pay that cost shows whether you will enter it.

_Mark 10:24b But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children,_ _how hard_ _it is for those who trust in riches to enter the_ _kingdom of God_ _!_

Matt 13:44 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Matt 13:45-46 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Kingdom of heaven comes with a great cost. It can cost you your entire wealth in exchange for being born again so that you can enter kingdom of God.

_Matt 5:29-30 "If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is_ _more profitable for you that one of your members perish_ _, than for your whole body to be cast into hell._

_Luke 9:23-24 Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but_ _whoever loses his life for My sake will save it_ _._

Being born again can even cost your own life.

It can cost you to cast away all things that causes you to sin and remove any stumbling block for holiness and righteousness.

_Luke 14:26-27 "If anyone comes to Me and_ _does not hate_ _his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. ... v33 "So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple._

_Matt 10:37-39 "He who_ _loves_ _father or mother_ _more than Me is not worthy of Me_ _. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it._

To be born again by following Christ and enter kingdom of God can cost you your relationship with your own relatives and even to hate them if they are a stumbling block to love God more.

It is not easy to enter the narrow gate and walk in the path of difficultly that leads to life. To cast away everything that cause you to sin or remove stumbling blocks that is taking you away from God is indeed a struggle with birth pains. This can be your television, internet, movies, mobile, games, job, even relationships. Until you remove every stumbling block that comes in-between you can God, you cannot be born again. But the end result of those struggle of labor pains is the birth of a new creation which is born of Spirit. Do not be deceived that are born again and yet struggling with sin. Christ warns to cut off even if it is your own hand or eye to enter kingdom of God.

## Conclusion

  * To enter kingdom of God, you must be born again.

  * You must overcome sin and enter into the narrow gate to get life. Jesus is never going to pull you into that narrow gate or force you to walk through difficult path that leads to life. It is your responsibility.

  * God is not magically transforming your sinful heart but rather, the new heart and new spirit is the end result for them whose heart do not follow the detestable and abominable things.

  * Until you remove every stumbling block that comes in-between you can God, you cannot be born again. But the end result of those struggle of labor pains is the birth of a new creation which is born of Spirit.

Only when someone is truly born again, God can work through them and use his dish whose inside is clean.

_John 3:8 "The_ _wind blows where it wishes_ _, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is_ _born of the Spirit._ _"_

_Eccl 11:5 As_ _you do not know what is the way of the wind_ _, Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, So you do not know the_ _works of God_ _who makes everything._

Just as we do not know the way of the wind which is compared to the works of God, so will God work through everyone who is born of the Spirit.

Is God happy to be with you in every thought that comes in your heart? Let your birth pain of struggle with sin be over soon and let you become a new creation born of Spirit who cannot sin. Cast away everything that causes you to sin or comes in-between you and God. Repent now!

# Can Christians eat Halal? No

Today, we find halal certified foods everywhere, from meat market to restaurants. Many Christians don't have an understanding of what halal is or if we can eat those food. In this blog, we will explore the Bible to see if Christians can eat halal food.

## What is Halal?

Halal is often used in reference to foods that are permissible for Muslims to eat or drink under Islamic Shariʻah (law). If they are just a segregation of food items like the clean and unclean animals for Jews, there should be no issues for a Christian to consume them. However, halal is more than just a segregation but requires a method of slaughter, Dhabihah.

Dhabihah is, in Islamic law, the prescribed method of ritual slaughter of all lawful halal animals. One of them is the head of the animal must be facing the Qiblah and calling upon the name of their god (bismillah) when slaughtering it.

Hence, halal is an act of slaughtering an animal as an offering or thanking or praising in the name of a pagan god. This makes halal nothing but a disguised form of sacrifice.

## Eating halal food?

_Matt 15:9,10-11,18-20 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' " ... When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear and understand: "Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." ... But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man,_ _but to eat with unwashed hands_ _does not defile a man."_

Jesus said, anything that goes into the mouth does not defile a man. This is often misunderstood to explain eating food sacrificed to other gods also does not defile a man. Jesus was speaking to a Jewish audience who don't eat unclean animals or food sacrificed to other gods. Jesus is specifically addressing the issue of washing hands as the reference verse itself mentions.

_Rev 2:14 "But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to_ _eat things sacrificed to idols_ _, and to commit sexual immorality._

_Rev 2:20 "Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and_ _eat things sacrificed to idols_ _._

Jesus is not even remotely suggesting that eating food sacrificed to other gods are allowed. On the contrary, He warned two churches for eating things sacrificed to idols.

_Exod 34:13-16 "But you shall destroy their altars, break their sacred pillars, and cut down their wooden images (for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God), lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they play the harlot with their gods and make sacrifice to their gods,_ _and one of them invites you and you eat of his sacrifice_ _, and you take of his daughters for your sons, and his daughters play the harlot with their gods and make your sons play the harlot with their gods._

In the law, God is against His people being invited and they eating sacrifices of other gods.

_Ps 106:28-29 They joined themselves also to Baal of Peor, And_ _ate sacrifices made to the dead_ _. Thus they provoked Him to anger with their deeds, And the plague broke out among them._

We also see that eating sacrifices made to dead provokes God's anger.

As we saw both in the law and what Jesus Christ said in Revelation to John, God is strictly against eating sacrifices made to other gods. Hence, God is strictly against eating halal food.

## James's Advice to Abstain

_Acts 15:20 "but that we write to them to_ _abstain from things polluted by idols_ _, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood._

James also advice us to abstain from thins polluted by idols. This obviously includes things sacrificed to idols.

## Advice of the apostles, elders, and brethren

_Acts 15:28-29 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you_ _abstain from things offered to idols_ _, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality._ _If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well._ _Farewell._

The above verse was from a letter send by apostles, elders and brethren being assembled with one accord, which clearly mentions the need to abstain from things offered to idols.

## Contradiction in Paul's Letter

_1Cor 8:1-13 Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. But_ _food does not commend us to God_ _; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse. But beware lest somehow this_ _liberty of yours_ _become a stumbling block to those who are weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble._

_1Cor 10:19-31 What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything?_ _Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons_ _. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord's table and of the table of demons._ _Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy?_ _Are we stronger than He? All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being._ _Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience' sake;_ _for "the earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness." If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience' sake. But if anyone says to you, "This was offered to idols," do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience' sake; for "the earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness." Conscience," I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my_ _liberty_ _judged by another man's conscience? But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks? Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God._

Paul however, in his first letter to Corinthians wrote it is okay to eat things sacrificed to idols, referred them as liberty for Christians. He also warned this liberty should not be a stumbling block for others who are weak. He mentioned this not in context of Christians partaking in sacrifices to demons but in context of meat sold in markets or being served to them to eat that are already sacrificed to idols which they did not partake.

Hence, based on Paul's teachings, it is okay to eat halal or anything that is sacrificed to other gods as long as we did not partake in the actual sacrifice.

1Cor 10:7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play."

In other words, Paul warns us that this eating sacrifice should not make us idolaters.

## Conclusion

  * **God** is against eating things sacrificed to other gods as we see in the law.

  * **Christ** is against eating things sacrificed to idols as mentioned in the book of Revelation to His servants through John.

  * **James** advises us to abstain from things polluted from idols.

  * **Apostles, elders and brethren** being assembled with one accord mention the need to abstain from things offered to idols.

  * **Paul** however said, it is okay to eat sacrifices made to other gods as long as it does not make us idolaters.

As we see, the Law, God, Christ, James, Apostles, Elders - all teach it is wrong to eat things sacrificed to other gods except Paul. Many Christians use Paul to justify eating things sacrificed to idols and other gods. Paul who died before the destruction of the Jerusalem temple argued God being powerful, idol is nothing in this world and eating things sacrificed to idols is a liberty for Christians. However nearly 20 years later, Christ in His message to His servants through the book of Revelation, warned against eating things sacrificed to idols.

Therefore, let us obey God by not eating halal.

# Can Christians eat Unclean Animals? Yes

Understanding clean and unclean animals otherwise known as kosher meat are important even though we don't follow in the new covenant because, it is spoken by God Himself. Clean and unclean are never mentioned or commanded in the new covenant by Christ.

_Gen 7:2 "You shall take with you seven each of every_ _clean_ _animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are_ _unclean_ _, a male and his female;_

It is interesting to note that the division of clean and unclean animals were known even before the flood.

## Old Covenant: Clean and Unclean

The law explicitly mentions the meat that can be consumed. We will discuss what the law says about clean and unclean living creatures. All clean animals are

Cloven hooves and chew the cud

_Lev 11:2-8 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'These are the animals which you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth: 'Among the animals, whatever_ _divides the hoof, having cloven hooves and chewing the cud_ _–that you may eat. Nevertheless these you shall not eat among those that chew the cud or those that have cloven hooves: the camel, because it chews the cud but does not have cloven hooves, is unclean to you; the rock hyrax, because it chews the cud but does not have cloven hooves, is unclean to you; the hare, because it chews the cud but does not have cloven hooves, is unclean to you; and the swine, though it divides the hoof, having cloven hooves, yet does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. Their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch. They are unclean to you._

Deut 14:4-5 "These are the animals which you may eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat, the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the mountain goat, the antelope, and the mountain sheep.

God gave explicit instructions for what animals are clean and unclean animals. All that has cloven hooves and chew the cud are clean but the rest are unclean.

Fins and scales

_Lev 11:9-11 'These you may eat of all that are in the water: whatever in the water has_ _fins and scales,_ _whether in the seas or in the rivers–that you may eat. But all in the seas or in the rivers that do not have fins and scales, all that move in the water or any living thing which is in the water, they are an abomination to you. They shall be an abomination to you; you shall not eat their flesh, but you shall regard their carcasses as an abomination. Whatever in the water does not have fins or scales–that shall be an abomination to you._

Explicit instructions were given by God for what sea creatures constitute clean or unclean. All that has fins or scales in the sea or rivers are clean but the rest are unclean.

Unclean Birds

Lev 11:13-19 'And these you shall regard as an abomination among the birds; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, the vulture, the buzzard, the kite, and the falcon after its kind; every raven after its kind, the ostrich, the short-eared owl, the sea gull, and the hawk after its kind; the little owl, the fisher owl, and the screech owl; the white owl, the jackdaw, and the carrion vulture; the stork, the heron after its kind, the hoopoe, and the bat.

Instead of giving ways to identify clean or unclean birds, God gave the list of birds and after it's kinds to be unclean. The eagle, the vulture, the buzzard, the kite, and the falcon after its kind; every raven after its kind, the ostrich, the short-eared owl, the sea gull, and the hawk after its kind; the little owl, the fisher owl, and the screech owl; the white owl, the jackdaw, and the carrion vulture; the stork, the heron after its kind, the hoopoe, and the bat are all unclean.

Clean and unclean insects

Lev 11:20-23 'All flying insects that creep on all fours shall be an abomination to you. Yet these you may eat of every flying insect that creeps on all fours: those which have jointed legs above their feet with which to leap on the earth. These you may eat: the locust after its kind, the destroying locust after its kind, the cricket after its kind, and the grasshopper after its kind. But all other flying insects which have four feet shall be an abomination to you.

Flying insect that creeps on all fours, those which have jointed legs above their feet with which to leap on the earth are clean. Locusts, crickets and grasshoppers are clean.

Using paws among four legged

Lev 11:27a 'And whatever goes on its paws, among all kinds of animals that go on all fours, those are unclean to you.

All that goes on paws among all four legged animals are unclean.

Unclean creeping things

Lev 11:29 'These also shall be unclean to you among the creeping things that creep on the earth: the mole, the mouse, and the large lizard after its kind; the gecko, the monitor lizard, the sand reptile, the sand lizard, and the chameleon. And every creeping thing that creeps on the earth shall be an abomination. It shall not be eaten. Whatever crawls on its belly, whatever goes on all fours, or whatever has many feet among all creeping things that creep on the earth–these you shall not eat, for they are an abomination. You shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creeps; nor shall you make yourselves unclean with them, lest you be defiled by them.

All creeping things are unclean.

## Old Covenant: Punishment

_Lev 11:24-25 'By these you shall become unclean; whoever touches the carcass of any of them shall be_ _unclean until evening_ _; 'whoever carries part of the carcass of any of them shall wash his clothes and be unclean until evening:_

_Lev 11:39-40, 43-44 'And if any animal which you may eat dies, he who touches its carcass shall be unclean until evening. 'He who eats of its carcass shall wash his clothes and be_ _unclean until evening_ _. He also who carries its carcass shall wash his clothes and be_ _unclean until evening_ _._ _'You shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creeps; nor shall you make yourselves unclean with them, lest you be defiled by them. 'For I am the LORD your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy. Neither shall you defile yourselves with any creeping thing that creeps on the earth._

_Lev 17:15 "And every person who eats what died naturally or what was torn by beasts, whether he is a native of your own country or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be_ _unclean until evening_ _. Then he shall be clean._

The maximum punishment for anyone who ate a hamburger according to the law is unclean until evening. Then he shall be clean.

## New Covenant: Can eat unclean

All the old covenant laws are for the cleaning on the outside. This is why, the requirement is to bathe with water and unclean until evening.

_Matt 23:25-26 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first_ _cleanse the inside_ _of the cup and dish, that the_ _outside of them may be clean also_ _._

Matt 15:17-20 "Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man."

The Israelite people gave more importance to the cleanliness of outside of the cup and dishes rather than the inside. However, in the new covenant, as Christ said, if anyone is clean on the inside within the heart, they are clean on the outside also.

_Lev 11:35-36 'And everything on which a part of any such_ _carcass falls shall be unclean_ _; whether it is an oven or cooking stove, it shall be broken down; for they are unclean, and shall be unclean to you. Nevertheless_ _a spring or a cistern_ _, in which there is plenty of water,_ _shall be clean_ _, but whatever touches any such carcass becomes unclean._

In the old covenant, the clean and unclean restrictions in the law were for the health and hygiene of the Israelite people which we can see clearly when God excludes spring or cistern from becoming unclean.

Also, neither Christ, nor the apostles gave any such instructions to not eat unclean animals. However, they did gave commands to keep away from things sacrificed to idols. Hence, a Christian eating a hamburger is not going to make him unclean as long as he is clean on the inside within the heart.

## New Covenant: Not to eat sacrificed to other gods

Eating things sacrificed to other gods is different from eating unclean animals because, when we eat, it is not just a food we consume but we partake in their worship in some form by eating it and polluting ourselves.

_Acts 15:28-29 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you_ _abstain from things offered to idols_ _, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell._

If non-sacrificed meat isn't available anywhere, there is nothing stopping us to eat just vegetables like Daniel. Yet, we crave for meat like the Israelite people in the wilderness which led God to destroy them. Christ strictly warned us in His message to two churches through the book of Revelation, not to eat things sacrificed to Idols. Hence, eating things sacrificed to idols is not the same as eating unclean animals. For more info, please refer the section, Can Christians eat Halal? No

## Conclusion

Yes, Christians can eat unclean animals and not be defiled as long as their inside of their heart is clean. But, Christians cannot eat things sacrificed to idols.

# Choice of Predestination

‎Predestination and freewill had been an on-going debate in today's churches. Some churches believe in predestination, some in choices but yet some believe in parts of each. We all know God search the heart and test the mind. He gives to every man according to his ways.

Jer 17:10 I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.

He rewards the good and punishes the evil. We tend to believe that the cause of what we do is followed by the effect of what we receive from God. It is indeed true and no doubt about it. However, the Bible repeatedly shows the effect sometime precedes cause. In other words, the blessings or curses are given to you even before you did anything, but will receive them upon yourself only after you chose to receive them.

To fully understand, let me give an example:

"A man got stuck on a remote highway with no water or fuel and no one usually travels on the route he took. He is in extreme thirst and the nearest help is more than 100 kilometers on either side and will take more than an hour to reach. Realizing that he will die in the next few minute of extreme thirst and heat, he prayed earnestly and the moment he finished praying, a car approached, gave him water and fuel. He continued his journey happily praising God for what He did by answering his prayer".

The story is similar to a testimony but there are some hidden truths we often fail to unwrap. When he know there cannot be any help, he still had faith and called upon God and He promptly came to his aid. So, when did God started the process of helping the man? Did He heard his prayer, answered it by sent him aid (or) did He prepared the aid for him long before he even realize that he would end up in such a desperate situation and will pray towards Him? If God had sent the aid after answering his prayer, it would have atleast an hour before it reaches him. Just like in this story, God had sent us aid and prepared us for every good work in Him, long before the situation even arises, not because of our prayers and what we do, but because of His work which He prepared but He will prepare before-hand only if we pray and do good works now.

In this blog, we will discuss how God had made His choice long before our choices are made but His past choice depends on our present choices we make now. I know it is confusing for many until you realize the fact that the very fabric of our space and time is created by God this way, refer delayed choice quantum eraser.

## Joseph - Blessing

Gen 50:20-21 "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Joseph had a choice to either save his brothers from famine or get revenge. He made a choice of his own freewill to do good inspite of their evil. Because of the choice he took to save his brothers and not revenge, God predestined him to be governor over them long before Joseph actually saves them or be in a position to save them. If Joseph did not save his brothers but took revenge, he would have not been predestined by God to be a ruler over his brothers. Hence, the choice of what Joseph did determined his predestination of becoming a governor.

## Esther - Blessing

Esth 4:13-14 And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: "Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

Esther had a choice to either save his people from annihilation or live herself in luxury without risking her life. She made a choice of her own freewill to meet the king risking her life for saving God's people. Because of the choice she took to save God's people, He predestined her to be queen long before she actually helped them or be in a position to help them through the king. If Queen Esther did not risk her life to save God's people, she would have not been predestined by God to be a queen. Hence, the choice of what Esther did determined her predestination of becoming a queen.

## Absalom - Curse

2Sam 12:11-12 "Thus says the LORD: 'Behold, I will raise up adversity against you from your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. 'For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, before the sun.'

2Sam 16:22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the top of the house, and Absalom went in to his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

Absalom had a choice of either sinning or not sinning against God. But, he sinned with his own freewill by going into his father's concubines in sight of all Israel and killing the kings sons. Because of his choice of sinning, God predestined him to be a curse for his father, just as God said He would.

## Conclusion

It is important to understand we always have a choice. It is also equally important to understand what we choose now through our own freewill, changes how we are predestined by God long before we are even born.

Prov 16:4 The LORD has made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.

No one is born wicked for the kingdom of God is for those who are like children. Yet, God predestined the wicked for the day of doom long before they are born when they turn wicked.

Deut 30:15 "See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil,

Deut 31:29 "For I know that after my death you will become utterly corrupt, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you. And evil will befall you in the latter days, because you will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him to anger through the work of your hands."

The children of Israel were given a choice and yet what they would chose was long foretold before that generation was even born, and yes, they did exactly what was mentioned in the law.

Isa 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,'

That latter generation which turned away was predestined to have evil befall on them long before they were even born, when they chose to do evil at their present time. I do realize this is difficult and confusing for many to understand. The easiest way to understand how God gives us the choice of predestination, is to understand from His creations which we can see and observe - delayed choice quantum eraser experiment.

What is your choice today? Repent now. Be holy and righteous. The choice you make today will change how you are predestined by God long before your are born.

# Deception of Charity and Giving to God

‎One of the biggest deceptions in modern days is about charity to unbelievers thinking that they are doing it for God. Scripture verses are often quoted to justify charity even to unbelievers referring to as doing it to God is:

Matt 25:40 "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did [it] to one of the least of these My brethren, you did [it] to Me.'

Matt 25:45 "Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do [it] to one of the least of these, you did not do [it] to Me.'

Notice that both the sheep and goats are within the church and knew about Christ. Further more, Christ refers as "My brethren". Who is Christ's brethren?

Matt 12:50 "For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother."

Hence, least of My brethren refers to those who do the will of the Father in heaven and not to unbelievers.

Christ not in unbelievers. How can someone give something to a needy that s/he is giving to Christ when that needy person rejects or never knew Christ?

Matt 7:23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

Prov 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given.

Christ never knew the lawless. Christ also considers only His people as Himself because His people are His body.

Acts 9:4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"

Notice that Saul is not persecuting Christ but His people. However, Christ is referring to His people as Himself.

This does not mean we mustn't or shouldn't help an unbeliever who is needy. What Christians must know is that, it is not giving to God. If Christ is going to say to some unbeliever that He never knew him/her, how can a Christian believer convince Christ about a charitable work that s/he did to someone Christ never knew?

Misquoted verses regarding love your enemies used for charity and giving to God.

Matt 5:42-44 "Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you

Luke 6:34-35 "And if you lend [to those] from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.

Firstly, the verses do not represent any charity but rather being kind and loving to an unthankful and evil people who persecute us and not about the needy. Secondly, notice the word 'lend' and 'who wants to borrow' in the verses given for extra clarity by the Holy Spirit, showing these have nothing to do with charity or giving to God.

Giving to an unbeliever is not giving to God for God doesn't dwell on an unbeliever. Therefore, let us satisfy Christ's hunger, thirst, take Him in, clothe Him, visit Him in sickbed and prison, by doing all these to a fellow believer.

# Deception of Eternal Security

‎There are many churches today, are deceived with a false doctrine called 'Eternal Security'. Many hold slightly a different view, surrounding this doctrine but, all who believe on Eternal Security agree that salvation is secure for eternity because they truly repented and saved to become a believer sometime in the past. There is also a liberal view of saying a prayer. But can this be true? We must ask ourselves to trust scripture and scripture alone and not on any man's doctrine. Unless we properly discern the truth by interpreting scripture using scripture, we will also fall into these traps.

**False foundations**

Eternal security is not a doctrine on it's own. It has a supporting doctrine called "Faith Only" doctrine which teaches no works are required. This is primarily because, many do not properly discern the faith / works mentioned by Paul's letters and in the book of James. To give you a brief understanding, when Paul mentions faith, he always refers to "living faith" and works to "works of the law". However, when James mentions works, he refers to "righteous works" mentioned by Christ and differentiates living faith and dead faith. I had mentioned in detail in the other section, Deception of Faith. When this false teaching of "faith only" is broken, the doctrine of eternal security automatically falls apart. But still there are other aspects of eternal security that must be broken using Scripture which we will explore more in this blog.

**Misinterpreted Verses**

Most eternal security supporters don't like to go into the detail of the text but just don't want to even test their own doctrine using scripture. I will take all the points used by eternal security supporters and let's analyze them with scripture.

**1. By Faith Only - Rom 4**

Eternal security supporters say, _The scriptures show that eternal life, our justification, our salvation, is by faith (Rom 4). Faith, not works, justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5). God imputes righteousness without works (Romans 4:6). Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1)._

The question we need to ask ourselves is,

  * What do we consider as "works" and "faith" in book of Romans?

  * How does it agree with the book of James?

The context of "faith" and "works" by Paul & James using the same Gen 15:6:

  * (Rom 4:2-5) For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath [whereof] to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

  * (Jas 2:21-24) Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

The book of Romans (actually, Paul in all his letters e.g, Rom chapters 2, 3; Gal 2:16; Phil 3:9) refers to "works" as "works of the law". The faith mentioned by Paul is same as the "living faith" mentioned by James using the same above Abraham example mentioned by both authors. I had explained this in a more detailed way in another section at Deception in Faith

**2. Saved Through Faith - Eph 2:8,9**

Eternal security supporters say, _A person can be saved (present tense) through faith, not of works, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8, 9)._

We need to look into the text carefully and with context. They ignore overlook the next verse esp., verse 10 which says "in Christ".

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

The next verse gives the reason for Ephesians 2:8, 9. It clearly states that, this work by God on us (whatever mentioned in verses 8 & 9) is created "in Christ Jesus" for "good works". It is not directly to us.

**3. Eternal life mentioned as present tense - 1 Joh 5:13**

Eternal security supporters say, _A person can be given (ie gift) eternal life by God, and it can be something they have (present tense) (1 John 5:11, 12). A person can know that they have (present tense) eternal life (1 John 5:13)._

We need to actually look into scriptures to understand the truth. The statements does not reflect the actual scripture truth. They ignored or overlooked the rest which explains in great detail.

(1John 5:11-12) And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

The verse actually says, that this eternal life is "in Christ". It even goes further to explain how eternal life is given to any person by saying, whoever has Christ, have eternal life and whoever don't have Christ don't have eternal life.

**4. Believes will have Eternal Life - Joh 6:47**

Eternal security supporters say, _He that believes on Jesus Christ has (present tense) eternal life (John 6:47)._

What does Christ refers to "believes" ?

(John 3:18-21) 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. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

The present tense of eternal security is only because of Christ who dwells inside the believer, not on it's own.

(John 14:23) Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

**5. Some will have no works to show but faith only in judgment - 1 Cor 3:15**

Eternal security supporters say, _At the judgment of believers some people will have no works to show - to be rewarded for -yet they will still be saved, yet so as by fire (1 Cor 3:15)._

Paul refers to the person who will be saved "only" if the person have the foundation as Christ.

(1Cor 3:11) For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

How can someone say there is not work done to have foundation as Christ. As mentioned earlier, Paul refers to works as works of the law, which is what is referred as works in 1 Cor 3:15.

Christ Himself said a parable about foundations on His Word.

(Luke 6:47-48)"Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: "He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.

**6. By His mercy and not by our works of righteousness - Tit 3:5**

Eternal security supporters say, _God saves us according to His mercy, not by works of righteousness which we have done (Titus 3:5)._

Mercy is not directly given to us but only through Christ after being justified by His grace. If anyone rejects Christ anytime along the way, he will also cease to receive mercy because mercy is given only "through Christ". If there is no Christ in him, how can he receive mercy? How can someone who you consider as once saved, reject Christ and still be eternally secure?

(Titus 3:4-7) But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

**7. Eternal life is a gift. He will not take back - Rom 6:23**

Eternal security supporters say, _The gift of God is eternal life (Romans 6:23)._

They miss the previous verse which clearly states that who will receive everlasting life. The verse which they mention also clearly states that this gift of eternal life is given through Jesus Christ. As I already mentioned, if someone rejects Christ anytime along the way, he will also not receive eternal life.

(Rom 6:22-23) But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

**8. His sheep will never perish \- Joh 10:29**

Eternal security supporters say, _Of the saved, ie they who are His sheep, they will hear the Shepherd, know His voice, and follow Him, and the Lord promises that they shall never perish (John 10:29)._

It is a promise given to those who hear His voice and follow Him. How are they already saved, when it is still a promise? If someone started to follow Him, but later didn't, can he still be saved in the end?

**9. Salvation mentioned as present tense**

Eternal security supporters say, _Salvation is also mentioned in scripture as past as well as present tense._

(1Pet 1:5) Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  
(1Thess 5:8) But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and [as] a helmet the hope of salvation.  
(1Pet 1:9) receiving the end of your faith \-- the salvation of [your] souls.  
(Heb 9:28) so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

All the above verses clearly mention that salvation will be revealed only during Christ's second coming. Why are we supposed to have "hope" of salvation as helmet if anyone is already having the salvation? The present possession of salvation is only when we have Christ in us and it is through faith. If faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen according to Heb 11:1, how is that what we hoped is already received? It is the absolute surety that God who cannot lie had given us eternal life and salvation in Jesus Christ. No one had ever received salvation except it is all present in Christ. If we have Christ, we have salvation because it is in Him and if we reject Him, we lose it.

**9. True converts will never reject Christ**

Eternal security supporters say, _True faithful converts will never reject Christ. If they reject, they were never truly saved._

Let us see what the scripture say.

(1Tim 4:1) Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

(Heb 10:38-39) Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

How can someone depart from faith if they had not already in faith? Drawing back from what? Scripture says yes, we can walk away.

**10. Our righteousness are filthy rags - Isa 64:6**

Eternal security supporters say, _ALL our righteousnesses are as filthy rags_ based on Isaiah 64:6

Unless we properly differentiate "works of the law which is our righteousness" (which are not required), from the "righteous works which is His righteousness" (which is required for our salvation), we will not be able to discern this works vs faith differences and we might easily fall into faith only trap without having His righteousness. It is true our righteousness are filthy rags - which is why Christ had come to reveal His righteousness and teach us what He expects. How long are they going to say that our righteousness are filthy rags and not ready to follow His sermon on mount to seek and follow His righteousness?

As in Phil 3:9, our righteousness is of the law and we are to have the righteousness from God by faith in Christ.

  * Do not murder is our righteousness but don't even be angry is His righteousness. If not danger of hell fire.

  * Do not commit adultery is our righteousness but don't even lust at our heart is His righteousness. If not hell fire.

  * A tooth for tooth is our righteousness but turning the other cheek to get smite is His righteousness.

  * Loving our neighbor and hating the enemy is our righteousness but loving our enemy is His righteousness.

Can we have salvation and end up in hell fire? The Words of Christ speaks plainly, we will be in danger of hell fire even if we are angry with brother and will end up in hell fire for adultery in heart.

**11. Salvation is a work of God, not based on any man's work**

Eternal security supporters say, _Salvation is a work of God and not based on any man's work._

Let us see what the scripture teaches.

(Hebrews 5:9) And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him **,**  
(1John 2:1-3)My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.

Scripture clearly teaches that salvation is not for all. It is only for those who obey Him. It even teaches that Christ, who is our advocate is only for people who keep His commandments.

**Conclusion**

When we interpret Scripture, we need to make sure, not one scripture verse speaks against or contradicts our interpretation. All promises, blessings, inheritance, salvation, eternal life are all present in Christ. If we have Christ, we inherit everything. Eternal security not only removes Christ from Salvation (as He is no longer required afterwards for those that are already saved) but also gives a false comfort zone for being in sin and deceiving themselves as saved for eternity.

Hence, don't deceive yourself, think that just believing in Him will save you. Just believing without righteous works or the fruits, you will end up having dead faith. Scripture clearly states, dead faith can never save you.

**(Matthew 7:19) "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.**

Don't be deceived by this false doctrine of Eternal security.

# Deception of Faith

‎The blunder that many make is joining sides on the faith vs works requirement for salvation and not allowing Scriptures to speak. The faith only group will take verses like Gal 2:16 and Rom 3:28 and try to give a twisted meaning to Jas 2:24. The works requirement will take James and give a twisted meaning to the faith only verses. So, what is the truth? The problem with both sides is they don't discern properly.

**Faith Only**

All the scripture verses that do not hinge on works are actually referring to "works of the law" - which produces "righteousness of the law".

(Gal 2:16) Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

(Rom 3:28) Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

**Faith and Works**

And the verse that hinge on works and faith is actually referring to the righteous works mentioned by Christ.

(Jas 2:24) Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

**Context of "faith" by Paul & James (using Gen 15:6)**

  * _(Rom 4:2-5) For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath [whereof] to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture?_ **Abraham** **believed** **God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness** _. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness._

  * _(Jas 2:21-24) Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith,_ **Abraham** **believed** **God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness** _: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only._

The book of Romans (actually, Paul in all his letters e.g, Rom chapters 2, 3; Gal 2:16; Phil 3:9) refers to "works" as "works of the law". The faith mentioned by Paul is same as the "living faith" mentioned by James using the above Abraham example mentioned by both authors.

**Discern the works**

The work James mentioned as an example:

(Jas 2:15-16) If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit?

Which is exactly what Christ said:

  * (Matt 7:19) Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them

  * (Matt 25:31-46) ... And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed [thee]? or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took [thee] in? or naked, and clothed [thee]? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me. 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: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of the least of these, ye did [it] not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Can anyone reject Matt 7:19 and Matt 25:31-46 which are the words of Christ as works? Looks like Christ Himself is asking us do works, otherwise, we will be cast into fire. John the baptist also preached the same in Luke 3:9-11.

**Works of the Law vs Righteous Works**

Unless you properly differentiate "works of the law which is our righteousness" (which are not required), from the "righteous works which is His righteousness" (which is required for our salvation), you will not be able to discern this works vs faith differences and you might easily fall into faith only trap without having His righteousness. It is true our righteousness are filthy rags as in Isa 64:6- which is why Christ had come to reveal His righteousness and teach us what He expects. How long are you going to say that our righteousness are filthy rags and not ready to follow His sermon on mount to seek and follow His righteousness?

**Thief on the Cross**

Did thief on the cross do any works? This is also one of the questions put forward by "faith only" believers.

(Luke 23:39-43) Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us." But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? "And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

Firstly, he not only rebuked the other thief but preached to him to fear God even at that situation in pain. Secondly, he humbled by acknowledging the punishment he received for his sins and also acknowledged the sinless nature of Christ. Thirdly, he prays to Christ to remember Him in His Kingdom. He would not have asked if he didn't have faith in Christ and in His Kingdom.

  * **Had fear of God** : (Ps 85:9a) Surely his salvation [is] nigh them that fear him;

  * **Humbled** : (Jas 4:6) But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

  * **Had faith in Christ** : (Eph 2:8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

We see that the thief not only had faith or believed, but humbled and feared God. We also see that he showed his living faith by rebuking the thief to fear God even in that painful situation. In all the comfort I have today, I had never rebuked anyone to fear God. How much more is the "works" that this thief did? True faith always accompany with works and it is this living faith which we do and show along with the grace from God received though our humbleness, we are saved, just as the thief was saved.

**Conclusion**

If you separate works from faith to have faith only, then that dead faith as in Jas 2:20 and Jas 2:26 cannot save as in Jas 2:24.

James is not speaking about claims of faith but "specifically" speaking about people "claiming of faith without works" and declares it as dead. The works James mentions is the righteous works which Christ taught and not referring to works of the law.

(Jas 2:17-20) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Dead faith (with is without works) along with grace cannot save him. If you want to believe it can, you can only do so after tearing of pages of James from the Bible.

# Deception of God's Love

‎One of the greatest deception today is many does not know what is God's love is.

## What is God's love?

_Rom 5:8-9 But_ _God demonstrates His own love_ _toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be_ _saved from wrath through Him_ _._

God's love is all about saving us from His wrath.

_John 14:21 "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me_ _will be loved by My Father_ _, and_ _I will love him_ _and manifest Myself to him."_

God's love is for those who has His commandments and keeps them, not everyone.

## Does God love everyone?

_John 3:16-18_ _For God so loved the world that_ _He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but_ _he who does not believe is condemned already_ _, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God._

The real question is, does God condemn the people whom he loved?

John 3:36 "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

The answer is No! It is not love but God's wrath abides on him who does not believe.

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

But God dwells on those who loves Him.

## Does God love those who hate Him?

John 15:23 "He who hates Me hates My Father also.

Exod 20:5-6 .. For I, the LORD your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth [generations] of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

Again no! It is up to you to decide if visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children is out of love - but I don't think so.

## God hates and abhors

God is love. Indeed He is.

_1John 4:15-16 Whoever_ _confesses that Jesus is the Son of God_ _, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the_ _love that God has for us_ _. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him._

However, it is wrong to say He never hates. He does indeed hates sinners.

_Lev 20:23 'And you shall not walk in the statutes of the nation which I am casting out before you; for they commit all these things, and therefore_ _I abhor them_ _._

_Rom 9:13 As it is written, "Jacob I have loved, but_ _Esau I have hated._ _"_

_Prov 22:14 The mouth of an immoral woman [is] a deep pit; He who is_ _abhorred by the LORD_ _will fall there._

_Prov 3:32 For the_ _perverse person is an abomination to the LORD_ _, But His secret counsel [is] with the upright._

## God's Vengeance

Heb 10:30-31 For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The LORD will judge His people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

God also takes vengeance.

## Reflecting God's love

_Eph 5:1-7 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And_ _walk in love, as Christ also has loved us_ _and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore_ _do not be partakers with them_ _._

Hence, we are to reflect God's love by not being partakers with sons of disobedience.

# Deception of Perverted Gospel

‎Many Christians don't have a clear idea of what is the gospel which must be preached to an sinner and unbeliever. I am seeing repeatedly the gospel message to unbelievers is being diluted with the message of God's love and no where God's wrath and the repentance is preached. Let's look into what is the true gospel message which Christ commanded in his great commission.

To discern the true gospel, we need to understand what gospel Christ preached.

_(Mark 1:14-15) Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "_ _The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel._ _"_

_(Matt 4:17) From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "_ _Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand._ _"_

So, Christ preached about repentance throughout his ministry.

(Luke 5:32) "I have not come to call [the] righteous, but sinners, to repentance."

(Luke 13:3) "I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.

God does preach His love, but not to sinners and multitudes, but to His disciples and a closed group who believed in Him.  
E.g,

(Matt 23:27) "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead [men's] bones and all uncleanness.

Even John was preaching about repentance.

(Mark 1:4) John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

What did Christ want us to preach to all nations?

_(Luke 24:46-47) Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that_ _repentance and remission of sins_ _should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem._

"Repent" was the message told to 5 out of 7 churches by Christ Himself!

_Ephesus:_ _(Rev 2:5) "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place -- unless you_ _repent_ _._

_Pergamos_ _(Rev 2:16) '_ _Repent_ _, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth._

_Thyatira_ _(Rev 2:22) "Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they_ _repent_ _of their deeds._

_Sardis_ _(Rev 3:3) "Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and_ _repent_ _. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you._

_Laodiceans_ _(Rev 3:19) "As many as I love, I_ _rebuke_ _and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent._

God's long suffering:

_(2Pet 3:9) The Lord is not slack concerning [His] promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to_ _repentance_ _._

Even God's long suffering is that all should come to repentance.  
**  
**Today's gospel is perverted primarily using God's love and removing repentance completely. The good news or the gospel message is never about God's love but always about repentance and remission of sins, so that he can be saved from God's wrath. Hence, Satan uses a perverted gospel which preaches God's love instead of repentance because Satan knows, the sinner may be saved if he knows about God's wrath which is waiting for him. Hence, Satan perverts the gospel by removing repentance and God's wrath and filling with God's love.

It is sad that even dedicated gospel preachers are preaching this perverted gospel. This is one of the important reasons for lack of revival.

# Deception of Secret Pre-Trib Rapture

‎Secret Rapture seems to be one of the greatest deception in churches today. One of the famous verses often quoted is,

Luke 17:34 "I tell you, in that night there will be two [men] in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left.

I can't understand how this is related to rapture when it is saying the opposite. Let's ask Christ Himself where they will be taken.

Luke 17:37 And they answered and said to Him, "Where, Lord?" So He said to them, "Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together."

In other words, they will not be secretly raptured but taken to be killed!

Another famous verse for secret rapture is as follows:

1Thess 4:17 Then we who are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

But this isn't a secret rapture either because the preceding verse clearly says the dead in Christ will rise first.

1Thess 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

Finally, Acts 1:11 makes it clear that He will come in clouds the same way He went up, which is not in secret.

Acts 1:11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This [same] Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."

Does thief in the night refers to anything secret?

1Thess 5:2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.

2Pet 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

Peter clears up with much clarity. There is no pre-trib secret rapture. It is a false doctrine which does not prepare the flock for the great tribulation.

# Deception of Unconditional Love

‎One of the greatest deception of Christianity today is God's unconditional love directed towards everyone including unbelievers.

Below are the few verses quoted for this.

Rom 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Rom 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

God demonstrates His love only towards the people who are justified by His blood and are saved from His wrath.

Another verse often told for Unconditional love is:

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

This unconditional love requires the condition of believing in Him. Let's read more to know about this unconditional love.

John 3:17 "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  
John 3:18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  
John 3:19 "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

How much clear is Christ's own spoken words regarding His own unconditional love of condemnation of unbelievers.

Yet another verse often quoted for unconditional love is:

Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [Shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,  
Rom 8:39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Firstly, this verse is referring to believers. Secondly, God's love is in Christ. Hence, if anyone rejects Christ, and/or Christ is not in Him, how can we say God's love is in him?

Finally,

Rom 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

If love of God is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, how can an unbeliever receive this love of God without the Holy Spirit?

# Discern Affectionate and Compassionate Love

‎It is common for all preachers to say 'love your enemies' in Christianity. However, if we don't fully understand what it means, we will never understand how Christ loved His enemies as serpents, dogs and foxes and not as His brothers, sisters and mothers and we will be deceived.

## Affectionate Love

_(Gen 22:2) Then He said, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you_ _love_ _, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you."  
(Gen 24:67) Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent; and he took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he_ _loved_ _her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother's [death.]_

The expression of this love is only for people who are extremely close to each other and used when affection is shown.

_(Song 8:6-7) Set me as a seal upon your heart, As a seal upon your arm; For_ _love_ _is as strong as death, Jealousy [as] cruel as the grave; Its flames [are] flames of fire, A most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, Nor can the floods drown it. If a man would give for love All the wealth of his house, It would be utterly despised._

This is the love God expects: You can clearly see this in Greek language.

_(John 21:15-17) So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, [son] of Jonah, do you love (_ _ἀγαπάω_ _agapao) Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love (affection /_ _φιλέω_ _phileo) You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." He said to him again a second time, "Simon, [son] of Jonah, do you love (_ _ἀγαπάω_ _agapao) Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love (affection/_ _φιλέω_ _phileo) You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, [son] of Jonah, do you love (affection / φιλέω phileo) Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love (affection /_ _φιλέω_ _phileo) You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep._

It looks as though Jesus is asking the exact same question thrice. Even though the question is same, not the love it refers to. First, Jesus Christ asks if Peter loves him which refers to merciful and kind love and Peter always answered saying he loved Him which refers to affection. However, the last time when Jesus asked, He asked Peter if he loved him affectionately. This was when Jesus foretold how He would die for Him. This is the 'affectionate' or 'phileo' love is what we are required to love God.

(Matt 22:37-38) Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is [the] first and great commandment.

We love our brothers and sisters in Christ because of Christ whom we love affectionately. Without Christ, he is not even a brother to have brotherly affectionate love.

_(1Thess 4:9) But concerning_ _brotherly love_ _you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;_

_(Heb 13:1) Let_ _brotherly love_ _continue._

_(John 15:12-14) This is My commandment, that you_ _love one another_ _as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than_ _to lay down one's life for his friends_ _. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you._

(2Cor 6:14) Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

This phileo love or the fellowship is not for unbelievers and sinners. In other-words, a Christian must never even have an unbelieving or a sinning friend.

## Compassionate Love

_(Lev 19:33-34) And if a_ _stranger_ _dwells with you in your land, you shall_ _not mistreat_ _him. The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and_ _you shall love him as yourself_ _; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God._

_(Luke 6:27-35) But I say to you who hear:_ _Love your enemies_ _, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the [one] cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold [your] tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask [them] back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend [to those] from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and_ _you will be sons of the Most High_ _. For_ _He is kind_ _to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your_ _Father also is merciful_ _._

_(Matt 5:43-48) " You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you,_ _love your enemies_ _, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be_ _sons of your Father in heaven_ _; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more [than others?] Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as_ _your Father in heaven is perfect_ _._

_(Matt 22:39-40) And [the] second [is] like it: '_ _You shall love your neighbor as yourself_ _.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets._

This love is about being compassionate or merciful and kind to all, even strangers, enemies, unbelievers and sinners. You are neither called to be affectionate with strangers and enemies nor required to have fellowship with sinners and unbelievers who are persecuting you. Jesus also did the same.

_(Luke 23:34) Then Jesus said, "Father,_ _forgive them_ _, for they do not know what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots._

Jesus also loved His enemies who crucified Him by being merciful and forgave them. This is not the same love with which He loved the Father.

Merciful love is not without hate. This is the very nature of God Himself and we see throughout Scriptures.

_(Ps 11:5) The LORD tests the righteous, But the wicked and the one who loves violence_ _His soul hates_ _._

_(Ezek 33:11) "Say to them: 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'I_ _have no pleasure in the death of the wicked_ _, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?'_

_(1Tim 2:3-4) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who_ _desires all men to be saved_ _and to come to the knowledge of the truth._

The Lord hates the wicked but has no pleasure in the death of him. Instead He is merciful and will forgive if the wicked repents. This is the same message Christ also preached.

_(Matt 18:32-34) "Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, 'You wicked servant!_ _I forgave you all that debt_ _because you begged me. 'Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?' And his master was angry, and_ _delivered him to the torturers_ _until he should pay all that was due to him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses."_

Bible also instructs the same to us.

_(1John 2:15)_ _Do not love the world_ _or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him._

(Ps 139:21-24) Do I not hate them, O LORD, who hate You? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You? I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if [there is any] wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

How can we having the Spirit of God within us, love differently from how God showed compassion towards the wicked and affection or brotherly love towards our brothers in Christ. However, we are neither called to avenge nor have vengeance ourselves, but be merciful and forgive them. Vengeance belongs to God.

_(Rom 12:17-21)_ _Repay no one evil for evil_ _. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather_ _give place to wrath_ _; for it is written, "_ _Vengeance is Mine, I will repay_ _," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but_ _overcome evil with good_ _._

## Conclusion

Discern love using the Bible and do not be deceived. If anyone preaches to love sinners with affection and have fellowship with unbelievers which Bible strictly forbids, know that it is not a teaching from the Bible.

# Discerning Good and Evil

‎Undiscerning is one of the attributes of those who deserve death.

_Rom 1:28-32 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,_ _undiscerning_ _, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them._

Discerning good and evil or truth and error is very important for every Christian.

## Why do we need to discern?

_Phil 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more_ _in knowledge and all discernment_ _, that you may approve the things that are_ _excellent_ _, that you may be_ _sincere_ _and_ _without offense_ _till the day of Christ, being_ _filled with the fruits of righteousness_ _which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God._

We need to discern so that,

  1. we may approve the things that are excellent

  2. we may be sincere

  3. we may be without offense

till the day of Christ being filled with fruits of righteousness.

## How to discern?

_Heb 5:12-14 For though by this time_ _you ought to be teachers_ _, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who_ _partakes only of milk is unskilled_ _in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But_ _solid food_ _belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who_ _by reason_ _of use have their senses_ _exercised to discern both good and evil_ _._

Milk represents basic truth of God. But eating solid food represents growing in the knowledge of God. Those who are able to take solid foods, by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

## Who are those people who take solid food?

_1Cor 3:1-3 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to_ _spiritual_ _people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with_ _solid food_ _; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?_

_Rom 8:5-6 For those who_ _live according to the flesh_ _set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who_ _live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit._ _For to be_ _carnally minded is death_ _, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace._

Carnal people live according to the flesh. Carnally minded is death. But spiritually minded live according to the Spirit and the things of the Spirit. Spiritually minded is life and peace, These spiritually minded people are those who can take solid food and by reason of use can exercise to discern food and evil.

## What is meant by living according to the Spirit?

_Rom 8:13-14 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but_ _if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body_ _, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God._

Living according to the Spirit means, we put to death the deeds of the body. The deeds of the body are all the sinful things that comes from flesh.

_Gal 5:19-21 Now the_ _works of the flesh_ _are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things_ _will not inherit_ _the kingdom of God._

_Gal 5:24-25 And those who are Christ's have_ _crucified the flesh with its passions and desires_ _. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit._

Hence, if we live in the Spirit, we must have crucified the flesh with it's passions and desires.

  * Discernment requires us to be able to eat solid foods.

  * Solids can only be consumed by Spiritually minded people.

  * Spiritually minded people live according to the Spirit

  * Living according to the Spirit means crucifying the works of the flesh.

## Conclusion

Do you desire to learn how to discern? Don't be deceived by 'It's in the Bible' or 'Bible based'. Don't you know the devil itself uses scripture even to the Son of God Himself? Then, how much more you need to be careful?

  1. Crucify the works of the flesh. This leads you to live in Spirit.

  2. Live in Spirit which makes you spiritually minded.

  3. Spiritually minded can grow in the knowledge of God.

  4. Using this knowledge of God, you can reason everything.

  5. By this reasoning you can exercise to discern good and evil.

Hence, take the first step of crucifying the works of your flesh to discern good and evil for undiscerning deserves death.

# Do you have the Wedding Garment?

‎In the 'The Marriage of the King's Son' parable, the King found that one of them invited didn't have a wedding garment. The question many have is, where did this wedding garment came? Was it supplied by the King? Is that something we need to prepare for attending the wedding? We will explore what the Bible has to say about it.

## Wedding Garments don't come with invitation!

There is no mention of any garments provided with the invitation of a wedding in any Biblical stories. There is also no mention of such requirement in the law.

_Exod 19:14,17 So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and_ _sanctified the people, and they washed their clothes_ _. ... And_ _Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God_ _, and they stood at the foot of the mountain._

Moses sanctified the people but the people washed their clothes so that they can meet with God. Christ is speaking to common people and coming to a wedding in clean garment by they washing it is a requirement for standing before the King. This simple act of preparing ourselves and coming in clean white garment to His wedding is what Christ teaches us in the 'The Marriage of the King's Son' parable.

## Prepare Yourself

_Rev 19:7-8 "Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and_ _His wife has made herself ready_ _." And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints._

The first clue we have is from the detailed prophecy in Revelation for the marriage of the Lamb. We see that the Lamb's wife made herself ready. This is very important because, those who are part of the bride of Christ were prepared neither by Christ nor by God, but by herself. If you think you don't have to prepare yourself, may be you are misled or not part of the bride of Christ. Only after she prepared herself, it was granted to be clothed with fine linen, clean and bright which are the righteous acts of saints. How can we being part of the bride of Christ, prepare ourselves?

_Rev 3:4-5 "You have a few names even in Sardis who_ _have not defiled their garments_ _; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy._ _He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments_ _, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels._

To prepare ourselves, we must not defile our garments but overcome the lusts of this world. Only then we will be clothed in white garments.

_Rev 16:15 "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and_ _keeps his garments_ _, lest he walk naked and they_ _see his shame_ _._

If you have defiled your garment with the sin and had not overcome the lusts of this world, your shame can be seen and you are naked. This is no good for attending a wedding,

Exod 20:26 'Nor shall you go up by steps to My altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed on it.' .. (Exod 28:42) "And you shall make for them (Aaron & his sons) linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs.

God doesn't want to see the nakedness of Aaron and his sons, even from beneath when they walk on the steps of altar and gave instructions how to cover their nakedness even from beneath. Certainly He will be very angry if you come to His Son's wedding naked or defiled.

## Buy white garments from God

_Rev 3:18 "I counsel you to_ _buy from Me_ _gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and_ _white garments_ _, that_ _you may be clothed_ _, that the_ _shame of your nakedness_ _may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see._

You may have been repeated brainwashed that can't do anything to earn your salvation, while Christ repeatedly teaches about buying from Him white garments.

_Matt 13:44 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and_ _sells all_ _that he has and_ _buys that field._

_Matt 13:45-46 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and_ _sold all_ _that he had and_ _bought it_ _._

_Mark 8:35 "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever_ _loses his life_ _for My sake and the gospel's_ _will save it_ _._

Kingdom of heaven can cost you all your wealth and even your life to enter it. So, how can we buy white garments from Christ?

_Rev 7:14 And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and_ _washed their robes and made them white_ _in the blood of the Lamb._

You need to wash your robes in the blood of the Lamb and be purified and make your garment white. Christ is not going to wash your garment for you and prepare you to stand before the King. You need to prepare yourself. This can cost you everything you have, even your life. This is how you buy white garments from God. Every time you do a sin, you stain your garment and you had to wash all over again with His blood asking forgiveness with godly sorrow and repentance.

_Luke 13:27-29 "But He will say, 'I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you_ _workers of iniquity_ _.' There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves_ _thrust out_ _. They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God._

_Matt 21:43 "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be_ _taken away_ _from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit._

_Matt 13:41-42 "The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather_ _out of His kingdom_ _all things_ _that offend_ _, and those who_ _practice lawlessness_ _, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth._

Keeping your garment white always is an absolute requirement because, you will never know when the King visits to find your garments filthy and thrusts you out of His Kingdom.

Matt 7:14 "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Keeping your garment white is indeed difficult which leads to life. If you are leading a life feeling eternally secure in His hands by having faith only yet your garments are filthy without any works or fruits in your life, then you are indeed secure in His hands only to be crushed in His winepress and burn in hell forever.

## Conclusion

Wedding garments don't come with invitation but it is how you attend the wedding and stand before the King in clean garments. In order to attend the wedding of the King's Son, you need to prepare yourselves by washing your robes in the blood of the Lamb and make it white. If you attend the wedding and had defiled yourself with sins and lusts of this world after we enter into the kingdom of Heaven, and if the King visits in a time when you are not prepared and found you without the wedding garment but filthy, you will be thrust out of His kingdom.

Do you have the the wedding garment to stand before the King? If not, repent and wash your garments now from the filth of this world.

# Father takes away, Son denies, Holy Spirit destroys

There is a great Faith Only deception around the world which does not have works. They seems to be good Christians and believe that they are saved by faith in Christ and not by any works they do, they bear no fruit. This deception from Satan had made many Christians fruitless and give a false sense of salvation so that they can continue to walk in the broad way rather than the narrow gate thinking they are saved.

In this blog, we will explore how the Heavenly Father takes away Christians from Christ's hands who bear no fruit, how Christ will deny Christians who prophesy, cast demons and do wonders in His name yet practice unrighteousness. and how the Holy Spirit destroys the Christians who who defile themselves within whom He dwells.

## Father Takes Away

_John 15:1-2 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch_ _in Me_ _that does not bear fruit_ _He takes away_ _; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ... 6 "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned._

The branch which does not bear fruit is attached to Christ. These Christians will be taken away by Father Himself and cast out and burnt with fire. Do you think, you are safe in Christ's hands because He will not lose you? Sorry, if the Father Himself takes you away from Christ's hands, He does not lose you but rather less responsibility.

## Son Denies

Christ mentions the importance of practicing righteousness and holiness.

_Matt 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, '_ _I never knew you_ _; depart from Me, you who_ _practice lawlessness_ _!'_

These are people who say Lord, Lord, even prophesy, cast out demons and do many wonders "in His name".

Mark 3:23b How can Satan cast out Satan?

Mark 9:38-40 Now John answered Him, saying, "Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us." But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side.

Jesus Himself confirmed Satan cannot cast Satan. He also confirmed those who cast demons in His name is not against Him. In all these, Christ will declare He never knew them if they practice lawlessness. The will of the Father is not to practice lawlessness but practice righteousness and holiness.

## Holy Spirit Destroys

_1Cor 3:16-17 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God,_ _God will destroy him_ _. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are._

Spirit of God never dwells on an unbeliever but on a believer. God Himself will destroy His own believers where He dwells, if they defile themselves. This is also seen in the old testament.

Isa 63:10 But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; So He turned Himself against them as an enemy, And He fought against them.

If we grieve the Holy Spirit, He will fight against us and destroy us.

## Conclusion

  * If you don't bear fruits, Father will take away.

  * If you practice lawlessness, Son will deny you.

  * If you defile yourself, Holy Spirit will destroy you.

# Flourishing false tongues! Beware!

‎When someone speaks in tongues, the first thing a believer need to do is to test the spirit. This is because, there is increasing evidence of 'gibberish' blabbered in the name of speaking in tongues for the sake of other's attention. God is not the author of confusion which is why Paul asks to shut-up and be quite if there is no interpreter. The prime reason for this is, speaking in tongues without an interpreter doesn't mean anything to the listener, even of 2 people are praying. Churches who allow such practices don't give importance to the Bible and what is written in it.

_(1Cor 14:27-28) If anyone speaks in a tongue, [let there be] two or at the most three, [each] in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter,_ _let him keep silent in church_ _, and let him speak to himself and to God._

Let us understand what a church is. When two or three is gathered in His name, Christ will be there. Hence, is church is two and more than two. So, why do churches today allow 'gibberish' blabbering without an interpreter? Because, they don't give importance to what is written in the Bible.

Tongues are a gift of the Holy Spirit to speak in an other language. These are a sign for unbelievers and not a heavenly language.

_(1Cor 14:22) Therefore_ _tongues are for a sign_ _, not to those who believe but to_ _unbelievers_ _; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe._

A person speaking with tongues of men and angels are already a sounding brass if he doesn't understand. So, this verse is speaking about knowing a language and not about gift of tongues.

_(1Cor 13:1) Though I speak with the_ _tongues of men and of angels_ _, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal._

Finally, speaking in tongues is given according to the will of the Spirit.

_(1Cor 12:7-11) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit [of all:] for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits,_ _to another [different] kinds of tongues_ _, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things,_ _distributing to each one individually as He wills_ _._

_(1Cor 12:30) Do all have gifts of healings?_ _Do all speak with tongues?_ _Do all interpret?_

Some churches even deceive if anyone without this gift is not saved. I suggest you to immediately get out of these churches.

Having laid the foundation according to the Bible, we can conclude the following:

  * No one should speak in tongues if no one can interpret.

  * Any church (even a group of 2 or more) encouraging to speak in tongues without an interpreter, does not give importance to Bible.

  * Tongues are a sign for unbelievers and they are real languages spoken in the world.

  * Tongues are not a heavenly language.

  * Tongues are not given to all but distributed according to the will of Spirit.

We are called to test every spirit. There are several ways we can test the spirit.

## Know their fruits

This is the first and foremost step to follow. If you know the person to be unrighteous, then his fruit is bad and they are false and liars.

_(Matt 7:16) "You will_ _know them by their fruits_ _. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?_

## Prayer

Another important and yet powerful way to discern is to pray. I had tested a lot of preachers and prophets through prayer. This is what I will do: I will pray to God and tell Him alone my problem and ask the answer to my problem and must come from the preacher's mouth if he has the same Spirit. God is faithful and had answered my prayers all the time to test the spirits.

(Dan 2:47) The king answered Daniel, and said, "Truly your God [is] the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret."(1Cor 2:11) For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

Only God knows the things of the spirit of man and He is the revealer of secrets. Satan does not know what we think in our hearts.

## Discernment

Discerning of spirits itself is mentioned as a gift of the Holy Spirit. The same word discernment is translated in Heb 5:14 as discerning both good and evil. Discerning simply means having a good judgement.

If someone speaks in tongues, pray that you can discern and have a good judgment and test the spirit. I test using the following steps, which you can also use to discern and keep watch of yourself from deceiving spirits.

  * If someone speaks without a proper structure of a language, he is probably blabbering because Bible clearly teaches tongues are a language. This includes repeated 'gibberish' blabbering every time s/he starts to pray in tongues, with little variation on consecutive repeats, number of repeat words and entropy etc.

  * The name of our Lord in any language should be Yeshu(a) for which demons tremble and the known variants with historic reasons include Iēsous and Jesus. There are no other known variants in any other language. How can someone pray in tongues without praying in Jesus name? If you can't hear the name of Jesus when someone is praying in tongues, then he is probably blabbering.

_(Mark 16:17) "And these signs will follow those who believe:_ _In My name_ _they will cast out demons; they will_ _speak with new tongues_ _;_

If this blog upsets you, then learn to obey the Bible by keeping your mouth shut when there is no interpreter. If you are faking this gift of tongues, repent now. If you truly speak in tongues but not according to the Bible and you are not holy and righteous and do not have good fruits, you may be demon possessed. Fast and pray and ask God for help.

_(Luke 11:11-13) "If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if [he asks] for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will [your]_ _heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him_ _!"_

# Get away from name-Christians, don't even pray for them

‎Whoever does the will of Our Father in heaven, is Christ's brother, sister and mother.

_(Matt 12:50) "For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is_ _My brother and sister and mother_ _."_

This is why, Christians are referred as Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Also, throughout the letters in New Testament we see the brotherly love written over and over again.

(Heb 13:1) Let brotherly love continue.

(Rom 12:10) [Be] kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

(1Pet 2:17) Honor all [people.] Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

However, Bible also teaches to keep away from some people who call themselves as brothers in Christ. We are also told not even to pray for such people.

_(1Cor 5:11) But now I have written to you_ _not to keep company_ _with anyone named a_ _brother_ _, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner --_ _not even to eat with such a person_ _._

How strong can this message be from Paul so that you need to get away from such name Christians? He didn't stop there. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, in their letter to the church of the Thessalonians, warned to withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly.

_(2Thess 3:6) But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you_ _withdraw from every_ _brother_ _who walks disorderly_ _and not according to the tradition which he received from us._

What do they refer as disorderly?

_(2Thess 3:10-11) For even when we were with you, we commanded you this:_ _If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat_ _. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner,_ _not working at all, but are busybodies_ _._

These are Christians who don't work for their living but make a living taking advantage of the generous nature of other fellow Christians. These are the people we much get away from. The authors of the second letter for Thessalonians once again warned the church not only to withdraw from such people but not even to keep company with such Christians.

_(2Thess 3:14-15) And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and_ _do not keep company with him_ _, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count [him] as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother._

Jesus Himself said, if a brother who sins and does not hear even the church, then he is a heathen to us.

_(Matt 18:15-17) " Moreover_ _if your_ _brother_ _sins against you_ _, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. "But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'"And if he refuses to hear them, tell [it] to the church. But_ _if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen_ _and a tax collector._

John goes one step further to not even pray for a brother in Christ who is committing a sin that leads to death.

_(1John 5:16-17)_ _If anyone sees his_ _brother_ _sinning a sin_ _[which does] not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death._ _There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that._ _All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death._

The question is, are you obeying the Bible in getting away from name-Christians? Or are you yourself a name-Christian? Repent!

# Gift of Interpretation and Imaginary Explanations! Beware!

‎Interpretation is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. However, false interpretations are wide spread. Many churches today think the gift of interpretation is about interpreting gibberish sounds into meaningful explanations.

After reading that all the gifts of the Holy Spirit are done in order in one of the churches as instructed by Paul and we wanted to pay a visit. But after attending the service, we came to the conclusion that the gifts displayed were in fact lies. A lady spoke in tongues which is nothing expect two sounds for 30 seconds. Then a man interprets it for 5 minutes in English. Further, the explanation uses the name of our Lord 'Jesus' several times and yet it is interpreted from these two gibberish sounds with no structure of a language. What a joke! It is sad to see how people are deceived and fall into these traps. This is not the gift of interpretation.

I am urged to say how gifts of interpretation will be as I had heard and listened several times, so that you will keep yourself away from deceivers. The gift of interpretation is not gift of explanation but rather translation of that unknown language. The person who is blessed with this gift interprets the tongues which is in unknown language to the listener. If you listen carefully, it will be like a "Rosetta Stone" where you can even map words from unknown to known language. When I heard the words spoken in an unknown language by a very godly woman who is blessed with the gift of tongues, and when it was interpreted by the gift of interpretation, the unknown word interpreted in known language, if it occurs anywhere again, it will be interpreted exactly the same word as before, confirming the accuracy of this gift of interpretation.

As the scriptures say, test every spirit and be discerning.

_(1John 4:1) Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but_ _test the spirits_ _, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world._

Many had started to interpret gibberish non-sense using their imaginations as if it is from God. Apart from these deceivers, Satan knows many even extinct languages and also your language. So, it is not a difficult thing for Satan to deceive you if he knows that you will fall for this. So, keep watch always. Discern everything based on Bible standards and have His Word within you.

# Gifts of the Holy Spirit

‎If worldly fathers know to give good gifts to their sons, how much more will our Heavenly Father give us Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?

(Luke 11:11-13) "If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if [he asks] for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

Holy Spirit, who is a gift of the Heavenly Father to us through Jesus Christ, distributes various gifts to each one individually as He wills.

_(1Cor 12:7-11) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit [of all:] for to one is given the word of_ _wisdom_ _through the Spirit, to another the word of_ _knowledge_ _through the same Spirit, to another_ _faith_ _by the same Spirit, to another gifts of_ _healings_ _by the same Spirit, to another the working of_ _miracles_ _, to another_ _prophecy_ _, to another_ **discerning of spirits** _, to another [different] kinds of_ _tongues_ _, to another the_ _interpretation_ _of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually_ _as He wills_ _._

## Wisdom

_(1Kgs 3:28) And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had rendered; and they feared the king, for they saw that the_ _wisdom of God was in him to administer justice_ _._

_(1Cor 1:30a) But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who_ _became for us wisdom from God_

_(1Cor 6:5) I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not_ _a wise man_ _among you, not even one, who will be able_ _to judge between his brethren_ _?_

Wisdom is a gift from the Holy Spirit to judge within the church to administer justice. Christ Himself is that wisdom.

## Knowledge

_(2Pet 2:20) For if, after they have_ _escaped the pollutions of the world_ _through the_ _knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ_ _, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning._

_(Col 3:9-10) Do not lie to one another, since you have_ _put off the old man with his deeds_ _, and have put on the new [man] who is_ _renewed in knowledge_ _according to the image of Him who created him_

Knowledge is a gift from the Holy Spirit to put off our old sins and to escape from the pollutions of this world.

## Faith

_(Rom 1:17) For in it the_ _righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith_ _; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."_

(Eph 6:16) above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

_(Prov 11:19) As_ _righteousness_ _[leads] to life, So he who pursues_ _evil_ _[pursues it] to his own death._

_Rom 5:1 Having been_ _declared righteous_ _, then,_ _by faith_ _, we have peace toward God through our Lord Jesus Christ,_

_Gal 3:24 so that the law became our child-conductor--to Christ, that_ _by faith we may be declared righteous_ _,_

Faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit through which we are not only declared righteous but we are to reveal the righteousness of God and keep off from the evil.

## Healing

_(Acts 10:38) "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and_ _healing all who were oppressed by the devil_ _, for God was with Him._

_(Jas 5:15-16) And the prayer of_ _faith will save the sick_ _, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another,_ _that you may be healed_ _. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much._

Healing is a gift of the Holy Spirit to heal those who are oppressed by the devil and sick because of their sins in the church.

## Miracles

_(Acts 8:6) And the_ _multitudes_ _with one accord_ _heeded_ _the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the_ _miracles_ _which he did._

_(John 2:23) Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day,_ _many believed_ _in his name, when they saw the_ _miracles_ _which he did._

Miracles is a gift of the Holy Spirit for many to listen and believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

## Prophecy

_(1Cor 14:3-4) But he who_ _prophesies speaks edification_ _and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who_ _prophesies edifies the church_ _._

_(1Cor 14:22) Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but_ _prophesying_ _is not for unbelievers but for_ _those who believe_ _._

Prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit for the edification of believers within the church.

## Discerning of spirits

_(1John 4:1) Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but_ _test the spirits_ _, whether they are of God; because many_ _false prophets_ _have gone out into the world._

_(Matt 7:15) Beware of_ _false prophets_ _, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will_ _know them by their fruits_ _. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?_

_(John 15:26) " But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the_ _Spirit of truth_ _who proceeds from the Father, He will_ _testify of Me_ _._

Discerning of Spirit is a gift of the Holy Spirit to discern the spirit behind a prophet or a preacher. Christ teaches us to look for his/her fruits. Holy Spirit is also the Spirit of Truth who will guide us in all truth.

## Tongues

_(Acts 2:6-11) And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone_ _heard them speak in his own language._ _Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how [is it that] we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs --_ _we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God._ _"_

_(1Cor 14:21-22) In the law it is written: "With [men of]_ _other tongues_ _and other lips_ _I will speak to this people_ _; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me," says the Lord. Therefore_ _tongues are for a sign_ _, not to those who believe but_ _to unbelievers_ _; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe._

Tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit which God through us speaks to unbelievers of a different language.

## Interpretation of tongues

_(1Cor 14:5) I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies [is] greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he_ _interprets_ _, that the_ _church may receive edification_ _.  
(1Cor 14:27-28) If anyone speaks in a tongue, [let there be] two or at the most three, [each] in turn, and_ _let one interpret_ _. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God._

Interpretation is a gift of the Holy Spirit which God uses to reveal what He had spoken in tongues. This is for the edification of the church. As mentioned in a previous section, Gift of Interpretation and Imaginary Explanations! Beware! Gift of interpretation is not a private interpretation but it is like Rosetta Stone.

## Conclusion

  * Wisdom - Administer Justice

  * Knowledge - Keep away from sins

  * Faith - Reveal righteousness of God

  * Healing - Free the oppressed by devil because of sins

  * Miracles - For many to believe

  * Prophecy - Edification of believers

  * Discernment of Spirits - Keep watch of false prophets

  * Tongues - Declare God's Word to unbelieving in their own language.

  * Interpretation - Interpret the tongues within the church for believers edification.

Jesus Christ is the wisdom

(1Cor 1:30) But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God -- and righteousness and sanctification and redemption --

He is the knowledge.

(Eph 1:17) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

We became sons of God through faith in Him.

(Gal 3:26) For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

We are healed by His stripes.

(Isa 53:5) But He [was] wounded for our transgressions, [He was] bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace [was] upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

He is the Miracle of God

(Isa 7:14) "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

He is the reason for prophecy.

(Acts 3:18) "But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.

Spirit of Truth confess He has come in flesh is of God.

(1John 4:1-2) Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,

Every tongue in every language should confess He is Lord

(Phil 2:11) and [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

His gospel will be preached to every nation, language and people.

(Rev 14:6) Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth -- to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people --

# God does miracles through false prophets

‎Many Christians today are often deceived by signs, wonders and miracles. Miracles are indeed necessary for the edification of the church. It is also a gift of the Holy Spirit. However, the miracles can be used to test and even deceive you.

## God will do signs and wonders through false prophets

_(Deut 13:1-3) "If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and_ _he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes to pass_ _, of which he spoke to you, saying, 'Let us go after other gods' -- which you have not known -- 'and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for_ _the LORD your God is testing you_ _to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul._

It is also important to understand God will work signs and wonders through false prophets specifically to test you. So, keep watch!

## False prophets will prophesy, cast demons, do wonders in Christ's name

Jesus said about false prophets that they will indeed prophesy, cast out demons and do miracles in His name.

_(Matt 7:15-16,21-23) " Beware of_ _false prophets_ _, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? ... Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord,_ _have we not prophesied in Your nam_ _e, cast out demons in Your name, and_ _done many wonders in Your name?_ _' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'_

Many miracles of false prophets are indeed from God to test you and many follow these false prophets and unknowingly fall into their deceptive ways.

Jesus Himself said, Satan cannot cast out Satan.

_(Luke 11:17-20) But He, knowing their thoughts, said to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house [divided] against a house falls. If_ _Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand_ _? Because you say I cast out demons by Beelzebub. And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast [them] out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if_ _I cast out demons with the finger of God_ _, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you._

So, do not be deceived. False prophets use God's miracles for marketing to get empty you and your pocket which God uses them to test you.

## Follow God, Not Miracles

_(Matt 12:38-39) Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from You." But He answered and said to them, "_ _An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign_ _, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah._

Christ called those who seek after a sign as a wicked and adulterous generation. Are you one of them who seek and go after a sign rather than God?

## Conclusion

Beware and follow God and not the signs and wonders. God tests His own people not only through trials and tribulations, but also through signs, wonders and miracles.

_(Matt 24:24) "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible,_ _even the elect_ _._

Great signs and wonders from false prophets are performed by God to test His own people, and sadly even the very elect can be deceived. Therefore, always keep watch and follow only God not signs and wonders.

# God will not answer all prayers. Some prayers He will not even listen

‎Throughout the Bible, we had seen several times, the Lord God had repeatedly said, He will not answer or hear some prayers if they pray. Let us study what prayers He hears and what prayers he answers.

_(Prov 1:27-30) When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you._ _Then they will call on me, but I will not answer_ _; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD, They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke._

God will not hear the people who have evil in their deeds.

_(Mic 3:4) Then they will cry to the LORD,_ _But He will not hear them_ _; He will even hide His face from them at that time, Because they have been evil in their deeds._

Let's hear what Psalmist says about iniquity in heart.

_(Ps 66:17-18) I cried to Him with my mouth, And He was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart,_ _The Lord will not hear_ _._

God will not hear those with iniquities.

_(Isa 59:2) But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden [His] face from you, So that_ _He will not hear_ _._

God will not answer the people who did not choose knowledge and do not have the fear of the Lord.

_(Isa 1:15) When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; Even though you make many prayers,_ _I will not hear_ _._

Who are these people God will not hear? Sinful, laden with iniquity, evil doers and corrupters, who forsaked the LORD.

(Isa 1:4) Alas, sinful nation, A people laden with iniquity, A brood of evildoers, Children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the LORD, They have provoked to anger The Holy One of Israel, They have turned away backward.

God will not hear prayers of people who commit abominations and fill the land with violence.

_(Ezek 8:17-18) And He said to me, "Have you seen [this,] O son of man? Is it a trivial thing to the house of Judah to commit the abominations which they commit here? For they have filled the land with violence; then they have returned to provoke Me to anger. Indeed they put the branch to their nose. Therefore I also will act in fury. My eye will not spare nor will I have pity; and_ _though they cry in My ears with a loud voice, I will not hear them_ _."_

God will not listen to those who do not obey God.

_(Deut 1:41-45) " Then you answered and said to me, 'We have sinned against the LORD; we will go up and fight, just as the LORD our God commanded us.' And when everyone of you had girded on his weapons of war, you were ready to go up into the mountain. And the LORD said to me, 'Tell them, "Do not go up nor fight, for I [am] not among you; lest you be defeated before your enemies." So I spoke to you; yet you would not listen, but rebelled against the command of the LORD, and presumptuously went up into the mountain. And the Amorites who dwelt in that mountain came out against you and chased you as bees do, and drove you back from Seir to Hormah. Then you returned and wept before the LORD,_ _but the LORD would not listen to your voice nor give ear to you_ _._

God will not listen to prayers against His loved ones.

_(Deut 23:5) "Nevertheless the LORD your_ _God would not listen to Balaam_ _, but the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you._

God will not hear the prayers of those who don't hear Him.

_(Zech 7:13) "Therefore it happened, [that] just as He proclaimed and they would not hear, so they called out and_ _I would not listen_ _," says the LORD of hosts._

Prayers of Husbands who don't honor their wives are hindered.

_(1Pet 3:7) Husbands, likewise, dwell with [them] with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as [being] heirs together of the grace of life, that your_ _prayers may not be hindered_ _._

Prayer with unbelief will not be answered.

_(Matt 21:22) "And whatever things you ask in prayer,_ _believing, you will receive._ _"_

God does not answer those who don't abide in Him

_(John 15:7) "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and_ _it shall be done for you_ _._

God does not answer anything that is not according to His will

_(1John 5:14) Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we_ _ask anything according to His will, He hears us_ _._

Don't ever think every prayer will be heard by God. Even if He does hear, not all prayers will be answered.

(Prov 15:29) The LORD [is] far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.

(2Chr 7:14) "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Firstly, God is not going to hear any prayer of the wicked. Even for God to hear their prayer from Heaven and forgive them, they first must turn from their wicked ways. God only hears the prayer of righteous. Secondly, for God to hear our prayers we need to ask according to His will. Hence, if you ask anything that is not of His will, He is not going to even hear. Thirdly, your prayer will be answered only if you abide in Him by being holy and righteous, and believe that you will receive.

# Grace turned to Licentiousness

Being warned by Peter regarding twisters of Paul's letters in his second epistle, Jude, a brother of James, gives a very clear warning for Christians. Let us therefore use his letter to discern the doctrines which preach a licentious grace.

_Jude 1:4-5 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the_ _grace_ _of our God into_ _licentiousness_ _and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Now I desire to remind you, though you know all things once for all, that the Lord,_ _after saving_ _a people out of the land of Egypt, subsequently destroyed those_ _who did not believe_ _._

Law was given through Moses but grace and truth came through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

_John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but_ _grace and truth_ _came through_ _Jesus Christ_ _._

So what is this grace that came through our Lord Jesus Christ?

## Grace doesn't give but brings salvation

Jesus Christ explained to us about His grace through several parables:

_Luke 13:6-9 He also spoke this parable: "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, 'Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground? But he answered and said to him, 'Sir,_ _let it alone this year_ _also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.' "_

You being a fig tree planted by God in His vineyard is unfruitful for three years. Christ pleads for you to the Father, He Himself dig around you and fertilized you hoping that you will bear fruit. You being unworthy to even exist in God's vineyard had now received grace through Christ. But remember, you only have one more year to produce fruits.

_Matt 22:8-13 "Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Therefore go into the_ _highways_ _, and as many as you find,_ _invite to the wedding_ _.' So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, 'Friend,_ _how did you come in here without a wedding garment_ _?' And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'_

You being an unworthy and uninvited from the highways, are now being invited. We did nothing to get invited because of His grace. We respond to His invitation which is Faith in Him. But the wedding dress we need to make ourselves ready and prepare to stand before the King is works.

As you can see, grace which is a free gift of God brings salvation. Grace itself doesn't give salvation but brings salvation. It is our responsibility to bear fruits and wash our garments white within the grace of God given to us through Christ.

_1Pet 1:10-16 Of this_ _salvation_ _the prophets have inquired and searched carefully,who_ _prophesied of the_ _grace_ _that would come to you_ _, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven–things which angels desire to look into._ _Therefore_ _gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and_ _rest your hope fully upon the grace_ _that is to be brought to you_ _at the revelation of Jesus Christ_ _;_ _as obedient children_ _, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also_ _be holy in all your conduct_ _, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to_ _each one's work_ _, conduct yourselves_ _throughout the time_ _of your stay here in_ _fear_ _;_

Peter teaches us about salvation, the prophets prophesied of the grace that would come to us:

  1. Be alert in mind and sober

  2. Rest our hope fully upon the grace

  3. Grace is to be brought to us at Jesus Christ's second coming

  4. Be obedient children

  5. Be holy

  6. Impartial judgement to everyone according to their work

  7. Conduct ourselves throughout the time here in this world in fear

## Grace is only for those who submit to God

_Jas 4:4-10 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an_ _enemy of God_ _. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"?_ _But He gives more grace_ _. Therefore He says:_ _"God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."_ _Therefore_ _submit to God._ _Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up._

We have heard that God resists the pride but gives grace to the humble. Hence, grace is not for all. In the parable of the unfruitful fig tree, Christ will plead for you and gives you grace only if you are humble. However, many misunderstood what humble means.

God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. In order to be humble we are to do the following:

  1. Submit to God.

  2. Resist the devil

  3. Draw near to God

  4. Cleanse your hands and purify your hearts

  5. Lament and mourn and weep

Hence, you are not going to get grace from God unless you had done all the above. However, if you do as mentioned above as James says, you will get more grace.

Heb 12:14-15 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

Let us therefore submit to God completely, pursue peace and holiness so that we may not fall short of the grace of God.

## Grace turned to Licentiousness

Many don't realize that grace is the delay of their destruction that was pleaded by Jesus Christ to the Heavenly Father hoping that you will bear fruits to Him. But if you didn't bear any fruits, you insulted the grace that was given to you.

Heb 10:28 Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The LORD will judge His people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Therefore, do not insult Jesus Christ for the grace which He had given you after pleading for you to the Father.

Many people today, turn this grace into licentiousness. They receive grace, make the Son dig all around them, get all fertilizer but then produce no fruits.

_Heb 6:4-8 For it is_ _impossible_ _for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,_ _if they fall away_ _, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. For the earth which_ _drinks in the rain that often comes upon it_ _, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God;but if it bears_ _thorns and briers_ _, it is rejected and near to being cursed,_ _whose end is to be burned_ _._

In other words, these men receive grace from God, receive all blessings through His Son yet no fruits found or produces bad fruits.

How about you? Did you turn grace of God into licentiousness without bearing any fruits? Do not be deceived! Bear fruits to the kingdom of God and do be falling short of His grace.

# Hate others to love God

‎Most Christians believe that Christ is always loving and taught only to love. Is it true? Does the Bible really say that? Hate as Bible instructs but show compassionate love.

## Hate everything that comes in between you and God

Those who say Christ always loves or asked us to always love had never read the Bible properly.

_(Luke 14:26) "If anyone comes to Me and_ _does not hate_ _his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he_ _cannot be My disciple_ _._

You cannot be His disciple unless you hate your father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters and even our your life.

Didn't Christ say to love your enemies?

_(Matt 5:43-45) " You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you,_ _love your enemies_ _, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be_ _sons of your Father in heaven_ _; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust._

_(Luke 6:35-36) "But_ _love your enemies_ _, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be_ _sons of the Most High_ _. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful._

What does this mean?

_(Matt 22:35-40) Then one of them, a lawyer, asked [Him a question,] testing Him, and saying, Teacher, which [is] the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said to him, " '_ _You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind_ _.' This is [the]_ _first and great commandment_ _. And [the] second [is] like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."_

It means, there is absolutely nothing, not even the second which is like the first commandment can come in-between the you and God which is the first and greatest commandment. If anyone including your father, mother, brother, sister, children and even your own self come in between you and God, then you must be ready to hate them.

_(Matt 10:37) "He who loves father or mother more than Me is_ _not worthy of Me_ _. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me._

The great deceiver Satan knew how to manipulate the people who don't have their foundation strong in the Truth. Today, churches give more importance to the second commandment in such an extent to even forsake the first commandment.

## Hate those who causes you to sin and stumble

Doesn't loving others reflection of God's love? Not if it causes you to sin or stumble or causes you to love God less. When you stand in judgment, God is not going to see how much work you had done for Him through the ministry, but rather, how much you are holy and perfect before Him.

_(Deut 13:6-10) If your brother, the son of your mother, your son or your daughter, the wife of your bosom, or your friend who is as your own soul, secretly entices you, saying, 'Let us go and serve other gods,' which you have not known, neither you nor your fathers, of the gods of the people which [are] all around you, near to you or far off from you, from [one] end of the earth to the [other] end of the earth, you shall not consent to him or listen to him, nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him or conceal him; but you shall surely kill him; your hand shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people._ _And you shall stone him with stones until he dies, because he sought to entice you away from the LORD your God_ _, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage._

Christ, said the same thing too.

_(Matt 18:6) " But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if_ _a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea_ _._

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2674199/Proud-Gay-pride-parades-step-US.html

Christ says to hung a millstone on the neck of the parents or whoever cause this little one to sin and throw into the depth of the sea. Is today's church even teaching His kind Words like these to you?

## Hate yourself, even dismember if required for being holy

He again instructs to hate yourself to avoid sin, even dismember.

(Matt 18:8) "If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast [it] from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.

If anyone causes you to love God less or give less importance to His inspired Word, for the sake of loving them, then you must hate them for they make you stumble from the Truth. Hence, you must never love anything or anyone more than God, even hate if they come in between you and God. Otherwise, you are not worthy of Him. Learn to hate those who make you go away from God and His Truth. Are you loving God the way He wants?

## Hate God-haters

Listen to David, a man according to God's own heart.

_(Ps 139:21-22) Do I not hate them, O LORD, who hate You? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?_ _I hate them with perfect hatred_ _; I count them my enemies._

David hated those who hate God. How about you?

_(Jas 4:4) Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be_ _a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God_ _._

You cannot be a friend of the world and if you become one, you are an enemy of God.

_(John 15:18-19) " If the world hates you, you know that it_ _hated Me before_ _[it hated] you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the_ _world hates you_ _._

_(1John 2:15)_ _Do not love the world_ _or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him._

Bible also warns not to love the world which hates both God and true-Christians. Are you loving the world who hates God, thinking it is reflecting God's love? Beware! You are not only an enemy of God but also, you don't have the love of the Father in you if you do that.

_(2Chr 19:2) And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to King Jehoshaphat, "_ _Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD?_ _Therefore the wrath of the LORD is upon you._

When did God ask us to love His enemies? He only asked us to love our enemies.

## Conclusion

The love of God throughout the New Testament is given to those who are within the church and believers of Christ and not about loving sinners and unbelievers.

_(2Cor 6:14)_ _Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers_ _. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?_

_(2Thess 3:14) And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and_ _do not keep company with him_ _, that he may be ashamed._

_(1Cor 5:9,11) I wrote to you in my epistle_ _not to keep company_ _with sexually immoral people. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner \--_ _not even to eat with such a person_ _._

Bible warns not even to have fellowship with sinners and unbelievers. Hence, hate as the Bible instructs.

  * Hate anyone or anything that comes between you and God.

  * Hate anyone or anything that causes you to sin and stumble.

  * Hate your own self if your own body is a hindrance for holiness.

  * Hate those who hate God.

Hence, hate as Bible instructs but show compassionate love. Always remember to hate but with love which is compassion not with affection.

# If you harden your heart today, God will harden your heart tomorrow!

‎Are you hardening your heart today by not seeing to perceive and hearing that you can understand, to turn away from sins?

(Mark 4:12) "so that 'Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not understand; Lest they should turn, And their sins be forgiven them.' "

(Matt 13:15) For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with [their] eyes and hear with [their] ears, Lest they should understand with [their] hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.'

Don't worry! The Lord Himself will harden your heart and blind your eyes so that He don't have to heal you.

_(John 12:40) "_ _He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts_ _, Lest they should see with [their] eyes, Lest they should understand with [their] hearts and turn, So that I should heal them."_

If God hardens your heart, you will do even more sin, just like you do today.

_(Exod 9:34-10:1) And when Pharaoh saw that the rain, the hail, and the thunder had ceased,_ _he sinned yet more_ _; and he hardened his heart, he and his servants. So the heart of Pharaoh was hard; neither would he let the children of Israel go, as the LORD had spoken by Moses. Now the LORD said to Moses, "Go in to Pharaoh; for_ _I have hardened his heart_ _and the hearts of his servants, that I may show these signs of Mine before him_

Those who are harden by God Himself will be utterly destroyed and receive no mercy.

_(Josh 11:20)_ _For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts_ _, that they should come against Israel in battle, t_ _hat He might utterly destroy them_ _, [and] that they might_ _receive no mercy_ _, but that He might destroy them, as the LORD had commanded Moses._

After all, Proverb says the same.

(Prov 29:1) He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Do you know homosexuals are because of God who Himself gave them up to uncleanness, vile passions and a debased mind?

_(Rom 1:24-28) Therefore_ _God also gave them up to uncleanness_ _, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason_ _God gave them up to vile passions_ _. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge,_ _God gave them over to a debased mind_ _, to do those things which are not fitting;_

Why did God Himself gave them to be homosexuals?

_(Rom 1:18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who_ _suppress the truth in unrighteousness_ _, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown [it] to them._

_(Rom 1:20-21) For since the creation of the world His invisible [attributes] are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are_ _without excuse_ _, because,_ _although they knew God_ _, they did not glorify [Him] as God, nor were thankful,_ _but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened_ _._

Are you still hardening your heart to turn away from Him still? You don't have to put more effort on that anymore. God Himself will harden your heart even more.

# Jesus Christ explains Calvinism and Arminianism

‎The debate between Calvinism and Arminianism had been going on for the past 4 centuries within Protestantism. What did Christ say?

## Conditional Election and Freewill

Matt 22:1-3 And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: "The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, "and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.

Christ explained there was a conditional election that is only for those who are invited. But, the invited rejected the invitation, showing that they did it in their own freewill.

  * **Conditional Election** \- Heavenly Father did not invite all.

  * **Free-Will or Human Ability** \- The invited were not willing to come.

## Resistance to Holy Spirit

Matt 22:4-6 "Again, he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding. But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them.

The invited not only rejected the invitation but even killed His servants.

  * **Resistance to the call** \- All the invited resisted the call. They even turned against.

## Falling from Grace

Matt 22:7 "But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

The same people who were invited had now fallen from grace and the King sent out His army to destroy them.

  * **Falling from Grace** \- Those who were invited had fallen from grace.

## Unconditional Election

Matt 22:8-10 "Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.' So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.

The King now commands His servants to invite all, as many as they can find.

  * **Unconditional Election** \- Heavenly Father invited all the rest both good and bad.

## Free-Will, Falling From Grace and Universal Redemption

Matt 22:11-13 "But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Similar to the previously invited people, responding to the second invitation to all depends on the freewill of each individual. As we also see, wedding garments are not supplied with invitation nor it is supplied at the palace. It is the responsibility of each person responding to the invitation to prepare for the wedding of the Son by coming with his wedding garment.

  * **Free-Will or Human Ability** \- Again, it is the choice of those who were invited the second time (who were not originally invited before) to come to the wedding this time.

  * **Free-Will or Human Ability** \- Wedding garment is not supplied in the palace by the Heavenly father for those who came unprepared. You need to make sure you need to prepare and have the wedding garment before you visit the King.

  * **Falling From Grace** \- Those who were without wedding garment among the invited the second time had fallen from grace.

  * **Universal Redemption or General Atonement** \- All those who were invited could have attended the wedding of the Son but only those who come with the wedding garment were allowed to attend.

## Many are called, Few are chosen

Matt 22:14 "For many are called, but few are chosen."

Many are indeed called, since the message of gospel of God is for all. We did nothing to earn this invitation nor we are worthy for it. But, God through His grace invited us all. Having responded to His invitation, how can we go to the wedding of His Son Jesus without wedding garment? Wedding garment represents the righteousness and holiness which Christ expects (Rev 3:4; Jude 1:23). Jesus made it very clear that wedding garment is not supplied with the invitation nor it is available in palace for those who come without it. It is the responsibility of the respondent regarding his own wedding garment. Hence, many are invited but only a few who had wedding garment are chosen.

  * We are invited by what we don't do. This is grace.

  * We respond to His invitation believing in Him. This is faith

  * But, we are chosen by our wedding garments. This is works.

Are you following Christ by preparing your wedding garment in practicing righteousness and holiness and obeying Him? Or, are you deceived by assuming the invitation by Grace and your response to it by Faith is sufficient enough and you can't do anything further like works or bearing fruits? Beware! you will end up in hell. Repent now and start preparing your wedding garment.

# Love towards believers

‎Love in general is often quoted from Paul's first letter to Corinthians which has a list of 15 attributes. Is this love referred towards all? Or is this love directed only towards believers?

(1Cor 13:4-8) Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether [there are] prophecies, they will fail; whether [there are] tongues, they will cease; whether [there is] knowledge, it will vanish away.

The chapter is a continuation and explanation of gifts of the Holy Spirit which is for believers and addressed to believers. While many attributes can look as though it is for all not all are. Without going deeper into every single attribute of love, let me take a few in order to show why these verses in the chapter refer only to believers.

## Bears all things

_(Rev 2:2) "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that_ _you cannot bear those who are evil_ _. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;_

A true believer of Christ will not bear those who are evil.

## Believes all things

_(1John 4:1) Beloved,_ _do not believe every spirit_ _, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world._

A true believer of Christ will not believe in every spirit.

Hence, the love mentioned in 1 Cor 13 is addressed for believers to show love within believers. Beware! Never again use these passages regarding love towards unbelievers or sinners.

# Maintain your Salvation by Good Fruits

‎The biggest deception in today's modern churches is regarding salvation itself. We are saved by grace through faith as Paul said. Yes, there is no doubt about it. But once someone is saved in Christ, they need to maintain their salvation by bearing good fruits or doing good works with Christ expects. Most of today's modern churches deceive the flock by saying we cannot do anything to be saved and stop right there. They never mention the importance of being saved "in Christ" and the possibility of losing Salvation if we don't bear fruits. In this blog, we will look into several locations in the Bible where Christ warns of losing Salvation.

## The Father takes you away from Christ

_John 15:1-2 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit_ _He takes away_ _; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. . 6 "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and_ _throw them into the fire_ _, and they are burned._

Christ is the true vine and the Heavenly Father is the vinedresser. Heavenly Father takes away people from Christ who don't bear fruits and thrown into fire. Christ does not have branches for you and bear fruits for you. You are the branches and it is your work to bear fruits by being in Him. If you don't bear fruit, you will be taken away and thrown in fire.

## Barren Fig Tree will be cut down

_Luke 13:6-9 He also spoke this parable: "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, 'Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none._ _Cut it down_ _; why does it use up the ground? But he answered and said to him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And_ _if it bears fruit, well_ _. But_ _if not, after that you can cut it down_ _.' "_

A certain man mentioned in the parable is the Heavenly Father who planted the fig tree in his vineyard and the gardener is Christ. Heavenly Father waited for 3 long years and found no fruit in this fig tree which was planted by the Him and decides to cut it down. Then, Christ pleads with the Heavenly Father to give one more year who dig around it and fertilize it. The pleading of Christ for you and me was acceptable before the Heavenly Father but only for 1 more year. If you still don't bear any fruit within the gracious time granted to you by the Heavenly Father through Christ, you will be cut down.

## Blot out from Book of Life

Rev 3:1-6 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '

Christ when addressing to His church of Sardis through the angel of that church, He found that their works were not perfect before God. But some had not defiled their garments and shall walk with Him in white and only those will have their names not blot out from the book of life. Hence, Christ mentions the necessity of overcoming and not defiling our garments as an on-going requirement for our names to not be blot out from the book of Life.

## Fruitful only in it's season will be cursed

_Mark 11:13-14,20 And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves,_ _for it was not the season for figs_ _. In response Jesus said to it, "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again." And His disciples heard it. ... Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots._

While the event seem to explain how faith in God can even move mountains, what is generally missed out is why Christ cursed the fig tree when it is well mentioned that it is not the season for the fig trees to have fruits. Some run to God and be holy only when they need God. These are like the fig tree who bear fruits seasonally. However, Christ expects fruits in us all the time. Those who don't bear fruits will be cursed by Christ.

## Conclusion

  * Heavenly Father will pluck us from Christ is we don't bear good fruits.

  * Heavenly Father who planted us in His vineyard will cut us down if we don't bear fruits.

  * We are required to overcome and not defile our garments (or be holy and righteous) for our names to be not blot out from the Book of Life

  * If we don't bear fruits in all seasons, we will be cursed.

How about you? You are saved by grace through Faith in Christ but have no works? no good fruits? no holiness? no righteousness? Thinking you don't have to do anything to inherit kingdom of Heaven and all is completed by Christ in the cross? Do not be deceived. You must bear good fruits or do good works (like practicing holiness and righteousness etc) to maintain your name in the Book of Life.

# Mary was a Surrogate Mother

‎We are all familiar with the verse that says, the Word became Flesh.

John 1:14 And the Word became 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.

I never had a problem in understanding what the above verse states. It is plain and simple which says what it says.

But, after having conversation with some good bible believing pastors, I am amazed to find that they believe Mary contributed to that flesh. It was really shocking to me and I felt the need to address this issue using scriptures by showing you 7 important reasons and prove to you that Mary had no contribution of flesh or DNA to Jesus Christ.

## 1. Flesh taken out of dust is cursed

_Gen 3:19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For_ _dust you are, And to dust you shall return_ _."_

If God can save mankind through someone made from dust, then there is no need for Christ. However, God had to send someone who is not made of dust to avoid the curse spoken by God which never returns to Him void. So, God sent His own Son, the Word who was God and was with God became Flesh and this Flesh does not return to dust.

Acts 2:31 .. nor did His flesh see corruption.

Hence, Jesus Christ's Flesh has no part of Mary's cursed flesh which becomes dust.

## 2. Without blemish, without spot

_1Pet 1:19 but with the_ _precious blood of Christ_ _, as of a lamb_ _without blemish_ _and_ _without spot_ _._

Is the precious blood of Christ have from DNA from Mary? How blasphemous it is? How can Christ be without blemish and without spot if He had inherited flesh from Mary?

_Luke 1:46-47 And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God_ _my Savior_ _._

_Rom 3:23 for_ _all have sinned_ _and fall short of the glory of God,_

All including Mary had sinned. She even prays that she requires a Savior so that she can be saved. Hence, Mary is not sinless. If Mary had contributed flesh or DNA to Jesus Christ, then His blood is neither precious nor without blemish.

## 3. Not of this world

_John 8:23 And He said to them, "You are from_ _beneath_ _; I am from_ _above_ _. You are of this world; I am_ _not of this world_ _._

Jesus Christ plainly said, He is not of this world. He didn't even hinted that He has some part of this world. How plain language could this be?

## 4. Denied being David's son

Matt 22:41-46 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?" They said to Him, "The Son of David." He said to them, "How then does David in the Spirit call Him 'Lord,' saying: 'The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool" ' ? "If David then calls Him 'Lord,' how is He his Son?" And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.

Jesus plainly denied Himself being David's son.

Luke 2:49 And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"

He is always 'Son of God' and never considered Himself to be 'son of David'.

## 5. Not a demi-God

_Phil 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who,_ _being in the form of God_ _, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and_ _coming in the likeness of men_ _. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross._

Jesus Christ who is fully God did not inherit half of Mary's DNA or flesh to become a demi-god. Instead, Mary was just carrying baby Jesus Christ, who being fully God who had come in the likeness of men to become fully man.

## 6. Stopped Mary being referred as mother

_Matt 12:47-50 Then one said to Him, "Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You." But He answered and said to the one who told Him, "_ _Who is My mother_ _and who are My brothers?" And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers! For_ _whoever does the will of My Father in heaven_ _is My brother and sister and mother."_

How plain is the above language? If Jesus had flesh or DNA from Mary, why should He stop others calling Mary as His mother?

John 19:26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!"

Further, Jesus never referred Mary as mother anytime but always as woman.

## 7. Had flesh even before Mary

_Gen 32:24-28 And Jacob was left alone. And_ _a man wrestled with him_ _until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, "Let me go, for the day has broken." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." And he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." Then he said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you_ _have striven with God_ _and with men, and have prevailed."_

Jesus Christ had flesh even before He was born on this world. In fact, He visited Abraham and wrestled with Jacob.

_John 1:18_ _No one has seen God at any time._ _The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him._

_1Tim 6:16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom_ _no man has seen or can see_ _, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen._

It is not God the Father who visited both Abraham and Jacob because no man has seen or can see. Hence, Jesus had flesh even before Mary was born.

## Seed of Woman

_Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between_ _your seed_ _and_ _her Seed_ _; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."_

Seed of woman simply means offspring, not necessarily blood related. If you think that Jesus Christ must be blood related to Mary (or) inherit some flesh from Mary for Him to be a seed of woman, then how about the snake's seed mentioned in the same verse?

_John 8:44 "You are of your_ _father the devil_ _, and the desires of your father you want to do._

Is the man of lawlessness (or Antichrist) born of a snake or must have some snake flesh?

## Conclusion

Mary had no contribution of her flesh or her DNA to Jesus Christ. The Word became Flesh and dwelt among men. The Word didn't mix with men. Hence, Mary was just a surrogate who carried Jesus Christ in her womb.

# Matthew 2 is wrong about birth of Jesus Christ

‎The birth of Jesus Christ mentioned in the two gospel accounts specifies two different historical references which helps us to pin-point the exact year of His birth. But there is one big problem because both account don't harmonize. In this blog, we will look into the gospel accounts to understand and investigate more.

## Matthew's Account - (23 BC to 6 BC)

_Matt 2:1-2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea_ _in the days of Herod_ _the king, behold,_ _wise men from the East_ _came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen_ _His star_ _in the East and have come to worship Him."_

_Matt 2:14-16 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for_ _Egypt_ _, and was there_ _until the death of Herod_ _, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt I called My Son." Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from_ _two years old_ _and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men._

_Matt 2:19-20 Now when_ _Herod was dead,_ _behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child's life are dead."_

Herod reigned from 37 BC until his death in 4 BC. He killed all children under 2 years. Based on this historical reference, Christ must have born anytime from 37 BC to 6 BC. Also, there were no historical records for any sightings of stars in heaven which is of significance during this period.

_John 2:20 Then the Jews said, "It has taken_ _forty-six years_ _to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?"_

John gives us a historical detail about the temple being built for 46 years. We know based on historical records, Herod's temple began it's works in the 18th year of his reign which is (20-19 BC). Adding 46 years means, Jesus must have began his ministry after 26-27 AD. We were also told in the Luke gospel that Jesus is around 30 years of age when He began His ministry. But, because we are comparing the two gospel accounts - Matthew and Luke, we don't want to use the details in each other's account.

_John 8:57 Then the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet_ _fifty years old_ _, and have You seen Abraham?"_

The book of John also gives another detail that His age is less than 50 years old. When Jesus began his ministry which is after 27 AD, His age must be less than 50. Hence, He must be born after 23 BC.

Therefore, Jesus Christ's approximate birth date based on Matthew is 23 BC - 6 BC.

## Luke's Account - (6 AD)

_Luke 2:1-2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This_ _census_ _first took place while_ _Quirinius_ _was governing Syria._

Unlike Matthew, Luke is very specific. He gave a historical reference which is on 6 BC. He didn't stop there.

_Luke 3:1-2 Now in the_ _fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar_ _, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. ... (23) Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about_ _thirty years_ _of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli_

Luke gives an exact information regarding the age of Jesus Christ which is around 30 years when He began His ministry. Tiberius Caesar reigned from 14 AD - 37 AD. Hence, his 15th year of his reign is 29 AD was when John the Baptist began his ministry. This means, according to Luke's account, Jesus began His ministry in 35 AD (30th year of His life).

The above detail of 6 AD agrees both with Pontius Pilate, who ruled from 26 AD to 36 AD and with Herod the tetrarch who was exiled in 39 AD.

Therefore, Jesus Christ's approximate birth date based on Luke is 6 AD.

## Harmonizing Problem

Now the problem is, Matthew's time period for Christ's birth does not overlap with Luke's time period. It is impossible for both accounts to be happening at the same time. Most Christians take 4 BC while some take 6 AD as the date for the birth of Jesus Christ. But it can never be harmonized. One must simply be wrong and the other correct.

Ignoring the historic reference of census of Quirinius, let us see one by one how we can harmonize the two accounts. Jesus must have died within reign of Pontius Pilate when he was a prefect of Judaea (26 AD to 36 AD). We also found Jesus must have begun his ministry after 27 AD. Hence, subtracting his age when He was crucified (from 27 - 36 AD), should give (23 BC to 6 BC). In other words, His age can vary from 50 \- 33 years.

Because Luke mentioned that Christ's age was 30 when He began His ministry, His age when He died was generally accepted as 33 years. It is important to note His ministry on earth was exactly 1 year.

It is important to understand Matthew by itself or Luke by itself does fit all the historical references they provide and do not contradict themselves in anyway. If census of Quirinius is not rejected, then the account of Jesus Birth mentioned by Matthew must be rejected. Hence, census of Quirinius was rejected for the sake of harmonizing Matthew and Luke.

## Which account is correct? Matthew's account is wrong!

The solution for any Biblical problem is searching the Scriptures carefully and thoroughly.

## Error in Hos 11:1-2:

_Matt 2:14-15 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "_ _Out of Egypt I called My Son._ _"_

There is a major problem with the above old testament quote.

_Hos 11:1-2 "When Israel was a child, I loved him,_ _And out of Egypt I called My son_ _. As they called them, So they went from them; They_ _sacrificed to the Baals_ _, And burned incense to carved images. (Masoretic text)._

_Hos 11:1-2 Early in the morning were they cast off, the king of Israel has been cast off: for Israel is a child, and I loved him, and_ _out of Egypt have I called his children._ _As I called them, so they departed from my presence: t_ _hey sacrificed to Baalim_ _, and burnt incense to graven images. (LXX)._

As you can see, Hos 11:1 is not a prophecy about Christ nor will He ever fulfill it. This reference was never used by any of the other New Testament authors.

## Error in Jer 31:15-16

Similarly, there is another problem later in the same chapter:

_Matt 2:16-18 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: A voice was heard in_ _Ramah_ _, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning,_ _Rachel weeping for her children_ _, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more."_

Ramah is an inheritance of Benjamin as per Josh 18:25 and the prophecy mentioned above is Rachel weeping because Benjamin is her son.

_Jer 31:15-16 Thus says the LORD: "A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted for her children,_ **Because they are no more** _." Thus says the LORD: "Refrain your voice from weeping, And your eyes from tears; For your work shall be rewarded, says the LORD, And they shall_ _come back from the land of the enemy_ _._

The above prophecy is not about dead children but captured by the enemy who will return. Further, the narration of Matthew mentions the fulfillment of the prophecy in Bethlehem and it's districts which is an inheritance of Judah by pointing out the prophecy in Ramah, an inheritance of Benjamin. This reference was also not used by any of the other New Testament authors.

## No Prophecy about Christ being a Nazarene

Further problem quoting a non-existing prophecy.

_Matt 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, "He shall be called a_ _Nazarene_ _."_

No prophecy in Old Testament exists for Christ to be called a Nazarene. No other New Testament authors mentioned such a prophecy.

## Star Direction Problem

_Matt 2:1-2,9 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold,_ _wise men from the East_ _came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For_ _we have seen His star in the East_ _and have come to worship Him." ... When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East_ _went before them_ _, till it came and stood over where the young Child was._

If the wise men are from the east, and the star was seen in the east and if they followed the star, they would never reach Judea but rather go in opposite direction. Hence, many had put forth that this should be a comet. Irrespective of whether it is a star or a comet, any significant sign in the sky for Christ's birth was never mentioned by any of the other New Testament authors.

## Conclusion & Consequence

Based on the study regarding the birth of Jesus Christ, the account mentioned in Matthew chapter 2 is fully of mistakes and completely wrong. I personally cannot accept Matthew chapter 2 as inspired since it does not agree with a single Old Testament verse and full of prophecy problems, acceptance of astrologers and stargazers (God strictly forbids, refer Prophets of God from Persia section) and referring to non-existent prophecies.

Hence, Matthew chapter 2 is wrong about the birth of Jesus and did not happen while the Luke account is correct. Hence, Jesus Christ was born on 6 AD.

# Ministry of Jesus Christ on earth was only one year

‎It is traditionally taught that the ministry of Jesus on this world is 3 to 3.5 years. However, after careful consideration of all events described in the gospel and the prophecy about Jesus ministry on earth, we can comfortably conclude that His ministry on earth was just 1 year.

Passover is only mentioned once in all gospels (in the below chapters) except the gospel of John.

  * Matthew 26

  * Mark 14

  * Luke 22

In all the above 3 gospels, the only Passover mentioned during His ministry is the Passover He kept just before His crucifixion.

However, in the gospel of John, it is mentioned thrice.

  1. (John 2:13-14, 23) Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the moneychangers doing business. ... Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did.

  2. John 6:4-5 Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?"

  3. John 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 - this is the last Passover before His crucifixion which is also mentioned in the other gospels.

## Identifying the Passover in John 2:13-14

The event mentioned just before the Passover in John 2:13-14 is also mentioned in the other gospels before the only Passover mentioned.

  * Matt 21:12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.

  * Mark 11:15 So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.

  * Luke 19:45 Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it,

Hence, the Passover mentioned in John 2:13-14 is same Passover mentioned in other gospels. However, John mentions this in the beginning indicating that the gospel of John is not chronological.

## Identifying the Passover in John 6

The event mentioned just before the Passover in John 6, that is feeding the 5000 is also mentioned in the other gospels in the following chapter/verses.

  * Matt 14:17 And they said to Him, "We have here only five loaves and two fish."

  * Mark 6:38 But He said to them, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see." And when they found out they said, "Five, and two fish."

  * Luke 9:13 But He said to them, "You give them something to eat." And they said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people."

This seems that there is another Passover. However, after looking carefully in gospel of John, the very next chapter (which is 7), speaks of the feast of Tabernacle.

  * John 5:1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

  * John 7:1-2 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him. Now the Jews' Feast of Tabernacles was at hand.

The date difference between the Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles is roughly 6 months. There is also a feast mentioned in chapter 5 (which may or may not refer to the same Passover feast). As we saw earlier, the gospel of John is not strictly in chronological order and this Passover could very well be the final Passover mentioned in other gospels.

Hence, there is no significant evidence from the gospels to prove that Jesus Christ's ministry on earth was 3.5 years.

_Luke 4:17-21 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the_ _acceptable year of the LORD_ _." Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is_ _fulfilled_ _in your hearing."_

Further, according to the prophecy of Isaiah, it is the acceptable year of the Lord not "acceptable years". The non chronological order of events in John must not mislead in counting the number of years of Christ's ministry on earth. Hence, Jesus Christ's ministry on earth was only one year as prophesied by Isaiah.

# Misinterpreted Paul's letters

‎Peter in his second letter, mentions about some deceivers who twist Paul's letters for their own destruction. This letter by Peter is the key to unlock and identify them. They even exist today in various forms and doctrines.

## Twisters of Paul's letters

_2 Pet 3:14-18_ _Therefore_ _, beloved, looking forward to these things,_ _be diligent to be found by Him in peace_ _, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation–as also_ _our beloved brother Paul_ _, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also_ _in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things_ _, in which are some things hard to understand, which_ _untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction_ _, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen._

Peter mentions, we are to be diligent to be in peace with God by being without stop and blameless. He then concludes his letter by mentioning the people who twist Paul's letters to their own destruction. So, What did Peter wrote in his letter?

## Works built on Faith required for Love

_2 Pet 1:5-11 But also for this very reason,_ _giving all diligence_ _, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren,_ _be even more diligent to make your call and election sure_ _, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ._

How can someone make his call and election sure by careful and persistent work or effort?

  1. add to your faith virtue (or goodness or righteousness);

  2. and to virtue, knowledge of Christ;

  3. and to knowledge, self-control;

  4. and to self-control, perseverance;

  5. and to perseverance, godliness;

  6. and to godliness, brotherly kindness;

  7. and to brotherly kindness, love.

To avoid stumbling and make your call and election sure, you need to take every effort to build upon each other with faith as it's foundation until you have love. All these are fruits or works. If you do not have this or do not take effort to have this, you cannot be sure of your call and election.

Peter preached works/fruits built over faith which is required for salvation.

## Misinterpretation of Paul's Letters

Peter preached that the works are built over faith and is required for salvation his letter and gave the warning regarding some people twist Paul's letters to their own destruction. Because Paul's letters can be twisted, it is important that we don't use Paul's letter to understand Peter but use Peter to discern Paul's letters. Today, we see the same twisting happening.

_Eph 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,_ _not of works_ _, lest anyone should boast._

_Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is_ _justified by faith_ _apart from the_ _deeds of the law._

_Gal 3:24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be_ _justified by faith._

The above verses from Paul's letters are misinterpreted and used to arrive "Faith Only" doctrine but if you read carefully, he is rejecting the works of the law and not the works which Christ taught. Christ, all through His parables, repeatedly taught works and not "Faith Only". However, these "Faith Only" group even reject Christ's teachings and deceptively say we can't do anything to earn our salvation in order to avoid obeying His commandments which is a work and a requirement for salvation.

Beware! If you don't follow Christ or His teachings but follow false doctrines based on misinterpreted Paul's letters, it may even cost you your salvation.

# Never commit an unforgivable sin! Beware!

‎It is generally taught that all sins are forgiven in our churches but don't remind us from keeping away from one important unforgivable sin that man must never commit which has no redemption for eternity - The blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

_(Matt 12:31-32) "Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the_ _blasphemy [against] the Spirit_ _will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but_ _whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the [age] to come_ _._

_(Mark 3:28-30) " Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who_ _blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness_ _, but is subject to eternal condemnation" --_ _because they said, "He has an unclean spirit."_

_(Luke 12:10) "And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who_ _blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven_ _._

The event of Jesus Christ saying this, is recorded in 3 gospel books. Gospel of Mark even records the blasphemy which they said against the Holy Spirit.

Are we committing the same mistake? Let us rebuke any brother or even a preacher if he wanders away from the Truth using the Scripture. Let us actively discern and find the wolves in sheep clothing through their fruits to warn the flock. But let us hold our tongue in speaking about the spirit they have unless the Holy Spirit reveals to us about the unclean spirit in them. One simple act of speaking can leave us in eternal condemnation without any forgiveness. Beware!

# Progressive Sanctification of Satan

‎Progressive sanctification is a daily dealing with our sins and growth in holiness. It gradually separates the people of God from the world and makes them more and more like Jesus Christ. While sounds good, it is a deception and a lie from the pit.

## Christ did not teach progressive sanctification

Rev 3:4-5 "You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

Satan wants to give you a false confidence that you are saved while you slowly deal with your sins.

  * How much sins do you had to deal with before your garments become white for Christ to not blot your name from the Book of Life? - all sins

  * If you still have some sins to deal with in your progressive path to holiness, are your garments white? - no

As you see, there is no progressive sanctification. Either you live a sinful life or you live holy. Either your garments are defiled or your garments are white. When we come into Christ, we are washed by His blood and our garments are made white. It is now our responsibility to maintain the garment to be white without defiling it until His return.

There is no slow washing of your garments to become whiter and whiter or slowing progressing towards holiness.

## You need to clean your inside

_Matt 23:25 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee,_ _first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish_ _, that the outside of them may be clean also._

Cleaning the inside of our hearts is not the same as washing our sins through His blood. The inner cleansing of our heart is what the New Covenant is all about transforming from within. Until you are completely transformed, you are not a new creation. Just as He spoke to scribes and Pharisees, Christ is asking us to clean the inside which is a transformation in the heart. It is your own decision of godly sorrow which leads to repentance, following Christ and not sinning any more. If you being a dust not willing to pour a drink inside a dirty vessel and drink, how can you expect God to dwell within you when you have uncleanness inside?

Deut 23:14 "For the LORD your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you and give your enemies over to you; therefore your camp shall be holy, that He may see no unclean thing among you, and turn away from you.

God cannot tolerate uncleanness. He will turn away if you have uncleanness inside just like God turn away if any uncleanness was found in the camp of Israelite.

Gal 5:9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

There is no progressive cleaning of the inside of your cup. A little uncleanness still makes it unclean. As long as there is uncleanness, God cannot dwell with uncleanness for He is holy.

## New Covenant Misunderstood

Heb 10:16-17 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them," then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."

New Covenant is the most misunderstood in today's churches. Because it is said that God will put His laws into our hearts, it is often misunderstood that it is completely His work and not us.

Matt 5:21-22 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.

Matt 5:27-29 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

Do not murder is written in stone but anger without cause comes from within our hearts where the law of God is written, and we are in danger of judgment if we pursue those thoughts. Do not commit adultery is written in stone but lust comes from within our heart where the law of God is written, and we are in danger of hell fire if we pursue with those thoughts. Similarly, love one another must come from within our hearts. This is exactly what New Covenant is all about. The transformation is at the heart, a new creation.

_2Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;_ _old things have passed away_ _; behold, all things have become new._

How much of our old things need to pass away before we become new creation?- all

When we come into Christ, He creates a new covenant with us and His laws written in our hearts, just like God created the old covenant with Israel and the laws written in stone. Because the laws are written in our hearts, and had put His Spirit within us, we know exactly what is right thing to do when evil thoughts spring from within our hearts and He convicts our conscience if we are pursuing in the wrong path against God. Obeying or disobeying the Holy Spirit is entirely up to us. God never forces us into holiness or righteousness.

Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?

There is no such thing obeying the Holy Spirit partially and progressing towards obeying Him fully.

Acts 5:3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?

Either you obey Him and live or disobey Him to lie like Ananias and die.

## Deception of Sinfulness after forgiven

1John 1:7-10 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

The church generally teaches that a man cannot live without sinning., meaning, he is always prone to sin and will always sin. This is a lie from the pit. Christ came as a normal man and yet lived sinless leaving His own life as an example for us to follow. If you come to Christ confessing your sins and He cleansed from all the unrighteousness you did, why are you still not sinless? Christ don't clean you in installments.

Do not follow teachers who compare their own lives to give their own doctrines. Follow Christ and His doctrine.

## Conclusion

If you are still in the world with bondage to some sins, you are not yet free. First, you need to disobey sin so that you are no longer a slave of sin and obey righteousness.

Rom 6:16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

You cannot obey sin to be a slave of it and then progressively continue towards becoming righteousness. As long as you obey sin, you are a slave of it and you are leading towards death not towards holiness. Progressive sanctification is a lie from Satan to give a false perspective where the sinner will have a false comfort of growing towards holiness while being a slave to sin they are lead towards death. Do not be deceived! Repent Now!

# Prophets from Persia

‎When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, many think the wise men who came to worship Jesus were astrologers. We can see this in the way they were portrayed.

_(Matt 2:1-2) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold,_ _wise men from the East_ _came to Jerusalem, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."_

## Who are these wise men?

The same Greek word for 'wise' is used in the New Testament in another occasion which is translated as 'sorcerer' along with 'false prophet'.

_(Acts 13:6) Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain_ _sorcerer_ _,_ _a false prophet_ _, a Jew whose name [was] Bar-Jesus,_

This leads many to wrongly conclude that these wise men were astrologers. However, these wise men are neither sorcerers nor false prophets.

_(Num 22:7) So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the_ _diviner_ _'s fee in their hand, and they came to_ _Balaam_ _and spoke to him the words of Balak._

_(2Pet 2:15-16) They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of_ _Balaam_ _the [son] of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man's voice restrained the madness of the_ _prophet_ _._

Magi is simply a term used in those days to refer prophets from other lands just like Balaam was referred as a diviner and not a prophet, even though he is a prophet of God.

Even if these words doesn't convince you, let's see the Bible once again.

_(Matt 2:12) Then, being_ _divinely warned in a dream_ _that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way._

God neither show His signs nor speak in dreams to false prophets. These wise men are the true prophets of God from the East.

## Where did they come from?

The very word magi which causes many to identify them with astrologers, magicians is the actual clue.

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Parther_reich.jpg

The meaning of the word Magi is very uncertain and varies from a follower of Zoroastrianism, member of a tribe, priest, magians etc., but one thing is very certain that the word 'Magi' is of Persian origin which is exactly at the East of Israel. During the time of Jesus, Persia was ruled by Parthian Empire.

## Conclusion

No longer let us call the wise men as astrologers or magicians. Nor does practicing astrology an excuse using these wise men. They were prophets of the living God from Persia, who came to worship Jesus Christ. They could be most likely Jews prophets, descendants of those who did not return to Jerusalem during the period of Ezra and Nehemiah.

# Sickness for God's glory or sin, but nothing else ..

‎Bible teaches only two kinds of sickness. One sickness is for God's glory, and the other is because of our sins which leads to death. There isn't any other way you can get a sickness.

## Sickness for God's glory

_(John 11:3-4) Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick." When Jesus heard [that,] He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but_ _for the glory of God_ _, that the Son of God may be glorified through it."_

_(John 9:2-3) And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the_ _works of God should be revealed_ _in him._

This type of sickness is only to a few people who God loves and want to show His glory and reveal His works through them.

## Sickness due to sin

_(Mic 6:12-13) For her rich men are full of violence, Her inhabitants have spoken lies, And their tongue is deceitful in their mouth. Therefore I will also make [you] sick by striking you, By making [you] desolate_ _because of your sins_ _._

_(Matt 9:2) Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, be of good cheer; your_ _sins are forgiven you_ _."_

_(Jas 5:16)_ _Confess [your] trespasses_ _to one another, and pray for one another,_ _that you may be healed_ _. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much._

_(Ps 38:3) [There is] no soundness in my flesh Because of Your anger, Nor [any] health in my bones_ _Because of my sin_ _._

This type of sickness is because of our sins. If we sin, we will get sick. Sickness unto death can also be due to further reasons like chastening of God or punishment due to His wrath, fore-father's sins .Irrespective of all these, they are all due to sin.

There isn't any other way one can get sick.

## God had allowed the sickness on you

_(Matt 10:29-31) "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your_ _Father's will_ _. But the very_ _hairs of your head are all numbered_ _Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows._

If a sparrow which is sold for a copper coin cannot fall to the ground without the Father's will, know and understand that it is His will you must get sickness and have suffering. Therefore, examine yourself to make sure you are holy and repent all sins and the LORD will take your sickness.

(Lam 3:39-40) Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins? Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.

# Taxonomy of Sins

‎We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

But, are all sins equal? If not, how are they classified? This is blog, we will explore what the Bible had to say about different sins and how they are classified. We will also look into deceptions that are preached in many modern churches who dilute the seriousness of some grave sins.

## Forgivable vs Unforgivable

Isa 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.

Sin separates us from God. Christ came to this world to be a perfect sacrifice and with His blood we can cleanse all our sins by repenting and asking Him forgiveness.

_Matt 12:31-32 "Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but_ _whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him_ _, either in this age or in the age to come._

It is often said that all sins can be forgiven and the unforgivable sin Jesus is speaking about is just rejecting the Holy Spirit. However, Jesus Christ is giving very clear information that anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven forever. Hence, the first classification about sins that cannot be forgiven and sins that can be forgiven.

## Leading to death vs Not leading to death

Forgivable sins can be further classified into sins that lead to death and sins that do not.

_1 John 5:16-17 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death._ _I do not say that he should pray about that_ _. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is_ _sin not leading to death_ _._

The easiest and correct way to identify the sins that lead to death is that we can ask our school master, the law. The law which is the tutor reveals what God wants His people to follow before the fullness had come, for He gave it. Any sin in the law that is punishable by death, are sins that lead to death and any sin in the law that is not punishable by death are sins that do not lead to death.

The above are a few examples based on what God said in the law that gives you some basic idea of sins leading to death and sins not leading to death.

_Ezek 16:62-63 "And I will_ _establish My covenant_ _with you. Then you shall know that I am the LORD, that you may remember and be ashamed, and never open your mouth anymore because of your shame, when_ _I provide you an atonement_ _for all you have done," says the Lord GOD.' "_

When God is speaking about His new covenant through His prophet Ezekiel, He Himself will provide an atonement for all the Israelite people had done. Isn't there existing atonement already there in the law? Yes, but there is no atonement for any sin deserving death in the law.

_Deut 21:22-23 "If a man has committed_ _a sin deserving of death_ _, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God._

Christ took not only the sin deserving death but all sins upon Himself and died by hanging on the tree as per the punishment of law. Hence, unlike the law, any sin that is deserving death can now be forgiven if we repent and wash ourselves with the blood of the Lamb and sin no more.

If a brother in Christ, a believer commits a sin leading to death, Bible says not even pray for such a person.

## Greater vs Lesser

This is not a separate classification but the Bible reiterates the sins leading to death as greater sins than those not leading to death.

_Gen 13:13 But the men of Sodom were_ _exceedingly wicked and sinful_ _against the LORD._

_Gen 20:9 And Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, "What have you done to us? How have I offended you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom_ _a great sin_ _? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done."_

_Exod 32:31 Then Moses returned to the LORD and said, "Oh, these people have committed_ _a great sin_ _, and have made for themselves a god of gold!_

Generally, sins that are deserving death are described in the Bible as great sin. Few examples include, homosexuality, adultery, idolatry., etc.

_John 19:11 Jesus answered, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the_ _greater sin_ _."_

However, Jesus also explains how some sins of sinners can be greater than sins of others. He is not explaining something new but based on the law. The people of Israel are delivering an innocent man to death by false witness and this grave sin deserves death. However, in case of Pontius Pilate, God had delivered Christ into his hands and this sin does not deserve death. Hence, the sin of Pontius Pilate by executing Jesus Christ is not deserving death but the people who wanted Christ to to executed will bear greater sin.

## Deception Today

The biggest deception today is, making all sins both leading to death and those not leading to death as equal. We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God does not mean all sins are equal before God.

_Rom 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our_ _weaknesses_ _. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because_ _He makes intercession for the saints_ _according to the will of God._

_1Cor 6:18-19 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits_ _sexual immorality sins against his own body._ _Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? ... 1Cor 3:17 If anyone defiles the temple of God,_ _God will destroy him_ _. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are._

Holy Spirit makes intercession for the saints in their weakness which is referring to sins not leading to death. But the same Holy Spirit destroy believers who defile their bodies with sexual immorality which is a sin leading to death.

Jude 1:4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

By making all sins equal, many corrupt shepherds had starting comparing adultery, homosexuality and all sexual immorality which are grave sins to a weakness of saints like anger that does not lead to death and deceive the flock to develop tolerance towards such abominable sins to slowly bring ungodly men within the church who are long marked for condemnation. There should not be any compromise in any form or nature for holiness and righteousness. Do not be deceived.

## Conclusion

Sins are classified into forgivable and unforgivable sins. Forgivable sins are further divided into sins leading to death and sins not leading to death. Sins leading to death are greater sins than sins not leading to death. There is a wave of deception where the seriousness of the nature of sin of sexual immorality is diluted today by making these sins leading to death equal with sins not leading to death. Therefore keep watch and do not be deceived. All sins are not equal.

# Teachings of Jesus Christ

‎Below is a quick reference for most of teachings of Christ mentioned in the gospels. This helps to compare and effectively identify false doctrines that Christ did not teach.

# The 7 Commandments of the Jesus Christ

‎In the new covenant, we repeatedly hear that we are not under the law and not saved by the law. Most of us are not aware that the law does not give atonement for sins deserving death but Christ's sacrifice gives us atonement for all sins including those deserving death except blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Through Christ's perfect sacrifice, all the righteous requirements of the law including death penalty for sins deserving death are fulfilled in Him.

Christ is not just a better sacrifice than animals. Instead, He is our Mediator, High Priest and God Himself manifest in flesh who took away all our sins. The new covenant is not without commandments and Christ did gave His commandments which is summarized as follows.

_Matt 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, "'You shall_ _love_ _the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' "This is the first and great commandment. "And the second is like it: 'You shall_ _love_ _your neighbor as yourself.' "On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."_

_John 13:34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you_ _love_ _one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another._

_2John 1:5-6 And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we_ _love_ _one another. This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it._

The new covenant can be summarized by just one word 'love': To Love God and to love our fellow brethren as our own self.

_John 14:21 "He who_ _has My commandments and keeps them_ _, it is he who_ _loves Me_ _. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."_

In contrast to the old covenant which contains explicitly mentioned laws, the new covenant just mentions love and to love Him is to keep His commandments. What are His commandments we should follow so that we can love Him according to the new covenant?

_Matt 5:17-20 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy_ _but to fulfill_ _. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away,_ _one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled_ _. "Whoever therefore breaks_ _one of the least of these commandments_ _, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. "For I say to you, that_ _unless your righteousness exceeds_ _the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven._

Christ came to fulfill the law according to the old covenant and He fulfilled it. He now gave us new commandments to follow which are not in the law.

_Matt 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, "'_ _You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind._ _' "This is the first and great commandment. "And the second is like it: '_ _You shall love your neighbor as yourself._ _' "On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."_

Below is actually the second greatest law expanded, explicitly mentioning what Christ really wants us to do.

Just like the 10 commandments of the law, there are 7 commandments from Jesus Christ:

  1. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.

  2. Do not be angry with your brother without a cause.

  3. Do not look at a woman to lust for her

  4. Do not divorce except for sexual immorality.

  5. Do not swear

  6. Do not to resist an evil person

  7. Love your enemies. Discern affectionate and compassionate love.

Apart from these 7 commandments comparing from the law, He also taught us various mysteries through His parables which we must follow. For a complete list of His teachings, please refer, Teachings of Jesus Christ. However, these commandments are actually from the law, and Christ explains how it must be followed according to the new covenant, that is written in the heart.

Beware! If you don't follow the 7 commandments given by Jesus Christ, then you don't love Him, and don't call yourself a Christian.

# The Good Samaritan: Who is my Neighbor?

‎One of the greatest mistakes in the Good Samaritan story is to show how merciful the Samaritan is, and we also likewise show mercy to our neighbors and ignoring the important message. What does Jesus say who our neighbor is?

God instructs us to show mercy even to animals, but does Good Samaritan is all about only mercy?

Exod 23:5 "If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying under its burden, and you would refrain from helping it, you shall surely help him with it.

Let's see what the Bible says:

Luke 10:25-37 (NKJV)

[a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him]

**Lawyer:** Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

**Jesus:** What is written in the law? What is your reading [of it?"]

**Lawyer:** You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,' and 'your neighbor as yourself.'

**Jesus:** You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.

[Lawyer wants to justify himself]

**Lawyer:** And who is my neighbor?"

**Jesus:** A certain [man] went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded [him,] and departed, leaving [him] half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to [him] and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave [them] to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.' So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?

**Lawyer:** He who showed mercy on him.

**Jesus:** Go and do likewise.

To understand this interaction, we need to know the background of what the law says about neighbor and why he asked Jesus about who his neighbor is. As we know the lawyer is justifying himself because the lawyer already knew neighbor refers to children of Israel.

Lev 19:18 'You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I [am] the LORD.

However, the lawyer didn't expect what Jesus told because, Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

John 4:9 .. For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

Jesus is showing the actual state of Israelites who don't even show mercy what they are supposed to show to animals. However, I will focus on another truth that is often missed out regarding who is the neighbor.

If you look into the story carefully, Jesus asks the lawyer who is the neighbor to him who fell among the thieves. The lawyer answered, it was he who showed mercy on the man who fell among the thieves is the neighbor. The story does not say the other way round. Finally, Jesus said to the lawyer to go and do likewise.

So, what did Jesus told the lawyer to go and do? To show mercy to everyone like the Samaritan did? Even though it is true we are to show mercy like the Samaritan, the story doesn't say that. Jesus said to go and love the person who showed mercy as himself.

So, who is a Samaritan anyway? Jesus Himself said he is a foreigner.

Luke 17:16-18 and fell down on [his] face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where [are] the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?"

To conclude,

  * We are love one another (or fellow Christians) as one's self, just as Christ loved us and commanded us (John 13:34)

  * Any unbeliever who shows mercy to us is our neighbor, and we are to love them as one's self.

So, what about an unbeliever (or enemy who persecutes us) ? Still the same love as one's self? No.

Matt 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

Rom 12:19-20 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but [rather] give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance [is] Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."

We are still required to love even in persecution, but this time not the same love as one's self, but rather waiting for God to show His vengeance and Paul relates it to heaping coals of fire on his head. This is definitely not the same "loving as one's self" because, you don't want to have heaps of coal on your own head, having a hope of putting heaps of coal of fire on ones head by loving him is not the same love you love your own self.

# The time is very near

‎God saw the union of strange flesh and decided to destroy man, and set the number of years to 120.

(Gen 6:2) that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they [were] beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose. And the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he [is] indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years."

Now, 120 years is just half a generation for the life-span of the antediluvians, set until the flood.

Sodom also was sinful and wicked, and had gone after strange flesh of homosexuality.

So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. (Gen 12:4)

But the men of Sodom [were] exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD. (Gen 13:13)

And the LORD said, "Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave, I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know." (Gen 18:20-21)

Similarly, from the time when Sodom was referred as wicked and sinful against God, till the destruction by fire and brimstone, it is just half-a-generation.

Today, homosexuality, the union of strange flesh is widely practiced. On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry nationwide. More then 21 countries had legalized same-sex marriage with several nations having homosexuality legal and the push to legalize gay marriage it is increasing greatly in every nation every year.

As in the days of Noah, the abomination of this unnatural union of same-sex is spreading across the globe. Do we just have half-a-generation left for Christ's second coming?

# There is no darkening of Sun, blood Moon or falling of stars

‎Many people look into sky for signs and wonders but not careful on what the Bible teaches and God Himself says about the prophecy. There are several verses that speaks about Sun becoming dark and Moon as blood.

_(Joel 2:31) The_ _sun shall be turned into darkness_ _, And the_ _moon into blood_ _, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD._

_(Matt 24:29) Immediately after the tribulation of those days the_ _sun will be darkened_ _, and the_ _moon will not give its light_ _; the_ _stars will fall from heaven_ _, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken._

_(Rev 6:12-13) I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the_ _sun became black as sackcloth of hair_ _, and the_ _moon became like blood_ _. And_ _the stars of heaven fell_ _to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind._

This causes several people to be deceived on looking for blood moon, etc. The only problem is, it is not going to happen and here is why.

_(Gen 8:21-22) And the LORD smelled a soothing aroma. Then the LORD said in His heart, "I will never again curse the ground for man's sake, although the imagination of man's heart [is] evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done. While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat,_ _Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease_. _"_

The day and night is not going to cease as long as the earth remains. The simple fact is, neither the seasons nor day/night cycle is going to get affected as long as the earth remains. How can there be a day if sun darkened?

The prophecy is not about the literal Sun, Moon and stars.

## Interpretation of Sun, Moon and stars

_(Gen 37:9-10) Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, "Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the_ _sun_ _, the_ **moon** _, and the eleven_ _stars_ _bowed down to me." So he told [it] to his father and his brothers; and his_ _father_ _rebuked him and said to him, "What [is] this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your_ _mother_ _and I and your_ _brothers_ _indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?"_

Sun is the Father, Moon is the Mother and stars are their children.

## Sun darkened

God is the Sun of Righteousness and Christ is the light of the world.

_(Mal 4:2) But to you who fear My name_ _The Sun of Righteousness_ _shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves._

_(John 8:12) Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the_ _light of the world_ _. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."_

Light represents righteousness and darkness represents lawlessness.

_(2Cor 6:14) Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has_ _righteousness with lawlessness_ _? And what communion has_ _light with darkness_ _?_

Hence, Sun represents God the Father Himself shining His righteousness on the world through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ so that the world can see and come to the light. Sun darkening represents lack of God and His righteousness in this world, just like the days of Noah.

## Moon becoming blood

Moon represents the Mother which is the Holy City Jerusalem, which God had chosen.

_(Gal 4:26) but the_ _Jerusalem_ _above is free, which is the_ _mother_ _of us all._

_(Ezek 16:3,8) Thus says the Lord GOD to_ _Jerusalem_ _: "Your birth and your nativity [are] from the land of Canaan; your father [was] an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. When I passed by you again and looked upon you, indeed your time [was] the time of love; so_ _I spread My wing over you and covered your nakedness_ _. Yes, I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine," says the Lord GOD._

This is why, we see God repeatedly referring for the sake of Jerusalem.

_(1Kgs 11:13) However I will not tear away the whole kingdom; I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of my servant David, and_ _for the sake of Jerusalem which I have chosen_ _._

_(Isa 37:35) For_ _I will defend this city, to save it For My own sake_ _and for My servant David's sake._

A land getting polluted by blood is when innocent blood is spilled.

_(Ps 106:38) And shed innocent blood, The blood of their sons and daughters, Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; And the_ _land was polluted with blood_ _._

_(Num 35:33) 'So you shall not pollute the land where you [are;] for_ _blood defiles the land_ _, and no atonement can be made for the land, for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of him who shed it._

Hence, moon becoming blood or giving no light represents no righteousness in it and shedding of innocent blood.

## Fallen Stars

A star in the Bible is used to guide the wise men to Christ.

(Matt 2:2) saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."

Stars are God's people who guide the flock of God towards righteousness.

_(Dan 12:2-3) And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame [and] everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, And_ _those who turn many to righteousness like the stars_ _forever and ever._

We are the stars, who are to preach the gospel and guide many to righteousness.

_(John 1:12) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become_ _children of God_ _, to those who believe in His name:_

(Matt 28:19-20) "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, [even] to the end of the age." Amen.

So, what does a fallen star mean? It means preachers of God who had turned away from the truth. Instead of turning many to righteousness, they themselves turned into unrighteousness.

## The end of Sun, Moon and Stars

Let us understand when will the end of Sun, Moon and Stars be.

(Gen 8:21-22) And the LORD smelled a soothing aroma. Then the LORD said in His heart, "I will never again curse the ground for man's sake, although the imagination of man's heart [is] evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done. While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease."

(2Pet 3:10-12) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner [of persons] ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?

The end of Sun, Moon and stars will only happen when the earth is no more.

## Conclusion

Do not be deceived. Never look for sun darkening or blood moon or falling stars or meteors. They are not going to happen. The day when the Sun, Moon or stars are affected to cause disruption to the cycle of days, seasons, heat or cold, will be the last day of this age.

# There is no original sin to justify your sins

‎Original sin can be defined as "that sin and its guilt that we all possess in God's eyes as a direct result of Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden." The doctrine of original sin focuses particularly on its effects on our nature and our standing before God, even before we are old enough to commit conscious sin.

## No one is conceived in sin

Let us examine the Scriptures to see if it really supports original sin in any form or shape.

(Ps 51:5) Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.

This passage was told by David about his mother - not your mother. To be more specific, he is speaking about the relationship between Judah and his daughter-in-law, Tamar as in Gen 38:13-30 and he is the 10th generation. According to the law, no one up to 10th generation of such a relationship cannot enter the assembly.

(Deut 23:2) " One of illegitimate birth shall not enter the assembly of the LORD; even to the tenth generation none of his [descendants] shall enter the assembly of the LORD.

## No one is estranged from the womb

(Ps 58:3) The wicked are estranged from the womb; They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.

Once we find a baby that starts speaking as it is born, then we will come back to this verse.

## We are born into curse not sin

Let us have a clear understanding of the fallen nature of man. It is not because we are born into sin, but we inherit the curse of death from Adam.

_(Rom 5:16) And the gift [is] not like [that which came] through the one who sinned. For the judgment [which came] from one [offense resulted] in_ _condemnation_ _, but the free gift [which came] from many offenses [resulted] in justification._

_(Rom 5:12) Therefore, just as through_ _one man sin entered the world_ _, and death through sin, and thus_ _death spread to all men_ _, because all sinned._

Sin didn't automatically enter into the world. It entered because of us having the knowledge of evil and sinning according to our own desires.

## Desire conceives Sin

(Jas 1:15) Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

It is only when desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin and when sin is fully grown, it bring forth death. Jesus Himself said this about little children.

(Matt 18:3) and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Therefore, babies are born sinless for they don't have evil desires like you. Don't blame original sin for your evil desires to justify your sins. Repent now!

# Truth that are false, Lies that brings blessings

‎Just because you say the truth does not necessarily mean you are truthful according to the Bible but rather it can be a lie. Similarly, a lie can actually be a truth according to God.

## Truth that are false

_(Deut 32:4) [He is] the Rock, His work [is] perfect; For all His ways [are] justice, A_ _God of truth_ _and without injustice; Righteous and upright [is] He._

_(John 8:44) "You are of [your] father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and [does not] stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own [resources,] f_ _or he is a liar and the father of it_ _._

We know that our God is a God of truth but the devil is not only a liar but the father of lies.

**Are the last two witnesses false?**

(Matt 26:60-61) but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward and said, "This [fellow] said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.' "

(John 2:19) Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

As we see above, the two last witnesses aren't false. However, Bible does call them false witnesses.

## Lies that brings blessings

_(Exod 1:19-20) And the midwives said to Pharaoh, "Because the Hebrew women [are] not like the Egyptian women; for they [are] lively and give birth before the midwives come to them." Therefore_ _God dealt well with the midwives_ _, and the people multiplied and grew very mighty._

Midwives said lies to Pharaoh but God bless them for it because their lies saved lives.

## What is Truth?

_(John 14:6) Jesus said to him, "_ _I am the way, the truth,_ _and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me._

_(Rev 19:11) Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him [was] called Faithful and_ _True_ _, and in righteousness He judges and makes war._

Christ is the Truth and the fruit of His Spirit is truth. Anything that does not proceed from Him or does not glorify Him is a lie.

(Eph 5:9) for the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness, righteousness, and truth

# Undiscerning hypocrites are babies who deserve death

‎Many Christians today live in a comfort zone and least care about discerning with what they are spiritually fed and least discern what they are doing. These undiscerning hypocrites are babies who deserve death.

## Hypocrites who don't discern times

Christians who don't discern times are hypocrites.

_(Matt 16:1-4) Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. He answered and said to them, "When it is evening you say, '[It will be] fair weather, for the sky is red'; and in the morning, '[It will be] foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.'_ _Hypocrites!_ _You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot_ _discern the signs of the times_ _. A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." And He left them and departed._

These undiscerning Christians seek a sign from heaven like blood moon yet doesn't understand what the Bible says to discern times.

## Babies who don't discern good and evil

Christians who are unskilled in the word of righteousness and don't discern good and evil are babes in Christ.

_(Heb 5:13-14) For everyone who partakes [only] of milk [is] unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a_ _babe_ _. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, [that is,] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to_ _discern both good and evil_ _._

_(1Cor 3:1-3) Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly-- mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready._ _You are still worldly_ _. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?_

These babies are unrighteousness worldly men never growing in Christ who don't discern good and evil.

## Depraved who deserve death

Some Christians who knew Christ yet they are morally corrupt and never understand God or discern unrighteousness.

_(Rom 1:28-32) And even as they_ _did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge_ _, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; [they are] whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,_ _undiscerning_ _, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them._

These depraved people who have a debased mind are deserving death.

## Conclusion

Beware! Do not be like these undiscerning hypocrites who call themselves as Christians but babies in Christ and worldly who deserve death because of their lack of knowledge of God. Repent Now!

# Where is the Garden of Eden?

‎ The Bible describes the location of garden of Eden.

_Gen 2:8-14 The LORD God planted a garden eastward in_ _Eden_ _, and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads. The name of the first is_ _Pishon_ _; it is the one which skirts the whole land of_ _Havilah_ _, where there is gold. And the gold of that land is good. Bdellium and the onyx stone are there. The name of the second river is_ _Gihon_ _; it is the one which goes around the whole land of_ _Cush_ _. The name of the third river is_ _Hiddekel_ _; it is the one which goes toward the east of_ _Assyria_ _. The fourth river is the_ _Euphrates_ _._

Let us identify the rivers mentioned in the map.

## Pishon

The first river skirts the whole land of Havilah.

_1Sam 15:7 And Saul attacked the_ _Amalekites_ _,_ _from Havilah all the way to Shur_ _, which is_ _east of Egypt_ _._

Saul attacked Amalekites from Havilah all the way to Shur which is east of Egypt.

_Gen 14:7 Then they turned back and came to En Mishpat (that is,_ _Kadesh_ _), and attacked all the country of the_ _Amalekites_ _, and also the Amorites who dwelt in Hazezon Tamar._

_Num 13:26 Now they departed and came back to Moses and Aaron and all the congregation of the children of Israel in the_ _Wilderness of Paran_ _, at_ _Kadesh_ _; they brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land._

Based on the territorial description of the location of Amalekites, we can understand the location of Havilah is south of Israel.

## Gihon

The second river goes around the whole land of Cush. So, where is Cush?

Esth 1:1 NOW it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus (this was the Ahasuerus who reigned over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces, from India to Cush),

The Cush in the above verse is translated as Ethiopia. Is Ethiopia correct? We know the territory of Ahssuerus stretches from Egypt (borders with Kush) to Afganistan (borders with India) from external sources.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Kush

The kingdom of Kush was known to ancient world since it existed from 1070 BC till AD 350 which matches the account in book of Esther. It is important to note the land of Cush does not refer to the territories of all the descendants of Cush before the tower of Babel because only this river is mentioned for Cush and not the other three, even though they flow through all the kingdom of Nimrod who is a descendant of Cush.

It is interesting to see the river goes around the land of Cush and it does indeed. Hence, Gihon is river Nile based on the Bible. It is also worth noting Gihon is also named for a pool within Israel during the time of kings (e.g., 1Kgs 1:33)

## Eiddekel

The fourth river is Eiddekel which flows east ( _or against as per LXX_ ) of Assyria.

Source: http://www.bible-history.com/black-obelisk/map-of-ancient-assyria.html

Gen 10:11 From that land he went to Assyria and built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah,

We can see from the above map, all the cities in Assyria are along the river Tigris. Hence, Eddekel is the river Tigris.

## Euphrates

The fourth river is Euphrates. This is the only river without further identification.

## Conclusion

Mapping garden of Eden based on the rivers give the following result:

Hence, the entire region in the above map was the Garden of Eden. It is important to note that the rivers in ancient world may not exist today. Hence, it may be futile to identify a main river that divides into four. However, based on the Havilah, land of Cush and the land of Assyria, the above map is arrived.

# Who are Seraphim and Cherubim?

‎One of the most mysterious creatures in the Bible we come across is the seraphim and cherubim. A visual illustration of how they are presented is bizzare and unimaginable. In this blog, we will investigate into what these seraphim and cherubim are.

## Seraphim

Below is the best picture I can find for the correct representation for Seraphim.

_Source:_ _http://reptilianrevolution.weebly.com/repblogs/seraphim-fiery-flying-serpents_

_Isa 6:1-3 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood_ _seraphim_ _; each one had_ _six wings:_ _with two he covered_ _his face_ _, with two he covered_ _his feet_ _, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!"_

Digging a little deeper, we will soon notice that Seraphim are serpents. Isaiah 6 is not the only place Seraphim occurs. It also appears in several other places and on all those places, they are mentioned as fiery serpents. However, here in Isaiah 6, the word is merely transliterated but actually represents a serpent.

Num 21:8 And Moses prayed to the Lord for the people; and the Lord said to Moses, Make thee a serpent, and put it on a signal-staff; and it shall come to pass that whenever a serpent shall bite a man, every one so bitten that looks upon it shall live (LXX).

Num 21:8 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live."

In the above passage, serpent, fiery serpent \- all refer to the same Hebrew world Seraph. Seraphim is plural for Seraph.

## Cherubim

Gen 3:24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.

The first occurrence of Cherubim was in Genesis when God placed them at the east of the garden to guard the way to tree of life. Hence, cherubim were given a role to guard.

Exod 25:18 "And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work you shall make them at the two ends of the mercy seat.

Cherubim were made at the ends of the mercy seat which was placed on top of the ark of the covenant.

1Sam 4:4 So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

2Sam 6:2 And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, whose name is called by the Name, the LORD of Hosts, who dwells between the cherubim.

2Kgs 19:15 Then Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said: "O LORD God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.

During the period of Samuel, David and Hezekiah, the dwelling place of God is generally expressed as between the cherubim referring to the mercy seat above the ark of the covenant.

Heb 9:5 and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

This is again echoed in the book of Hebrews. Even though it doesn't describe in detail in Hebrews, Cherubim are mentioned for glory.

Ezek 10:2 Then He spoke to the man clothed with linen, and said, "Go in among the wheels, under the cherub, fill your hands with coals of fire from among the cherubim, and scatter them over the city." And he went in as I watched.

Cherubim are also mentioned in the visions of Ezekiel when describing the glory of God.

_Source:_ _https://steadfastcove.com/2015/06/04/angels/_

Ezek 1:5-8 Also from within it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man. Each one had four faces, and each one had four wings. Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the soles of calves' feet. They sparkled like the color of burnished bronze. The hands of a man were under their wings on their four sides; and each of the four had faces and wings.

Ezek 10:20 This is the living creature I saw under the God of Israel by the River Chebar, and I knew they were cherubim.

The above is how the four living creatures are described in the book of Ezekiel.

Source: https://endtimestrumpet.wordpress.com/2014/07/30/revelation-chapter-4-john-enters-the-throne-room-of-god/

Rev 4:7-8 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!"

The above is how the four living creatures around God's throne are described in Revelation. John however, never mentioned that these 4 living creatures are Cherubim.

The Cherubim placed in the ends of the mercy seat and also in Solomon's temple had only two wings and no detailed description of them is mentioned.

Cherubim have the following characteristics:

  * They seems to have different shape.

  * They always have shapes associated with ox, lion, eagle and man.

  * They have different count of wings.

  * They had a role of guarding and praising God day and night.

What are we supposed to do with these creatures? What do they represent? Are they literal or metaphorical? If metaphorical, what metaphors do they represent? These are the many questions arises to us.

## Cherubim are not unique to Bible

It is also equally important to understand cherubim are not unique to the Bible. This is similar to the word Hades which is referring to Sheol of Hebrew.

_Hades was the ancient Greek chthonic god of the underworld, which eventually took his name. (_wiki _)_

_While Tartarus is not considered to be directly a part of the underworld, it is described as being as far beneath the underworld as the earth is beneath the sky. It is so dark that the "night is poured around it in three rows like a collar round the neck, while above it grow the roots of the earth and of the unharvested sea (_wiki _)._

Just because Peter used the word Tartaros and other New Testament authors used Hades, does it mean Tartaros and Hades as in their original meaning is true? Absolutely not!

_1Cor 15:55 "O Death, where is your sting? O_ _Hades_ _, where is your victory?"_

_Hos 13:14 "I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. O Death, I will be your plagues! O_ _Grave (Sheol)_ _, I will be your destruction! Pity is hidden from My eyes."_

_Hos 13:14 I will deliver them out of the power of Hades, and will redeem them from death: where is thy penalty, O death? O_ _Hades_ _, where is thy sting? comfort is hidden from mine eyes (LXX)._

We can also see another example from Peter's sermon in the book of Acts.

_Ps 16:10 For You will not leave my soul in_ _Sheol_ _, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption._

_Acts 2:31 "he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in_ _Hades_ _, nor did His flesh see corruption._

As you can see, Sheol in Hebrew is translated into Hades in Greek, so that the Greek speaking population can understand and relate it. But Sheol is neither Hades nor does Bible acknowledge the true meaning of Hades or it's deity. This is same for words in other cultures used in the Bible to represent which people can understand and relate it but may not represent the true meaning of it. This is exactly the case with Cherubim.

_The origin of the symbolic cherub antedates history, and points to the time when man began to shape his ideas of supernatural powers by mystic forms, especially the combination of parts of the strongest animals of land and air (the lion and the eagle), which resulted in the numerous grotesque figures in Middle Eastern lore and architecture. One of these is the Babylonian lamassu, a protective spirit with a sphinx-like form, possessing the wings of an eagle, the body of a lion, and the head of a king. This was adopted largely in Phoenicia (_wiki _)._

Source: http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-artifacts/artifacts-and-the-bible/10-great-biblical-artifacts-at-the-bible-lands-museum-jerusalem/  
(An ivory Phoenician-style cherub from Arslan Tash)

What do these creatures represent? They are representing the likeness of glory. This is well explained by Ezekiel when he sums up his vision about God.

Ezek 1:28b ... This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.

Another way to directly explain is to ask ourselves if God is seated on the throne. Is God's throne literal or metaphorical? We know it is metaphorical because God is Spirit and Heaven is His throne. However, throne here is used for us to relate a King and His absolute authority. Today we don't have many monarchs who have absolute authority like in those days, nor can we relate God to a King where parliament has the authority.

We see the same symbolism in the book of Revelation.

Rev 5:6-8 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

In the same vision of John where the four living creatures similar to the vision of Ezekiel , Jesus Christ is also shown as symbol.

Source: http://demonghoul.deviantart.com/art/Lamb-of-God-72453455

The above slain Lamb having 7 eyes and 7 horns represent our Lord Jesus Christ in the vision. If Jesus Christ is represented using a strange symbol, why not the Cherubim?

_Num 23:22 God brings them out of Egypt; He has strength like a wild_ _ox_ _._

_Exod 19:4 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on_ _eagles' wings_ _and brought you to Myself. ... Deut 32:11-12 As an_ _eagle_ _stirs up its nest, Hovers over its young, Spreading out its wings, taking them up, Carrying them on its_ _wings_ _, So the LORD alone led him, And there was no foreign god with him. ... Prov 23:5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They_ _fly away like an eagle_ _toward heaven. ... Lam 4:19a Our pursuers were_ _swifter_ _Than the eagles of the heavens._

_Num 23:24 Look, a people rises like a lioness, And lifts itself up like a_ _lion_ _; It shall not lie down until it devours the prey, And drinks the blood of the slain." ... Prov 30:30 A lion, which is_ _mighty_ _among beasts And does not turn away from any; ... Amos 3:8 A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken! Who can but prophesy?_

_Gen 1:27 So God created_ _man_ _in His_ _own image_ _; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them._

Cherubim were used as symbols to represent glory of God where

  * OX represents strength. This is how God brought the Israelite people out of Egypt. The strength of God is compared to the strength of a wild ox.

  * LION represents might. This is how God made the Israelite people after redeeming them from slavery. God Himself compares His words to the roar of a lion. Jesus Christ is also called the Lion of Judah.

  * EAGLE represents how it fly swiftly towards the sky. This is how God made the Israelite people come out of Egypt.

  * MAN represents the image of God, knowing good and evil.

The combination of ox, lion, eagle and man represents a powerful symbol of God's glory in ancient Israel and this is how God showed the likeness of His glory to His prophets in visions.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion_of_Saint_Mark

The Lion of St Mark in Venice is a good example. It represents the evangelist St Mark, pictured in the form of a winged lion, is the symbol of the city of Venice and formerly of the Republic of Venice. This symbolism went out of use in recent times because, knowledge had increased and we no longer admire the strength of these animals anymore, nor compare them any longer. However, this imagery and idea still exists in forms of humans with super powers in comics etc.

## Conclusion

Seraphim and cherubim are symbols of might, strength, swiftness and knowledge which are not literal but metaphorical used to represent with the likeness of the glory of God. They are not angels, nor referred anywhere as angels. Seraphim and cherubim do have wings. But angels in the Bible never had wings and they literally appeared, ate and walked in this world (e.g., during the time of Abraham, Lot and Sodom).

# Who are the sons of God?

‎Genesis chapter 6 is one of the most mysterious chapters in the entire Bible. It speaks about sons of God taking daughters of men as wives and bearing Nephilim or translated in English as giants.

## Who does the Bible call as sons of God?

We all know Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God.

Matt 26:63-64 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, "I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!" Jesus said to him, "It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven."

But Bible calls some other people as sons of God as well.

## Devil is never called as son of God in LXX but in Masoretic

Comparing Masoretic and Septuagint texts (LXX), reveal the following observations:

_Job 1:6 And it came to pass on a day, that behold, the_ _angels of God_ _came to stand before the Lord, and the devil came with them (LXX)._

_Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the_ _sons of God_ _came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them._

The book of Job in LXX never mentions sons of God. There are other references including Job 2:1 and Job 38:7 as well, where Septuagint always translates as angels of God while Masoretic translates as sons of God. Hence, Masoretic text calls Satan also as a son of God.

## Children of Israel are called sons of God

_Deut 32:43 Rejoice, ye heavens, with him, and let all the angels of God worship him; rejoice ye Gentiles, with his people, and let all the_ _sons of God_ _strengthen themselves in him; for he will avenge the blood of_ _his sons_ _, and he will render vengeance, and recompense justice to his enemies, and will reward them that hate him; and the Lord shall purge the land of his people (LXX)._

_Deut 32:43 "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; For He will avenge the blood of_ _His servants_ _, And render vengeance to His adversaries; He will provide atonement for His land and His people."_

The above passage from the song of Moses is also echoed in Psalms.

_Ps 29:1 (28:1) A Psalm of David on the occasion of the solemn assembly of the Tabernacle. Bring to the Lord, ye_ _sons of God_ _, bring to the Lord young rams; bring to the Lord glory and honour (LXX)._

Ps 29:1 GIVE unto the LORD, O you mighty ones, Give unto the LORD glory and strength.

David also uses the term sons of God to refer the children of Israel.

_Matt 23:9 "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for_ _One is your Father_ _, He who is in heaven._

_Mal 2:10 Have we not all_ _one Father_ _? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously with one another By profaning the covenant of the fathers?_

Jesus also confirmed we all the children of Israel have one Father who is in Heaven.

## Adam could be a son of God

Luke 3:38 the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

Strictly speaking, "the son of" is a translator's addition and it doesn't exist in original texts. Adam is of God but considering the other verses which implies "son of", Adam could also be a son of God or simply from God.

## Prophets as 'gods' (or sons of God)

_John 10:33-36 The Jews answered Him, saying, "For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God." Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, "You are gods"? If He called them gods,_ _to whom the word of God came_ _(and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God'?_

_Ps 82:6 "I said, 'You are "_ _gods_ _"; you are all_ _sons of the Most High_ _.'_

The law calls all to whom the word of God came as gods and they are all called sons of God.

## Peacemakers as sons of God

Matt 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

Jesus also calls the peace makers as sons of God

## What does the Bible conclude?

If we take only the Septuagint, sons of God are God's chosen people or His inheritance. It is mentioned for the children of Israel. If we take Masoretic text, sons of God represents angels which includes devils. However, Jesus said, to whom the word of God came (e..g, prophets) and peacemakers will be called sons of God. Based on what is found in the Bible, we have several options for son(s) of God:

  1. **Only Begotten:** Jesus Christ

  2. **Based on Creation:** Satan, Adam, Angels

  3. **Figurative:** Prophets, Peacemakers, Children of Israel

## Son of God on Genesis 6

We have 3 categories who are called as son(s) of God and let us see if they fit the Genesis 6 chapter.

There is only one possibility. The sons of God must be a created being by God who was not of Adam descendants.

## Man alike or Angel?

Peter and Jude comes to rescue:

_2Pet 2:4 For if God did not spare the_ _angels who sinned_ _, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment;_

_Jude 1:6 And the_ _angels who did not keep their proper domain_ _, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day;_

Hence, sons of God in Genesis 6 based on the apostle's interpretation represents the fallen angels.

## Asking the authors themselves

Either Moses or the scribes under the leadership of Moses wrote the book of Genesis and Numbers.

_Gen 6:4 There were giants (_ _Nephilim_ _) on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown._

_Num 13:33 "There we saw the giants (_ _Nephilim_ _) (the descendants of Anak came from the giants (_ _Nephilim_ _)); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight."_

We know the book of Genesis cannot be older than the book of Numbers because, God revealed to Moses by name YHWH and Genesis is full of His name YHWH. Hence, Genesis is written at the same time or later than the book of Numbers.

The Nephilim and their descendants Anak are exaggerated here by the other spies:

_Num 13:33 "There we saw the giants (Nephilim) (the descendants of Anak came from the giants (Nephilim)); and we were like_ _grasshoppers_ _in our own sight, and so we were in their sight."_

The discouraging words spoken by the other spies are certainly not true.

_Deut 9:1-2 "Hear, O Israel: You are to cross over the Jordan today, and go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourself, cities great and fortified up to heaven,_ _a people great and tall,_ _the descendants of the Anakim, whom you know, and of whom you heard it said, 'Who can stand before the descendants of Anak?'_

Nephilim and their descendants called Anak where just tall people. If Anak were indeed the descendants or Nephilim as in Numbers 13, who in turn were dependents of sons of God as in Genesis 6, then there are two possibilities.

  1. Flood during the days of Noah may not be global

  2. Global flood didn't kill all Nephilim and some were left out.

Many believe the flood may not be global. However, ignoring the when the flood happened, there is compelling evidence for a global flooding.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_level_rise

All scientists agree by the end of the last ice age, when the ice began to melt, the sea levels rose to 140 meters (or ~500 feet) world-wide. We can clearly see this even in google map.

Source: Google Maps - Red - Ice-age coast line, Yellow - Today's coast line

Hence, there was indeed a global flood. It is also widely accepted that the end of last ice saw the greatest number of species extinction called Quaternary extinction event. Hence, the events described in the Bible are true except it is written by a prophet 3500 years ago with what he understood which is often very simple when compared to our increased knowledge in modern days.

## Neanderthals? Denisovans? Sons of God?

If we go by the interpretation of God's man like other creations then yes, Neanderthals and Denisovans could be sons of God, for God created them. Because the Neanderthal and Denisovan DNA is sequenced and available for all of us to look into, there are some interesting parallels.

These parallels suggest Neanderthals and Denisovans could be sons of God and/or Nephilim.

If there was a global flood, how did the sons of God survive? No, they didn't. Today we understand genetics and how genes can pass on from Nephilim and traits become activated in descendants who are involved in incest after the global flood. This happened in one of the descendants of Ham who became Anak. With God destroying those referred as descendants of Nephilims and Goliath being the last, no one living today will have any Nephilim traits.

With lot of questions in our mind in today's world of increased knowledge, we must always understand that Bible is not a science book but written by prophets thousands of years back in simple language for common people of all ages, for reproof, correction, and for instruction in righteousness that the God's children may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

# Who are you to Christ? Snake? Wolf? Fox? Dog? Goat? Sheep?

‎Christ is not like today's preachers who only know to speak kind and gracious words. He called sinners as snakes, foxes, dogs, goats and wolves. Examine yourself to understand which among these animals are you and repent now.

## Are you a snake?

_(Matt 23:28,33) "Even so you also_ _outwardly appear righteous to men_ _, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. .._ _Serpents, brood of vipers!_ _How can you escape the condemnation of hell?_

_(Gen 3:1) Now the_ _serpent was more cunning_ _than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?"_

_(2Cor 11:3) But I fear, lest somehow, as the_ _serpent deceived_ _Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ._

Snakes are cunning and they deceive people. If you appear righteous to men, but not in the inside if you have hypocrisy and lawlessness, then Christ calls you a snake. Repent now.

## Are you a wolf?

_(Matt 7:15-20) " Beware of_ _false prophets_ _, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous_ _wolves_ _. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor [can] a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.Therefore by their fruits you will know them._

_(Ezek 22:27) "Her princes in her midst [are] like wolves_ _tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy people, and to get dishonest gain_ _._

Wolves speak lies in the name of God to cheat, destroy the people and get dishonest gain. If you appear as though you are harmless on the outside but inside you have an intention to cheat, destroy the people and get dishonest gain, then Christ calls you a wolf. Repent now.

## Are you a fox?

_(Luke 13:31-32) On that very day some Pharisees came, saying to Him, "Get out and depart from here, for_ _Herod_ _wants to kill You." And He said to them, "Go, tell that_ _fox_ _, 'Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third [day] I shall be perfected.'_

_(Matt 14:3,8-9) For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put [him] in prison_ _for the sake of Herodias_ _, his brother Philip's wife. .. And although he wanted to put him to death,_ _he feared the multitude_ _, because they counted him as a prophet. ... So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, "Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter." And the king was sorry; nevertheless,_ _because of the oaths_ _and because of those who sat with him, he commanded [it] to be given to [her.]_

Foxes do things that please men rather than God. Are you pleasing men instead of God? Then you are a fox! Repent now.

## Are you a dog?

_(Matt 15:26-27) But He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw [it] to the_ _little dogs_ _. And she said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table."_

_(2Pet 2:20-22) For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known [it,] to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "_ _A dog returns to his own vomit_ _," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire."_

Dogs will return to it's old sin. If you are washed by the blood of Jesus Christ, then if you go back to your same old sin, you are a dog.

## Are you a goat?

_(Matt 25:33,41-43) "And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but_ _the goats_ _on the left. Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and_ _you gave Me no food_ _; I was thirsty and_ _you gave Me no drink_ _; I was a stranger and_ _you did not take Me in_ _, naked and_ _you did not clothe Me_ _, sick and in prison and_ _you did not visit Me._ _'_

Goats care about themselves. They don't care about fellow Christians. If you know Christ, go to church, even do miracles, wonders and cast out demons but always take care of yourself and never care about fellow Christians who are in need, then Christ calls you a goat. You are not only cursed, an everlasting fire is being prepared for you. Repent now.

## Are you a sheep?

_(John 10:24-27) Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, "_ _How long do You keep us in doubt?_ _If You are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me. But_ _you do not believe_ _, because_ _you are not of My sheep_ _, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me._

_(John 10:14-15) "I am the good shepherd; and_ _I know My sheep_ _, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep._

_(Zech 10:2) For the idols speak delusion; The diviners envision lies, And tell false dreams; They comfort in vain. Therefore the people_ _wend their way like sheep_ _; They are in trouble because there is_ _no shepherd_ _._

Sheep are easily led by anyone and easily scattered without a good shepherd. They can be either believers belonging to the flock of Christ led by Christ Himself or unbelievers who don't follow Christ.

## Who are you to Christ?

  * Are you a snake appearing righteous to men but unrighteousness inside?

  * Are you a wolf speaking lies in the name of God to cheat, destroy and get dishonest gain?

  * Are you a fox pleasing men rather than God?

  * Are you a dog returning to your old sins?

  * Are you a goat taking care of only yourself?

  * Are you a sheep who don't believe in Christ?

Repent now! Come into the flock of Christ.

# Who can enter, inherit and be thrust out from Kingdom of God?

The important teaching of Jesus Christ was about His Kingdom where where is the King. He clearly explained who can enter, inherit and be thrown out.

## Who can enter Kingdom of God?

_Matt 5:20 "For I say to you, that_ _unless your righteousness exceeds_ _the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means_ _enter_ _the kingdom of heaven._

_Matt 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall_ _enter_ _the kingdom of heaven, but he who_ _does the will of My Father_ _in heaven."Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'_

_Luke 18:17 "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not_ _receive_ _the kingdom of God_ _as a little child_ _will by no means_ _enter_ _it."_

_Mark 10:24-25 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who_ _trust in riches_ _to_ _enter_ _the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."_

_Luke 9:61-62 And another also said, "Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house." But Jesus said to him, "_ _No one_ _, having put his hand to the plow, and_ _looking back_ _,_ _is fit_ _for the kingdom of God."_

_John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is_ _born of water and the Spirit_ _, he cannot_ _enter_ _the kingdom of God._

Only the following people can enter Kingdom of God:

  * Exceeds the righteousness of scribes and Pharisees.

  * Does the will of the Father in Heaven

  * Receive the kingdom of God as a little child

  * Those who don't trust in riches or accumulate wealth for themselves

  * Those who don't look back from following Christ

  * Those who are born of water and Spirit

## Who can inherit Kingdom of God among those who entered it?

_Matt 25:34-36, 40 "Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father,_ _inherit the kingdom_ _prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' ... And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you,_ _inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me_ _.'_

Entering into God's kingdom does not mean they all inherit it. Only the righteous who take care of the least within the body of Christ, will inherit it.

## Who will be thrust out of Kingdom of Heaven?

_Luke 13:27-29 "But He will say, 'I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me,_ _all you workers of iniquity_ _.' There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and_ _yourselves thrust out_ _. They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God._

_Matt 21:43 "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be_ _taken away_ _from you and given to a people who will_ _produce its fruit_ _._

_Matt 13:41-42 "The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather_ _out of His kingdom all things that offend_ _, and those who_ _practice lawlessness_ _, and will_ _cast_ _them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth._

Those who had all qualifications to enter and had entered the kingdom of God and yet if they later become unworthy having the below attributes, they will be thrust out from kingdom of God.

  * Workers of iniquity

  * Who don't bear the fruits of His kingdom

  * All that offend the kingdom of God

  * Practice lawlessness

## Beware! Don't be deceived!

_Luke 17:21 "nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the_ _kingdom of God is within you_ _."_

If you have entered or have kingdom of God within you and yet practice lawlessness, work iniquity or don't bear the fruit of His kingdom, you will be thrust out. Therefore, keep watch, be holy and righteous before God in all your ways and bear the fruits of His kingdom.

# Why Jesus is the only way?

‎Every Christian is taught that Christ is the only way to the Father. Or, the only way we can be saved and have eternal life. However, many Christians do not know "why".

_(John 14:6) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father_ _except through Me_ _._

_(Acts 4:12) "_ _Nor is there salvation in any other_ _, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."_

## God's Word cannot be Undone

_(Gen 3:17-19) Then to Adam He said, "Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it':_ _Cursed is the ground for your sake;_ _In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life._ _Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you,_ _And you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground,_ _For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return._

Death is an important curse on man by God Himself. For God to save mankind and give Eternal life, He had to "undo" His own curse which He spoke. However, God cannot "undo" His own Word.

(Isa 55:11) So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper [in the thing] for which I sent it.  
(Luke 21:33) "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

Hence, what God had spoken, no one can change. It will happen exactly as He spoke and we will all die.

## Undoing God's Word

As we saw earlier, it is possible for God to undo His Own word.

(Isa 55:8-9) " For My thoughts [are] not your thoughts, Nor [are] your ways My ways," says the LORD. "For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

But, don't worry. God's ways are higher than ours and He does have a plan. How can God save mankind by removing His curse on us, yet without breaking His own curse?

(John 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

_(John 1:14) And the_ _Word became 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._

Someone had to go through the curse (because His Word cannot be undone). However, there is no one in heaven or earth who can go through that curse to undo what God had spoken. Hence, the Word who is God Himself became Flesh, and came to this world as a normal man and His name is Jesus.

This man Jesus had all the curses of God upon Him.

(Mark 6:3) "Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?" And they were offended at Him.

(John 19:5) Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And [Pilate] said to them, "Behold the Man!"

He had to work for His bread. He ate and drank like us. Even thorns pricked Him. Finally, He had to die like us. Hence, this man Jesus had gone through all the curses which God spoke to mankind including death, just as every man had to go through.

(Acts 2:24) "whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.

(John 10:17-18) "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father."

After fulfilling all curses, even death, it is impossible for death to hold Him because His is life and God raised Him from the dead because, He is sinless.

_(John 14:6) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the_ _life_ _. No one comes to the Father except through Me._

## The Only Way

Now, everyone will die according to God's curse on us.

(1Cor 6:17) But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

However, if we have His Spirit abiding on us, we will never face death but go to the Father and have Eternal life, not because of what we had done or who we are, but because we are one spirit with Christ. Since His spirit dwells in us, we will also be raised just like Christ is raised by God.

_(Col 2:12) buried with Him in baptism, in which_ _you also were raised with Him_ _through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead._

This is why, Jesus is the Only Way to the Father, and there is no other name under heaven through which we can receive salvation.

# Why Should Christians Accept Millions of Years?

‎Answers in Genesis seems to be doing good but it is sending many once faithful down to hell. It portrays as if it is scientific but yet it uses a flawed/pseudo-science. I had reviewed all evidences myself and I find Answers in Genesis not being honest on what they say which does not reflect Christ in their behavior. It is better for them to take Science out of Faith than to manipulate Science to fit into their version of Faith.

Let us remember what Paul had to say:

_Rom 3:7-8 For_ _if the truth of God has increased through my lie_ _to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? And why not say, "Let us do evil that good may come"?–as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their_ _condemnation is just_ _._

Source: https://answersingenesis.org/answers/books/new-answers-book-1/

Here, we will address all the points mentioned in, Chapter 2: Why Shouldn't Christians Accept Millions of Years? by Answers in Genesis. First of all, accepting millions of years does not mean accepting evolution and I do certainly reject evolution. In this blog, we will only address the 'millions of years' and see what the Bible really had to say.

## Debunking: God created in 6 literal, 24-hour days

_The Bible clearly teaches that God created in six literal, 24-hour days a few thousand years ago._ _The Hebrew word for day in Genesis 1 is yom. In the vast majority of its uses in the Old Testament it means a literal day; and where it doesn't, the context makes this clear._

Gen 1:5a **God** called the **light Day**.

God called light as "Day" and it has nothing to do with 24 hours. Who are these people to reject God's direct spoken words?

## Debunking: Days of creation were literal days

_The context of Genesis 1 clearly shows that the days of creation were literal days._ _First, yom is defined the first time it is used in the Bible (Genesis 1:4–5) in its two literal senses: the light portion of the light/dark cycle and the whole light/dark cycle. Second, yom is used with "evening" and "morning." Everywhere these two words are used in the Old Testament, either together or separately and with or without yom in the context, they always mean a literal evening or morning of a literal day. Third, yom is modified with a number: one day, second day, third day, etc., which everywhere else in the Old Testament indicates literal days. Fourth, yom is defined literally in Genesis 1:14 in relation to the heavenly bodies._

Gen 1:14 Then **God said** , "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and **for days** and years;

God created sun, moon and stars for 'days' and 'years' only on the fourth day of creation. These new 'days' and 'years' using sun, moon and stars are created on the fourth day of creation. If God said the newly created days using sun, moon and stars are for the use of 'days', why do these people use it to define what God did not say, i.e., a Creation Day?

## Debunking: Genealogies prove 6,000 years.

_The genealogies of Genesis 5 and 11 make it clear that the creation days happened only about 6,000 years ago._ _It is transparent from the genealogies of Genesis 5 and 11 (which give very detailed chronological information, unlike the clearly abbreviated genealogy in Matthew 1 and other chronological information in the Bible that the Creation Week took place only about 6,000 years ago._

Gen 5:1-2 This is the book of the **genealogy of Adam**. In the day that God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. He created them male and female, and blessed them and called them Mankind in the day they were created.

Genealogies of chapters 5 and 11 does not make it clear that the creation days happened about 6000 years ago. But rather, it only shows Adam was created by God about 6000 years ago.

## Debunking: Exodus 20:9–11 rejects millions of years

_Exodus 20:9–11 blocks all attempts to fit millions of years into Genesis 1._ _"Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the LORD your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and made it holy" (Exodus 20:9-11).This passage gives the reason for God's command to Israel to work six days and then take a sabbath rest. Yom is used in both parts of the commandment. If God meant that the Jews were to work six days because He created over six long periods of time, He could have said that using one of three indefinite Hebrew time words. He chose the only word that means a literal day, and the Jews understood it literally (until the idea of millions of years developed in the early nineteenth century). For this reason, the day-age view or framework hypothesis must be rejected. The gap theory or any other attempt to put millions of years before the six days are also false because God says that in six days He made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. So He made everything in those six literal days and nothing before the first day._

Heb 4:4-10 For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: "And God rested on the seventh day from all His works"; and again in this place: " **They shall not enter My rest.** " Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, again He designates a certain day, saying in David, "Today," after such a long time, as it has been said: "Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts." For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. **There remains therefore a rest for the people of God**. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.

If God rested on the seventh day and we are yet to enter into His rest, which day are we living in? Why do these people teach contrary to the Bible and deceive the weak?

## Debunking: Noah's Flood washes millions of years

_Noah's Flood washes away millions of years._ _The evidence in Genesis 6–9 for a global catastrophic flood is overwhelming. For example, the Flood was intended to destroy not only all sinful people but also all land animals and birds and the surface of the earth, which only a global flood could accomplish. The Ark's purpose was to save two of every kind of land animal and bird (and seven of some) to repopulate the earth after the Flood. The Ark was totally unnecessary if the Flood was only local. People, animals, and birds could have migrated out of the flood zone before it occurred, or the zone could have been populated from creatures outside the area after the Flood. The catastrophic nature of the Flood is seen in the nonstop rain for at least 40 days, which would have produced massive erosion, mud slides, hurricanes, etc. The Hebrew words translated "the fountains of the great deep burst open" (Genesis 7:11) clearly point to tectonic rupturing of the earth's surface in many places for 150 days, resulting in volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Noah's Flood would produce exactly the kind of complex geological record we see worldwide today: thousands of feet of sediments clearly deposited by water and later hardened into rock and containing billions of fossils. If the year-long Flood is responsible for most of the rock layers and fossils, then those rocks and fossils cannot represent the history of the earth over millions of years, as evolutionists claim._

While Noah's Flood did happen at a global scale, it is not necessary that it must produce exactly the kind of complex geological record we see worldwide that proves earth is very old. That is simply not being honest with the evidence. Using Varve Chronology, one can easily prove the earth is very much older. Doesn't telling a lie or manipulating an evidence against God? Who do these people do these things boldly and call themselves Christians?

## Debunking: Jesus was a young-earth creationist

_Jesus was a young-earth creationist._ _Jesus consistently treated the miracle accounts of the Old Testament as straightforward, truthful, historical accounts (e.g., creation of Adam, Noah and the Flood, Lot and his wife in Sodom, Moses and the manna, and Jonah in the fish). He continually affirmed the authority of Scripture over men's ideas and traditions (Matthew 15:1–9). In Mark 10:6 we have the clearest (but not the only) statement showing that Jesus was a young-earth creationist. He teaches that Adam and Eve were made at the "beginning of creation," not billions of years after the beginning, as would be the case if the universe were really billions of years old. So, if Jesus was a young-earth creationist, then how can His faithful followers have any other view?_

Mark 10:6 "But from the **beginning of the creation** , God 'made them male and female.'

Beginning of creation is in context with creation of man for what He is referring to. He is by no means referring to any other creation like light, plants etc.

## Debunking: Millions of years undermines Bible

_Belief in millions of years undermines the Bible's teaching on death and on the character of God._ _Genesis 1 says six times that God called the creation "good," and when He finished creation on Day 6, He called everything "very good." Man and animals and birds were originally vegetarian (Gen. 1:29–30, plants are not "living creatures," as people and animals are, according to Scripture). But Adam and Eve sinned, resulting in the judgment of God on the whole creation. Instantly Adam and Eve died spiritually, and after God's curse they began to die physically. The serpent and Eve were changed physically and the ground itself was cursed (Genesis 3:14–19). The whole creation now groans in bondage to corruption, waiting for the final redemption of Christians (Romans 8:19–25) when we will see the restoration of all things (Acts 3:21, Colossians 1:20) to a state similar to the pre-Fall world, when there will be no more carnivorous behavior (Isaiah11:6–9) and no disease, suffering, or death (Revelation 21:3–5) because there will be no more Curse (Revelation 22:3). To accept millions of years of animal death before the creation and Fall of man contradicts and destroys the Bible's teaching on death and the full redemptive work of Christ. It also makes God into a bumbling, cruel creator who uses (or can't prevent) disease, natural disasters, and extinctions to mar His creative work, without any moral cause, but still calls it all "very good."_

Gen 2:17 "but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for **in the day that you eat of it** you shall **surely die**."

Bible never said anything about Adam and Eve dying spiritually and slowly physically. While they did die eventually, that is not what God told would happen. God said they will die on the same day. Adam and Eve were created on the 6th day. As we saw earlier, we are still on the 6th day and yet to enter into His rest. Hence, God warned Adam and Eve about dying on the 6th day and not entering His rest.

It is also wrong to say there was no death in pre-fall because, God was not warning Adam about something that he had no idea what it was.

## Debunking: Millions of years idea not from the scientific facts

_The idea of millions of years did not come from the scientific facts._ _This idea of long ages was developed by deistic and atheistic geologists in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. These men used antibiblical philosophical and religious assumptions to interpret the geological observations in a way that plainly contradicted the biblical account of creation, the Flood, and the age of the earth. Most church leaders and scholars quickly compromised using the gap theory, day-age view, local flood view, etc. to try to fit "deep time" into the Bible. But they did not understand the geological arguments, and they did not defend their views by careful Bible study. The "deep time" idea flows out of naturalistic assumptions, not scientific observations._

Pseudo-science from 18th century were already eliminated and so far there are no scientific observations contrary to Bible which shows the earth is very old. Millions of years is not anti-Bible and it doesn't require any theories. It is written in plain language even by New Testament authors, that we are still in 6th day and yet to enter into His rest which is on the 7th day.

## Debunking: Radiometric dating don't prove millions of years

_Radiometric dating methods do not prove millions of years._ _Radiometric dating was not developed until the early twentieth century, by which time virtually the whole world had already accepted the millions of years. For many years creation scientists have cited numerous examples in the published scientific literature of these dating methods clearly giving erroneous dates (e.g., a date of millions of years for lava flows that occurred in the past few hundred years or even decades). In recent years creationists in the RATE project have done experimental, theoretical, and field research to uncover more such evidence (e.g., diamonds and coal, which the evolutionists say are millions of years old, were dated by carbon-14 to be only thousands of years old) and to show that decay rates were orders of magnitude faster in the past, which shrinks the millions of years to thousands of years, confirming the Bible._

Radiometric dating actually proves millions of years. It may be acceptable if there is only one dating method and no other. However, radiometric dating can be corrected and complimented using other dating methods.

## Conclusion

Christians should stop believing in a lie that world is only 6000 years old spread by people who call themselves Christians and yet use dishonest methods in the name of our God, while thinking they bring people into Faith, but rather destroy the Faith of those who are scientific. Bible plainly supports a very old earth that is definitely not 6000 years old.

Let us remember once again what Paul mentioned in his letter to Romans.

_Rom 3:7-8 For_ _if the truth of God has increased through my lie_ _to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? And why not say, "_ _Let us do evil that good may come_ _"?–as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their_ _condemnation is just_ _._

If you lie and manipulate scientific evidences thinking it will increase the truth of God, you will be condemned. It is better to preach the Faith as it is, just like how Christ's disciples and apostles did, and allow God to work on that person, rather than lying about scientific evidences. Do not be deceived.

# Women Must Dress Modestly

‎While many Christians knew how to dress professionally for attending an interview or a customer meeting etc, most of the young women ignore the need to wear modestly in churches and other places reflecting Christ in their life. Based on what my wife and I had observed in several churches today, many Christian young women wear dresses that causes unholiness. On several occasions, we were even unable to see those who sing in the front to praise and worship God while their dresses revealing much skin causing greater pollution. Christian women must glorify God in the way they dress. It is neither preached nor taught in most modern churches and pastors never warn them so that they turn from their abominable behavior. In this blog we will look into the topic of wearing appropriate and modest dresses for women which is acceptable to God.

## Is your dress a stumbling block?

_Rev 2:14 "But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a_ _stumbling block_ _before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality._

Balaam knew it is impossible to curse God's people when God wants to bless them. Hence, his counsel to Balak was to take away the holiness of God's people through Midianite women which aroused God's anger and caused twenty three thousand to die on a single day. Today, many women are following the doctrine of Balaam by placing a stumbling block to holiness of God's people even within the churches through their revealing dresses without any shame.

## Is your breast satisfying someone else?

_Prov 5:18-20 Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of your youth. As a loving deer and a graceful doe,_ _Let her breasts satisfy you at all times_ _; And always be enraptured with her love. For why should you, my son, be enraptured by_ _an immoral woman_ _, And be embraced in the arms of a_ _seductress_ _?_

If your dress reveals any part of your breasts to satisfy someone else apart from your husband, then you are an immoral and seductress woman. Christians are supposed to cloth those who are naked because of poverty but today, many young Christian women with all their abundance reveal their own nakedness in their dressing without any shame.

## Are you wearing to fulfill the lust of flesh?

_Rom 13:13-14 Let us_ _walk properly_ _, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness,_ _not in lewdness and lust_ _, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the_ _flesh_ _, to fulfill its_ _lusts_ _._

If you dress with lewdness to fulfill the lust of the flesh either in you or in others who see you, you cannot walk properly to put on the Lord Jesus Christ.

## Are you dressing modestly?

_1Tim 2:9-10 I also want women to_ _dress modestly_ _, with_ _decency_ _and_ _propriety_ _, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God._

Paul in his letter to Timothy writes that he want women to dress modestly which is appropriate for those who profess to worship God. Somehow, this modesty is missing in most modern churches today.

## Conclusion

  * Is your dress a stumbling block to God's people for their holiness, then it is wrong to wear those type of dresses.

  * Is your dress reveals any of your breast to satisfy other than your husband (or your future husband), then it is wrong to wear those type of dresses.

  * If you are wearing a dress to fulfill the lust of flesh either in you or in others who see you, then it is wrong to wear those type of dresses.

  * If you dressing is immodest, then it is wrong to wear those type of dresses.

How is your dressing today? Does it glorify God?

# Works as Evidence of Faith is a Lie

‎In recent times, you may have heard that we are saved by faith only and works or fruits are actually the evidence of it and not a requirement for our salvation.

## What is Faith?

_Acts 24:24-25 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the_ _faith in Christ_ _. Now as he reasoned about_ _righteousness_ _,_ _self-control_ _, and the_ _judgment_ _to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you."_

_Heb 11:1 Now_ _faith_ _is the substance of things_ _hoped for_ _, the_ _evidence of things not seen_ _._

Paul explains that righteousness, self-control and judgment are all part of our faith in Christ. The author of Hebrews explains that faith is the substance of the things hope for, and evidence of things not seen. So, what do we understand and how does it correlate?

Faith in Christ always includes works. This is exactly what James said.

Jas 2:24, 26 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. .... For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

A man is justified by works and not by faith only. Faith without works is dead.

## Faith is Evidence-less!

Faith in Christ will not have evidence because, faith is the substance of things like Eternal Life we hoped for, the evidence for which not seen. If anyone says to you that works are only a sign or evidence for the faith we have, they are liars and they don't speak about the faith as mentioned in the Bible.

## Saving Faith?

Some consider Faith that has evidence of works "Saving Faith". Saving Faith requires works as evidence. This is a theologically incorrect statement. As we saw earlier, there is no such thing as evidence for faith. A faith that requires evidence is not faith at all. The truth is, faith always includes works.

## Deception

Today's deception is that, we are saved by Faith in Christ not of ourselves and all the works we do like righteousness and holiness are because we love Him and are evidences for our Faith in Christ. Please note that this is a big lie. Faith in Christ will not have any evidence but rather works are always part of our Faith in Christ.

Rev 3:5 "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

We have an ongoing requirement to overcome and make sure our names in the Book of Life is not blot out.

## Faith includes Works

We are saved by Faith in Christ which includes righteousness, self-control and judgment. It does not include works of the law like 'do not murder' and 'do not commit adultery' etc but it does include the commandments from Christ which are not of the law but works apart from the law, like 'do not even hate in your heart' and 'do not even look at a women with lust', which are the righteousness of God.

Do you still think your works are just an evidence? Don't be deceived. Faith always includes works. Your salvation may depend on it.

# You choose your predestined curse to be your greatest blessing

‎It is important for every Christian to understand that we choose our predestination. The choice we make today will change how we are predestined by God long before we are born. In this blog, we see how God fulfills what was predestined, even if it is a curse, to become the greatest blessing ever received if we stand with Him.

## Levi & Simeon's Curse

Gen 49:5-7 "Simeon and Levi are brothers; Instruments of cruelty are in their dwelling place. Let not my soul enter their council; Let not my honor be united to their assembly; For in their anger they slew a man, And in their self-will they hamstrung an ox. Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; And their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob And scatter them in Israel.

Jacob before he died, prophesied what shall befall to his children in the last days. To Simeon and Levi, it's real bad news.

  * Let not my soul enter their council

  * Let not my honor be united to their assembly

  * I will divide them in Jacob And scatter them in Israel.

Levi and Simeon were predestined to have the above curses before his descendants who will inherit the land were even born. It is such a tragedy.

## Levi's Choice Changes the Predestined Curse into a Blessing

_Exod 32:27-29 And he said to them, "Thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'Let every man put his sword on his side, and go in and out from entrance to entrance throughout the camp, and let every man kill his brother, every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.' " So the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And about three thousand men of the people fell that day. Then Moses said, "Consecrate yourselves today to the LORD, that He may bestow on you a_ _blessing_ _this day, for every man has opposed his son and his brother."_

Levi's choice of standing with the Lord and not worshiping the idols with their brothers changed the predestined curse into a great blessing. So, what is this blessing? It's the same curse Jacob prophesied.

## Let not my soul enter their council:

Deut 27:9-10 Then Moses and the priests, the Levites, spoke to all Israel, saying, "Take heed and listen, O Israel: This day you have become the people of the LORD your God. Therefore you shall obey the voice of the LORD your God, and observe His commandments and His statutes which I command you today."

The curse is indeed true and none of Levi's brothers listen the council of Levi. But every tribe in Israel had to listen the council of God which was through Levi.

## Let not my honor be united to their assembly

Num 8:14 "Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be Mine.

The curse is indeed true that none of honor of Levi's brothers can be united to Levites. The Levites received a honor of becoming God's - a honor his brothers could neither attain nor be united to their assembly.

## I will divide them in Jacob And scatter them in Israel.

Deut 18:1-2 "The priests, the Levites–all the tribe of Levi–shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel; they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and His portion. Therefore they shall have no inheritance among their brethren; the LORD is their inheritance, as He said to them.

Num 35:2 "Command the children of Israel that they give the Levites cities to dwell in from the inheritance of their possession, and you shall also give the Levites common-land around the cities.

The curse is true that the Levites were divided and scattered in Israel and never received an inheritance. But they received an inheritance far beyond any of his brothers could imagine - God Himself becoming an inheritance to Levites and they can dwell all over the inheritance of his brothers.

## Simeon's Choice retains Predestined Curse

Josh 19:9 The inheritance of the children of Simeon was included in the share of the children of Judah, for the share of the children of Judah was too much for them. Therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of that people.

Simeon on the other hand didn't make the choice to stand with God and their inheritance was absorbed into Judah, fulfilling a predestined curse.

Josh 19:2 They (Simeon) had in their inheritance Beersheba (Sheba), Moladah,

_1Kgs 19:3 And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to_ _Beersheba, which belongs to Judah_ _, and left his servant there._

For example, Beersheba was an inheritance to Simeon which became Judah's inheritance.

## Predestined Curse or Blessing?

Levites were predestined to be cursed. Yet, their choice of standing with God made God to stand with them, and gave Himself to be an inheritance to Levites and fulfilled every word of what was predestined, to become their greatest blessing.

When we make the choice of standing with God even if we had to forsake our friends, relatives, wealth, job for the sake of God, every curse predestined upon us long before we were born will come to pass but as a blessing far beyond we can imagine. Are you choosing to stand with God? Repent now!

# Bibliography

  * All Scripture verses are quoted from New King James Version (NKJV) and Brenton Septuagint Translation (LXX).

  * All references from internet are provided inline (Accessed: 1-June-2016)

  * Cover Picture adapted from https://irenewaters19.com/2013/12/05/eses-weekly-shoot-quote-challenge-silence/

# Statement of Faith

Being a Protestant Christian, it is easy for me to simply say, I believe the Bible. But, there are lots of different interpretations of the Bible and several deceptions without sound doctrine which created thousands of denominations. Hence, I had put forward a Circle of Discernment to discern every interpretation from the Bible to avoid deceptions.

_Source: File:_ _Circle-of-Discernment.png -_ https://trumpet-call.org

Circle of Discernment is another way of saying, all interpretations must match God's spoken words, Christ's teachings, Scripture (Law, Psalms and Prophets) and the teachings of apostles and disciples in the authoritative order. If you cannot find the conclusion of your interpretation taught by Christ, or found in Scripture, or spoken by God in the authoritative order, then your interpretation is wrong. Similarly, if you interpret Scripture that does not agree with Christ, then your interpretation is wrong.

Christ did not gave anyone authority to change His canon of Scripture (Luke 24:44-45). He included only 28 books from the Christian Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, I & II Samuel, I & II Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi and Psalms. Just like there are weightier matters of the law (Matt 23:23), Gospels and Revelation are the weightier books in the New Testament. We need to listen and obey Christ's teachings for which Father will require of all who reject His Words spoken through His Son (Deut 18:19). It is blasphemy to exalt and glorify a man's letter and make it equal with Christ's words.

# About the Author

Felix Immanuel is a born again Christian, trying to live a Christ-like life. He is a software professional who write blogs in trumpet-call.org focused on the spiritual growth of Christians. God had blessed him with his wife and two daughters. He currently live in Canberra, Australia.

