Beware of False Prophets

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Beware of False Prophets

Beware of False Prphets By Allen Bailey
Preacher's Study Notes 1994

From the lips of Jesus Christ: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15).

From the lips of Paul: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30).

From the lips of Peter: “There shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of” (2 Peter 2:1-2).

Jude warns: “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 4).

New Testament Christians are warned to “beware of false teachers.” My assigned topic is designed to study what the Bible says regarding this very important subject. This lesson will be divided into these areas:

False Teachers
I believe in the old adage: “If you play with fire, you will get burnt.” Due to this well-known statement, I entered into this study of “False Teachers” cautiously. I felt a genuine need for the topic to get some major exposure but was reluctant to fill by mind and time with specific false teaching done during the twentieth century. We are nearly two thousand years removed from the false teaching of the first century, however, the false teaching of the twentieth century is all around us on billboards, television, radio, in cassette tapes, on videos, in varieties of religion, and last, but by no means least, sometimes false teaching is even found among our congregations. This alarms me, for the Scriptures are very plain in stating that false teachers have the ability to deceive the
very elect, as well as the hearts of the simple (innocent).

Romans 16:18 “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”

Matthew 24:24 “For there shall arise false Christ’s, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

The Greek word “deceive” (Greek, planao) means “to cause to stray, to lead astray, lead aside from the right way, to go astray, wander, roam about;” and is translated in the following ways in the thirty-nine times it is used: deceive (24 times), err (6), go astray (5), seduce (2), wander (1), be out of the way (1). Metaphorically, the word signifies:

New Testament Warnings Against False Teaching

Matthew 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

Mark 8:15 “And He charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.”

Luke 22:31 “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.”

John 6:66-67 “From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, 'Will you also go away?'”

Acts 20:29-30 “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievcous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.”

Romans 16:17-18 “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”

1 Corinthians 10:12 “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”

2 Corinthians 2:11 “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

Galatians 1:6-9 “I marvel that you are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

Ephesians 5:6-7 “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.”

Philippians 3:2-3 “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.”

Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world and not after Christ.”

1 Thessalonians 5:22 “Avoid every kind of evil.” (NIV)

2 Thessalonians 2:3 “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”

1 Timothy 1:3-4 “Timothy. . . charge them that they teach no other doctrine, neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies.”

2 Timothy 4:3-4 “Gives the warning. . . the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but heap to themselves teachers having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned into fables.”

Titus 3:10 “A man that is a heretic after the first and second admonition, reject.”

Hebrews 3:12 “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”

James 1:16 “Do not err, my beloved brethren.”

1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober be vigilant for your adversary the devil as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

2 Peter 2:1-2 “. . . there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”

1 John 4:1 “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”

2 John 7, 10 “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an anti-Christ. . . If their come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed.”

3 John 9-10 Help Christians who teach truth and "watch out for Diotrephes, who was one of the domineering false teachers, who would have nothing to do with John.” (NCV)

Jude 4 “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Revelation 2:2 The congregation at Ephesus was praised because ... "thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.”

Philemon is the only New Testament book that does not contain warnings against false teachers.

Counterfeits in Religion
Notes from a sermon by Brother Paul Nichols

False Teaching in the First Century

1. Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection

Matthew 22:23

The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked Him

Mark 12:18, Luke 20:27, Acts 4:1, 23:6-8

2. “Ye must be circumcised to be saved.”

Acts 15:1

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved

3. Baptism of John after the baptism of the Great Commission.

Acts 18:24-28; 19:1-10

4. Sadducees believed in no angels and no spirits.

Acts 23:8

For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both

5. Gnosticism.

A system of belief combining ideas derived from Greek philosophy, Oriental mysticism, and ultimately, Christianity, and stressing salvation through gnosis

Introduction to First John

6. Baptism for the dead.

1 Corinthians 15:29

Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

7. Resurrection is past already.

2 Timothy 2:18

Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some

8. Thessalonians misunderstood the truth regarding the second coming of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope . . . For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words

9. Doctrine of Balaam.

Revelation 2:14

But I have a few things against you, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.”

Consequences of Denying the Resurrection
First Corinthians 15
Paul dealt with the Corinthians, some of who did not believe in in the resurrection. He explained the serious consequences of this false doctrine. Paul’s way of handling this false teaching should be followed by us today whenever false teaching is promoted.

— Commentary on First Corinthians, Mark Bailey

10. Doctrine of Nicolaitans.
Revelation 2:6 [To the Ephesians] “But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”

Revelation 2:15 [To the church in Pergamos] “So hast thou also them them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.”

False Doctrines of the Twentieth Century
1. Ecumenism. The Ecumenical Movement is a movement to unite all the different so-called Christian denominations into one big, world-wide organization or church body, ultimately to include even the non-Christian bodies of the religious world. It is now taken for granted that all Christendom will eventually be united and that it just a matter of time before this will be accomplished (M. L. Moser, Jr., Ecumenism Under The Spotlight, pg. 7)

2. Promise-keepers Movement. This is an organization of men, now numbering in the hundreds of thousands strong, who have made a commitment to keep seven promises. This project is spear-headed by Bill McCartney, James Dobson, Gary Smalley, and others, who have attempted to band men together to keep seven promises. The popular radio program “Focus on the Family” is involved in this movement. As a matter of fact, they are the ones who assist in assembling and distributing a large part of the material.

The sad part about this is, this could have had a positive a impression on thousands of families across America, if it had been kept Bible-based. However, when you get denominational minds together at work, they are going to come up with false teaching. Some of the promises are fine, well, and good but one of the promises in particularly is sinful and cannot be tolerated. Men of God cannot become members of “Promise Keepers” and remain loyal to God at the same time.

Before giving the seven promises that men are expected to make and keep, let me remind you that on the tapes and probably in the book the plan of salvation is wrong. The entire tenor of salvation is not Bible based. Good points are made regarding family, responsibilities, men becoming leaders of their home, etc. Christians, however, cannot support the “Promise Keepers.” The following material, taken from their literature, gives one an idea what the movement is about.

BECOMING A PROMISE KEEPER
We are offering you an opportunity this weekend to make a life-long commitment to become a promise keeper. We are seeking men who understand that becoming a promise keeper is a process and who acknowledge the grace and strength available through Jesus Christ. Will you agree to commit to the following covenant?

I AM COMMITTED TO:

My concern is that a number of Christians have attended Promise Keepers rallies and went away thinking they were so great they encouraged others to go. I am thankful for those Christians who have attended Promise Keepers and as a result realizes that no true Christian can keep his allegiance to God and to the Promise Keepers at the same time. Promise Keepers are not promoting true Bible teaching. They have good points but they have some serious errors and we must warn people of them. *** Which one??? *** {PDC}

3. Catholic Evangelical Accord. This twenty five page document is a written agreement between the Pope of the Catholic church and a significant number of Evangelicals of our modern time. This accord agrees among many other things that it would be a sin, in violation of the “Catholic-Evangelical Accord” for a Catholic to try and convert a person from another religion. It would equally be a sin for one of the other religions --- Baptist Methodist, Pentecostais, etc.—to try and convert a Catholic. The Pope is working on agreements at the present time with Hindus, Buhdist, Mohammed and other religious faith to attempt to reach an agreement with them also. This project is an aggressive way of trying to get to the one world religion. More information on this area may be had in Ecumenism Under The Spotlight by M. L. Moser, Jr. This book Opposes this movement and clearly proves it to be false doctrine.

4. Calvinism. The following acrostic helps one remember the five cardinal tenets of Calvinism.

5. Imputed Righteousness. Brother Johnny Elmore delivered a great lesson on “Imputed Righteousness” at the 1990 study in Oklahoma City.

Notes on that lesson are available in the 1990 Preachers Study Notes available from Christian’s Expositor Publications.

We should make the point abundantly clear that the Bible does teach “imputed righteousness,” but the religious world has distorted the truth on the subject. Unfortunately, there are those in the church who have been influenced by writers, both in the church and out of the church who uphold an erroneous doctrine on the subject. This false doctrine is supportive of another false doctrine— “once in grace always in grace” --- and is just as wrong. This topic fits under Calvinism’s “Total Depravity.”

“I fail to find any lexicographer who defined the word “imputeth” to mean “transfer.” Now, if we understand the word “righteousness” to mean “justification,” and the word “imputeth” to mean “account,” the doctrine of Imputed Righteousness is simply that those who are ungodly are reckoned or accounted justified through faith in Jesus. Obviously, we must understand that sometimes “faith” is a synecdoche, whereby a part of something is named to suggest the whole thing faith, in this case, to suggest the obedience of faith.” (Johnny Elmore, 1990 Preacher’s Study Notes, pg. 154)

In a nutshell, righteousness is imputed to us, that is “we are counted righteous” by God through the obedience of His will. Righteousness was never transferred to us. There is a major difference in being counted as righteous and having the righteousness of Christ transferred to us.

6. Grace-Faith-Works Issue. The confusion on this subject has caused a number of people to leave the Church and unite with denominational religions. A number of men could be cited who at one time were considered faithful preachers of the gospel and got confused on this subject, and the consequences, is that some are involved with false religions to this day. Congregations have had to withdraw from members who taught publicly and/or privately the doctrine of all grace and no law. In my first thirteen years of preaching I never had this topic become an issue, but over the past few years it seems to be gaining momentum.

Brothers, sisters, and friends, please listen. I do have some concerns and sympathy toward the confusion on this problem. By and large we have all been raised with law-law-law and little or no grace taught. I was raised in a congregation with three full length gospel meetings every year. I don’t remember preachers preaching the subject of grace. I worked closely with several congregations in Missouri, and though I attended their meetings for thirteen years, I cannot remember one lesson given on grace. I have been preaching for nineteen years and have recently began to teach on Grace. We must remember that to preach grace is to preach Jesus Christ for “grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).

I believe there is room for constructive criticism for failing to preach a balance regarding grace and law, faith and works. The position of grace and no law is a false doctrine. The position of law and no grace is equally false. They work together and not in opposition to one another. It is not law or grace, it is law and grace. it is not faith or works, it is faith and works. it is not believe or be baptized, it is believe and be baptized.

Caution should be exercised on this subject. Many have made blanket statements that throw the wrong signal and can easily lead people away from the gospel of Christ. As with any other topic, we must present the proper balance and the truth on this subject and not shun to declare the whole counsel of God.

7. Liberal views on fellowship. I have given a number of topics at these studies that are in print for deeper studies on the subject of fellowship Please review the Preachers’ Study Notes for the years 1990, 1991, and 1992, in which years, respectively, I presented studies on “Church Discipline,” “Judging” and “Fellowship.”

The liberal view of fellowship today is two fold:

You can fellowship any and all baptized believers even though you do not necessarily endorse their practice

if you believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God

8. The Truth About the Church of Christ --- Hugh F. Pyle

9. Televangelists. (T.V. Evangelist Pat Robertson and the 700 club, Oral Roberts, Jim Baker, Jimmy Swaggart, Robert Tilton, etc.). Christianity in Crises by Hank Hanegraaff documents and exposes of many T.V. Evangelists, including Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, and others.

10. Pastor Pete Peters. This preacher is a white supremacist based in Colorado. His preaching is characterized by strong teaching against the world-wide flood, and the rich man and Lazarus. This false teacher has carried much weight and persuasion in the northern areas of the our country.

11. John McArthur. A nationally known Baptist preacher, he is listened to by a number of Christian men and women. He has the ability to be good or even great, and he also has the ability to be very wrong. His teaching on salvation, worship, and several other doctrinal points is dead wrong. I have listened to John McArthur’s teaching, and it is extremely dangerous to recommend him to any Christians, especially to the newly converted. This man frequently teaches false doctrine.

12. J. Vernon McGee. Author of a popular Bible study program that is filled with false teaching and many Calvinistic ideas.

13. Many Bibles with study notes. Such works as the NIV Study Bible, New Open Bible, etc., are heavily influenced by Calvinism. Use with caution.

16. Bob George. George is founder and president of Discipleship Counseling services, conducts a daily biblical counseling program broadcast live over radio stations from coast to coast. He is another promoter of false doctrines on many key subjects like baptism, communion, worship, etc.. He teaches eternal security and has had a negative influence on members of the church. Brethren, stay away from those who teach these false doctrines! The risk is great.

17. Liberalism in the Lord’s Church. Statements and comments have been made, and positions are held by members of the Lord Church, which are disturbing:

These things must stop to protect souls of the brotherhood.

18. Radical conservatism. There are brothers and sisters in our rank who are “conservative to the point of being radical” that are subject to being watched very closely. They teach extreme views such as no birth control, no borrowing money, etc., forcing their opinions to the point of causing confusion in the body of Christ. This attitude of making laws where God did not make any is wrong. For example: some push home school to the point that if you don’t do as they do, you are viewed as less spiritual and looked down on and ostracized at times. Attitudes like these can cause division in the body of Christ, and create barriers that should not be present. To this concern, and all others, I sound alarm --- beware of false teachers!

Closing ObservationsWe have learned to exercise extreme caution in order to not be led away by false teachers. It has been proven conclusively that false teachers existed in the first century and have continued to the present twentieth century.

Since we are caught up in this spiritual warfare how do we defend ourselves? To prepare for battle, every Christian needs to “put on the whole armour of God,” using the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

I admitted that I was nervous about reading all of this false material and putting this spiritual filth in my mind and in my brain. I cautiously did so in order to present to the brotherhood some valuable information that will arm them for battle against Satan, sin, and evil. I struggled with why am I so reluctant, and I finally realized that I was reluctant to dive into this information because of the serious warning given by Christ “beware of false prophets.” In view of the fact that the innocent or the elect could be deceived, was worrisome to me, and I did not want to deceived.

Please listen! You do not have to read all of this garbage to be ready to combat the false doctrines that will arise from time to time. If you will concentrate on reading and studying the Word of God you will be reading and learning how to identify truth from error. Remember that the Word of God is sharp, and more powerful than any two-edged sword. God’s Word is truth. Read it, study it, obey it, apply it and you will be prepared to meet whatever comes your way.

It is a physical impossibility to read all of the false teaching anyway. Hundreds of thousands of books are flooding the market and religious book stores. There is no way to read it all, and there is no reason to. If you will spend quality time reading and studying the Bible then you will be geared for combat.

Let us make an application from Paul’s writing to the Corinthians “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed, lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Never lift yourself up to the position that you do not believe you can fall. I have known great spiritual leaders who have done good things for the cause of Christ who have now “gone astray.”

I pray God that we will never be listed among those who have “gone astray;” for those “who have been led away from the right way” (2 Peter 2:15). I pray that we will be those who are described as “faithful until death;” those “who are fighting the good fight of faith.”

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Grace and Law? Grace OR Law?

Grace AND Law -- or Grace OR Law? by Irvin Barnes
Grace Without Works
We must come to grips with the matter of grace and works. One doctrine teaches that man is saved totally and completely by the grace of God and that works have absolutely nothing to do with salvation. This doctrine says that man must do nothing, can do nothing, to be saved.

This is a divisive doctrine! The eventual end of this teaching allows man to choose for himself what he will do in service to God. For example, if works which man might do are unimportant then such things as how to worship, how to become a Christian, or how to gain church membership make no difference for this is but a work which has nothing to do with salvation. So, man may simply choose for himself what he desires in these and other areas. The result: almost as many ways of worship etc., are devised as there are people claiming salvation.

If, on the other hand, we learn that there are some righteous works, which God in spite of his grace, expects us to perform, then we can unite in humble submission to the righteous works of God as revealed in the scriptures.

Grace or Law?
Are we under grace, or are we under law? Law demands that we obey certain precepts and commandments. If we are totally under grace without law, then all of the commandments in the scripture mean nothing. If, however, we recognize some commandments of law, does this mean that we are rejecting the grace of God?

Both grace and works law are taught in the scriptures. Grace only, without works, is a doctrine devised by man. The Bible no where says that works rejects grace. Neither does the Bible say that grace eliminates law. The Bible shows us that grace and the works commanded by God are compatible.

Man cannot be saved without the grace of God. Neither can man be saved if he refuses to obey the righteous works commanded by God. Let us now examine some Bible truths about grace and law.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast

Ephesians 2:8-9

Unrighteous works in religion, devised and practiced by man, have always been ruled out or condemned by God. The works condemned in this passage fall into this category for they are works over which man might boast. Self righteous works of man stand in defiance of the grace of God and for that matter they stand in contradiction to the new testament law of Jesus Christ. Any work which God has commanded us to perform is not an Unrighteous work of man but a righteous work required by God

The passage above says nothing about salvation by grace only. Are we saved by grace? Certainly, for without it no man can be saved. Are we saved by grace only? No! God requires, along with his grace, some commandments that must be obeyed.

The passage above teaches that grace is not of ourselves, but it is a gift from God. Grace is not of man therefore man has no right to boast. The passage could be paraphrased as follows:

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast

Ephesians 2:8-9

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit

Titus 3:4-5

God manifests His love, mercy and grace in many ways. However, the greatest manifestation of grace is the gift of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, upon the cross. Man has done nothing to achieve or earn this gift. Christ did not come to earth because of any work of righteousness which we have done. He came by the mercy and grace of God. Just because man did nothing to merit this gift in no way suggests that man is saved from sin without obedience to the commands of God.

If man can be saved without obedience then all men are saved regardless of whether they even desire salvation or not. Titus 2:11, says “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” No person is without the gift but all will not be saved for all will not obey in order to receive the benefits of grace.

Who are we to say that God cannot send his Son to die for our sins and at the same time require obedience to certain righteous works revealed in the scriptures? This is not a Bible doctrine. This concept was born in the mind of man.

Scriptural Truths
The bible plainly teaches that we are saved by grace. The Bible no where says that we are saved by grace only without works. If so, then all men are saved for the grace of God has appeared unto all men. All men will not be saved for all have not obeyed the gospel.

And to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ

2nd. Thessalonians 1:7-9

Any passage that sets forth the idea that man must obey the commandments of God is sufficient to prove that grace and obedience are both essential factors in salvation. It should be emphasized again that man is never obligated to obey the doctrines of man. This will save no one. However, obedience to the commands of God is necessary.

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

Hebrews 5:8-9

Suppose a hunter, while walking through the woods at night, accidentally fell into a deep pit. He is helpless to rescue himself. He shouts to the top of his voice hoping some one will hear and come to his aid.

Eventually someone does hear and brings a ladder and extends it down into the pit. What would you think if the victim looked up to his benefactor and said, “I really believe you have the ability to save me from this predicament, but I just really don’t want to climb up this ladder. Would you please come down here and carry me up the ladder. Since you were willing to bring the ladder for my escape, surely you don’t expect me to climb out of here! I simply prefer to be saved without having to do anything on my part.”

This story makes about as much sense and the doctrines of Luther, Calvin, and others who decided centuries ago to completely overlook the scriptures that teach the obedience of faith and who claimed that man must be saved by grace only and must do absolutely nothing to be saved.

Man is in the pit of sin. He is helpless to save himself. God has extended the ladder which is the atoning death of Jesus on the cross. Man must now take the necessary steps of gospel obedience in order to be saved. Jesus went to the cross and die in our place. Is it so unreasonable for God to require obedience on our part in order to receive the benefits of God’s love and mercy?

Salvation by grace is a Bible doctrine (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, the doctrine of grace only without works is a man made doctrine which cannot be found in the scriptures (see James 2:24). It is important to realize that man can never be saved by self-devised or human works. Neither can he be saved by works alone without the grace of God. The sinner must believe in and avail himself of the grace of God or he cannot be saved.

Various types of works are mentioned in the word of God. The kind of works necessary to salvation (when combined with grace) is the righteous works commanded by God. Man can never be saved by his own works, by the works of the flesh, nor by the works of the old testament law which came by Moses. Works necessary to salvation are righteous because they are commanded by God and come to us through the gospel.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith’...

Romans 1:16-17

The Bible never commends the self righteous works of men. The Bible no where commends any man who establishes his own righteousness and decides for himself how he desires to serve God. Israel was guilty of this very thing.

For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God

Romans 10:3

Since the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel then the righteous works essential to salvation are the works commanded in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For example the sinner is commanded in the gospel to believe. Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved;” Mark 16:16. The sinner is commanded to repent. Jesus said, “unless you repent you will all likewise perish,” Luke 13:3. The sinner is commanded to confess the name of Jesus and then to be baptized.: Please see Matthew 10:32 and Luke 12:8. These steps of obedience avails the sinner of the grace of God, puts him into Christ, and makes him by adoption a child of God. Since each one of these steps come from the scripture they should not be regarded as the works of men but as the righteous works commanded by God. Once the sinner has become a child of God, he is then prepared to follow good works for the rest of his life. Please notice in the following scripture how the verse that teaches salvation by grace is followed immediately by a passage commanding good works:

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them

Ephesians 2:8-10

Certainly, we are saved by grace, for without the grace of God no man can be saved. Once the sinner is saved from past sins, he then is to follow good works as the passage above states, “created unto good works -- God has ordained that we should walk in them.”

A King Who Issues No Laws?
The following passages teach that we are living under the new testament law of Jesus Christ:

That you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords

1 Timothy 6:14-15

Can you imagine a king over a kingdom that has no laws? Jesus is king of kings and lord of lords, so how can it be that his subjects are governed without law?

When people are convinced that they are under no law, but entirely under grace, then they feel at liberty to devise and scheme for themselves what ever they feel is right in service to God. Therefore, the man-made idea that grace contradicts law and law contradicts grace has contributed mightily to religious division.

However, if we can show that the new testament law of Jesus Christ, does, in fact, include the righteous works of God, I think we can see how that we can become united if we will but walk in those things commanded.

The Law Came When the Church Was Established
“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD’s house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, 'Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.' For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem,” (Isaiah 2:2-3).

The law of Moses was given in Mt. Sinai. Therefore, the writer cannot be speaking here about the law of Moses going forth from Jerusalem. The prophet is here speaking of a time when the house of God was going to be established. The church is called the house of God in 1 Timothy 3:15. Please notice that at the same time that the church was established, the LAW and the word of the Lord was to also go forth. Therefore, the it is implied that the church would be governed and guided by the law of God.

Other Passages Concerning Law
“There is therefore now 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,” (Romans 8:1-2).

While the new testament law is a law which sets one free, it is still a law that must be obeyed. Through obedience to this law man is free from sin and its consequences. In the context of Romans chapters 7 and 8, he who obeys the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus is free from the frustrations and complication of the old testament law which came by Moses.

The big difference between the old law and the new law is that under the old law “a remembrance was made of sins again every year.” The old law had no provision for forgiveness. Not so under the new law! Through the sacrifice of Jesus, man can now receive total forgiveness for his past sins.

Paul says the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, “hath made me free.” Free from what we might ask? Free to choose for ourselves how we wish to serve God. Totally free from any kind of law?

Yes, one is free from the law of Moses. Yes, one is free from past sins and the guilt of past sins. Free to pick and choose for ourselves how we will worship and serve God? No, we are not free from the gospel law of Jesus Christ. Christ is king. Christ is Lord. Has he no rules, no law, by which to guide his subjects? Those who obey the gospel are translated into the kingdom (Colossians 1:13). When Christ promised to built the church, he also promised the keys of the kingdom to his apostles. Along with this promise he also stated, “whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” This, I believe, is a promise concerning the binding of law, the rules and regulations of Christ’s kingdom.

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law

1st. Corinthians 15:56

We have the knowledge of good and bad, of right and wrong through the new testament law. As the writer says, “the strength of sin is the law.” Without the law we have no way, of knowing what sin is nor the penalty prescribed for it.

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 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 1:21-25

I know of no passage that teaches that we are under law any more plainly than does this one. The “perfect law of liberty” here must indeed be a reference to the law of Christ’s kingdom -- the gospel law of Jesus Christ.

Please notice also the phrase which mentions, “a doer of the work.” Does this not demand works. Indeed it does. In spite of the grace of God, Christians must do the work in service to God commanded in the perfect law of liberty.

Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge

James 4:11

This passage indicates that every Christian is under the same law. When one Christian judges another person by his own self righteous standards, that Christian, in so many words, is saying, “I do not trust the law to judge my brother, therefore I will judge him by my own standards.” He therefore, becomes a judge of the law as well as a judge of his brother.

Whosoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, sin is lawlessness

1st. John 3:4

Without the new testament law of Jesus Christ, I would be unable to tell you what is sin and what is not sin. Without the law it would be impossible to determine right from wrong.

Bible Study Quiz
Please fill in the blanks with the correct word from the scriptures. (KJV)

Romans 1:16-17, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who ______________, for the Jew first, and also for the Greek. For in it is the _____________ of ______________ ___________ from faith to faith.”

John 6:28-29, “Then said they unto Him, ‘What shall we do, that we may _____________ the ________________ of God?’ Jesus answered and said to them, 'This is the _______________ of God, that you ________________ in Him whom He sent”

1st. Timothy 6:14-15, “That you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing, which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the ______________ of _____________ and _____________ of lords.”

Romans 8:2, “For the _______________ of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”

1st. Corinthians 15:56, “The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the ______________."

James 1:25, “But he who looks into the perfect _______________ of liberty, and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer, but a _______________ of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does."

1st. John 3:4, “Whosoever commits sin also commits _______________."

If the statement is True, please circle the T. If the statement is false, please circle the F

T F We are saved by Grace.

T F We are saved by grace alone with out works.

T F We are saved by gospel obedience.

T F We are saved by works alone with out grace.

T F The Bible teaches grace, (God’s part) in own salvation, and gospel obedience (man’s part).

T F The grace of God has appeared unto all men.

T F Since the grace of God has appeared unto all men, then all men are saved.

T F All have not obeyed the gospel.

T F Those who refuse to obey the gospel will be lost in spite of the grace of God which has appeared unto all men.

Please look up the reference in your Bible and fill in the blanks.

Hebrews 5:8-9, “Though He was a ________________, yet He learned ______________ by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the ___________ of eternal _______________ to all who _______________ Him.”

2nd Thessalonians 1:7-9, “And to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on ______________ who do not ______________ the ______________ of our Lord Jesus Christ; these shall be _______________ with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power.”

Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by _______________ youhave been saved through faith, and that not of _______________: it is the ______________ of ______________: Not of lest anyone should boast.”

WHAT CAN YOU DO? You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).

WE WELCOME YOU Following the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body [collectively called the “churches of Christ” Romans 16:16),] assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile any differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the expression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.

If you have any comments or questions --- or would like the location and contact names of a congregation of the church belonging to Jesus Christ near you, please e-mail me at BibleTruthsToU@gmail.com or call 253-396-0290. Thanks Dennis Crawford, editor. Read more!

Beware of False Prophets

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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Beware of False Prophets

Grace and Law? Grace OR Law?

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