Is this a doctrine of devils? Absolutely. It sounds glorifying of the Lord Jesus Christ, but it leaves people in death and Hell, persuaded that nothing is required of them after they’ve been converted. Trusting that “Jesus did it all,” they do nothing. But God sends strong delusion to those who don’t have a love of the truth, and they deserve their deception. God is never unrighteous, and the condemned are never undeserving.
We’re called upon to yield our members to righteousness, to do the work of God, believing and obeying, even as did Abraham and all other saints throughout history, Biblical and otherwise.
We’re called upon to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).
We must with much tribulation enter the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).
We are to forsake all, take up our cross, and die, totally submitting ourselves to Him.
“I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God…”
Is this only an option? Certainly it’s treated that way, but what does the Scripture go on to say?
“…which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).
Another translation puts it, “your spiritual worship.” In other words, if you worship God, you will present your body a living sacrifice, nothing less. An option? Only if you consider perishing a viable alternative.
Plainly, Paul’s words aren’t on record for the unbeliever, but for the believer. Believers are the ones being reminded of these facts. The Hebrews’ history was recorded for our sakes, so that we would take note, fear, and obey, lest we behave irresponsibly with the treasure committed to our trust.
1 Corinthians 10:5-12 MKJV
(5) But with many of them God was not well pleased, for they were scattered in the wilderness.
(6) And these things were our examples, that we should not be lusters after evil, as they also lusted.
(7) Nor should we be idolaters, even as some of them, as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”
(8) Nor let us commit fornication, as some of them fornicated, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day.
(9) Nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted Him and were destroyed by serpents.
(10) Nor murmur as some of them also murmured and were destroyed by the destroyer.
(11) And all these things happened to them as examples; and it is written for our warning on whom the ends of the world have come.
(12) So let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
“And you will be hated of all men for My Name’s sake, but the one who endures to the end shall be kept safe” (Matthew 10:22 MKJV).
Ironically, those who teach that conversion is full salvation are in all contradiction. They press others to go to church, lest the presumed believers become prey to the Devil and his wolves. Those who become church members are taught other requirements that aren’t of God. Jesus said of these: “But in vain they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9 MKJV).
This is the doctrine of religious hypocrites, who substitute their works for the commandments of God and for the taking up of the cross. They abhor and dismiss these necessities by saying, “Christ has done it all.” Meanwhile they promote their own ways and doctrines as requisites, without which no man can “buy or sell” among them (Revelation 13:16-17). They bar the door to the Lord for themselves and those who follow them (Luke 11:52).
We can’t leave the reader with excuse. He may curse us for making him aware of these things; it would have been better never to have heard if he doesn’t obey. But those who are unaware of the perversity and deception of the doctrines of devils, yet seek salvation, will one day thank and praise the Lord, for they will be made free by believing the truth.
When my wife and I repented, our lives changed dramatically. My vices, of which I couldn’t rid myself, were banished; the Bible became a Living Book; for the first time in 27 years, I had great hope and reason for living.
Yet an inner urging wouldn’t let me rest. “There’s more; you aren’t there yet,” I would hear within. Baptists and other evangelicals told me it was the Devil trying to cause me to doubt my salvation. Try as I might to shake those thoughts and feelings or words, however, I simply couldn’t.
Then, contrary to the doctrine of the evangelical circles we were in, we were baptized in the Holy Spirit of God, and I was at peace from then on concerning this matter. Our lives were changed in marvelous ways – we had more victory, more life in the Scriptures, and more understanding of many things of God. The gifts of the Spirit now operated in us, and we and others were truly learning and coming to knowledge of the truth. We were hearing the Voice of the Lord as we entered an intimate relationship with Him that others only red or spoke of, but never had.
Ask God about the Samaritans who believed, were water baptized and delivered of devils, and still had to have Peter and John come down and lay hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit.
“And Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed Christ to them. And the people with one accord gave heed to those things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the many miracles which he did. For out of those having unclean spirits, many came out, crying with loud voice. And many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city” (Acts 8:5-8 MKJV).
“And the apostles in Jerusalem hearing that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent Peter and John to them; who when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had not fallen on any of them, they were baptized only in the Name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 8:14-16 MKJV).
(Read all of Acts 8.)
What about Saul of Tarsus who was dramatically converted on the road to Damascus as rare few have been, yet still needed to receive the Spirit?
Acts 9:3-6 MKJV
(3) But in going, it happened as [Saul] drew near to Damascus, even suddenly a light from the heaven shone around him.
(4) And he fell to the earth and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?”
(5) And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And the Lord said, “I am Jesus Whom you persecute. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
(6) And trembling and astonished, he said, “Lord, what will You have me to do?” And the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you shall be told what you must do.”
Three days later:
“And Ananias went and entered into the house. And putting his hands on him, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, Who appeared to you in the way in which you came, has sent me to you that you might see and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ And instantly scales as it were fell from his eyes, and he instantly saw again. And rising up, he was baptized” (Acts 9:17-18 MKJV).
(Read the whole chapter.)
Ask God about Cornelius, whose example puts almost any Christ-professing person who thinks to be saved to shame. Notwithstanding his pious life, Cornelius had to hear words whereby he and his house would be saved. He and his household didn’t yet have the Spirit of God.
“And [Cornelius] declared to us how he had seen an angel in his house, who stood and said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa and call for Simon whose last name is Peter, who will tell you words by which you and all your house shall be saved.’ And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning” (Acts 11:13-15 MKJV).
(Read the whole of chapters 10 and 11.)
What about the Ephesian disciples who had repented years before Paul asked them if they received the Spirit since they believed? They hadn’t received, but did when Paul prayed for them.
Acts 19:1-6 MKJV
(1) And it happened in the time Apollos was at Corinth, Paul was passing through the higher parts to Ephesus. And finding certain disciples,
(2) he said to them, “Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?” And they said to him, “We did not so much as hear whether the Holy Spirit is.”
(3) And he said to them, “Then to what were you baptized?” And they said, “To John’s baptism.”
(4) And Paul said, “John truly baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe into Him coming after him, that is, into Jesus Christ.”
(5) And hearing, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus.
(6) And as Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
There’s much more to salvation than just being converted and growing from there. You must go all the way:
“And you will be hated of all men for My Name’s sake, but the one who endures to the end shall be kept safe” (Matthew 10:22 MKJV).
Are you signed, sealed, and delivered at conversion? According to men and their easy gospel, you are, but not according to Jesus Christ:
“The [convert] who overcomes, this one will be clothed in white clothing. And I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels” (Revelation 3:5 MKJV).
Prison doors will swing open, chains will be broken, swill will be disposed of, light and fresh air will be enjoyed, and God will be real to those worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. He will wash them in the Pure Water of His Word, anoint them with costly and fragrant oil, and clothe them in fine, glorious garments. The spirit will no longer mourn or languish, but joyously soar to majestic heights forevermore.
Read How One Is Saved, The Cross, Repentance, The Baptism in the Holy Spirit, The Three Degrees, Obedience, Iniquity, Law and Grace, Grace – The Reality, and So You Want to Walk with Jesus.
Consider the alternative to this doctrine: If you believe there’s more beyond conversion, you’ll seek it out and strive for the mastery, as did brother Paul, and God will richly reward you. If you seek only Him and His righteousness, how can you lose? Let His victory and peace be yours.
Related posts:
From: Alecks To: The Path of Truth Sent: Friday, November 11, 2016 5:34 PM Subject: Questions on the Trinity. Hey guys, I'm pretty new to your site and I've been looking around a lot and learning some very interesting stuff. I consider myself a "baby Christian" as I only started reading the Bible in February. Since then I've read it twice more this year. But, I do have a quick question about the denial of the Trinity on your site. I'll get right to it, and I'm sorry if these are questions that you've already addressed. If they are, please just post a link to the article and I'll be happy to read them. First off, in II Corinthians 1:3 Paul writes "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" In my opinion Paul's letters seem to make a pretty clear distinction between Father and Son. Here is included not only the God "AND" Father, but also "OF" our Lord Jesus Christ. But the reason I mostly believe in the Trinity is actually from Genesis 18 and 19. Just to rehash it quickly, Abraham is sitting in the tent door when he looks up and see's 3 men standing near him. He gets up and says Genesis 18:3 "My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant..." So he serves them and they talk, then it reads Genesis 18:22 "Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord." At 19:1 we read "Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening.." So logically, there were 3 men,...
There’s a religious fad sweeping nominal Christianity, that of indulging in Jewish worship practices and traditions. Many searchers have determined there are precious truths to be discovered in types and shadows, with great and rare blessings. Seekers are flocking to this thinking because they are empty spiritually. They’re unfulfilled in their churches and their systems of belief and worship; they’re unfulfilled within because in unbelief.
English – Spanish – Chinese 我們收到了這封信: 維克多, 我的名字是丹尼爾,我也曾與菲利普會面並一起工作過。我正在閱讀你和保羅的電子郵件,我注意到您在哪裡說:「我知道,在『基督教』世界裡,有很多不好的文學作品,教導謊言,例如,那些沒有得救的人永受折磨教義。從未有過比這更醜陋的謊言。這是對上帝的本性和品格的誹謗。」您是在說您不相信地獄或永恆的詛咒嗎?我不明白您在說什麼。此外,在您給菲利普的電子郵件中,我注意到一種沮喪的語氣,幾乎到了責罵的程度。您認為這種語氣是一種愛和關懷,是對菲利普的造就和鼓勵嗎? 丹尼爾 我們憑信心而活,而不是憑眼見。 維克多和保羅的回覆: 嗨丹尼爾, 你來信的結尾 (「我們憑信心而活,而不是憑眼見」) 本質上就是我們告訴菲利普的。你認不出來嗎?我認為你發送該聲明是我們給他的信的結果。我可能是錯的,但如果是對的,諷刺的是你會把它發給我們。 我認為你相信一個永恆的、折磨人的地獄。雖然聖經清楚地表明地獄的存在,但不是在大多數新教或天主教圈子中所宣揚的地獄。大多數人發現或將發現自己身處的地獄是一種黑暗和晦澀的狀態,是死者的地方,他們「一無所知」(儘管他們可能認為自己知道)。他們在屬靈上對上帝是無意識的。 當然,在黑暗中,與上帝的靈隔絕,那裡有無知、懼怕、缺乏理解、拜偶像和束縛,更不用說折磨。但是在來世是否有字面的、身體上的懲罰之火?沒有。地獄會永遠存在嗎?不 (啟示錄 20:14)。有沒有像詹姆士王欽定版翻譯的那樣「永遠的詛咒,」即與上帝「永永遠遠」的隔絕?沒有。閱讀“永遠”、“永久”、和“地獄”的真正聖經含義。 只有上帝是不朽的,以及那些祂授予的人。永恆的詛咒和折磨是邪惡、異教思想的編造,試圖向人們灌輸恐懼,以控制他們。天主教會,從君士坦丁開始,使用這種可怕的教義,而新教徒繼續利用使用它。上帝不會通過恐懼來獲勝。 如果你看一下希伯來語和希臘語翻譯成英語的「地獄」和「永遠」這兩個詞,它們沒有提到一個沒有盡頭的狀態。關於這些問題,我有很多文章可以發給你。目前,閱讀我們《萬物的復興》的部分,你還可以閱讀惡魔般的教義;你應該特別閱讀永無止境的折磨。 你可能想(或不想) 閱讀的另一篇文章是:邪教的真實標記,並考慮你的立場。 丹尼爾,我懷疑當你幾乎還沒有觸及我們的著作時,你不會同意它們,但它們是真實的、符合聖經的、由上帝教導的,那些不同意這些教義的人不是上帝派來傳教的。他們是出於自己的公義和假定而宣講的,對他們聲稱代表的唯一的那個是一無所知。 判斷了我對菲利普說話的語氣後,你問:「您認為這種語氣是一種愛和關懷,是對菲利普的造就和鼓勵嗎?」對於這個問題,我的回答:「是的,」我很清楚你不會那樣理解上帝的愛。就在今天,我 (部分)寫信給另一個人: 「事實上,人將他人吸引到上帝面前的行為恰好是敵基督靈的一個顯著特徵。人假設他們在基督裡的,認為他們可以通過『在他們裡面的光』來『愛』人歸神,因此,他們以『能力作見證。』事實是,他們以他們的愛作證歸給自己,同時在宣告祂的名。舊約或新約都沒有記載聖徒通過愛他們贏得任何人到上帝面前…無處,甚至是與耶穌。這就是敵基督的靈。」 你可以閱讀的有關該主題的文章有: 虛假宗教人士喜愛那憎恨(拒絕)上帝 上帝只說出柔和的話語嗎? 竭力維護從前一次就全交給了聖徒的信仰, 維克多 丹尼爾,我是保羅。 我想補充一點。 有趣的是你在同一封信中詢問關於地獄和愛。我們經常發現那些指責我們沒有愛心的人,他們相信並宣揚全能和愛的化身的上帝,祂創造了...