You have wearied the Lord with your words; Yet you say, “In what way have we wearied Him?” In that you say, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, And He delights in them,” … Malachi 2:17

“And then 1 will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” The words of Jesus Christ, Matthew 7:23

Introduction

The purpose of this essay is to analyze the Bible’s teaching that true Christians will not practice sin. Rather, they will be Jesus Christ’s disciples and do good works. The Scriptures teach that a Christian is a new creature in Christ.

It should be evident to all true believers that everyone who professes to be a Christian may not be. There are about 1.8 billion people who profess to be Christians in the world. In the United States, the vast majority of those profess to be Christian. However, the Bible teaches that there are relatively few who find salvation.

The Lord Himself told us that the way to life is narrow and those who find it are indeed few (Matthew 7:13-14). Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount that many will believe that they are saved and callout ‘Lord, Lord’ only to find out that they truly were not amongst the elect (Mat 7:21-23). There have been many who have built the foundation of their religion on sand and not on the rock of Christ (Mat 7:24-27). Jesus states that only those who do the will of the Father are truly saved. Others who practice such great signs such as prophesying (i.e., preaching), casting out demons, and performing many wonders will be excluded because they also will have practiced lawlessness (Mat 7:21-23). The Lord foretold in the parable of the Woman and the Leaven (Mat 13:33) that the church was to become large due to leaven. Leaven in the Bible can refer to sin and false doctrine. Therefore, the Lord revealed to those with eyes to see and ears to hear that the visible church would grow in size, but much of the visible growth would be the result of the inclusion of unsaved persons in the visible church who were involved with sin and false doctrine.

The criteria of a person being a true Christian is whether God has called them and saved them by grace. The criteria of being a Christian is not whether one in an emotional experience made a ‘decision’ for Christ, or whether one was born into a ‘Christian’ family, or whether one goes to church. Rather, the criteria of a true Christian is that they have been saved by grace and as a result of their salvation, the energizing work of God indwelling them will lead them to be a disciple of Christ and do good works. For indeed, the Bible is abundantly clear that true Christians will persevere in their works and live a holy life (although not completely free from sin). Their lives will be characterized by good works and evidences of righteousness.

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of God.“ 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

“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, revelry, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

These two passages of Scripture teach that people who practice the listed vices are not truly saved. While it is true that people are not perfect and cannot be perfect until the Resurrection, there is an abundance of Scripture that teaches that a true Christian cannot practice repetitive willful sin. The Scriptures quoted above teach that certain types of people cannot inherit the kingdom of God. In 1 Cor 6:9, the Scripture tells us not to be deceived. This is a warning. Paul warns the Corinthians that those in their midst who are practicing the type of sins mentioned are not truly saved.

In the work that follows 20 evidences will be investigated that must be present in each true Christian’s life. I have chosen to call these evidences the 20 Holy Results of being a Christian. There are at least 20 ‘proofs’ found in the Bible of the outworking of the Holy Spirit in the believer. These proofs consist of works, attitudes, and other behaviors that are evident in each true believer. A fundamental basis to our beliefs as Christians is that a true Christian is saved only by grace through faith. But, the Scripture also is clear that there must be works following that are evident in each believer’s life. When a person is saved, he is indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Ro 8:9). God then works in each Christian to produce good works (Eph 2:10, Phil 2:13). For all 20 of these Holy Results, it will be demonstrated that Scripture teaches that each has to be evident in the believer, although imperfectly. In 1 John 1:8-10, the Scripture states that Christians still have sin and if they say they do not have sin, then they are liars. But, when harmonizing this Scripture with the Bible, it is evident that the sin is only occasional.

The natural objection that is to be raised is that we really do not know if someone is truly saved. Salvation is a private matter between the person and his Creator. The objection that we do not know anyone’s heart has merit. The Scripture clearly warns us that only God can reveal the counsel of the hearts (1 Cor 4:5).

“Therefore, judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.” 1 Corinthians 4:5

Therefore, we do not know for sure who is (or will become) saved. But, on the other hand, the Scripture gives an abundance of evidence that has to be present in a true Christian’s life. The examples given above in 1 Cor 6:9-11 and Galatians 5:19-21 are just two of many Scriptures that teach that works will follow those who are true Christians. The context of 1 Cor 4:5 is that Paul is giving a defense against the Corinthians judgmental nature of him. He warns them not to look at what they think is in his heart for that is the Lord’s business. Therefore, this Scripture teaches that the inner intentions of a man’s heart are not to be judged.

A true Christian is saved by grace through faith and not by works. The Scripture is clear:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of your own, it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

There is nothing one can do to be saved. It is only by God’s grace. We are in a condition of inability to come to God on our own. Only by God’s mercy and grace does He draw us to Himself. How many times we hear the quoting of Ephesians 2:8-9 without quoting the following verse which completes the entire thought of Ephesians 2:8-10:

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10

Verse 10 teaches us the result of our being saved. We are saved to be God’s workmanship to perform good works. It is important to note in this Scripture that we as Christians are God’s workmanship. That is, He works in us to mold us in order to perform good works (Phil 2:13). The Scripture is clear that once one is saved, there is a change and we are new creatures in Christ:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.“ 2 Corinthians 5:17

By now, many of you may have already perceived that what is being addressed in this book is essentially the doctrine of sanctification or holiness). The theological doctrine of sanctification is the study of how a Christian’s life is cleansed, set apart and transformed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The word sanctify used in the Bible literally in the Greek language means ‘to set apart’ or ‘to make holy’. Holiness is important to God. Without holiness, it will be impossible to see God (Heb 12:14).

The Doctrine of Sanctification

Definition of Sanctification

The Greek and Hebrew words for sanctification are hagiasmos and qodesh respectively. Both words carry the meaning of ‘separation, a setting apart by cleansing‘. The English words saint, holy and holiness all contain root words that came from the Greek term and therefore these words all contain the meaning of being separated from that which is bad and being placed in union with that which is good. The Scriptures in the New Testament concerning sanctification are used in the sense that an individual has been separated from what is evil and devoted to God. A cognate of the Greek word for ‘holy’ is a Greek word that is translated as ‘pure’. Therefore, sanctification, in short, is the separating from sin by cleaning and making the object useful for God.

Pure: G53, hagnos (cognates are G47 – harneia, G48 – hangizo, G49 – hagnismos, G54 – hagnotes)
- Literally, to make pure, clean
- G53 also has a common root with G40
Holy: G40, hagios (cognates are G37 – hagiazo, G38 – hagiasmos, G39 hagion, G41 – hagiotes, G42 – hagiosne)
- To make or be holy (set apart, made pure, clean, sanctified)

Three Types of Sanctification

The Bible teaches three types of sanctification that occur in each true Christian: positional sanctification, progressive sanctification, and prospective sanctification. The following are definitions of these three aspects of sanctification:

Positional Sanctification is the relationship that a sinner enters into with God. It is evidenced by a change in the individual’s character which is caused by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit coming and making their abode in the believer. The believer is now a saint. The following are verses that clearly indicate that each believer is sanctified at the time of conversion:1 Peter 1:2,15,2:24, Ga16:15, 2 Thess 2:13, Jude 1, Reb 3:1, Col 2:1113, 2 Cor 3:1-11, Ps 4:3, 5:4, Col 3:12, 1 Cor 1:2, 12,30,6:11, 5:7, Acts 20:32,2 Cor 5:17, Jer 1:5, Rev 1:5, etc.

Progressive Sanctification is the work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the believer that causes the believer to grow in his ability to do what is pleasing in God’s sight. This work involves illumination of the truth of God’s commands found in the Bible. The following are Scripture that clearly testify to the fact that sanctification is on-going in each believer’s life: 1 Pet 1:15-16, Ps 1:1-6,2 Thess 2:13, Heb 10:10-14,2 Cor 4:16,3:18,7:1, Ro 8:29, Titus 2:14, 3:5, Eph 5:26-27, 1 Pet 1:2, Phil 1:6, John 17:17-19, 1Thess 4:3-4, Phil 1:6, etc.

Prospective Sanctification this is the ultimate state of the believer at the resurrection when we will be perfect in our character. This will be effected by God giving to each believer a spiritual body to replace the fleshly body, which was prone to sin. The following Scriptures testify to the fact that sanctification will be perfected at the resurrection once the spirit / soul is freed from the fleshly body: 2 Cor 4:16-5:10, 1 Cor 15, Heb 12:14, Ro 8:17-23,28-30, Phil 3:20-21, 1 John 3:2, Eph 5:27, Is 65:17, 66:22, 1 Cor 3:10-15, Luke 19:11-27, Col 3:4, Mat 25:14-30, Rev 21:7-8, Mat 5:48, Jude 24-25, Phil 1:6, 1 Thess 3:13, 5:23, etc.

Definition of Antinomianism

It is important to briefly investigate antinomianism since this term is used several times throughout this work. The following technical definition is appropriate:

“…the denial of the relevance of the moral law to true Christians because of the ability claimed for the Holy Spirit to separate persons directly and radically from the obligations of ordinary worldly existence…From the antinomian perspective the agency and instrumentality of creatures are incidental to the Spirit’s gracious work, which renders the Christian, morally and ontologically, a veritable ‘new being’.” – cited from W. K. B. Stoever, A Faire and Easie Way to Heaven: Covenant Theology and Antinomianism in Early Massachusetts, Wesleyan University Press, Middletown, Conn, 1978, p. 161.

The above definition involves the important following thoughts. First, antinomianism is the denial of relevance of the moral law. That is, a Christian is not obligated to keep the moral law of God. Because he has been saved by grace through the Holy Spirit, he no longer is bound to keep the law. As summarized by Gerstner”:

“…the antinomian draws the erroneous conclusion that good works need not even accompany faith in the saint.” cited in – J. H. Gerstner, Wrongly Dividing the Word of Truth. A Critique of Dispensationalism, Wolgemuth & Hyatt Publishers, Inc., Brentwood, TN.

The antinomian will tend to not understand the clear Scriptural fact that works must prove faith. Christians are not saved by works as the Scripture is so clear, but the fact that each true believer has been indwelt by the Holy Spirit, they are enabled to perform the good works that befit repentance. The great reformers held to the doctrine that faith and works cannot be separated (i.e., a true believer must do good works as a result of the grace of God’s saving work through Christ). The antinomian will not deny that the believer will do good works. However, he will teach that God is doing these actions. The Scripture teaches that it is the believer who is led by the Holy Spirit to do the good works. By holding to the dualistic view of the antinomians, individual believers are relieved of the necessity of doing good works. In summary, I offer the following simplified definition of antinomianism:

“The belief that resultant good works do not necessarily ac company true salvation in a Christian”

A Study on Romans 6

The Bible teaches that a true convert is a saint. In several of Paul’s epistles, he addressed his epistles to the ‘saints’. This is found in the addresses to the Romans (Rom 1:7), Ephesians (Eph 1:1), and Corinthians (1 Cor 1:2, 2 Cor 2:1). Jude addresses his epistle to ‘those who are called, sanctified by God the Father’ (Jude 1). The addresses to the saints and those sanctified teach us that when one is converted, there is a new set apart relationship with God. Paul tells us who this new relationship was affected:

“In Him, you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses” Col 2:11-13

In this passage, God teaches us that we have put off the body of sins of the flesh. This does not mean that we no longer live in a body. Rather, it means that we are no longer under the power and influence of the body and its fleshly desires that lead us to sin. This is symbolically explained by baptism. When we were baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13), we were symbolically crucified with Christ (see Gal 2:20). This means that we died. The body of sin was crucified with Christ. When we were symbolically raised up, we identified with the new life in Christ and were reborn. Therefore, we died to our old lifestyle and desires of the flesh and we were raised to a new lifestyle of being led by the Spirit (see Rom 8:14, Gal 5:18) to do good works (see Eph 2:10). Romans 6-8 is the classic proof text concerning our sanctification when we were converted. To that Scripture, we must now tum.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not. How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” Romans 6:1-2

Paul begins his discourse on sanctification with a question. He simply asks whether a true Christian should continue in the sin lifestyle that he has been saved out of in order that the abundance of God’s mercy can be shown. This question refers back to the discussion in Romans 5:20-21 concerning the fact that when the law entered, sin increased. The increase in sin is due to the fact that when there is law, the person breaking the law has added disobedience to God’s command (i.e., the law) to his already existing sin. Because sin increased, God’s grace abounded all the more (5:20). Therefore, the question is natural. Why not keep on sinning, so that God’s mercy shall be revealed all the more? Paul gives an emphatic no to this antinomian way of thinking. Paul tells us that we have died to the sin lifestyle. How can we keep on living in it? The Scripture tells us that sin no longer has dominion over us. We are no longer slaves to it. We have been healed by the stripes of Christ so that we died to sin and are made alive to righteousness (1 Pet 2:24).

At this point, we must draw back and look at the scene in present day Christendom. Have we not emphasized God’s grace and forgiveness to the point of overlooking the sin that is done in our midst? Are we not guilty of this in Christendom today? When the church today openly accepts and tolerates idolatry, greed, divorce, fornication, adultery, homosexuality, lewdness, heresies, and selfishness, has not the present day church essentially said that it will continue in sin because God’s loving grace will accept this behavior? But the Bible says that true Christians have died to this behavior. They can no longer live in it.

Paul continues with an example of the glorious fact that we have been raised to walk in newness of life:

“Or do you not know that as many of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore, we were buried with Him through baptism into death just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection …” Romans 6:3-5

The same metaphor used in Col 2:11-13 is repeated here by Paul. He tells us that since we were baptized into Christ Jesus (see 1 Cor 12:13), we have identified with His death. In other words we have died with Him in a sense. Our old nature of uncontrolled sin and rebellion was killed. Also, because Christ has been raised from the dead, our raising out of the metaphorical baptismal waters has brought us into a new lifestyle. In this Scripture, we can see the negative and positive side of positional sanctification. Negatively, our old self of living for sin has been killed, and positively, we have been raised to a new life in Jesus Christ since in deed Christ lives in us (Gal 2:20).

“…knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God.” Romans 6:6-10

Paul now goes into more explanation of the metaphor of the believer dying with Christ. He explains that when we were saved, our old self was crucified with Christ. Our old self consists of our depraved state of slavery to sin (see Romans 3:9-23). The body of sin referred to in verse 6 is the former lifestyle of slavery to the sin nature. Prior to God’s calling our lives and His saving of us, we were unable to do what was pleasing in His sight. Indeed our acts of righteousness were as filthy rags (Is 64:6). We inherited the Adamic sin nature (Romans 5:12-21) and were unable to come to God (John 6:44). Because we were converted, we have died to the old nature (see Col 3:9-10, Eph 4:22-24) and are free from bondage to the sin lifestyle. Since Christ was resurrected, we are reborn into newness of life. Galatians 2:20 tells us that we have been crucified with Christ, and now it is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us. When we were saved, God himself came to dwell in us so that we can be His workmanship (Eph 2:10). This does not mean that we cease from sin entirely (I John 1:8, 10, Romans 7:14-25, etc.), but rather, we cease from the sin lifestyle of the old man. Verse 9 tells us that death no longer has dominion over Christ. The same is true of Christians. Sin no longer has dominion over us (6:14).

“Likewise, you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. Romans 6:11-12

Verse 11 ties the thought of death no longer having dominion over Christ to our situation of the sin lifestyle no longer having dominion over us. Verse 11 tells us to understand (i.e., face the facts) that we are indeed dead to sin and alive to God in Jesus Christ. This is a beautiful summary of positional sanctification. Verses 12 and 13 turn in direction to address progressive sanctification. Some have confused the thoughts in verses 12 and 13 to give credence to the notion that it is possible for a true Christian to have sin reigning uncontrollably in their members. If this were true, an abundance of Scripture would be contradicted. This is the subject of Chapters 1-20. Scripture is abundantly clear that works must follow a true believer. Rather what verses 12 and 13 are referring to is that we, as Christians, must continually strive to grow in our Christian walk. At our conversion, we were changed and sin can no longer rule us. If sin does become our lifestyle, we simply prove that we were never truly converted but we were the false professors that our Lord referred to (Mat 7:2128). Verse 12 tells us that we should not let sin go unchecked in our lives. We still have temptations and we can still yield to sin. But we must prevent sin in any possible way we can. There is a lot of tension in this verse. On the one hand, God has freed us from sin, dwells in us and the Spirit bears witness with our spirit. But on the other hand, we can still sin. We must prevent sin at all times.

“And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” Romans 6:13-14

Verse 13 tells us to present ourselves to God as members of righteousness and do not present ourselves as instruments of sin. The Greek meaning in this passage is that we are to present ourselves one time to God as alive from the dead and we are not to continually present ourselves as instruments of sin. Why is this? Because verse 14 tells us that sin shall not have dominion over us because we are under grace. God dwells in us. Even if we (true Christians) were to present ourselves as instruments of sin, it would not succeed because sin does not have dominion over us. The indwelling God has dominion over us. If we were to present ourselves to sin, we would come under the convicting influencing of the Holy Spirit within us (Rom 8:16, 1 Cor 2:14-16, etc.) or the chastening of the Lord would come upon us (Heb 12:5-11). This thought becomes clear in the final passage of Romans 6:

“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? Certainly not. Do you not know that to whom you present your selves slaves to obey, you are that one‘s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness and of lawlessness, leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regards to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:15-23

Jesus told us that whoever commits sin (i.e., on an on-going basis) is a slave of sin (John 8:34). If we were to attempt to commit on-going repetitive sin, we could not succeed. We are a slave to righteousness as Romans 6:18 tells us. Verse 15 raises this question of committing sin since we are no longer under the law but under grace. The question could be rephrased to say, “well, since we are not obligated to keep the Mosaic law anymore, why do not we go ahead and commit sin because we are under the merciful gift of God?” The answer of course is ‘certainly not.’ Verse 16 tells us that if we were to continually present ourselves as slaves of sin we would only prove that our fate is eternal death instead of eternal righteousness. In other words, we would prove ourselves to be truly unsaved if we were able to be slaves of sin. Verses 17-18 state that we were (past tense) slaves of sin when we were unsaved, but now we are slaves of righteousness. In verse 19, Paul again switches back to the thought of verse 12 of progressive sanctification. Verse 19 tells us that it is possible for the true Christian to attempt to present himself a slave of sin, but as we have already seen, it is impossible for us to succeed (verse Appendix A The Doctrine of Sanctification 221 16, 20-23) if we are truly saved. The Scripture tells us that the fruit of practicing sin is death. Those are the wages we can expect (verse 23). God has called us to be holy. We are truly saved by grace (Eph 2:8-9), but we are God’s workmanship (Eph 2:10) for good works, for without holiness it is impossible to see the Lord (Heb 12:14). Also, we are to work at presenting ourselves as slaves of righteousness ‘for holiness’ (verse 19). As Christians, we are commanded to work on presenting ourselves as instruments of righteousness.

Before proceeding to Romans 8, it is necessary to make mention of Romans 7. Romans 7:1-6 concerns a passage from the Mosaic law concerning marriage and divorce. When a woman’s husband is still living, the law does not allow her to marry another otherwise she will be an adulteress. But, if he dies, she is free to remarry. This is a metaphor for our release from the Mosaic law and remarriage to the newness of the covenant of grace. Verse 4 says that we are dead to the law through the body of Christ so that we may be married to Christ. In other words, the death of Christ, freed us from the law, and His resurrection se cured our entrance into the marriage of grace. The import of the passage is that while we were under the law (i.e., not yet saved), the sinful passions in us were at work leading to death. But in our new marriage to Christ, we have died to sin and the law which results in our serving in the newness of life in the Spirit and not the law. Romans 7:7-13 examines the purpose of the Mosaic law. The law was not sinful. However, it brought an increase of sin because now the sin was known and people were now in rebel lion besides being in their sin. Romans 7:14-25 is a hotly debated passage. Paul speaks of himself as carnal, sold under sin. He says that the things he wishes to do, he cannot do, but the sin he does not want to do, that he does. This passage has been used by many to justify sin in their lives. This in unfortunate. The passage merely asserts that Paul was aware that he still had the sin nature in him and he was not perfect yet. It does not mean that Paul was a repetitive, open sinner which would disqualify him for the kingdom of God (see 1 Cor 6:9-11, Gal 5:17-24). It would also tend to contradict the whole theme of Romans 6-8, which is our sanctification and that we are slaves to righteousness. This passage will be carefully examined in Chapter 5 addressing Holy Result #5 concerning the fact that a true Christian will be sensitive to sin.

Summary of Romans Chapter 6:

Positional Sanctification:

True Christians have died to slavery to sin (verse 6, 11, 14, 22)
True Christians have been made alive to walk in newness of live and have become slaves of righteousness (verses 4-5, 16-18, 22)

Progressive Sanctification:

3) Christians should not attempt to let sin reign in them (verses 12, 19)
4) Christians should present themselves as instruments of righteousness unto God (verses 13, 19-20) Sanctification

A Study on Romans 8

“There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin. He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk ac cording to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1-4

Chapter 8 begins by an assurance that those who are in Christ Jesus, i.e., the saved have no condemnation. The Mosaic Law brought in condemnation and consigned all under sin since when the law came in, sin abounded all the more (Ro 5:20, 7:713). However, those who have been saved are no longer under this condemnation. Verse 1 reveals a characteristic of the saved which forms a central teaching in the early part of this chapter. The characteristic of true Christians is that they do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. In this phrase, Romans 7:14-25 is linked with the thought of chapter 8. While Paul recognized his sin in the flesh in 7:14-25, in chapter 8 he begins by developing the theme that true Christians will walk according to the Spirit. By so doing they will be more sensitive to their sin and they will grow from glory to glory (2 Cor 3:18). The law of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the true believer has set the believer’s mind free from the carnal earthly law of sin and in its end, death. The thought of freedom accords with the words of Christ in John 8:30-32 where He said that His true disciples will know the truth and the truth will set us free. We know the truth because he has sent the Holy Spirit into our hearts (John 14:23-24, John 16:12-13) so that we will be enlightened and led by the Spirit (Gal 5:18). And God sent His Son to die to fulfill the righteous requirement of the law. The Holy Spirit has been sent so that the righteous requirement of the law (verse 4) may be fulfilled in us. In other words, we as Christians will be enabled to grow into doing what is right.

“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.” Romans 8:5

Verse 5 is an important clarification of exactly what is meant by those who walk according to the flesh and those who walk ac cording to the Spirit. Verse 5 teaches us that the battle is in our minds. If we are walking according to the flesh, our minds will be preoccupied with the things of the flesh. However, if we are walking in the Spirit, our minds are preoccupied with Spiritual things. It must be emphasized that those who set their minds on the flesh are not saved and those who set their minds on the Spirit are saved (see verse 1). This important fact is ex pounded by Paul in verses 6-9.

“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 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 8:6-9

Verse 6 clearly states that those who are carnally (i.e., fleshly) minded are abiding in death. Death here must clearly be understood as the eternal state of the individual who is not saved. This state is eternal separation from God. However, the individual who is saved (and therefore has his mind on the Spirit) is assured the fruits of his salvation, life and peace. By life, it is understood eternal life. The carnal mind is enmity against God. Man is in sin due to the fall of Adam (Ro 5:12-21) and no one does good (Ro 3:9-23). Therefore, the one who is not saved and is controlled by the flesh is against God. They are not fulfilling the righteous requirement of the law (verse 4) and they cannot please God (verse 8). Verse 9 is very explicit. Only those who are truly saved have the Holy Spirit indwelling them. If they do, then their minds will be on the things of the Spirit.

“And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors-not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 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.” Romans 8:10-13

Verse 10 reveals to us that if Christ is truly in an individual, then the body is figuratively dead and the Spirit is alive. By this metaphor, it is clearly understood that the fleshly carnal desires are no longer in control, but rather the Spirit of God that dwells in the believer is in control. It must be recognized, however, that the flesh nature is still present. Paul and all true believers battle with the flesh nature. But all true Christians will overcome the flesh and proceed on from glory to glory since He that is in us is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Because of the important fact of the Spirit dwelling in us, we are controlled by the Spirit. We must, as verse 12 tells us, make all the more sure that we live as debtors not to the flesh. We can still sin. We are taught by the Holy Spirit to do righteous deeds. We must not fight against the Spirit with our flesh but rather be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18). For if we live according to the flesh we will die and prove that we were never saved to begin with. But, as verse 13 teaches us, if by putting to death the sin that is in us, we will live and prove ourselves that we truly had the Holy Spirit in us.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out’ Abba father’. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Romans 8:14-17

These verses form a type of summary to what preceded. We find in verse 14 that the true Sons of God are led by the Holy Spirit. That is, the mind is set upon spiritual things and not on the flesh. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is able to lead us into righteousness. We have been adopted into the Family of God and made adopted sons. The Holy Spirit is our guarantee of this relationship (2 Cor 1:22). We know the Father because we have this witness of the Holy Spirit within us and therefore we have the intimate Father Son relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit. That is, the Spirit works with our spirit (see 8:26-27) and is known by our spirit and therefore we know that we are children of God (1 John 3:24). All true Christians will have the inner witness of the Holy Spirit because of the close relationship with God. We will be intimate with God. Verse 17, forms an important buffer lest we get too elated. For in the current state that we are in (i.e., the flesh), we will still have to suffer just as Christ suffered. We are to follow His example of a suffering servant just as He showed us (Phil 2:4-11, Rom 8:31-391 Pet 2:21,4:1719). We have not yet suffered to the point of shedding blood in contending with our sin (Heb 12:4). We will have this battle until the day we die. But, the good news is that we are being changed from glory to glory (2 Cor 3:18), we are putting to death the deeds of the body (Rom 8:13), and we will be glorified with Christ (8:17-25).

Summary of Chapter 8

Positional Sanctification:

The true Christian sets his mind on the things of the Spirit (verse 5)
The true Christian sets his mind on the Spirit since he has the Holy Spirit’s indwelling (verse 9)
If Christ is in us, the body is dead to sin, but we have life through the Spirit (verse 10-11)
The Holy Spirit leads the true Christian (verse 14-15)

Progressive Sanctification:

By the Holy Spirit, a true Christian will gradually put to death the deeds of the body (verse 13)

Prospective Sanctification:

After we suffer with Christ in our bodies, we will be glorified with Him (verse 17)

The Battle for the Mind Has Already Been Won

The following is a brief survey of what has already been ex pounded in Ro 8. All true Christians have been given the Holy Spirit and therefore have the mind of Christ. Previously, their minds were at enmity with God and impure (see 1 Tim 6:5, 2 Tim 3:8, Col 1:21, 2 Cor 3:14-4:6). God has put His law into our minds by the Holy Spirit. Through the Bible, we can learn more and more spiritual truth in order to make us more like His son Jesus. We are to participate with the Spirit in protecting our minds from the wrong influence and keep them in the thoughts of the Spirit and thereby be ‘filled with the Spirit’ (Eph 5:18).

Positional Sanctification:

“For who has known the mind of the Lord that we may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor 2:16

“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord. I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God and they shall be My people.” Heb 8:10 (see Heb 10:16-17, Jer 31:34)

“…clearly, you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not by ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.” 2 Cor 3:

“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 ac cording to the image of Him who created him.” Col 3:9-10

“Now he who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” 2 Cor 1:21-22

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Tim 1:7

“Beloved, I now write this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder} …” 2 Peter 3:1

“For those who Jive according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who Jive according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5

Progressive Sanctification:

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit …” Eph 5:18

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Mat 22:37 (see Deut 6:4-5, Lk 10:27, Mk 12:30)

” …as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby …” 1Peter 2:2

“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” 1Thess2:13 228

“I…do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 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, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His in heritance in the saints and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power…” Eph 1:15-19

“…till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” Eph4:23

“…be renewed in the spirit of your mind,..” Eph4:13

“…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still 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.” Phil 1:9-11

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” Phil 2:5

“…and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:7

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and in creasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might...“ Col 1:9-11

“…both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Col 2:3

“Set your minds on things above, not on things of the earth.” Col 3:2

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.” James 3:13

“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…” 1 Peter 1:13

“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.” 2 Peter 1:5-8

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

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of a good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things.” Phil 4:8

God Dwells in the True Christian

The Scriptures are abundant and clear: God dwells within each true believer.

“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. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” Rom 8:9-10

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer 1 who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Gal 2:20

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise … that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints …” Eph 1:13, 17-18

“To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Col 1:27

“That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.” 2 Tim 1:14

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” 1 Cor2:12

“At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you…lf anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My father will love him, and We will make Our home with him.” John 14:20, 23

“Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee” 2 Cor 5:5

“…And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us••••.you are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 3:24, 4:4

“These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit…” Jude 19-20

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you” 1 Cor 3:16

“But he who is joined to the Lord is one Spirit with Him…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?” 1 Cor 6:17-19

“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?” Luke 11:13

God is Working in True Christians

The following verses attest to the fact that it is God who is at work in us. It is not sufficient that God dwells in us, but God must also be at work in us to lead us into all righteousness (John 10:4-5, Ps 23):

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

“…comfort your hearts and establish you in every good work.” 2 Thess 2:17

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Cor 2:14

“For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.” 2 Cor 13:4

“The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body is also full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body is also full of darkness.” Luke 11:34

“For by one covering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” Heb 10:14

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly…” Titus 2:11-12

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Eph2:10

“…as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Pet 1:3-4

“To this end I also labor according to His working which works in me mightily.” Col 1:29

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” Rom 8:11

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26 (see also 15:26, 16:13)

“Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” Ps 37:5-6

“…how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Heb 9:14

“For both he who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason he is not ashamed to call them brethren …” Heb 2:11

“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Heb 13:20-21

“I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes…” Ez 36:27

“Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Eph 1:3

“And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father.'” Gal 4:6 234

“…for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you.” Gal 4:19

“…our outward man is perishing, but the inward man is being renewed day by day.” 2 Cor 4:16

“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, by you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.” Rom 8:15-16

“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died, and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” 2 Cor 5:14-15

“O my soul, you have said to the Lord, You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You.” Ps 16:2

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” John 12:24

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38

“For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Cor 2:16

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess 5:23

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that he might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” Eph5:25-27

“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” 1 Cor 12:13

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Cor 2:14

“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good plea sure.” Phil 2:13

“…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. …being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Phil 1:6, 11

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be cast down.” Ps 37:23-24 “you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices …” 1Pet 2:5

God Works Through His Word the Bible, to Lead Christians in Holiness

God, by the Holy Spirit, uses the Word of God to sanctify true Christians:

“…as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 1 Peter 2:2-3 236

“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 all who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:11-14

“Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which ac cords with godliness.” Titus 1:1

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63

“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” James 1:21

“…If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32

“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which ac cords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing …” 1 Tim 6:3-4

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word …” Eph 5:25-26

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor 3:18

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of the sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not whither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Ps 1:1-4

“Your word I have hidden in my heart that I should not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11 (see also v. 1-8)

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doc trine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for ever)’ good work.” 2 Tim 3:16-17

“F’or the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the division of the soul and spirit …” Heb 4:12

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8

Summary

The following is a summary of the working of God in every true believer:

God dwells in every true Christian
God works in each true Christian
God uses the Bible to work through the Holy Spirit in every true Christian
Because of God’s work, each true Christian’s mind is controlled by the Spirit and is progressively conformed to the mind of God

Should We Judge?

Although the intent of this essay is to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5), it is necessary to examine the question of whether Christians should judge one another. The overall conclusion regarding ‘judgment’ is that Christians do not judge those who our outside of the household of God (i.e., un-believers) but only those who are inside:

“I wrote to you not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or the covetous, or the extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 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. For what have I to do with judging those who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore, put away from yourselves the evil person.” 1 Corinthians 5:9-13

Unfortunately, the opposite of what these verses teach often happen. That is, instead of judging those who are inside the church, Christians often judge those outside. To those inside the church, we overlook their sin in the name of unity and peace. However, with those outside the church, we design sermons against them to tell everyone in the church how wicked the world is. This should be just the opposite.

The Scripture clearly commands us to exhort and warn one another (Heb 3:13, 1 Thess 5:14) and that those who preach the word should rebuke and exhort Christians (2 Tim 4:2, etc.). In Phil 1:9-10, Paul prayed that the Philippians would abound in judgment in approving the things that are excellent. In Heb 5:14, the Scripture teaches us that those who are well seasoned in Scriptural truth should have their senses exercised to judge between good and evil.

What good does it do to preach railing sermons against the world? There, but by the grace of God, we go. Because God in His sovereign will has chosen us to eternal life, given us the Holy Spirit to bear witness with our spirit, and given us Jesus Christ who lives in us (Gal 2:20), how is it that we should judge the world who does not have the Holy Spirit or the indwelling Christ? God has saved us through no work that we have done (Gal 2:16). We were given a free gift. There is nothing special about us except God has chosen us in his sovereign will (Rom 9:8-21) and has given us the Holy Spirit to indwell us (Romans 8:9). Besides one another, we should judge ourselves:

“You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, “Do not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written.” Romans 2:21-24

Paul used this passage to tell those who thought they were self-righteous that they needed repentance themselves. This passage is pertinent for the church today. The church today generally does not utilize church discipline and self-judgment, which is contrary to the above Scriptures. Instead of preaching against the unsaved world (which is not led by the Holy Spirit), why do we not preach to ourselves? We are commanded in 1 Corinthians 6 to judge matters between brothers:

“Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint hose who are least esteemed by the church to judge? 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?” 1 Corinthians 6:2-5

These verses note that Christians were going to outside courts to resolve their disputes rather than appointing those in the church to judge such issues. We should be wise in regards to spiritual things in order to be able to judge such matters. In many places, the Scripture tells us to correct each other and exhort one another. How can we exhort and correct one another if we do not judge the right from the wrong. The following Scripture tells us that we are to judge the right from wrong:

“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.” 1 Corinthians 2:14-15

As Christians who have the Holy Spirit, we are able to discern right from wrong. As long as we are operating in the Holy Spirit and in God’s will, we cannot be judged. But, we must be willing to restore that brother who is outside God’s will by being over-taken in a trespass (Gal 6:1). This brings us to a very well-known passage concerning ‘judging’ others:

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite. First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5

This Scripture has been used an innumerable amount of times to rebuke those who ‘judge’. However, this Scripture does not teach that we are not to judge at all. If it did, then there would be a contradiction with other Bible verses (namely, 1 Cor 2:15, 1 Cor 5:12, 6:1-5). Also, the verses in Matthew 7:1-4 refer to unjust judgment. The person doing the judgment is actually a hypocrite (verse 5) and has great sin in his own life (i.e., the plank). He is commanded to go first and take the plank out of his own eye and then he will be able to judge his brother. Galatians 6:1 tells us that those who are spiritual should go to restore the brother from his sin. For those who judge, they better make sure that they have judged themselves first (1 Cor 11:31) and confessed their own sins (1 John 1:9). The Scripture in Matthew is talking of just judgment and not asserting that we are never to judge our brother. Just judgment is a judgment that is done in love to help one’s brother. It is not a judgment that simply wants to impugn the character of their brother or speak evil of his brother. Another verse used by some to say that we should not judge one another is as follows:

“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. Therefore, judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts.” 1 Corinthians 4:3-5

In this Scripture, God is not saying we should not judge each other’s behaviors, but rather we should not judge those things that are hidden and in God’s hands (verse 5). Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, says that the Lord brings to light the hidden things of darkness and reveals the counsels of the hearts. We, as Christians, should not speculate on the motives of a person and try to guess why he has done a certain thing. In this manner, we are most emphatically not to judge. We can only observe the outward behaviors of a man, and exhort when these behaviors are evident. In this Scripture, Paul was defending himself against the Corinthians who were criticizing Paul’s authority as an apostle. We are not to judge, because it is the Lord that put men into the apostleship. Paul, in verse 4, says he knows nothing against himself and therefore does not judge himself. In this regard, Paul’s conscience was clear. This is not to say that he did not sin (1 John 1:9), but rather those hidden sins that he was unaware of, they were in God’s hands for judgment. Therefore, the importance of this passage is not that we should not judge ourselves or other Christians, but rather that we should not speculate on the motives of others, but only on their visible behaviors. Additionally, we cannot even judge ourselves if we know of nothing against ourselves by having a clear conscience. One final Scripture used to say that we are not to judge is the following:

“Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and destroy. Who are you to judge another?” James 4:11-12

The importance of this Scripture is that we are not to speak evil of a brother (i.e., blasphemy). If you feel a brother has wronged you, you should not talk evil of him, but rather face him one-on-one (Mat 18:15). By doing so, you will be able to possibly restore the brother. We should have our brother’s best interests at heart. We gently and kindly (while looking to ourselves as well) exhort the brother by sharing the scriptures. We should not try to press debatable points of what is right or wrong and speak evil of our brother if he does not perform the way we would wish. There are a lot of debatable areas of conduct that we should not be too judgmental on (e.g., women wearing pants, style of music, hair length, owning televisions, and the like). Therefore, in these debatable areas, one should not judge another. By doing so, you have made yourself a judge. The importance of the above passage is to not pronounce judgment in debatable areas (see also Ro 14:3, 10).

Let us not be afraid to judge and exhort one another. For that is part of the Christian life and being ‘progressively sanctified’. But, let us not judge matters of motive in one’s heart or legalistic commands that are outside the direct revelation of God. These things are not discernible to us. In a spirit of love, we should only ‘judge’ the behaviors that are observable and against direct biblical teaching. We should not dabble in debatable areas of conduct. This is legalism and is destructive (James 4:11-12, 1 Cor 8, Romans 14, etc.). We rather ought to observe those things that are clearly contrary to Scripture and take proper action as necessary, in love.

Chapter 1 – Holy Result #1 –True Christians Do Not Practice a Lifestyle of Sin

God’s purpose in saving true Christians is to conform them to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. True Christians are the workmanship of God in order to produce righteousness. God is at work in every true believer to will and to do for His good pleasure (Phil 2:13). God has not saved us to continue in sin (Romans 6:1-2) for that would be against his very nature (Habakkuk 1:13). True Christians cannot practice open willful sin since they have been bought with a price (1 Cor 6:20), they are indwelt by God (2 Tim 1:14), and they are being transformed from glory to glory (2 Cor 3:18) by God. It is a sobering task indeed to analyze what the Scriptures say about the characteristics of a true Christian (i.e., the 20 Holy Results). The Bible comprehensively delineates the traits that will follow those who truly believe. In I John, we find an epistle which was almost entirely written in order that one may know whether or not he has eternal life (l John 5:13). For example:

“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 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. In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.” 1 John 3:4-10 (see also 2:28-29, 5:18).

It is interesting how precisely and repetitively John writes concerning the difference between the saved and unsaved. He proves that those who practice sin are not saved and those who are saved will not practice sin. Jesus Christ came to take away the sins of the world (verse 5). Those who have His seed in them (i.e., the indwelling God) will not continue in sin. Considering the context of this passage in the book of 1 John, we find that this passage teaches that a true Christian does not practice sin. This passage allows for sin in the believer, but it does not allow for a true believer to practice a sin lifestyle. John wrote: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 1:8-10). It is clear from this Scripture that all still occasionally sin. The simple solution to the paradox between this Scripture and the Scripture in 1 John 3:4-10 is that a true Christian can still occasionally sin but he cannot be in a lifestyle of practicing sin. No Christian is yet perfect as the Scripture teaches (see Phil 3:12) since the Christian is still in a battle between the flesh nature and the spirit nature of God within him (see Gal 5:17, see also Appendix A). However, the Scripture is clear that the spirit nature in man will overcome the old flesh nature because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (see Romans 8:1,4,5,9,13-14).

The following Scriptures testify to the fact that a true Christian cannot live a lifestyle of sin:

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

“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, True Christians Do Not Practice Sin 23 just as I told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:7-9

“For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth:fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of dis obedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these:anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old man with his deeds.” Col 3:3-91

“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 covetous, man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” Eph5:3-5

“For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior to ward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, 1. It is interesting to note in this Scripture that both the positional nature and progressive nature of our sanctification are held in close proximity to one another. The Scripture says that we have put off the old man with the old deeds and that in the past we lived in these sins. However, the Scripture also indicates that we are to continue to drive these sins out of our lives. So, on the one hand, we are dead to these sins and have conquered them already but we must continually struggle against them lest we occasionally may fall into one of them. In any event, this Scripture teaches that we no longer practice these sins although we can occasionally do them. 24 but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:3-5

“…being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ …” Phil 1:11

“And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God…” Rev 12:17

“…for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified …” Ro2:13

“To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” Titus 1:15-16

“Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” Titus 3:10-11

“But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this:that the law is not made for the righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and the sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnapers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.” 1 Tim 1:8-11

“For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” 1 Thess 1:9

“Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart; he who does not backbite with his tongue, not does evil to his neighbor, not does he take up a reproach against his friend; In whose eyes a vile person is despised, but he honors those who fear the Lord; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; He who does not put out his money at usury, not does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.” Psalm 15 (see also Ps 5:5-8)

“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.” John 8:34-35

“Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, And you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Cor 6:17-7:12

“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” 3 John 11

“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.” Romans 8:13

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled ….Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:6, 8

“In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ …” Col 2:11

“Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal:’The Lord knows those who are His,’ and ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.'” 2 Tim 2:19

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

“…just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,…” Eph 1:4

“We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles…But if while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found to be sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not. For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Gal 2:15, 17-20

” …for a tree is known by its fruit.” Mat 12”33

“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.” Mat 7:21

“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth–those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of condemnation.” John 5:29-30 (see also Luke 10:25-28, Mat 5:17-20)

“Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” Psalm 1:5·6

“…and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this:that we may have boldness in the day of judgment …” 1John 4:16·17

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work …. Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.“ Rev 22:12,14-15 (see also 14:12-13, Dan 12:10)

From this long list of Scripture, it should be evident that it is the righteous who have eternal life. Let no man deceive you that a person who is practicing sin can enter the kingdom of God.

Faith Without Works is Dead

The Bible teaches us that works will result from our faith:

Because God lives in us (Gal 2:20, Ro 8:9, ) we are enabled to do good works by His sanctifying work in us (Heb 2:11). -God will bring forth righteousness in those who are His (Psalm 37:5-6).
We are God’s workmanship for good works (Eph 2:10) by the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The Holy Spirit is our helper and illuminates us with truth (John 14:26, 16:13) in order to work with our spirit to produce good works (Rom 8:15-16, Gal 4:6).
We are complete in Christ (Col 2:10) and we possess all the tools necessary to do good works.
Our conscience has been cleansed by the blood of Christ (Heb 9:14) to enable us to do the good works.
We have become partakers of the divine nature and are con trolled by His divine power (2 Pet 1:3-4).
We are compelled by the love of Christ to no longer live for ourselves but rather for Christ (2 Cor 5:14-15).

With all this as a background it is easy to see why James was so urgent in his epistle that faith without works is dead (i.e., not really saving faith). James was simply saying that if there are no works that prove faith following the conversion experience (see also 1 Thess 3:5-6), then the faith professed is spurious:

“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? if a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you did not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble. But do you want to know, 0 foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:14-26 (see also 1:22-25, Mat 7:15-23)

Problem Passages?

Although the discussion so far in this chapter should be overwhelming proof that the true Christian will not practice sin, there are many in today’s Christendom that insist that there are “carnal” Christians. That is, they believe that there are some Christians who can live like the world, practice sin, or even reject the faith after once believing and still be saved. The bulk of this essay refutes these erroneous notions. However, the proof-texts usually cited by these people will be addressed and their error will become abundantly clear.

Carnal Christians?

“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 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? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, ‘I am of Apollos,’ are you not carnal?” 1 Cor 3:1-4

This is the most abused verse used by the antinomians to support that a true Christian can live in a state of sinfulness. The most obvious problem with this assertion is that it would contradict an abundance of Scripture that teaches us that a true Christian will not practice sin (see previous Scriptures cited in this chapter). Even a couple of chapters further in 1 Corinthians, we find the clear teaching that no one practicing unrighteousness will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9-11). Why would Paul have called the Corinthians carnal in chapter 3 and then turn around in chapter 6 and assert that those who practice unrighteousness will not be saved? To answer this question, we must analyze the context of 1 Cor 3:1-4. The ‘carnal’ problem in chap ter 3 has to do with strife and divisions caused by doctrinal differences. This is what Paul in part was setting out to correct in his epistles to the Corinthians. The real key to understand this passage is realizing that all Christians can sin since they are still in the flesh (1 John 1:8). In this regard, they are carnal. Even Paul recognized that he still lived in the flesh and still had sin in his life (Romans 7:14-255). However, a true Christian will be in the process of overcoming the flesh nature and will be led by God to do good works (2 Cor 3:18). The Christian life is a growing experience for every true Christian. Had the Corinthians remained in this carnal state of being doctrinally divided, then they would have proved that they truly were unsaved (see 2 Cor 13:5). Paul, in Gal 5:20-21, clearly stated that those who practice dissensions and heresies will not inherit the kingdom of God. Happily, for the most part the Corinthians did prove their sincerity (see 2 Cor 7:5-11), although there were clearly some antagonists that were not exhibiting the true fruits of righteousness (see 2 Cor 10:1-11:15). Paul, in 1 Cor 3:1-4 is simply (although per haps sarcastically) telling the Corinthians that they were acting as unsaved fleshly people (see Ro 8:1-14). Therefore, this passage can clearly be seen as a rebuke to sin by comparing the fact that true Christians should not be acting as the flesh (i.e., carnal). In this light, this passage can actually be seen as a proof-text that a true Christian cannot be carnal, otherwise it would be inappropriate for Paul to compare them to carnal men. Those who were true Christians in the Corinth assembly repented from the carnal sin of divisions to prove their obedience to God (1 John 2:3-6).

No Fruit Christians?

It is usually argued by antinomians that John 15:1-6 sup ports the notion that a person can be truly saved yet bear no fruit (i.e., good works). They base their assertion first on John 15:2, where the Scripture says that every branch in Jesus that does not bear fruit is taken away. By ‘taken away’, they interpret this as ‘lifted up’. In other words, the non-fruit bearing professor will be encouraged by God to bear fruit. They assert that the term ‘takes away’ does not mean removed from the branch but, rather that they remain and are encouraged by God. However, the language of the term ‘takes away’ would favor the interpretation of being taken off from. While, it is plausible that it could refer to lifted up, the language would imply ‘lifted up by being taken off . Therefore, if this more likely interpretation is taken, it is obvious that the non-fruit bearing branch (verse 2) is taken off in the Judgment.

Second, the antinomians assert that John 15:6 does not teach eternal damnation when the Scripture says that every branch that does not abide in the Vine is cast out and withered and they are thrown into the fire. The antinomians hold that it is not the ‘believer’ who is thrown into the fire but, rather the believer’s works are tried as by fire, yet the ‘believers’ them selves will be saved (see 1 Cor 3:12-15). Although this rationalization of 15:6 seems plausible, it is evident that the Bible is clear that we will know a tree by its fruit (see Mat 12:33). In other words, the true believer will be known by his good works. Additionally, it is obvious that it is the branch that is thrown into the fire and not the fruit which is thrown into the fire. There is no basis in the clear teaching of John 15:1-6 to say that the fruit (i.e., good works) can be equated to the branch. Therefore, the antinomians have mixed up their metaphors since the Scripture teaches in 1 Cor 3:11-15 that it is the believer’s work in the ministry which is tried by the fire not the believer himself. In John 15:6, it is clear that it is the professor himself who is thrown into the fire. Additionally, as is quickly evident from the abundance of verses used in this essay to support the assertion that a true Christian will produce good works, the interpretation that a believer can have no fruit would tend to contradict an abundance of Scripture. Additionally, it is important to note in 1 Cor 3:12-15 that this passage does not teach that a Christian can be carnal and that the works to be burned is his sin lifestyle.

1 Cor 3:12-15 teaches that it is the work of teaching and spreading the gospel that will be judged. This Scripture is not teaching that one can practice sin and still be saved. It is simply saying that there will be some Christians that will teach doctrine that is not true and this doctrine will be judged. This Scripture is not teaching that the believer will practice sin.

The solution to the non-fruit bearing branch that is cast away is that this branch represents those who are mere professors only. They initially abide in Christ in the sense that they are part of the visible church and partake of spiritual fellowship with other believers (see Hebrews 6:4-8). Although they are in the church and therefore have a profession of Christ, they are not to be a surviving branch. Their profession will prove to be false due to the lack of fruit. The notion that a branch that is in the vine implies true salvation and the taking away of the branch would contradict the truth of eternal security is easily refuted by the fact that the Bible in many places uses the metaphor of the vine and the branches as also including those who were not truly saved but mere professors (see Rom 11:13-24, Is 15, Ez 15). Therefore, the non-abiding branch (verse 6) must clearly refer to the false believer and not his works. This is the only possible rendering of the branch since this is clearly the implication of the branch in the metaphors of the vine and the branches used throughout the Bible. By taking the branch to mean the fruit of the believer is completely out of balance with Scripture. The casting off of the branch and its withering must refer to the judgment of the wicked professor in the Eschaton.

The Weighty Amount of Ethical Teachings in the Bible

A natural objection may arise as to why there is so much moral teaching in the Bible if a true Christian will not practice sin anyway. This objection is easily understood by realizing that it is God’s sovereign will that Christians although sanctified and made new creatures when they were saved are not perfect but rather must continue to grow in the Christian life. Living out the Christian life entails studying and applying God’s word. In this way the true Christian is taught by the Holy Spirit how to obedient to God.

Non-Spirit Filled Christians

Because the Scripture commands us to be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18), it has been held by some that this statement is a proof that a true Christian can live in sin. Their reasoning is that since it is possible to not be filled with the Spirit, then it is possible for the Christian to be led by the flesh and therefore live in sin. If this assertion was true, then the abundance of Scripture cited in this chapter would be contradicted. Additionally, this verse does not say that Christians can practice sin. It just commands Christians to be filled with the Spirit. What then does this Scripture teach? It is teaching us that Christians, who are still in the flesh, are to strive more to set their minds on the things of the Spirit (Eph 4:23, Phil 1:9-11, Co11:9-11, Eph 1:1519,4:23, 1 Pet 1:13,2 Pet 1:5-8, Ro 12:2, Phi14:8, etc.). While the Scripture teaches that a Christian will generally have his mind set on the things of the Spirit (Ro 8:5 positional sanctification), the Christian must also strive to keep his mind in the Spirit at all times (progressive sanctification). By keeping our minds in the Spirit, we will be able to experience the maximum amount of sanctification possible through the Holy Spirit. This Scripture is not teaching that we will practice repetitive sin since we may not always have our minds in the Spirit. It simply teaches that we are to strive to keep our minds on Spiritual things (see Eph 5:19).

The Judgment Seat of Christ

Some teach that since Ro 14:10 and 2 Cor 5:10 teach that all true believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to receive rewards according to those things done in the body, then it must follow that some Christians can be sinners and get less reward, but still be saved. This argument, of course, would contradict the abundance of Scripture that teaches that a true Christian will not practice sin. It is also evident from the use of the ‘bema’ seat judgment elsewhere (see Acts 18:12, 25:6, John 19:13, Mat 27:19, etc.) that this judgment refers to whether a person is guilty or not. In other words, all must stand before the judgment seat, but true Christians will be found not guilty since all our sins are covered by Christ’s righteousness and nonChristians will be found guilty. There is no justification in either Ro 14:10 or 2 Cor 5:10, that the judgment seat determines re wards. The meaning of Ro 14:10 in the context of Ro 14 is that since all Christians will stand before God in judgment and be found innocent, why should we judge our brother in legalistic matters that are outside of Biblical teaching? Additionally, if we agree that believers will be rewarded differently, this still would not prove that Christians can practice sin. All it would teach is that some were given different gifts in different measures.

‘Besetting’ Sins

There are many in Christendom that teach that Christians may have a ‘besetting’ sin. That is, they teach that Christians can be particularly prone to commit a certain sin or sins due to natural weaknesses or past experiences (e.g., abuse) in a particular area. This assertion is based on Heb 12:1 where we are commanded to lay aside every weight and ‘the sin’ which so easily ensnares us. They teach that ‘the sin’ refers to the propensity of a Christian to commit a certain type of sin. This interpretation however, goes contrary to the clear context of the immediate pas sage, as well as the context of the whole book of Hebrews, as many commentators agree. The book of Hebrews was a warning for those who were committing apostasy in returning to Judaism. The ‘sin’ referred to throughout the book was that of leaving Christianity and returning to Judaism. In Heb 12:1, we are told that we are surrounded by a great cloud of Old Testament wit nesses (see Heb 11) who persevered through difficult times to prove their faith. God goes on to tell us to lay aside every weight (Le. things that get in the way of single-minded devotion to Christ) and the temptation to apostasy (i.e., the ‘sin’) which so easily ensnares (lit: encompasses). Additionally, the interpretation that Christians can have a ‘besetting’ sin would contradict an abundance of Scripture cited in this chapter concerning the fact that true Christians cannot practice repetitive sin. As we shall see throughout this book, all true Christians will become more like the image of Christ and be transformed from glory to glory (2 Cor 3:18, see also Holy Result #7). The Scripture does not allow for a Christian to retain a ‘pet’ sin and make the excuse that it is his ‘besetting’ sin.

The Sin Unto Death

It is contended by some that 1 John 5:16 teaches that a Christian can commit sin that leads to death and that the Christian is not to pray about that. However, this logic fails miserably since the clear context of the Scripture teaches that whoever is born of God does not sin (see verse 18). What verse 16 is teaching is that for those sins that do not lead to death, Christians are to pray about. In other words, for those Christians who may commit a sin, others should be in prayer for this individual. The death talked about in this verse is not physical death but spiritual death which is clear from the usage of ‘life’ in the same verse which clearly refers to spiritual life. The usage of ‘life’ (which is obviously spiritual) is used in contrast to ‘death’ which therefore must also be spiritual. The last half of the verse which refers to the sin which leads to death must also therefore be understood as spiritual death. In other words, Christians are not to pray for sins that appear to be inconsistent with what a true Christian could commit. Christians are not to pray about the sins of the unsaved. Therefore this Scripture does not teach that a true Christian can commit a sin that leads to death.

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With the above discussion as a background, we now embark into the finer details of the characteristics of true Christians. All of the following Holy Results (i.e., Holy Result #219) are all subsets of the general fact that a true Christian will not practice sin. It is necessary to carefully study all the Holy Results in order to examine ourselves to see if we are truly in the faith (2 Cor 13:5). We should be careful to not use the 20 Holy Results to search out the secrets of the hearts of others which is truly God’s business (1 Cor 4:5).

Chapter 2 – Holy Result #2 –True Christians are Obedient to the Word of God

“…though he was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him…” lIeb 5:8-9

The next Holy Result is that a true Christian will be obedient to the word of God. While Holy Result HI addresses the macroscopic view of a true Christian not practicing sin, Holy Result H2 enters us into the more detailed look at all the factors that comprise Holy Result HI. As the study progresses through the 20 Holy Results, it will become evident that many of the individual Holy Results overlap to some degree with others. As Heb 5:8-9 teaches us, the Bible is clear that only those who obey Jesus have eternal life.

“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” 1 John 2:3-6 (see also 5:2-3, 3:24)

It is interesting how many Scriptures exist that give assurance so that one can know whether he is truly saved or not (see 2 Cor 13:5). This was one of the central themes to the book of 1 John (see 1 John 5:13). As the verse above teaches, one who is truly saved and abiding in Jesus will keep Jesus’ commandments. The term ‘abide’ is a common term used throughout the New Testament as indicating one who is truly saved (see John 14:20, Eph 2:6, Gal 2:20, etc.). In 1 John 3:24, this thought is repeated with the typical union/communion connotation used in John’s writings. That is, we have been placed into union with Christ, into His body (1 Cor 12:13) and we have communion with Christ though the indwelling presence of God.

One difficulty that immediately arises in this Scripture is that it can be argued that it is mighty difficult to actually keep all the commandments all the time. However, it must be observed that just a few verses earlier John wrote that if we are truthful, we are forced to admit that we still have sin. Therefore, it is possible that on occasion, we do not keep His commandments. This agrees with what Paul observed in his own life. Namely, he wanted to always do right, but in reality he was unable to always do right. He was sensitive to sin (see Holy Result #5) and was continually observing his sin (see Romans 7:14-25). Therefore, the meaning of I John 2:3 is that obedience to the commandments of God is characteristic of a true believer’s life but he occasionally may stumble. He will not perfectly keep every command, but rather he will be growing in obedience. The true Christian’s general walk will that of obedience.

Another concern that may be raised by some is the question of what exactly are the commandments of Christ. The simple answer is everything that is commanded in the Bible. Love can be divided up into love for God and love for neighbor. These two distinctions can further be divided into the 10 commandments. Finally, all the commandments of God in the Bible are finer details of the 10 commandments:

Love: 1 Tim 1:5,2 John 4-6, Pr 10:12
Love God: Lk 10:25-29, 1 John 3:23, 4:21, Deut 6:4-5
Love Neighbor: Lev 19:18, Gal 5:14, John 13:34, John 15:12, Mat 22:35-40
The 10 Commandments: Mat 22:35-40, 19:16-26, Mk 10:17-22, Lk 18:18-27
All the Commands in the Bible by Word or Principle: 2 Tim 3:16,1 John 4:6,2:5, John 14:24, 17:17-19 1.

The assertion in 1 John 2:3-6 is that true Christians will consistently be obedient to the word of God, the Bible. As we shall see throughout the 20 Holy Results, the true Christian will be led by God to understand spiritual truth and be enabled to be obedient to it. As is true of children (just as we are referred to as children in John’s writings), this obedience includes teaching, application, and chastening/discipline.

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ…” 1 Peter 1:1-2

The elect (i.e., true Christians) are being sanctified to God. Part of that sanctification is for obedience. We are appointed to go and bear fruit (John 15:16). Notably, the elect’s sanctification comes by the sprinkling of the blood. The Jewish readers of this epistle at once would recognize this allusion. The sprinkling in the Old Testament referred to the beneficence of the blood of the sacrifice. The sacrifice would not only atone for the sin but would also be a sign of the commitment of the people to do the Mosaic covenant (see Ex 24:8, Reb 9:18-20) in their daily lives. In the New Covenant, true Christians were set apart by God to be His workmanship for good works (Eph 2:10). In this light, it is apparent that the blood of Christ not only saved us from our sins but also empowered true Christians to be obedient through the working of the Holy Spirit unto good works.

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full…You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” John 15:9-11, 14

By keeping Jesus’s commandments, we abide in Him. And, the keeping of His commandments are not burdensome, but they will fulfill our joy. True Christians are truly the friends of Jesus only if they keep His commandments. On the surface, this Scripture appears to be teaching a works type of salvation. However, if we truly understand the doctrine of sanctification, we will know that we are truly saved out of our depraved condition by grace alone and we become the workmanship of God. Part of that workmanship entails keeping the commandments of Jesus. In John 14:21 (see also 2 John 6), the Scripture tells us that if we keep Jesus’ commandments, we love Jesus. Because of this, we are loved by the Father and Son and God is manifested to us. The terminology in John 14:21 proves that keeping Jesus’ commandments are characteristic of one who is saved.

“But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children to such as keep His covenant. And to those who remember His commandments to do them.” Ps 103:17-18

In many places, the Scripture promises everlasting salvation to those who keep his commandments-. This paradox with grace is easily explained by the fact that true Christians will keep His commandments. But, how many in Christendom today are under the delusion that those who profess the name of Christ, yet in deeds are far from Him, will be saved. That is untrue. Only those who in the final judgment were righteous will be saved. Note the following warning:

“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.” Eph5:5-6

This is an important warning to heed, for there are many deceivers in Christendom today who teach that the sons of disobedience will not receive wrath. That simply is not true. It is the righteous who will be in glory (not of their own, of course). The deceivers teach that all that are called Christians will be saved. The Bible teaches something quite different. The Bible teaches us the following:

“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 1will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” Matthew 7:21-23

Please note that these people thought they were Christians. They even did many ‘great’ works in Jesus’ name. However, they were not Christians. They were of the sort that practiced lawlessness. They are similar to those that Paul addressed in Titus 1:16. Paul asserted that ‘they profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.’ In other words, although they professed God, they really denied Him because their works are evil. It is the doers of the word, not just the hearers that will be saved. In the parable that followed the above passage in Matthew, we see this illustrated:

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Matthew 7:24-27

It is only those who have truly applied the words of Jesus who will be saved. All others are building on a false foundation because they do not have the true foundation of Christ. Without the true foundation, they are devoid of the Spirit of God and there fore are unable to do righteousness. It is important to make a distinction between those who appear to do good works and those who truly do good works. On the surface, many people may appear to be doing some very fine deeds that are a benefit to their fellow man. However, the inner motives are unclear to us. We are promised in the Bible that all are depraved other than by the grace of God (Ro 3:9-23, Is 64:6). Although someone may do a good deed, it is the Lord who will look at the motives of the hearts (1 Cor 4:5) and find all sorts of selfish ambition and the like in the hearts of those who are without the Spirit of God. However, in the hearts of those who are saved, He will find righteousness that has been nurtured and developed by God Himself.

“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.”’ Mat 12:49-50

Chapter 3 – Holy Result #3 – True Christians Understand Spiritual Truth

“And the disciples came and said to Him, ‘Why do You speak to them in parables?’ He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, not do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive; 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.’ But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear …” Matthew 13:10-16

True Christians have been given the ability to know the mysteries of God. This is the reason Jesus gave when questioned why he spoke in parables. Contrary to what many believe, the deeper spiritual truths about God are hidden from those who are perishing. The Bible is not a book which all can understand. It is only to those who are indwelt with the Holy Spirit that will be able to discern the deeper spiritual truths of the Bible. God has enlightened those who have been called and saved by grace so that they may know about God and have their ears opened to spiritual truth as found in the Bible. God’s desire therefore is that His children know the truth so that they may be set free from the bondage of sin (see John 8:30-32). In verse 12 above, Jesus told us that even to he who has (i.e., the saving knowledge of the kingdom of God), more knowledge will be given to him and to him who does not have (i.e., saving knowledge of God) even the natural truth of God will be taken from him. Or, in other words, the true Christian will be given the wherewithal to understand deeper truths about God while the unsaved person will not understand the deeper things and even the superficial understanding he has 42 about God will be hardened. In verse 15, we are given the reason why God does not reveal His deeper spiritual truth to all. The reason is that if the unsaved man truly understood the deeper things of God then ‘they should understand with their hearts and turn so that I should heal them’. If they understood, all men would in their own power turn to God in profession. All men would want to join the church and superficially follow God. But as Scripture teaches us, man’s works are as filthy rags (Is 64:6) and there is none that do good (Rom 3:9-23). We would have virtually all sinners turning to follow God, but they would not have the enabling work of the Holy Spirit in their hearts to do good works. God is interested in saving his elect (Eph 1:3-14, Ro 9:8-24) to be a special people that will be His workmanship for good works (Eph 2:10). Therefore, God has chosen to save his elect and the rest were hardened (see Ro 9:18).

“However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, not of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Cor 2:6-8

In these verses we clearly see that the truth and wisdom of God is a mystery and is hidden. It has not been revealed to all men. If it had, then as verse 8 clearly tells us they would not have crucified the Lord Jesus Christ and therefore Jesus would not have had the victory over Satan 1. All men would know about God and superficially follow Him thereby thwarting the work of God. God has designed the present age that only through faith it is only possible to please Him (Heb 11:6). As we saw in Mat 13:10-16, God has not revealed spiritual truth to all men, for then all men would follow in their own power. In Christendom today, we hear often the teaching that the Bible is a simple book that all men can understand. That simply is not true. The Bible is a spiritual book with spiritual truth that cannot be understood outside of the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. At God’s will, He will open the pages of the Bible to our understanding so that we may be saved and grow in sanctification (see Phil 2:13, 1 Thess 2:13). This is not to say that the natural man cannot understand the historical truths of the Bible or understand basic truths of God. But, it takes the Holy Spirit to open the understanding of the Bible that will result in true salvation and will be effective in our Christian walk.

“But as it is written:’Eye has not seen, not heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’ But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 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. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” 1 Cor 2:9-12

In this Scripture we are told how God has revealed to us spiritual truth. The Holy Spirit is the agent by whom we are able to understand spiritual truth. Because we are indwelt by the Spirit of God (Ro 8:9, 2 Tim 1:14), we have the Holy Spirit bearing witness with our spirit and leading us into all truth (Rom 8:1516, John 16:12-13, John 14:24-26). He is our Helper who will teach us all things and bring to our remembrance the words of God (John 14:24-26). It is for this reason that very intelligent people with a string of higher education degrees behind their name cannot truly understand the Bible. These so-called doctors can dissect the Bible, analyze the words in the original languages, and theorize about the historical setting of the Scriptures, but they deny the Lord that bought them. They hypothesize that the Bible is the redaction of men who wrote it to promote their philosophies. They teach that most of the words in the Bible that are attributed to Christ were actually those of later writers of the New Testament. They interpret passages out of their clear con text in order to support doctrinal agendas. These men who have all learning have not understood even the basic truths about the Bible and therefore prove that they are truly unsaved. They are truly those who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth (2 Tim 3:7).

One who is saved, although untrained in learning can more understand the things of God than those who are wise and have all learning yet unsaved. And so, the words of 1 Cor 1:26-31 are fulfilled in that the foolish things of the world shame the wise and the weak things will shame the mighty so that no flesh will glory in God’s sight.

“These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Cor 2:13

Instead of needing man’s wisdom in interpreting the Scripture, true Christians can understand spiritual truths by the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. The Bible is a spiritual book with spiritual truth that must be interpreted with itself. In other words, since the whole Bible is inspired by God (2 Tim 3:16), the true Christian will be able to use the Bible including all its words to interpret itself. The Christian does not need shelves of commentaries and other analyses by men to help him understand.

“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things yet he himself is rightly judged by no one…For ‘who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Cor 2:14-16

The natural man (i.e., the unsaved man) cannot receive spiritual truth because it is foolishness to him (see also 1:18). The spiritual man (i.e., the saved) judges all things. God in His sovereign grace has chosen to reveal spiritual truth to His elect and has allowed those who are not elect to be blinded. He then who is spiritual will judge all things. In other words, he has the discernment of the Holy Spirit within himself in order to perceive those things that are right and wrong. The true Christian’s and other’s sin will grieve the spiritual person since he judges all things. By judging ourselves and our sin (1 Cor 11:31), we will grow in sanctification by the Holy Spirit. The word of God will effectively work in us (1 Thess 2:13) through the illumination of the Holy Spirit so that we may be able to grow on the pure milk of the word of God (1 Pet 2:2). Additionally, those who are spiritual will follow the truth:

“We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” 1 John 4:6

Those who truly know God and are saved will hear what the Bible teaches. Because they understand the Bible, they will tend to follow those who preach the truth of the Bible. This was stated by the apostle Paul to the Corinthians as well. In 2 Cor 13:6, he trusted that the Corinthians would know that he was not disqualified. In other words, he trusted that the Corinthians would truly recognize the word of God and not be in rebellion to the word thereby proving that they were not truly saved. This encouragement was just after he warned them to examine them selves to see whether they were in the faith (2 Cor 13:5).

The Removing of the Veil

“Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech, unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. But their minds ‘were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord… the veil is taken away.” 2 Cor 3:12-16

Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, uses an analogy from the Old Testament to illustrate the truth of Christians being en lightened to understand spiritual truth. Moses wore a veil over his face after he was done speaking the words of the Lord to Israel (Ex 34:29-33). This was symbolic of the blindness of the Israelites due to the hardness of their hearts (2 Cor 3:14, see also Eph 4:18). Because they are blinded to the truth of Christ that was contained in the Old Testament, they were not able to under stand the things that were told to them (see 1 Pet 1:8-12). In 2 Cor 3:16, it is clear that when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away or, in other words, the saved person is able to under stand the deeper spiritual truths taught in the Bible.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. Therefore, since we have this ministry as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.” 2 Cor 3:17-4:1

God is one and He is Spirit (John 4:24). His Spirit dwells within us. Because of this, we have liberty, the freedom to understand the deeper spiritual truths of God. In verse 18, the Scripture says that we all have an unveiled face and we behold the glory of the Lord in the mirror. We are able to come to the word of God and view ourselves in the mirror in order to be transformed from glory to glory to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. This is God’s great plan for our lives. By giving us the Holy Spirit, our minds are unveiled and we are able to understand spiritual truths. By being able to understand spiritual truths, we are being transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. We are on a pilgrimage of learning and discipline to become more holy. As the Scripture says, ‘Be holy, for I am holy’ (1 Pet 1:1516). As 2 Cor 4:1 teaches us, because we have received the unveiling by the Holy Spirit, we are encouraged to be bold in our walk and talk of Jesus Christ.

“But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in the craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Cor 4:2

Because we have unveiled hearts, we no longer walk in craftiness or handle the word of God deceitfully. In other words, because we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we can know the truths of God and can faithfully teach one another and apply God’s word. We no longer are influenced by our own desires of what we want the Scriptures to say, but rather we faithfully preach the truth as it has been revealed to us. Because the truth is of the Holy Spirit, we can commend ourselves to other men’s conscience who are also indwelt by the Spirit of God. They will recognize the truth of the word of God because the Holy Spirit is the same teacher. Therefore, true Christians will be able to understand Scripture in a consistent manner. This is not to say there may be some differences because all men still have sin and have not fully come to know all spiritual truth. However, central doctrine of Scripture such as salvation by grace will be easily recognizable amongst true believers. We all will be able to walk in the light just as Jesus Christ said that His true disciples would (John 8:12).

“But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” 2 Cor 4:3-4

Those who are unsaved have veiled minds and are not able to understand spiritual truth. The source of this blinding is Satan, the god of this age. God, in His sovereign will, has al lowed this to occur so that they, having ears and eyes that function in the physical world, have ears and eyes that are shut tightly in the spiritual world. But to the saved we are told:

“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…” Heb 10:16 (Jer 31:33-34)

The following Scriptures are others that attest to the fact that true believers will have the ability to understand spiritual truth (see also Psalm 119):

“The Elder, to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, because of the truth which abides in us and will be in us forever…” 2 John 1-2

“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 ac cording to the image of Him who created him…” Cold 3:9-10

“To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear His voice…” John 10:3

“F’or God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Tim 1:7

“These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.“ 1John 2:26-27

“The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;” Ps 19:7-8

“Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses …The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.” Ps 25:12, 14

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; 1 will guide you with My eye.“ Ps 32:8

The Lights of the World

“No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light. The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.” Luke 11:33-36

The Bible teaches us that as Christians, we are the light of the world (see Mat 5:14, Eph 5:8) and sons of light (Luke 16:8, John 12:36, 1 Thess 5:5). The teaching of the Bible is that Christians are to be beacons of light to a lost world in order to at tract those who will be saved. By being light, Christians preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. In many places, the Bible refers to the gospel as the light (see 2 Cor 4:4, 6,2 Pet 1:19,2 Tim 1:10, 1 Pet 2:9, Ps 43:3, Is 8:20). In addition, as lights of the world, Christians are reflecting the light of God. God the Father and Jesus are referred to as light (see John 1:4,9,3:19,8:12,9:5, 12:36,46,21:23, Is 60:1,20, 1 John. 1:5, Ps 27:1, Ps 4:6) and therefore Christians as light are merely reflecting (see 1 John 1:7, 2 Cor 3:18, 4:4,6) the truth of God. In Luke 11:33-36, we find that the lamp of the body is the eye. When the eye is good, the whole body will be full of light. The term ‘eye’ in the Bible refers to spiritual understanding (see Acts 26:18, Mat 13:14-16, Is 6:9-10, Luke 19:42, Deut 29:4, Ro 11:8, Rev 3:18, Gen 3:5). Therefore, this passage means that when the eye, or spiritual understanding, is good, the body will be full of light. In other words, when the Christian is able to understand spiritual truth (i.e., when he is saved), he will have spiritual enlightenment to be full of truth and good works in order that he may shine as a light. Therefore, the Christian will be able to proclaim the gospel both in word and in deed. However, when the eye is bad (i.e., unable to understand spiritual truth), the person will be full of darkness (i.e., will not have spiritual under standing) and therefore cannot be a light of the world. The exhortation in verse 35 is to take heed that the light in you is not darkness. In other words, professing believers must be careful that the light that they think they have is not spurious. The professor may think he has ‘received’ the gospel and is saved, but in reality this light may not be authentic and therefore he is in dark ness since his lamp (i.e., spiritual understanding) is bad due to not having the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In other words, if he is in darkness (i.e., does not have spiritual understanding), he is not saved. Therefore, we see from the above study that true Christians are light. They are light because they have been indwelt with the Holy Spirit and therefore have the spiritual under standing and capability to be a light to the world. As the lamp is the instrument of light, so is the eye of spiritual understanding the instrument by which, through the Holy Spirit, Christians can understand and apply spiritual truth in order to be lights of the world. True Christians walk in the light and do not abide in dark ness (1 John 1:6-7, John 12:46). They must let their lamp shine before men so that men will see their good works (Mat 5:16). True Christians are the light of the world (Mat 5:14) and their lights cannot be put out. The wicked, however are in darkness because their lamp has been put out (Pr 13:9). As we have seen from the above paragraphs, the Bible is clear that those who are truly of God’s flock will have their eyes and ears opened to understand spiritual truth. This does not mean they are perfect in wisdom of the Lord. What it does mean is that they have the wherewithal (i.e., the Holy Spirit) to be able to understand and apply spiritual knowledge in order to conform them more to our Lord Jesus Christ. As we shall see in Chapter 21, the amount of a person’s sanctification will depend on their study of the word of God, for it is by the word of God that we grow. In looking at Christendom, there is an abundance of doctrinal confusion. This points to the fact that there are many in the churches of today who truly are unable to properly understand and apply spiritual truth. There are no doubt some who with the zeal for knowledge diligently study the Bible and gain knowledge only to find themselves unable to grasp the things of God. This person cannot have the Spirit of God in them. Then there are others who have given up trying to study the word of God since they realize that it is ‘too difficult’ for them to understand. These also, prove themselves to be devoid of the Spirit.

Chapter 4 – Holy Result #4 – True Christians are Disciples of Christ

“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 10, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

This Scripture forms one of the central doctrines in Christendom. The task of Christians to make converts from all peoples is a very important doctrine in the Christian faith. But, the very verse that is so often used by evangelicals is also a very misunderstood Scripture. As this chapter will clearly show, a true Christian must be a disciple of Jesus Christ. It is important to emphasize from the start that one does not become a disciple in order to be saved, but rather when one becomes converted, then this conversion will result in discipleship. So often in Christendom, we hear the appeal for professing Christians to become disciples of Christ. This notion that a true Christian must also become a disciple is unscriptural. The true Christian is a disciple. The above Scripture spoken to us by the Lord clearly commands us to go and make disciples of all the nations. We do not go and make conversions to later be followed by discipleship. Rather, the act of discipleship is equated with conversion. One becomes a disciple at conversion, then they are baptized with water which symbolizes the real baptism they received at their conversion experience (Romans 6:3-5). Finally, they are taught the word of God in order for them to maximize their progressive sanctification (1 Pet 2:2, 1Thess 2:13). The Greek word used for disciple is maiheteuo. This word in the Greek has the meaning of an individual who learns and follows. There is another Greek word, manthano, which has the meaning of simply learning. Therefore, in the Great Commission Scripture above it is clear that we are to go out and make converts who both learn and follow Christ.

“As He spoke these words many believed in Him. 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.” John 8:30-32

As Jesus was debating with the Jews, there were many who believed Him (verse 30). Jesus was very careful to point out in verses 31-32 an evidence of those who are truly His disciples, namely those who abide in His word. We just saw in Matthew 28:19-20 that a true convert is one who is a disciple. Here again, Jesus equated true belief with those who follow His word. He says that these are disciples indeed. In other words, these are the disciples that are found to be true opposed to the ‘disciples’ who do not follow His word. Jesus affirms in verse 32 that the true disciples will know the truth. This is referring to what was dis cussed in Holy Result #3. A true Christian will be able to under stand spiritual truth; he will know Jesus’ words. He will know Jesus’ words by the illumination of the Holy Spirit and have a zeal for studying the word of God. Finally, Jesus said that they will be made free. This refers to freedom from the power of the flesh over us (Romans 6-8). We are no longer slaves to sin (Ro 6:6), but rather we have been freed to serve the Lord in newness of life. Therefore, in these short verses, we discover the truths of positional and progressive sanctification. By believing Jesus by the grace of God, we are made Jesus’ disciples and we will be revealed the truth of the word of God which will make us free from the slavery of sin.

“I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world. The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us His flesh to eat?’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat of the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and 1 will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live be cause of the father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.” John 6:48-58

Jesus clearly stated that He is the Bread of Life. He is our food. Repeatedly, this passage makes reference to the fact that only those who eat His flesh and drink His blood will receive eternal life (see v. 50, 51, 54, 56, 57, 58). It is remarkable how many times (i.e., 6) Jesus repeated the fact that it is imperative that one eats of Him to have eternal life. In addition, in verse 53, Jesus states the converse that if one does not eat of Jesus flesh, he has no life (i.e., is damned). Many who heard Jesus’ words did not have ears to hear and disbelieved (see verse 64). Jesus is the Bread of life. His words are spirit and life (verse 63). The bread of life refers to Jesus as the spiritual nourishment of all true believers (Mat 4:4). Therefore, it is only those who are truly learning of Jesus and following Him (i.e., disciples) that are saved. Again, the fact that one feeds on Him does not result in salvation but, rather the one who is truly saved by grace will feed on Jesus.

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.“ Matthew 7:24-27

Jesus, in this parable, compares those who hear and does His word compared to those who hear but does not do His word. The ones who heard and did His word were founded on the rock and that rock is Jesus Christ (Mat 16:15,18, 1 Cor 10:4, 2 Sam 22:2). They withstood the challenges of life and withstood testing. However, the one who heard only and did not do Jesus’ words could not withstand the trials of life because his belief was not based on the rock but on sand. Therefore, just as the seed on the rocky and thorny soil sprung forth in belief just to later be scorched and withered due to lack of perseverance (Mat 13:3-9, 18-23), so also is it with the man who only hears but does not follow Christ. He will have a great fall. These are the ones who will say, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’. But, sad to say, Jesus will tell them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”(Matthew 7:21-23).

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. if anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” John 12:24-26 (see also Mat 16:24-27, Lk 9:23-26, Mk 8:34-38)

Jesus is telling us here that they who die to self and the old nature and follow Christ are the true disciples. Those who follow Christ as His disciples will produce much fruit because they have been born again, are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and are feeding on the bread of life. However, he who loves his own life and does not follow Jesus, will indeed lose his life, resulting in eternal death. In verse 26, Jesus says that the Father will honor only those who have followed Jesus and served Him. One who is not a true disciple will not follow. He may hear the word, but he will not be a true follower. As we saw earlier, a true disciple must be a learner and a follower. He must be willing to take up his cross and follow Jesus. Only those who are willing to serve Him prove to be true disciples (see Luke 14:25-27).

An Airtight Case

Many Scriptures either imply or explicitly state that true Christians will be disciples of Jesus Christ. Paradoxically, it is amazing in Christendom today that there is so much discussion on discipleship but it always refers to something a Christian should Strive to be, not what he already must be as a result of his conversion. There have been many books written on how to make disciples out of Christians. People cannot make disciples. Only the saving work of God can make disciples out of men. God can use us to reach people, but it is the work of God in their lives that make true Christian disciples who have their minds set on the things of the Spirit (Ro 8:5). The following are a list of Scriptures which either teach explicitly or imply that true Christians will be disciples. Only minor comment will be made on certain Scriptures since the Scriptures can easily speak for themselves:

“Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, ‘Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” Matthew 8:21-22 (see also Luke 9:57-62)

“As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ So he arose and followed Him.” Matthew 9:9

“So Jesus answered and said to him, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ The blind man [i.e., Bartimaeus] said to Him,”‘Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.” Mk 10:51-52 (see also Lk 18:35-43, Mt 20:29-34)

“Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and chil dren, 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.“ Lk 14:25-27

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps…” 1Peter 2:21

“To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers….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. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” John 10:3-5,26-28

“These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were re deemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.” Revelation 14:4 (italics added)

“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.” 1John 2:19

“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.,,,” John 8:12

“He answered them, I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?” John 9:27

“Do not lay up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

“He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.“ Matthew 12:30 (see also Luke 11:23)

“Now in those days when the number of the disciples was multiplying ….Then the word of God spread and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly.:” Acts 6:1,7 (see also 14:20,28, 15:10, 19:1)6

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, not sits in the seat of the scornful, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night…..The ungodly are not so…” Psalm 1:1-2, 4

It is hoped from the examples given above, that it becomes clear that the Scripture teaches us that to be a Christian is the same as being a disciple. Another interesting illustration of this from Scripture is the account of the young rich ruler found in Mat 19:16-26. In this passage, we find a young man who searching for eternal life (verse 16). He asked Jesus what he must do and Jesus told him that he must do the commandments of God. The young man said he did the commandments but questioned what else he lacked. Jesus told him that he must give away all that he had and follow. He was unable to forsake his worldly goods and follow Jesus as a disciple will. Therefore, we find this moral young man who was searching for eternal life to be unsaved and doomed to hell.

In the Parable of the Talents (Mat 25:14-30), discipleship can also be discerned. In this parable, three individuals are given talents (one was given 5, one was given 2, and another 1). The ones with five and two went and traded with them and gained an equal amount. However, the one with only one did not do anything with his except hide it away. We find out that this individual who was unprofitable was cast into outer darkness (i.e., hell) and therefore proved that he was not saved. The fact that he did nothing with his talent proved that he was not a disciple. A true disciple as we have already learned is one who follows the Lord and will trade with his talents. The true disciple will do something with his talents. In other words, the true Christian cannot help but follow the Lord and be a disciple. In this chapter, we have gone through much Scripture that clearly equates a true believer with one who is also a disciple of Jesus. Even with all this weighty evidence of Scripture, there are still some that teach that one can be saved without resultant discipleship. So often Christendom preaches the necessity of Christians to become disciples. This is not correct. They are already disciples if they are truly saved.

Chapter 5 – Holy Result #5 – True Christians are Sensitive to Sin

Although it is quite evident that a true Christian cannot practice sin, it is also true that every Christian does indeed sin. However, the fact that Scripture and our observations reveal to us that all true Christians do still sin, it is important not to allow this fact to be abused into a justification for sin. As has been made abundantly clear by Holy Results #1 and #2, a true Christian will not practice sin. A true Christian, however, will be aware of his sin and very conscious to when sin occurs in his presence. In fact, the awareness of our sin is a proof of our salvation and the indwelling of God in us.

“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 1:8-10

Because we are Christians, we know we have the truth in us. John 8:30-31 says that if we are Jesus’ disciple, we have His word abiding in us. Additionally, Scripture is clear that God dwells in us (Rom 8:9, Gal 2:20, etc.) and the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit (Rom 8:15-16). In 1 John 1:8, it is clear that those who do not recognize sin in their lives are liars and the truth is not in them. Similarly, verse 10 states that if we say we have not sinned, we make God a liar and His word is not in us. Therefore, it becomes clear that those who deny their sinfulness are indeed not possessors of the truth and do not have the word of God in them. Or, in other words, they are not saved and do not possess the indwelling of God.

A sign of a true Christian will be that he is aware of the sin in him and in the world. True Christians are spiritual and therefore judge all things (1 Cor 2:15). That is, true Christians cannot help but analyze the things they see and make judgments about what is right and what is wrong. If the work of the Holy Spirit is truly occurring in the professing Christian, then the Christian will be growing in sanctification (2 Cor 3:18) and will be taught right from wrong (1 Cor 2:9-16). The professing Christian who claims that he has believed in Christ, but does not have repentance within himself and recognize the need for the atonement of Christ, has not truly had his mind unveiled to the wonderful gospel resulting in salvation. He is blinded by the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4).

The Bible is very clear that the need for repentance is part of the Christian life.

“I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.“ Luke 13:3,5

Jesus told the people that part of having eternal life was repentance (see also Acts 2:38, 17:30, 20:21, 2 Cor 7:9-10). Repentance is turning from a sin lifestyle of self and turning the other way and following God (1 Thess 1:9). Part of the salvation experience is having one’s eyes opened to the need of a Savior and the need for repentance. Jesus came not to call those who are ‘well’, but rather those who are in need of a physician so that they may repent (see Luke 5:30-31). Again, in the book of Acts, it is seen that repentance is a vital part of the true believer’s character. In Acts 11:18, Peter observed that God granted the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life (see Acts 11:18, 5:31). There are many other passages in the Scriptures that refer to the true believer possessing a repentant attitude (e.g., see 2 Tim 2:25). It is important to stress the point that repentance is the result of the work of God in a believer’s life and not the believer’s own doing. All men are rebellious from God in the natural condition (Rom 3:9-23) and salvation comes by grace alone through faith (Eph 2:8-10). That is, God calls man out of no merit he has done (Ro 9:8-24) and enlightens man to the truth of the gospel so that he will repent and follow God. In summary, the Bible makes it clear that true believers will have repentance in their lives and to have repentance they must recognize the sin in their lives.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:22-25

The above Scripture reveals the fact that the doer of the word will be like the man who looks into the mirror and remembers what he looked like. In other words, the doer of the word was sensitive to his own shortcomings that he observed in the mirror of the word of God. He recognized his sin and set out to be obedient to the word of God and make changes as directed by the Holy Spirit (see Holy Result #2). It is important to recognize in this passage that the doer of the word is really the true Christian. This is expanded and proved in James 2:14-20. If there are no works that follow faith, the faith is really dead and the person was never a true Christian but a mere professor only (James 2:17, 26). Therefore, the true Christian will observe his sin in the mirror of the word of God and make the necessary changes that lead the believer on from glory to glory (2 Cor 3:18).

“Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have domin ion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. Psalm 19:12-13

In this Psalm, it is clear that there are secret sins that one is not aware of yet. As we grow in the Christian walk, we become more aware of the right way to live because of the Holy Spirit illuminating the Scriptures to us (1 Cor 2:9-16). In this Psalm, we see a good example of David who although he did not fully recognize all his sins, was sensitive to the fact that sin still existed in his life. The sensitivity to sin that David reveals in this Psalm leads us to probably the most appealed to Scripture by antinomians to prove that it is possible for Christians to practice willful sin:

“For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to 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. 0 wretched man that I am. Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.” Romans 7:14-25

On the surface, this Scripture appears to teach that Paul was not in control of himself. It appears that he was practicing sin. It appears that he knew what was right to do, but was not able to do it. If this was true then his lot would be with the rest of the practicing sinners which is hell (1 Cor 6:9-11, Gal 5:17-21). If we understood this Scripture as teaching that Paul was a sinner, we would be faced with the contradiction of all the assurances in Holy Result #1 that true Christians do not sin. As we have already studied in Holy Result #1, there is a large amount of Scripture that teaches that a true Christian cannot practice willful sin. He will be led and convicted by the Holy Spirit and the chastening of God to change his ways. All men sin, but no true Christian can practice sin.

Let us analyze Romans 7:14-25 to discover the solution to this paradoxical Scripture. In verse 14, Paul clearly states that the law is spiritual and he is carnal (literally, of the flesh). The law is good and spiritual just as God is Spirit (John 4:24). On the other hand, Paul is still in the flesh. Creation is still groaning in travail until now (Ro 8:18-25) and man is still in his earthly body with all of its weak nesses. In verses 15-17, Paul expounds on the statement of verse 14 by stating that he does not do what he wills to do. He under stands what he should do, but he does not find himself doing what he should. He recognizes in verse 17-20, that it is the sin in him that causes him to still sin. At this point, he begins to make a division between what his mind believes and what he actually finds himself doing. In verse 20, he concludes by asserting that evil is within him and causes him to still do wrong. In verse 21-25, Paul recognizes that there is a battle being waged inside himself. The old flesh nature is still there but his spirit is now controlled by the Holy Spirit to will to do what is right. He recognizes the fallen nature of the old self that is still present, but he also recognizes that his mind is now controlled by the Holy Spirit. The key to unlocking the message of this Scripture is found in Romans 8, particularly verse 13:

“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.” Romans 8:13

True Christians in order to live eternally must put to death the deeds of the body. True Christians must overcome the fleshly sin nature and put to death sin in their lives. In 7:14-25. Therefore. Paul was revealing the sensitivity to sin that he had in his life. He recognized that he would still do sin while in the fleshly body. The flesh has weaknesses that cause a person to be tempted and sometimes succumb to temptations. Paul ‘practiced’ sin in the sense that he was always battling with the old sin nature as all true Christians do. But, a true Christian must have the victory over sin and be led from glory to glory (2 Cor 3:18). He must overcome sin. He will have this battle all his life and will in this sense ‘practice’ sin. But, the Scripture is clear in Romans 8:13 that the true Christian who is controlled by the Spirit (see 8:1,4,5,9) will put to death the deeds of the body. He will overcome sin by the working of the Holy Spirit with his spirit (Romans 8:1516). It is a sad state in Christendom when there are teachers that try to use Romans 7:14-25 to say that a true Christian can practice willful sin. It is absurd to believe that Paul himself was a practicing sinner of the sort discussed in Holy Result #1. Paul did not continue in sin. The issue in Romans 7:14-25 was that Paul was sensitive to his sinful nature still within him self. He could see that impulsive acts motivated by the flesh were sin. He kept battling with sin and was being sanctified just as all true believers are in the process of sanctification.

In a sense, Romans 7:14-25 is an issue of degrees. When a person, who is so close to the word of God and the Lord, sees the small gnats in his eyes, he recognizes that he still does sin, albeit the sin is minor compared to other sin. But, then there is the false professor who willfully practices the sin that is serious and obvious like fornication, adultery, idolatry, etc. A true Christian can say that he ‘practices’ sin when he is sensitive to his daily transgressions of a minor nature. However, a true Christian cannot practice such sins that are of such a blatant nature that will be almost immediately eradicated in the true believer’s life. In summary, Holy Result #5 addresses the fact that a true believer will be sensitive to sin. He will judge all things and recognize sin that would not be recognizable to the false professor. The Holy Spirit will convict the true believer of sin and drive out the sin from the believer’s life. The true believer, just as Paul, will be sensitive to those minor transgressions that will plague the believer until the day he is taken up to glory. But, the true believer will overcome sin. As told to us by the Lord:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:3-6

The poor in spirit are those who recognize their weak flesh nature. The meek are those who recognize their need of a Savior due to their fallen state. Those who hunger for righteousness are those who will live by the Spirit to ameliorate sin. They are the truly humble ones who turn from their wicked ways (2 Chr 7:14) and are enlightened to flee from wickedness (Eph 4:17-20). They are the ones who have a broken and contrite heart:

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Ps 34:18 (see also Pr 28:13, Ps 51:1-4)

The professing Christian who is not sensitive to sin proves himself to be devoid of the Holy Spirit. He is unable to understand his sin and therefore will not be able to receive true spiritual growth. Therefore, the false professor will tend to deny the sin that he does because he is unable to discern it:

“Jesus said to them, ‘If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, “We see”. Therefore your sin remains”’. Matthew 9:41

Chapter 6 – Holy Result #6 – True Christians Receive Answer to Prayer

The word of God promises that a true Christian will receive answer to prayer. It is not to be inferred from this statement that all prayers will be answered or that God is a servant to us. This is blasphemous to even suggest such an idea. Unfortunately, in many quarters of Christendom, there is teaching to the effect that if you are a Christian, God is obliged to answer all of your prayers. However, the Bible is clear that a true Christian will receive answer to prayer that is made in God’s will. We must search out and find the Biblical balance between having God answer all our requests on one hand and the notion that Christians are downtrodden and cannot expect any answer to prayer. The true Biblical answer is that a true Christian will receive answer to prayer that is in God’s will.

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:13-15

What becomes clear from this Scripture is that we will receive answer to prayer that is petitioned and is within the will of God. We as Christians cannot expect to receive something that is contrary to the sovereign will of God, which would be something contrary to Scripture. The will of God is perfect. However, we are not yet perfect and we still have sin (1 John 1:8, 10). So we cannot expect to always be able to pray within the will of God. As is clear in Scripture, there are times that we do not even know what to pray for:

“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 inter cession 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.” Romans 8:26-27

In this passage, there are two important points. First, we do not know always what to pray about because of the weakness of our still imperfect state. Second, the Spirit intercedes for us in accordance with the will of God. In 1 John 5:13, the Scripture teaches us that if we do pray in the will of God, we will receive answer to prayer. It is recognized that we do not always know what to pray for. But, if we are truly saved, have the Spirit of God indwelling us, and are growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus (2 Pet 3:18), then there must be many times that a Christian is praying within the will of God. We should not allow ourselves to be fooled into thinking we are almost never able to pray within the will of God. For those times we are praying in the will of God, we are promised answered prayer if we are truly Christians. John is very clear in verses 14-15 that if we know that God hears us, then we know we have those petitions that are asked in the will of God.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him.” Matthew 7:7-11

The Lord commands us to pray. He guarantees us that we will not receive bad things back from God when we pray. As a father will give good things to his son, so it is with the Perfect Father. He will not ignore our requests or give us something harmful to us. For example, as a Christian, if you ask for under standing of a Scripture, God will give it to you. He may do it through the preached word or through other written material or, more likely, He will open the meaning of the word of God through your in-depth study of the Bible. However, one cannot expect God to contradict Himself by mystically opening the deeper truths of the Bible to a person who does not study and show himself approved (2 Tim 2:15). God will not give the meaning of Scripture to those who are not willing to diligently seek God.

We must remember that our prayers are only answered in the will of God. However, if you are diligently seeking the truth through the Bible and you are having trouble understanding a section of Scripture, and you ask God for understanding, rest assured that we are promised He will give us that understanding.

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit so that you will be My disciples.” John 15:7-8

Jesus told us that the Father is glorified (see also John 14:13) when Christians are bearing much fruit (i.e., growing in sanctification). Note the two conditions of this answered prayer. First, we must abide in Him. The term ‘abiding’ is used by John to de note someone who is saved (see 1 John 3:6-7, 24, 4:13-16). Therefore, to receive answered prayer one must first be saved. Second, Jesus tells us that His words must be abiding in the believer. As we learned in Holy Result #4, the true Christian will be a disciple of Jesus Christ and will be growing in the knowledge of the Bible. We must pray in accordance with the will of God found in the Bible. We must have Jesus’ words abiding in us to expect answered prayer. But, for the saved person who prays within the will of God as found in the Bible, he is promised answered prayer. The above Scriptures will now shed light on the following Scripture:

“…Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:22-24

This Scripture has been used by some to teach that Christians have essentially a blank check that they may have whatever things they believed they would receive when they prayed. The key, so they say, is the fact that they had faith to believe when they asked. We must be careful to take all Scriptures into account, including 1 John 5:14-15 where it says that we receive only those things asked in God’s will. But it is important not to gloss over the truth of this passage in Mark. This is a significant promise to believers. True believers must have faith (see Heb 11:6, 2 Cor 5:7, Acts 20:21, etc.). Therefore, a characteristic of true believers is that they will have what they believed they would receive when they prayed. But, it must be in God’s will. It is important to understand that God’s will is sovereign. There are times He chastens us for our benefit (Heb 12:5-10). There are times that he allows us to go through suffering and trials in order to build up our Christian character and patience (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5). Therefore, if we pray for relief from these situations, we cannot expect relief if these situations are the will of God to help us grow in our sanctification. There are times when a true Christian will pray for relief from these situations and no relief comes. In these cases, it is not a sign of a false professor, but rather the sign that the true believer simply did not understand that these suffering were the will of God. When a professing Christian prays for conditions that would normally be in the will of God for a true believer, but continually does not receive answer to prayer, then this is a sign of false profession. For example, consider the following Scripture:

“Seeing that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

This Scripture teaches us that Jesus Christ was tempted with all sorts of sin just like us. If we go boldly to the throne of grace when we are in temptation of sin, he will give us the grace and help we need to overcome our temptations. It is unfortunate that this Scripture is often used only in times of Christian suffering, that the Christian will receive help in his suffering. However, as we have seen and will see again in Holy Result #19, suffering is part of the will of God for the Christian. What the context of this Scripture is teaching us is that a true Christian will receive help in times of need when being tempted with sin. When a Christian finds himself in a tempting situation and if he comes boldly to the throne of grace, he will be given the help he needs. Now, if a professing Christian repeatedly attempts to come to the throne of grace and finds no help in his time of temptation (i.e., he continually sins), then it can be safely concluded that this person is a false professor since a true professor would have received the help he needed. In other words, if an individual says that he has been praying about a sin he is involved with and still cannot seem to get away from the sin, this person cannot be a true Christian.

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray …Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with the oil in the name of the Lord. 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.” James 5:13-16

It is unfortunate that this Scripture is so abused in Christendom today. It is usually understood that if someone is physically sick, he is to be brought to the elders and he will be healed. If the context of the entire passage (i.e., verses 13 through 20) is taken into consideration, it becomes apparent that the suffering and sickness is of a spiritual sort and not just physical. The word for suffering in the Greek is kakopatheo, which means troubled or anxious. It is used elsewhere in the New Testament (see 2 Tim 1:8, 2:3,9, 4:5), and does not necessarily refer to sickness but can refer to any type of spiritual troubling. The word sick used in verse 14 in the Greek is astheneo which could refer to physical sickness or spiritual weariness, but the word sick in verse 15 is kamno and carries the meaning of spiritual weariness. It is true that this passage may refer to physical sickness because the associated word for anointing sometimes points to physical sickness (see Mat 6:17, Mk 6:13, 16:1, Luke 7:38, 46, John 11:2, 12:13). However, the word kamno is also used and in Hebrews 12:3 and Rev 2:3 it does not refer to physical sickness but rather to spiritual problems. Additionally, the contrast in verse 13 be tween suffering and cheerful would more easily lend itself to a , spiritual’ contrast rather than a contrast between one who is only physically suffering and one who is spiritually rejoicing.

It becomes clear then that those who are physically sick because of spiritual sickness are to be brought to the elders. In verses 15-16, the Scripture says the prayer of faith will save the sick (i.e., spiritually weary) and if he has committed sins they will be forgiven. It is a curious thing indeed for the Scripture to tie the forgiveness of sins which are a spiritual issue with a sickness that is only physical. Verse 16 says that if we confess our trespasses to one another, we will be healed. Again, this is not referring to physical healing, but spiritual healing. Finally, verses 19-20 conclude the passage expressly stating the he who turns back the sinner from his wrong way has saved a soul from death and covered a multitude of sins. Verses 19-20 clearly refer back to the ‘healing’ of verses 13-15 and it becomes clear then that this healing is a spiritual healing rather than just a physical healing. As we saw then in Hebrews 4:14-16, the same is true in James 5:13-20. A true Christian will be spiritually healed from his sin if there is confession in prayer.

By spiritually healing the person, any physical sickness that was associated with the ‘spiritual weariness’ will be cured as well. Therefore, this passage should not be understood as a remedy for physical suffering unless the physical is directly caused by a spiritual sickness that can be healed. For the professing Christian who does not receive the ‘healing’ that is promised in James 5:15, it becomes apparent that he was not a true believer at all. He cannot receive the spiritual healing that is the root cause of the sickness since he is not a true Christian. Only true Christians will be able to receive God’s healing (i.e., for spiritual and any associated physical sickness) through the prayer of faith.

The following Scriptures are testimony that a true Christian will receive answer to prayer:

“Lord, you have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear.” Psalm 10:17

“I have called upon You, for You will hear me , O God; Incline your ear to me and hear my speech.” Psalm 17:6

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18

” …for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.“ Matthew 17:20 (see Mat 21:21-22)

“If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23 “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers ….” 1 Pet 3:12

Chapter 7 – Holy Result #7 –True Christians are Progressively Sanctified

The Bible teaches that a true Christian will persevere in his Christian life and become more perfect although not ever reaching absolute perfection. This statement at once raises problems with what is being viewed in Christendom today. Instead of all professing believers growing into maturity, there are many who essentially never grow and remain stagnant. There are others who show some amount of growth only to be followed by a relapse called ‘backsliding’. There may be many cycles of backsliding and repentance in a believer’s life according to Christendom. Finally, another type of professing believer in Christendom today are those who essentially leave the faith in deed not to return but still maintain a simple profession of Christ. Finally, there are those who profess Christ and continue a general trend of growth through their Christian experience. These 4 types of professing Christians are tabulated below:

The Stagnant Believer – never experiences any significant growth

The Backsliding Believer – experiences significant times of rebellion

The Prodigal Believer – departs from the faith except in simple profession only

The Growing Believer – experiences a general trend of growth

The Bible teaches that only the last, the growing believer, is truly saved. Many will be disturbed by this statement due to personal acquaintances, family and friends that may be in one of the first three categories. We truly do not know anyone’s heart and therefore are in no position to precisely know who is saved and who is not saved (1 Cor 4:5). The Bible commands that the wicked be sent out of the church (1 Cor 5:13, Deut 17:17,19:19, etc.), but we are not to question whether they are (or will become) a Christian. We are commanded to exhort and rebuke one another in gentleness and in love (Gal 6:l, Reb 3:13).

The Growing Believer

“But we all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor 3:18

Our face is unveiled due to our ability to understand spiritual truth (see Holy Result #3). We see ourselves in the mirror being transformed into the image of Christ. Step by step, from glory to glory, we all are changed into the glory of Christ. Our sanctification is progressive. Although there is an immediate change when we are saved, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and raised to walk in newness of life (Ro 6:4), we are to continue to grow in Christ. The way to become more holy is by the word of God:

“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” 1 Thess 2:13

It is clear that the truth of the word of God which was handed to us by the apostles in the form of the New Testament will work effectively in us who believe. The key to this passage is that the word of God will work effectively and it does so only in those who truly believe (i.e., the true Christians). Now, if the word of God will work effectively in Christians and, as Holy Result #2 clearly revealed, true Christians will be obedient to the word of God, then it is apparent that true Christians will have to grow as a result of hearing the word of God. Additionally, the true Christian will hunger and thirst for righteousness (Mat 5:6). We must remember that we are God’s workmanship (Eph 2:10) for good works. He is working within us to lead and train us to become more sanctified. God is working in the true believer and will ultimately complete it in the day of Christ (Phil 1:6), The following Scriptures also attest to the fact that true Christians will be progressively sanctified:

“For by one offering, He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” Heb 10:14

“For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one…” Heb 2:11

“Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” 2 Cor 4:16

” …you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5

“My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed . ” In you,… Gal 4:19

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live so berly, righteously, and godly in the present age…” Titus 2:11-12

“…for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Phil 2:13

As can be clearly seen from each of these Scriptures, the true believer will experience growth and transformation within his life. We cannot say that we can experience salvation and remain stagnant and in a state of not growing to some degree. It is recognized that Christians can grow at different rates (see Mat 13:8, 23). However, the teaching of the Bible is that each Christian will grow in holiness. The reader is referred to Appendix A of this book. In the Scriptures listed in the section ‘God is Working in True Christians’ in Appendix A, it is apparent that God motivates and leads Christians to grow. Any doctrine short of teaching the motivating work of God in believer’s for good works is a heretical contradiction of an abundance of Scripture.

The Stagnant Believer

The next question is whether it is really possible for a true Christian to remain in a stagnant position and never experience any true growth. Although it is clear from the above Scriptures that a true Christian will be in a state of being changed from glory to glory, it is necessary to briefly look at 2 parables that address stagnant ‘believers’ (Mat 25:14-30 The Parable of the 10 Talents, Luke 19:11-27 Parable of the 10 Minas). In the Parable of the 10 talents, the Lord states that the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country who gave one servant 5 talents, another two, and another one. The servants with five and two talents, went and did business and gained five and two more respectively. However, the servant with one did nothing and hid his talent. The important part of this parable is the fate of the servant who did nothing with his one talent. In Matthew 25:30, we find that he was cast into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. In other words, he was unsaved and went to hell since ‘outer darkness’ in the Bible refers to eternal death (see Jude 6,13, Mat 8:12, 22:13, etc.). It is clear from this parable that the professing believer who never grows in his Christian life will prove himself to be never saved in the first place. On the other hand, the Christians who went and did business and increased their talents proved them selves to be truly saved.

In Christendom, we are bombarded with all types of self-help books, psychology, and other ‘devotional’ tools in order to help those who are in Christendom grow. However, the book that is the source of growth is their Bible. If they cannot grow by the word of God, their hearts are darkened to the word (Mat 13:10-17) and they are truly not saved.

The Backsliding Believer

In Christendom today, the term ‘backsliding’ is common. The reason it is common, is that there are so many people who are plagued by it. By ‘backsliding’, it is usually referred to those professing Christians who find themselves in seasons of sin where they essentially revert back to living like an unsaved person. The ‘Backsliding Believer’ is temporarily in and out of seasons of sin. The backslider never turns his back on Christianity but is in prolonged seasons of sin. The problem with a backsliding believer being a true Christian is that there is no scriptural evidence to support the notion of a true Christian living in a prolonged season of sin.

The Scriptures reviewed above seem to clearly point to the fact that a believer will continue to grow in his Christian walk. This is not to say that a true believer will not have periods where he may not be as close to the Lord in Bible study and prayer. Therefore, he may be temporarily involved in more sin, but the true believer will generally find that he will come back and use these low times as opportunities for further growth. The chastening of the Lord or the rebuke of other believers will serve to return the true believer into even more growth. The net result of the periods of lapse will be overall growth in the longer term. However, there is no biblical support that a true Christian can ‘backslide’ only to return to the ‘previous’ mediocre condition.

The Prodigal Believer

It is a sad state when leaders in Christendom can make statements to the effect that a person who abandons the faith permanently is truly saved as long as he made some type of decision in the past. The book of Hebrews clarifies for us that a person who departs from the faith is an apostate and was never truly saved in the first place. There are five warning passages in the book of Hebrews that address the fate of apostates. The book of Hebrews was essentially written as an encouragement (Heb 13:22) to a community of mostly Jewish individuals who were facing the problem of having professing Christians who were departing from Christianity and returning to Judaism (Heb 13:22). The five warning passages in Hebrews are as follows: Heb 2:1-4,3:7-4:16,5:11-6:20,10:26-31, 12:18-29. The Hebrews$ 10:26-31 passage will be used to typify the warnings of Hebrews:

“For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 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 under foot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a com mon 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.” Heb 10:26-31

The context of this warning passage is found from verses 23-25. Here we find an exhortation to hold fast to our confession of faith and not to forsake the gathering of ourselves together. In other words, the context of verses 26-31 is addressed to those who have abandoned the faith and no longer associate with the Christian congregation. This is like the case of a person who had made a confession of faith only to later fall away and forsake associating with the church. Verse 26 says that this sin of apostasy is willful rejection of Christ. Since Christ is the only sacrifice (1 Tim 2:5), there are none others. These individuals only have the prospect of fiery judgment resulting in eternal death. Although at one time they believed (not genuine faith), they have rejected the gospel and trampled the blood of Christ. These verses indicate that those who abandon the faith are lost. This is not to say that they lost their salvation for this is impossible as the Scripture teaches. What these verses and the other four warning passages in Hebrews are teaching is that there are individuals that are associated with the Christian faith and may even follow for a while, but will subsequently prove themselves to be apostate in their works because of their departure. It is interesting to note in Heb 10:29 that even a lost individual who is associated with the people of God receives a measure of sanctification. This sanctification is not the divine sort but rather the effect on an individual by tasting the word of God but not ever truly receiving it. In 1 Cor 7:13-14, the Scripture tells us of another instance when someone who clearly is not saved receives a measure of sanctification (i.e., an unbelieving husband is sanctified by the believing wife so that their children may be clean). The issue of a non-believer receiving a measure of sanctification from being associated with true Christians has been a source of great confusion and has led many to misinterpret the five warning passages in Hebrews as referring to those who have lost their salvation.

It is important to understand that the Bible teaches that not all of those who claim the name of ‘Christian’ are indeed Christians. Only those who persevere in the Christian life will be saved. The parable of the Sower and the Seed (Mat 13:39,18-23, Mk 4:3-20, Lk 8:5-15) gives us an excellent example of types of believers that at first believe but later fall away. The Bible indicates that the wayside, the thorny, and the rocky soils are all typical of the unsaved believer, while only the good soil is indicative of the true Christian. Concerning the wayside soil, the Scripture expressly states in Luke 8:12 that they are not saved. The rocky soil are those who hear and receive the word but in times of trials they fall away from the faith. These wither away (Mat 13:6). The term wither away essentially means that they disintegrate. This is not a term that is used of a Christian. Additionally the Scripture teaches that a true Christian will receive and endure suffering (see Holy Result #19). Concerning the thorny soil of those who immediately believe only to abandon the faith to pursue the cares and riches of the world, the Scripture says that they are choked by the thorns. The Greek word rendered ‘choked’ is a very strong term indicating a suffocation. Again, a term not used to describe the fate of a true believer. Additionally, the Scripture tells us that a true believer will not love the things of the world (e.g., see 1 John 2:15-17 and Holy Result #17).

In summary, we see that an individual who commits apostasy is not truly saved. We must be careful not to judge too quickly those who have left the Christian ranks lest we be guilty of trying to discern what only God knows (see 1 Cor 4:5). We do not know, for instance, how long a person is away from the faith before it is a sign of true apostasy. We know that all still sin (1 John 1:8, 10) and that sin may include the temporary falling away from the church. However, it is important to realize that the Scripture is clear that true apostates are unsaved and will receive their part in the lake of fire.

Chapter 8 – Holy Result #8 – True Christians Have Experiential Fellowship with God

“By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us His Spirit.” 1 John 4:13

“He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself.” 1 John 5:10

It is hard to imagine a more clear Scripture on the witness that each true believer has within himself. Every true believer will experience the presence of God Himself in the person of the Holy Spirit living within (see Romans 8:9, 2 Tim 1:14). This is a Holy Result that can only be observed by the true Christian. No one can see the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Others can only observe the results of that working. Because true believers have the Holy Spirit indwelling them, they abide in God (union) and God abides in them (communion). The transaction of union-communion was very notable in the writings of John. John wrote about this topic in his gospel when he quoted Jesus as saying, “At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me and I in you” (John 14:20). When the true believer is in Christ, he abides in him and has union into the body of Christ (see 1 Cor 12:13, John 15:4). When Christ said that He will be in us, this is referring to communion. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all come to dwell in us when we are put in union with God. The working out of God in us’ (Gal 2:20, Ro 8:9) is referring to the intimate fellowship we have with God in our communion with Him. While union refers to the process by which God has saved us (Eph 2:8-9), communion is the process by which God works out through us (Eph 2:10). We are God’s workmanship for good works.

If we are truly saved and have union with God, we are promised that we also have communion with God. We, as Christians, cannot say we are saved and claim union with God and at the same time live a lifestyle of sin and worldliness. For if we do these things, we truly do not have the communion with God which is evidence of God living in us. Prior to our glorification in our spiritual bodies (see 1 Cor 15), we are still in a situation where the sinful nature is still present. However, we have received the down payment of our future glorification:

“Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” 2 Corinthians 1:22 (see also 5:5)

The Holy Spirit was given to us in our hearts as a guarantee of our future glorification with Christ. We have been securely sealed with the Holy Spirit. He is in our hearts and the Holy Spirit works with our human spirit:

“But you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, ‘Abba Father’. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.” Romans8:15-16

This Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit. In other words, the Holy Spirit is present with our spirit and is known to our spirit. Our human spirit is our consciousness. We consciously understand that there is a work going on in our lives. This is very comforting to the true Christian. But, if one who professes to know Christ has never experienced the Holy Spirit at work in their own lives, then they need to examine themselves to see whether they truly are in the faith. For we are given the guarantee of the Spirit so that we have a foretaste, a down payment, that we are abiding in God and He in us. When we are saved, we become new creations in Christ. The old is gone and there is a new nature within us (see 2 Cor 5:17).

The natural question arises as to exactly what is this witness of God that dwells in us. What is the difference when one is converted that they can discern that God dwells in them? This is a question that each believer can only answer for himself since no man knows another’s thoughts. I will venture to describe the experience in my own conversion. When I was converted (i.e., saved), I immediately realized that I had been sinful. Prior to my conversion, it was not clear to me exactly what was right and wrong. When I was converted, the Holy Spirit immediately showed me that Jesus Christ was the righteous standard and all men’s works are as filthy rags (Is 64:6). The Holy Spirit enabled me and gave me the desire and ability to study God’s word. The Holy Spirit convicts my spirit when I do something I know is wrong. He has helped me make decisions in my life that although in the near term I did not understand were in the long term of the most benefit to my sanctification. There has been many instances that I would study topics in the Bible that were reinforced from other sources such as pastors or events. There is a peace in my life that exceeds understanding (see Ro 5:1, Ps 29:11, 4:8, Ps 37). Finally, there is the assurance of knowing who I am in Christ and that He is my Savior. There is a comfort in all trials of life and there is an ability to be a channel of comfort to others (2 Cor 1:3-11).

The Holy Spirit will give us the comfort to be able to persevere through the difficult times in life:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of all mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the suffering of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will be partakers of the consolation.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

A proof of the Holy Spirit within us is the comfort we receive in times of affliction. The Bible is clear that it is appointed for all true Christians to undergo suffering in this life (1 Pet 2:21, Mat 16:24, 1 Thess 3:1-4). However, we also receive the encouragement of God within us that our suffering was predicted by the Lord. We know that in the body we earnestly wait and groan to be clothed with immortality (Ro 8:18-19, Phil 3:20-21, 1 Cor 15, 2 Cor 5:1-4). If a professing Christian finds no comfort when in affliction, but only despair, this may be an indication that this person does not have the Holy Spirit indwelling him. This, of course, would mean that he is not saved. The Bible says that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to endure, but will provide escape (1 Cor 10:13). We, as true Christians are not above our Lord, we must expect suffering. But since we have this fellowship with Christ (1 Cor 1:9) and Christ dwells within us (Gal 2:20), we have the inner witness of comfort to help us though all trials that are sure to come.

In summary, it is clear from Scripture that every true believer will have a witness of the Holy Spirit within himself. It is recognized that caution must be exercised when examining oneself in this area. For those who were converted later in life, it is a simple matter to see the change effected at conversion (2 Cor 5:17). One who has lived in sin following the ways of the world can readily see the newness of life he has when saved. This newness of life should not be confused with an emotional experience, although an emotional experience often accompanies true con version. The emotional experience may occur for reasons other than the true indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Rather, one can notice the fellowship of God within himself by his ability to do the other 19 Holy Results. A true witness of the Holy Spirit will result in an ability to understand spiritual things, a conviction of the Holy Spirit when we do things that are wrong, a repulsive ness for the materialism of the world, and a change in behavior from the former old nature of sin to the new nature of righteous ness (see Ro 6 and 8).

Another area of caution concerns the individual who was converted early in life. At an early age, this person may never have fully understood his sin nature. He may have been saved as a child and does not recall his former conduct. The witness of the Holy Spirit within him may be so natural that he has forgotten what it is like to not have this inner witness. Rather the person who professed Christ at an early age must not so much look for the change that he experienced but rather at the current state of affairs in his life. The same witnesses such as understanding spiritual truths and freedom from the worldly desires of materialism will be the criteria for examining himself.

Finally, caution must be exercised in the area of misunderstanding one’s own desires for that of the Spirit. For example, everything we decide to do is not necessarily directed by the Holy Spirit, for then we would make the Holy Spirit the author of sin since we all occasionally sin. We cannot use the Holy Spirit to excuse our own laziness or other occasional sins. For example, someone that says that they are led by the Spirit to do that which is contrary to Scripture, cannot be truly led by the Spirit in this case. We must be careful in discerning between the witness of the Spirit that occurs in our consciences and that of our own fleshly nature.

Chapter 9 – Holy Result #9 – True Christians Receive God’s Chastening

Although to the natural man it may not seem to make sense, God’s chastening of all His children is vitally important to their overall growth. Just as the Bible commands parents to not spare the rod (Pr 22:6) and for fathers to train their children (Eph 6:4), so it is with God the Perfect Father. He must correct all His children so that they will progress in sanctification.

Because of the apparent universal evil that happens to all people, it may at first glance seem difficult to truly distinguish between God’s chastening and the normal course of evil in the world. However, the true Christian will at those occasions of God’s chastening realize that it is of divine origin. There will be a link between the chastening and some behavior that the Christian has done although this behavior may not be readily evident to the Christian. It would be an easy matter for the false Christian professor to mistake evil that happens to him as God’s chastening. Therefore, caution should be exercised in evaluating oneself (2 Cor 13:5) because the false professor can easily mistake evil that happens to him as God’s chastening when it is not and be fooled into thinking that he is truly saved because he has this evil befallen him. That is why one must examine himself against all 20 Holy Results to see if he is truly in the faith.

“And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as sons: ‘My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives …’ If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Hebrews 12:5-10 (see also Pr 3:11-12)

The passage in Hebrews quotes the words of Proverbs. Hebrews 12:5-10 clearly refers to the chastening that God administers to the true Christians. The passage says that it is whom the Lord loves that He chastens. If we are a true Christian we are beloved sons. Verse 7 clearly states that there is no son that the Father does not chasten. As true Christians, none of us are above the discipline of God. Verse 8 says that if we are not chastened, then we are illegitimate sons. If, as a professing Christian, you have never experienced any chastening of God, you should examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith. Additionally, it should be a sober warning to those who teach that Christians should never experience difficulties. This is the so-called ‘health, wealth, and prosperity’ gospel that is so popular today. For even the Psalmist in Ps 118:18 experienced severe chastening of the Lord.

In verse 5, the Greek word for chastening is paideias, which literally means instruction. It is the same word used in Eph 6:4 referring to fathers training their children and in 2 Tim 3:16 rendered instruction in regards to the effectual nature of the word of God. The word originally meant the instruction of children, but evolved to hold the meaning of chastening. The Greek word nouthesia found in Eph 6:4 as admonition (see also Titus 3:10, 1 Cor 10:11) refers to instruction by word (see also Pr 4:10-13) while paideias is used to instruct by action. In other words, the meaning of the term chastening in Heb 12:5 takes on the Biblical meaning of those actions that God does in a true Christian’s life in order to instruct him in righteousness. One example of many in the Bible that can be understood as chastening of God is that of Paul’s thorn (2 Cor 12:1-10). Here, God in His ultimate sovereignty and wisdom knew that Paul needed this thorn in order to keep Paul in a humble relationship toward the Lord. The Lord knew that the strength of God was sufficient for Paul instead of Paul attempting to operate in his own strength. Although the exact nature is uncertain concerning Paul’s thorn and many theories have been submitted, the important thing for us to learn from this passage is that God will use the physical realm in order to instruct us in His righteousness.

“And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. Deliver me from all my transgressions; Do not make me the reproach of the foolish. I was mute, I did not open my mouth, because it was You who did it. Remove Your plague from me; I am consumed by the blow of Your hand. When with rebukes You, correct man for iniquity, You make his beauty melt away like a moth; surely every man is a vapor.” Ps 39:7-11

When God rebukes His people, it is done to correct them (see Ps 119:65-68, 75) and make man understand his position in relationship to God. Man is plagued by pride. In verse 11, the correction of God is used to show man that he is but a vapor (see James 4:13-14) and that his ‘beauty’ is but nothing in the presence of the glory of God. Although the theme of this book is that true Christians will not practice sin, it is also true that we are not yet perfect (1 John 1:8, 10). Because of our imperfection, it is necessary for God to instruct us by deed (Heb 12:5, 10) and by word (2 Tim 3:16) so that we will grow toward perfection (see Col 1:28). In this sense this Holy Result is akin to Holy Result #3 concerning the Christian’s ability to understand spiritual truth. In Holy Result #3, the Christian is taught by word. In this Holy Result, the Christian is taught by deed and experience. Both of these Holy Results work together in sanctifying the true Christian from glory to glory (2 Cor 3:18). The true Christian should be thankful and not despise the chastening of the Lord (see Job 5:17). The chastening of the Lord is for our benefit.

As mentioned earlier, the book of Proverbs is essentially a book written from God to his true children in order to instruct them in righteousness (Pr 1:1-6). There are many instances in Proverbs that God warns us to appreciate the chastening and correction that we receive. This is important to our sanctification. Proverbs tells us that a wise man will be wiser still with instruction (Pr 9:8-9). He is on a pathway to life (Pr 10:17), and will prevent his destruction and ruin (see Pr 13:18, 29:1) if he heeds instruction. Those who have believed that they do not receive any chastening from God, are they not illegitimate sons and therefore unsaved (Heb 12:8)?

Chapter 10 – Holy Result #10 – True Christians are Led by the Spirit of God

In Holy Result #8, it was seen that the true Christian has an experiential fellowship with God as a result of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Ro 8:9, Gal 4:6, 1 Cor 2:12, Eph 1:13, 2 Tim 1:14). The true Christian will experience a change in his life that will prove to him that the Holy Spirit is truly present within him (Rom 8:15-16). As the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit, we experience fellowship with Him. We have become one spirit with the Lord (1 Cor 6:17). The Holy Spirit also leads us in the things we do. Jesus promised the disciples that He would send the paraclete, or Helper, so that they would be taught and have brought to remembrance all things that Jesus taught them (John 14:26, 15:26, 16:13). The Holy Spirit is therefore our Helper:

“Likewise the Spirit also helps us in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes inter cession 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.” Romans 8:26-27

It is plain from this Scripture that the Holy Spirit assists us in our prayers because we do not always know what to pray for. We are limited in our knowledge and abilities. Therefore, there are times that we do not realize what needs to be done and what should be prayed for. However, the Holy Spirit intercedes in order that the sovereign purpose of God may be fulfilled.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” 2 Tim 1:7

Because we have the Holy Spirit indwelling us as true believers, we have been given the ability to be overcomers over our flesh nature (Ro 6:5-8). We have a Spirit of power through the gifts He has given us for the service of the ministry (see 1 Cor 12, Eph 4:11-16, Holy Result #15). Therefore, we are able to do things to serve the Lord that we would not otherwise be able to do. We also have the Spirit of love. We, in our fleshly state without the Spirit of God, cannot truly love others (1 John 4:7-10, Holy Result #16). Although unsaved people can do things that appear to be loving, the motives are from a selfish nature because that is the nature of the unredeemed (Ro 3:10-18). Finally, the Spirit has given us a sound mind. Our minds as Christians have been illuminated in order to have the ability to understand spiritual truth (1 Cor 2:9-16, Holy Result #3). True Christians will, as disciples of Christ, follow and learn from Jesus through His word, the Bible. So far, we have seen that the Holy Spirit has given us abilities to live the Christian life. But, the point that is important to be stressed in this chapter is that the Holy Spirit also leads us in the things we do. The philosophy of free will immediately become a stumbling block to some. However, it is important to understand the careful balance between man’s options in the things he does and the leading of the Holy Spirit in the lives of true Christians. God’s purpose for all Christians is that they do good works. We are His workmanship (Eph 2:10) and in the final judgment all are to be judged at the judgment seat of Christ by their works done in the flesh. It is true that we are saved by grace alone (Eph 2:8-9), but God is leading us to do the good works that His holiness demands (Habakkuk 1:13):

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…” Eph 3:20

God is working in us. He has not given us the Holy Spirit to lie dormant within us. This is what Christendom today would have you believe of so called carnal or ‘backslidden’ Christians. However, the Bible, on several occasions, teaches us that God is at work in us to lead us into all righteousness. To discover the delicate balance between a believer’s free will and the leading of the Holy Spirit, we must return to Romans 8 (see Appendix A). The following argument summarizes the teaching of Romans 8:

Every true Christian has the Holy Spirit indwelling him (Rom 8:9)
If the Holy Spirit indwells a person, then he will have his mind in the Spirit rather than the flesh (Rom 8:9)
Those who have their minds in the Spirit will live in the Spirit (Ro 8:5)
The righteous requirement of the law is fulfilled in those who walk according to the Spirit (Ro 8:4)
There is no condemnation for those who walk according to the Spirit (Ro 8:1, l3)

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.” For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the spirit of adoption by whom we cry out ‘Abba Father’. The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” Romans 8:14-16

The Scripture is clear that only those who are led by the Spirit of God are the true sons of God. The Greek word for led carries the meaning of one who is willingly led. This is important in our study. The true Christian is willing to allow the Holy Spirit to lead Him through life. In other words, the spirit of a man will submit to the Spirit of God (see Holy Result #2, Christians will be Obedient to the Word of God). He who is in us is greater than He who is in the world (1 John 4:4). This is a very significant fact. Just as God chose us out of the world contrary to our depraved nature (Ro 3:9-23), he has given us the Spirit that is all powerful and will work with our human spirit. He is the potter and we are the clay (Ro 9:21). The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit (Ro 8:16) that we are the children of God. The Holy Spirit is stronger than our spirit and therefore we will follow. We are not forced to follow, but as the Scripture reveals to us in Ro 8:14, we will gladly follow. The reader is referred to Appendix A, ‘God is Working in True Christians’. This Appendix lists Scripture which proves that God is at work in us to produce good works and therefore, the result is that we are led by God.

The fact that God works in His people is contrary to the notion that a true Christian can live a life of rebellion from God and His teachings. Those that teach this are essentially saying that the spirit of a man is greater than the Spirit of God and will be able to rebel against the indwelling Spirit. This is Scripturally inaccurate. All true Christians will be led by the Spirit (v. 14) in order to put to death the deeds of the body (v.13). The Spirit of God will lead us from glory to glory (2 Cor 3:18). Christians still must diligently strive to be more yielded to the Spirit. Of course, this is God’s work and God will determined the type and amount of fruit which the Christian will yield. We must still battle against the lusts of the flesh (Gal 5:17). The lust of the flesh will try to get us to do the things we should not do. But, if we are true Christians, we are led by the Spirit (Ro 8:14, Gal 5:18). We will no longer practice the lusts of the flesh, for the Scripture is plain that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal 5:19-21). But the divine paradox is that although we are led by the Holy Spirit, we must more find ways to yield and learn so that we will walk in the Spirit and grow all the more (see Gal 5:25) and through God’s enabling power, we will (Phil 2:13).

The following Psalms teach us that those who are of the true flock of God will be led into paths of righteousness:

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; he leads me besides still waters. He restores my soul; he leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23

“You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance…” Psalm 32:7

“He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works …Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him; On those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.” Psalm 33:15,18-19

“The angel of the lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Psalm 34:7

Chapter 11 – Holy Result #11 – True Christians Love Jesus

Although this Holy Result is obvious (or, at least it should be), it is important to examine this Holy Result since there are many in Christendom who profess Jesus but do not have love for Him. Although Christians also deeply agape love Christ, in this chapter, love is meant to be also the phileo type of love which can be defined as brotherly affection. In other words, it is the affection that a friend would have for another. True Christians must demonstrate a daily walk with Jesus as a friend (Eph 6:24). They must find themselves in daily contact with Him through Bible study (2 Tim 2:15) and prayer (1 Thess 5:17). They must trust Him in all aspects of their lives and involve Him in all their deci sions and actions (Col 3:17).

“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.” Matthew 10:37

The word used in this Scripture for love is phileo. Jesus is telling us that a truly saved person (i.e., the worthy one) will have more brotherly affection for Jesus than he will for even his most immediate family. The truly saved one will count his time of prayer and Bible study with Jesus to be more of value than even his relationships with his immediate family. This statement will surely raise concerns with some, but it is the clear teaching of Scripture. This Scripture does not mean that we are to ignore our family and not be concerned with them, for then we would be worse than an unbeliever (1 Tim 5:8) and in violation of Scripture. The issue is priority. We must serve God before man (Acts 5:29). We cannot use the excuse of wanting to spend time with our family in front of the television at the expense of Bible study and prayer. We cannot inordinately spend time in fellowship with friends, family and other brethren at the church at the expense of our relationship with Jesus. Again, this does not mean that we do not spend time with other believers for surely this is a command of Scripture (Heb 13:1, 1 Pet 2:17, etc.), but we must check out our hearts to ensure the proper balance and priorities exist.

The above Scripture also points out that if one does not have this brotherly affection for Jesus, they are not worthy of Him. In other words, they are not truly saved. In John 5:23, the Scripture tells us that he who hates Jesus will also hate the Father. Those individuals who truly do not have any fellowship and affection for Jesus outside of showing up at church once per week, singing some hymns, and listening to a 20 minute message cannot be saved. They cannot live their lives all week outside of friendship for Jesus. They cannot ignore reading their Bible, praying and serving Jesus during the week and think that they are saved because they go to church for 1 hour per week. No man can serve God and mammon for either he will love one or the other. They will be friends with Jesus and serve God if they are truly saved.

“If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed.” 1 Cor 16:22

This is the fate of those who do not have that brotherly affection and friendship with Jesus. Paul emphatically warned those at Corinth who were in pursuit of wisdom, false spirituality and preeminence, that if they did not love (phileo) Jesus, they were to be accursed. The Greek word for accursed is anathema which means cut off from blessings from God. This is a word that is used to denote those who are not saved and in hostile opposition to God. Similarly, those who do not have the friendship relation ship with Jesus will likewise be accursed. They will find them selves in a position of not being with Christ and therefore not ministering together with Him. Rather, they will find themselves in a position of scattering abroad (see Matthew 12:30, Luke 11:23). The following are two other Scriptures that testify to the fact that true Christians will love Jesus:

“And we know that all things work together for those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 “…whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9

Chapter 12 – Holy Result #12 – True Christians Love the Brethren

“In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not marvel, my brethren if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” 1 John 3:10-17 (see also 2:9-11)

Nothing could be clearer than what is said in this passage. If a professing Christian does not love his brother in Christ but hates him, he is not truly saved. In this passage, the word love is agape, which signifies a selfless, giving attitude towards another. It is different from the phileo type of love which has the meaning of brotherly affection. John is very careful to point out to us in this passage that the children of God will agape love his brother. On the other hand those who are not saved, the children of the devil, will not agape love his brethren. In verse 11, John reminds us that the message of love is what we have heard from the beginning. That is, love is the central duty of man (1 Tim 1:5, 2 John 4-6, Pr 10:12, Ecc 12:13-14). By saving us, we have become God’s workmanship to do good works (Eph 2:10). These good works go into producing the end result of love. We are truly saved by faith alone, but our works will prove our faith for faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26). If a professing Christian cannot love his brother, he proves that he was never saved. For if he was saved, the Holy Spirit indwelling the Christian would lead the Christian into all truth and work in us in order to produce fruit.

In the above Scripture, John gives us an example from the Old Testament of hate for one’s brother. Cain was jealous of Abel’s good works and killed righteous Abel. Cain was not able to love his brother since he did not have the Spirit of God. John goes on to demonstrate in verse 14 that our ability to love our brethren in Christ is proof that we have passed from death to life (i.e., were saved). We should all examine ourselves as we are commanded in Scripture (See 2 Cor 13:5) to see whether we truly love our brethren. It is evident that the ability to love our brethren is a proof of true salvation.

But, what exactly does it mean to agape love our brethren? In verses 16 and 17, John gives us examples. The first example is the ultimate example of love. We should have the motive and desire to do all for the benefit of our brother, even the giving of our own lives to save a brother. Admittedly, we do not know what any of us would do for sure if presented with the situation of choosing between our own lives and the life of our brother. But, what is clear in Scripture is that our life must be characterized by the selfless love that is idealized in the offering of our own lives. We must have our interests directed to our brothers in need. Inherent in the first example is the obverse of love: hate. Cain hated his brother and ultimately killed him. The Bible teaches us that he who hates his brother is as a murderer.

The second example concerns one who owns many things and sees his brother in need, but decides to ignore him and let the less endowed brother to suffer. We must be careful in this verse to recognize that this is a brother in need, not just a brother who has less physical resources. This verse does not teach communal living. What it does teach us is that one who is truly in need will be helped by a brother who is a true Christian. In Christendom, there is what appears to be love of the brethren but is it really? Love of the brethren is not being polite and saying hello and shaking hands when we see our brother. It is not only sending a card to a brother suffering, although there is nothing wrong with that. True love that has to be characteristic of true believers is the willing attitude to get involved in a brother’s life to the point of our own sacrifice. A true Christian will be glad to offer his help to the benefit of the brother. But, if there is a professing brother who habitually does not want to be involved with other brethren, help the brethren in their needs, or be willing to share their talents with the brethren, how can the Spirit of God truly live in them? If a Christian is content on being on the sidelines of the Christian body and not actively loving the brethren, how can he truly be saved?

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us…God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him…If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar, for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him; that he who loves God must love his brother also.” 1 John 4:11-12,16, 20-21

John continues later in his epistle to emphasize the absolute need of love to be present in a true believer’s life. Jesus even told us that by our love for one another, people will know that we are true Christians (see John 13:34-35). Because God is love and we have God indwelling us, we will begin to be able to love our brethren. As Paul told Timothy, we have received a Spirit of love (2 Tim 1:7). We will find that we are liars and not true possessors of the Spirit if we say that we are Christian but do not love our brethren. In John 5:1-2, we are told that because we love God who has saved us, we must also love others that were saved. How can we say that we love Jesus, but hate part of His body?

We recall from 1 Corinthians 13 that love is defined as certain behaviors including:

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 1Cor 13:1-7

In summary, love is wanting the best for our brother and doing no harm. If we love our brother, we will want to share spiritual things and our spiritual gifts.

Before leaving Holy Result #12, it is necessary to look more at examples of true agape love that must be present in every believer’s life. In 3 John 9-11, we find Diotrophes who loved preeminence in the church. He jealously sought to be pre eminent by excluding others from ministering at the church. He even did not receive the apostle John. Instead of encouraging others to minister in his church assembly for the edification and building up of the saints (see Eph 4:11-16), he rather would have the sheep suffer so that he could receive all the preeminence. In this example, Diotrophes did not love the brethren. This example would be similar to present day Christendom, in some of the bitter politics that goes on in churches. For example, if a pastor or other individuals who want to biblically minister in the church is prevented from doing so by others, then those who prevent the ministers are similar to Diotrophes. They would rather protect their domain and turf rather than sharing in ministry with others who are qualified and able to do so. Each believer has gifts to offer the church (see 1 Cor 7:7, 1 Cor 12) and must be encouraged to minister. For only in this way will the entire body receive maximum benefit in receiving all the different gifts of the Spirit. How much do we see in today’s Christendom cases of those who are Christian and want to minister and are excluded due to selfish 96 status seeking by others? Another example of love that a Christian is to demonstrate is that of giving. We have already seen the necessity of giving to brothers in need in 1 John 3:17. This is also supported by 2 Cor 8:8 where Paul tells the Corinthians that their giving attitude is a test of the sincerity of their love. The giving was for the saints at Jerusalem who were extremely poor because of being ostracized by the Jews. They were in desperate need of financial resources. How about in Christendom today? A true Christian must be willing to give of his financial resources to help other Christians in need. The need is great, especially over seas. True Christians will show an open heart of giving to those Christians in need and will be truly blessed for his actions in this area (see Psalm 41:1-3).

Chapter 13 – Holy Result #13 –True Christians Do Not Harm the Church of God

The Bible tells us that the true Christian will not harm God’s people (the true church) by causing divisions thereby, inhibiting the work of the Holy Spirit. Rather a true Christian is told to maintain the unity of the Spirit (Eph 4:3) and to strive for edification. When one is with the brethren and outwardly promotes strife and division in the church based on false doctrine, then they are actually serving their own bellies (Phil 3:18) and not serving the interests of the Lord. This Holy Result is akin to Holy Result #14 which concerns false teaching in the church. In this chapter, we will briefly touch on the matter of division amongst God’s people and not that concerning the divisiveness of false teaching. We will leave the Scriptural matter of false teaching in the church to the next chapter.

“If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, for which temple you are.” 1 Corinthians 3:17

Paul warns the Corinthians that if anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. It is important to understand that the temple discussed in this passage is that of the any gathering or group of true Christians and not to the individual Christian. The fact the temple refers not to the individual, but to a group of Christians, becomes clear on the basis of the context and other grammatical reasons. The word destroy in the Greek is phtheiro. This word is derived from the word that means to corrupt completely and decay. This term is normally spoken of the state of eternal death (see 1 Cor 15:33, Eph 4:22, Jude 10, Rev 19:2). Also, since the context of the passage was addressing the judgment of the last day and the believer’s rewards, it is clear that the context also implies judgment day.

The reference to the defilement of the temple of God also looks back to the Old Testament. In the Old Testament, it was clear that God would cut off from Israel those who defiled the sanctuary of God due to uncleanness and sin (see Lev 15:31, 20:3, Num 19:20, Ps 74:3, 79:1, Ez 5:11, 7:22, 23:38-39, Zeph 3:4). It is clear from 1 Cor 3:17 that God will eternally judge those who habitually harm the true church of God. This is not to say that any of us at one time or another has not done something to harm another Christian. Maybe we did something in public which was a poor witness, or we said or did something amongst Christians that was not edifying. We must remember that we all have sin and are still growing in grace (2 Cor 3:18). However, if one continually and willfully defiles the local congregation, then this is a symptom of one who is not truly saved.

“I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them does not receive us. Therefore, if 1come, 1 will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” 3 John 9-11

A very sad situation indeed. Here we have a certain one named Diotrephes, who did not want to receive John. The reason he did not want his influence on the church was that he wanted to have preeminence. In other words, he wanted to be the one to have control and he was jealous of sharing his ministry with John. Diotrephes went so far in this madness that he would not allow those in the church to receive other brethren. Diotrephes was selfish. He did not want any outside influence on his ministry so that he would always have the limelight. When one has such an attitude of selfishness in ministering to the point of harming other Christians, this is an indication of the lost nature of that person. Verse 11 teaches us that he who does this type of evil is not of God. In other words, they are not saved. The true minister will want to equip the saints for ministry and edify the body of Christ (see Eph 4:11-12). In today’s churches, we find a maze of politics, selfish ambition, cliques, divisions caused by a Babylon of different doctrines and disunity.

No one man has the gifts of the Spirit l Cor 12:29-30). Therefore, no one man is complete in himself in order to minister to others. The Scripture tells us that the church is like a body which has many different members (see Eph 4:16, 1 Cor 12). Not all members have the same function. But, we need each other in order to work properly together. But, when some parts of the body are shunned for selfish interests, the love of God is not in those who exclude the members. Jesus warned us in Matthew 12:30 that he who does not gather with Him in the ministry actually scatters abroad. In other words, those who are opposed and contrary to ministering for edification are not with Jesus. They scatter abroad and cause division and confusion instead of ministering with Jesus. They are working against the Lord in His ministry (see Also Luke 11:23).

Chapter 14 – Holy Result #14 – True Christians Do Not Teach False Doctrine

There are many warnings in the New Testament concerning false doctrine. The false doctrine warned against include antinomianism, legalism, asceticism, and heresies about Jesus Christ. It is interesting to note that those who habitually propagate these false doctrines are normally referred to as unsaved people in the Bible. In a society where pluralism and ecumenism is the order of the day, these verses must raise concern to the Christian that is seriously studying the word of God. These verses should bring sobriety to the fate of some who are leaders in the Babylonian church today and seem to be pillars but in reality are deceivers. A true Christian must be careful with this Holy Result so as not to endeavor in a witch hunt of heretics. However, it is necessary for the church to stand up and earnestly contend for the faith as we are commanded to do so (Jude 3-4). Part of earnestly contending for the faith will be confronting heretics.

Before entering into an examination of the Scripture concerning the fact that no true Christian can habitually propagate false doctrine, it is necessary to press home some points. First, we must not concern ourselves with those minor points of differences of Scriptures. However, when doctrines concerning Christ (Prophet, Priest and King) which would naturally include His person and work, then we must be more discerning. The Scripture is clear that he who does not hold to the doctrine of Christ is a false teacher and not saved (2 John 7-9, Phil 1:27-28). The doctrine of Christ would include matters such as the deity of Christ, salvation by grace alone, holiness and the nature and interpretation of the Bible. The issue of sanctification (which is the stumbling block of the antinomians) is another proof of a true teacher. The Bible is clear that those who endorse ungodliness (Jude 4) are false teachers and not truly saved. Another point that needs to be stressed is the importance of the Bible. If we have no agreement on the authority of the word of God, then it is hard to debate points of doctrine. For one who does not hold to the authority of the Bible could simply say that the portion under debate is not inspired. Therefore, the debate would be unfruitful because of a fundamental difference on the basic premises of the arguments. Throughout this work, it is with the deep conviction that the Bible is the plenary, verbal, infallible, authoritative, spiritually interpreted, inspired word of God (see 2 Tim 3:16).

We must be careful not to let feelings get in the way of what the Bible teaches concerning Holy Result #14. We must clearly analyze the Scripture to understand what God tells us of those who preach a false doctrine of antinomianism, legalism, asceticism, and Christological heresies.

Antinomianism

“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.” Jude 4

The Scriptures teach us in this verse that men have crept in unnoticed into the church. The Greek for ‘crept in’ has the meaning of ‘settled alongside’. Therefore, it is apparent that they have been accepted in the church body and are in fellowship (i.e., alongside). However, the verse says that they are ungodly and turn the grace of our Lord God into lewdness. These men are antinomians. They have denied the necessity of living a holy life in obedience to God. There are many men who have crept into the church who teach that all one needs to do to be saved is make a ‘decision for Christ’ and it is allowable to be a carnal Christian, live like the world and sin all they want because God is a loving God (although they probably will not openly endorse such a lifestyle). What is forgotten is that God is also a Holy God. The Bible teaches us that while it is true we are saved by no work we have done, a true Christian is God’s workmanship (Eph 2:10). God is shaping us and training us to be holy. We are given the Holy Spirit to lead and help us. Christ dwells in us (Gal 2:20). We must show evidences of all 20 Holy Results to prove the genuineness of the grace that is within us.

The men referred to in verse 4 are ungodly. That means they do not have the reverential fear of God in them. They believe it is acceptable to practice sin as a Christian. They have turned the grace of God into lewdness. The Greek word for lewdness has the meaning of having no restraints. It is similar to the philosophy denounced in Romans 6:1-2 that if we sin more there is more grace to abound. This is essentially the exact opposite of sanctification. Instead of growing in holiness, these men ‘turn’ the gospel of Christ into lewdness by teaching that true Christians can continue in sin. The Greek word for tum is literally ‘perverting’. Therefore, while they hold to grace in creed, they effectively pervert the gospel to allow for continuing sin. They set their minds on earthly things, whose god is their belly, whose end is destruction (Phil 3:17-19, also 2 Cor 2:17).

It is necessary to pause at this juncture to think about today’s church. The church is full of leaven (Mat 13:33) which is essentially sin and false doctrine. Everywhere we tum, we face reports of those in the church who are caught up in practicing sin. The church leaders and others who allow for such conduct in their churches without enacting the appropriate church discipline, are they not turning the grace of our Lord into lewdness?

Verses 5 through 13 of Jude go on to equate the antinomians of verse 4 with examples of individuals from the Old Testament that are doomed to eternal destruction. In these verses, it becomes clear that the fate of the antinomians is the blackness of darkness forever in eternal hell (verse 13). They are not just a ‘little liberal’, they have run greedily in the error of Baalam, gone in the way of Cain, and will perish as those in the rebellion of Korah (Verse 11). Verse 12 says that they are clouds without water. In other words, they may look hopeful of producing rain, but they are empty and worthless. They do not produce the fruits of righteousness that needs to be evident in every true believer’s life.

“Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.” Jude 14-16

Here we see the judgment of the antinomians. They will be consumed by the breath of His mouth. They receive wrath because they are ungodly, they have walked according to their own lusts, and they teach false doctrine mouthing great flattering words (see 1 Tim 4:1-5). These false teachers themselves do the lustful acts of the world that are characteristic of the unsaved. They teach these things also. They speak flattering words and are probably well-liked by those in the professing church who are unsaved. Why not? For they allow the sin of what they do to be acceptable in the church. How many teach that God’s grace is free and that we may continue in our sin because God is all loving and therefore, sin is to be tolerated in one’s life. How much easy-believism has resulted in a leavened church just as the Lord prophesied (Mat 13:33)?

“But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit? Jude 17-19

They do not have the Spirit since they are not truly saved (Rom 8:9, etc.). They are those who have crept in alongside the true Christians in the church by teaching lewdness and the continuance in sin. Of course, they must cause divisions with the true Christians (1 Cor 11:19), since true Christians will see the sin and not want to be associated with that which is unholy. True Christians will thirst and hunger for righteousness (Mat 5:6). Let us heed Paul’s warning to Timothy:

“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.” 1 Tim 6:3-5

Legalism

The next type of false doctrine which is symptomatic of false teachers who are unsaved is legalism. If an individual persists in serious legalism to the point of departing from the gospel of Christ, than this individual is not saved according to Scripture. This doctrine is essentially the opposite of the previous false doctrine of antinomianism. While antinomianism perverts the gospel by asserting that it is perfectly acceptable to maintain a lifestyle of sin, legalism perverts the gospel by seriously limiting Christian freedom to the point of perverting the gospel. The legalist will require many rules and laws that are outside Biblical commands for New Testament believers. The legalist will say that certain requirements outside of Biblical commands need to be present in the believer to merit salvation. Examples would include circumcision or baptism. To say that one can only be saved by being circumcised or baptized is a perversion of the grace of God. There are many legalistic churches and teachers especially in ‘fundamental’ churches. There is a significant amount of legalistic practices (e.g., women not allowed to wear pants, abstinence from all alcohol, patronizing restaurants that serve liquor, etc.). However, these type of practices do not necessarily constitute teaching by unsaved persons who pervert the gospel. As long as the gospel is taught that salvation is by grace alone and nor by works, then legalistic type of teachers are not necessarily amongst the unsaved.

“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-9

In this Scripture, the apostle Paul marvels that the Galatians were turning away from the true, pure gospel to a different gospel. The pure gospel is the gospel of grace (Gal 1:6, 2:16, Eph 2:8-10). This is the free gift that God has given to those who have believed. The Greek word for pervert used here is metastrepho, which has the meaning of transforming something into its opposite character. This is what the false teachers in Galatia did. They took the true gospel of grace and attempted to add to it the need to keep the Jewish law as well. This is why Paul asked the Galatians if they received the Spirit of God by grace or by doing the works of the law (Gal 3:2-5). The false Galatian teachers were adding the observance of days and seasons (Gal 4:10) and circumcision (Gal 5:2-6) as requirements of salvation. The crux of the issue in front of us is not whether there were false teachers in Galatia (for clearly there were) but rather does the Scripture tell us that those who preach this type of false gospel can be truly saved. In verses 8 and 9 of Galatians 1, Paul pronounces a double cursing on these type of teachers. The Greek word translated accursed is the word anathema. Anathema has the meaning of a thing devoted to destruction. Therefore, it is clear that Paul clearly pronounces judgment on false legalistic teachers who pervert the gospel as not being true Christians. In Gal 5:8-10, Paul also refers to the false teacher(s) as being leaven that leavens the whole lump. A true Christian cannot be equated with sin.

The term leaven in the Bible is used of sin and false doctrine. In Mat 16:6, Jesus referred to leaven being the doctrine of the Pharisees, who were also a very legalistic Judiastic sect. In Gal 2:4, Paul refers to false brethren as those who entered the church and compelled individuals to be circumcised. It is important to note that the anathematized false teachers discussed in Galatians were perverting the Gospel of Christ. Although legalism is present in the church (see Chapter 23), it should not be deemed ‘anathema’ unless the doctrine of grace was compromised (2 John 7-9).

Asceticism

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own consciences seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.” 1 Timothy 4:1-3

Another false doctrine which is similar to legalism is that of asceticism. Asceticism teaches some type of bodily or emotional affliction is required in order to grow in sanctification. As we have already seen, the Biblical way to grow in holiness (i.e., sanctification) is through the study of the Bible, prayer and applying those things learned in the Bible. But, it is common practice for many to teach a type of extreme legalism in which manmade rules are imposed on believers in order to ‘sanctify’ them. In 1 Tim 4:1-3, Paul warned of those who taught abstention from marriage and foods. These are examples of legalistic practices. In verse 1, we find that these type of teachers have departed from the faith. The Greek word for departed has the meaning of leaving but never being a part of. Therefore, this verse is not teaching loss of salvation, but it is teaching someone who was never saved to begin with. They have left the pure faith of the Bible and have heaped up for themselves their own rules for growing in sanctification. In fact, verse 2 says that they speak lies having their own consciences seared. True Christians have a pure conscience (see Heb 9:14, 10:22). Therefore, it becomes clear that 1 Tim 4:1-3 is a description of unsaved professors of Christ.

Heresy about Jesus Christ

The final false doctrine that follows those who are not truly saved is that of heresies of our Lord, Jesus Christ. These heresies could concern his nature and work (e.g., deity of Christ, salvation by works, bodily resurrection of Christ, etc.).

“For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist ….Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. H anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” 2 John 7, 9-11

John, inspired by the Holy Spirit, tells us that many deceivers have gone out into the world. The first type of deceiver mentioned is that of those who deny that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. There have been many heresies through the church age of those who believe in the duality of matter and spirit, holding that matter is evil and cannot have any good in it. To deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh as God is a heresy and a mark of a deceiver and therefore, not true Christians. Verse 9 is clear that whoever transgresses and does not have the doctrine of Christ does not have God. Not having God means that they are not indwelt with God (Rom 8:9, Gal 2:20) and therefore not saved.

We are faced with the difficult question of judging those who do not hold to the doctrine of Christ. True Christians who have the Holy Spirit are enlightened to spiritual truth and therefore, are able to understand the Doctrine of Christ. The true doctrine of Christ must include such matters as His deity, His coming in the flesh, His dying and being bodily resurrected, and his work of grace for our salvation. The Doctrine of Christ can also be summarized as the fact that Jesus is the prophet, Priest and King. In present day Christendom, there are many that teach that Jesus was not God. There are many that discount his bodily resurrection, and there are many that have watered down the grace of God in our salvation by the atonement of Christ and have drifted into various works based gospels.

“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 bas come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is already in the world.” 1 John4:1-3

Most people in the world are religious to some degree. There are many varying religions, sects and denominations. But, not all can be correct, for then God would be the author of confusion (John 14:6, 1 Tim 2:5). The New Testament abundantly warns us of false teachers. In 1 John 4:1, we are commanded to test the spirits to see if they are from God. Their doctrine must accord with the words of Jesus Christ (1 Tim 6:3-5) and this doctrine must be in agreement with godliness (1 Tim 6:3). In the early church, a common heresy appears to be that of Jesus Christ not truly coming in the flesh (see also 2 John 7). That is, He was not truly a man and God at the same time. This is but one example of a false doctrine of Christ’s person. The Bible teaches that Jesus was both a man (1 Tim 2:5) and God (John 1:1, 1 Tim 3:16, Mat 1:23 etc.). The Bible teaches that he was different in person from God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. However, contrary to the clear teaching of Scripture, there are many false teachers that teach that Christ was not God or that He was not truly God come in the flesh. Others teach that He was but a mode of God and not truly separate in person. The Bible is clear that those who pervert the gospel of Christ are antichrists and there are many (1 John 2:18-22, see also Phil 1:27-28). It becomes clear then from 1 John 4:1-3 that those who continue in false doctrine of the person of Jesus Christ are not true Christians, but rather antichrists who have infiltrated the churches. In 1 John 2:18-19, the Bible tells us that there are many antichrists that have sprung from the fellowship of believers. The Scripture teaches us that they went out from amongst the true believers so that they may be manifest (verse 19). That is, the false will tend to branch off of the true and start their own denominations. In 1John 2:22, the Scripture tells us that these antichrists are those who deny that Jesus is the Christ. These are those who trade in Jesus’ atonement for our sins, and the efficacious work that He did for the elect on the cross, for the heresy that Jesus was just a good man that came to give us an example to live by. Although we should live by Jesus’ example, he came to die to save us from our sins. We cannot compromise the work of Jesus Christ. He is God and He died for our sins, and the only way to reconciliation with God is through His mediatorship (1 Tim 2:5). In 1 John 2:23, the Scripture tells us clearly that those who deny the Son do not have the father (i.e., they are not saved). The Bible is clear to us that we are not to greet such a one into our fellowships (2 John 7-9).

“But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder. For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness whose end will be according to their works.” 2 Cor 11:12-15

Paul was plagued by false teachers in Corinth who were usurping their authority over Paul’s apostleship. Paul clearly stated in the above passage that these were false teachers and were actually ministers of Satan. They appear to be righteous, but their doctrine was corrupt. Paul, in verse 15, pronounces judgment on these individuals that there end will be according to their works. Their end is the eternal torment of hell. These men were similar to those mentioned in Rev 2:2 at Ephesus as calling themselves apostles, but were not and like those in Crete where there were those who were vain talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision (Titus 1:10-16) and like those of Rome who cause divisions and offenses by their smooth speech beguile the hearts of the simple (Rom 16:17-18). These men were changing themselves into something they were not. They pose as super apostles but in reality they are contrary to the gospel of Christ and serve their bellies (see Phil 3:18-19). They are not teaching the true Gospel of salvation by faith alone.

“But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already passed; and they overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.’ But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” 2 Tim 2:16-21

False teachers of heresies about Jesus Christ are vessels for dishonor due to their false doctrine about Christ (2 Tim 2:1618) and their iniquitous practices (2 Tim 2:16, 19). It is interesting to note that the term used of these false teachers (i.e., ‘vessels of dishonor’ see 2 Tim 2:20) is elsewhere used in the Bible of the unsaved (Ro 9:21, see also 1:26). Therefore, since these teachers are ungodly and the term for ‘dishonor’ is used of the unsaved elsewhere in the Bible, it appears that the reference to ‘vessels of dishonor’ are referring to those teachers in the church assembly who teach false doctrine and are unsaved.

In summary, the clear teaching of the New Testament is that those who continue in false teaching about the central doctrines of the faith are not truly Christians but are ministers of Satan. Out of their hearts, these evil men brings forth evil things (Mat 12:35). They have deviated from the clear command for pastors to equip the saints for the work of the ministry and edifying the body of Christ (Eph 4:11-13). True pastor/teachers prepare the flock so that they are not tossed about by every wind of doctrine (Eph 4:14). Out of their hearts, these good men bring forth good things (Mat 12:35). Rather, the false teachers have secretly entered churches and have brought heresy into our midst. This is not to say that anyone who does not have a full grasp on all the truths of the Christian faith is a heretic, for then we would all fail since none of us are perfect in our understanding (James 3:2). However, there is a difference between one who teaches salvation by grace alone and one who continually teaches salvation by works. There is a difference between one who teaches that Jesus is God and one who does not. There is a difference between one who teaches that one who is saved may continue in sin and one who teaches that if one is saved they will be freed from the power of sin. The difference in all these is that the one teacher is saved and the other not.

Chapter 15 – Holy Result #15 –True Christians Have Spiritual Gifts

The Bible teaches us that if we are a Christian, we will possess one or more spiritual gifts (1 Cor 7:7, 12:7). These gifts are ministered by Christians through the Holy Spirit who indwells them (1 Cor 12:4-11, Rom 8:9) and no believer has all the gifts (1 Cor 12:29-30). These gifts are not to be used selfishly but are given for the edification of the church (1 Cor 12:7, Eph 4:12). There are a variety of different type of gifts which will be looked at momentarily.

“…But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.“ 1 Cor 7:7

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul clearly states that each one has his own gift for ministering. In the case of Paul in the context of 1 Cor 7, his gift referred to was that of remaining single (1 Cor 7:7-9). By remaining single, he was more able to minister to those who are to inherit etemal life (1 Cor 7:25-40). However, the important point of 1 Cor 7:7 is that the Bible tells us that each Christian will have a spiritual gift (see also I Pet 4:10-11).

“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 working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spir its, 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. For the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.” 1 Cor 12:7-12

In verse 7, the Scripture says that the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one. Again, as was the case in 1 Cor 7:7, we are told that each one has a spiritual gift. The significant aspect of 1 Cor 12:7 is that the term ‘each one’ is placed in the emphatic position in the original Greek text of the New Testament. Therefore, this verse stresses the fact that each and every true Christian has a spiritual gift. It is important to note in verse 7 that these spiritual gifts are given for the profit of all. They are not to be used selfishly in order to draw attention to one’s self or to be used selfishly.

Verses 8-10 concern a listing of nine spiritual gifts:

“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.“ Romans 12:4-8

This Scripture affirms that as members of the body of Christ, all true Christians will have a gift to offer for the functioning of the body. The gifts differ and are given to us by the grace God has given us. It is clear that God has given spiritual graces for different functions. Not everyone is able to preach or teach. Some are given the grace to be helpers and ‘do the dirty work’. The important point is that God has given some type of gift to each of us in order to minister to others (1 Pet 4:10, 1 Cor 1:5-7, 2 Cor 6:1). These gifts are given to us that we may all grow in sanctification (Eph 4:15). This is done by each member effectively working with the other parts of the body in order to cause growth of the body and edifying itself (Eph 4:16). The following is a list of spiritual gifts as identified in the Bible. Each gift and practical examples of how these gifts are manifested in today’s churches will be listed:

Apostleship – a person specially called by God and that was an eyewitness of Jesus Christ. He transmitted traditions of the faith until they were put in written form. He was able to perform mighty signs.
Prophecy – the ability to understand revelation from God and effectively preach to others
Miracles
- Physically, it is the ability to perform actions outside the realm of natural laws. This apostolic gift ended when the Bible was completed (Heb 2:3-4, 2 Cor 12:12, Ro 15:19). This apostolic gift was used as a type of salvation as well as validating the early church prior to the completion of the Bible.
- Spiritually, it is the gift of God to share the Bible in such a way in which God uses it to spiritually change a person, whether for salvation or producing holiness.
Healing
- Physically, it is the ability to cure people of spiritual and demonic maladies (miraculous physical healings were an apostolic gift that ended when the Bible was completed).
- Spiritually, it is the gift of God to share the Bible in such a way in which God uses it to spiritually change a person, whether for salvation or producing holiness.
Knowledge – the ability to understand and retain the deeper truths of God
Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues
- Physically, it is the ability to proclaim God’s truth in previously unlearned languages. This apostolic gift ended when the Bible was completed (Heb 2:3-4, 2 Cor 12:12, Ro 15:19). This apostolic gift was used as a type of salvation as well as validating the early church prior to the completion of the Bible.
Wisdom – the ability to most effectively put to use known facts in order to produce results or communicate a message
Discerning of spirits – the special ability to understand the underlying motives of people’s spiritual teaching and using the Bible, to be able to distinguish between truth and error (1 John 4:1-3)
Giving – the ability to gather, organize and give effectively to help Christians or further the spread of the Gospel
Exhortation – the ability to motivate others using the Word of God
Ministry (Helps) – the ability to joyfully give assistance to those who need help
Mercy – The special ability to be compassionate, relate, and help those who are suffering or in need
Governments – The ability to organize and direct others to produce a goal
Faith – the ability to believe God for great accomplishments and be willing to make hard decisions to stand for the truth of the Bible
Teaching – the ability to research, rightly divide and communicate God’s word truthfully
Evangelism – the ability to tell others of the Gospel that will be used by God in their conversion
Pastor/Teacher – the ability to shepherd and teach believers so that they will progress in sanctification

True Christians will have at least one of these above gifts. They will find a natural comfort with their gift and enjoy doing it. A warning must be given concerning this Holy Result. It is prudent to be cautious when using this Holy Result when examining oneself to see if he is in the faith. The gifts may not have yet been exercised and therefore not currently in operation. However, for a professing Christian that after a reasonable amount of time finds that none of these gifts are in operation, then this is a symptom of the Holy Spirit may not be residing within this individual.

Chapter 16 – Holy Result #16 – True Christians Have Love for Others

It is evident from the Holy Scriptures that only true Christians can truly love other people. This is because the love of God has been poured out into the hearts of Christians by the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Ro 5:5, Luke 11:13). By love, it is meant the agape type of love which consists in self-sacrificing and self-giving, not the phileo type of love (i.e., brotherly affection) which is common amongst men. It is the love that does not seek anything in return other than the very best possible for someone else. This is the type of self-sacrificing love that the Father had for us in giving us His son to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16). A very interesting verse in the Bible concerns this subject:

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:7-10

In verse 7, the Scripture tells us that everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. This is an amazing Scripture for it is telling us that if one is not a Christian, then they cannot truly be able to love (agape) another. Clearly, in the world we do see what appears to be love amongst those who do not profess to be Christian. So, what then can this Scripture mean? Does not an unsaved mother really have that self-giving, self-sacrificing love for her baby? It is true that a non-Christian can indeed do things that may appear to be love. For surely, there have been nonChristians who have even paid the ultimate sacrifice of their lives to protect other people. Is this not love? But, the motives for such acts that appear to be self-sacrificing must be understood. This is exactly what the Scripture tells us that we do not know, for it is God who looks at the counsels of the hearts and will bring to light hidden things of darkness and the counsels of the hearts (1 Cor 4:5). We do not know if such acts that appear to be self-sacrificing amongst the unsaved may be done for some type of selfish motive. Even the ultimate sacrifice of a soldier giving his life to save another soldier, could this act be one rather of impulse and perhaps one of despair due to an attitude of having nothing to lose? There are many consequences concerning the behavior of sacrificing one’s life. Just because one gives his life does not mean that this act was done without any other selfish motive. It is important to remember when challenged with the notion that even unsaved people can have agape love, it can be shown from the natural that this is untrue and of course, the Scripture asserts in 1 John 4:7 that the unsaved truly cannot have agape love. Agape love, therefore, is part of the true believer’s sanctification. The indwelling God within us leads and teaches us to love. God has given us a Spirit of power, love and of a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7). In 1 John 4:8, the Scripture says that he who does not love, does not know God. Therefore, it is impossible for one who is a professing Christian that habitually is not able to agape love to be a true Christian.

True love (agape) can be found in the following passage:

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 1Co 13:4-7

The above passage is a high bar to reach. It teaches us that all of the following attributes need to be in place for us to say that we love (agape):

Very patient
Always kind
Never envies what others have
Never build oneself up in front of others or thinks highly of oneself
Never brags
Never does provocative things
Never insists on one’s own way
Never gets provoked to anger
Never thinks evil about another
Never rejoices in sinful behavior, but only rejoices in the truth of the Bible
Always bears with all things (patiently waits and not anxious / worried)
Always believes (willing to trust people at their word)
Always hopes for the future
Always endures through the hard issues of life

An example of an unloving act by a professing believer is found in 1 John 3:17 (see also James 1:27). This Scripture says that if a professing believer sees another Christian in need and does not help him when it is in his power to do so, then the love of God is not in him. In other words, if one does not help a Christian in need when in his power to do so, they are not saved. In Mat 25:31-46, Jesus tells us that when he will be judging the nations, those who have helped the brethren of Jesus (i.e., Christians) will be saved. Those who have not helped Christians in need will not be saved. To repeat what has been said many times, this is not to infer, that one is saved by works. Rather, this Scripture is revealing that true Christians will have the fruit of helping other Christians in need. They are not saved by this fruit, but rather since they are saved they will have this fruit. The import of the Mat 25:31-46 passage is that they did not realize that when they were helping other Christians they were really doing it to Christ.

It is realized that Holy Result #16 is a difficult one to examine. It is difficult to understand the deep workings of the Spirit of God in the lives of Christians. At the same time, it is hard to understand the complex workings of behaviors-consequences in the lives of the people of the world. This will lead to the natural confusion of an unsaved person appearing to do what is self-sacrificing love that indeed may not be and a Christian doing some thing that appears to not be done in love, but indeed it is. The Christian with enlightened spiritual understanding realizes that sometimes love may need to be tough (2 Thess 3:10, 1 Cor 5:2, Cor 2:5-7). What is clear, however, is that the Bible says that only true Christians have the ability to truly agape love.

Chapter 17 – Holy Result #17 –True Christians Do Not Love the World

The next Holy Result has to do with our relationship with the world. This has been an area of division amongst many denominations. Questions arise over how much involvement with the world should the Christian have. On one hand, there are those who essentially remove themselves from the world’s system and live in communes or are grouped together in certain regional areas. In the case of the Amish people, they remove themselves from the world’s system by living together in rural areas and being distinct from the world in their dress, customs, and lifestyle. On the other hand, there are some who essentially do all the things of the world and are virtually indistinguishable from the world in behavior.

This Holy Result concerns itself with those habits the Christian does that makes him enjoy the things of the world more than the things of God and therefore be ‘of the world’. This is not to say that one must withdraw from society, but there must be a priority in a true Christian’s life of the spiritual over the physical. For the Scripture tells us that where your treasure is, there is your heart (Mat 6:21). A true Christian cannot love the world and allow the things of the Spirit to be neglected. This is not to say that a true Christian cannot love persons in the world or enjoy doing certain things that are also a pleasure to the world. What it means is that it is incompatible that a true Christian can habitually focus all his thought, resources, and energy on the issues and pleasures of the world when it is at his disposal to spend these things on spiritual matters. An example is as follows.

Is it possible that a true Christian can habitually spend time watching secular television and neglect Bible study and praying. This is not to say that a true Christian cannot watch television. But, when that activity habitually becomes more important than the things of God, I believe that such a person proves himself to not be a true Christian. This assertion has far reaching implications. In a day in which there are many professing Christians that do not read their Bibles and pray regularly, yet rather direct their resources to the things of the world, can they be truly saved?

We live in a day that the vast majority of people who claim to be Christians live like the world and love the things in the world. There are few who really are pursing the things of the Spirit and serving God. A statistic that has become cliché in some quarters of Christianity is that 10% of the church people end up doing 90% of the work. This is not to say that all the 10% are truly saved and all the 90% are lost. For there are many who serve in the church just as anyone of the world would serve at the fire hall or lodge. There are many in full-time Christian service that are there for the occupation and not that they truly wish to serve God. On the other hand, there are doubtless many Christians who are not serving in their church due to extenuating circumstances or rejection by the churches. But, the Bible teaches that true Christians will find themselves in some way serving God and pursuing spiritual things.

This Holy Result and its implications are significant. There are many people who live generally moral lives and do not practice any sins such as those in 1 Cor 6:9-11, and are professing Christians. But, they also do not do much for the Lord except perhaps attend church once a week. They do not seriously study or regularly read their Bibles. They do not have any significant prayer life. These people who do not practice blatant sin appear to have the fruits of the Holy Spirit, but they prove themselves to be not true Christians if they love the world’s system and its things. It is important to remember that all 20 Holy Results have to be evident in a person’s life in order to prove themselves true. A person can have 19 Holy Results in operation, but they have one that is clearly not in operation, then the Scripture tells us that they are not a true Christian.

Because a true Christian will not love the things of the world, he will tend to be different than the average worldly person. While the worldly man will pursue materialism, pleasure, or the world’s recognition, the true Christian will tend to pursue discipleship, humble service, and self-denial for the advancement of Jesus’ kingdom. Because the true Christian will tend to be different, he is open to rejection and persecution. This is the topic of Holy Result #19. A warning for true Christians is that although we are not of the world, we are to still live in the world. We are not to take ourselves out of the physical world but we are still to associate with the unsaved of the world (1 Cor 5:9-10). We are not to be unequally yoked together with the world (2 Cor 6:11-18), but we must still associate with the unsaved. This, of course, is in the divine will of the Lord. We must be the salt and light of the world. We cannot put our light under a basket (Mat 5:13-16) and not let the world see our light. The parable of the Wheat and the Tares illustrates the point (Mat 13:24-30, 36-43). The sower (Jesus Christ) sows the good seed in His field. The interpretation of the parable clearly tells us that the field is the world (Mat 13:38). The seed (sons of the kingdom, i.e., the saved) grew into wheat. Tares were sown by the wicked one (the devil) and grow among the wheat. The importance of this parable to our study is that the unsaved are sown in the world amongst the saved. The saved are not segregated from the unsaved as some denominations would have us believe. The wheat and the tares grow together in the world. This parable teaches us that we are not to go to the extreme of separating ourselves physically from the world, but we should be separated from the world in our actions and deeds (2 Cor 6:11-18). In summary, a true Christian will be amongst the unsaved in the world, but will be separate from them in conduct.

A true Christian will not love the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes or the pride of life, but rather love those things that are from above.

“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. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17

When we are saved, the Holy Spirit indwells us (Romans 8:9) and Christ lives in us (Gal 2:20). When we become Christians, we will love God because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). The word translated love in 1 John 2:15-16 and 4:19 is the Greek word agape. This word has the highest moral sense of the words translated ‘love’ and carries the meaning of a self-giving sacrifice for another. Therefore, it is clear that these Scriptures in 1 John refer to the true believer’s relationship with God. Verses 15 and 16 of 1 John 2 teach us that we are not true Christians if the love of the world characterizes our life. As throughout the 20 Holy Results, there has to be some allowance for less than a perfect performance by a true believer since we all have sin (1 John 1:8, 10). Therefore, we must say that it is generally characteristic of a Christian not to love the world. That does not mean that he may err and do things that amount to loving the world system. Let us not use this recognition of occasional sin to be a license to justify ‘carnal’ living. The Greek word for ‘world’ is kosmos . The word ‘world’ in this passage means the world’s system in its present condition of human affairs, in alienation and in opposition to God.

Verse 16 defines loving the world in three areas: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. The three types of love for the world can be differentiated as follows. The Greek word for lust, epithumia, denotes a strong desire of any kind. The lust of the flesh, therefore, is any strong desire that one has that is physically oriented. It will comprise those things that make the physical body feel good. Accordingly, the lust of the eyes can simply be taken to mean those things that are pleasure to look at, i.e., those things that are beautiful. The pride of life are those situations or earthly status where one can become proud. Some examples of each are in order:

Lust of the flesh:

Overeating on a regular basis
Overemphasis on immoral sexual experiences
Alcohol, drug abuse
Overemphasis on recreational activities
Overemphasis on physical surroundings that are comfortable

Lust of the eyes:

Beautiful homes, cars, furnishings
Beautiful handsome or well-dressed people
Overemphasis on beautiful scenery
Overemphasis on the viewing of any object

Pride of life:

Job status, promotions, careers
Children’s or spouse’s successes
Style of car, type of home
Civic, church, or other organization status or accomplishments
Degrees, honors, certificates, etc.

As can be well imagined, these lists could go on and on. It is important to note that no item on this list, if used properly, would necessarily result in loving the world. It is only when these things habitually take the place of our love and devotion to God that they become evident of love for the world. Several examples of situations where individuals have been tempted by or yielded to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life can be found in the Bible. The reader is referred to study these matters on his own (see 2 Sam 11, Gen 3:1-7, Mat 4:1-11, Judges 16, Exodus 32:1-6, Joshua 7, etc.).

Of the 20 Holy Results, I believe that this particular one is the easiest for an individual to consider in order to examine himself to see whether he is in the faith (2 Cor 13:5). In the society we live in, there is so much excess of material possessions that even true Christians will be challenged with putting the love of the world in place of their devotion to Christ. Because of our wealthy society, the untrue Christian, I believe, will most often condemn himself with his behavior in the area of his love for the world.

“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” James 4:4

The Holy Spirit tells us that those who claim to know God and yet are friends with the world are adulterers and adulteresses. They have broken the engagement bond. True Christians are married to God (Eph 5:22-23, Rev 19:7-11, Mat 22:1-14, Luke 14:16-24, etc.). The symbol of the broken marriage relationship is common in the Bible. Israel broke the marriage relationship with God in the Old Testament (e.g., Ez 16, 20). The results of Israel’s adultery was judgment. If one finds himself habitually compromising his beliefs to be accepted by the world (even his parents) at the expense of following Christ, then this person’s profession was not genuine. This is not to say that a believer will not care for his relatives once he becomes a believer for then he would be worse than an infidel (1 Tim 5:8). What this Scripture is saying is that the true Christian, if faced with the choice of following the wishes of his relatives versus the wishes of Christ, will follow Christ.

“He who is not with Me, is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me, scatters abroad.” Matthew 12:30 (see also Luke 11:23)

The context that Jesus said this was in response to the Pharisees’ belief that Jesus cast out demons by Beelzebub. Jesus said that if someone is not with Christ (saved), he is against Him (unsaved). There is no middle ground. Someone cannot profess to have made a decision for Christ and then his life is characterized as that of the world Jesus said that if we do not gather together with Him (workers with Him), then we scatter abroad (op posed to the gospel). The import of this Scripture is that there is no middle ground for anyone, they are either for or against Christ. Also, there is a consistency in the person’s life. If he is saved, he will be a worker together with Christ and if he is unsaved he will be working against the gospel in either word or deed. A true Christian cannot be in a state of following the world. He will be a worker together with Christ.

“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced them selves through with many sorrows.” 1Tim 6:9-10

Those who desire to be rich will be drowned in destruction and perdition, an obvious allusion to an unsaved man. The overall passage (i.e., 1 Tim 6:6-11) warns Christians to not desire riches. Verses 9 and 10 warn the Christian that someone who de sires to be rich is symptomatic of an unsaved man and therefore, a Christian should flee from any trace of this desire. What is significant to our study is that verses 9 and 10 clearly point to the fact that continually desiring riches is a fruit of an unbeliever and therefore, a true Christian will not continually desire riches (i.e., love the world’s system). A believer who falls into the snare of desiring riches proves that he received the seed of the word of God but he was choked off due to his desires of riches (Mat 13:39,18-23) and proved that his faith was spurious. In summary, it has been seen that a true Christian will not love the world system. He cannot be a true soldier of the Lord and entangled with the pursuits of this life. When forced with a decision between relatives who are pulling him to the world, a true believer would rather choose ostracism. A true believer will be crucified (i.e., dead) to the world (Gal 6:14). There are many that are lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying its power (2 Tim 3:4-5). They have chosen the world. They have chosen the lust of the flesh and the eyes and the pride of life over the Lord. They are indeed not saved. We must all earnestly heed the admonition to remember Lot’s wife (Luke 17:32). Lot’s wife appeared to be amongst the saved, but indeed was not.

Chapter 18 – Holy Result #18 – True Christians Are Not Ashamed of Spiritual Things

This Holy Result is closely related to the next concerning rejection, persecution and suffering in the world. This Holy Result concerns the true Christian’s actions when in the presence of non-saved people while the next Holy Result concerns the world’s reaction to us. A true Christian cannot continually be in a state of being ashamed of spiritual things. That is, when the occasion arises for identifying himself as a Christian, the true Christian will not cower from the opportunity. He may occasionally shrink back from his responsibility for giving a defense for the hope that is in him (1 Peter 3:15), but this has to be the exception rather than the rule. It is worthy to note that even very ‘sanctified’ people like Timothy can occasionally have problems in this area (see 2 Tim 1:8). This Holy Result does not mean that a true Christian has to be in a state of continually confronting the world with the gospel for this is indeed impractical and not commanded by the Bible. A true Christian lives in the world (Mat 13:24-30, 37-43, 1 Cor 5:9-10) and must work for a living (see 2 Thess 3:12). A Christian is not to spend all his time going about evangelizing at the expense of nurturing his own family or providing for his own (1 Tim 5:8). How many families have been destroyed due to overzealous evangelization by individuals at the expense of their own families?

It is Scriptural that a true Christian will not continually avoid revealing that he is a Christian and making a defense for the hope that is within him. Paul clearly stated that he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). We too should not be ashamed of the gospel (see Ps 119:46). We must preach the gospel without compromise, not as men-pleasers (Gal 1:10, 1 Thess 2:4). We must endure persecution for our faith and must endure the reaction from others due to the offense of the cross (Gal 5:11). Woe is a Christian who does not preach the gospel when the opportunity arises (1 Cor 9:16). If we are directly challenged about spiritual matters or the occasion arises to defend (Jude 3-4) or offer the faith (Mat 28:19-20), a true Christian cannot repetitively shrink back.

“Therefore, whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is heaven” Matthew 10:32-33

Just before Jesus sent his disciples out to preach, heal, raise the dead, and cast out demons (Mat 10:7-8), He warned His disciples concerning the fate of those who would deny Him. He warned them that they were to face rejection and persecution (Mat 10:24-31). Jesus revealed to His disciples that true disciples will not reject Him when faced with persecutions. Jesus tells us that the true Christian who confesses Jesus Christ, will be confessed in front of the Father by Jesus. However, those who deny Jesus under persecutions will be denied by Jesus. The Greek word used here for deny is ameomai. This Greek word carries the normal meaning of denying by way of disowning a person. It is interesting that there is another Greek word, aparneomai, which is a strengthened version of ‘deny’. This strengthened version is used by Peter when he denied the Lord three times (Mat 26:34, 35, 75)1. This strengthened version means essentially not to even know the person be denied. The Greek word in Mat 10:33 is the weaker version which carries the thought of not fully acknowledging the person. Therefore, the Greek reveals to us that even habitual milder forms of denial of the Lord will result in a professing Christian being denied in front of the Father (Mat 10:33).

“This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with him. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. 2 Timothy2:11-13

This Scripture also testifies to the fact that if we deny Jesus, He will deny us. It is unfortunate that many use this Scripture to try and prove that those who are faithless will still be accepted by Christ. They teach that the clause that states if we are faithless, He remains faithful attests to the fact that professing Christians, even if they shun their faith in Christ, will be saved. But this is exactly what this Scripture is not teaching. This Scripture teaches that those who deny Christ will be denied. This is not to say they lose their salvation. Rather, those that deny Christ prove themselves to be the seed in the rocky soil who fall away after a profession of faith. These individuals are not saved. The clause that says that Jesus remains faithful is teaching us that He never changes (Heb 13:8) and we can always rely on Him even though some professing Christians, whom we may even look up to, fall from the faith. Only those professing Christians who do not deny Christ and endure in the Christian faith will be saved (see verse 11). It is clear that the term ‘those who are faithless’ looks back to the previous phrase concerning those who deny him. That is, the faithless are a further explanation of those who deny Christ. The fact that these individuals are unsaved is also supported by the fact that 2 Tim 2:20 contrasts the vessels of honor and those of dishonor. The vessels of honor are clearly those who are saved. However, the vessels of dishonor are those who have propagated heresies in the church (see 2 Tim 2:16-18). The vessels of dishonor are elsewhere in the New Testament a picture of those who are unsaved (see Ro 9:21, 1 Cor 15:43).

“Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels” Luke 9:26 (see Mk 8:38)

Those who are ashamed of Jesus and His words will receive the same treatment when Jesus comes back to the earth. Those who have rejected Jesus in actions will be the recipients of eternal death. The sad judgment of these individuals will be: depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness (see Mat 7:23).

Chapter 19 – Holy Result #19 – True Christians Are Rejected, Persecuted and Suffer

The Bible teaches us that each true Christian will experience some degree of rejection, persecution and suffering in the world. While Holy Result #17 concerned the believer’s attitude and relationship to the world, this Holy Result reflects the world’s reaction and attitude to the Christian. A Christian will be rejected because Christ was rejected. The way of a Christian will be different from the world. The world will have its mind on the things of the flesh while the Christian mind will be on the things of the Spirit (Rom 8:4-5). There cannot be that close bond of fellowship between a believer and non-believers (2 Cor 6:14-16). They will not be in agreement. The Christian will be interested in righteousness, justice, and devotion to God while the world will be interested in its own well-being. The world can be righteous, on occasion, in individual matters. Likewise the world system can administer justice and even display a form of godliness (2 Tim 3:5). However, all these things will be done from a heart of expediency in order to satisfy its best interests. A Christian is not so. A Christian is a slave to righteousness and will do those things for the sake of righteousness, not their own sake. The form of rejection of a Christian may come in different degrees, but in all cases, has to present. A Christian may be rejected to the point of open persecution. A Christian may be rejected in the form of simply being avoided or perhaps some where in between avoidance and open persecution.

A true Christian will be avoided because the world will not want to be reminded of its unrighteousness. The world surely does not know us (1 John 3:1) because it cannot understand the things of the Spirit (1 Cor 2:14-16). The world will not appreciate the light of the Christian. The world will not welcome the Christian into its wild parties, filthy jokes, greed, hatred, and the like (Gal 5:1921) because the Christian will bring to light those things that are done in darkness due to the Christian’s purity of motives and deeds (Mat 5:14-16). In our present day society, it is likely that the true Christian will be tolerated because that is the law of the land, but they will not be welcomed into the world’s ways. A hard task indeed for a true Christian to become notable in the world’s system except it be by the grace of God. All Christians will suffer and have tribulation in the world since all true Christians will desire to live godly (2 Tim 2:3, 3:12). Paul is a clear example of one who had a huge amount of suffering (see 2 Cor 4:8-11, 6:4-10, 11:23-33,2 Tim 1:8, etc.). This may come in the form of open persecution and reviling.

Many Christians have experienced this whether knowingly or not. There is persecution or reviling than can be done against us that does not come to light. It may have prevented us from achieving a goal or attaining some possession. However, the Christian should rest assured that his reward in heaven is truly great (Mat 5:l0-12, see also Mk l0:29-30). Finally, it must be noted that God works all things for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Even in persecution or suffering, God uses these events in His sovereign will to help us to grow. Judgment begins with the house of God in our present suffering (see 1 Pet 4:17-19). In James 1:2-3 and Romans 5:3-5, the Scripture is clear that tribulation and trials help us in building character and growing our patience. Additionally, God will not allow Christians to be tempted beyond what can be handled (1 Cor l0:13, see also Ps 11:5). With the temptation, God will provide a way of escape. God will be our shield to protect us (Ps 18:30) and we are to rejoice in our sufferings (1 Pet 4:13). The Scripture is clear that all true Christians will suffer persecution and suffering. How different is this message than the one that is often heard in Christendom today. Many are teaching that if one is a Christian, you should be experiencing the overcoming life of wealth, health and prosperity. Although, it is true that Christians are given great things when they are converted and indwelt by God (i.e., the 20 Holy Results), the Scripture is clear that wealth, health and prosperity are not necessarily among them.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous” Ps34:19

“These things I have spoken to you that you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” John 16:33

“…if children, then heirs -heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified with Him.” Romans 8:17 (see also 2 Tim 2:12, 3:12)

“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring; the rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.“ Ps 84:5-7

“… that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Pet 1:7

” …that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer.“ 2 Thess 1:5

Jesus plainly tells His disciples that in the world they will have tribulation. The Greek word for tribulation carries the meaning of ‘pressure or burdens’. The universality of this Scripture cannot be questioned. The Scripture does not make tribulation a conditional matter. Rather, it is certain that in the world we will have difficulties in the form of burdens and pressures. This world system contains an abundance of sin and Christians are still to live in the world (1 Cor 5:9-10). Because of the sin of the world, Christians will still have to experience the burdens of everyday living. These burdens may include physical or emotional suffering, persecutions, or rejections.

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple to be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household? Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that mil not be revealed, and hidden that mil not be known. Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell …Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I mil also confess before My father who is in heaven. But, whoever denies Me before men, him I mil also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:24-28, 32-33 (see also Mat 5:10-13, 20:23, John 15:18-20)

In verse 25, Jesus is clear that if He was called Beelzebub, how much more will be done to true Christians. True Christians are to become more like Christ in conduct so it is natural to expect the true Christian to similarly be more persecuted. After exhorting us to not fear this persecution, Jesus goes on to tell us that if a professing Christian continually does not confess Jesus in times of persecution, then he is not a true Christian. Jesus says that he will be denied by Christ before the Father. We must be careful to not take this verse to mean that if at any one time, we would deny Christ before men, we are unsaved. For as has been repeatedly stressed, no Holy Result is necessarily in perfect operation in any believer since we all still have sin (1 John 1:8, 10). Therefore, there may be times that we have denied Christ. However, a professing Christian cannot repeatedly deny Christ in front of men and truly be a Christian. There cannot be any ‘undercover’ Christians. If a Christian is with others of the world for any amount of time, it will have to become known that they are different and that they profess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. A Christian cannot continually cover up his light and truly be a Christian, for God has made us a light and put us on a lampstand (Luke 8:16, Mat 5:13-16).

“For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake…” Phil 1:29

“For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But, when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps …” 1 Peter 2:20-21

It is commendable to be patient when we suffer for doing what is right. There will be many times that a Christian will do what is right and the world will react with persecution. Verse 21 clearly tells us that to do what is right and to be persecuted for it is the expected result of Christian living. The import of this passage, as well as those above, is that all Christians are appointed to do what is right and therefore suffer for it just as our example, Jesus Christ, did. This truth relates to the Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-13). In this parable, we find a steward who was cheating his master. When caught, his master called him to ac count for his stewardship. The steward went out to the master’s debtors to get them to settle what they owed the master. The steward was shrewd in that he got the debtors to pay only a fraction of what they owed. However, the unjust steward was com mended by the master for his shrewdness since these debtors .were not likely to pay anything at all except for the creative idea of the unjust steward to negotiate with them to pay a fraction. The result was that the master had more money in receipt due to the shrewdness of the unjust steward although it was obtained in a devious manner. The importance of the passage for us is that a Christian steward would not have been as crafty as the unjust steward and would not have brought in the receipts that the unjust steward did. Because the Christian steward does what is right and does not craftily negotiate a lesser amount than was owed when the money owed is not his own, he would in the natural suffer in being accounted a less productive servant than that of the unjust steward. The Scripture tells us that a bondservant of Christ will not seek to please the world in his action (Gal 1:10). Rather, a bondservant of Christ seeks righteousness. It can be seen from this parable that the just would not have been rewarded as was the unjust steward. Therefore, a Christian, because of his righteousness will suffer less earthly reward because doing what is right is not always the most politically correct or expedient thing to do.

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.'” Mat 16:24-27 (see also Mk 8:34-38, Lk 9:23-26)

As a Christian, we were bought with a price (1 Cor 6:20) and we are no longer our own (1 Cor 6:19). We must therefore please Him who enlisted us in this war of the Christian life (2 Tim 2:4). We must each take up our own cross and bear it, earnestly desiring to follow Jesus. A Christian will die to the world in order that he will live for Jesus.

Chapter 20 – Holy Result #20 -True Christians Have a Forgiving Spirit

The Bible teaches us that if one is truly saved, then he will have a forgiving spirit. This is not to say that all true Christians will always find it easy to forgive. For many wrongs done against us hurt very deeply and are truly difficult to forgive. But, if we truly have spiritual understanding (1 Cor 2:14-16), we will realize that the worse travesty of injustice was perpetrated against our Lord, Jesus Christ. He was unjustly tried, beaten, and sentenced to death on a cross. He suffered the humiliation of the scourge and mocking of the Roman soldiers. He willingly allowed all this to happen culminating in a torturous death when He had it in His power to free Himself at any time. We, as Christians will realize the need for forgiveness just as Christ forgave those who were responsible for His crucifixion (Luke 23:34). We cannot harbor resentment against another. Although, at times, and depending on the person, it may take some time to get over the hurt in order to be able to forgive, the general nature of a Christian’s life will be one of forgiveness.

A Christian cannot maintain un-forgiveness against another on a long term basis. A Christian cannot say in word that he forgives while in action the forgiveness and restoration is not evident. This is not to say that we as Christians are to be so naive as to not take precautions against one who continually sins against us. For example, a Christian who is married to a non-Christian who continually abuses him or her must forgive. However, precautions should be taken so that the non-Christian will not be in a position of breaking the law and inflicting bodily harm on the believer. It should be remembered that the unbeliever does not have the indwelling Holy Spirit and therefore is not capable of performing righteous ness because they are not God’s workmanship. It would be impossible to precisely list each possible example of situations in which a Christian must act in wisdom in difficult situations such as the above examples. Suffice it to say, that in all cases, the Christian will demonstrate a forgiving spirit to all who offend. This forgiveness may take some time in cases of extreme offense or in cases involving an immature believer. But, a true Christian cannot continue on a long term basis in an attitude of un-forgiveness.

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your father forgive your trespasses” Matthew 6:14-15

The Greek word for trespass here is paraptoma which literally means ‘a fall beside’. A trespass is essentially any false step or slight blunder from the right way to walk, whether it is realized or not. Therefore, the meaning of the Scripture above is that if we forgive men of their faults against us, then we will be forgiven even the smallest of all our faults. But, if we cannot even forgive others of even the smallest of offenses against us, how can the Father forgive us of even the smallest of our sins. This passage at first can be confusing in that it appears that we could lose our salvation if we do not forgive others. But, as we have encountered many times previously, the meaning of the verse becomes clear if we look at it in relation to the believer’s state of being indwelt with the Holy Spirit and being sanctified. Since, the Scripture is clear that we have been forgiven of all our sins (1 John 2:12, Col 2:13, Mat 26:28), then we, as Christians must and will forgive men all their trespasses because of the enabling power of God within us. As mentioned above, it may take some time in certain cases of offenses, but a true Christian must ultimately forgive. The Scripture commands us to be forgiving to others (Eph 4:32, Col 3:13). In cases where a true Christian finds himself in un-forgiveness, the Holy Spirit will bear witness with our spirit (Rom 8:14-16) and lead us in our new nature of walking in the Spirit to forgive lest we suffer the chastening of God (Heb 12:3-11). In either event, true Christians will forgive others.

“Then the master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant. I forgave you all the 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 him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each or you, from his heart does not forgive his brother his trespasses” Matthew 18:32-35

The verses quoted are the concluding portion of Jesus’ parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Mat 18:23-35). This parable was given by Jesus immediately following Jesus’ answer to Peter concerning how many times must one forgive his brother (Mat 18:21-22). Jesus’ answer was that Peter must always forgive the person even if he continually sinned (i.e., ‘seventy times seven’) against him. This sets the standard of conduct by a true disciple. Jesus went on to reveal the fate of one who is un-forgiveness. In this parable, a king wanted to settle accounts with his servants. There was a servant who owed 10,000 talents (equal to several million dollars). This servant pleaded with the king to forgive him of the debt since he was not able to pay. The king was moved with compassion and forgave the debt. This servant then went out and saw a person who owed him 100 denarii (equal to a few dollars). Although the debtor could not pay the small amount and pleaded for forgiveness of the debt, the servant did not for give but rather had him put in prison. In verses 32-34, we find that the master upon hearing of the wickedness of the servant delivered him to the torturers until he could pay the debt (which was impossible for him to do considering the huge amount). Verse 35 then says that, the Father will do to us also if we do not forgive our brothers their trespasses. Again, the word here for trespass is the Greek word paraptorna which is taken to mean any small offense whether known or unknown. The parable itself stresses the minuteness of the debts owed to us by our brothers in comparison with the debt we owed to God, namely our complete depravity of the sin nature (Rom 3:10-23). The huge debt owed by the servant in this parable compared to his brother’s small debt can be taken to understand the greatness of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross (in that God has forgiveness us infinitely more than we deserve). Therefore, just as in Mat 6:14-15, it is here stressed the absolute necessity of forgiving our brothers of all sin against us because of such a great payment we had for our sins. The fate for those who do not forgive is the torturers. The deliverance to the torturers is not the destiny of true believers. True believers are promised forgiveness from sin (see Rom 3:21-26, 6:23, John 1:17) and shall eat from the tree of life (Rev 2:7). Therefore, it must logically follow that no true believer will suffer the fate that is warned of in this parable since we cannot lose our salvation as Scripture is so clear on.

The importance of the passage is that it is necessary that true Christians for give their brothers. The parable is given to illustrate the necessity of forgiveness, not in any way trying to show that one could lose his salvation if he does not continue in a forgiving spirit to his brother. A true Christian working under the divine graces of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:9) and the living of Christ within them (Gal 2:20) will understand the great forgiveness given to us and will be taught the need of forgiveness to others. The true Christian’s spirit will be illuminated and led by the Holy Spirit to forgive all of their offenses against us.

Chapter 21 – A Call to Holiness for the Individual

We now move on to the part of this book that calls for action on the part of the true Christians. We have learned that there must be proofs in a believer’s life if he is indeed a true Christian. But the Bible is also clear that true Christians are not yet perfect (1 John 1:8-10). So, on the one hand there must be a change in a true believer’s life when he is saved by God, but on the other hand the true believer must continue to grow.

This part of the essay concerns itself with the methods that the Bible teaches us are the route to true progressive sanctification. We will then compare these Scriptural commands for our sanctification to what Christendom is offering as the way to sanctification. Finally, true believer’s will be urged to not stand for the counterfeit methods of Christendom’s sanctification, but rather to return to the Biblical methods. This chapter will be devoted to studying what the Bible teaches us about progressive sanctification in each believer’s life. Chapter 22 will address the vital and most overlooked Biblical command for sanctification the family. Chapter 23 and 24 will be devoted to the church’s role in the believer’s sanctification teaching and discipline. It is sad to say, but all these arenas that are designed for believer’s sanctification are grossly misused by Christendom. We will see repeatedly in the next few chapters that Christendom has designed its methods for sanctification predominantly for those who are not truly saved. They have used the world’s methods to make people better people, but either have not used or have not fully used the Biblical methods for sanctification. As we shall shortly see, the Biblical method of sanctification is simple, while in contrast, the world has designed many elaborate ‘ministries’ to help people overcome the flesh.

The Bible’s Method of Sanctification for the Individual Believer

God dwells in each true Christian
God works in each true Christian
God uses the Bible to lead each true Christian into good works

There are three simple facts that the Bible teaches us that leads to our continuing sanctification. First, God dwells in true believers. The following Scriptures are offered to refresh our memory of this most important fact:

“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. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” Romans 8:9-10

“Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.” 1 John 3:24

“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? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Cor 6:19-20

The second important fact that leads us in our understanding of our continuing sanctification is that God is at work in us. He dwells in us so as to motivate and lead us in spiritual growth. This is not to say that we are dormant in the process. The New Testament is packed full of moral ethical teachings that are designed to lead us to grow in sanctification. The following are some Scriptures that summarize the fact that God does work in us:

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Eph2:10

“To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.” Col 1:29

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, ‘Abba Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.” Romans 8:14-16

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Cor 2:14

So far, we have seen that Scripture teaches that a true Christian is indwelt by God and God is working in the believer. But the question arises: by what mechanism is he using to work in us? Will he work in us and do all the work or is there something that we have to do to participate in this growth. Again, on this point, the Bible is very clear. True Christians must grow through the word of God. That is, they must apply themselves to the studying and application of the entire Bible. The Bible is packed full of ethical teaching that is designed to lead us by the Holy Spirit into spiritual growth. The battle for sanctification is in the mind. It is God, the Holy Spirit, who uses the Bible to lead us to know more about spiritual truth and be godly in our conduct. The following Scriptures clearly testify to the fact that it is the Holy Bible that God uses to lead us in our sanctification:

“…as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 1 Peter 2:2-3

“Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which ac cords with godliness.” Titus 1:1

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63 “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” 1 Thess 2:13

“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” James 1:21

“…If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32

“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which ac cords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing …” 1 Tim 6:3-

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word …” Eph5:25-26

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of the sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not whither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Ps 1:1-4

“Your word I have hidden in my heart that I should not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11 (see also v. 1-8)

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim 3:16-17

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit…” Heb 4:12

It is hoped that the abundance of Scripture above will prove be yond a shadow of a doubt that it is the word of God, the Bible, through which the Holy Spirit uses to work in order to further our sanctification. In each of the above verses, the study or the application of God’s word is directly linked to the spiritual growth of a believer. This is the instrument that the Holy Spirit uses to transform us from glory to glory. All individual believers are commanded to study the word of God in order that they may present themselves well approved (2 Tim 2:15). Because all true believers are disciples of Christ, they will want to study God’s word (see Holy Result #4) through private and public Bible study. Since each true believer will want to study the word of God, God will use the word of God by the illumination of the Holy Spirit to transform believers into the image of Christ from glory to glory (2 Cor 3:18).

Christendom’s Method of Sanctification for the Believer

Now that we have seen what the clear teaching of the Bible is concerning our sanctification, let us tum to look at what Christendom, by and large, is offering us. While the Bible teaches us that the study and application of God’s word is the method of growth in each true believer, Christendom offers us a false route to sanctification. The following are some observations of what is prevalent in Christendom that is being presented as a road to growth. The false methods examined in this chapter are techniques outside of the sphere of the family or church that are primarily directed at individuals.

Books and Magazines

Christendom today offers us a huge amount of books and magazines in order for Christians to grow. But, unfortunately the content of most of these books are not solidly based on Bible study. Rather, they offer themes such as devotionals, general Christian living, counseling and psychology. While these books may not be evil in and of themselves, they become inappropriate for a Christian when they are used as a means to sanctification. And why is this? Because clearly the Bible teaches us that a believer’s sanctification is directly attributable to the word of God as illumined by the Holy Spirit. No other written word out side the Bible will bring true sanctification. It is intgeresting to observe in Christian book stores and book clubs that the most popular books are on topics that do not directly teach the Bible. So-called Christian psychology and counseling books are plenteous today, but they are an unscriptural method to sanctification. Devotionals are another type of literature that is very popular. Devotionals usually use a Scripture, but are content with giving a very superficial discussion on the passage and do not serve as serious Bible study. Devotionals tend to emphasize the world’s view of the Scripture, rather than carefully teaching the Scriptures. Additionally, books in the Christian market that deal with speculation of prophecy, worldly events, and political issues do not directly serve to teach the word of God. All these type of books must be carefully weighed before significant amount of time is spent in their study. For a Christian, he must diligently study the Scripture (2 Tim 2:15) first, and only when he has done this may he branch out into more unproductive matters. It is important to note that there are a lot of good books that are very useful in a Christian’s Bible study. Books that deal primarily with Scripture exegesis or word studies are excellent sources to help the Bible student as long as the student ensures that the Bible is the primary tool. Books such as concordances, Bible dictionaries, Greek and Hebrew word studies, theology, topical Bibles, and some Bible commentaries are fine sources of enrichment to the Christian’s bible study. However, the bulk of Christian literature available do not deal strictly with Bible study. The main point to keep in mind is that a Christian must fill him or herself with the study of God’s word and realize it is by God’s word alone that true sanctification is to be found.

Radio / TV Ministries

Another source of sanctification that Christendom offers us is that of Radio/TV ministries. While there are some very good ministries that preach the word of God, there are many more that do not. Usually, these unproductive ministries will tend to over-emphasize music, healings, fund-raising, politics, self-help, psychology and social issues. Again, the source of a true Christian’s spiritual growth is the word of God. Any ministry that will spend huge amounts of money on other issues while not having the word of God as the all-important center of the ministry are not doing a service to Christendom. Instead of bowing the knee to the sovereignty of God and His work through His word, they have replaced God’s sovereignty with man’s devisings. Man’s politics and social issues are put before the word of God. The Christian is to work out his salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). He is nowhere commanded to be a political advocate for his pet social agendas. Although some of these social causes may indeed have some merit, the Christian must first pursue the edification of the church through the preaching and teaching ministries.

Many ministries have become absolute showplaces instead of a sanctuary of worship. They spend their time putting on shows of music, healing, theatrics, and commercialism in order to attempt to get people more devoted to God. Again, the only source of a person’s growth is through the working of the Holy Spirit through the word of God. Any other attempt at spiritual growth outside the Bible is only a facade and will quickly disintegrate once the show is over. Without a doubt, music can be used as a source of Bible study and sanctification. The book of Psalms are essentially the word of God set to music. The Scriptures teach Christians that music is to be used in their ministries (Eph 5:18-21, Col 3:16, Ps 149, 150, Ex 15, Ps 95:1-5, 96:1-3,92:1-4, 89:1-2, 100:1-2). The important thing to remember is that music is used Scripturally only when it contains the message of the word of God. Therefore, music which does not contain Biblical truths is to be rejected. Music that is played in such a way that the lyrics become secondary to the music itself is to be rejected. For clearly, the word of God preserved the lyrics of songs and not the music itself in the Psalms. Instead of debating over the tempo and the beat of the music, Christians should more concern them selves over the lyrics of the song. Additionally, Christians should not allow their love for music to consume all their time at the expense of their deeper study of the word of God. Therefore, Christian music is Scriptural as long as the following conditions are satisfied:

The lyrics are Biblically based
The emphasis of the music ministry is on the lyrics and not the music
The music ministry does not take the place of deeper Bible

Fellowship

Fellowship is an important part of a Christian’s life. Fellowship in the New Testament refers to sharing the gospel, teaching, suffering for the sake of Christ, and giving (see Chapter 23 for more detail concerning true fellowship). We must all be willing to become involved in other people’s lives for their edification. But, too much Christendom emphasizes fellowship that is shallow and not centered around the word of God. Many Christians are content to gather together in social settings to do the things of the world. Fun and games are the order of the day. Jokes and worldly pleasures are being emphasized in our fellowship time. Rather the Christian must return to the principle of addressing one another in hymns and spiritual songs. We must be more interested in getting together for singing hymns, praying and of course studying God’s word.

Prayer

This topic will surprise many people. Obviously, prayer is a crucially important part of any Christian’s life (1 Thess 5:17, 25, 1 Tim 2:8). However, it must be recognized that it is through the Bible that a believer’s sanctification occurs. We must pray, but we must not allow ourselves to be fooled into believing that prayer with God can take the place of serious Bible study. I have witnessed many Christians who will place more emphasis on prayer than the study of God’s word. While it is true that we should continually pray (1 Thess 5:17) and even our Bible study should be bathed in prayer, we cannot have the opinion that by ‘going to the prayer altar to pray’, that this prayer will in some mystical way teach us the word of God and therefore make us grow as Christians. The fact that we think we can only effectively pray by taking some physical position at some physical place suggests that our understanding of prayer in not correct. A Christian can pray while he is in a conversation, driving, bathing, eating, walking, studying and even watching TV, etc.

The learning of God word occurs because of our diligent study. However, there are many Christians that believe that Bible study is not that important to their growth as long as they spend a lot of time in prayer. This is clearly false.

Summary

The main point that I hope to have stressed in the above paragraphs is that Bible study is important in a Christian’s sanctification. A true Christian must not be fooled by Christendom that the things discussed in this chapter can replace the study of God’s word in our sanctification process. I believe that Christendom has promoted their method of sanctification including psychology, selfhelp, emotional appeals, fun and games, and non-Bible based Radio and TV ministries because they realize that the Bible is all too often ineffective in a large section of Christendom today. The reason it is ineffective, of course, is that a large segment of Christendom today is likely not truly saved. For if they were, there would be more disciples of Jesus Christ, there would be more ability in Christians to truly grasp the deeper truths of Scripture, and there would be more resultant good works in Christendom. But in reaction to the luke-warmness of the church today, Christendom has resorted to being like the world in their approach to making people more moral. True Christians must stand against false methods being offered us in Christendom today and return to a zealous study of God’s word. We must reject psychology in Christianity (Col 2:4-10). We must reject the mystical elements of Radio / TV ministries including their emphasis on healings, politics, social issues, and showmanship. We must reject all extra-biblical activities as a source of a Christian’s sanctification.

Chapter 22 – A Call to Action for the Family

The family is likely the most overlooked avenue of sanctification for the believer. Most of the believer’s life will be spent in a family unit. In this chapter, we will examine the role of the family setting in the believer’s sanctification. While this chapter will emphasize the nurturing and teaching relationship between the parents (especially the father) and children, it is important to understand that the various relationships between family members (including parents, children, grandparents, etc.) all provide for a source of sanctification. By these close relationships, God will teach true believer’s truths about the God family.

It is important to note that Jesus most often referred to His relationship with God the Father as a Father/Son relationship to point out the vital oneness between Him and the Father. In addition, the husband/wife relationship is seen as a picture of Jesus Christ and the church. Relationships between fellow Christians are typified in the sibling relationships in the family. The church leaders and the church flock are also typified in the family situation as a father/son relationship. Therefore, it is quite evident that the family structure forms a vital institution that God uses to bring about spiritual understanding. Speaking from personal experience as a married father with four young children, I can attest to the fact that there are a lot of truths that can better be understood from the viewpoint of within a family as opposed to in a single condition. This is not to say that a single person cannot reach the state of sanctification that a married person can for the Bible states the contrary (see 1 Cor 7:25-40). Rather, some spiritual truths are easier understood from a family perspective.

It should be obvious to true believers that the family structure is a God-ordained institution and forms the basic building block in society. There is a need for the family structure in society as a source of tradition, nurturing, teaching, security, etc. The proof of the foregoing statement will not be pursued here in the hope that this fact is self-evident. Rather, let us turn to look first at the state of families in our society.

Sad State of Families Today

We routinely hear about how the family structure is deteriorating. Not too many years ago, it was almost unheard of for husbands and wives to divorce. And if they did, it was invariably, the wife that would take the children. Today, divorce is common and in certain subcultures expected to occur. It is more questionable when there is a divorce as to who will get custody of the children. In many cases, the wife no longer wants the children and leaves the children with the father in order to pursue a separate life. A woman wanting to abandon her children was at one time virtually unheard of, but now is relatively common. The natural mother-child affection has been tom asunder (2 Tim 3:5).

In today’s society, it is common for both the husband and the wife to both work. This society encourages young women to find careers to find satisfaction in life. In some quarters, the stay-at-home mom is looked down upon with disdain. The stay-at-home mom is even ridiculed by some political leaders. The advertising media puts a large emphasis on the woman in the workplace. Years ago, advertisements would be geared toward the stay-at-home wife, but now the advertisements normally depict a hurried working mom who has to juggle several responsibilities.

It is obvious as a result of our societal and economic changes, that in many cases in families both husband and wife have to work. But, these should be very few and far between. More often, the wife is pushed or eagerly wishes to work due to divorce, desire for material objects, search for fulfillment, and peer pressure. The problem with the flood of women working is that the Bible clearly tells women that they should be domestic oriented (1 Tim 5:14, Titus 2:5), productive (Proverbs 31) and a helper in the instruction of children (Pr 6:20, 2 Tim 1:5, 3:15).

A related problem in today’s families is that the leadership of the husband is vanishing. At one time, it was taken for granted that the husband should be the leader of the home. Now, that idea is looked at with repugnance. Even to suggest such an idea will often receive serious negative responses. Families today are generally 50-50 relationships with both partners working outside the home and decisions jointly made. The Bible’s clear teaching is that the father is to be the leader of the home (1 Peter 3:6, Eph 5:22, Col 3:18, etc.).

Today’s families have also neatly disposed of grandparents. The grandparents have been delegated to living their golden years oftentimes alone or with their spouse if they are not divorced or widowed. Although, there may be some cases where the grandparent needs special medical care outside the home, more often than not, the grandparents are simply in the way and live apart from their children. Again, the Bible seems clear that it is expected that the grandparents would remain active in the families of their children (1 Peter 5:5-6, 1 Tim 3:2, Titus 2:2-3, Deut 4:9, 6:7).

In the above short paragraphs, it is hoped that the reader will recognize the problems in today’s families. This chapter is not meant to be an exhaustive survey of all the degradations in the family structure of today. It should be obvious to each reader that the family structure is in breakdown. If one observes the locations where the breakdown of the family is so prominent, it can be theorized that the breakdown of the family may be directly attributable to a lot of the vices of today’s society. While the politicians tell us that they care for the families by encouraging the use of day care and providing more ‘opportunities’ for mothers in the workplace, society continues to be deceived in buying into the rejection of the biblical family structure.

In the previous chapter, it was seen that the word of God is instrumental in the believer’s sanctification. In the balance of this chapter, it will be demonstrated that the family setting is a vital source of biblical teaching. Christendom has followed the world in its method of ‘training’ children. Before looking at the families of today’s churches, let us first establish the biblical norm of what Bible instruction in the home should be.

Biblical Commands for Teaching in the Home

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and gates.” Deut 6:5-9

Moses commanded the Israelites to put God’s commands in their hearts. The reality for a true believer is that God’s law has been written on their hearts (Heb 8:8-12, 10:14-18, Jer 31:34) and that by the indwelling Holy Spirit, true believers are able to understand the words and apply them. The command for ancient Israel was that they should diligently teach them to their children. They were to do this in all aspects of life. There should be times of quiet, sit down study in the home and also a continual teaching of these truths of God in all aspects of life. The believers’ lives cannot be separate from the truth of Scripture. As experiences arise in the believers’ lives, the children should be instructed from God’s word on how the parents are dealing with the situation. In everything they do, there should be a cognizance of the word of God and application. This is the meaning of verses 7 through 9 in the above passage. This command for the instruction of children has clearly been carried over into the New Testament as well:

“And you fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 (see also Col 3:21)

Fathers are commanded to bring up their children in the training and admonition of the Lord. As fathers carry out these duties, they should not provoke their children to wrath by being over bearing and unfair to the children. The father must love his children and train them in the truths of the Lord. The word training in the Greek is paideia which has the meaning ‘to instruct a child by way of discipline and chastening’. This term therefore has the meaning of instruction by deed rather than word. This is the same word used in Heb 12:5 which is translated as ‘chastening’ in referring to God’s discipline of true believers. Therefore, in Eph 6:4, it can be seen that fathers have a responsibility to train their children in deed (including the ‘rod’). It cannot simply mean to instruct them in the Bible although this is important and Scriptural, but rather, the father must apply the Biblical truths to affect change in their child’s life without provoking the child to anger.

The word in Eph 6:4 translated ‘admonition’ is the Greek word nouthesia which carries the meaning: ‘admonition, warning exhortation by word, which appeals to the reasoning faculties’. While training implies deeds and action, admonition implies words and intellect. Therefore, it is evident that the father has the responsibility of teaching children biblical facts, as well as following through with discipline to ensure that they are carried out. It is important to raise a very important point at this juncture. The Christian father possesses the ability by the Holy Spirit to actually train his children up in a way in which he will not depart (Proverbs 22:6).

There are many in Christendom today that tend to divorce Christian parents from the action of their children. They assert that it is acceptable that a true believer can have children that will be disobedient and that a true believer has no control over the actions of his children. While it is true that there is no work that a parent can do to merit the salvation of his children, they can train the child in a godly way that will result in a responsible moral person. This is why the Bible is clear that a qualification for an elder and a deacon is that they rule their households well, with their children in submission (see 1 Tim 3:4, 12, Titus 1:6). This qualification reveals that it is possible that children can be raised in a godly way so as not to be in subordinate or accused of dissipation (Titus 1:6). If raising children in a godly manner were beyond the control of the believer, then God would have hardly made this a qualification of an elder/deacon. Godly influence truly will provide a sanctifying effect in Scripture.

It is a fact of Scripture that a believing parent (even only one) can serve to sanctify their children (see 1 Cor 7:14). Additionally, an unbelieving spouse can achieve a degree of sanctification due to the believing partner. In fact, unbelievers in the church midst will be partakers of the godly influence of those around him (see Hebrews 6:4-8). A point of balance must be introduced at this point. For believers who were called later in life that may already have older children, it is difficult to affect a change in the children’s character if they were previously improperly trained. But, the important point to remember is that believers who have small children have the ability to shape their children into moral people and those who are unable to do so are disqualified for the offices of elder and deacon. It is important to make the point that the Greek word translated for ‘children’ (tekna) in the elder/deacon qualification Scriptures (1 Tim 3:113, Titus 1:1-9) has the general meaning of descendant. It does not mean young child for there are other Greek words that are used for younger children. Rather, these words are the general term for offspring. This supports the fact of Pr 22:6 that a godly parent can raise children that will not depart from their training they received as a child.

The above discussion applies to believing parents raising unsaved children. The Scripture promises us that even a child that is not one of the elect, can have a degree of godly influence that will help him live a mora1life. How much more of an effect will the training and admonition of a child who is saved and indwelt with the Holy Spirit have?

Because of the fact that God chooses to elect many children of saved parents, the implications of godly training are exciting. Saved children trained biblically by saved parents can potentially achieve a great amount of sanctification through their reception and application of the word of God Teaching children the word of God and not applying it is not in keeping with the teaching of Eph 6:4. Both teaching (i.e., admonition) and training (i.e., discipline) are vitally important. For now, let us look at the Scriptures that clearly command that parents (especially the father) must diligently seek to discipline children without provoking them to wrath.

“He who spares his rod hates his son. But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.” Pr 13:24

“Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, and he who hates correction will die.“ Pr 15:10

“Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction.“ Pr 19:18

“Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him.” Pr 22:15

“Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod, and deliver his soul from hell.“ Pr 23:13-14

“The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother … Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul.” Pr 29:15,17

“If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?” Heb 12:7

It should be obvious that the above Scriptures provide corroborating testimony to Eph 6:4 concerning the discipline of children. The word of God must be taught, but it must also be enforced for the children to truly be able to be molded into an up right person. Another point to be made is that teaching in the home is not limited to the parent/child relationship. The Bible reveals to us that it is expected in the Christian home that the father will be the spiritual leader and has the responsibility for his wife’s learning as well. The wife is told in 1 Cor 14:34-35 to ask their husbands at home concerning spiritual questions. In addition, the qualifications of elders/deacons clearly reveals that the father has the leadership in the home (Titus 1:3-9, 1 Tim 3:1-13). The husband’s responsibility in the home is likened to Christ’s position as head of the church (Eph 5:22-33). The head needs to be responsible for the leadership of the family body including the spiritual maturity of the family (see also Acts 16:34, Josh 24:15, Gen 18:19).

It should also be pointed out that wives and grandparents are to assist in the teaching of the children or take the lead in spiritual teaching of the children if there is no husband or he otherwise abdicates his responsibility (2 Tim 1:5, 3:15, Pr 6:20, Titus 2:2-4, Deut 4:9, etc.). The experience of the grandparents is invaluable in the training of the children. Finally, a word about the classic example we have of a father/son relationship. That example is God the Father and God the Son:

“Then Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for what ever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.” John 5:19-20

A father who truly loves his son will want to show him all things that he knows. The father who selfishly does not share his knowledge with his son is violating the principle that God the Father and Jesus gave us to walk by. The Christian father must have the attitude that his relationship with his children is one of teaching and disciplining so that the child can go apply the ways of God (see also John 1:18, 10:32, 15:15, Pr 8:22-31).

Are Christian homes today earnestly endeavoring to teach and train the children in the ways of the Lord? Is the major emphasis of family time spent in the study or application of spiritual principles? Does the father lead the family by example in the reading and application of the word of God? Is the father the leader in spiritual teaching and disciplining the family? Do even young children in the home have a basic understanding of biblical truths and events? The reader is encouraged to further examine himself concerning his family and study the word of God and discover the correctives that are needed in his life.

Chapter 23 – A Call to Action – Teaching

“Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” Col 1:28

Paul was intent on warning and teaching every man in wisdom. This should be the goal of every minister in order to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Col 1:28 clearly refers to the progressive sanctification of believers. Although all men are given the Holy Spirit at conversion and therefore become new creatures in Christ (2 Cor 5:17) resulting in a change of character and conduct, each true Christian will also live a life of growth in Christ Jesus. In Chapter 21, we studied the mechanism that brings forth the growth in believers. That is, each believer has the indwelling Holy Spirit who, by the word of God, leads us on from glory to glory. Therefore, warning and teaching true Christians is vitally important. While teaching is more of a preemptive nature, ‘warning’ concerns correcting what was wrong by the ‘putting into the mind’. This thought is parallel to the following Scripture:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doc trine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim 3:16-17

In the above Scripture, the profitableness of the word of God is found in four areas, two of which are remedial (i.e., reproof, correction) and two are didactic (i.e., doctrine, instruction in righteousness). Therefore, this Scripture runs parallel to Col 1:28 in that there is seen a dual function of the word of God (i.e., correcting and teaching).

Biblical Commands

Before addressing the false methods today’s churches are using in ministering to Christians for their sanctification, it is necessary to clearly present the Biblical model for the church as it relates to ministry to the saints.

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…” Eph 4:11-13

The duties of church leadership is two-fold. First, they are to equip the saints for the work of the ministry. In other words, they should shepherd the flock (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-3, John 21:1517) such that each believer is taught how to serve others in the work of the Lord. Each individual is different, with different spiritual gifts (see Holy Result #15). The church leadership should carefully develop each believer in order for them to maximize their spiritual abilities. Second, the church leaders are to edify the body of Christ. Edify means ‘to spiritually build up’. That is, the believers will need to be taught and exhorted in the word of God in order for them to grow spiritually as the Holy Spirit enables them. The purpose of this two-fold function of church leadership is to ‘perfect’ each man in their sanctification. Churches exist in order to develop the flock of God in their sanctification. There are many facets in the equipping and edifying of the saints including Bible study, prayer, worship, ministry etc. All these functions will lead the believer in increasing his knowledge of God and therefore cause him to be led toward ‘perfection’.

It is instructive to analyze the activities of the early church in order to apply them to today’s churches. We will look at the church in Jerusalem just after the day of Pentecost:

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42

In this Scripture, we see four terms that are used to describe how the very earliest church used in order to edify and equip the saints. First, we see that the believers followed in doctrine. The Greek word for doctrine involves the thought of teaching. Therefore, there was a significant amount of teaching in the early church. This was mentioned first of the four activities, for obviously it must be preeminent as the source of the believers’ sanctification (I Pet 2:2, etc.). The latter two items are the breaking of bread and prayers. Both of these items are of vast importance in the church and make up parts of the overall ‘fellowship’ of believers. The breaking of bread were meals that were eaten together, probably also involving the taking of the Lord’s Supper (see 1 Cor 10:16-22, 11:23-34).

The offering of prayers was also a vital part of the believers’s fellowship. The word fellowship in the Greek is koinonia. This word literally means ‘a having in common’. Therefore, this word implies that the believers shared in activities. Besides the breaking of bread and prayers, what exactly were these activities? Are they the activities present in today’s churches such as the parties, recreation activities, yard sales, entertainment, family fun nights, etc. that are so prevalent in today’s church. They most certainly were not. The following summarizes the occurrence of the word ‘fellowship’ as used in the New Testament to refer to activities that believer’s do together (see also 2 Cor 8:23, Phil 1:17, 1John 1:3,7):

The ministering of the gospel (Phil 1:5, Gal 2:9)
Doctrine (2 John 11)
Sufferings (2 Cor 1:7, Heb 10:33, 1 Pet 4:13, Phil 3:10)
Giving (Rom 15:26-27,2 Cor 8:4,9:13, Phil 4:14-15, Gal 6:6, 1Tim 6:18, Heb 13:16)

It should become evident that the fellowship of the early church did not consist of fun and games and other fleshly pursuits that are affectionately called ‘fellowship’ in today’s churches, but rather the fellowship of the New Testament is predominated by sharing with one another and suffering together. There is a sobriety that permeates throughout the New Testament that is so absent in today’s churches.

“Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Saducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.” Acts 4:1-2

“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” Acts 5:42

“Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was com mitted to you, keep by the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us.” 2 Tim 1:13-14

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.“ 2 Tim 2:1-2

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim 2:15

“Preach the word. Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” 2 Tim 4:2

“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.” 1 Cor 9:16

It is hoped that the previous discussion and the above Scriptures reveal clearly that the mission of the church is to edify and equip the body of Christ, and the avenue, in part, to this goal is by the teaching and applying of the word of God in church. Unfortunately there is an abundance of false doctrine in the church. This was a significant concern to the early church as is testified in the following Scriptures:2 Tim 3:1-9, 2 Pet 2, Jude 419,2 Tim 4:3-4,1 John 2:18-27, 1 John 4:1-4, 2 John 7-11, Gal 1:6-9,2:4, 1 Tim 4:1-4, 2 Thess 2:3, 2 Cor 11:12-15, Mat 7:1520, Luke 6:26. We now tum to look at four specific methods of teaching of which the Bible warns us that should not be done in the churches. Each of these areas is normally used in Christendom as methods to achieve a higher godly standard in believers (i.e., sanctification). But, as we shall see, they are all false methods to sanctification.

Four Warning Areas in Colossians 2

We now turn to examine four areas that the Bible warns us are deceptive heresies. In the previous paragraphs, we discovered that the Bible teaches that the intent of the church is to equip and edify the saints. This is to be done by preaching, teaching, fellowship of sharing, breaking bread together, and growing together in our suffering. The Bible is clear that a believer’s sanctification is a work of God that indwells each believer. God uses the Bible to instruct and correct true believers in order to progress them in their sanctification. We now turn to the four areas that are a false route to sanctification.

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” Col 2:6-7

False Method of Sanctification #1 – Philosophy/Psychology

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit ac cording to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Col 2:8-101 (See also Ps 119:24, Is 28:29, Ro 1:21-23, 1 Cor 1:19-25,3:12-20, Gen 3:5)

The first warning of false sanctification involves philosophy and empty deceit of man’s traditions. Philosophy literally means ‘the love of wisdom’ and that wisdom is of the world ac cording to the tradition of man. Empty deceit involves the teachings of men that are contrary to the word of God that, on the sur face, appear to be valuable but they are truly cloaked in deceit. Instead of following man’s ideas, the Bible teaches us that we are complete in Christ. We have all the wisdom and power we need in Him. The Greek word for ‘basic principles’ found in verse 8 is stoicheia which holds the meaning ‘building blocks or component parts’. Although it is not exactly certain if this term referred to the basic building blocks of Judaism or the basic elements of the earth referred to by Greek philosophers, the Scripture clearly warns us of following man’s wisdom instead of God’s wisdom.

A prime example of this in today’s churches is the use of psychology including self-esteem, ‘leadership’ and self-help. When those methods are used to such a degree that the word of God becomes secondary, are we not following the traditions of men? If we are truly complete in Christ, why do we need to add to the Bible with man’s ideas? Perhaps the answer lies in the ineffectiveness that the Scriptures have on a large segment of Christendom. And why is this? Because a large segment of Christendom are professors only and not truly saved with the Spirit of God which would enable them to truly understand the Scriptures and be sanctified. It is heartbreaking to view 200+ page ‘Christian’ books by so-called ‘Christian’ psychologists that have but a few Bible verses between its covers while there is page after page of man’s ‘wisdom’. This is heresy.

False Method of Sanctification #2 – Legalism

“And you being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all the trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon, or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is Christ.” Col 2:13-17

In these verses, we find a warning against legalism. Legalism is the method of sanctification so prevalent in some ‘fundamentalist’ churches which involves the setting up of very strict conduct that the church members are to follow. Examples of some of this conduct involve the following:

Not allowing women to wear pants
Abstaining from restaurants that serve alcohol
Requiring the abstaining of certain foods during certain periods of time
Keeping of certain ‘holy days’ or abstaining from certain ‘holidays’
Length of women’s hair
Type of school children attend
Only allowing certain limited Christian music

These are just a few examples. The following is a working definition of legalism:

“The establishment of rules and regulations which are not specifically addressed in the Bible by word or principle and are used by people to attempt to increase their sanctification”

As we have seen, the only way to true progressive sanctification is by the Holy Spirit’s use of the word of God in our lives. Returning to Col 2:l3-17, we find that there were those who were being judged by what they were eating and holy days. The clear point of the passage is that we are not bound by legalistic regulations that do not make us any more alive in Christ for holiness. Legalism does not address the underlying motives of the heart summed up in agape love. Rather, legalism attempts to regulate the flesh without ministering to the heart of the believer. Legalism will result in enmity and unjust judgment (Ro 14:3, 10) within the church resulting in unnecessary divisions. Therefore, legalism does not make a true believer grow in love. It is only the pure milk of the word of God by which we will grow (1 Peter 2:2).

It is interesting to note that the New Testament makes a significant emphasis to warn Christians against legalism. In the New Testament church, there were many factions that arose, especially the Judaizers, who wanted to add legalistic requirements to the freedom we have in Christ to follow God by the Holy Spirit. Although, we currently live in a generally liberal society, there is in some parts of Christendom strong reactions to worldliness. Unfortunately, some of these reactions involve the living by legalism instead of by the word of God. The following Scriptures in the New Testament speak to the issue of legalism and resultant unnecessary divisions it causes: Romans 14, 1 Cor 8, 10:23-33, 1 Tim 1:3-11,6:3-5, Gal 4:8-31, 5:1-15, Titus 3:9-11, 2 Tim 2:23, James 4:11-12, Romans 7:4-6, 2 Tim 2:16-18, Mk 7:1-13. Christians have liberty but are not to use it as an opportunity for the flesh (Gal 5:13, 1 Pet 2:6) or a cause for stumbling to another believer (Ro 14:13-21, 1 Cor 8:9-13).

False Method of Sanctification #3 – Mysticism

“Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.” Col 2:18-19

The Scripture expressly tells us not to let man cheat us of our reward by involving oneself in mystical pursuits. In verse 18, it talks of some who were submitting themselves and worshiping angels. This is an area that the true Christian cannot expressly see nor are they given commands to do such practices. This is an area that is hidden from man to a large degree and therefore is ‘mystical’. By taking part in mysticism, man becomes prideful due to the fact that he believes he has a special contact with God that is not part of God’s revelation to all true believers. On other occasions the Bible warns believers to stay clear of vain babblings and endless genealogies (see 1 Tim 1:3-4, 2 Tim 2:16, Titus 3:9-11, 1 Tim 6:20). Activities are mystical in nature when they involve areas of knowledge that are either untrue or have not been specifically revealed to true believers through the Bible (see Deut 29:29). It is interesting to note that the Bible tells us that such activities do not bring sanctification and unity but rather ungodliness (2 Tim 2:16-18, Titus 3:9) and divisions (Titus 3:10).

Present day Christendom is full of mystical practices as well. Many Christians are claiming the ‘Spirit is leading them’ but unfortunately this is a mystical endeavor and untrue since many of these suppositions are contrary to the word of God. Other practices such as false tongue-speaking, bogus ‘miracle healings’, worshiping of idols, and unscriptural prayer requests are all other examples of mysticism in the church since these involve areas of knowledge which are beyond what God has revealed in the word of God. The Scripture in Col 2:18-19 teaches Christians to avoid such mysticism.

False Method of Sanctification #4 – Asceticism

‘Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle, which all concern things which perish with the using according to the commandments and doc trines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.” Col 2:20-23

Here we have another example of actions taken by religious people that are ‘of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.’ These activities appear to be of value in subduing the flesh, but in reality they are worthless pursuits. These are activities that involve severe regulations for the body. However, the true Christian is sanctified through the Spirit, as we have previously studied. Ascetic activities are akin to legalism for they involve rules and regulations outside the revealed will of God, however, they are more severe in regards to the body. Some examples of asceticism that are of no value in sanctification, but occur in Christendom are:

Crucifixions in honor of Jesus
Walking on knees in the church – Monasticism ‘pillar saints’
Celibacy
Extremes in fasting
Extreme prayer vigils

Summary

We have seen the importance of the teaching and application of the Scripture as a source of progressive sanctification for the true Christian. However, the predominant thrust in Christendom is exactly the opposite today. Even in fundamentalist churches which pride themselves on their close adherence to the Scriptures, there is great biblical ignorance. Very few in Christendom truly and actively study the word of God. Too many are satisfied with the fun and games that are so prominent in churches today. Instead of laboring in the word of God and prayer, Christendom is spending its time living like the world. They appeal to self-help books instead of the Bible. Psychology has replaced strong emphasis on biblical exegesis. Instead of using the word of God for help in how to handle tough situations in life, Christendom has resorted to heaping up for themselves teachers of all types. They dwell on the tangents of social issues that appeal to the world instead of using the Bible which will appeal to the true saints of God. Perhaps, they do not want to offend the ‘flock’ by teaching the truth of the Bible (particularly in the area of sanctification).

Instead of appealing to the true believers (who are disciples of Christ), church leaders have focused their ministry on those who are not disciples. Christendom has compromised the deeper things of truth for an appeal to the unsaved masses. When pastors and other leaders resort to superficiality in Bible study, are they not guilty of ministering to the unsaved instead of the saved?

Chapter 24 – Conclusion – Putting it all Together

It is a plain fact of Scripture that all true Christians are saved by grace alone through Jesus Christ. There is no work that man can do in order to merit eternal life with God. Man is a fallen creature who is lost in his sin. At the time of salvation, God graciously granted men repentance (2 Tim 2:24-26) and faith (Eph 2:8-9). Neither repentance nor faith are man’s work but rather the gracious enabling of God who has chosen the elect to inherit the kingdom of God. By the true baptism of God (i.e., not water baptism which is symbolic of the true), Christians have been baptized into the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13). In this bap tism, Christians have been made to drink of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:13). As is seen clearly in Romans 6:3-5, Christians have been baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27) so that they walk in newness of life. They have been baptized into His death (Rom 6:5, Col 2:12) so that the old man is crucified with Christ (Rom 6:6) and that the new man will by the Spirit of God walk in faith in the newness of life (Col 3:1). In newness of life, God is at work in all true Christians to transform them into the image of Christ, from glory to glory (2 Cor 3:18).

The word of God is the tool that God uses in the believer’s life in order to sanctify him. In previous chapters, 20 Holy Results were identified. These 20 Holy Results are the working of the Holy Spirit in a true Christian’s life to produce works that befit repentance and faith (Acts 20:21). It is hoped that these chapters proved that these 20 Holy Results are not things a Christian should do but rather what a true Christian will be led to do. Therefore, these 20 Holy Results provide a convenient listing of works evident in a believer’s life so that he may test himself as to whether he is truly in the faith (2 Cor 13:5).

Additionally, it has been shown that every true Christian is not yet perfect, for all still have sin in their lives (1 John 1:8, 10). But, this sin will not characterize the true Christian’s life. It is hoped that by an appeal to each reader’s observations in their own walk as a Christian, it has been demonstrated that the huge visible organization today which calls itself the church (i.e., Christendom) is most assuredly not the true Church. It is hoped that all the readers of this work will come to see that Christendom is in many cases actually controlled by those who are teaching a false gospel of easy-believism, legalism, antinomianism, and worldliness. The so-called Ecumenical Movement is just one example of the compromise of biblical standards that is occurring in the world today. As Christians, we should not be surprised that this is the state of Christianity today. We were forewarned of this in the Bible. Just as the three measures of meal were inculcated with leaven by the woman until it was all leavened (Mat 13:33, Luke 13:20-21), so is the church today. Leaven abounds in the church. Just as there were divisions in Corinth so that the true may be distinguished from the bad (1 Cor 11:19), so it is in Christendom. Just as the wheat and the tares were to grow together in the world (Mat 13:24-30, 36-43), so it is with Christendom. Just as we were told that ravenous wolves would come in among us, so it has happened (Acts 20:28-30). Just as the treasure found in the field was hid (Mat 13:44), so it is with the true church today. It is hidden amongst the world and throughout the entity called Christendom. Just as in the judgment at the end of the age, there will be good fish and bad fish, so it will be on judgment day for the church (Mat 13:47-52). Just as Jesus warned us (Mat 7:21-28) that not everyone who said ‘Lord, Lord’ would enter the kingdom of God but rather those who practiced righteousness, so it will be.

In Revelation chapter 2 and 3, there is a description of the state of the churches in the apostle John’s day. These are typical of the state of the churches today as well. Just as there was a mixture of good and bad in the churches of John’s day, so it is true today as well. Just as Jesus promised that only the overcomers in these churches would have eternal life (see Rev 2:7,11, 17, 26, 3:5,12,18), so it is with today’s churches. It is only those who obey Jesus who will receive eternal salvation (Reb 5:9). But even though we realize that was prophesied in the Bible, we must not let this be an excuse for not doing what was commanded in the Bible.

We must all strive for our personal sanctification by working out our salvation in fear and trembling (Phil 2:12) lest we find ourselves disqualified (2 Cor 13:5). We must all maintain our families in the biblical perspective. We must diligently train our children (Eph 6:4). We must diligently study the Bible (2 Tim 2:15) and abandon the frivolous fun and games of today’s churches. We must love one another enough to confront each other in gentleness (Gal 6:1), so that we all may grow toward perfection. Finally, we must all have our minds on things above and not on earth (Col 3:2). Let us stand in awe at what a great God we serve. We must look in humility to the work that God is doing in us (Eph 2:10). We must never think that our righteousness is our own, for it is clearly not. We must thank God for His wonderful Word He has given us through the Bible, that so beautifully works together in harmony without contradiction in order to wash us from sin (Eph 5:25-26). And most of all, let us thank God for the sacrifice he has provided for us in the work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Appendix A – A Scripture Listing Proving that the Visible Church Contains Both Saved and Unsaved People

The following Scriptures testify to the fact that the church will have both saved and unsaved people present together:

The Epistles to the 7 Churches of Revelation -Rev 2-3
The Parable of the Sower and the Seed -Mat 13:3-9, 18-23, Luke 8:4-15, Mk 4:3-9,13-20
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure -Mat 13:44
The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares -Mat 13:24-30, 36-43
The Parable of the Talents -Mat 25:14-30
The Parable of the 10 Minas -Luke 19:11-27
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector -Luke 18:9-14
The Parable of the Great Supper -Luke 14:15-24
The Parable of the 10 Virgins -Mat 25:1-13
Many are Called, Few are Chosen -Mat 20:16, 22:14
The Parable of the Marriage Feast -Mat 22:1-14
Judgment of the Nations -Mat 25:31-46
The Parable of the 2 Sons -Mat 21:28-32
The Parable of the Dragnet -Mat 13:47-51
The Parable of the Testing of the Servants -Luke 12:41-48
False Brethren -2 Cor 11:26, Gal 2:4
The Parable of the Good Samaritan -Luke 10:30-37
The 10 Lepers -Luke 17:11-19
Ravenous wolves who do not spare the Flock -Acts 20:29-30
Factions amongst people so those who are Approved may be Recognized -1 Cor 11:19
Vessels of Honor, Vessels of Dishonor -2 Tim 2:20
Many Antichrists Have Come -1John 2:18-29, 4:1-4
Simon the Sorcerer -Acts 8:5-25
Ananias and Sapphira -Acts 5:1-11
Certain Ungodly Men who have Crept in Unnoticed -Jude 4
He who Climbs in Another Way -John 10:1-2
False Apostles, Deceitful Workers -2 Cor 11:12-15
The Apostasy -2 Thess 2:3
False prophets, christs -Mat 7:15-20, 24:5,24, Luke 6:26, 21:8, Mark 13:6,22
Those who Depart From the Faith -1 Tim 4:1-4
False Teachers 2 Peter 2, 2 Tim 4:3-4
Deceiver, Antichrist -2 John 7-11
Mystery Babylon Rev 17-18
Divisive Men -Titus 3:9-11, Ro 16:17-18
Those who Preach a Different Gospel-Gal 1:6-9
Israel a Type of Church -Gal 6:16, 1 Cor 10:18, Ro 2:28-29, 4:16,9:6,8, Gal 3:7,16,28-29, Eph 2:11-22, Heb 8:10, 10:16-17, Jer 31:34, etc.
Those with a form of Godliness – 2 Tim 3:1-9
Those who suppose Godliness is a means of Gain -1 Tim 6:3-5
You Adulterers and Adulteresses -James 4:4
The Cleansing of the Temple (Temple a type of professing church) – John 2:13-22, Mat 21:12-17, Mk 11:15-17, Lk 19:45-48