Category: GOOD WORKS
Jesus Christ is the Fulfillment of the Law of God
Jesus is the Fulfillment of the Law of God | The Gospel of Grace Ministries
The New Covenant of Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Old Covenant promises. Jesus fulfills the moral law and its demands, which cannot be done by sinful man. Jesus in his sinless life, lived God’s laws, and by his death, he took the wrath of God and the laws demands of justice. The resurrection of Jesus Christ brought a new and better way, for Jesus Christ is the end of the law for righteousness, the Bible tell us. Jesus Christ is now the way to eternal life and not by trying to keep the law.
The Old Testament contained types and shadows, which reveal and lead to Jesus Christ. Jesus is the fulfillment of all the righteous requirements of the law. Jesus has come not to abolish. kataluô- “destroy,” “demolish,” “dismantle” but to Fulfill and complete the promise of God, to send the Messiah, that would take away sins.
For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.Romans 10:3,4
During Jesus Christ’s life, the sacrifices in the Temple in Jerusalem, were still valid. The law (Torah) was also still valid at that time. But after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the sacrificial system became obsolete.Jesus, has now became the Christians’ righteousness, without the deeds of the law. Jesus Christ’s righteousness became our salvation, for his righteousness was imputed (accredited on our behalf) to us, by faith in Christ. Not by any good deeds or moral lifestyles on our part. (Which if we have any, simply are not good enough, for the law demands absolute perfection) Once for all Jesus became the sacrifice for sins.
And therefore it was imputed to him (Abraham) for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Romans 4:22-25
During the Lord’s life time on earth when he spoke through the gospels to the JEWS, the law was still valid, but at the cross, Jesus said…”It is finished” (completed…done…fulfilled.) From that time on there was a transition from the Old Covenant, to the New Covenant, and those who are in Jesus Christ are in his righteousness. They are now declared holy, for he has chosen them, out of the world to be his own.
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16
For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a BETTER hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. Hebrews 7:14-22
Jesus has fulfilled the entire Old Testament. Jesus Christ now supersedes the Old Testament law. All the promises of God, are in Christ ,for he is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. The Old Testament laws remain for one purpose, and that is to convict people of sin, and lead them to faith in Jesus Christ.
On the cross Jesus said “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. John 19:30
After the resurrection: “For Christ is the END OF THE LAW for righteousness to everyone who believes.” ROMANS 10:4
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 2 Peter 3:10
Salvation is through Faith in the Blood of Jesus Christ
Many people who claim to be Christians base their belief upon assenting to the fact that Jesus Christ existed and died and rose again from the dead BUT scriptures tell us that even the devil believes this so what exactly does it mean to be saved from sin and become the recipient of eternal life? According to the Bible under the law if you sinned you had to bring a sacrifice of the death of certain animals and the bloodshed brought you remission of your sin. This was because the wages of sin is death. Someone innocent had to pay the price for your sin, if not you then a substitute for you, on your behalf. The blood that was shed satisfied the requirements of the law of God; a life for a life.
And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. Hebrews 9:22
The Bible tells us that Jesus shed his blood on our behalf. In order to have this sacrifice applied to us we must believe in what Jesus did and not just who he was. You can believe in the trinity, the deity of Christ, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and still not be saved. What needs to happen in order for salvation to occur is that you must have a revelation of the shed blood of Jesus and faith in his blood to cleanse you from sin and keep you cleansed from sin.
Paul asserts that the Galatians believed in Jesus according to the law but not in grace. In other words the Galatians believed in the death and resurrection and even deity of Jesus Christ BUT they did not have faith in the blood of Jesus to save them completely. They wanted to remain under the law and be saved too but it does not work that way. The Bible specifically says that salvation is attained by having FAITH IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. This means that we must believe that the blood of Jesus Christ alone atones for sin, without adding anything to it.
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God Romans 3:25
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:14
If you are trusting in your good deeds, the works of the law, morality, ethics, to save you as well as believing in who Jesus is then you have no salvation. In order to be saved you must completely and totally have faith in the blood of Jesus alone to save you AND to keep you saved. Let me show you exactly why this is so.
First of all faith in the blood of Jesus alone JUSTIFIES. This means to be declared righteous or in right standing before God. Works of any kind even keeping the Ten Commandments will not justify you. (Not that any could keep them in their entirety in thought and deed anyway)
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Romans 5:9
The blood of Jesus washes and cleanses from our sins, continually. In other words instead of running to the of sacrificial system and killing an animal sacrifice every time we blow it, we can confess the sin to Jesus ask for the help of his Holy Spirit in giving you victory over the sin and he will forgive and cleanse. He died once for sin. IT IS FINNISHED!
Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood Rev. 1:5
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
Salvation is attainted through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ alone apart from the deeds of the law. In other words when we have faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ, God saves us from his wrath and from hell fire. He gives us eternal life based on his sacrificial gift without adding anything to it. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Romans 5:9
Not only does faith in the blood of Jesus save you but faith in the blood of Jesus will also give you victory over sin and the devil! This is because the blood of Jesus is continually working on our behalf. What was accomplished at Calvary is a onetime event BUT that event is still working on our behalf to sanctify us! How? The blood of Jesus allows us continual access to God’s throne to receive from him all the help we need to live a life that pleases him in this earth!
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, Hebrews 10:19 And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, Revelation 1:5
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11
In the Name of Jesus
Did you ever wonder why the Bible tells us that we have authority in the name of Jesus and yet scriptures plainly tell us that one can believe in another Jesus? That is, a person can believe in a Jesus which is one of their own imagination, understanding, or organized religion and he is not the Jesus of the Bible.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many [again note that Christ said “MANY”] will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-23.
First of all let us examine the premise; one can believe in another Jesus who is not the Jesus of the Bible.
• Paul says, “For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.” 2 Corinthians 11:4
• Paul warns “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-9
So as you can see from scriptures, it is very possible to be converted to a false gospel and believe in a false Jesus too. Now, check out these scriptures.
• For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”
Matthew 24:5-8
Many (an innumerable amount)
Will come in my name (on behalf of)
Saying, “I am the Christ.” Or in other words I am anointed of God.
And shall deceive many- to cause (someone) to believe something that is not true; in order to gain a personal advantage.
• On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ Matthew 7:22
On that day- judgment day
Many will say to be- (an innumerable amount)
Lord, Lord- these claim to know him. As they address him as master.
We prophesied in your name-spoke in his behalf, saying God told them thus
Works in your name- miracles, virtuous deeds, moral power, force
Now to my point; In order to use someone’s name legitimately, or perform legal action in the name of another, act on their behalf, proxy: one must be authorized to use that name. If you will notice, Jesus said to those using his name and doing works in his name and being rejected for it at judgment day, Jesus said, I NEVER KNEW YOU. He did not say, “I once knew you, but I do not know you now, he said NEVER, and never means never. ( at no time in the past or future; on no occasion; not ever)
However, these people going about doing works in Jesus name thought that they knew him! They called him Lord! They even thought that they were doing miracles in his name. But were they really? I have noticed that many doing so called miracles hardly ever get doctor verification or witnesses for their so called miracles. Seriously! Why not?
Now I am not saying that God does not perform miracles, but what I am saying is that many deceivers also claim they are doing miracles in Jesus name. So, miracles are not a sign of a true Christian with authority to use the name of Jesus by proxy (agent, deputy, emissary, representative)
This is why the Bible says to test the spirits. And prove ALL things. There are false” anointed ones” out their claiming to know Jesus, when in fact, they believe in another Jesus and preach another gospel. (One made up in the minds of men and not based on scriptures. )
Always check out what the person is preaching, even if they make you think someone is getting a miracle or even if there is a bonafide miracle because yes, Satan can perform miracles, scriptures attest to this. For example, New age healing and many other kinds of mumbo jumbo have actually healed people, such as hypnosis, mind control, new age spirit healing ect.
Even preachers could be doing healings and miracles by demons and have a false anointing (another spirit)
“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie,” 2Thess. 2:9
“for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty.” Revelation 16:14
“If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them,’” Deut. 3:1-12
“For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:24
In order to use the name of Jesus legitimately we must be born again, called by him, and be in obedience to scriptures. Many of these false anointed ones preach things contrary to scriptures. They also are very good at making up a lot of subjective stuff too. Make sure all preaching you receive can be backed up with scriptures comparing scriptures. Sometimes these sneaky false deceivers will speak great big swelling words as scriptures tell us. In other words they are silver tongued.
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2Corinthians 11:13 -15
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. “John 3:1-15
Scriptures give us safe guards against false prophets, teachers, apostles, pastors, evangelists. Here are some things to watch for.
• Bad fruit- sexual sins, lying, cheating, faking, stealing
• False teachings- (non scriptural, adding to or taking away from the Bible or misconstruing in order to pervert or change)
• Greedy for gain- always asking for money, fleece the sheep in order to live high on the hog
• Braggarts-always boasting about themselves as some great one, vain, self exaggerated.
• Prophesying for money- you have to pay exorberent amount of money to hear them speak.
• They give false words that do not come to pass.
• They will tell you that there is another way to come to salvation, that Jesus is not enough or that he is not really God.
• They do not like the grace of Christ and prefer the works of the law.
• They scatter the sheep by abuse of power
• They are sensual, of this world, love the world, and preach the exploits of this world.
• They preach flattering words that the people want to hear but never subjects that deal with sin.
• They pervert the grace of God into sensuality. In other words they say that you can live a lifestyle of sin and be saved. This is not true! If you are really saved then you will live separated from the world and its evil.
Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion. Jude 11
For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and bysmooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. Romans 6:18
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:21
“But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’ And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?’— when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.” Deut. 18:20-22
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:16
An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes? “Jer. 5: 30,31
“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.(eternally damned) As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” Gal. 1:6-9
“I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied.” Jer.23:21
“And her prophets have smeared whitewash for them, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ when the Lord has not spoken.” Ezk.22:28
“Its heads give judgment for a bribe; its priests teach for a price; its prophets practice divination for money; yet they lean on the Lord and say, “Is not the Lord in the midst of us? No disaster shall come upon us.” Micah 3:11
“Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did notpresume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion. These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted;” Jude 8: 8-16
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who care for my people: “You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for your evil deeds, declares the Lord. Then I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord. “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. ” Jer. 23:1-40
“And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.” 2 Peter 2:3
“They have seen false visions and lying divinations. They say, ‘Declares the Lord,’ when the Lord has not sent them, and yet they expect him to fulfill their word.” Ezek.13:6
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, (exploits of this world) and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;” .2 Peter 2:1-22
“And the Lord said to me: “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds. Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who prophesy in my name although I did not send them, and who say, ‘Sword and famine shall not come upon this land’: By sword and famine those prophets shall be consumed. And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem, victims of famine and sword, with none to bury them—them, their wives, their sons, and their daughters. For I will pour out their evil upon them.” Jeremiah 14: 14-16
“For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the fleshthose who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” 2 Peter 2: 18,19
“For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:4
In conclusion, God gives authority in his name (JESUS) to his sheep that are known by him. What this means is, that when a Christian represents Jesus Christ in proxy, then the authority they are given is onoma (GREEK) which means to come in his character and likeness.
The Bible does not give license to use Jesus name as a magic formula for whatever we want, but rather as a representative of Jesus, you have authority to be like him in character so that you represent him to the world. Christian means Christ like.
In Hebrew culture, a name represents the person, so to put the name of Jesus to something we must make sure that we take his name as sacred, according to his character described in the Bible and not in vain. Taking Jesus name in vain means to use the name of Jesus without producing the results of his character and word. Christians have authority in the name of Jesus to represent him to the world, so if one is misrepresenting him in this world they will be judged for that.
On Judgment day we will give account for how we lived as a representative of Jesus Christ in this world and not based on how many miracles were performed in our ministry. Satan is a very crafty liar and deceiver. Many calling themselves anointed of God are nothing more than deceivers who represent their father the devil. Do not follow after them or their judgment will be our judgment. Be wise and check out everything you hear and see in these last days, for many will come in Jesus name claiming to know him and be his representative but they are not. You will know them by their fruit.
Love is the Fullfillment of the Law
The Bible says that those who are under the Jewish law are under a curse. Now I know that some Christians don’t want to hear this but it is in the Bible.
Jesus said to the Jews: “Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. (From the KJV Bible, Matthew 21:43)”
“ And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.” Luke 19:41-44
The fig tree is used in the Old Testament figuratively as the nation of Israel. When Jesus cursed the fig tree he did this as a prophetic act. Judgment came upon the Jewish nation for rejecting Jesus Christ the Messiah. Jesus found no fruit on the fig tree just like he found no fruit with the Jewish nation in that they preferred the Law of Moses to his grace and mercy.
“And on the morrow, when they had come out of Bethany, he [Jesus] hungered. And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if perhaps he might find anything thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for it was not the season of figs. And he answered and said unto it, ‘No man [will] eat fruit from you from now on — for ever.’ And his disciples heard it …. And as they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance said unto him, ‘Rabbi, behold, the fig tree that you cursed is withered away’” Mk. 11:12-14; 20-21.
The Jewish temple was again destroyed and again the Jewish people were dispersed throughout the world and very persecuted. This was the judgment of God. Christians don’t like to talk about this for fear of seeming anti Semitic, BUT facts are facts. Until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled Israel is blinded in part to the gospel and only a remnant will be saved according to the election of grace.
Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant (Jews) according to the election of grace. Romans 11:5
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Romans 11:5-11
The nation of Israel will only be saved at the return of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem according to the rest of that chapter above. In the meantime during the tribulation, Israel will rebuild the temple, and starts up animal sacrifices. This is an affront to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ because of once again returning to the Law of Moses and rejecting grace through faith in Jesus Christ the Messiah. This will bring Israel under more judgment. The bible says that their land will be trod upon again by the Gentiles because anti-christ, according to the book of Daniel comes from the same ancient Roman Empire that destroyed the temple in 70 AD.
The people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And his end will come in the flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined.” Daniel 9:26-“
The city of Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed in ad 70 by Titus and the Roman legions, but Titus was not the ruler stated in this verse. This is because Daniel 9:27 describes the ruler as one who will make a seven-year treaty with Israel, put an end to the sacrifices and offerings, and set up a sacrilegious object in the temple. These are events that will be fulfilled in the end time tribulation. According to Daniel, the Antichrist will come from among the people who destroyed the Temple. We can therefore conclude that the Antichrist will come from the Roman Empire because the book of Daniel states that the final world empire before the establishment of Christ’s millennial kingdom will be a revived form of the Roman Empire.
The Byzantium was the name for the East-Roman Empire. This part of the Roman Empire was in the Middle East. Assyria (the Bible calls the anti -Christ, “that Assyrian”) was a Roman province. (Iran, Iraq and Armenia area)
There is also the possibility that the anti Christ will be Jewish in race from the tribe of Dan. This scripture, “for the God of his fathers” is viewed by Bible scholars as a reference to the monotheistic God. So, it is possible for the anti -Christ to come from this area. Both Jews and Muslims reject that Jesus is the Son of God and thus God himself.
“Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all” Daniel 11:37, KJV
“I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” John 5:43
Every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is thespirit of Antichrist. He is the spirit of Antichrist who denies that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah.” I John 2:22; 4:3
That does not mean however that he will be a practicing Jew because he does not regard any god but himself as a god.
When anti-Christ confirms the covenant with the Jews this means that he will (aman-Hebrew) support, establish, assure, support, verify., So, we can conclude that this agreement between the Israel and anti Christ is a mutual agreement and not one of force.
“Dan will govern his people like any other tribe in Israel. He will be a snake beside the road, a poisonous viper along the path, that bites the horse’s heels so the rider is thrown off” Genesis 49:16-17,
However, regardless of the ethnicity or nation from which the ant Christ will come we do know that the Bible teaches that those under the Law of Moses are under God’s curse. (Judgment)
Paul taught that the Judaizers were teaching a salvation by works. They believed Christians had to be circumcised to be accepted by God. The Judaizers were saying that faith in Jesus Christ was not enough to save the Galatians. They believed Moses started the process of salvation and Jesus Christ continued it. This however, is not true.
Jesus said in the Bible that he takes away the old and brings in the new. There is no continuation. The Law of Moses has been dismantled.
‘But you go and figure out what this means: I will have mercy, and not sacrifice. No man sews a piece of new cloth on an old garment, or the patch will shrink and the tear will be worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles or the bottles break and the wine runs out and the bottles are ruined, but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are saved’ Matthew 9:14-17
Jesus abolished the law, even the Ten Commandments, and He is the fulfillment of the Law of Moses. I f Jesus Christ dwells in the born again person then they have fulfilled all laws and have no works to do. We now rest in his Grace alone by faith.
Jesus fulfilled all law demands and finished all works. He said, It is finished John 19:30
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. …. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Romans 10:4
If you are mixing law and grace, you are not under grace but under the law and therefore are cursed. In other words, you have no salvation because you are adding your deeds and merit to the cross.
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” Galatians 3:10
Romans 9:30-32 says that the Jews sought to become righteous, but they missed out because they sought to attain that by the works demanded in the law.
In Galatians 5, Paul talks about the ministry of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that indwells the Christian which empower works for God. These works are God’s works and ability, not men’s.
Galatians 5 King James Version (KJV)
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Faith in Jesus Christ produces works of love by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. God is love and God lives in his people. Therefore, it is the Spirit of love manifested which fulfills the law of God. If you love others then you are not going to kill them, steal from them, covet their wives, or lie to them.
“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Galatians 5:18
Owe no man anything, but to love one another; for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Romans 13:8,9
Paul knew Christ was crucified “that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit”
Faith in Jesus Christ produces works of love and those who are in Christ are declared righteous in Christ. Works are the result of His righteousness in the born again Christian.
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:4
Saving Faith
It is God who is the author (originator) of salvation. The Bibles says that Christians are justified by faith alone apart from the deeds of the law.
We are not justified by works of any kind. Salvation is a Gift which means that it is not earned by merit but simply bestowed upon the individual by Grace which means by God’s undeserving mercy because of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice at the cross.
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. Galatians 3:11
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Philippians 3:9
The Galatians law keeper rejects “faith alone” (sola fide), misinterpreting James 2:2 4,3 by saying that a person is not justified by faith alone. Their argument is that Paul does not mean faith without works. These law keepers or Pharisees see good works of charity, as essential to justification. What James was saying is that if a man is saved by faith alone he will be benevolent based on a change of nature through the born again miracle and not as a means of justification.
By blending faith and works as a means of salvation the law keepers put themselves under law to be judged by the law and they will never be able to live up to God’s standard of perfection. For Jesus said to think a bad thought is sin. To hate is to kill and to lust is to commit adultery. Thinking is the same as doing according to Jesus Christ.
Saving faith is not mental assent to the gospel but rather a change of heart by the Holy Spirit. Jesus said YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN TO SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD!
Law keeping is the old sinful nature trying in a self righteous attitude to obey God but being born of God is the new creature serving God from a new heart –a changed nature.
Acts 16:14 says that Lydia, like those from Philippi and Ephesus, was a person “whose heart the Lord opened” to the Gospel. The heart (spirit) must be made new by God to be saved.
The reason that it is by faith alone is because Jesus Christ is enough and God’s grace is sufficient. “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace;” Romans 4:16
Saving faith is a gift of God. One cannot drum up faith through his own recognizance. GRACE is the means of salvation and faith is the imputation (ascribing an attribution to another) of God’s righteousness through Jesus Christ.
Maranatha brethren! https://thegospelofgraceministries.wordpress.com/2013/10/24/righteousness-is-of-faith-2/
Revelation of THE WORD Produces Faith.
In order for a person to be really saved that person must understand by revelation (revealed knowledge ) by the Father through the Holy Spirit, who Jesus is.
This revealed knowledge is a supernatural impartation of knowing and understanding who Jesus is and why he came which cannot be initiated by man through his human will.
When this supernatural knowledge is revealed to a person then the faith of God for salvation is simultaneously released.
No one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws him according to scriptures. This drawing precedes salvation BUT salvation itself must be imparted through faith which comes as the Bible teaches through revelation of the Holy Spirit.
All those who are outside of Jesus Christ according to scripture are blinded in their understanding from the gospel. If one is blind how can he see unless his eyes be opened ? How can one’s eyes be opened when they are blind except through a miracle? Can the human will make a blind person see? What does the bible says? Lets take a look.
“And even if our gospel is veiled it is veiled only to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:3,4
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he CANNOT SEE the kingdom of God.” John 3:3
“To OPEN THEIR EYES, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” ACTS 26:18
“But to this day the Lord has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear.” Deuteronomy 29:4
“Then he opened their minds so that they might understand the Scriptures. ” Luke 24:45
As you can see prior to salvation people are blinded in their understanding to the gospel and only by revelation of the Holy Spirit do they see the kingdom of God and have faith for salvation.
Salvation is a gift from God. One cannot earn it by making a “decision” to become a Christian. Only God can make a Christian. There are some so educated in humanism that they have a problem with that but it is in the Bible.
How then can any be saved? With man it is impossible but with God all things are possible! We pray and preach the word then leave the results to God for he is the one who gives the increase.
I have given examples of conversions through revelation of the Holy Spirit below from the Bible.
Peter
When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but MY FATHER which is in heaven.
Nathanael
The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, THOU ART THE SON OF GOD; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
Peter, James, and John
Matthew 17
And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.
Disciples on the road to Emmaus,
Luke 24:13-33
And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. BUT THEIR EYES WERE HOLDEN(BLINDED) THAT THEY SHOULD NOT KNOW HIM. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. AND THEIR EYES WERE OPENED , AND THEY KNEW HIM; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
Paul on the road to Damascus
Acts 9
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And he said, WHO ART THOU LORD? And the Lord said, I AM JESUS whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. He trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is A CHOSEN VESSEL UNTO ME, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
The Woman at the well
John 4
Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. But He needed to go through Samaria.
So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.
Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.
Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”
The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?” Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”
The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.” Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”
The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.”
Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”
The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.”
Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “ I WHO SPEAK TO YOU AM HE”
These are only some examples of people who the Father revealed Jesus to them by the Holy Spirit. You can even see how the Father revealed himself in the Old Testament to CHOSEN VESSELS, such as Samuel, Moses, David, Jonah, ect.
In conclusion to know Jesus and be saved requires revelation by God’s Spirit. There is no other way to salvation. All other ways are false ways producing apostates and false brethren. Many call themselves Christians because they are converted to a false gospel. Scriptures tell us that, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many( dic.a large number of, the majority of people) will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21-23
Mathew 11:25-27
In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.
All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him
Luke 10;21-22
“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:44
For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. BUT GOD HAS CHOSEN the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and GOD HAS CHOSEN the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
2 Corinthians 11:1-5
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. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted-you may well put up with it! ”
Matthew 7:21-23
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. Romans 8:9
WORKS ARE A GIFT OF GRACE
The Gospel of Grace Ministries
The gift of salvation and the gifts of the Spirit are all gifts in the same sense that they are gifts of grace, they are gifts from God that are not deserved, but which are Sovereignly given to men as the Lord wills.
None of us deserve God’s free gift of grace and that is why we can never be prideful of our achievements. Nothing we do is without the Lord’s grace and endowment.
When Peter rebuked Simon for wanting to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit it was because he thought that he could earn God’s gifts of grace with a payment. Many today still do this by offering a work, or ability, in exchange for God’s unmerited gifts.
Acts 8:14-24
“But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, BECAUSE THOU HAST THOUGHT THAT THE GIFT OF GOD MAY BE PURCHASED with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.” Acts 8:9-24
Jesus Christ is our righteousness according to scriptures: “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. ” 1Corinthians 1:30
We do not and cannot attain a right relationship with God in our own righteousness because our self-righteousness is as filthy rags. We are ALL guilty sinners in the need of God’s perfect righteousness according to the Bible.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Jer.17:9
“And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”Mark 7:20-23
“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. ” Romans 5:5-21
So tell me…..does grace stop after you become a Christian or does it continue throughout your life? According to the Bible we cannot earn salvation and nor we can we keep it by works. We did not deserve it before we were saved and we do not deserve it after we are saved. So those who preach one can loose their salvation are in fact preaching that we must earn our salvation by working to keep it.
If as scriptures tell us , we are all filthy and unclean without Jesus Christ, and become clean only in his righteousness, how can we again turn to beggarly elements for our righteousness? If we are truly saved we will bring forth fruits of righteousness because a good tree CANNOT produce bad fruit, as the Bible tells us because one abiding in Christ has the life of Christ flowing through them and will by God’s power in them grow up in him to the fullness of his stature.
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16
Jesus Christ’s salvation gift is described in the Bible as being eternal and not based on conditions. We become a new creature when we have received Christ and if any have not the Spirit of Christ dwelling in him and produces evil fruit, even if they claim to be a Christian, they do not belong to Jesus as scriptures attest.
However, while sanctification is instantaneous it is also a process. When we have been steeped in sin God cleans us continually from sin, line upon line and precept upon precept.
“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth 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.”1 John 1: 5-10
As for rewards based on works, this is not interpreted as our own works out side of Jesus Christ but HIS works in us.
What does the bible actually say about the Christian’s works? It says that God has predetermined before the world began which works he desired for each of us to perform in his power, not our own.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained ( predetermined) that we should walk in them.”Ephesians 2:10
The works of the Christian are also a gift of grace because they are ordained for us to walk in according to scripture. Every one has their own gifts and callings which they are called by the Lord to do. So how can one work be deemed more deserving than another even in works if the Bible says that we each have our gift according to grace?
The evangelist will receive a soul’s winners crown and the martyr a martyr’s crown because of the gift of grace and not one’s own ability. These gifts are predetermined!
The Bible specifically says that we have been created unto good works, which means that God has prepared these works long before we would come into existence. Therefore God prepared the good works ahead of time, so that we would walk in them automatically.
Do we get credit for doing those good works? No!
The Lord has prepared our good works as gift of his grace. Let us take a look at what the Lord says about rewards in scripture shall we?
“Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? “Matthew 19:27
“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. ” Matthew 19:28
“And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” Matthew 19:29
So according to scripture Jesus called the 12 (BEFORE THEY EVER DID ANY WORKS IN THE KINGDOM) and ordained them to eternally rule with him. He also said that he would give the same reward for those who worked all day as those who worked one hour.
This shows us that rewards are not earned but are gifts of God’s sovereign unmerited grace. The rewards of our work for the Lord will be according to God’s will whether we have worked a long time or whether we have worked a short time for the Lord.
That is why in the Gospel of Matthew the Lord Jesus said in the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, where some have worked long and others have worked short, that all receive the same wage for their work. Jesus Christ’s free gift of grace is not our own ability but his endowment. All good works are not worthy compared to the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. Therefore, we shall all receive the same inheritance according to the Lord’s sovereign grace.
“Who will render to every man according to his deed.” Romans 2:6
“To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,”Romans 2:7-8
“Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:”Romans 2:9-10
“For there is no respect of persons with God.”Romans 2:11
Those in Christ are working by the Holy Spirit’s grace in the kingdom of God but those outside of salvation are and will be judged under the law.
The only good work is the work done by the Lord Jesus. The Lord Jesus Christ was the only one who was as righteous as God Himself, because He was God. His work is the only one merited as reward.
“Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”Colossians 3:24
“Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought (worked out), but that we receive a full reward.The reward that we receive is a reward entirely of grace.” 2 John 8
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”John 15:4
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5
“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.”
Romans 4:4,5
Christians who are truly born of God will continue in the faith. They will not turn back. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” Titus 2:11-13
“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 1: 24
“The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”Revelation 4:10,11
So be of good cheer for He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day we see him face to face! Sola scriptura! https://thegospelofgraceministries.wordpress.com/2014/06/04/salvation-is-eternally-secure/
Many Shall Be Made Righteous : The Gospel of Grace with Kim Balogh
Salvation is a gift of grace that is undeserved mercy, which is granted by a holy God to a sinful (disobedient to the law) people. The sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ the Messiah, for his people, which are the called, the chosen, the elect of God, has appeased the wrath of God for sin and has obtained for the people of God reconciliation through his shed blood because of the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ to his people. Having said that, why do you suppose it is that so called Christians are still working to earn their salvation? Why do they think that anything no matter how noble one does in one’s own ability can appease God, give them kudos or even help them to secure their salvation so they don’t lose it?
To add works of any kind to salvation is to fall from grace and be under law and thus judged by that law. If we cannot earn our salvation why do Christians think that they can work to keep it? What scriptures actually say concerning works is that God created us anew, crucified us with Christ, given us HIS new nature, when we become born again of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we are created to perform good works because we have the divine nature imparted to us at salvation. Now, if anyone is working in their own power to keep rules, regulations, laws, a moral code; then they are not saved, bottom line. Scriptures clearly tell us that those in Christ have put on Christ. In other words, those born of God do not live like the devil, nor do they work to keep the law to be made righteous. (morally upright)
Rather, the child of God, born again and Spirit filled, walks in the Holy Spirit’s power and does not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Can a Christians still sin? Yes, because the sinful body is not yet redeemed BUT the true Christian cannot, cannot, cannot live in habitual sin because God lives in him. (As the books of John attest.) The true Christian abhors sin and seeks God continually for transformation into the image of his Son. This constant awareness of the weakness of the flesh will make the Christian reliant on the Holy Spirit and he/she will never put any confidence in the flesh. If you love your sin still, I really would question whether you are a child of God. It is not enough to say, “Lord, Lord” and participate in religious activities, even charismatic ones. It is not enough to “believe” for even the devils believe in Jesus Christ and his atonement, and resurrection.
The true Christian may at times walk in the sinful flesh but because God lives in him/her so he/she will not be very comfortable, in fact will be most miserable. Thus he/she cannot live comfortably in sin. Once washed and made clean from the mire, sin has no more appeal for the child of God! So, my next point is thus, if a Christian still sins then how can he/she be so perfect as to be justified by law to keep his/her salvation? The child of God cannot ever be justified by works of the law at any time! Before or after salvation! Why is this? Because the child of God is now clothed not in his/her own righteousness but rather in the righteousness of Jesus Christ and this is a constant imputation! Never removed! If as scriptures, say, Christians are MADE RIGHTEOUS, how are Christians unmade from being righteous?
IMPUTATION means accredited to another’s account. JESUS CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS IS ACCREDITED TO THE CHRISTIAN’S ACCOUNT.
Let’s now take a look at scriptures concerning this matter and if you are still enjoying sin or trying to attain righteousness by the law then you really need to pray to be born again because only by being made into the new creature in Jesus Christ can you be saved, and sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise until the day of the redemption of the body when we shall see death put under JESUS’S feet forever!
2 Corinthians 5:21 – For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Isaiah 53:11 – He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Philippians 3:9 – And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
1 Peter 2:24 – Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Galatians 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.
Romans 5:1 – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Romans 4:3 – For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
1 Corinthians 1:30 – But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Romans 5:17 – For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Romans 1:17 – For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Jeremiah 23:6 – In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Philippians 2:13 – For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.
Ephesians 2:8,9 – For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Galatians 2:20 – I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Romans 4:24 – But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
Romans 4:8 – Blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
Romans 1:16-17 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Acts 16:31 – And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
1 John 3:7 – Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Romans 5:18 – Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life.
Romans 4:5 – But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Romans 3:26 – To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Romans 3:25 – Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Romans 3:22 – Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Romans 3:21 – But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
1 John 2:29 – If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
1 Peter 2:9 – But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Galatians 2:21 – I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Romans 11:6 – And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans3:21-26 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
God’s Transforming Power is By the Holy Spirit.
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If we are relying on our own efforts to be transformed into the image of Christ we are in false doctrine. Turning over a new leaf is not sanctification. Rather sanctification is both a now experience as in we are made perfect in Christ because of the work of our Lord in the atoning sacrifice of his body and shed blood and also an ongoing transformation experience. Some Christians today are following new age self help principles and adding the name of Jesus to these humanistic self efforts.
The historic protestant reformation not only opposed the abuse of power in the church and idolatry but also the works orientated gospel. It is very important to understand that if you are trying to win God’s approval by behavior that is self exalting, self abasing, and self initiated then you have fallen from grace and are not going to be included in the elect who have been given eternal life. Let us take a look at what the bible says about being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. (growing in his character)
Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God THROUGH JESUS CHRIST THE LORD. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Romans 7:13-25
First of all we need to acknowledge our inability to perform. When we do this then God will come on the scene and assist us with HIS POWER and not our own ability to live a life that pleases God. For all human endeavors have self orientated motives and are not acceptable to God. In fact they are what scriptures call DEAD WORKS! Dead works, then, are works of the flesh (man made)but godly works are wrought by the Holy Spirit through yielded vessels.
My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. (See: 2 Corinthians 12:9).
Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
So then transformation in A WORK OF GOD wrought by his (dumanis)power if we really belong to Jesus. Those going about in the flesh trying to subdue the flesh are false brethren who operate in a false spirit and preach a false humanist gospel.
Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” But from these he repented when he turned from self to Christ, and, casting away all confidence in legal righteousness, he could exclaim: “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.Philippians 3:4-6
The Gospel of Grace Ministries 