EMOURE77
We're Bible Believing Christians.
No Denominations; No Affiliations.
We Read The Bible & Obey It.
No Denominations; No Affiliations.
We Read The Bible & Obey It.
The BIBLE
The Bible is the ONLY inspired writing authorized by God. Its purpose is to give man insight into God's character, will & requirements for mankind. The Bible has many uses for the Christian:
The scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation (2 Tim 3:15)
The scriptures are profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, & instruction in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16-17)
Which Version?
Do your homework. Some "versions" would be better named "perversions".
We primarily read the KJV & the NKJV, but compare others like NAS, & NRSV & NIV for studies.
ONLY a version that utilizes the Textus Receptus should be considered for everyday use.
THE TRIUNE GOD
GOD the FATHER
GOD the SON
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT
(Deut 6:4) The LORD our GOD is one LORD. Hebrew plurality- Meaning more than one; but one entity. Just as the word "nation". This plural God has 12 Names...
Elohim: Genesis 1:1 "Creator"
Jehovah: Genesis 2:7 "The Covenant name of God; Our Father."
El-Shaddai: Genesis 17:1 "My Supply, My Nourishment."
Adonal: Genesis 18:3 "Master."
Jehovah-Jireh: Genesis 22:14 "Provider And My Vision."
Jehovah-Rophe: Exodus 15;26 "My Healer."
Jehovah-Nissi: Exodus 17:15 "My Victory/Banner"
Jehovah-Mikkadesh: Leviticus 20:7-8 "My Sanctifier."
Jehovah-Tsidkenou: Jeremiah 23:5-6 "My Righteousness."
Jehovah-Shalom: Judges 6:24 "My Peace."
Jehovah-Rohi: Psalm 23:1 "My Shepherd."
Jehovah-Shamah: Ezekiel 48:35 "He is there; He is Present."
"There are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, & the Holy Spirit & these three are one." (1Jhn 5:7)
Most GOD Haters like: Atheists & Jehovah Witnesses, cannot wrap their heads around the doctrine of the Trinity. They cannot accept that the All- Seeing, All -Knowing, Unfathomably Powerful; GOD can be three separate entities - yet one. Yet, they will not deny the three separate properties of water. (liquid, gas, frozen solid)
Are we born in sin?
Although MANY "churches/denominations" teach this-- frankly the BIBLE does NOT.
We are not born sinners. We're born as innocent babies. A God who creates sinners, only to ultimately end up burning them in Hell-- is no God at all-- but an evil monster. The God of the BIBLE is not this way.
The BIBLE says:
We are sinners when we know the difference between right & wrong--
& choose wrong for selfish gain= pleasing our: flesh/sinful nature/earthly desires
(James 4:17)
The BIBLE teaches that we all possess a: fallen nature/ flesh/ sinful nature/ earthly desires. (Col 3:5-10, Gal 5:19-21,& 24, Rom 6:6-7) Along with physical DEATH, these predisposed desires are what we have inherited from Adam. Not actual SIN. SIN has ALWAYS been shown in Scripture as a CHOICE.
When we choose to ACT on these fleshly desires; that is the birth of SIN.
The BIBLE actually likens SIN to a birth....
"Each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires & enticed. THEN, when desire has CONCEIVED, it gives BIRTH to SIN; & SIN - when it is FULL-GROWN, brings forth (spiritual) DEATH. (James 1:14-15)
Other related passages: (Rom 5:12-14, 1 Cor 15:20- 49, Rom 9:11, Rom 7:9-11)
Because of SIN & its devastating effect of spiritual death to our souls; the necessity of a SAVIOUR becomes clear. (Rom 3:9-23)
God gave many prophetic words that a SAVIOUR known as MESSIAH would be sent to earth to save mankind.... (Isa 53:3-12)
JESUS CHRIST is the ONLY one who has fulfilled ALL the OT prophecies about the promised MESSIAH.
JESUS CHRIST is the MESSIAH.
"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign; Behold, the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel (God with us) (Isa. 7:14)
Other related passages: (Jer 23:5-6, Mic 5:2, Hos 11:1, Mal 3:1, Isa 61:1-2)
Only blood atonement is acceptable to God for sin. (Lev 17:11, Heb 9:22)
The sacrifice of the spotless Lamb of God (Jesus Christ) is the only acceptable substitute for our own eminent payment for sin--the death of our souls/ Hell fire. Only the blood of Jesus cleanses us from our sins (Rom 3:24-26, Rom 5:8-10, Eph 1:7, Col. 1:12-14, Heb 1:3) and sets us free from the slavery of sin. (Rom 6:16-18 & 22)
Salvation through Jesus Christ is a gift of His mercy, that cannot be earned by accumulating good deeds. (Eph. 2:8,Rom. 6:23)
Eternal life is a gift- but it is also described as: A hope, yet to be reaped, in the age to come, for the ones who persist in doing good & don’t give up sowing to please the Spirit of God.
(Titus 3:7; Mark 10:30; Rom. 2:7; Gal. 6:8-9....)
Salvation is only given to those who repent of their sins. (Ps 34:18, Ps 51:16-17, Mk 1:4, Lk 3:3)
How do you Repent?
Cry out to GOD!! Ask HIM to change YOU !!
True Repentance is a two-fold change....
Firstly an inward change of: heart, motives & thought.
Secondly an outward change of: actions, deeds & appearance.
These can be seen in the examples of people who came to salvation like Zaccheus & Paul.
The BIBLE describes someone who has SALVATION in radical terminology :
as BORN AGAIN & a NEW CREATION. (Jhn 3, 1 Pet 1:23, 1 Jhn 3:9, 1 Jhn 5:18, 2 Cor 5:17, Gal 6:15)
JESUS' Gospel Message was: Repent ! (Matt 4:17, Mk 1:15, Mk 6:12, Lk 13:3-5)
"Thus it is written, & thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer & to rise from the dead the third day; & that REPENTANCE & remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations beginning at Jerusalem." (Luke 24:46-47) Other related passages: (Acts 20:21, Acts 26:18-20, 2 Cor 7:10, 2 Pet 3:9)
Salvation is a drastic change that occurs after repentance & by faith in the Lord Jesus.
Described as "from Darkness to Light"
"from the Power of Satan to the Power of God" (Acts 26:18)
What is FAITH?
A conviction of the TRUTH. Strong's Greek 4102
Faith is the realization of things hoped for; the confidence of things not seen. (Heb 11:1)
Faith comes after hearing the Gospel. (Rom 10:15-17)
Faith without deeds is dead. (Jam 2:1-26)
Faith overcomes the world (1Jhn 5:4-5)
Examples of great Faith (Heb 11)
Whatever is not of Faith is Sin (Rom 14:23)
Doctrines of GRACE
Grace is already defined for us in the BIBLE:
“The GRACE of God, that brings SALVATION, has appeared to all men; It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age”. (Titus 2:11-12)
Don't fool yourself.... if this doesn't describe you - you're NOT a CHRISTIAN.
A REAL CHRISTIAN:
“But now that you have been SET FREE FROM SIN and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life”. (Rom. 6:22)
ETERNAL SECURITY is NOT TRUE.
Scriptures show we can fall from grace (Gal. 5:2-4) along with various other ways in which we can lose our salvation, chief of which is SIN. (1 Cor. 3:16-17, 1 Cor 6:9-10, Gal 5:1-4 & Gal 5:19-21, 1 Tim 6:9-10, & 20-21, 1 Tim 4:1, 1 Tim 5:11-15)
GOD WILL NOT BE MOCKED:
“For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. He who sows to please his sinful nature(flesh), from that nature will reap destruction; but he who sows to please the Spirit, will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." (Gal. 6:7-8)
According to JESUS, we MUST endure and remain faithful to God to the end to be saved and not be hurt by the second death. (Mt. 10:22; Rev. 2:10,11; Heb. 3:14)
There just aren’t any scriptures to prove this teaching as truth. We do however, acknowledge that the Bible teaches the exact opposite: that Christians can lose Salvation by:
- believing/preaching a false gospel,
- committing sins that lead to spiritual death,
- growing weary & departing from the faith,
- loving this present world & going back to enjoy its deceitful pleasures,
- or disowning Jesus during persecution.
(1 Cor. 15:2; 1 John 2:24,25; Gal. 1:8,9; 2 Tim. 4:10,Rev. 21:8; 2 Pet. 2:20-22, Eph. 5:5-7; Gal. 5:19-21; Mt. 10:33)
The Gospel of Salvation coincides with our personal responsibility to keep, cherish, hold on to, & otherwise not neglect in any way the precious GIFT of our Salvation.
Read the parables of Jesus regarding His lazy & unprofitable servants who live selfishly & believe He will not come back to earth for a long time.
***Notice their ETERNAL reward from the Lord Himself – outer darkness, weeping & gnashing of teeth (HELL). (Matt. 24:42-51, Matt. 25:13-30, Lk. 12:36-46, Lk. 19:12-27, Lk :21:34-36)
Consider some real life examples of people who had Biblical Salvation & evidences of it & are now in HELL.
Solomon - prayed to God & fire came down from Heaven. Later sacrificed children to idols.
Judas- was given power over demons & did miracles. Satan entered into him- betrayed THE innocent blood.
Adam & Eve
Saul
DIFFERENT DEGREES OF SIN
The biggest misconception about degrees of sin is: that a Christian would lose their salvation every time they sin. Christians need to study up on this particular doctrine. What kind of SIN are we talking about here? Th e
1 Jn. 5:16 declares
There is a SIN that does NOT lead to (spiritual) DEATH while there is a SIN that DOES lead to (spiritual) DEATH.
How do we know John is talking about SPIRITUAL Death?
Well, everyone dies PHYSICALLY--- sinner or not. (unless you're Enoch or Elijah)
Sin was the reason that death entered the world; sin separates us from GOD. (Rom 5:14, Is 59:2)
Also, Adam & Eve suffered SPIRITUAL DEATH before they died PHYSICALLY.
So what would be a SIN that does NOT lead to SPIRITUAL DEATH?
Sins such as WORRY (Phil. 4:6), UNTHANKFULNESS (Col. 2:7, 3:15; Lk. 17:11-18) and not being completely HUMBLE/GENTLE (Eph. 4:2) are not shown in ANY of the lists of sins that will send people to the lake of fire.
INSTEAD, These are shown to be either lacks of FAITH or CHARACTER IMPERFECTIONS. BOTH lacks of FAITH & CHARACTER IMPERFECTIONS are shown to be SIN; (Rom 14:23) but are not shown to be SINS unto SPIRITUAL DEATH. We are PERFECTING HOLINESS in the fear of God (2 Cor 7:1).
So what would be a SIN that leads to SPIRITUAL DEATH?
Fornication, Idolatry, Adultery, Homosexuality, Sodomy, Thievary, Coveteousness, Drunkenness, Slanderers, Extortioners, Sorcery, Hatred, Jealousy, Wrathfulness, Selfish Gain, Heresy, Envy, Murder, Orgies, Cowards, Lying....(1Cor 6:9-10, Gal 5:19-21, Eph 5:3-5, Rev 21:8)
How do we know that these particular sins lead to SPIRITUAL DEATH?
Again, The BIBLE actually likens SIN to a birth....
"Each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires & enticed. THEN, when desire has CONCEIVED, it gives BIRTH to SIN; & SIN - when it is FULL-GROWN, brings forth (spiritual) DEATH. (James 1:14-15)
Ever known anyone who accidentally slipped & fell into another person & committed adultery?
Or was it a CHOICE, that started with a lustful thought (that wasn't brought under subjection or crucified) that led to pondering or fantasy, which led to scheming about how it could be accomplished, next who to lie to & what to say, then what to wear, where to go etc etc etc... until it is accomplished. A BIRTH just like James describes.
The BIBLE shows clearly that there are different degrees of sin. According to 1 Jhn some do not cause spiritual death. Some sins are called GREATER than others (Ezk 8:6,13,15 & Jn. 19:11). One Sin is ETERNAL & unforgivable (Mk. 3:29), while others can be forgiven. One type of sin is against our bodies, while other sins are outside our bodies (1 Cor. 6:18). Sins that lead to spiritual DEATH will send any person to hell if they die in an unrepentant state, even a Christian. (1 Cor. 6:9,10; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:5,6; Rev. 21:8)
Heart Purity & Motives are the deciding factors with GOD. Remember-- He will judge according to these; so no one can justify SIN with the assurance that they can just repent afterwards. IT DOESN'T WORK THAT WAY--- GOD WILL NOT BE MOCKED --- YOU WILL NOT 'GET HIM' WITH A CATCH 22....Instead you reveal your evil heart if you're thinking that way.
Ponder some other relevant points about degrees of sin:
The Bible clearly teaches degrees of punishment.
(Various penalties of Levitical laws- not all resulted in death. Many needed to establish motive & have witnesses. Also, Jesus speaks of servants punished w/ many or few lashings depending on their knowledge)
The Bible clearly teaches degrees of rewards.
(Gold, silver, bronze, straw, crowns, authority, etc...)
God is mindful that we are merely dust. (Ps 103:13-18) This is why He judges in Righteousness by: Motive, Intention & Knowledge- Not by the law alone.
So why is this spiritual truth so hard for some to comprehend?
The Bible states that Holiness is a condition for having eternal life. (Heb. 12:14-15)
The sad reality of today’s “gospel” message is that there is no maintenance of the believer after Salvation. “Just claim the blood of Jesus - & you’re on cruise control until heaven.” What a lie!
What hypocrisy! The Bible is CLEAR when its numerous passages spell out the believer’s role here on earth. As followers of Jesus Christ our LORD;
1. We are servants of Jesus – doing His will and imitating His ways,
2. Redeeming the time, (using our time here wisely to serve the Lord)
3. Enduring persecution,
4. Persevering through trials & temptations,
5. Telling others about Jesus, (hoping they will accept, follow & obey Him too)
6. And walking in the Spirit of Holiness.
(Many scriptures have already been cited for these points, but there are many, many more…
this is important…your soul is on the line…read the Bible for yourself)
If YOU are NOT doing these things…
either you are on the backslidden road that leads to HELL,
or you are NOT a child of the King at all; & subsequently of the Devil. (Read the book of 1 John)
REMEMBER:
Many who confess "Lord Lord!" on that great day of Judgment will be thrown into outer darkness because of SIN. (Matt 7:22, Lk 13:27)
Jesus Himself asks:
"Why do you call Me 'Lord Lord'; & yet you do NOT DO the things which I say?"
The family of God is recognizable; Jesus tells us whoever DOES the will of God is in His Spiritual Family. (Matt 12:50, Mk 3:35, Lk 8:21) And they are built on the solid Rock (Matt 7:24-27, Lk 6:47-49, Deut 32:3-4) They bear good fruit that can be seen & are profitable to His Kingdom. (Matt 7:16-20, The Sower parable of Matt 13 & Luke 8, The Talents parable of Matt 25)
The Bible is the ONLY inspired writing authorized by God. Its purpose is to give man insight into God's character, will & requirements for mankind. The Bible has many uses for the Christian:
The scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation (2 Tim 3:15)
The scriptures are profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, & instruction in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16-17)
Which Version?
Do your homework. Some "versions" would be better named "perversions".
We primarily read the KJV & the NKJV, but compare others like NAS, & NRSV & NIV for studies.
ONLY a version that utilizes the Textus Receptus should be considered for everyday use.
THE TRIUNE GOD
GOD the FATHER
GOD the SON
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT
(Deut 6:4) The LORD our GOD is one LORD. Hebrew plurality- Meaning more than one; but one entity. Just as the word "nation". This plural God has 12 Names...
Elohim: Genesis 1:1 "Creator"
Jehovah: Genesis 2:7 "The Covenant name of God; Our Father."
El-Shaddai: Genesis 17:1 "My Supply, My Nourishment."
Adonal: Genesis 18:3 "Master."
Jehovah-Jireh: Genesis 22:14 "Provider And My Vision."
Jehovah-Rophe: Exodus 15;26 "My Healer."
Jehovah-Nissi: Exodus 17:15 "My Victory/Banner"
Jehovah-Mikkadesh: Leviticus 20:7-8 "My Sanctifier."
Jehovah-Tsidkenou: Jeremiah 23:5-6 "My Righteousness."
Jehovah-Shalom: Judges 6:24 "My Peace."
Jehovah-Rohi: Psalm 23:1 "My Shepherd."
Jehovah-Shamah: Ezekiel 48:35 "He is there; He is Present."
"There are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, & the Holy Spirit & these three are one." (1Jhn 5:7)
Most GOD Haters like: Atheists & Jehovah Witnesses, cannot wrap their heads around the doctrine of the Trinity. They cannot accept that the All- Seeing, All -Knowing, Unfathomably Powerful; GOD can be three separate entities - yet one. Yet, they will not deny the three separate properties of water. (liquid, gas, frozen solid)
Are we born in sin?
Although MANY "churches/denominations" teach this-- frankly the BIBLE does NOT.
We are not born sinners. We're born as innocent babies. A God who creates sinners, only to ultimately end up burning them in Hell-- is no God at all-- but an evil monster. The God of the BIBLE is not this way.
The BIBLE says:
We are sinners when we know the difference between right & wrong--
& choose wrong for selfish gain= pleasing our: flesh/sinful nature/earthly desires
(James 4:17)
The BIBLE teaches that we all possess a: fallen nature/ flesh/ sinful nature/ earthly desires. (Col 3:5-10, Gal 5:19-21,& 24, Rom 6:6-7) Along with physical DEATH, these predisposed desires are what we have inherited from Adam. Not actual SIN. SIN has ALWAYS been shown in Scripture as a CHOICE.
When we choose to ACT on these fleshly desires; that is the birth of SIN.
The BIBLE actually likens SIN to a birth....
"Each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires & enticed. THEN, when desire has CONCEIVED, it gives BIRTH to SIN; & SIN - when it is FULL-GROWN, brings forth (spiritual) DEATH. (James 1:14-15)
Other related passages: (Rom 5:12-14, 1 Cor 15:20- 49, Rom 9:11, Rom 7:9-11)
Because of SIN & its devastating effect of spiritual death to our souls; the necessity of a SAVIOUR becomes clear. (Rom 3:9-23)
God gave many prophetic words that a SAVIOUR known as MESSIAH would be sent to earth to save mankind.... (Isa 53:3-12)
JESUS CHRIST is the ONLY one who has fulfilled ALL the OT prophecies about the promised MESSIAH.
JESUS CHRIST is the MESSIAH.
"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign; Behold, the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel (God with us) (Isa. 7:14)
Other related passages: (Jer 23:5-6, Mic 5:2, Hos 11:1, Mal 3:1, Isa 61:1-2)
Only blood atonement is acceptable to God for sin. (Lev 17:11, Heb 9:22)
The sacrifice of the spotless Lamb of God (Jesus Christ) is the only acceptable substitute for our own eminent payment for sin--the death of our souls/ Hell fire. Only the blood of Jesus cleanses us from our sins (Rom 3:24-26, Rom 5:8-10, Eph 1:7, Col. 1:12-14, Heb 1:3) and sets us free from the slavery of sin. (Rom 6:16-18 & 22)
Salvation through Jesus Christ is a gift of His mercy, that cannot be earned by accumulating good deeds. (Eph. 2:8,Rom. 6:23)
Eternal life is a gift- but it is also described as: A hope, yet to be reaped, in the age to come, for the ones who persist in doing good & don’t give up sowing to please the Spirit of God.
(Titus 3:7; Mark 10:30; Rom. 2:7; Gal. 6:8-9....)
Salvation is only given to those who repent of their sins. (Ps 34:18, Ps 51:16-17, Mk 1:4, Lk 3:3)
How do you Repent?
Cry out to GOD!! Ask HIM to change YOU !!
True Repentance is a two-fold change....
Firstly an inward change of: heart, motives & thought.
Secondly an outward change of: actions, deeds & appearance.
These can be seen in the examples of people who came to salvation like Zaccheus & Paul.
The BIBLE describes someone who has SALVATION in radical terminology :
as BORN AGAIN & a NEW CREATION. (Jhn 3, 1 Pet 1:23, 1 Jhn 3:9, 1 Jhn 5:18, 2 Cor 5:17, Gal 6:15)
JESUS' Gospel Message was: Repent ! (Matt 4:17, Mk 1:15, Mk 6:12, Lk 13:3-5)
"Thus it is written, & thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer & to rise from the dead the third day; & that REPENTANCE & remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations beginning at Jerusalem." (Luke 24:46-47) Other related passages: (Acts 20:21, Acts 26:18-20, 2 Cor 7:10, 2 Pet 3:9)
Salvation is a drastic change that occurs after repentance & by faith in the Lord Jesus.
Described as "from Darkness to Light"
"from the Power of Satan to the Power of God" (Acts 26:18)
What is FAITH?
A conviction of the TRUTH. Strong's Greek 4102
Faith is the realization of things hoped for; the confidence of things not seen. (Heb 11:1)
Faith comes after hearing the Gospel. (Rom 10:15-17)
Faith without deeds is dead. (Jam 2:1-26)
Faith overcomes the world (1Jhn 5:4-5)
Examples of great Faith (Heb 11)
Whatever is not of Faith is Sin (Rom 14:23)
Doctrines of GRACE
Grace is already defined for us in the BIBLE:
“The GRACE of God, that brings SALVATION, has appeared to all men; It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age”. (Titus 2:11-12)
Don't fool yourself.... if this doesn't describe you - you're NOT a CHRISTIAN.
A REAL CHRISTIAN:
“But now that you have been SET FREE FROM SIN and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life”. (Rom. 6:22)
ETERNAL SECURITY is NOT TRUE.
Scriptures show we can fall from grace (Gal. 5:2-4) along with various other ways in which we can lose our salvation, chief of which is SIN. (1 Cor. 3:16-17, 1 Cor 6:9-10, Gal 5:1-4 & Gal 5:19-21, 1 Tim 6:9-10, & 20-21, 1 Tim 4:1, 1 Tim 5:11-15)
GOD WILL NOT BE MOCKED:
“For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. He who sows to please his sinful nature(flesh), from that nature will reap destruction; but he who sows to please the Spirit, will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." (Gal. 6:7-8)
According to JESUS, we MUST endure and remain faithful to God to the end to be saved and not be hurt by the second death. (Mt. 10:22; Rev. 2:10,11; Heb. 3:14)
There just aren’t any scriptures to prove this teaching as truth. We do however, acknowledge that the Bible teaches the exact opposite: that Christians can lose Salvation by:
- believing/preaching a false gospel,
- committing sins that lead to spiritual death,
- growing weary & departing from the faith,
- loving this present world & going back to enjoy its deceitful pleasures,
- or disowning Jesus during persecution.
(1 Cor. 15:2; 1 John 2:24,25; Gal. 1:8,9; 2 Tim. 4:10,Rev. 21:8; 2 Pet. 2:20-22, Eph. 5:5-7; Gal. 5:19-21; Mt. 10:33)
The Gospel of Salvation coincides with our personal responsibility to keep, cherish, hold on to, & otherwise not neglect in any way the precious GIFT of our Salvation.
Read the parables of Jesus regarding His lazy & unprofitable servants who live selfishly & believe He will not come back to earth for a long time.
***Notice their ETERNAL reward from the Lord Himself – outer darkness, weeping & gnashing of teeth (HELL). (Matt. 24:42-51, Matt. 25:13-30, Lk. 12:36-46, Lk. 19:12-27, Lk :21:34-36)
Consider some real life examples of people who had Biblical Salvation & evidences of it & are now in HELL.
Solomon - prayed to God & fire came down from Heaven. Later sacrificed children to idols.
Judas- was given power over demons & did miracles. Satan entered into him- betrayed THE innocent blood.
Adam & Eve
Saul
DIFFERENT DEGREES OF SIN
The biggest misconception about degrees of sin is: that a Christian would lose their salvation every time they sin. Christians need to study up on this particular doctrine. What kind of SIN are we talking about here? Th e
1 Jn. 5:16 declares
There is a SIN that does NOT lead to (spiritual) DEATH while there is a SIN that DOES lead to (spiritual) DEATH.
How do we know John is talking about SPIRITUAL Death?
Well, everyone dies PHYSICALLY--- sinner or not. (unless you're Enoch or Elijah)
Sin was the reason that death entered the world; sin separates us from GOD. (Rom 5:14, Is 59:2)
Also, Adam & Eve suffered SPIRITUAL DEATH before they died PHYSICALLY.
So what would be a SIN that does NOT lead to SPIRITUAL DEATH?
Sins such as WORRY (Phil. 4:6), UNTHANKFULNESS (Col. 2:7, 3:15; Lk. 17:11-18) and not being completely HUMBLE/GENTLE (Eph. 4:2) are not shown in ANY of the lists of sins that will send people to the lake of fire.
INSTEAD, These are shown to be either lacks of FAITH or CHARACTER IMPERFECTIONS. BOTH lacks of FAITH & CHARACTER IMPERFECTIONS are shown to be SIN; (Rom 14:23) but are not shown to be SINS unto SPIRITUAL DEATH. We are PERFECTING HOLINESS in the fear of God (2 Cor 7:1).
So what would be a SIN that leads to SPIRITUAL DEATH?
Fornication, Idolatry, Adultery, Homosexuality, Sodomy, Thievary, Coveteousness, Drunkenness, Slanderers, Extortioners, Sorcery, Hatred, Jealousy, Wrathfulness, Selfish Gain, Heresy, Envy, Murder, Orgies, Cowards, Lying....(1Cor 6:9-10, Gal 5:19-21, Eph 5:3-5, Rev 21:8)
How do we know that these particular sins lead to SPIRITUAL DEATH?
Again, The BIBLE actually likens SIN to a birth....
"Each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires & enticed. THEN, when desire has CONCEIVED, it gives BIRTH to SIN; & SIN - when it is FULL-GROWN, brings forth (spiritual) DEATH. (James 1:14-15)
Ever known anyone who accidentally slipped & fell into another person & committed adultery?
Or was it a CHOICE, that started with a lustful thought (that wasn't brought under subjection or crucified) that led to pondering or fantasy, which led to scheming about how it could be accomplished, next who to lie to & what to say, then what to wear, where to go etc etc etc... until it is accomplished. A BIRTH just like James describes.
The BIBLE shows clearly that there are different degrees of sin. According to 1 Jhn some do not cause spiritual death. Some sins are called GREATER than others (Ezk 8:6,13,15 & Jn. 19:11). One Sin is ETERNAL & unforgivable (Mk. 3:29), while others can be forgiven. One type of sin is against our bodies, while other sins are outside our bodies (1 Cor. 6:18). Sins that lead to spiritual DEATH will send any person to hell if they die in an unrepentant state, even a Christian. (1 Cor. 6:9,10; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:5,6; Rev. 21:8)
Heart Purity & Motives are the deciding factors with GOD. Remember-- He will judge according to these; so no one can justify SIN with the assurance that they can just repent afterwards. IT DOESN'T WORK THAT WAY--- GOD WILL NOT BE MOCKED --- YOU WILL NOT 'GET HIM' WITH A CATCH 22....Instead you reveal your evil heart if you're thinking that way.
Ponder some other relevant points about degrees of sin:
The Bible clearly teaches degrees of punishment.
(Various penalties of Levitical laws- not all resulted in death. Many needed to establish motive & have witnesses. Also, Jesus speaks of servants punished w/ many or few lashings depending on their knowledge)
The Bible clearly teaches degrees of rewards.
(Gold, silver, bronze, straw, crowns, authority, etc...)
God is mindful that we are merely dust. (Ps 103:13-18) This is why He judges in Righteousness by: Motive, Intention & Knowledge- Not by the law alone.
So why is this spiritual truth so hard for some to comprehend?
The Bible states that Holiness is a condition for having eternal life. (Heb. 12:14-15)
The sad reality of today’s “gospel” message is that there is no maintenance of the believer after Salvation. “Just claim the blood of Jesus - & you’re on cruise control until heaven.” What a lie!
What hypocrisy! The Bible is CLEAR when its numerous passages spell out the believer’s role here on earth. As followers of Jesus Christ our LORD;
1. We are servants of Jesus – doing His will and imitating His ways,
2. Redeeming the time, (using our time here wisely to serve the Lord)
3. Enduring persecution,
4. Persevering through trials & temptations,
5. Telling others about Jesus, (hoping they will accept, follow & obey Him too)
6. And walking in the Spirit of Holiness.
(Many scriptures have already been cited for these points, but there are many, many more…
this is important…your soul is on the line…read the Bible for yourself)
If YOU are NOT doing these things…
either you are on the backslidden road that leads to HELL,
or you are NOT a child of the King at all; & subsequently of the Devil. (Read the book of 1 John)
REMEMBER:
Many who confess "Lord Lord!" on that great day of Judgment will be thrown into outer darkness because of SIN. (Matt 7:22, Lk 13:27)
Jesus Himself asks:
"Why do you call Me 'Lord Lord'; & yet you do NOT DO the things which I say?"
The family of God is recognizable; Jesus tells us whoever DOES the will of God is in His Spiritual Family. (Matt 12:50, Mk 3:35, Lk 8:21) And they are built on the solid Rock (Matt 7:24-27, Lk 6:47-49, Deut 32:3-4) They bear good fruit that can be seen & are profitable to His Kingdom. (Matt 7:16-20, The Sower parable of Matt 13 & Luke 8, The Talents parable of Matt 25)
THE CHRISTIAN
WALK
WALK