Rapture Now

RAPTURE NOW BY JEFFREY DEAN

TEXT COPYRIGHT © 2015 Jeffrey D. Dean

Jump To Chapter INTRODUCTION: 1: REDEFINING SALVATION 2: HOW IT ALL BEGAN 3: THE GREAT ESCAPE 4: THE DAY OF SALVATION 5: SALVATION IS “RESURRECTION” 6: THE DEAD IN CHRIST 7: NOT JUST FOR THE DEAD 8: TAKEN 9: I'LL FLY AWAY OH GLORY 10: CHRISTLIKE PERFECTION 11: BLASPHEMY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 12: DESPISING THEM THAT ARE GOOD 13: THE ANTICHRIST REVEALED 14: THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS 15: THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY 16: THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS 17: THE GREAT FALLING AWAY 18: TRUE FAITH 19: TRUE REPENTANCE 20: TRUE GRACE 21: THE HOPE OF SALVATION 22: THE HOPE OF GLORY 23: WHAT IS THE HOPE OF GLORY? 24: HOPE OF RESURRECTION 25: WHAT IS GLORY? 26: THE HOPE OF OUR CALLING 27: THE TRUE NEW TESTAMENT 28: THE HOPE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS 29: ORIGINAL SIN IS NEITHER 30: GOD DENOUNCES ORIGINAL SIN 31: THE ADDED WORKS OF RELIGION 32: TRUE POWER IN THE BLOOD 33: THE TRUE RAPTURE 34: THE DAY DEATH DIES 35: REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY 36: WICKED AND SLOTHFUL SERVANT 37: THE BUDDING OF THE TREE 38: THE WHEAT AND THE TARES 39: THE BELLY WORSHIPERS 40: THE SECRET SINNERS 41: FAITH WORKS NOT LAW WORKS 42: THE WOMAN IN TRAVAIL 43: INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN OF LIFE

44: THE DEVIL'S OWN 45: TAKE UP YOUR CROSS

2 Corinthians 6: 2 “(For he said, 'I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured you: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) “ INTRODUCTION: If you look in your Bible Concordance for the word “rapture” you will not find it. The closest you will come to it is the phrase “caught up.” You will not find that word because it's a relatively new addition to the “Christian” vocabulary. This book may be a disappointment to some. It does not “tickle the ears.” Don't worry, though, I'm sure there are still plenty of "fluff" pieces out there to feed the "milk" and provide very little "meat" for those who haven't “cut their teeth” yet. This book is a big fat juicy porter house steak. I don't water down the truth. When discussing the subject of “The Rapture,” I have deliberately focused primarily on the scriptures that are ignored or neglected by most modern teachers on the subject of the rapture and the Second Coming because it is the scriptures which have been neglected that usually hold the key to understanding. For example, I begin speaking of the direct events of our Lord coming from Matthew 25 rather than going to Matthew 24 as is usually the case in a book on this subject. It will be a hard read for many, many people because because I don't pull any punches. I lay the scriptural truth out mercilessly because it is time for us to put our toys away and grow up. The time draws nearer and nearer. One thing you will notice as you read this book is that I repeat some of the same scriptures in different chapters. Why? Because some things are simply so important they bear repeating.

1: REDEFINING SALVATION Deuteronomy 18: 20-22 "20 But the prophet, who shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other Gods, even that prophet shall die. 21 And in case you are wondering in your hearts; 'how shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?' 22 When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken, but the prophet has spoken it presumptuously: you shall have no respect for him (as a prophet).” Caught up in rapture, that sweet divine joy and the peace that passes all understanding from which simply comes the knowing or our Lord, our Messiah, our Christ, our Savior and, in this knowing, we come to intimately know his heavenly Father as well. There can be no greater "rapture" than to be in communion with the unconditionally loving being, the divine parent, our most Holy Father who, through the Christ, the Son of God, has re-created us into his own image. Rapture is as good a word as any to attempt to describe the indescribable. The glory of oneness with this supernatural being. He who created us, and for no other reason than he is a Father who truly desires to have relationship with his children. It's hard to fathom much less describe in one word. 1 Corinthians 2: 9 But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. Oh, the rapture that is offered when you first believe! Pity that so few have experienced it! They wait for it, with seemingly “baited breath” as if some future event. Tragic that it never occurs to them that the wait is over and the time is now. For millions of believers the world over, this “rapture” in these modern times is now reduced to a fable. The fodder for science fiction novels. How sad, for, without experiencing the joy of faith, through which we obtain the eternal grace, there can be no glorious change into "the new creature." There can be no transformation if you don't believe in the transformation. Many never reach out and grab the brass ring, believing it to be for some future time and generation and so, it will forever elude them. The rapture now is taught like some fantastic fairy tale. For those of you who might be unfamiliar with the modern teaching of rapture, (and I would be surprised if there were many in America who were completely unfamiliar), it is a teaching in Christian eschatology which refers to "being caught up to meet the Lord in the air" at his second coming. A Thief in the Night Raised in a baptist church, I was very devout from the time I was baptized at 8 years old. Sometime in the early 1970's I went to visit a church that was showing a new movie that had been released. "A Thief In The Night" produced by Russel S. Doughten. I believe it may have

been the very first full length feature film drama about the rapture. The movie depicts the plight of Patty Jo Myers, who, although being a Bible reading Christian, does not believe in the pre-tribulation rapture. One morning she awakens to find that millions of people on this planet, including her own beloved husband have suddenly and mysteriously vanished. Gradually, Patty realizes her husband's continual and annoying warnings about “the rapture” have been realized. She and everyone else left behind are entering into the "Great Tribulation," the last days of Earth, dominated by the Antichrist. A government system called UNITE (United Nations Imperium of Total Emergency) is then set up and those who do not receive the mark identifying them with UNITE will be arrested. Patty desperately tries to avoid the law and the mark but is captured by UNITE. She escapes but is cornered by UNITE on a bridge, and falls from the bridge to her death. She awakens to find that it was all a dream. Yet, she is horrified to hear a radio announcement that millions of people have disappeared and when she searches for her husband, who has warned her of the rapture, he's missing. She realizes the rapture has occurred for real and she's been left behind so I guess the dream came not as a warning to get her to repent but it was only given to her to torment her. Somewhere during this movie I left and stood on the steps at the front of the church. At 12 I already had a rudimentary knowledge of The New Testament. I had real problems with, not just the movie, but the prophetic teachings that drove it. Just the thought of them creating a "new" doctrine that is not really even found in the Bible (not concretely) was difficult for me to swallow but they didn't stop there. They went so far as to suggest that if a person does not believe in this doctrine, (even though they might believe everything else in the Bible like Patty Jo), they are still going to be "lost." As a devout “Baptist” this was just more than I could take. I, like any good Southern Baptist, believed wholeheartedly in "eternal security" ("once saved always saved"). At the time, it was incomprehensible to me that any Baptist church would suggest that one has to believe in "pre-tribulation rapture" or, like Patty Jo Myers, they are going to be “left behind” by our Lord at his coming. Frankly I was incensed. Even at that young age I realized they were "redefining" salvation itself. How could I have imagined just how popular this "pre-trib rapture" teaching would become? Baptists have become some of the biggest proponents of the teaching. It's still one of the biggest puzzles. Don't they still teach "once saved always saved?" Accordingly, all of our sins have been forgiven. “Past, present and future sins.” Even if they could prove unequivocally, through overwhelming scripture, that refusal to believe in a pre-tribulation rapture is a sin, (which is a very big if) why isn't the sin of "not believing in the pre-trib rapture” one of the "future" sins that have been "forgiven" by Christ on the Cross? If Patty Jo Meyers has accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior how does her skepticism of this “pre-tribulation rapture teaching” become some sort of “unforgivable sin?” If it is a sin at all, it's already been forgiven has it not? How can she be abandoned by our Lord and Savior that way? Remember, we are approaching the Thief in the Night movie from an “eternal security” direction. As you can well imagine, I walked out and stood on the entrance steps to this church. I simply had enough. Moments later, the Pastor joined me. He asked me if the movie scared

me. (I guess he could see I was upset and he misinterpreted my reaction). I gave him a resounding "no." In reality, it was not the movie that scared me, it was the doctrine that scared me. I was afraid for my Baptist brethren because they were denying eternal security. I didn't bother trying to explain that to him. He asked, “don't you believe in the rapture?” (I guess he was more perceptive than I gave him credit for). I said, flatly, “no!” He then asked: "...But what if you wake up tomorrow and find out you've been left behind?" I thought about it and since I was fairly certain it was not going to happen being that I truly believed "once saved always saved," I responded the only way I could think of, saying. I said "well, I guess I'll just be out of luck." It escaped the Pastor that I was putting the rapture in the same category as an old superstition. He patted me on the shoulder and said, "I'll pray for you then," and left. I thought to myself, “and I for you.” Since those days, the pre-tribulation rapture teaching has been cemented into the traditions of the mainstream. It is now an anchor teaching, especially among fundamentalists. It's to the point that modern Christians equate a lack of belief in the rapture with "heresy" and not being a Christian at all. They assume that if you don't believe their particular interpretation of the rapture you must not be a believer and they will pray for you. Who can blame them. They have been inundated with that message and trained to think this way. With such overwhelming focus of Christian media on the subject, (A Thief in the Night was just a drop in the future proverbial bucket) Christians imagine that “rapture” is as Christian as “trinity” and “Grace.” Patty Jo Myers was a Christian. She read her Bible and she went to Church, but because she didn't believe in the pre-tribulation rapture, Christ deserted her at his second coming and left her behind to be beaten upon and killed by God's worst enemy, the antichrist! This is the teaching as it stands today. Some churches even include it in their statement of faith. It's not the first time that people have taken a teaching and, despite a lack of scriptural basis, made that teaching a prerequisite to being a "true" Christian and it won't be the last. The Unforgivable Sin? In the movie Mary Jo resisted the Mark of the Beast. According to scripture the only way to do this is to have “wisdom and understanding.” One of the biggest questions that arises from “A Thief in the Night” is this: How could Mary Jo have avoided the Mark of the Beast ? How could she have known she must run away and avoid this mark? According to the scriptures, you need “wisdom and understanding” and that comes only from the Holy Spirit. All who have not the Spirit shall receive this mark. So, if Mary Jo Meyers had the Spirit, then why was she be “left behind?” If you answer by saying “well maybe she got the Spirit after the rapture.” Your answer would be wrong. At least in keeping with the rapture teaching itself. Part of the teaching included the belief that the Holy Spirit is "removed" from the world when the church is raptured. In fact, it's the position of rapturists that it's actually the Holy Spirit who is removed from the world in the rapture and because the Spirit dwells in the body of Christ, the body merely goes along for the ride into Heaven. It's a dichotomy to be certain! If Mary Jo indeed did have the Spirit (enough to refuse the mark of the Beast) then why

was she not removed with the rest of the Church? If she did not have the Spirit (and therefore was left behind) and the Holy Spirit also was removed from the earth at the rapture, she most certainly would not have the Spirit afterward and would have merely received the Mark. There would have been no movie! A true “rapturist” might answer this way: “She was told by the husband, who gave her the scriptures about it.” So, obviously, those who preach this teaching equate "knowing the scriptures" to “wisdom and understanding.” Knowing the Bible, therefore alone is as good as "having the Holy Spirit?” Revelation 13: “18 Here is wisdom. Let him that has understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” How does the Bible say that we obtain “wisdom and understanding? Proverbs 2: “6 For the LORD gives wisdom: out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” The only way to get “wisdom and understanding” according to the Bible is directly from God. This is described by Christ as “the spirit of truth” who comes to “lead and guide you into all truth,” a spirit whom “the world” cannot receive. John 14: “17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you.” If “the world” cannot receive the “spirit of truth” which brings “wisdom and understanding” what hope does anyone of the world have in avoiding the mark of the Beast after the rapture (being that the rapture is the removal of the Holy Spirit from the world)? No matter how many scriptures they know, they simply won't have the “wisdom and understanding.” Revelation also says that everyone who refuses the Mark is “killed.” Revelation 13: “15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” So, the only people killed are they who refuse the mark of the Beast, yet Revelation also says that the only people who are “harmed” during the tribulation are “they that do not have the seal of God.” Revelation 9: “4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. “ What can we conclude from all of this? They that do not have the seal of God will all be judged in the great tribulation. Since there is no Holy Spirit, (the seal of God) then everyone is going to be judged in the great tribulation. Everyone will receive the mark of the Beast according to rapture teaching because the

Holy Spirit is gone from the world and there's no wisdom or understanding from God to keep them from accepting it. So, when Revelation 13:15 says that everyone who rejects the mark will be killed, the author obviously was in error, not knowing that there can be no one on earth rejecting the mark, being that takes “wisdom and understanding” and the “spirit of truth” is no longer in the world. Another problem that arises is the sealing of the servants of God during the tribulation: Revelation 7: 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. The author of Revelation made another error (according to the rapture teaching that the Holy Spirit is removed from the world). Revelation says that after the rapture the “servants of God” are “sealed in their foreheads.” Without the Holy Spirit in the world no one can be sealed with the seal of God because the seal of God is the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1: “13 In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 1: “22 Who has also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” Some argue that the sealing of the servants of God takes place before the rapture. Then why wouldn't they be raptured? Not only that the rapture teaching itself places the sealed, the 144,000, walking the earth and preaching and evangelizing during the great tribulation. The rapturists call this group “the 144,000 Jewish Evangelists.” They say it is the 144,000 primarily who are martyred during the great tribulation. The question remains how is any of this possible if the Holy Spirit is “removed” from the world in the rapture and if anyone who possesses the Holy Spirit is likewise removed? Not only that, how is anyone going to preach during the great tribulation without the Holy Spirit? More importantly how is anyone going to “hear” the preaching, be converted, and call upon the name of the Lord? All of these things require the Holy Spirit. Romans 10: “13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and

how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” The Holy Spirit seals the 144,000. If the Holy Spirit is removed in the rapture, the fact that these 144,000 are sealed and then are martyred during the tribulation says that they must be sealed before the rapture. Despite these cold hard facts, people have always objected to this line of thinking. They insist that some people convert and believe after the rapture. How is this possible? The Holy Spirit is gone out of the world according to the basic rapture doctrine and a basic Christianity 101 says that one can only believe by the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 16: 16 And

Simon Peter answered and said, you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said to him, Blessed are thou, Simon Bar Jona: for flesh and blood has not revealed it to you, but my Father who is in Heaven.

When you examine the pre-trib rapture teaching in its entirety there's no denying they are teaching you have to believe in pre-trib rapture to be saved. Christ is going to whisk all the pre-trib rapture believers to Heaven and leave everyone who doesn't believe in pre-trib rapture to die and be judged and persecuted by his worst enemy. (Just like what happened to poor Patty Jo Meyers in “A Thief In The Night.”) God is even going to take the Holy Spirit away, completely removing him from the world! No one is going to even be able to contact God! Such a fate simply cannot happen to “the saved.” At least not those who are saved by any definition you would find in any of those churches who preach the pre-trib rapture. Ironically they preach one has to be ready for the rapture and if one doesn't believe in it, they can't be ready for it. But what does it mean to be “ready” according to the rapturists? It could only mean “believing in pre-tribulation rapture,” because those same churches also teach you can “do” nothing to be saved. It's Orwellian "double speak." It's not as though they are teaching you have to do anything to "be ready" for the rapture. Quite the contrary, their interpretation of salvation by grace leaves no room for doing anything at all in preparation for the rapture. It is quite clear by these churches' doctrines that, since no man can "work" their way into Heaven, you certainly cannot “work” your way to be raptured. When you consider the "pretribulation rapture" teaching is a direct depiction of how the living believers will enter Heaven, it's obvious there can be nothing you can do to be "ready" for the rapture (according to “salvation by grace not by works”) other than believe in the pre-tribulation rapture. Indeed, look at the movie example of a Christian “left behind.” The only difference between Patty Jo and her husband was that he believed in the pre-tribulation rapture and she did not! So, "being ready" for the pre-tribulation rapture to them can only mean "believing in the pre-tribulation rapture," and not being ready means “not believing in pre-trib rapture. Not being “ready” ultimately means being "rejected" by the Lord "at his second coming." Being left behind is nothing short of damnation, because you lose access to the Holy Spirit, the age of Grace is “over” (according to the rapture teaching), and you either perish because you reject the mark of the Beast or you accept the Mark of the Beast and “have your part in the lake of

fire.” If you perish for rejecting the mark of the Beast, you still are not saved, because first of all if you were saved before the rapture you'd have been raptured. The very fact you are there, in the great tribulation faced with the choice of rejecting or accepting the Beast is all the proof that you weren't saved when the rapture occurred. After the rapture the Holy Spirit is gone and the age of “Grace” is over. There's no way to “believe” without the Holy Spirit and we are “saved by Grace.” All who are left behind are simply doomed. They are lost. (According to every doctrine of these churches who preach it). Yet, they then turn right around and have 144,000 Jews evangelizing the world and people getting saved and rejecting the mark. It becomes obvious they have forgotten their own basic teachings on salvation when preaching “rapture” and great tribulation. Revelation 19: 20 And the beast was taken and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his image. These were all cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. This all happens to everyone who does not believe in “pre-tribulation rapture” according to the rapturists' own teachings. Refusing to believe in pre-trib rapture, therefore is the only “unforgivable sin,” according to the teaching. The modern rapturist is obviously redefining salvation. Belief in Jesus Christ is no longer enough for salvation in the rapture teaching. So, in actuality salvation shifts from “faith in Christ,” to “faith in a pre-tribulation rapture.” The doctrine becomes their new idol, their new gospel. In every place our Lord talks of those servants who are "rejected" at his second coming he says "they shall be cast into outer darkness" or he says "there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth," or he says "they shall be bound into bundles to be burned." Matthew 24: 50The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looks not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. In light of “eternal security” and “salvation by Grace alone” teachings, it would have to be a complete fantasy to say that those who are "left behind" somehow have a chance to reject the mark of the Beast afterward and still be redeemed. It would certainly not be scriptural according to these churches' own doctrines of faith. This becomes especially true when you factor in the teaching that the Holy Spirit is removed from the world during the rapture. I was only 12 years old when I first saw “A Thief In The Night” and I drew all of these conclusions. A child can see it. Following all of the doctrines of salvation and combining them with the basic teachings of rapture, how can there be any hope for those left behind? It's simply ridiculous! Every church which teaches eternal security and then preaches "pre-tribulation rapture" and espouses to the teaching as it is depicted by Hal Linsey, Doughten, Jack Chick, Jack Van Impe (and others like them), are contradicting their own "eternal security" teachings. While “A thief in the Night” had very good intentions and was perhaps a shoddy attempt at revival, using fear of some grand "tribulation" and the promise of "escape" from that fate to "revive" Christian's fervor and conviction in their faith. What resulted is they denied their own

faiths and redefined salvation itself! Suddenly, you weren't a "real" Christian unless you believed in the pre-tribulation rapture, (as it was with Patty Jo Myers). She read her Bible and believed, her only real sin is not believing her husband about the rapture doctrine. Indeed, and now, despite sparse scripture to support the teaching, you are not considered a Christian in today's economy unless you receive "the pre-tribulation rapture" as fact! You must conform to their "club" of thought on the rapture or you are immediately an outsider. Talking 'Bout My Generation My generation is obsessed with pre-trib rapture. In 1981, I was going through technical school at Shepphard Air Force Base in Texas. There was a large youth group of Christians active in the chapel there. I attended once or twice during their worship and Bible study. They were the typical "modern rapturists." The rapture teaching permeated their entire approach and walk with Christ. One of the leaders in that group would spend his time on street corners playing his guitar with a large rack containing Jack Chick tracts and other handouts about the rapture. Most of his songs were filled with messages about the rapture. They were obsessed with the teaching. I found this to be the case wherever I went among my generation. Knowing the scriptures the way I did, I could simply not fit in with those other young people. I spent my time in my dorm room studying. On rare occasion, I would actually step out and go to the "airman's club" and have a drink (usually one, no more than two). I then would simply return to my room where I would study or play my guitar and write Christian oriented lyrics and put them to rock music. That was my life. I was not a part of their "rapture" club. One day one of the leaders of this youth group sat down next to me in the mess hall and began to talk with me. He quizzed me on a few things. I did not want to fight with him so I guarded my answers. My responses were short and to the point. I just sort of stared forward and answered his questions in short succinct statements. He finally got frustrated and exclaimed, "yes, but why do you insist on living your life in defeat?" I then did look at him. In shock, I am sure. I could not understand why his impression of me was that I lived a defeated life. I assumed, at the time, that perhaps they may have seen me going in and out of the airman's club. Later, I realized it was because I wasn't a part of their club. I also believe, if there were rumors of my going to the airman's club, I doubt those rumors, or the judgmentalism I experienced as a result of those rumors, would have been prevalent against me if I had also been a part of their club, attending services, joining in with excited conversations about "the rapture." I have a very strong feeling that if I had joined their little “rapture cult” after that, if they saw me come out of the airman's club they would have said something like: “Oh well, he's probably just using the bathroom" or "well, even Jesus drank a little wine, he doesn't look drunk." Because I was not a part of their club, I was "a defeated Christian" in their eyes. More importantly, I wasn't a part of the Hal Lindsey cult, I didn't believe in the pre-tribulation rapture as taught and that meant I wasn't a "real" Christian. The Only Thing That Matters We don't need an exhaustive handling of the rapture teaching as it is. There is but one issue in relation to the event called "the rapture," as taught that has any real bearing on the

true believer and that is the issue upon which I will focus like a laser. Aside from this, I consider the pre-tribulation rapture to be a "non-issue." I will make a bold statement of what I believe to be true from scripture first then set out to prove it. In this case, I believe that the "rapture" as it is taught today will cause the majority of them that believe it to be "left behind" (as they put it) when the true event occurs. Yes, I do believe there is an event coming which is called "the rapture," yet it will not be what the modern "popular teachers" suppose it to be. That this true event has paramount importance to the believer I will also wholeheartedly acknowledge. The true nature of this event, however, escapes eschatology of today. Mainly because their own doctrines prevent them from seeing it for what it is. The truth be told, as we shall soon see, the rapture is happening right now. It begins for the believer upon conversion and continues on, growing day by day until the appointed hour when the "work" is "finished." (Philippians 2: 12) We are running that "race" at this very moment (1 Corinthians 9: 24 and Hebrews 12: 1). Soon, I believe, those who seize hold of the "mystery" now revealed in us, (Colossians 1: 27), those who press forward "to the higher calling in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3: 14 and 2 Peter 3: 12) will be the winners of this race. Our race is finished either when we die in right standing or when Christ returns and grants us eternal life (makes us immortal). This is the true meaning of "he that endures to the end, the same shall be saved." Either you have part in this "regeneration" or you die trying.

2: HOW IT ALL BEGAN The word "rapture" is derived from Middle French via the Medieval Latin raptura ("seizure, rape, kidnapping"), it is pronounced "rapt-choo-ray" and is ultimately derived from the Latin raptus ("a carrying off"). The word is named after the “raptor” a bird of prey similar to an eagle that “swoops down” and “carries off” its prey. The Koine Greek of 1 Thessalonians 4:17 uses the verb form ρπαγησόμεθα (harpagēsometha), which means "we shall be caught up" or "taken away", with the connotation that this is a sudden event. The dictionary form of this Greek verb is ρπάζω (harpazō) . This use is also seen in such texts as Acts 8:39, 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 and Revelation 12:5. The Latin Vulgate translates the Greek ρπαγησόμεθα as rapiemur from the verb rapio meaning "to catch up" or "take away.” When we understand it's rudimentary meaning there need only be one verse we look at to understand it's application. Being "caught up" with the Lord was something for which Messiah, the Christ, himself prayed for his followers. He prayed for us to "be with him where he is." John 17: “24 Father, I will that they also, who you have given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which you have given me: for you loved me before the foundation of the world. “ Yet, note this interesting statement in the same prayer: John 17:15 “I pray not that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil.” Christ desired for us to be "with him where he is" and yet remain in the world! We must realize that after his resurrection he could have taken all of his followers with him into Heaven, but where would we be? Those who came to believe on him by their testimony? Most modern rapturists consider that “beside the point.” Yet, how can it be? Christ is praying concerning the final "Glory" he will share with his followers. How it will come to pass and in what manner it shall manifest itself. Though the modern vernacular of the word, rapture, is a good descriptive word for the event it pales in comparison to the glory. The word has two main meanings in modern English: 1. The state of being transported by a lofty emotion; ecstasy. 2. An expression of ecstatic feeling. Often used in the plural. Once you understand the extent of what occurs during the "rapture," (per se), you will see why these two definitions fit well. Yes, there is an event in the Bible which can adequately be described as “a rapture of the believers.” When you understand what scripture says about this event it should become clear that the popular teachers actually have missed the mark by a mile. A Relatively New Doctrine? Christianity has a 2000 year history, during the bulk of which the "rapture" teaching was non existent. The early original Christian church as well as the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox churches, the Anglican Communion and many Protestant Calvinist denominations have no tradition of a preliminary return of Christ and initially rejected the doctrine. Rightfully so. Scripture makes no direct reference anywhere to a preliminary and “secret” return of Christ.

The Orthodox Church, for example, rejects it because the Protestant doctrine of the rapture depends on a pre-millennial interpretation of prophetic scriptures, rather than an amillennial or post millennial fashion. Some proponents of a preliminary rapture believe the doctrine of amillennialism originated with Alexandrian scholars such as Clement and Origen and later became Catholic dogma through Augustine. Accordingly, the church until then would hold to pre-millennial views. Views which see an impending apocalypse from which the church will be rescued by the Lord. (The way Noah and his family were rescued from the flood). To those who hold to this “pre-millennial” claim on behalf of the early Christians, this means that the early church did indeed espouse pre-tribulationism, it just wasn't called as such until much later. Pre-tribulation proponents maintain that the earliest known extra-Biblical reference to the pre-tribulation rapture is from a 7th-century tract known as the Apocalypse of PseudoEphraem the Syrian, which says: "For all the saints and Elect of God are gathered, prior to the tribulation that is to come, and are taken to the Lord lest they see the confusion that is to overwhelm the world because of our sins" However, the interpretation of this writing as supporting a pre-tribulation rapture is at the very least highly debatable and at the most it's a stretch. Even if it could be proved that the church has always espoused "pre-tribulation rapture" certainly it was not the center and focal point of the faith as it has become. Especially among evangelicals. A Christian in the early traditions of the church fathers was never defined by his or her belief in a pre-tribulation rapture (as it is most assuredly becoming today). Many faiths include pre-tribulation rapture into their statements of faith, making it a clear "point of salvation" teaching. I call those who believe in pre-tribulation rapture “the modern rapturists,” or “rapturists.” This is because the doctrine itself has evolved immensely and even if it were to have always been around, (debatable) certainly in these modern times the teaching has become a focal point of the modern christian thinking. No one more so than the evangelicals. It's their “pet doctrine.” When you understand the true nature of the true "rapture" event and it's significance, it begins to dawn on you that it matters not if this event takes place before, in the middle of, or at the end of a proposed "seven year tribulation, which is yet another concept that cannot be definitively proved using scripture. (When you see how "light" the scriptures are in support of a seven year tribulation preceeded by a "vanishing away" of the saints, you have to wonder how they can even make it a "point of salvation." Something most deny doing, but as we have seen it is “double speak.” For the first 1800 years of church history the annals were deathly silent on the subject of “pre-tribulation” and “seven year tribulation” and “rapture,” then suddenly and without warning these concepts have somehow moved from being an "interesting theory" to canon law and those who reject it are now labeled "heretic.") When discussing “post tribulation, or mid tribulation, or pre-tribulation,” Mike Warnke, a once famous Christian "stand-up" comedian used to call himself a "pan tribulation," reasoning, that it would “all pan out the way it was meant to in the end." As with the word rapture, you won't find the phrase "pre-tribulation" in the Bible. You also won't find the phrase “seven year tribulation.” Yet, evangelicals the world over, who's foundational claim is that the Holy Scriptures are the “final authority” on all truths, throw these

phrases around like they are written in stone. Historically, the absence of a "doctrinal title" from scripture has never stopped organized Christian religion from declaring a teaching as dogma and calling them who reject the teaching "heretics." There are several other basic foundational doctrines that are not directly mentioned anywhere in the Bible but if you reject those teachings you are unanimously called an "heretic." Under Catholicism and Orthodoxy it was accepted that "Divine Revelation" superseded the need for "scriptural proof." In other words, Catholics didn't need a scripture to support their teaching, if their Holy Father said it was so, then it is so. It's harder to understand how these same teachings, not necessarily found in scripture, ended up as basic tenets among protestants, who claim to reject the authority of the Vicar and who claim that their “only” authority on doctrinal matters should be scripture. As you will see, with protestants it does not take an overwhelming body of scriptural evidence before they will place their stamp of approval on a teaching and declare all others "heretics." Protestants and evangelicals only need a single verse in the Bible that "appears" to say or can be interpreted to say what they are teaching and that is good enough for them. They'll simply make a new translation and rewrite more of the scriptures to lean their way. I know this sounds terribly cynical but it is absolutely true. The case of the pre-tribulation rapture is one such modern example. So, in religion, whether it be Catholicism, Orthodoxy, or Protestantism, evangelicalism, pentecostalism, or non-denominationalism, they all have one thing in common, namely, their hierarchies determine what is sound doctrine and what is not and then it is disseminated to the laymen as "word of God." No matter what Christian faith you espouse, this right and privilege of determining "sound doctrine" is reserved for the leadership. A layman to them, a mere “cretin,” such as I, obviously has no authority to question anything. It is doubtlessly certain that many will disregard this book completely. Even if I have 1000 scriptures that clearly defend my position, if they have one scripture that could defend their position and their Church leadership has signed off on it then I am the heretic, not them! History Of The Teaching The concept of the rapture was first expressed in concrete documents by the American Puritan father and son team, Increase and Cotton Mather. They held to the idea that believers would be caught up in the air, followed by judgments on the Earth, and then the millennium. (The thousand year reign of Christ on the Earth). This developed before the days of manned flight when Christians still believed Heaven was up there in the clouds somewhere, so it is somewhere akin to ancient mariners who were afraid that if they sailed too far they would drop off the edge of the earth. The word rapture was coined by Philip Doddridge and John Gill in their New Testament commentaries, with the idea that believers would be caught up prior to judgment on the Earth and Jesus' second coming. In 1788 the Baptist Morgan Edwards first proposed the more popular "pre-tribulation rapture." In 1811 a Jesuit priest, named Emmanuel Lacunza (under the pseudonym Juan Josafat Ben Ezra) wrote an apocalyptic work entitled La venida del Mesías en gloria y majestad (The Coming of the Christ in Glory and Majesty). It was translated into English by the Scottish minister Edward Irving. Dr. Samuel Prideaux Tregelles (1813-1875), a prominent English theologian and biblical scholar, wrote a pamphlet in 1866 tracing the concept of the rapture through the works of

John Darby (1827) back to Edward Irving. Edward Irving (1792–1834) more fully developed the teaching but never called it "The rapture." Irving directed his attention to the study of prophecy and eventually accepted the one-man Antichrist idea of James Henthorn Todd, Samuel Roffey Maitland, Robert Bellarmine, and Francisco Ribera, yet he went a step further. Irving began to teach the idea of a two-phase return of Christ, the first phase being a secret rapture prior to the rise of the Antichrist. According to Irving: “There are three gatherings: – First, of the first-fruits of the harvest, the wise virgins who follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth; next, the abundant harvest gathered afterwards by God; and lastly, the assembling of the wicked for punishment.” Though he springboards off the earlier work of Lacunza, his take on it didn't agree entirely with Lacunza. Evidently Irving was not familiar with the teachings of Christ on the subject because his "order" of events is almost completely backwards to what Christ taught. Jesus placed the order as "first gather the tares in bundles then gather the wheat into the barn." Matthew Henry, in his commentary on the whole Bible (Complete and unabridged in one volume. Peabody: Hendrickson) he used the term "rapture" in his commentary of 1 Thessalonians 4. John Nelson Darby (who is considered the father of the modern rapture teaching) popularized the pre-tribulation rapture in 1827. This view was accepted among many other Plymouth Brethren movements in England. Darby and other prominent Brethren impacted American Christianity, especially with movements and teachings associated with Christian eschatology and fundamentalism, primarily through their writings. Another major influence to the spreading of the teaching included the Bible Conference Movement, starting in 1878 with the Niagara Bible Conference. These conferences, which were initially inclusive of historicist and futurist premillennialism, led to an increasing acceptance of futurist premillennial views and the pre-tribulation rapture especially among Presbyterian, Baptist and Congregational members. Popular books also contributed to acceptance of the pre-tribulation rapture, including William Eugene Blackstone's book Jesus is Coming published in 1878 and which sold more than 1.3 million copies and the Scofield Reference Bible, published in 1909 and 1919 and revised in 1967. It was published again in 1861, but two important passages demonstrating a post-tribulation view were removed. The two removed segments were: "This is the fiery trial which is to try us. - It will be for the purging and purifying of the real members of the body of Jesus" and "The trial of the Church is from Antichrist. It is by being filled with the Spirit that we shall be kept". Opponents of the pre-tribulation rapture have sometimes attributed the rise of the doctrine to a 15-year old mentally ill Scottish-Irish girl named Margaret McDonald (a follower of Edward Irving), who in 1830 had a vision of the end times which describes a post-tribulation view of the rapture that was first published in 1840. This story is largely apocryphal because the stirrings of the teaching were already well underway beforehand. In 1957, John Walvoord, a theologian at Dallas Theological Seminary, authored a book, The rapture Question, supporting the pre-tribulation rapture; this book eventually sold over 65,000 copies. In 1958, J. Dwight Pentecost authored another book supporting the pre-tribulation

rapture, Things to Come: A Study in Biblical Eschatology, which sold 215,000 copies. The Rapture Explosion During the 1970s, belief in the pre-tribulation rapture literally exploded because of media. (Such as the case of the movie “A Thief In The Night.”) Also contributing to the explosion were the books of Hal Lindsey. Such as, "The Late Great Planet Earth," which sold between 15 million and 35 million copies. Lindsey proclaimed that the rapture was imminent, based on world conditions at the time and he wrongfully identified the seven-headed beast with ten horns, cited in the Book of Revelation, as the European Economic Community, a forebear of the European Union, which between 1981 and 1986 had ten member states; it now has 27 member states. Hal is fortunate that he didn't make these false predictions in the times of the Old Testament. He most certainly would have been stoned by now as a false prophet. Instead, he's venerated to this day and is still teaching and selling books. In 1995, the doctrine of the pre-tribulation rapture was further popularized by Tim LaHaye's Left Behind series of books, which sold tens of millions of copies and were made into several blockbuster movies.

3: THE GREAT ESCAPE The main theme of "the rapture" and especially "pre-tribulation rapture" is the concept that the Christians are going to escape all the "bad stuff" that will come upon the world during "the tribulation." It is a "peace and safety" promise of being whisked away out of the world. It is the belief that a man (antichrist) will reign for exactly seven years on the earth., at which time it will literally be hell on earth, the days in which God pours out his wrath upon mankind. Those who preach this do so because they reason that since Christians are "not appointed to wrath," (1 Thessalonians 5: 9) the Church cannot be on the earth for these days. No wonder this is such an explosively popular teaching! Two things, however. First, wrath (judgment) and tribulation cannot be the same thing. Tribulation means “trial” and “wrath” is the judgment, the verdict, the sentence. It would be like you going to court, accused of a crime, the judge throws down his gavel and says “guilty” at the arraignment then pronounces sentence. You would ask, “what happened to the trial?” To which the judge would say “that was the trial.” Clearly tribulation and wrath are not the same event. Secondly, it was always the false prophets who preached "peace and safety," with a driving motivation to profit, to make money by their “prosperity” message. Without exception before any great judgment of God upon His people there preceded false prophets who inevitably by their preaching served only to keep the people of God from repenting of their wickedness by giving them false promises of security. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Micah 3: 9-12 "9 Hear this, you leaders of the house of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel, who despise justice and distort all that is right; 10 who build Zion with bloodshed, and Jerusalem with wickedness. 11 Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD and say, "Is not the LORD among us? No disaster will come upon us." 12 Therefore because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jeremiah 6: 13- 15 "13 For from the least of them even to the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even to the priest every one deals falsely. "14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. "15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, says the LORD." ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezekiel 22: 25-28 "25 There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. 26 Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my Sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. 27 Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. 28 And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies to them, saying, 'thus says the Lord GOD,' when the LORD has not spoken." There are many different “factions” among the rapturists and they employ numerous terminologies, such as "millenialism," "amillenialism," "post millenialism," "dispensationalism," "cessationism," "pre-tribulation," "mid-tribulation," "post tribulation," and more “isms,” than you can count. We will not concern ourselves with all of these terms. They're background noise, and non-issues once you understand the true nature of the rapture! Once you grasp the "depth and the breadth and the height" of what God has in store for the faithful (Ephesians 3: 18) none of these eschatological idioms have any real importance. That's the beauty of the scriptural approach to a subject, we can cut through the smoke and mirrors. Many accept the “escapism” of the modern rapture teachings as a “given.” Teaching this sort of escapism has a slippery slope, however. It can end up becoming, not just an escape from bad times but a complete escape from the calling to "walk even as he walked." (1 John 2: 6) The entire teaching is predicated on the idea that the “transformation” and the “putting on of immortal bodies” will not happen until Christ returns and changes our Original Sin cursed bodies. They await God to change their bodies first, before they walk in "Christlike perfection.” Should this changing occur today, they have not truly “readied” themselves, believing there is nothing they can in this present “cursed flesh.” They do not understand that Christ is coming for a Bride who is already "without spot or blemish" when he comes. We, the Bride, make ourselves ready by becoming "without spot or blemish." They have put the proverbial "cart before the horse" and teach that Christ's coming will make us without spot or blemish when it is the other way around. It is our becoming "without spot or blemish" that precipitates, hastens and triggers the second coming! It simply does not matter if there is a seven year tribulation before or after this glorious “changing” of the believers. It doesn't matter if the “changing” occurs in the middle of some great tribulation. All that matters to us is our pressing forward to the higher calling in Christ Jesus and our being “conformed to the image of the Son of God.” (Romans 8: 29).

4: THE DAY OF SALVATION Whenever the rapture is discussed it's spoken of as an "instantaneous event," or, as it says in scripture, it happens "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye." Yet when we examine the governing texts we begin to see the "catching away" is a culmination of a work that began in us the moment we believed! It is the "finishing of the work of faith in us." A work which began in us upon conversion. The final product happens at the "shout" when the Lord returns but we are a "work in progress!" The “putting on of incorruption” that raputurists look for to take place in the "rapture" should have already begun in them! It begins when we leave behind this world, forsake our own lives and take up our crosses. It culminates in the day that the saints, the believers, enter the Kingdom (physically)! It's the day of salvation (he that endures to the end shall be saved). It's the day after which this "corruptible puts on incorruption" and finishes with "this mortal puts on immortality." (1 Corinthians 15: 53). At that time, the Bride will be found “without spot or wrinkle” and we will have put on “the image of the Son of God.” No sinner can be raptured. Galatians 5: 19-21 “19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, sedition, heresies, 21 Envying, murders, drunkenness, reveling, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 21:8 “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whore mongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 21: 27 “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defiles, neither whatsoever works abomination, or crafts a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Matthew 7:21-23 “21 Not every one that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in Heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? And in your name we have cast out devils and in your name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I denounce them, saying, “I never knew you: depart

from me, you that work iniquity.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Matthew 19:16-18 “16 And, behold, one came and said to him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he responded with a question of his own: 'Why do you call me good? There is none good but one, that is, God: but if you will enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 The man asked, “Which (commandments)? “Jesus said, you shall do no murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and your mother: and, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ephesians 5:3- 6 “3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as is becoming of saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but you should rather be grateful. 5 For this you know, that no whore monger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Cor. 6:9 “Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?” There are far far more scriptures I could quote to support the truth that sinners do not enter the Kingdom! Keep in mind that the rapture is the point at which we physically enter the Kingdom! The scripture says that at the second coming of Christ the "dead in Christ" are raised and then we who are still alive will be "caught up" to meet him in the air and “so shall we ever be with the Lord.” This is describing the final day, when our salvation is physically realized. If there is sin in you on that day, you shall "in no wise enter." Yet, I can hear some of you now asking: "...Doesn't it say that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God?" (Romans 2: 23) and "...Doesn't it say that 'if any man say I have no sin he is a liar and the truth is not in him?" (John 1:8) Yes, it does say that every person has sinned and that if someone claims to have never sinned they are a liar. That is beside the point.

Many think the scriptures say you can never stop sinning and they are in error! It says all "have" sinned, not "all must sin.." It says that if any man says "I have never sinned," (John 1:10) that man is a liar, Scripture never says that no one can ever reach a point where they say, "I don't sin anymore." You won't find that in scripture. In fact, John stated in the same place, "I write these things to you so that you SIN NOT!" (John 2:1) Some might say: "Well, yes, but it says there's no condemnation for them that be in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1) That also is true, but guess what, if you are implying that those who "are in Christ Jesus," also continue to sin you simply don't know what it means to be "in" Christ Jesus. 1 John 3:6 "Whosoever abides (lives) in him does not sin.” No wonder there's no condemnation for them that are "in" Christ, them that are in Christ don't sin. There's no sin in them for which to condemn them! To abide in Christ means that you live in him and if you live in him there is no sin in you for in him “is no sin!” Someone might throw up their hands at this point and say: "Well then no one can be raptured if that were true." They would only react this way if their man made doctrines have deceived them and are keeping them from the Christlike perfection promised to all believers if they would but have the faith! Many teach that you can "never stop sinning in this life." If the rapture comes in their lifetime, they will miss it, for anyone sinning at that moment will be rejected and will not enter the Kingdom. Matthew 13: “40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 41

And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 42

43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.” Clearly, in the “rapture,” no sinner can enter the Kingdom! If they can't overcome sin in this lifetime, then, should the Lord come in their lifetimes they can't be raptured. It shall come upon them as they have spoken with their mouths! Mark 11: 23

“23 For truly I say to you, that whosoever shall say to this mountain, 'be you removed, and be cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he says shall come to pass; he shall have whatever he says.” Christians who say they can't stop sinning are a walking contradiction. They claim to believe they can have faith to move mountains but they can't have faith to stop sinning? This

is completely illogical. If you tell them that he who truly believes the words of Christ can “overcome sin” in this life, they will call you a liar, Yet, logic itself dictates that if you love as Christ demonstrated and love as he commanded you, then you won't sin. There is no sin in love, according to Christ. This is why Paul told the Corinthians: "Though I have all manner of faith that I can move mountains but have not love, I am nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:2). So much for the misguided teaching that “faith alone” saves you. Paul states that you could have all the faith in the world but if you don't walk in love “you are nothing.” He who says he cannot stop sinning is saying he cannot stop hating his brother, for hate is exactly what sin is and of course he who loves God does not sin against God either. How is anyone who can't stop “hating” on people going to be "raptured" into the Kingdom of Heaven? Seeing that no sinner can enter or inherit the Kingdom of Heaven according to the scriptures, those who preach you can't stop sinning are actually preaching that no one is going to be raptured. Not in this life. Whatever you say with your mouth, according to our Lord, that is what shall come to pass for you! 2 Peter 3: “12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” The rapture is nothing less than the finishing of "the day of Salvation." It begins upon conversion to Christ and then culminates in the day that our physical bodies enter the kingdom of Heaven and become immortal. We know this of a certainty because of 1 Corinthians Chapter 15. 1 Corinthians 15: 51-58

“51 Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord

Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be you steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” The popular teachers teach that we can't be sinless until after the change. They teach we are waiting for the return of Christ, who will give us new bodies that do not require us to “overcome” sin. Bodies that are impervious to sin. Please take notice of the very important order of events in the above text. The trumpet shall sound (at the second coming of Christ), the dead in Christ shall be raised "incorruptible," and we shall be changed (to immortal beings). The order is not “we are changed” then we “put on incorruption.” It's crucial to understand that the dead in Christ rise first. The dead in Christ at this point may have died never having attained to incorruption. Those who have died without attaining incorruption don't have to worry because they “endured to the end” and so all the dead are raised "incorruptible." Yet, we who are alive at the time don't have to “die” to put on incorruption and we don't have to “shed this current body” in order to do so. If we had to shed these bodies to put on incorruption, then why are the dead raised with their former bodies? Paul says that we, who are alive must first put on “incorruption” and then, at the sounding of the trumpet, after the dead are raised, our bodies are changed and we “put on immortality.” The text clearly reads: "When this corruptible shall have put on incorruption (speaking of himself) and this mortal shall then have put on immortality (because the corruptible are now incorruptible) then shall be brought to pass the saying death is swallowed up in victory.” When we believe and are converted we enter the phase of salvation known as “putting on incorruption.” We work this our entire lives, striving to “put on Christ.” (The Incorruptible). Romans 13: 4 “But put you on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. “ In 1 Corinthians 15: 55 we read that once the corruptible have put on incorruption the sting of death is removed! What is the sting of death? Sin is the sting of death according to 1 Corinthians 15: 56. The wages of sin is death. Romans 6: 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Once we corruptible beings overcome sin and “put on incorruption,” sin is no longer present with us. Which is why, at the last trumpet, only they that have “put on incorruption” shall “put on immortality.” The wages of sin is death. You can't put on “immorality” if you are in sin (corruption). All who sin shall die (for the wages of sin is death) and all who have no sin (incorruption) shall live! Sin brings death. The only way to be immortal is to become "incorruptible" first. To have no more sin! We do know, therefore, that the believers reach a point of “incorruptibility” in their walk with the Lord and we know we don't have to “sleep” (die) to achieve this. That is why he concludes the chapter in verse 58 by exhorting us to "always abound" in the "work" of the Lord then states, for you know that your "labor is not in vain in the Lord." What labor? Your labor of love. Your labor to set aside the sin that once so easily besets you.

Hebrews 12: 1 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, In 1 Corinthians, and indeed in most of Paul's writings, Paul promises that there comes a day when we corruptible human beings put off the corruption of sin, at which point we shall be entitled to immortality and shall be granted such either after death (when we are raised) or at the return of Christ. Salvation occurs in two phases. First, we are converted and begin to “put on Christ” (incorruption, sinlessness) then, he that endures to the end is granted immortality (he that endures to the end shall be saved).

5: SALVATION IS “RESURRECTION” The discussion of the “mystery” in 1 Corinthians 15 is precluded with the following statements: 1 Corinthians 15: 47-50 47 The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from Heaven. 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption. People get confused here when they read verse 50. They think it is saying that we cannot enter into the Kingdom in our current flesh and blood bodies! That is because they know 1 Corinthians 15 is actually about the resurrection and answers the question: “with what body” are we resurrected? 1 Corinthians 15: “35 But some man will ask, 'how are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 36 Thou fool, that which one sows is not quickened, except it die:” Notice the stark contradiction here. In verse 36 it says you cannot be “resurrected” unless you die first. This is logical. If you don't die, you need no resurrection. The contradiction occurs, however, when in verse 51 of the same chapter he says “we shall not all sleep (die) but we shall all be changed (resurrected). 1 Corinthians 15: 51 “Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, “ In one place he appears to say that we must die first, then we are raised with “different bodies” or “different flesh” and in another place he states that we don't have to die and that those who are “alive and remain” at the resurrection shall keep their former bodies but those bodies will be “changed.” Many have read 1 Corinthians in such a way as to say that when we are raised from the dead (or changed) we will be given new “spiritual” bodies. They interpret the statement “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom God” to mean that we cannot enter Heaven in this current flesh. There is a major problem with this interpretation, however. Christ, after the resurrection, had the same flesh he had in life. Luke 24: “37 But they were terrified and afraid, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38 And he asked them, 'why are you troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones, as you see me have.' 40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.” Notice Christ says he has “flesh and bone.” If “flesh cannot inherit the kingdom of God” were to mean that we won't have fleshly bodies in the resurrection, how does Christ have “flesh” in the resurrection? It's Christ's resurrection we are going to partake in. We will most certainly rise even as he rose. Romans 8: 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken (give life unto) your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwells in you. “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God” is explained in the context of the sentence. After it says this it says: “neither does corruption inherit incorruption.” It's not saying that you can't go to Heaven in a fleshly body, otherwise, what is the purpose of raising the dead? Why open their graves and bring out their old bodies if they are just getting new “spiritual” bodies? Especially if to be “absent in the body is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5: “8 We are confident,I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” If they that are “dead in Christ” and “absent from their bodies” are already present with the Lord, why raise up (quicken) their mortal bodies? Especially if they can't enter the Kingdom in them and must be given new “spiritual bodies?” None of this makes any sense. No wonder atheists hear these Christian teachings and throw up their hands. First Paul says “that which is quickened is not quickened unless it dies first” then he says we shall not have to die to be “changed” (quickened into immortal beings). When the scripture says “flesh and blood cannot inherit” it's simply saying that you cannot obtain to the sinless perfection that brings immortality by your own efforts in the flesh! Galatians 3: “Are you so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh?” When the scripture says “that which is quickened must die first” you have to realize that we who are alive (in the flesh) are already “dead.” That's right, we are already “dead in Christ” in baptism. Romans 6: 4 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Colossians 2: 12

“Buried with him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who has raised him from the dead. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Galatians 2: 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. The believers in Christ have died to themselves and their own lives and walk in “newness of Spirit.” They “die daily.” 1 Corinthians 15:31 “I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. “ That is why Paul tells the Romans that we must “mortify the deeds of the body” through the Spirit, in order for our bodies to be “quickened.” Romans 8:13 “For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do put to death the deeds of the body, you shall live.” Notice it says you cannot obtain immortality (eternal life) by living “after the flesh.” That is the exact same phrase as “flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God neither does corruption inherit incorruption.” Living in corruptible flesh brings only death, not eternal life. All believers should be “dead in Christ,” already! The first phase of our salvation begins when we “die in Christ” through baptism, the next phase is living in newness of Spirit, (I live but not I Christ lives in me), then finally, at the resurrection our mortal bodies are “quickened,” (changed). We “put on immortality. People are refusing to put on “incorruption” believing that it will not occur until Christ returns and gives them “new bodies.” Bodies that have no “temptation” in them. They are not preaching “overcoming” sin, they are preaching “overcoming the penalty for sin.” I'm here to tell you, no one can “overcome the penalty for sin” (for the wages of sin is death). The only way to overcome that penalty is to overcome the sin itself and get rid of it. That is what our salvation is all about! Our work of salvation begins at conversion and culminates in a resurrection of our bodies, whether our bodies are still technically alive at the time or have passed on to the grave. We do not perform this “work” of salvation by following some rule book in our flesh, we achieve this by faith. We do not come to this “sinless state” by the efforts of our “flesh and blood” we come to it by the Spirit. Popular teachers however, have twisted the truth and state, “you'll never live sinless in this lifetime.” How can they be “raptured” in this life? The answer is, they cannot. For you see, while you cannot rid yourself of sin by living "after the flesh,” we don't live after the flesh if we live after the Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul is discussing how following Christ (living after the Spirit) causes you to ultimately stop sinning which in the end results in a resurrection (immortality). For sin brings death and the converse is true, sinlessness brings eternal life. He states that sin is "corruption" in verse 33 (this corruptible must put on incorruption). Then he says "sin not," in verse 34! We can only conclude from the body of scriptural evidence so far that true faith in the

power of the cross causes us to purge ourselves of sin, which inevitably results in eternal life (this mortal must put on immortality). Modern rapturists attempt to nullify and circumvent that middle part (the purging of sin) and skip right from faith (believing) to eternal life! They are literally missing the life boat. If you still aren't convinced that Paul was speaking of overcoming sin and thus becoming immortal in this chapter, just look at this astounding statement in the precursor to Paul's discussion of the rapture: 1 Corinthians 15: 33- 34 33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. Evil communications “corrupt” good manners! (This corruption must put on incorruption). He clearly says to awake to righteousness and identifies this as, "sin not." Ceasing from sin completely is something the majority of popular teachers will tell you is impossible! Many who preach rapture these days twist 1 Corinthians chapter 15 horribly. They make it to sound like our bodies will simply disappear. (Vanish away) They think that we are waiting for after Christ's return to be “sinless” and believe this sinlessness happens “in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye” and only after God takes our “sin cursed bodies” and changes them to “immaculate” bodies. That is not what scripture teaches. No. These scriptures say our sinless perfection is a work of faith. He says this earlier on in Chapter 15. 1 Corinthians 15: 10 “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” This “labor” is all accomplished by “grace” according to Paul, not through our own works of the flesh, but it is accomplished nonetheless. We succeed in destroying the sin by grace, through faith! Then, at the sounding of the last trumpet our immortality then follows in a moment in a twinkling of an eye. That's how we know that our labor to overcome sin (by grace through faith) is not in vain. We know that we succeed in overcoming sin and the end result is that we put on immortality. Eternal life. That is true salvation. God does not just rescue our "soul" or "ghost" or "spirit" only, but mind, body, soul and spirit! Those who do not believe in this "sinless perfection" in this life cannot call their belief “faith,” nor can they call it “faithfulness,” any more than an adulterous husband can claim to be “faithful” to his wife. It is "faithlessness,” it is “spiritual adultery.” This is the absolute message of 1 Corinthians 15! It is the message of the gospel. That we have a resurrection awaiting us not just of our "soul" or "ghost" but of our bodies as well. Even as Christ obeyed the Father perfectly and was resurrected after death. More astonishing still is the news that we don't have to necessarily die physically to see this resurrection. They found the tomb empty, and later he walked, talked, ate with them, and he instructed Thomas to feel his wounds! He was raised with the same body with which he died. Some claim that his body was changed somehow in the resurrection! Why would it be changed? He had a perfect body in life. He never once sinned. In fact death had no power over him to begin

with for death only comes from sin! Christ's body had no sin in it, therefore no death. He was immortal already, before he was crucified. He even told them that no man could kill him. John 10: 18 “No man takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down , and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” Jesus Christ rose with the exact same body he had in life! There is no concrete scripture which states otherwise. Some say that he could “walk through walls” because he merely “appeared” in the upper room. They surmise this means his body was “non corporeal.” This is not necessarily true. Phillip was “teleported” hundreds of miles after baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch. God can put a human body anywhere he wants it to be on the earth, instantly. If he can't he's not God. Christ had his original body when he rose, we know from the wounds. It would make no sense to raise his body up, transform it into a “spiritual body” and then leave the wounds. Not only that, if that is what happened, Christ was lying outright when he offered them to touch the wounds as evidence he was the same old Jesus and not a “spirit.”

6: THE DEAD IN CHRIST We "mortify" or kill the deeds of the body every day, destroying sin in the flesh and we do this by living by the Spirit. Without the Spirit of Christ you are "none of his," according to Paul. Romans 8: 9 But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. The power of the flesh (sin) therefore is destroyed by living in the Spirit! Yet, only when you abide (live) in the Spirit (abiding in Christ) do you overcome sin. This is our labor (and it is not in vain) for we do know that an entire generation of living believers succeed. These shall be granted immortality and shall be granted such without ever having died physically. (We shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed). This “changing” as described in 1 Corinthians 15, is the resurrection and represents the finish line. The “finishing of the mystery.” We don't see the end result of our labor as yet (eternal life of the body, mind and soul). We begin our run toward this at moment of conversion. Scripture depicts the church as a “pregnant woman, ready to give birth. So, the beginning of our run of faith is likened to the conception of Christ in us and our journey is labor. Just like a woman in labor to have a child. In the Spirit, by grace through faith we labor to bring forth the mystery which is Christ in us! Rapture indeed! Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: A woman who gives birth labors and pains and cries and moans in great travail and tribulation until the moment the child arrives then her pain and labor is turned into JOY, or rapture! This is exactly how Christ depicted the “labor” of the believer. John 16: 21 “21 A woman when she is in travail has sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembers no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.” The Apostles echoed this same allegory concerning our walk in Christ, speaking of us as a "bride" and not just a bride, a pregnant bride who is bringing forth "Christ." Romans 8: 22- 23 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Galatians 4: 19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

Notice if you will, in Romans 8: 23 what Paul identifies as end result of our labor and our travail together! The redemption of our bodies. Not just the salvation of our souls. So will there be “sin” in our bodies when this day of “redemption” arrives at the end of all our labors? There can be no redemption of the body at all as long as the body is still "corrupted" by sin. That is why "flesh and blood cannot inherit." We, by a life “in the Spirit,” kill the body of this death, the body of the flesh, so that Christ can live in us and through us! We shall succeed some day (or we shall die trying). Whether we live or we die while laboring we shall see the joy and rapturous reward of that labor, immortality, in the resurrection. Many are waiting for Christ to come and remove sin from them, to change their "sin nature," but it does not say that the last enemy that will be destroyed is sin. It says the last enemy to be destroyed is death! 1 Corinthians 15: 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. Sin will destroyed in us before death can be destroyed in us. It is the sin which causes death. It must be eradicated. Popular teachers are teaching that we cannot stop sinning and that we are waiting for Christ to come and to change our bodies from a sinful fleshly nature to a Spiritual nature! This is not the Gospel as it was taught. They are going to miss it completely because if they wait until the trumpet sounds before they stop sinning it will be too late. Popular teachers today are saying that they can continue in sin until Christ returns, then sin will be destroyed and with it death! Scripture does not say this, scripture says "they that do such things (sin) shall not inherit the Kingdom." It says "we do know that no murderer has eternal life in him." They teach they have faith to cast mountains in the sea but don't have faith to cast their sins from their bodies! They are in mortal peril! Certainly we don't overcome and destroy sin on our own, yet, nevertheless we do destroy sin in the flesh, by the Spirit, (which is love) so in reality the fact we don't do it on our own power becomes moot! Rom. 8:10 “If Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin...” We “put to death” our flesh daily by “putting to death the deeds of the flesh.” Our bodies are dead, the sin in us is "dying." We take up our "cross" daily and are crucified with Christ, eventually becoming "incorruptible." Therefore Christlike sinless perfection begins when we receive Christ. We receive of his Spirit and then, by that same Spirit begin to kill the sinful deeds of the body. We do this every day until we are perfect. We don't sit around and wait for the return of Christ and some "rapture." You cannot live by the flesh and still inherit the Kingdom. The rapture culminates in the “day of the redemption” of our bodies. This is why it says our salvation is "nearer than when we first believed." Romans 13: 11-14 “11 And that, knowing the time, now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

14 But you must put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” At the day of the resurrection, there will be no more sin in the believers. (Not in the church, the Bride of Christ anyway). Sin does not have a future in us! Yet, we don't sit around and WAIT for Christ to come and change us into these sinless creatures! It says "work out your own Salvation." When they preach that we will continue in this sinful flesh until the Lord comes and changes us, they are “making provision” for future sins.” Salvation is a “labor of love,” according to the scriptures. Philippians 2:12 “12 Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” All sin brings death. "The soul that sins it shall die." (Ezekiel 18: 20). When the final day of salvation arrives our bodies will be free of sin, that is why it says that Christ comes for a "bride without spot or blemish." (Ephesians 5: 27). The day of the return of Christ is that day of our "gathering together to him" and it is also the day of the resurrection of them who have died not seeing the "incorruption" of sinless perfection but who died pressing forward to that mark. One might ask, what about when Christ said “it is finished” as he hung on the cross? John 19: 30 “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. “ Traditional popular teaching says that Christ was announcing that the entire work of salvation was “finished” at his death on the cross. If this were so, then there would be no need for the resurrection. This should be common sense. If we are saved by “his death” alone and his death is the “finished work” of our salvation then the resurrection was unnecessary. (Especially if he's God Incarnate and merely returned to his throne in Heaven upon death). If his death is the “finishing” of salvation, why the resurrection? Why does Paul say we “shall be saved” (future) “by his life?” Romans 5:10 “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. “ There is not one single verse in the New Testament which will corroborate the teaching that when Christ said “it is finished” on the cross he was talking about “the work of salvation.” In fact there are many many texts in the New Testament that say quite the opposite. We've looked at a few such as, “salvation is nearer than when we first believed” and “work out your own salvation with much fear and trembling” and “he that endures to the end the same shall be saved.” It is common to hear the typical rapturist tell you he or she is “saved” and even give you a date in which they were saved. This is because they teach once you “believe” in Jesus and convert you are “saved.” Scripture does not support this, however: Romans 8: 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what

a man sees, why does he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Another scripture that clearly states that salvation is a hope: 1 Thessalonians 5: 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. When Christ said “it is finished” he is talking about his death itself, not salvation. Pure context dictates this to be true. He says “it is finished” then he dies. The context says the part that was “finished” was his crucifixion. Lacking any scriptures that supports the notion that he was talking about anything else but his death when he said “it is finished” it becomes obvious those who teach he's talking about “the work of salvation” are twisting scripture. Especially with so many other texts which say salvation is not “finished” until the end. Our salvation is not complete yet. We “press toward it.” The apostles made this clear. Even the resurrection itself is something that we “strive to attain.” Philippians 3: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Certainly Christ made all of this possible. The removing of the spots and the blemishes in the Bride is only made possible by Christ when he died. By his death he sent the Holy Spirit to the believers and by the Spirit the believers overcome sin in the flesh. We do not just escape the penalty of the sin (through some rapture or by having our sins "covered up"). The power is sent from the crucifixion and that power "cleanses us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1: 9) Some say that they are cleansed from all unrighteousness even though they are still walking around in sin and unrighteousness. This is a lie straight from the pit of hell and it will cause them to miss the rapture and to be cast aside on the day of salvation. There is coming a day when the Bride of Christ is found without spot or blemish! There shall be no sin in her. She will literally “attain” perfection. In fact, the Lord is actually is waiting for us to repent and walk in his love. We are not waiting on the Lord to come change us, as is depicted by the rapturists. 2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which

the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting to the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? He's waiting for US to repent of our sins and "do the first works." (Revelation 2: 5) Yet, he will not wait forever for us to repent and walk sinless (even so as he walked). If we fail to bring this miraculous event to fruition in our bodies it would not be fair for our failure to prevent the resurrection of them that have died and have “endured” to the end. That is why the Apostles said that we who are alive shall not "prevent" them that sleep. 1 Thessalonians 4: 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord; that we which are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. The Lord is holding back his return, giving us an age of grace in which to repent and truly do his works, but he will not wait forever. At an appointed time a shout and a trumpet will hail the end of his patience. The dead shall be raised and those who are “pressing toward the mark” and toward “attaining” to this perfection will be changed. All others will be cast out as the hypocrites that they are. That is the danger of teaching we can't “stop sinning in this life” and that we must “wait until the Lord comes and changes our sinful bodies into sinless bodies.” That is the true danger of the modern rapture teaching! Those who say “we shall not be sinless in this life” never shall. Christ would be waiting forever for them to repent and walk holy! That is not fair to the rest of those who died in the hope of salvation. Those who died in Christ never having attained to the Christlike perfection promised should not have to wait upon the living believers who refuse to repent and do Christ's works! That would be completely unfair especially when the they say openly they are never going to stop sinning in this life. The believing who have fallen "asleep" would be waiting forever! The Lord will NOT allow those that fell asleep in faith to continue waiting upon our unfaithfulness! So, there comes a day when Christ decides he's waited long enough and in that day those who have refused to walk Holy and perfect by the Spirit, as he has commanded will be cast out like the foolish virgins who brought no oil for their lamps while awaiting the bridegroom to come. Those who have been waiting for some miraculous event to change their bodies into sinless creatures before they walk the walk will hear the shout from Heaven, see the faithful transformed into immortal beings and they shall be cast aside. Most of the popular teachers quote 2 Peter 3: 9 and apply it to the world. They think it's saying that Christ is waiting for the unbeliever to repent and receive Christ. Yet, Paul includes himself and everyone to whom he is writing here saying "to usward." Christ awaits his Bride to be "ready" which means "without spot, blameless." Yet, he WILL not wait forever. The believers who say in their heart, "he won't come today" and then step out to commit sin are gambling with their own salvation! How do they know that at the moment they commit that sin the trumpet shall not sound and Christ shall not descend to gather his church? They simply cannot know for sure.

This is not a concern for the typical popular teachers, however, for they do not believe there is any danger of them being "left behind" as long as they believe in the pre-tribulation rapture and as long as they believe in Jesus. They think that if Christ comes and catches them sinning it's no big deal because their sins are “covered by the blood.” So, to the rapturist the only real danger is not believing in the pretribulation rapture, that's the only unforgivable sin! Any other sin they might be caught in at his coming was “already forgiven.” Popular teachers think they can go out and sin right now and if Christ returns while they are doing it they shall still be raptured. Again, unless that sin is not believing in the pretribulation rapture, in which case they weren't "ready". In 2 Peter 11 we read: "What manner of persons ought you to be." Peter states that we are now "looking for and hastening to" the coming return of Christ (the day of God the day of our Salvation) when we walk in "holy conversation and GODLINESS." The typical rapturist teaches that Godliness and righteousness are "impossible," and if you preach those things are required they will call you a “legalist.” They teach that we must be “ready” for the rapture but they don't realize what that means. Christ made it clear: Matthew 24: “42 Watch therefore: for you don't know at what hour your Lord comes. 43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore you must also be ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes.” When you examine the rapture teachings of most of these churches they always quote the above verses and exhort one another to be “ready” for the rapture, however, they aren't clear what that means. They rarely quote the verses that follow afterward which explain what Christ meant by “be ready.” Matthew 14: “45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he comes shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delays his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looks not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Being “ready” according to Christ is being a “wise and faithful servant” and one whom,

when the Lord comes finds him “so doing.” Being ready is all about what you are “doing” when the Lord comes and nothing about what you are “believing” when he comes. What they “believe” isn't even mentioned. Notice that the person who is not “ready” in Christ's parable is the “evil servant” who, when he sees the Lord is “delaying” his coming, waiting for that servant to do what the Lord commanded, instead begins to sin, eating and drinking with the drunken, living off of the Lord's grace. The popular teaching is that it's impossible to be “the wise and faithful” servant. It's impossible to “do” what the Lord has commanded. They teach that being "ready" (living without spot and blameless) is impossible, while in the most amazing contradiction of all exhort each other to be "ready" or they will miss the rapture. It's nothing less than mind bending. If you tell the rapturist that no sinner will be raptured they will say "well then no one can be raptured." This is not an old error. Matthew 19: 16-26 16 And, behold, one came and said to him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said to him, Why do you call me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if you wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18 He says to him, Which? Jesus said, you shalt do no murder, you shalt not commit adultery, you shalt not steal, you shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and your mother: and, you shalt love your neighbor as thyself. 20 The young man says to him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said to him, If you wilt be perfect, go and sell that you have, and give to the poor, and you shalt have treasure in Heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. 23 Then said Jesus to his disciples, Verily I say to you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of Heaven. 24 And again I say to you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? When Christ told the rich man that the way to eternal life is keeping the commandments he also told him to "sell all that you have and give to the poor and come follow me." The rich man then departed and Christ said to the disciples "it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter Heaven." The apostles were still reeling from Christ's declaration that the way to eternal life is keeping the commandments. They exclaimed, "then who can be saved?" 26 But Jesus beheld them, and said to them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

They didn't get it and neither do the popular teachers. Within our own power it is impossible to walk sinless and blameless. Thankfully God did not leave us to our own devices but has shed the Holy Spirit abroad through Christ. Dead To Sin Many claim they are "ready" for the rapture, they are ready for the Lord to come and “take them” away from all of this, when in reality they love their lives and their possessions. Wild horses couldn't drag them away from here! To be ready for the rapture means you forsake this life, you consider yourself "dead," you "die daily,” you “take up your cross." To be ready for the rapture is to set aside your sinful flesh and the cares of this life! To make Jesus “Lord,” over not just your soul but your body as well! That is why the rapture is now! When we first believe we forsake all as Christ commanded the rich man to do. We turn our backs on our own lives (including the former life of sin) and we walk away from it, following Christ instead! The disciples forsook all to follow him: Matthew 19: 27-30 “27 Then answered Peter said to him, 'behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?' 28 And Jesus said to them, 'verily I say to you, those of you who have followed me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And every one who has forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.” First things come first and last things come last. Before we can be made "incorruptible" in “the rapture” we have to believe that such a thing is even possible! Before we can become immortal (put on immortality or inherit eternal life) we must become "incorruptible." The order in scripture is, first this corruption puts on incorruption then this mortal puts on immortality. We cannot do any of that if we keep the flesh alive? Keeping the flesh alive is “living in the flesh.” That is why Christ told the rich man the way to eternal life is keeping the commandments AND "sell all that you own, give to the poor, and come follow me." At the time Christ said this he was about to die for real. To be crucified so that he could send us the power. So that we could live in spirit and in truth. None of that can happen if we don't turn our backs on the former life. We must be ready, willing and able to leave this life and this world before we can be raptured (inherit the Kingdom). If you can't leave your life behind right now and walk away from your sins what makes you think you'll be able to do it when the Lord returns and the trumpet sounds? Luke 9:60 “60 Jesus said to him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go you and preach the kingdom of God.” The rapture, therefore, begins at the moment we follow Christ. We forsake our lives and follow him and thus we are in "in heavenly places in Christ Jesus."

Ephesians 2:6 6 And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: We shall not completely put on immortality until we "die" of the flesh and live by the Spirit! He who has died of self is “Spiritually minded” and has put on eternal life. Such an one does not die, he lives forever! Most think the eternal life is only “for the soul.” So, when they become a believer, they say “I'm saved.”

7: NOT JUST FOR THE DEAD There's an old country song with the hook: “Everyone wants to go to Heaven but no one wants to die.” The common belief is that you can't go to Heaven until you die. Does this mean that most Christians don't believe they have eternal life? No, because it is widely taught that Christ said, “he that believes in me shall never die.” John 11:26 “And whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” So, how does popular teaching reconcile the idea that you have eternal life the moment you believe and the fact that we still die? They “spiritualize” immortality. They teach that eternal life is for “the soul” and not the body. This is not, however, what we find in the scriptures of the Bible. For example, 1 Corinthians 15 makes it clear eternal life and the resurrection are for our bodies as well. There were those in Corinth who had reasoned that since their souls are now “immortal” because of the faith they have in Christ, there was no reason to raise their bodies in the resurrection. They began to teach that our bodies don't even rise from the dead, only our souls. Paul spoke out about this teaching, attempting to reason with them. As it just so happens, incidentally, those same people also had a practice of “being baptized for the dead” and Paul points out how illogical it is to believe there is no physical resurrection, yet then be baptized 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?” It makes no sense to say that believers are “already risen” when they die, but then get baptized for the dead believers (who died without having an opportunity to be baptized). Clearly, Paul makes it clear that it's not just our “souls” that have eternal life promised to us, but our bodies as well and states, “otherwise Christ's body did not rise.” If we don't rise bodily when we inherit eternal life then the Apostles are all false witnesses, according to Paul. The believer, through faith, purges his or her body of sin (through the Holy Spirit) daily. Then, at the sounding of the trumpet, at Christ's return, we shall inherit eternal life and become immortal (whether we have died physically before that or not)! So the resurrection is not just for the dead. According to Paul not all of us will physically die (sleep) in order to see this immortality in our bodies. He concedes that our body must “die” in order to be resurrected, but then points out that the living believer is “dead” in Christ and “dies daily” when he walks in the Spirit rather than in his own flesh. There is a resurrection of the saints and not all of us will by “sleeping” (physically dead) when this resurrection to immortality occurs. I have news for the writer of the country song, you don't have to die to go to Heaven. In fact, we can go there right now! Today. You can be with Christ "where he is" right now! That is why the rapture is now. Many claim that they are saved, that they already have eternal life, yet they are self admittedly going to sin until the day they die! They preach they cannot STOP sinning in this

body. They are carnally minded and shall die as a result of it! Romans 8: “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.“ The scriptures say that sin brings nothing but death, not eternal life! They who preach we are going to remain in sinful bodies until the second coming have deluded themselves and if they don't repent they shall in no wise inherit immortality (eternal life). They shall be neither raptured nor saved. The scriptures do not say that we are "already saved." Quite the contrary Christ said "he that endures to the END the same shall be saved." (Matthew 24: 13) Salvation is eternal life and it's only for the "incorruptible." I'm not talking about keeping the law here. I'm talking about obeying the Father through the Holy Spirit. Paul said that we obtain “righteousness” which is “of God” by faith, and that he “strove” to “attain” that resurrection. Phillipians 3: 9-21 9 And be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which comes through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death; 11 If by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I don't count myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to those things we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as you have us for an example. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in Heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like to his

glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things to himself. Many believe that the above verses are saying that the “change” is our change from “sinful” bodies to “sinless” bodies. That is not true. The change from the sinful body to the sinless body occurs by putting yourself under the Lordship of Christ. Christ “subdues” your body and all the works of your body unto himself by the Holy Spirit. That is what it says... “...according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself.” The above verses do not imply that we have to wait for the return of the Lord to become “sinless.” It says quite the contrary. It says we “apprehend” it, that we strive to “attain” it. That it is “righteousness that is of God by faith” rather than by “keeping the law.” It says it's “working” in us NOW. It says to mark those who are NOT “walking” after this “changing” from vile to sinless and use them as an example of the “enemies of Christ.” Yes, our bodies will be changed to immortal at his second coming, but only because we “walk according to his commandments (in the Holy Spirit)” and because we “follow him.” We are “working” in him to be “conformed” to his image, first by walking in obedience to the Father and then, at the end, our bodies are glorified in the resurrection. Many twist the above scripture to mean that the believers have no righteousness at all until they either die and are resurrected or until they are raptured at his second coming. They couldn't be more mistaken. Christ made it clear that, at his second coming, every branch in him that bears not good fruit (for a tree is known by its fruit) is “taken away,” broken off and burned. Matthew 7: “21 Not every one that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in Heaven.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ John 15: “Every branch in me that bears no fruit he takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, he prunes it, that it may bring forth more fruit. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke 6: “43 For a good tree brings forth no corrupt fruit; neither does a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For men do not get figs from thorn bushes, neither do they get grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. 46 And why call me, Lord, Lord, if you do not the things which I say?” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Galatians 5: “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” This is not “law” we are preaching, it's “righteousness” by obedience in the Spirit. There can be no “corrupt” fruit in a good tree. (This corruption must put on incorruption). The popular teachers are treading on very dangerous ground. They teach that Christ's righteousness is "counted" as theirs even though their bodies retain “sin” until they die or until the Lord comes. They teach that no one can ever stop sinning in this body or in this life. Which is the same as teaching one cannot be “righteous.” They teach we are righteous because we believe “Jesus is Lord” and they call that “righteousness which comes by faith.” Yet John said: "… Don't be deceived he that does righteousness is righteous!" (1 John 3: 7) Many of them teach that we do not have to do righteousness to be righteous, in complete contradiction to Christ himself who demanded “why call me Lord if you aren't going to do what I say?” They teach that we are righteous and immortal (saved) already simply because we call him Lord. (Believe in Jesus as your Lord and savior). Popular teachers are not looking for, nor do they "press toward" the righteousness that comes by faith for they believe they already have it, by proxy through their belief in Jesus! They believe that the blood of Jesus has covered up their sins and his righteousness is counted as theirs even though they don't DO righteousness. John called this deception and said "he that DOES righteousness is righteous." In Phillipians 9: 12, Paul says that he does not act as though he's already attained the righteousness that is by faith (perfection). He said we press forward to it! We have attained much as we walk and certainly Paul attained more than we all but we have not attained perfection yet. Perfection culminates in eternal life, not just for the soul, not just for the dead, but for they who live in these current bodies. We “apprehend” this perfection daily and some of us may die physically never having attained. If we do, then shall we be raised at the last trumpet, having “endured to the end.” When we are raised we shall be raised "incorruptible and immortal.” Yet, not all of us have to see the death of our physical bodies in order to attain “incorruption” and as a result immortality. An entire generation will put on "incorruption" IN THIS LIFE. Since we know that we “put on immortality” when we are “changed” and since we also know that sin brings death, we know that we who put on “immortality” in this life shall be "incorruptible" when we do this! Where do so many get the saying; “You can't stop sinning in this life?" Many are sitting around in their vile bodies waiting for Christ to return and change them when Paul said in Philippians 9: 14 that we "press toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Many consider themselves to be "ready" to go to Heaven in the rapture but they are not making themselves ready and don't really understand what that curtails! They are waiting for Christ to make them ready and he pronounced "it is finished!" He's done his part already, by dying, atoning for our sins and sending the Holy Spirit to finish the job of destroying sin in us! Now comes our part, to walk in his Spirit! He's waiting on us, we are not waiting on him!

8: TAKEN In the rapture teaching, the unbelievers will be left behind and the believers will be "taken away." The teaching makes “taken” and “caught up” synonymous with each other. We must look at the specific scriptures from which they derive this belief. 1 Thessalonians 4: 17 “Then we who 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 forever be with the Lord.” The above verse is then cross referenced with: Matthew 24: 36- 46 36 But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but my Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. The popular rapturist reading of the above text has the believers being “taken” out of the world (verses 40 and 41) just before the flood. This interpretation ignores two critical facts from the text itself. 1. Noah and his family were not “taken” out of the world. They went through the flood, in the safety of the ark. 2. In the example, the flood is doing the “taking” and it is “taking the wicked away. (Verse 39) In 1986, Dr. J. Vernan Mcgee, a renowned Christian radio preacher denied that Matthew 14: 36-46 was even being used by the rapture teachers in this way. In that same year, on his radio show, so also did Charles Ward "Chuck" Smith. They denied that the Noah parable in the above verses are being applied to the rapture by modern teachers. They denied this because it is obvious within the text itself that it is the wicked who are taken away- by the flood. It's equally obvious that Noah and his family were not “taken” anywhere but instead entered into the protection of the Ark and were “left behind” after the flood was over. It was shocking to hear these denials because popular music, books, pamphlets, tracts, and sermons by countless Christians preaching rapture always go to the Noah example as one of their textual proofs of a pre-tribulation rapture. To hear them tell it, the flood is the tribulation, Noah is the church, and they ignore the verse where it says the “flood” takes the

wicked away and make the verses “one was taken and the other left” a reference to the Church being “taken out” of the world just before judgment. Dr. Mcgee and Smith were apparently unfamiliar with the rapture teaching as it is being taught. Matthew 24: 36- 46 have always been landmark scriptures used by many as evidence of a pre-tribulation rapture. Take for example, the lyrics of a singular popular song written by Larry Norman during the great “rapture explosion” in the 1970's: I Wish We'd All Been Ready Larry Norman V1 “Life was filled with guns and war and everyone got trampled on the floor I wish we'd all been ready Children died the days grew cold, a piece of bread could buy a bag of gold I wish we'd all been ready There's no time to change your mind The son has come and you've been left behind. V2 A man and wife asleep in bed she hears a noise and turns her head He's gone I wish we'd all been ready Two men walking up a hill, one disappears and one's left standing still I wish we'd all been ready There's no time to change your mind The son has come and you've been left behind” If you do a Google search on Matthew 24: 36-46 you will soon see that these verses are most certainly used to defend the pre-tribulation rapture teaching! Yet, in the example it is the wicked who are "taken" by the flood and it is the righteous who are "left behind" even as Noah and his family were "left behind" after the flood (because they were in the safety of the Ark). We've already looked at the next scripture but let's look at it again in light of this question: “who are taken away” at the second coming, the righteous or the wicked? John 15:1- 2 “1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that bears not fruit he takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” As in Matthew so we find in the Gospel of John that the wicked, those who do not bear good fruit are taken away and the righteous branches are left! The Father does not remove the tree and leave the barren branches behind! When a farmer prunes a tree he does not cut the tree down and leave the bad branches planted in the earth. That's comical imagery but it drives the point home. There are yet more scriptural examples of this principle: Matthew 13: 24-30

“24 He put forth another parable to them, saying, 'we can liken the kingdom of Heaven to a man who planted good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and planted tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said to him, Sir, didn't you plant good seed in your field? From whence came the tares? 28 He said to them, an enemy has done this. The servants said to him, do you want us to go and gather them (the tares) up? 29 But he said, No; while you gather up the tares, you may root up the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, gather you together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” The order is obvious and the same in every parable Christ puts forth concerning his second coming. First the wicked “taken away” (in the above case gathered and bound in bundles to be burned), then the faithful are left behind and gathered into the barn! In the above parable, why do you suppose the tares are left alone until the time of the harvest? Because it is then that the plants bring forth their fruit. Until the harvest, tares look exactly like wheat plants. You can't tell them apart. But, at harvest time the tares bring forth nothing but thistles and the wheat plants bring forth the good fruit (wheat). So “by their fruits” shall they be known at the second coming, and the type of “fruit” we are bearing will determine if we are a tare, to be gathered and burned, or if we are “wheat.” Again, in Matthew 13 he states this: Matthew 13: 41 “The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;” Everyone who offends in the Kingdom. This means everyone who does iniquity (sin). The wicked shall be gathered out of the Kingdom first at his second coming, not the true believers. This is proof positive that on the day of the second coming (the day of salvation) when Christ returns, they who are caught “in sin” will be gathered and judged. It's also how we know that at that day the believers will all have overcome sin. He is bound by his word to gather up those in the kingdom caught in a sin at his second coming and to cast them out, binding them in bundles to be destroyed. In the teachings of Christ, the wicked (not the righteous) are always "taken away" by God's judgment first. He uses the story of Noah and likens the taking away of the wicked to when the wicked were swept away of the flood. He even says, "the flood came and took them all way," then he says "so (so as by flood) shall one be taken the other left."

9: I'LL FLY AWAY OH GLORY John 17: 15 (Jesus prays to the Father) “I pray not that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Matthew 5: “14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” From the beginning of his ministry it was never Christ or God's plan to remove the believers from the world. How would the world be saved? This is what leads us to understand the true error of the rapture teaching. According to this nefarious doctrine, God not only removes the “light of the world” but takes his Holy Spirit out of the world, then brings judgment accompanied with demands to “repent.” Revelation 9: 'Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorcery, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. “ From the above scripture in Revelation we learn that the judgments poured out upon the world during the end times are designed to get them to “repent” and receive the truth. How are they going to do that if the “light of the world” has been removed as well as the Holy Spirit? So how do so many even get the idea that the Christians will all be "taken away" just before God's judgment? As usual, they get it by misapplying scripture completely, that is how! When you confront them with how they are misreading scripture, such as in the Noah parable they simply deny using those scriptures as rapture proofs. As we will now see, when you take away the scriptures they are misapplying, such as the Noah parable, the rapturists' proof of being "taken away" before judgment grows rather thin! In 1 Corinthians 15 it says "we shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed." It does not say “we shall all vanish away mysteriously.” Those verses say nothing about the believers being taken anywhere! Believe it or not, the entire teaching that thousands of Christians will suddenly “vanish” from the earth without a trace, this teaching upon which Tim LaHaye and Barry Jenkins made their fortunes with “Left Behind,” only has one single scripture in the entire Bible that can even remotely be used as proof that the Christians will all "vanish away" some day just prior to God's wrath being poured out on the earth. When they admit that the Noah parable is not talking about rapture, they unwittingly admit that the entire rapture doctrine is based on the literal interpretation of one single Bible verse! We shall look again at that one verse: 1 Thessalonians 4: 14-18

“14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain to the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 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: 17 Then we who 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. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” The first question we must ask ourselves is, if, at the Lord's second coming, when he is seen coming in the clouds with great glory, all the Christians on the earth are "caught up in the air" to be with him, why does it say "so shall we ever be with the Lord?" If "caught up in the air" literally means that we are “taken up into the sky” then by that same text we shall remain "with the Lord in the sky” forever! It clearly says “caught up together with them in the clouds... and so (caught up in the clouds) is how we shall forever be with the Lord.” Yet, we know that the believers return to the earth with Christ when he sets up his Kingdom and they rule and reign with him on the earth. Jude 1: “14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, 'Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his saints,” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 1: “7 Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also who pierced him: and all families of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 19: “11 And I saw Heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he does judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in Heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treads the

winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he has on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Timothy 2 “12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 5: “10 And has made us to our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 20: “6 Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 22: “5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 3: 21 To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. The above texts were only a few of the many which state clearly that at the second coming of Christ, he returns with the risen saints and sets up his kingdom and that all the saints shall “reign with him on the earth.” Either we are going to be with him “forever in the clouds” or not. Both cannot be true. The U Turn Argument The rapturists have proposed a U turn version of the second coming in order to make the catching away of the saints to literally mean we go up into the clouds, into the air. In their theory, the Lord returns in two distinct and separate phases. The second coming is broken up into two events which are 7 years apart. In reality this would be a second coming (for the rapture) and then a third coming (to set up his Kingdom and rule). Unfortunately, there is no mention of a “third” coming of the Lord in scripture, so, they combine two supposed return events, chronologically separated by 7 years, into one event. They then call both events “the second coming.” Where are the scriptures that support their view? They don't exist! The whole theory is based on air. They believe it for one reason, it fits what they want to believe about the rapture. Revelation 1:7

“7 Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all families of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” It clearly says in the above verse that when the Lord descends from Heaven with a shout, in the clouds, every eye shall see him. It says nothing about a “secret coming” where no one sees him and all the saints vanish. 1 Thessalonians 3:13 “13 To the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” This is not the only scripture that states emphatically that when the Lord returns he returns with "all" of the saints with him. The rapturists simply ignore verses in the Bible such as the one we just read and focus instead on one single verse in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 which “appears” to say we are “taken up into the sky,” and only when read strictly literally. They cherry pick one verse out of the Bible and ignore a huge and massive body of scriptures that completely contradict their teaching. Revelation 19: 14 And the armies which were in Heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 6: “11 And white robes were given to every one of them; and it was said to them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 7: 13 13 And one of the elders answered, saying to me, Who are these arrayed in white robes and from whence did they come? 14 And I said to him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sits on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them to living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Notice in Revelation 7:14 it states that when the Lord is seen coming in the clouds at his return the armies of Heaven follow with him upon white horses clothed in white linen? Who are the armies of Heaven clothed in white robes? According to Revelation they are the saints In every depiction of the second coming in which Christ appears "in the clouds" you find

the saints of the most High appearing with him. If the living saints are "caught up" into the air, into the "clouds" to meet him at his return and if every eye sees Christ at his return, why do they say that they disappear from the earth for seven years? Where are the scriptures? It is a man made fairy tale. Notice also that in Revelation 7:14 it says of the saints who are given the white robes, “these are they which come out of great tribulation.” This one verse above all others completely destroys the modern rapture teaching. How so? If all the saints are removed from the world just before the 7 year great tribulation, how can there be saints who “come out of the great tribulation” and are given white robes because they were martyred? If the Holy Spirit is not in the world during the great tribulation, how can there be saints who “come out of the great tribulation?” Just look and see what these saints who are given the white robes are told in Revelation 6: 11: “...rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” The Holy Spirit and all of the saints are removed from the world before the great tribulation, and yet here we have saints, martyrs, given white robes after being killed during the great tribulation and they are told that there will be more saints martyred in the future! How is any of this possible? According to the Rapture teaching the Holy Spirit is taken out of the world during the rapture and there are no more “saints” in the world to preach the gospel. Whenever rapturists are challenged with this obvious contradiction they continue to insist that the saints who come out of the tribulation are “believers converted by the evangelism of the 144,000.” Every attempt they make to explain this only further damages their credibility. They are blatantly proposing that their own doctrines regarding salvation are erroneous and you can't seem to get them to understand it. Revelation 14: “1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from Heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 3 And they sang as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb wheresoever he goes. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb.” Also notice it says these 144,000 “follow the Lamb wherever he goes.” Remember this is taking place during the great tribulation. At this point the raputurists say that the saints are “up in the air” with the Lord, in the clouds and he won't come back down to the earth until the end of the 7 year tribulation. The 1 44,000 “follow” him wherever he goes. So, why are they not “in

the air” with him during the tribulation? We see them, on the earth, just before the tribulation being sealed. One might argue: “Well, we follow the Lord and he's not here on the earth with us.” That answer to that should be obvious. We have the Holy Spirit. The rapture teaching says “no Holy Spirit” in the world at that time. Revelation 7: 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. We know that the 144,000 who are “sealed” are still on the earth during the tribulation because Revelation says so, several times: Revelation 9: And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. Obviously the rapturists simply don't pay close enough attention to what they are reading in Revelation in their eagerness to create the pre-tribulation rapture and in order to make the Bible say what they want it to say. They call the 144,000 “Jewish Evangelists” however, this cannot be, for evangelism is a ministry of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit is not in the world during the tribulation (according to them). Ephesians 4: “11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” To be fair the average Christian does not even realize that part of the teaching says the Holy Spirit is removed from the world at the rapture. Yet, most of them do realize that after the rapture the “age of Grace” comes to an end. You have to wonder how much they believe we are “saved by Grace” if they teach that the age of Grace is over during the tribulation but people are still getting “saved.” A Doctrine Of Air So, the question remains, what could it mean when it says, “caught up to meet the Lord in the clouds,” and “in the air?” The terms “air” and “clouds” are often used symbolically in scripture (especially in the New Testament). Ephesians 2: 1- 2 “1 And you has he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience:” Ephesians calls Satan "the prince of the power of the air." Does that mean that Satan is floating around up in the air, in the clouds? (He might be, but I've flown many times in the Air Force and I've never seen him up there). In this context Paul is referring to the spiritual realm when he says “air.” Ephesians 6: 12-13 “12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take to you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” "In the air" means the "spiritual powers in high places." In other words, in the case of 1 Thessalonians and our being caught up to meet him "in the air" it could be a reference to the Holy Spirit and our being "with Christ where he is." John 14: 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ephesians 2: “And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: Notice that Ephesians speaks in the “past tense” about us sitting with Christ “in Heaven.” If we are to take the part about us being “caught up to meet the Lord in the air” as literal, then we must take where it says we “sit together in heavenly places” as literal. This should mean we are already “with the Lord” in Heaven and therefore do not need to be “caught up to meet the Lord in the air.” Just as the scripture about "the prince of the power of the air" is a reference to "spiritual" wickedness "in high places,” the reference to our being “caught up to meet the Lord in the air” could be a spiritual reference to our finally being brought to where Christ is spiritually. A reference to the day in which we are finally brought “to the fullness of the stature of Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 4: “13 Until we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;” When the writer of Thessalonians said, “caught up to meet the Lord in the air,” he could

have been talking about the day when Spiritually we are on Christ's level. Caught up to “meet the Lord in the Spirit." The Holy Spirit could be the “air” spoken of here. The "breath of life" that issues forth from God through Christ. It is the "air" that God breathed on man which caused him to "become a living soul." Before Christ ascended to the Father he breathed on the apostles and said "receive the Holy Spirit." John 20: “22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and says to them, Receive you the Holy Spirit:” When it says, "caught up to meet the Lord in the air" can it be taken literal? Anything is possible, however, in light of the other scriptures on the subject, it's not likely. There are far more scriptures that support “the air” being "spiritual" or symbolic "air" than the one single verse that implies literal “air,” or “sky.” In fact, there are really no scriptures to which one can point as conclusive proof that "caught up to meet the Lord in the air" is literal. The rapturists argue that the Saints are seen with Christ when he comes in the "clouds of Heaven" is actually proof that it's literal "air." Okay, so where is the proof that the saints disappear for seven years first? The order of events are: 1. The trumpet sounds 2. The dead in Christ are raised 3. We are changed 4. Then, according to the rapturist, we rise up to meet the Lord. That's a nice story, however all the scriptures depict the second coming of Christ "with all the saints” at the sounding of the trumpet. Where is the "vanishing" they speak of? Why won't the world be able to witness this catching up? Especially when it states that when he descends from Heaven "every eye shall see him." At best, their teaching should be that one day the world looks up and sees Christ returning and sees the Christians all floating up into the cloud he's riding to "meet him"! Not a disappearance as they teach it! They split the second coming into two events, the trumpet sound, the dead in Christ are raised, Christ returns "secretly" to get us, then we disappear for seven years. Then, at the end of the seven years the world finally sees the second coming, which has actually been going on for 7 years, at the end of which, the risen saints and the raptured saints are seen coming with him. Yet they have not one single shred of scripture that backs this version of a "split" coming. Not one! Partly Cloudy With A Chance Of Misinterpretation When it says that the Lord “comes in the clouds” does that have to be literal as well? No, it does not. “Clouds” are often used symbolically in the New Testament. Hebrews 12: 1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Is it “impossible that the Lord literally descends from Heaven “on a cloud” at his second coming? When talking about the Lord nothing is impossible. But does it have to be literal? Like most of the prophecies, especially in Revelation, this depiction of the Lord coming “in

the clouds” could have much symbolism. Let's look at one example of how the imagery is probably symbolic: Revelation 19: 15 And out of his mouth protrudes a sharp sword, with which he shall smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. Revelation says there is a double edged sword protruding from Christ's mouth at his return. This is a symbolic representation of the Word of God: Revelation 4: 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Obviously, Christ does not literally appear with a sword for a tongue, sticking out of his mouth. In the same way we can deduce that Christ does not literally float in on a cloud at his second coming and neither do we float up there to meet with him and “forever remain” there floating in the sky. There is only one verse in the New Testament, that, when taken strictly literally seems to say that we are going to float up magically into a cloud at the second coming. However, there are no supporting scriptures to justify such a stand. Yet upon this single verse standing alone like an island the modern rapturists base their entire teaching. Many Christian faiths include this "rapture" scenario, unsupported in scripture as it is, in their "Statement of Faith" and make it a "point of salvation." Many an Assembly of God Pastor has been defrocked for denying this unscriptural view of rapture! It's a fantasy they have created to lull people into a sense of false security. It's what false prophets have done for centuries. Now, they are making blockbuster movies and getting rich off the teaching, another hallmark sign of a false prophet. The righteous are not “taken away” before judgment in scripture. In fact, in all the scriptures concerning the second coming we find it's the wicked who are taken away first, by the judgment, then the righteous are gathered to be "with the Lord." One cannot help but question their handling of the "rapture," in light of these facts! We are well within our rights to at least question it and demand to see the scriptural proof. They, on the other hand demand no proof. They believe it and that settles it!

10: CHRISTLIKE PERFECTION When we "put on immortality" (Eternal Life), according to the scriptures, death is defeated because the Bride of Christ has no more sin in her. This is the only way to defeat death- get rid of sin. We need not look very far to see this truth in scripture either. If you go to the landmark "rapture" verse in 1 Thessalonians 4 and merely back up a few verses it is plainly seen there: 1 Thessalonians 4: 1-6 “1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. 2 For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God has not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness.” So, before the author tells us of our being “caught up to meet the Lord in the air” he sets the context, which is our “perfection” in Godliness. Our walk. Perfection in this life, sinlessness through sanctification and by the Holy Spirit walk is the prerequisite to being raptured. Most not only ignore this basic prerequisite they outright deny it, saying that such a thing is impossible in this current flesh and stating that no one can live without sin in this life because of the "sin nature" of the flesh (Adamic Curse, Original Sin). It is the basic Christian belief that only Christ could live without sin because he was not just a man, he was God incarnate. They forever bar themselves from attaining the very basic state of existence that the scriptures state is a requirement to be "caught up to meet the Lord in the air." While preaching rapture, they thwart it within themselves, stating they will "never live without sin in this life." Here in 1 Thessalonians 4 he begins his teaching on the second coming by focusing like a laser on the one sign that precedes it. The church abstaining from fornication (sin) and possessing his vessel, the Body of Christ, (their own fleshly bodies) with sanctification and honor and not in lust. The writer of 1 Thessalonians says that all sin against your brother shall be avenged and warns them that our calling is to holiness first. Holiness is Christ like sinless perfection. Many outright deny that we can even be "holy." They quote the verse that says “any man who says he has no sin is a liar” (a clear reference to someone saying they have never sinned and do not need to confess) (1 John 1:8) and make it to say that no man, at any time can ever say "I have no sin." If you tell the modern rapturist that through following Christ you can become sinless they will most likely call you a liar and a devil to your face. They believe that Christlike perfection,

the overcoming of sin completely is beyond their grasp. How can such a person ever be "raptured?" The answer is they can't be and they won't be. Recently my son and I attended one such church which preaches pre-tribulation rapture, claims to be "spirit filled," and claims to be a "beacon light" in our community. My son told one of the elders there, "my dad and I believe we can be like Jesus." That man responded, "well then, I think you and your Dad are crazy!" How can someone be "raptured" if they verbally (and so in their heart) deny the very basic requirement for the rapture? A scriptural principle teaches that whatever you say with your mouth is what is in your heart. Luke 6 “45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Another scriptural principle states that what you confess with your mouth and what you believe in your heart is exactly what shall befall you! Romans 10: 10 For with the heart man believes to righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made to salvation. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mark 11: “24 Therefore I say unto you, whatever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you will receive them, and you shall have them. “ Romans 10:10 says it all. You believe “to righteousness.” If you don't believe that you are ever going to be righteous, you won't ever be and what you believe in your heart comes out through your mouth. It's called either a “positive” or a “negative” confession. They make a negative confession of their faith. Those who say they will never “stop sinning” and never be “righteous” in this life cannot hope to attain that which they state is unattainable. They believe it in their hearts (that they won't attain) and then state it with their mouths. They create incredibly detailed doctrines and catechisms that teach this unbelief and they truly do not believe in their hearts that which Christ and all the Apostles promised will happen either in this life or in the life to come (resurrection). They shall never see it! Right now Christ is "longsuffering" toward them, desiring they repent of this unbelief and walk holy even as he is holy, but there comes a moment in history when they run out of time, when his patience runs out and he descends to reign with or without them What shall become of them? They have been offered true deliverance from their sin but they have settled for a pseudo righteousness whereby they are trapped in a "sin nature" until Christ comes and transforms their flesh. Yet, Christ has already died and as a result sent the transformation. It should have already begun upon conversion and should be an ongoing process that culminates in complete and total victory over sin! Holiness! This is our "calling" and it is our "hope of Salvation." They neglect “so great a salvation,” but then think they shall escape judgment in some “rapture.” Hebrews 2: “3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the

first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; “ When they reject Christlike perfection in this life and deem it impossible they reject their own salvation. Instead, they preach a lie, a gospel in which God doesn't see their sins. Instead he already sees them as holy and perfect, seeing only the righteousness of Christ when he looks at them. They teach that the blood of Christ covers or "hides" their sins from God, and God does not notice, nor does he look at their sins anymore! What peril they are in! Isaiah 29: “15 Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who sees them? and who knows them?” The modern rapturist teaches that, by the blood of Christ, through faith and grace we have already defeated sin, by proxy. They say their sins are "covered up" by the blood of the Lamb, the righteousness of Christ is counted to them as their own. In other words, they are actually the ones saying they have no sins. Just as John warned in his letter "if any man say he has no sin he is a liar and the truth is not in him." (1 John 1:8) If God does no longer see their sin, their sin does not exist. Plain and simple. They have no sin, according to their doctrine. They are completely free of sin in God's eyes (according to them) even if they continually walk around in a sin nature and commit sin regularly. Their teaching counts them as righteous and equates sin with righteousness. This is in complete contradiction to what John said: “Little children let no man deceive you, he who does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous." (1 John 3:7) John also said "he who commits sin is of the devil." (1 John 3: 8) So, according to them they have already defeated sin and are already pure. In complete contradiction to John, who said that this is a “hope,” and a work “in progress.” 1 John 3: “2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure.” The popular teachers claim to have already defeated sin (because Christ did it for them). So, there is no more sin in them (even if they sin all the time). According to the rapturist, if we were to go to the throne and ask God "does he or she have any sin" God would look down upon them and say "I don't see any." The rapturist will even quote 1 Corinthians 15 which says "flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God," and conclude that eternal life is only for the "soul" and not their bodies. We have already seen this verse is actually saying that you cannot through the flesh inherit eternal life but only through the Spirit. There are clearly some confused people out there! They do not understand that salvation is not just of the soul, but "mind, body, and spirit." Eternal life is not just for their "ghost" but is for their entire being, to include their bodies as well. That is why it says "the dead in Christ rise first." The dead in Christ rise bodily from the graves and the graves are opened. Just as Christ's tomb was opened and found empty at his

resurrection. John 5:28-29 “28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear the sound of His voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, to the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, to the resurrection of damnation.” When speaking of salvation, scripture says, "he that endures to the end the same shall be saved." We aren't saved until we are fully “saved.” Until we put on eternal life, bodily. In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul states that not everyone who becomes immortal must die to do this. He says, "we shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed." This chapter states that they who have died (the "dead in Christ") shall rise first then we who are alive and remain shall be "changed." We shall not lose our bodies at this point in some sort of "vanishing." Our bodies will become immortal, but as we have seen in numerous scriptures the immortality cannot come unless sin is eradicated from our bodies! This is our work of faith our "labor of love," for only by the Spirit of love can we rid ourselves of sin! That is also why scripture says we cannot do it "by the flesh." We do not attain to Christlike perfection by following laws. Following rules about personal conduct can never change us to be sinless, because it's not good enough! Only a true conversion and transformation into loving spiritual beings can accomplish this. Yet, modern teachers state openly that you will always have a "sin cursed body" in this life and because of that you can not stop sinning! They are clearly living by "the flesh" and not by the "Spirit." They do not comprehend that their body of this flesh is dead in Christ through baptism and they now should be living "in newness of Spirit." Cursed Children Let's look at what the Apostles had to say about them who "cannot cease from sin:" 2 Peter 2: 9-15 “9 The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust to the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceptions while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;” Take note first that Peter said "God knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations." They deny this openly, stating that no one can cease from sin. To them, God did not know how to deliver them from the temptation and the sin so he sent his Son to deliver them from the punishment only. They wrongfully interpret scripture to say that if any man claims he knows how to stop sinning he is "a liar and the truth is not in him." Thus, just as Peter says in verse 10, they "speak evil of dignities." There is no greater dignity than to preach righteous behavior among the Godly and no greater evil than to despise that teaching. As we see by reading the above passages from 2 Peter, this error is not new. The Apostles saw it in their day and spoke out against it. Peter predicted that they who follow this error would "utterly perish in their own corruption." Is it a coincidence Peter speaks of sin as “corruption” and Paul writes that in order to be raptured, at the second coming, "this corruption must put on incorruption?" Both Peter and Paul are in agreement that the only way for us to be saved is to put away “incorruption.” Only then can this "mortal put on immortality." Peter goes even further than Paul, calling those who “cannot cease from sin”... "spots and blemishes." All of the Apostles preached that when Christ returns he comes for a "Bride without spot or blemish." A modern rapturist will look you in the eye and say "you can't stop sinning in this life,” yet Peter says that “those who cannot cease from sin” are “cursed children.” Pure Religion Is Impossible? Years ago, I wrote an article for the Delaware State News in which I concluded with the following, "In the end Christianity is not defined by how one believes or how one prays, but in how one behaves." I was summoned to the Bishop. He began to take me to task on my words. The subject of the difference between true and false religion came up and he went to the following verses: James 1: 25- 27 25 But whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridles not his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is vain. 27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. The Bishop's whole purpose for bringing up this scripture was two fold. He wanted to show the "perfect law of liberty." His stand was that because of grace we now are "free from obeying the law" and it matters not how we behave. His second focus was on "true religion." Here is what he did, he read: "...to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction..." Then he said: " ...That is something we can do." Then he quoted: "...and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

He then said: "...That is something we can't do!" I was stunned to the core. The Bible never says we cannot keep ourselves unspotted from the world. Quite to the contrary, Peter faulted those who are “spots and blemishes” calling them “cursed children,” and as I pointed out to the Bishop, the Bible says "I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me," (Philippians 4: 13). I told the Bishop: “The Bible does not say I can do all things (except keep myself unspotted from the world)." Then I pointed out that when Christ returns he comes for a Bride "without spot or wrinkle" (Ephesians 5:27), so I knew he was wrong. He became very angry, red in the face mad, actually and exclaimed: “...How did you become so confused?” Someone is confused here. Anyone who claims to follow the teachings of Christ but then begins to name the things we cannot do and the righteousness we cannot perform simply does not know, nor understand the teachings of Christ nor of his Apostles! This Bishop wanted to turn "liberty" into a license to sin. He wanted to turn the liberty of the gospel into a statement that no one can stop sinning and therefore grace is "regardless of what you do or don't do." He made that crystal clear, but Jude disagreed with him: Jude 1: 3-4 “3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write to you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write to you, and exhort [you] that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints. 4 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 1: 8-12 8 Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. 10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe to them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withers, without fruit, twice dead, plucked

up by the roots; 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. Jude also echoes Peter's words on the subject by calling them "spots" (while they feast with you) and makes a reference to Christ's words when he said "every branch in me that bears not fruit my father takes away" and again Christ said "every evil tree shall be plucked up." Jude says of these that they are "twice dead and plucked up by the roots." Look again at what Peter had to say about these "souls that cannot cease from sin." 2 Peter 2: 17-22 “17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18 For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, [through much] wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 For if after they have escaped the pollution of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it is happened to them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” As in Jude, Peter calls them "clouds without water" and says darkness is "reserved for them forever." Notice, just as the Bishop said to me concerning liberty, they "promise liberty" but at the same time they are "servants of corruption," (servants of sin). Note too that corruption is identified as sin here. (“...this corruption must put on incorruption.") Which, ironically is something that this Bishop and others are saying you can never do. Then Peter goes so far as to say that they would have been better off never knowing the Gospel than to turn from "the holy command" to love one another, which brings sinless perfection. Then he likens them to dogs who return to their own vomit and pigs who, after being washed (by the blood of the Lamb) go right back to wallowing. We cannot get any clearer than this. When they say they cannot "keep themselves unspotted from the world" and cannot "cease from sin" they are literally denying the Gospel, turning from the faith, and they cannot be raptured. Notice Peter eludes to "the escape." He actually foresaw the day when they would preach an "escape" doctrine, whereby they escape the penalty for their sins and escape the wrath and punishment of God for their wickedness. He foresaw the modern rapture teachers who preach escape, then Peter states that only

those who remain clean after being washed shall "escape." "...those that were clean escaped from them who live in error." He also says that "after they escape" sin (the pollution of this world) they are then entangled once again and return to the sin, all the while promising their followers (those who are laden with sins) "liberty." They preach to their followers that they shall not only escape the eternal penalty for those sins but also escape the wrath to come on the earth. Peter foresaw the pre-trib rapture doctrine coming and stated that those who preach this kind of “liberty” (license to sin) shall not escape. He says that they promise "liberty" but are servants of sin then says: "...for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage." Paul also spoke of this very same thing and stated that he who sins "is the servant of sin." Romans 6:16 '16 Don't you Know that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?” We need to focus on how Paul defines the way we obtain righteousness in the above passage. Is it by “belief?” Does he says “or of faith to righteousness?” Does Paul say that we become servants to righteousness by “proxy” or by “imputation?” No! He says “of (or through) obedience to righteousness.” Righteousness is therefore obedience to God according to Paul. Paul makes it clear that if you “yield” to sin in any way you become the “servant of sin.” Christ himself stated this as well: John 8:34 “Whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin.” Christ does not say here that “he that sins too much is the servant of sin” and he doesn't say “he that sins every now and then is not a servant of sin.” Christ states plainly that whenever you commit a sin you are now a “servant of sin.” Paul describes an entire apostate group who shall come in the end times, those who commit sins on a regular basis while still claiming to be “Godly.” He reveals them in a very bad light and explains how they have gone astray: 2 Timothy 3: 1-7 “1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, thankless, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despising them that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

The people being described in the above texts are not the unbelievers, they are the religious, who have a “form of Godliness.” Notice the common theme is their giving into the lusts of the flesh? The Apostles told us exactly what living in this sinful flesh yields. Paul identified what is true liberty: Galatians 5 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” True liberty is to be free from the slavery of sin by being rid of sin. Remember that Christ and the Apostles all said that he who commits sin is "in bondage" to sin and is a "servant of sin." Paul here in Galatians warns that it is possible to be put back under bondage to sin. Most misread Paul's words and think that, when he speaks of “yoke of bondage” he's talking about “obeying the law.” They are only partially correct. We must understand that when we walk in the Spirit it does not mean we can walk in “disobedience” to the Father simply because we are “no longer under the law.” What walking in the Spirit means is that we obey the Father by the Spirit rather than following a rule book. We walk in obedience by a "new and better way" and established upon better promises. Hebrews 10:26-31 “26 For if we sin willfully after the moment we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains for us no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment,do you suppose he shall be thought worthy, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant, whereby he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and has done despite to the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that has said, Vengeance belongs to me, I will recompense, says the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. It's not that we don't obey the Father, now that we walk “by the Spirit.” Quite the contrary. We fulfill the law, even as Christ fulfilled the law. We just don't do it by study, teaching and fleshly observance of the law anymore, we walk in obedience and righteousness by the Spirit of Love! That is why Paul was so opposed to the Galatians submitting to the pressure to be "circumcised" according to the law, for they would be returning once again to the "observance" of letter rather than by love! One might ask: “Can't the love of God lead one to want to be circumcised?” Of course that can happen but that isn't what was happening to the Galatians. The Galatians were being made to doubt their walk of salvation because they weren't circumcised. They were going to be circumcised out of fear and not faith. If our feet are set on the path of righteousness by love (unfeigned) without being circumcised, why then would we need to be circumcised? That was Paul's only

admonishment to the Galatians. Many have turned Paul's letter to the Galatians into a "nullification" of obedience to God and twisted his words to say that we are "righteous" by our beliefs only and there are no works of righteousness in the equation! It's not that the law is "dead." No, it's that we fulfill the requirements of the law, not by observance, but by love! Galatians 5: 12-21 12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you. 13 For, brethren, you have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; you shall love your neighbor as thyself. 15 But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that you would. 18 But if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, sedition, heresies, 21 Envying, murders, drunkenness, reveling, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. You are not under the law if you are led of the Spirit because you by the Spirit perform the obedience demanded of by the law! Paul describes the behavior of them that are led about by the flesh here (rather than by the Spirit) in verses 19- 21. Then he says that "they that do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." In other words they that do these things on Paul's list shall not be raptured! The "once saved always saved" crowd might be reading this and getting heated but the scriptures cannot be broken here! You can promise your followers "eternal security" all you want and “salvation” and escape of wrath without doing a single act of righteousness but the scriptures do not support your teaching! You are making empty promises. Notice Paul, as usual, focuses on walking "in the Spirit." Many misapply this to mean that even though you are sinful in the flesh you are “wanting to be righteous” and call this “walking by the Spirit.” Again, this is not what scripture says. It says "he who does righteousness is righteous." Walking in the Spirit, according to Paul means you "walk in love." Then he tells us what the fruit of that walk of love is: Galatians 5: 22- 26 “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” Walking in the Spirit does not just mean you are "spiritually" minded while at the same time "carnal in the flesh." Paul calls such behavior, having a "form of Godliness" but at the same time"denying the power of Godliness." For, if you walk in the Spirit, you walk in love! That is the power that makes you "above the law" for there is no law against love and the things that love does (the fruits of the Spirit according to Paul). That is what Paul means when he says "we are not under the law." Those who commit the acts of the flesh are under the law, for the law is written for the "law breaker." They are lying to themselves saying they can continue sinning because they are “no longer under the law.” Those who walk in the Spirit do not break the law, for love conducts their behavior and in love there is no sin! Any man who commits a sin is, at the time he commits it, not walking in love! In which case, that man is not "walking in the Spirit." Which is why Paul says "walk in the Spirit and you shall NOT fulfill the lust of the flesh." Walking in the Spirit is abiding in Christ! If you abide (live) in Christ, you do not commit sin, for there is no sin in Christ. The popular teachers love to make lip service to Christ as Lord, saying that Christ is “in charge” of their life. If Christ is "in charge of your life," how can they sin? Is Christ the author of sin? Does Christ command them to sin? Absolutely not. So when they sin they manifest that Christ was not really in charge of their life when they did it! The rapture is preceded by a day in which the Body of Christ "walks in Christ." We become "Christlike perfected" through perseverance, through faith and through a positive confession of the mouth. In believing in our heart that this Christlike perfection will take place. Popular teachers openly deny perfection is going to happen and instead say "you can't stop sinning in this life and that's why you needed grace." At the day of the rapture if any "servant" of the Lord is not walking in love and is caught in sin they shall be "bound in bundles to be burned" and they shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.

11: BLASPHEMY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Those that say that it is impossible for them to "stop sinning" because they are just men, caught in sinful flesh, are conveniently forgetting that Christ said "with man it is impossible but with God all things are possible!" They deny the power of God, the power of the Holy Spirit, the power of love. They miss the rapture completely, being disinherited for their unbelief! They have a "form of Godliness but deny the power thereof." When they say they cannot stop sinning they are actually saying that they cannot walk in love and that they cannot stop hating, for hate is the opposite of love and he that sins against his neighbor and against God is not walking in love but is walking in hate! The Holy Spirit is love and he who walks in the Spirit walks in love. It really is as simple as that. The gift of the Holy Spirit was the very purpose of the crucifixion of the Lord of Glory! Christ stated so openly. John 16:7 “7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send him to you.” Those in error has changed the mission of Christ and his crucifixion. They now teach that the purpose of the crucified Christ was to "shed his blood" so that his blood would "cover up" their sins from God. So that God doesn't see their sins anymore. First, let's get one thing straight. It is true that the blood of Christ "covers" our past sins when we repent (turn from the sins) and come to him for deliverance (upon conversion). It is not true that the blood of Christ was shed in order to cover all of our “future sins.” (Any sin we might commit after conversion). If that were true, then it would mean the purpose of the cross was not to destroy the works of sin, but rather to make provision for the works of sin in us to continue. The actual mission of Christ, according to Christ's own words, was to send the comforter (the Holy Spirit) so that we could be empowered to overcome our sins (through love). The mission of Christ was not just to make us "look righteous" in God's eyes, but to actually make us righteous in God's eyes by making us righteous! Christ is the Lamb of God and his blood does far more than just blot out our past sins! If that were all the blood did for us, then he died in vain because the "blotting out" of sins through the shedding of blood was available already (before Christ) under the law, through the shedding of the blood animals! In the law It's called "atonement." Yet, they have created a teaching that is extremely erroneous on this subject. They now teach that the old sacrifices and shedding of blood in the law was flawed and could never really provide atonement. They make God a liar because God told the people of Israel that the sacrifices of old would, and did blot out their sins! Even the writer of Hebrews says animal blood could atone: Hebrews 9: 13-14 “13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” If atonement is all that the blood of Christ accomplishes for us then Christ is dead in vain

for we had atonement (cleansing from sin) under the law! No! Christ's shed blood accomplishes much more than a single atonement that takes the place of yearly atonement. The blood of Christ performs something the blood of animals could never do. Namely, it takes away (eradicates) our sins and make us perfect! Hebrews 10: 1 “10 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.” This was why the old law was lacking. It couldn't make them perfect but the new sacrifice in Christ's own blood does make the comers thereunto perfect! Certainly, according to all scripture, the blood of animals provided atonement and washed them clean of their sins, yet, it could not do what the blood of Christ does which is "take away" their sins completely, so that there was no more "conscience of sins." Unlike how popular teaching presents the sacrifice of Christ, it does not merely take away the penalty for the sin. The blood of Christ results in the coming of the Holy Spirit and thus has within it the power to eradicate sins completely in the believer. When we examine how they have reduced and diminished the blood sacrifice of the Lamb of God it's nothing but an evil. They have the precious blood of the Lamb only accomplishing that which animal blood already accomplished under the law, and nothing more. The way they have twisted the ministry of Christ cannot be overstated. Under the erroneous gospel, there is no difference between the blood of an animal and the blood of the Son of the living God, other than the blood of the Son is shed only once. There's no difference between the atonement that animal blood gives and the atonement that the blood of the Son of God gives except that the blood of Christ atones for "future" sins? This more than implies it was the express purpose of the Son's blood to provide them a way to remain forever in their sins while having perpetual forgiveness and because of this blood God forever looks the other way when they sin! The modern grace preacher says Christ died for ALL sins "past, present, and future." Yet, as usual, there is not one scripture they can point to that says this! Such lies do not proceed from the Holy Spirit. Their erroneous reasoning is obvious. Hebrews 10 says that Christ offered one sacrifice for sins "for ever." They reason that means Christ died for the sins of them not yet born (you and me) and since our sins were "future" sins, therefore he died for all sins once forever (even future sins). Thus they turn the "liberty" of Christ we receive by grace into a blanket covering for their continued sins claiming that they were all paid for already! Yet, they ignore the part of Hebrews that says "if I sin willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth there remains no more sacrifice for sin." (Hebrews 10:26) Hebrews 10: 11- 24 “11 And every priest stands daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he has perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had

said before, 16 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 will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke to love and to good works:” Those who are in error teach that good works are impossible, yet here we have the writer of Hebrews saying "provoke one another to love and good works." They're teaching the exact opposite of the Gospel as written. In the true Gospel, not only does God "remember no more" our iniquities (something he did under the animal blood sacrifice system as well) but we get "remission of sins" through the blood of Christ (something that was not promised under the law). Remission means a "cessation" or a "stop growth" and a "recession" of sin! Remission is the same word used by cancer doctors when they tell the patient that their cancer has stopped growing. Our sins cease under the new blood covenant in Christ, and this is done by love through the holy spirit "unto good works." This was the purpose of the crucifixion. To send the Holy Spirit, and to write the law of God in our hearts and in our minds that "I might not sin against thee." The Holy Spirit prepares the Bride for the rapture by bringing her to a place "without spot or blemish." Many say this is not possible and it's something you can never do. How shall they be ready? How shall they be raptured? The answer is they shant and they won't! They are denying the ministry of the Holy Spirit and thus denying the Lord that bought them for this purpose! The ministry of the Holy Spirit is given to bring us "unto the perfect man." Ephesians 4: 11-32 “11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Until we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:

14 That we from this moment forward be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body to the edifying of itself in love. 17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you from now on walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But you have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that you have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. 26 Be you angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed to the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.” The Holy Spirit creates among us apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers

for one purpose. To bring us "unto the perfect man,” in other words to bring us to perfection to make us perfect human beings and to bring us to the "stature of the fulness of Jesus Christ." That is talking about Christlike sinless perfection! That is the prize. That is where the true believer is going and it is rapture indeed and in truth! When they deny that believers can attain to this they trap themselves in a “sin nature" forever. They are denying the very purpose of the cross, denying the Lord, and they are denying the very resurrection and salvation they claim to already possess! Many confuse this preaching of Christlike perfection for "salvation by works." Nothing is further from the truth. We are not saved by works, we are saved by grace through faith and faith brings works (and is dead without works). Christlike perfection and the fullness are all a gift of God, ultimately, for we were offered these things while we were yet sinners. Christ did not require us to attain to his level of righteousness before he died for us! There is therefore no room to boast among they who attain to the fullness of the stature of Christ, for he who walks in righteousness by faith would not be so walking if it were not for the grace of God which comes by faith! As the apostle says "not by works of righteousness which we have done." It's not the righteousness that saves you! It's the grace through faith. Yet, he who says he will never be righteous is actually denying the faith. By saying that it will never happen and that we will never attain. Such an one is lost, for without the faith to believe what the Holy Spirit can and will do in you and for you, there is no grace and without grace you have no salvation! So, while doing works of righteousness never saved anyone, denying the faith that brings righteousness will prevent salvation should the Lord come and find you in that faithless state. We do not seek to be justified by keeping the law through the flesh (for by the flesh can no man be saved). We are justified by our faith which brings forth love and that love is an unction (motivator) which causes us to obey the Father. Obeying the Father is the very spirit of the law! Keeping the law by rote and memorization and observance can never save us. That's just “going through the motions.” One can do that without ever being motivated by the Holy Spirit through the indwelling of God! Yet, fulfill the requirements of the commandments we shall, by the Spirit, for Christ's two commandments, “love your neighbor as yourself and love God with all your heart,” fulfill the law by course. Matthew 22:36-40 “36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said to him, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 That is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like to it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” He who loves as Christ has commanded will commit no sin for he who loves his brother does not sin against his brother and he who loves his God does not sin against his God! It is as simple as that! John said it best in his first letter: 1 John 3 “1 Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew him not.

2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure. 4 Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And you know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abides in him sins not: whosoever sins has not seen him, neither known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother. 11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And why did he slay him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. 13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He that loves not his brother abides in death. 15 Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso has this world's good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knows

all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 24 And he that keeps his commandments dwells in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he has given us.” Every man that has the "hope" of being just like him"purifies himself" even as he (Christ) is pure. (1 John 3: 3) Nothing can be clearer than this! Nothing. Many deny this concept entirely and say things like "you can't truly be like Christ but you must strive." They don't realize that they are actually denying the faith openly. John says that "he who abides in him does not commit sin." Again, scripture can't get much clearer than that! There is indeed coming a day when the believers do these things and become truly pure even as Christ is pure, performing and doing righteousness as he predicted when he said "the works that I do shall you also do and even greater works because I go to the Father." Because he died for us and sent us the Holy Spirit we can do his works of righteousness and even greater! John 14: “12 Truly, truly, I say to you, He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to my Father.” They say they "believe," that their faith has saved them, but they do not really believe that you can stop sinning (which is the work of Christ) and state so openly. They say they love but, as John puts it, they love in word only and not in deed! When they teach you cannot do righteousness, you cannot keep yourself unspotted from the world they are calling Christ a liar! They are also denying the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit of love which is the unpardonable sin, that which cannot be forgiven! Blaspheming The Spirit In the gospel of Matthew, Christ was casting out demons by the power of the Holy Spirit and the scribes and pharisees accused him of casting out demons by the power of the King of Demons! Christ told them that they were blaspheming the Holy Spirit by calling the work of the Spirit “the work of the Devil,” or an “evil thing.” Matthew 12: 24-34 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, 'This fellow does not cast out devils, it's a trick using the power of Beelzebub, the prince of the devils.' 25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them, 'Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: 26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?

27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come to you. 29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. 30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathers not with me scatters abroad. 31 Wherefore I say to you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven to men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven to men. 32 And whosoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaks against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. 33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. 34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Many false believers are going to call people “liars and devils” simply for preaching we can walk without sin as Christ demonstrated and commanded, by love, and that we can walk sinless and perfect in this life. In other words, those who are preaching righteousness and holiness through the Holy Spirit are of the devil, according to them. In which case, the devil is now preaching against his own works. Satan is the author of all lies and the father of all lies according to Christ, but now they say Satan is encouraging people to abandon lies? What? John 8: “44 You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” Sin is the "work of the devil" according to Christ and the Apostles, yet modern popular teachers call you a liar for preaching against sin and preaching that we must stop sinning! The devil, they believe, is now working against himself. It's the exact same error made by the pharisees when accusing Christ of casting out demons by the power of the king of the demons! They call those who are casting sin out of their bodies, "children of the Devil." They have turned the entire truth of Christ upside down and now put evil for good and good for evil! It is nothing less than blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, plain and simple. Notice the emphasis Christ puts on what they say with their mouths. In verse 34 he says "out of the abundance of the mouth the heart speaks." When popular teachers say we cannot "stop sinning" they are speaking with their mouths what is in their heart. Namely that they have no intention of ever ceasing from their wickedness. Not in their lifetimes! That is the very definition of “willful sin” against the very Lord they claim to follow! Christ said, "either make the tree good and his fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt and his fruit corrupt." They violate this principle at every turn, saying instead that even though

they can never stop sinning and will always be "sinners" they are righteous in God's eyes through the blood of Christ. Their sins are "covered" by his blood! Yet look at what Christ says in Luke just before he speaks of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit: Luke 12: 2 “2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. 3 Therefore whatsoever you have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which you have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.” Then in Luke 12: 10 he says: 10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but to him that blasphemes against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. What we speak with our mouths has a direct bearing on our salvation and whether or not we are "raptured." They state openly (and from the mouth the heart speaks) that they can and never will stop sinning! Yet, we will now see that it shall come to pass even as they have spoken of. If Christ returns in their lifetimes and finds they have not ceased from sin, they shall be cast out with all the hypocrites who, like the scribes and pharisees, have openly blasphemed the Holy Spirit of God! Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, according to Christ is the "unforgivable sin,” not “refusing to believe in the pre-tribulation rapture.” What they are doing is "willful sin" and according to Hebrews 10: 26 they have no sacrifice for their sin. Saying you can never stop sinning is making provision for sin. It leads to all manner of every kind of sin in the life of a believer. Sinning To Death Apologists, (especially those who preach eternal security or "once saved always saved") have outright denied the existence of an unforgivable sin for centuries. Most of them insist that the only unforgivable sin is not receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior but we will look at scriptures which show otherwise later. When confronted with the scriptures, however, many people relegate the entire thing to the category of "a mystery" as they do all other scriptures which contradict their doctrines. Some, don't do this, they attempt to explain it, and within the explanation is always yet more contradictions to their most deeply held teachings. 1 John 5: 16-17 “16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not to death, he shall ask , and he shall give him life for them that sin not to death. There is a sin to death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. 17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not to death.” It must first be explained that in Christian dogma, nearly across the board, all sin was paid for by Christ "on the cross." There are different variations on this common theme, yet generally speaking, as a whole, there should be no sin that is not "covered up" by the blood of Jesus Christ! So how do we find John writing to believers that there is a “sin unto death?” Another conundrum Christians face is, unanimously, and completely across the entire faith spectrum, most agree that all sin causes death. It is a foundational teaching: That Adam sinned and was separated from God and in so doing man was cursed with a "sin curse," an

“Original Sin” which passes down from generation to generation perpetually. This idea is known as "Original Sin" or the "Adamic curse." Yet, here is John saying in verse 17 "there is a sin not to death." So, there are two subjects addressed in the above text. 1. The sin that is to death 2. The sin that is not to death The problem this verse poses to the “eternal security” crowd should be obvious. Under their teachings ALL sin is “unto death” for the unbeliever and no sin is “unto death” for the believer, and these scriptures were written to the believers. Both subjects are fully explained within the entire text of John's letter when one has the "eyes to see" it. Many (especially those who teach eternal security) believe emphatically that the "sin to death" is simply not receiving the testimony of the Son of God (refusing to be a Christian). They call this "not receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior." To them the "sin to death" is no mystery at all. This interpretation, however is completely indefensible. The reason being, John is writing to them that have received the testimony of Jesus Christ and are followers in particular of Christ, yet he says "if you see a brother sin a sin which is not to death" then you should "ask" or in other words you should pray for that brother. Other members of this same group interpret these verses to be talking about the difference between repentant and unrepentant sin. The same truth holds for that interpretation as holds for this second. John is writing to "saved" Christians. They have redefined "repentance" to mean "receiving Jesus as your Lord and Savior." Everyone to whom John was writing had received him and therefore were already “repentant” sinners. According to this position, a person repents once and for all of their sins "past, present and future" when they receive the message of Jesus Christ and receive him as Lord and Savior. In light of this there can be no unrepentant sin in the life of the believer for all of their sins were paid for on "the cross," and "repented of" when they received the cross. God does not remember any of their sins. So how could the people to whom John was writing (established believers) ever find one of their brothers in a sin that is "unto death?" Secondly, if he is talking about catching a "non-believer" in a sin how could those to whom he is writing ever catch such a brother in a sin that is that is "not to death?" ALL sin is "unto death" according to their teaching. Repentance can only be done once according to them. They will quote the following verses: Hebrews 6: 6-6 “6 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to

come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” Why are we even discussing this in a book about the rapture? The majority of rapturists also preach “eternal security” (once saved always saved) and they often quote these verses as their proof that repentance happens once and it is impossible to "fall away" once you are saved! It's odd, considering all of the places in scripture warning established believers about "falling away." We've read some of them already. The above verses do not support "eternal security" but quite the contrary support the gospel truth that "he who sins willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth" has “no more sacrifice” for their sins! (Hebrews 10: 26) That one scripture is the starkest warning to those who not only insist it's expected that they will "continue in sin" until the Lord comes but also go about doing so. All the while they claim to be "partakers of the heavenly calling." Hebrews 6: “8 But that which bears thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. 9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.” Notice verse 8 is a direct cross reference to Christ's words "every branch in me that bears no fruit my father takes away" (John 15: 2) and "they shall gather all that offend in the kingdom" and "gather the tares in bundles to be burned." (Matthew 13: 41) Eternal security teaches us that there is no need to repent of future sins. You repent once, then you're saved. They shout this from the pulpits. They preach there is no future demand for repentance from the believer, but they cannot explain why Christ, in Revelation tells the members of the seven churches to "repent and do the first works:” Revelation 2: 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove your candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 2 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 2: 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 3:

3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Not only can they not explain why Christ is demanding repentance from the believers in the seven churches, they also cannot explain why Christ warns them that if they do not repent he shall come and "remove their candle stick,” and bring judgment upon them. Yet, eternal security proponents believe they have an answer for this. They say that if someone is still in "need of repentance" for their sins, after they are converted, their conversion was not real! So, according to their interpretation, the seven churches were all false Christians who had not truly repented of their sins! That's the only conclusion we can draw from their teachings! Not only that when John says “there is a sin that is unto death” in John 5 he's talking to believers . 1 John 4: 4 “you are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” There can be no doubt that John is writing to the Children of God here, the true believers. In the beginning of Chapter 3 of this same letter he says "now we are the sons of God." So, getting back to chapter 5 , John mentions, to the believers, that there "is a sin that is to death" and there "is a sin that is not to death." When speaking of the "sin unto death" he cannot be talking about rejecting the message of the Gospel and refusing to receive Jesus Christ because he's talking to people who have already received him. He wrote his letter, according to chapter 4, to those who have "overcome" because "greater is he that is in them than he that is in the world." By the same token, he says there is a "sin that is not to death" and urges them to pray for their brother when they see him caught up in this sin. The sin that is “unto death” is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, the sin Christ himself identified for which there is no forgiveness. When we read John's letter it's entirely devoted to this subject. John goes into great detail to show how a believer can be "deceived" by an unholy Spirit and that, when this happens that person is "none of his" (Christ's). Calling that which is of the Holy Spirit an "unholy thing" is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (according to Christ himself). John begins here to speak about this grievous sin in his first letter. While doing this, he shows that there is a "sin that is not to death."

12: DESPISING THEM THAT ARE GOOD In 2 Timothy 3 it describes them that live in error in the end times as having “a form of Godliness” but denying “the power thereof” (the power of Godliness which is the Holy Spirit). In verse 3 of that text he describes these people as those who “despise them that are good.” 2 Timothy 3: “3 Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despising them that are good,” When you confess your hope that you have in Christ of being “like him” and purifying yourself “even as he is pure,” it is without exception that they will despise you. They will call you a liar, erroneously twisting John 1: 8. They will speak evil of your dignity: 1 John 1: 8- 10 “8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” It's very telling that among all the scriptures this is one scripture that people can quote by heart! Many use it as an excuse to continue their life of sin! They have concluded that since no man can say "I have no sin" (save for Christ of course) that means that no man can ever stop sinning. They reason within themselves that any man who stops sinning could then say "I have no sin,” and since anyone who says this “is a liar” it's impossible to ever reach or attain the ability to say it. Thus, they twist the meaning of John's letter to be a statement that no one can ever stop sinning and anyone who says so is a deceiver! Yet, John, a few verses later he says “I am writing this so that you sin not.” Now, either he's lying about that and he really doesn't believe that by writing to them they will be encouraged to stop sinning, or he's insane. 1 John 2 “1 My little children, these things write I to you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” According most, ceasing from sin is not possible. They teach you are going to sin and that's why you needed the grace, that's why you needed Christ as the "advocate" with the Father. They argue that if you stop sinning you would be “earning” your salvation and that is impossible. This is a complete lie. The only way ceasing from sin could “earn” you salvation (without any grace at all) is if you “never” sinned your entire life. If I receive Christ when I'm 30, then spend the rest of my life not sinning, have I “earned” a place in Heaven? Not if I sinned prior to receiving Christ. Therefore, walking righteous and holy after we believe is not earning your salvation. You still need grace for the years you lived in sin.

So, when they claim that walking upright in obedience would be “earning” your salvation and nullifying grace, they are gravely in error. They know better. Clearly they are experts on “Grace.” They know it's not true, they are rationalizing why they shouldn't be obedient servants of the Father. They love their sin. They often quote 1 John 1: 8-10 then they actually jump to the last half of of the verse in 1 John 2:1 and read only this part: “And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” Where it says in verse 9 that he will "forgive us" and "cleanse us from all unrighteousness," they do not think that this means he literally washes the sin away, they interpret that to mean the penalty for the sin is washed away while you keep right on sinning. You are now clean, according to them, no matter how much filth in which you roll around in the flesh. They cannot see that when it says he "cleanses us from all unrighteousness" it means the Holy Spirit literally cleanses us from sin, through love. Of course, it doesn't happen overnight. As the Apostle says, "not that I have already attained or that I am already perfect." (Philippians 3: 12) Yet, according to John there comes a point in the life of the believer when they are "clean" of sin. (The way a leper is examined by a priest and when it is discovered the leprosy is gone he's pronounced “clean”). This is why John writes, “...these things so that you sin not." The unforgivable sin, therefore, is to say that those who walk Holy and perfect through the Holy Spirit are lairs (and thus of the devil). Accusing the righteous of using the trickery of the devil to make the ungodly religious doubt their religious teachings! There, I said it plainly. John and all the Apostles saw that apostasy coming, a mile away. The falling away, whereby ungodly sinners would call the true believers devils simply because they confess faith that they can walk Holy and righteous even as Christ walked. To say you can never stop sinning in this life and to call them that say you can, "devils," is the "sin that leads to death." John writes, "don't even pray for them." Praying for those who do this is futile, because only a child of the devil is going to say that sin is righteousness and righteousness is sin! Which is precisely what they do when they teach that they are "cleansed" by their belief in Christ no matter how they live. They call them liars, who urge them to walk Holy and sinless say the truth is “not in them.” Christ himself therefore was a liar for he said “go forth and sin no more” to everyone who was healed or forgiven. John says, "sin not, but if any man sins we have an advocate with the Father, even Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation of our sins," here acknowledging that walking sinless and perfect in this life is a growing process. For that reason Christ provides propitiation for our sins while we struggle to not sin! The sin that is “not” unto death, therefore, is the sin committed in the passion of the moment and quickly confessed and repented of, while at the same time pursuing a sinless life. If a brother, a fellow believer, while struggling to live and walk in the love of the Holy Spirit, has a moment of weakness and sins and he confesses that sin and repents, admitting that he is wrong, that brother has committed a sin that is “not unto death” for he eradicates the sin, turns his back on it and admits he has no excuse for committing it. He knows he should have walked in love but did not. Such a brother is “growing in Grace.” So, what is the difference between this and what modern Christians are teaching? It sounds the same doesn't it? We all strive for perfection but if we fail we have grace and forgiveness! The only difference between the right gospel and the false gospel being

preached today is that they conclude because they have this “propitiation,” this “grace” they “don't have to stop sinning at all. In fact they go further and put words in the Apostle's mouth, claiming he taught that it's impossible to stop sinning and that's why we were given the “propitiation” of sins through Christ. The erroneous gospel denies that we shall ever attain to a Christlike sinless life and therefore negates the consequences for sin and teaches reliance on the forgiveness alone. They call them liars who say we shall attain to sinless perfection! What more evidence do we need of their blasphemy? (Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit). How can they have forgiveness at all seeing that they have made forgiveness a license to continue in sin? They are abusing the forgiveness and despitefully handling God's grace. They are “taking advantage of God's merciful nature” in order to satisfy their sinful urges. How sick is that? It is a sin that is “unto death” for they lose the sacrifice according to Hebrews 10: 26-31. The sin that is not unto death is a sin that is acknowledged and of which a man repents without making excuses that he sinned because of some "sin curse" or "sin nature" and could not "help himself." A truly repentant heart takes responsibility for their sin, does not try to "cover it up" by some blanket forgiveness and does not attempt to deny it! If a man who believes he can stop sinning somehow slips up and sins anyway in a moment of weakness, he will confess it and repent when confronted and admit that he could have gone the other way, the way of love. When they say they can never stop sinning because of the sin curse and they cannot help themselves, their heart is not right before God. When such a person is confronted with their sin there's no repentance, there's no remorse, instead they become indignant and say, "don't judge me brother, no one is perfect!" My friend, that is a person who is committing the"sin unto death" because that person has no intention of ever ceasing from sin! Their lack of intent to obey the Heavenly Father, spoken outright, is what makes their sin so unforgivable. They are in open rebellion to the Father of Glory and to his Son who commanded them “go forth and sin no more.” John 8: “11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said to her, Neither do I condemn you: go, and sin no more.” When they say they can't stop sinning in this life they are denying the faith. They are not only thwarting the ministry of the Holy Spirit but they make Christ's crucifixion null and void! He bought them with a price so that they could walk even as he walked! Christ died to destroy the work of the devil in them but they say this is impossible and they are going to be sinners until the day they die, relying on the grace, forgiveness, and propitiation. They teach a perverted gospel. That Christ died to destroy only the "death" that sin brings, not the sin! When God sends someone to them to show them how grave is this error they do as the Pharisees did to Christ and say they are preaching a doctrine of devilish power! Such a person can never come to the knowledge of this truth because they are resisting the Holy Spirit of God and have quenched him! Their minds are darkened and carnal and they have sold themselves back under bondage to sin, for the rest of their lives! They have no more sacrifice for sin and they are not forgiven because it was their intent all along to disobey God for as long as they shall live! Until they repent of this. Despising Anything “Holy Spiritish” 1 Thessalonians 5: 14- 25 “14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort

the feeble minded, support the weak, be patient toward all . 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to any; but always follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all . 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophecy. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace will sanctify you wholly; and your whole spirit and soul and body will be preserved blameless to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful , He that calls you, He will also cause it to be. 25 Brethren, pray for us.” The above verses tell us how we should conduct ourselves as believers in this life! Verse 23 says that God will "sanctify you wholly" so that your spirit, soul, and body shall be preserved "blameless" all the way to the coming of our Lord! We are continually exhorted in this way in scripture that "he who called us" will "also do it." We are exhorted to "abstain from all appearance of evil." As you will shortly see the subject of the text is the second coming of Christ. The Apostle warns the Thessalonians how it is possible to "quench the Holy Spirit" (verse 19). Quenching the Holy Spirit is done by "despising prophesy." (verse 20). There is a whole group among the pre-tribulation rapturist teachers called "cessationist,” who say that prophecy is done away with, that it's “not for today.” In which case, they decide, 1 Thessalonians 5: 20 no longer applies to us here in modern times. If prophecy is “not for today” then those who “prophecy” today are by very definition false prophets according to cessationism, and therefore much to be despised. Cessationists say prophecy has "vanished away" now that the Bible is finished. So, “despise not prophecy” doesn't apply to them. They pick and choose which scriptures apply to them and which don't. Of course, they are hard pressed to explain how two witnesses prophesy in the book of Revelation if prophecy is "not for today." There can be no prophets in the end times according to cessationism but the Bible mentions at least two prophets in the end times. They are especially hard pressed to explain the two prophets in Revelation who preach “after the rapture” because they also teach that the Holy Spirit is “removed” in the rapture and is no longer in the world. The two prophets in Revelation begin their ministry after the rapture. Not only has prophecy ceased since the Bible was finished, according to cessationism, but the Holy Spirit has "vanished away" and we no longer need it because we have the Bible. They quote 1 Corinthians 13, a chapter which, ironically, was written to teach how “love” above all other attributes is a sure way to obtain perfection through Christ and love is “The Holy Spirit.” So, they claim the chapter says that “love” (the Holy Spirit) has “vanished away” when the chapter is exhorting us to love one another!

Instead, the cessationists try use chapter 13 to say that the HOLY SPIRIT is no longer in work. 1 Corinthians 13: 8-13 “8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” The author says "love never fails,”" but then, a few verses down says the Holy Spirit “vanished” (according to cessationists). The question of the hour is love "never fails to do what?" Love never fails to make one “perfect” eventually. That is the context. When it says “when that which is perfect is come” it's talking about our perfection in Christ. The cessationists take it out of context and say “that which is perfect” is the Holy Bible and now that it “has come” knowledge is done away with. Here's the clincher. According to their teaching, when it says “knowledge” will vanish away, it's actually talking about the “revelatory knowledge that it took to write the Bible!” What, pray tell, do they think is the “revelatory knowledge to write the Bible? According to the Bible itself that revelatory knowledge is, you guess it, the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1: 19-21 “19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; where unto you do well that you take heed, as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” Cessationists teach that the Holy Spirit itself has "vanished away" now that the Bible is finished. They believe that prophecy and the unction of the Holy Spirit served only one purpose, to write the books of the Bible. The Bible is now the “perfect word of God” according to the teaching and now that which is “perfect” is come, the need for the Holy Spirit to give utterance to “Holy men of God” is “vanished away.” In reality, they are clearly teaching that the Holy Spirit is not the perfect word of God it's only “partial” and that which is in part (the revelatory knowledge, Holy Spirit) is “done away” and makes way for the more perfect word, the Bible. In their teaching, the Holy Spirit is not perfect but the Bible is! (Even though it was the Holy Spirit who wrote the Bible). When they read 2 Peter 1: 19-21, Christians unanimously apply it to mean "the more sure word of prophecy" is the Bible, not the Holy Spirit! Yet the very text they are reading is saying

the opposite. It's saying that the scriptures can be privately interpreted and the only way to avoid doing that is to rely on the Holy Spirit for the “more sure interpretation.” The same Holy Spirit that moved the men to write the words of the Bible now lives in us, but modern popular teachers deny this completely, saying that the Holy Spirit “revelatory knowledge” used to write the Bible vanished away once the Bible was compiled by the Roman Catholic church sometime in 325 AD. What's truly interesting is most of the evangelicals who preach cessationism also say the Catholic church is evil. So, the question remains, how did “the perfect Word of God” come out of an evil church? 1 Corinthians 13 reads, "when that which is perfect is come" and it's talking about we, the believers finally being made perfect in love by the ministry of the Holy Spirit. That was the context of the entire chapter! When we are perfected in love we do not need the letter of the law to make us righteous. We no longer have need of our neighbor or our brother to teach us to “know the Lord” for all know the Lord through the Holy Spirit and this Holy Spirit Unction motivates us to righteousness! Again, as you can see popular teaching have completely turned it all upside down. They do this to every single scripture they read! They come away from the reading with the exact opposite message than was intended by the author. Why? Because they blaspheme the Holy Ghost in their hearts. They are hostile to anything “Holy Spirit.” It's unforgivable. They are "ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth!" (2 Timothy 3:7) If they would actually listen to the Holy Spirit, they would find out that they have no cloak for their sin and that they have no excuse for not walking as Christ walked! This they can never do because they love their lives of sin unto the death! We don't need the letter of the law to bring us to righteousness for we have the Holy Spirit, the law written in our hearts and minds, we have true obedience. Paul himself stated that he who is taught of God to does not even need the Bible to teach him to love! 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 “9 But as touching brotherly love you need not that I write to you: for you yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 10 And indeed you do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that you increase more and more;” The above words are pretty amazing when you consider that the majority of the New Testament is made up of the writings of Paul. Peter acknowledged the writings of Paul as scripture: 2 Peter 3: 15 And account that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given to him has written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrestle, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Peter said that Paul's writings were scripture, yet, in 1 Thessalonians 4 Paul says we don't need his writings to learn to love one another, for we are taught of God, through the Holy

Spirit! He's saying we don't even need the scriptures to learn righteousness and live holy and perfect in sinless perfection! Anyone who denies this and teaches otherwise is preaching from the antichrist spirit!

13: THE ANTICHRIST REVEALED When the modern rapturist speaks of antichrist, he is talking about a "charismatic man" who will rise to power after the rapture and rule the earth. Modern prophets write best selling books on this subject and even make blockbuster movies. Is this how scripture truly depicts the antichrist? Many might be surprised just how simple the answer is to this question and perhaps even more surprised at how far more complex (at the same time). It's a riddle. Their depiction of "antichrist" is nothing more than a fable, a fairy tale and has absolutely no basis in any reality of scripture. Their false prophecies on this subject are the direct result of thousands of years of error, culminating in one big lie. The true identity of this "antichrist" predicted to come upon the world in scripture may startle and enrage. They cannot receive the truth on this matter and for this reason have surrounded themselves with false prophets and follow them blindly. False prophets who have been (wittingly or unwittingly) weaving their witchcraft for years and many have been led astray but their days of false prophecy are coming to a close. The Antichrist A Trinity Of Hate That the antichrist in scripture is a “spirit” no one can honestly deny, not without completely denying the writings of the Apostles. St. John had the clearest writings on the coming antichrist. He stated emphatically that not only is the antichrist a spirit but that spirit was already in the world at the time he wrote his first letter. 1 John 2: 18 "Little children, it is the last time: and as you have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time." We shall go right to the heart of the matter here by relying on these words of John. First note that he identifies a single antichrist spirit which "inhabits" many people, thus creating "many antichrists." It is critical to understand this when trying to understand “antichrist.” We have to keep our study rooted in the context. John wrote his first letter for the express purpose of identifying the “sin that is unto death” and “the sin that is not unto death,” and revealing “them that seduce you” in these matters. He wanted to teach them how to recognize “the spirit of truth” and how to know the difference between truth and “the spirit of error.” This he did so that those to whom he was writing would “sin not.” John, inevitably then, turned to revealing the seducing antichrist influence. He made some prophetic statements of his own, predicting that a group of apostates (fallen believers) were going to finally “blaspheme the Holy Spirit" and follow after an "antichirst spirit" instead. 1 John 2: “19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. “ A few short verses after he declares that there are "many antichrists" already in the world he says the following: 1 John 2: 26-27

"26 These things have I written to you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from him abides in you, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, you shall abide in him." Before we go any further we must cross reference the above verses with what Paul taught about the “New Covenant in Christ's blood.” 1 John 2:27 “... and you need not that any man teach you...” Compare that with: Hebrews 8: 11 11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. John repeats a common core in this first letter. That theme is twofold: 1. That there are many deceivers who have come in among the believers and 2. They have wrong spirit and seek to thwart the ministry of the Holy Spirit. In 1 John 2, verse 27, he reminds them that the "anointing" (which is the Holy Spirit or Christ in you) will keep them from being seduced and from being deceived by the antichrist spirit. (That's the same anointing that the cessationists now say is “vanished away” because we have the Bible). So, the Bible which can be rewritten, mistranslated, misquoted, misinterpreted is now supposed to “keep them” from being seduced. It's laughable isn't it? It is a simple concept, that the antichrist spirit is the spirit which fights directly against the Holy Spirit ministry working in the believers! Paul referred to those who follow after this wrong spirit as “the children of disobedience.” Colossians 3: “6 For which things' sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience:” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ephesians 2: “Whereas in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ephesians 5: “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. “ This antichrist spirit is manifest in disobedience. 1 John 3: “7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is

righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whoever doesn't do righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother. 11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” The antichrist spirit therefore is a spirit of disobedience. It's the opposite of the spirit of love. It's a spirit of hate. They who follow it become the children of the devil and are cursed. Just as the Holy Spirit dwells within the body of Christ (the congregation) the antichrist spirit dwells within the body of the unbelievers, the body of the antichrist. As strongly as the Spirit of Christ is held by the children of "obedience,” the spirit of antichrist is held by the children of "disobedience." Therefore, the antichrist spirit is a mirror image of the true, mirror as in when you look at the image in the mirror everything is reversed. Whereas the Holy Spirit leads one to obey the Father, the antichrist spirit brings nothing but disobedience to the Father, in fact the antichrist spirit teaches openly that obedience to the Father is completely unnecessary. In fact it teaches that obedience to the Father is sin and “insults Grace.” That spirit goes even further and teaches that those who preach obedience are the liars. The father of lies is the devil, so that makes them that preach righteousness the “children of the devil,” according to the antichrists. The antichrist spirit speaks evil of obedience. The Sons Of The Devil So, we have Satan, otherwise known as the Devil and he has an unholy spirit (antichrist spirit) which was demonstrated by disobedience to the Father from Satan's very beginnings. This unholy spirit now dwells in the body of the Devil's first begotten son (the son of perdition). The antichrist spirit, the Devil, and the son of perdition make up an unholy trinity. So, who is this “first begotten son of the devil? “ This, “son of perdition?” Christ called Judas Iscariot, (a follower of Christ who had evil intent) “the son of perdition.” What was Judas Iscariot's sin, which made him “the son of perdition” among the disciples? He walked in open disobedience and betrayed the Lord, and supposed he was doing God service at the time. All those who follow in Judas Iscariot's footsteps and commit the error of intentional and willful betrayal of our Lord and Savior through disobedience are following after Judas Iscariot's spirit. When they walk in disobedience, betraying the Lord who bought them, they follow after the son of perdition. They all become “one spirit” and “cursed children.” In the same way those who walk in obedience through the Holy Spirit become “one with the Father, even as he (Christ) is one with the Father.” In 1 John 2:19, John states that the antichrists "came out from the BODY OF CHRIST!" This cross references back to what Christ says about the wheat and the tares: "...let both grow together until the time of the harvest..." (Matthew 13:24-30)

It also cross references to what the Apostles said about the “curse children.” "… these are spots and blemishes..." Who "...feast with you." (2 peter 2:13 and Jude 1:12) John also identifies them as those who change the nature of who Christ is: 1 John 2: 22 "Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son." Paul also spoke of them in the same way: Galatians 1: “6 I marvel that you are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” One might ask, at this point, can it really be that simple The antichrist is simply the one who openly denies that Jesus is the Christ? Well, actually, John's statement is not so simple. He quantifies the denial continually in his letter by explaining that they claim to "abide in Christ" but their lives of disobedience demonstrate that they are really children of the Devil. Those who follow the antichrist spirit commit the sin that is "unto death!" In the above text John puts it this way: The antichrist "denies the Father and the Son." We do know that Christ himself stated that he who has the Son has the Father also and he who denies the Son does not have the Father. So why did John feel it was so important to state that the antichrist spirit denies both the Father and the Son? Denial of the Son is denial of the Father and refusing to obey the Son is refusal to obey the Father. He who refuses to walk in love denies the Son and no longer has the Father. We have to keep reading in the first letter of John to truly understand how they deny the Son and thus “lose” the Father. John warns the believers to “let that which you have heard from the beginning abide in you." 1 John 2: 24-25 “24 Let that therefore abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning. If that which you have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, you also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he has promised us, even eternal life." Notice John urges us to “let” Christ “remain” in us and promises that if we allow it he "shall remain in you." He repeats this phrase “in you” and "in us" throughout his letter. It is central to his message as we shall soon see. In verses 26 through 29 he draws the conclusion that if you allow this "anointing" which you have received (the Holy Spirit) to abide in you, and if you in turn abide in this anointing, then you shall remain in the Son and in the Father also. Later in his letter he says that not only must the Son of God "abide in us" but that we must "abide in him" and if we abide in him we do not commit sin!

1 John 2: 28-29 "28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that every one that does righteousness is born of him." According to John, abiding in the Son results in abiding in the Father because abiding in the Son leads us to do righteousness. It leads to obedience. Furthermore, doing righteousness is the proof that we are born of him (born of the Father) and are now sons of God ourselves. That was the very subject and the context, the only purpose for his mentioning the antichrists (seducing teachers) to begin with. It's why he starts out chapter 2 with the following: "My little children, these things write I to you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:" John clearly teaches throughout his letter that those who "abide in the Son" and who have the son "abiding in them" (the anointing) will not sin. They will do righteousness. He warns them that any spirit teaching otherwise is antichrist! For Christ came to destroy the works of the devil and any spirit that teaches we can't stop sinning is anti Christ. John states openly that if you do righteousness you are "born of God” (children of God). He also states that the converse is true. If you don't do righteousness you are born of the Devil (children of the Devil), you are antichrist. The antichrist (and his followers) do not do righteousness according to John. 1 John 3: 1-8 "1 Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure. 4 Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And you know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abides in him sins not: whosoever sins has not seen him, neither known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." Those who continue in their sin, while at the same time claiming to be righteous by declaration only and that God no longer sees their sin, those who teach they cannot stop

sinning, according to John, are "denying Son." The Son of God has commanded them to walk in love and they refuse. How is this not denying the Son? The Son of God died on a cross to send the the Holy Spirit with the express purpose of making them perfect. They are refusing to do what the Lord has commanded, denying it's possible. The Lord has commanded and they deny him. They are denying that Christ has power over their flesh as well as their soul. Such a person is saying that Christ cannot empower them to cease from sin, or they are saying that it is Christ's will they continue in sin so that his grace will abound. This is denial of the Son and of the Father! They are calling both the son and the Father liars! “Antichrist” really is that simple, yet it's far more complex than what is taught about antichrist by modern popular teachers. Those who say they abide in Christ but are living lives in their sinful flesh are liars and they are denying that Jesus is the Christ over their flesh. If Jesus is truly were their Christ and their Lord (over their mind, body, soul and spirit) how could they ever wifully sin? At the time they sin, Christ is not calling the shots I assure you. As Christ said to the multitudes "why do you call me Lord, Lord, but don't do what I say?" Whenever we sin we are denying his Lordship over our bodies. When we sin we are not abiding in Christ! Anyone who says they "abide in Christ" and have made him Lord over their lives but then willfully sins are liars. John makes this clear. He says "be not deceived he that does righteousness is righteous!" John foresaw a day when the antichrist spirit would take over and they would pervert the truth of Christ and would say that they are righteous even though their deeds are sinful and evil! This was "that spirit of antichrist" that had come into the world already while he was still alive! He taught that the easy way to tell the children of God from the antichrist was by their behavior. 1 John 3: 22-24 “22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 24 And he that keeps his commandments dwells in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he has given us." The "anointing" which we have received is the Holy Spirit and according to John abides in us. All that is left is for us to abide in him (Christ, the anointing) and we shall not sin. The anointing is love and when we love we keep his commandments of love and he truly becomes our Lord and Master. If you are sinning it means you are not abiding in his love. This was the message of Christ, it was the message of John and of all the Apostles. By abiding in the Holy Spirit of love we can and do obey the Father and keep the commandments of his son to “love one another.” If you are sinning against your brother you are not loving your brother, you are "hating." If you are loving you are “doing righteousness.” It has nothing at all to do with memorizing some written law and following it! The spirit of antichrist, therefore is nothing but the spirit of hatred. It truly is that simple. It's the opposite of the spirit of love (the Holy Spirit). Christ is love and antichrist is hatred. John foresaw a day when a delusion would sweep the world and it would preach hatred in

the guise of love. It would teach that you can't stop sinning and so therefore God simply gives up and calls you righteous. Saying that you can't stop sinning is the same as saying you can't stop hating. This delusion, according to John, would create a righteousness that is no righteousness at all. It would seek to claim that the followers of this delusion were righteous in God's eyes without ever doing righteousness and would allow them to live their lives full of sinfulness and wretchedness. He foresaw our day, people, the days in which we now live! John even goes into specifics about the antichrist spirit and how to identify it: 1 John 4: 1-4 "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 Hereby know you the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, of which you have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." John makes two very “hard to believe” statements here. First, every spirit that merely confesses that Jesus is the Christ and that he is come “in the flesh” is of God. This is hard to fathom because according to such a criteria all a spirit has to do is acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ and that he actually lived on this earth (in the flesh) and that spirit is of God! Many false religions confess that Jesus “came in the flesh,” that he actually lived. Even Satanists acknowledge this and do not openly deny that Jesus actually came in the flesh! If we are to understand John's statement they are all "of God." Not only that, Hitler confessed that Jesus actually "came in the flesh." According to this statement Hitler's spirit was "of God." Let's look at the second unfathomable statement made by John here. Every spirit that does not confess that Jesus is come in the flesh is not of God. Taking this on face value doesn't leave us with much hope of identifying the antichrist spirit among us. There have never been too many people or organizations who have stated that Jesus didn't really walk among us “in the flesh.” Furthermore, the Devils themselves have confessed that Jesus came in the flesh. Acts 19: “15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” The Devils believe in Jesus Christ and that he “came in the flesh” and do not deny it. James said "you believe there is one true God, you do well, but even the Devils believe and do tremble." (James 2: 19). These days even Godless scientists and atheist will concede that a man named Jesus (whom they call the Christ) actually lived. According to John, the atheists who confess this are “of God,” and only the atheists who don't confess that Jesus “came in flesh” are “not of God.”

Furthermore, if you looked around the world in John's day, would have been hard pressed to find those in John's day who denied that Jesus ever even came in the flesh!Of course, you certainly would have been able to find those who would not confess that Jesus is the Christ and perhaps in John's later years, you may have found a few young people who weren't alive when Christ came the first time or, maybe someone who lived during Christ's ministry but never heard or believed the report of an itinerant preacher roaming Judea named “Jesus.” However, it was general knowledge in that part of the world that Jesus was real. The only issue that was ever in dispute was whether or not he was Christ. Yet, if John was merely saying “any spirit that refuses to confess Jesus is Christ that spirit is antichrist” why didn't he just say that? Why emphasize that they must confess Jesus “came in the flesh?” There is an easy answer for this and we will look at it in a moment. First we must look at how popular teachers now rewrite those verses in modern times. They have begun deliberately misquoting these verses of late. They are adding a word to the verses. The word they add is "God." Modern misquote: 2 Hereby know you the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is God come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is God come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist" By making this one small change to the verses they think they can explain everything. The only problem with that is, it's a lie. The word God does not exist in those texts where they place it. The word God only appears twice in verse 2 and it only appears once in verse 3 and it does not appear where they say it does. By adding the word God more times than it appears and misplacing the word where they do, they seek to rewrite the Bible. In doing so they destroy its message, which in this text is “how to identify the antichrist.” When we read what John says after verse 3 it becomes obvious that it has nothing to do with whether or not the spirit confesses the deity of Christ. The phrase "deny that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh" is critical to our understanding of antichrist. In point of fact, when you read it in its overall context we, the believers are the “flesh” in which Christ is “come. John speaks of Christ abiding in us continually. He repeats this theme all through his letter. Then, in 1 John 4: 4, after emphasizing that the spirit of God confesses Christ is “come in the flesh” he says "for greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world." Making it clear that the spirit of antichrist denies that Christ is come us. We are the flesh of which he speaks. 1 John 4: “4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Simply put, the antichrist spirit it the spirit of disobedience, it denies Christ's Lordship over our flesh! It teaches that we can do what we want with our own flesh and Christ has no say in it. The spirit that denies that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh says Christ will NEVER be “manifested” in our flesh (through our behavior). It says that you can never stop sinning in the flesh, in clear contradiction to the teachings of John which state that if you abide in Christ and he abides in you, you cannot sin and you won't sin, for “in him” is no sin and he is “in us.” The spirit of antichrist does not let Christ abide “in him,” as John commands. The spirit of antichrist denies that Christ is come in their flesh at all. The spirit of antichrist teaches that Jesus is only come “in their souls” and has no power to transform their flesh into his image.

This is how the children of disobedience (antichrists) are clearly manifested to the world in the end times! They teach that even though they abide in Christ (and he in them) it has no effect on their flesh. Christ is “not in their flesh” he's only in their “spirit.” Those who abide in Christ shall bring forth the fruit of righteousness. Those who do not are tares and nothing can be done for them. They will be plucked up by the roots and burned in the end.

14: THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS The Bible speaks of two mysteries. The Mystery of Godliness and the Mystery of Iniquity. We will examine the former so that we can better understand the latter, for the “Mystery of Iniquity” is made reference to in scriptures which speak about the coming antichrist. The Mystery of Godliness is clearly defined in a scripture which is often terribly misused in the mainstream. 1 Timothy 3: “16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. “ The above verse is too often merely used as a quote in support of the deity of Christ. “God was manifest in the flesh.” That is clearly not the context of the verse however. To see this more clearly we must take note that the translators broke the verses up in an odd way. Verse 16 starts out with “and” which tells us that he's finishing a previous thought or adding to a previous statement. We must therefore always include verse 15 when rendering an interpretation of 1 Timothy 3: 16. 1 Timothy 3: “15 But if I tarry long, that you may know how you ought to behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. “ The context of 1 Timothy 3 is behavior. How the man of God behaves himself. It's “Godliness.” Even in verse 15 which proceeds “the mystery of Godliness” it says: “how you ought to behave yourself in the house of God.” We begin to see that verse 15 and 16 were broken up wrong. Here's how it should have read: ““15 But if I tarry long, that you may know how you ought to behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth, and without controversy.” 16 Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. “ Paul speaks all through the third chapter of 1 Timothy concerning how Timothy should behave himself in all “Godliness” befitting a “man of God” then says “Great is the mystery of Godliness, God was manifest in the flesh, and justified in the Spirit.” Modern Christians unanimously turn the above verse into a discussion about how Jesus is God come in fleshly form. Yet that is not even the topic here. The topic is “Godliness” and how we behave in the church. Certainly some of it references Christ because it says “seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” Yet it cannot be talking only about Jesus here. Why? Because notice it says, “justified in the Spirit.” Was Christ “justified” in the Spirit or were we justified? This leads us to the question, is God only manifest in Christ's flesh or is he also manifested in our flesh as well? John, when teaching on antichrist, states that indeed God is manifest in us (in our flesh) when we walk in love: 1 John 1: “2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness,

and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 John 2: “14 I have written unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 John 3: “10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whoever doesn't do righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 John 4: “9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 John 4: “12 No man has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwells in us, and his love is perfected in us. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 John 4: 15 Whoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwells in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God has toward us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ John wasn't the only one who said that God is manifest in our flesh. John 14: (Christ speaking) “21 He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Romans 1 “19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God has shewed it unto them.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Romans 8 “18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Corinthians 12: “7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 2 “14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the savior of his knowledge by us in every place.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 3: “For as much as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Colossians 1: “26 Even the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:” Whenever we do the will of the Father in our flesh by the Holy Spirit God himself is “manifest” in our flesh. That is the “mystery” of Godliness, the mystery of being Godly. That is what is meant by “Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.” 2 Corinthians 4: “10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.” The “mystery” of Godliness is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1: “24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: 25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of

this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:”

15: THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY In Chapter 13 we learned that the antichrist is a trinity of evil. We have the Devil, the Son of Perdition, and the antichrist spirit. We know that Judas Iscariot was called the Son of Perdition by Christ: John 17: 12 "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name: those that you gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." We have already discussed how Judas Iscariot was the archetype of all who would walk in disobedience while claiming to “follow Christ.” This, however does not make Judas Iscariot the second member of the unholy trinity. There is another, a false Christ who was to come. We are warned about him by Paul in the 2 letter to the Thessalonians: 2 Thessalonians 2: “Now we urge you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That you be not soon shaken in mind, nor be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter supposedly from us saying that the day of Christ is at hand. 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; 4 (The man) who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God.” Clearly the above scriptures are not talking about Judas Iscariot. He had come and gone by the time those verses were written. Plus, this son of perdition is created as a result of a “great falling away” (or apostasy). It's no surprise then that the revealing of the antichrist is preceded by a "great falling away." One must merely ask oneself: falling away from what? The answer is simple. It's a great falling away from the righteousness that comes by abiding in Christ, by abiding in the Holy Spirit of love. That is why the son of perdition is called, "that man of sin” or “the lawless one." He it is who sets up residency in the body of Christ (the temple of God) but instead of encouraging righteousness, he is a “man of sin” and encourages only lawlessness. This man of sin is known by one major trait. He openly declares that he is God incarnate. A man claiming to be God himself come to earth in fleshly form. He “opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or worshiped.” This means that he himself is “Lord of his own flesh” and the is his own creator. This should all be sounding quite familiar! The apostles saw a great deluding religion that would come and literally preach that it's okay to "continue in sin." They would replace the Christ who preached holiness, righteousness and obedience with a Christ who “does away with the law” and allows wickedness. The apostles knew there was coming a day when they would say that you can't be righteous and that they would create a perverted version of Christ, one who “covers up” their

sins rather than eradicates them. A Christ who openly claims to be God himself. Paul writes to the Thessalonians and predicts that this deluding influence, those who took part in this apostasy, would “all be condemned." Why? Because they didn't love the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness instead. The apostates follow after a God/Man. They take away the Lordship of Jesus over their flesh and put in his place a Lord who doesn't demand they obey him. In this way, they too declare themselves to be Gods of their own flesh. Free to do with their bodies as they see fit! Paul also forewarned of the coming antichrists elsewhere in scripture. Those who would "pervert the Gospel" of Christ and create "another Jesus." Galatians 1: “6 I marvel that you are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ to another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel to you than that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel to you than that you have received, let him be accursed.” The coming antichrist apostate creates "another" Jesus (based upon the true) who is more amenable to his sin. A Jesus that does not command them to love one another and does not "see" their sins at all. A Jesus who actually died so that they could "continue their lives of sin" and still go to Heaven in a pre-tribulation rapture! This Paul called it “the mystery of iniquity,” because they who preach this other Jesus have one motivating force behind it. The force of hatred, which is the opposite of walking in the Holy Spirit. Their goal is to continue in the flesh until the Lord comes and gives them new bodies free of sin. It puts the responsibility of their sin on Jesus. That darned Jesus, when is he going to come and give me a new body so we can eradicate sin? Lazy bum, where is he? Just as the true gospel is “the mystery of Godliness” because God is manifest in his children by their obedience to the Holy Spirit, the false antichrist doctrine is “the mystery of iniquity,” because the Devil is manifest through his children by their disobedience.

16: THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS Jude,warned of the coming antichrist religion saying that they would turn the Grace of God into lasciviousness and claim that they cannot stop sinning: Jude 1:4 “4 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.” Peter also warned of these saying that they are "spots and blemishes" within the Body of Christ, those who cannot stop sinning: 2 Peter 2:1-3 "1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as 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. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingers not, and their damnation slumbers not." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Peter 2: 10 "But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities." The word “government” used in verse 10 was actually the greek word “kuriotes” which comes from the work “kurios,” which means Lordship. They “despise Lordship.” It also could have been saying “rule” or “rules.” These are people who despise the rule of law, authority, or Lordship. Does this sound familiar? 2 Peter 2: 13-15 "13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceptions while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;" The problem is that most Christians think it's a sin just to be a human being. This is due to the universal Christian teaching of "Original Sin" or the "Adamic sin curse." They honestly believe that if you can be tempted to sin that means you ARE a sinner! They even build this idea into their doctrines making lust itself a deadly mortal sin. It's no wonder they think they

can't stop sinning! If lust is a sin, then temptation itself is sin. Scripture teaches that there can be no temptation without lust. Since lust leads to temptation, and lust is a sin, then by this logic lust itself is sin. James 1: 14-15 "14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. " Why is this important to understand? Because scripture also says that Christ was “tempted,” in every way humanly possible. Hebrews 4:15 "For we do not have an high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." If lust itself were a sin, and the only way to be tempted is through lust, it would mean Christ knew lust. This, in turn means Christ sinned when he lusted and was tempted. Yet, scripture says he was “tempted” but “without sin.” This is how we know that lust is not a sin in and of itself. Yet lust is named as one of the “seven deadly sins.” It's odd that they use the fact that we are all "tempted" to sin as proof that we are all born sinners, but also teach at the same time that Jesus was tempted but never sinned! According to Christian dogma the fact we are tempted at all is the proof that lust is in our nature (and we are born sinners). However, even though Christ was “tempted in every way without sin” they turn right around and teach that Christ knew no sin and was never really tempted.” So, according to them the author of Hebrews was wrong or lying. Even though being tempted is proof of “Original Sin” according to them, Jesus, who was born "without Original Sin" was “tempted” in every way we are tempted. Does this make any sense to anyone? It's odd because they see no contradiction here. They merely say, "it's a mystery" that we were never meant to understand! James 1: 13 "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man:" It is truly no wonder why they believe we cannot stop sinning. They have made the urge itself the sin, forgetting that their Christ himself had those same desires and temptations. They are forever trapped in their own snares. It goes to the heart of the many scriptures in the Tanakh, the Torah, and even the New Testament which warn us of those who would “put light for darkness, bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter, good for evil and evil for good.” It is “upside down” or “inverted” morality. Modern morality, taught in this fashion is no morality at all. This can be demonstrated with one single text in scripture. Of course, there are many texts which prove this, but there is one in particular that, when examined closely, provides irrefutable proof. Before we get to that scripture we have to first summarize what is the morality that has been established. We are taught that there are “degrees” to sin. In other words some sins are worse than others (to God). Of course from a human perspective it is true that sin has varying degrees, hence varying punishments for criminal behavior, such as “misdemeanors, felonies, and

capital offenses.” We find this to be true also in Levitical Law! When we talk about “degrees” of sin, we're not just talking about the various punishments for sin based upon “degree” of infraction. (Let the punishment fit the crime). We're talking here about “venial sins” and “mortal sins.” On the surface such division of sin into categories seems quite moral. It looks very good on paper; but, it becomes a slippery slope that leads to permanent bondage to sin. It's like the proverbial “way that seems right to a man but the end thereof is death.” Satan transforming himself into an “angel of light.” They bring us this division of sin then create various “sacraments” and “penance” to counteract the sins. This is less about setting the parishioner or congregant free from sin and more about putting them into bondage to the religion. Ultimately, it is designed to make “Original Sin” and the concept of “fallen humanity's inbred tendency to sin” as a “gimme.” Those in error has settled on seven deadly (“cardinal” or “capital” or “mortal”) sins: 1. Wrath 2. Greed 3. Sloth 4. Pride 5. Lust 6. Envy 7. Gluttony. Depending upon who you talk to some of these various sins require stronger “penance” than do others. According the the Catholic church (who developed the seven deadly sins), cardinal sins are the sins that destroy the life of grace and create the threat of eternal damnation unless either absolved through the sacrament of penance or forgiven through perfect contrition on the part of the penitent. The first and quite subtle part of this is, in order for the above definition of cardinal sins to even work there would have to be sins that do not do not threaten the “life of grace” and do not “create an imminent threat of eternal damnation!” These they call “venial” sins. Let's face facts, saying a sin is "venial" mitigates the sin and actually, when you think about it, condones certain sins as “virtually harmless.” To be accurate, not all Christians subscribe to the Catholic idea of “venial” and “cardinal” sin categories (but strangely they all teach the seven deadly sins which is based on that). Furthermore, while evangelicals and in particular the “modern rapturist” do not teach venial and cardinal sins, which mitigate certain lesser categorized sins, instead, they mitigate all sin for the believer. Anything goes. The creation of the “venial” sins category relegates certain sins to being so minor as to not be a threat to your salvation! It could be said, therefore that Catholics recognize certain sins will cause a believer to not be “saved.” Protestants, however deny “cardinal” sins for the believer and say all sins are 'venial” if you are a Christian. Notice too that “Lust” is on the list of the “deadly” sins, the ones that threaten the "life of grace.” This is truly odd in light of what we just learned, that according to the Apostles, lust itself is at the root of all temptation (and by default at the root of all sin). Therefore, the inclusion of “Lust” on the list of "deadly" or “cardinal” sins is self defeatig. Since lust is behind all temptation of all sins and since lust is a “cardinal” sin, pure logic

dictates that all sins are “cardinal” sins. Not all believe that there are sins that you can commit that don’t threaten your salvation. Many non Catholic deonomiations believe that all sin causes eternal separation from God and results in death, both spiritual and physical. “The wages of sin is death.” Most of these also espouse the belief in “eternal security” or “once saved always saved,” because of their position on this issue. They reason that since all sin is a threat to one's salvation we must have grace and forgiveness all the days of our lives. This they conclude because while they reject the idea of “venial” sins, they also accept the teaching of “Original Sin.” We are cursed to sin, they conclude, therefore God must provide for us a perpetual forgiveness in some way or we are all doomed. These types of protestants usually believe Martin Luther's assertion that “faith” alone saves you. Once you say a “sinners prayer” (and there are many variations of this prayer) and once you are baptized (and there are different concepts of baptism among them) you are now free from the law. Sin, for the believer becomes irrelevant. No matter what sin you carry around, you are "saved," by believing, because in believing, your future sins are already forgiven, having been “nailed to the cross” with Christ himself. Their sins are covered by the blood of the "cross." In other words, “no man can take you out of God’s hand," not even you. Your personal sins cannot “pluck you from God's hand” because you are only a man and “no man can pluck a believer from God's hand.” John 10:

“29 My Father, which gave them to me, is greater than all; and no man is able

to pluck them out of my Father's hand.”

So, not even you can pluck yourself from God's hand (by sinning) according to “once saved always saved.” This brand of Christian (usually the “eternal security” or “once saved always saved” crowd) do not accept that there are “cardinal sins,” for the believer at all. Once one confesses faith in Christ, all sin is reduced to “venial” because of the blanket covering of forgiveness afforded them by the work of Christ on the cross. When you think about it, they have created an even more “inverted” morality. It is their position that there are no mortal sins for the believer but that all sin is mortal for the nonbeliever. Most people who preach modern rapture fall under this category of believer. To the typical rapturist, all sin leads to death, certainly, but Christians are "saved" and "never die!" Therefore being a Christian "exempts" you from the death penalty for sin. The only conclusion we can draw from their teaching is that a believer can sin and sin all the rest of the days of his or her life and in the end will still have eternal life and be happily carried away into Heaven in the joy of rapture! If the Lord comes tomorrow they will be whisked away into Heaven even if they are murdering someone at the time the event occurs. After you become a part of their religious system by uttering some prayer or by a ritual baptism you cannot be condemned for any sin no matter what sin or how many times you commit it. So we have the four basic camps of thought: CAMP 1: Sin is divided into “venial” and “mortal” sin. The venial sins are forgiven through church sacraments and the mortal sins are forgiven by performing penance subscribed by the priest. Sin is further categorized as "Original Sin" and "personal sin." This way, even if a person has no "personal sin" they are still sinners because

of Original Sin. They are born into sin, literally. Camp 1 will baptize infants because of this. The parishioners and congregants who come to this first camp are forever dependent upon the religion itself for forgiveness of sins and salvation. CAMP 2: Sin is sin! There is no difference between “Original Sin” and “personal sin.” All sin leads to death for the unbeliever. For the believer there is no sin that leads to death (except not believing). No man has any hope of ever “pleasing God.” God is impossible to please and satisfy. Camp 2 has created the “sinner’s prayer” and pleasing God is redefined as "believing" and being a "Christian," (regardless of what sin is in your life). Salvation requires no obedience for salvation is grace through "faith" and not of works. Once you receive Jesus Christ as your personal savior all of your personal sins, past, present and future are forever forgiven and forgotten. Therefore the only sacrament or penance is the sinner's prayer. There is “no condemnation” for sins and he who receives Christianity has repented "once and for all" for every sin (past, present and future). This is "advanced repentance." A person accepts "repents" once (which they define now as being sorry for your sin) and they are repenting (expressing remorse) for every sin they intend to commit in the future. Now the "blood" covers all those future sins and God does not see them, he sees only "Christ." CAMP 3: You only have blanket forgiveness for sins you don't know you are committing. That's the only difference between Camp 2 and Camp 3. (John Wesley taught this). CAMP 4: Camp 4 believes everything that Camp 2 teaches, except “eternal security.” Camp 4 acknowledges that you can “do despite” unto the spirit of grace and “lose your salvation.” ALL FOUR camps acknowledge the list of “seven deadly sins.” How this is possible? Especially for camps 2, 3, and 4, in light of their beliefs? It truly is a mystery. The dividing of sin into two classes and the creation of the “seven deadly sins” had one goal in mind: To make being human itself “a sin,” and thus make it impossible to “not be a sinner” as long as you are a human being. Every human is a “sinner by nature.” That is the belief. Even the religions considered fringe or cult, such as Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons accept the “innate sinfulness of humankind.” This teaching is the common thread among all the Christian religions. It permeates every doctrine they create! Human morality has no real meaning for humans who are born immoral that is why it is “inverted morality.” It is imperative for these religion to get everyone to accept the idea of being born a sinner because without this they cannot make anyone dependent upon the religion. They would lose control if it enters the mind of their followers that they can actually have true victory over sin in this lifetime and be “sin free.” If the people knew they could “overcome” sin even as Christ did, if we can have the same freedom from sin Christ possessed, then why do we need the religion? In order to prevent man from being independent of this "bondage" (and as a result independent from the religion) they have created layers upon layers of false doctrine, beginning with the notion that as long as you are a human being you are a sinner and sold forever under sin bondage until your flesh is changed and you become no longer “human.” Enter the modern rapturist.

The end result of this religious system is total reliance on the system itself and the nullifying of the ministry of the true Messiah, the true Christ, who came for the express purpose of sending you the Holy Spirit so you could be free. Not just free of the penalty for sin. Not just free of God's judgment for you sins. Free of the sin itself! Let's take a closer look at the seven deadly sins, one by one:

1. WRATH This is a mortal sin of which apparently God Almighty is himself guilty! The verses in the Old and New testaments which testify to the "wrath of God" are just too numerous too mention. There are so many scriptures that speak of God’s wrath one should be amazed that anyone would not have realized we cannot call “wrath” a deadly sin. Evidently God is a “do as I say not as I do” kind of God who lives by a double standard whereby wrath is okay as long as it's "God's wrath" but if man exhibits the same emotion it's a deadly sin! Wrath is “anger.” We know that anger is not a sin for the Apostle Paul told the Ephesians “be angry and sin not.” (Ephesians 4:26). The myriad of scriptures showing God’s anger is the only proof we need that wrath is not a deadly sin.” 1. God does not commit sin, 2. God shows wrath, 3. logical conclusion, wrath is not sin. Christ became angry on numerous occasions. This the religions call “righteous anger,” yet if anger is a deadly sin then the term “righteous anger” is an oxymoron and is the same as saying “righteous deadly sin.” Christ did say that “he who is angry at his brother without a cause” is the same as a murderer! (Matthew 5:22) Yet, the keyword is “without a cause.” Therefore, perhaps they should have said “Unjustified Wrath” or “Unrighteous Wrath.” If they had, however, it would have underminded the purpose and the intent of creating the seven deadly sins, which was to make everything that is basically a part of human nature a “deadly sin” from which we need the religion to save us. Those in error want to “save us from ourselves.” That is the reason for the list of seven deadly sins. In short, they make it intrinsically sinful to be human. Even though we are created in God’s image! Since we are created like God, logic should dictate we would experience the same emotions that God experiences. He is, after all our “Father.” Wrath is one such emotion. It is natural and there is nothing in and of itself “sinful” about wrath. Otherwise, God would not get angry, Christ would not get angry, and the apostles would not have taught us to be angry without sinning. 2. GREED Greed is just basically human selfishness. It can lead to lots of deadly sins if not kept in check. Nevertheless, anyone who has ever had a child will attest that it is basic human nature to be “greedy.” Most children overuse the word mine and the phrase “I want.” Babies don't have to be taught this behavior. In fact, it is one of a parent's first lessons to teach their children not to behave this way. Greed was an excellent thing to put on the list of deadly sins if you want to make it a sin just to be human. We indeed are born greedy little grabby fingers. Greed is common to the plight of man. When greed becomes a way of life it becomes “coveting” a bonafide sin, the tenth commandment. “You shall not covet that which is your neighbor's.” So we know indeed that having an intent to greedily take something that belongs to another at the first opportunity is indeed a deadly sin. In the case of your neighbor’s wife, while having feelings of lust for her

continually becomes “coveting” and is also a sin, I submit that the feeling of desire for your neighbor's wife because she's beautiful is perfectly normal and human. It's only when you let those feelings birth evil thoughts that it becomes sinful. Just as is the case with anger, one can be greedy at heart and as long as you don't let those feelings create sinful and selfish acts you have committed no sin. Sin is defined as “transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4) and there is no eleventh commandment that says “thou shalt not have greedy feelings.” Christ must have been no stranger to selfish feelings (greed). We do know this for Christ was "tempted in all ways we are, yet without sin." We can only conclude, therefore, that Christ was tempted to be greedy in his lifetime. He was obviously tempted with all of the other "seven deadly sins," yet he was "without sin." It might be in your flesh to be selfish but if we turn around and instead act righteously and selflessly how can we be called “greedy?” 3. SLOTH Also known as laziness! Sometimes being lazy can lead to sinful behavior. “Idle hands make for mischief,” and “idol hands are the devil’s workshop.” We are hard pressed to find laziness listed as a “transgression” in scripture, however, so it is not a sin (sin is transgression of the law) and there is no law that says “thou shalt not be lazy.” The only time sloth is a sin is when one is slothful toward obedience to God's commands. When they added sloth to the list of deadly sins it became obvious that they were making it sinful to be human. They vilify the natural human propensity to want leisure, recreation, and yes even fun. Every human is guilty. 4. PRIDE “Pride goes before the fall” the scriptures say. (Proverbs 16:18) Yes pride can lead one to sin, there is no doubt! Is it intrinsically a sin? What about “national pride?” Is it a sin to be “proud to be an American?” Cannot pride be a good and positive thing? Pride is taught in the military and now even in corporate America as a virtue. Is it sinful to take pride in a job well done? How about keeping your house clean and well tended and taking pride in this? Isn’t that a good thing? Of course it is! Again, this is just another example of them making even the best kinds of human beings “born sinners.” People who take pride in their homes, pride in their values, pride in their community, pride in their country, such people are positive influences on everyone around them. Yet, they are deadly sinners according to the list of seven deadly sins. Truly, it is impossible to be anything but a sinner going by the list of seven deadly sins. They could have made more sense by saying “selfish pride” but then again, that wouldn't include all humans, which was, after all the point. 5. LUST We discussed “lust” already. It is this one that exposes the error in the idea of a list of “seven deadly sins.” At the beginning of the chapter I promised the one scripture that irrefutably disproves the “seven deadly sins” lie? It has to do with lust. There are many scriptures on the subject of lust and they all disprove the seven deadly sins simply by virtue of the fact they put “lust” on that list at all. But there is one scripture that stands head and shoulders above the rest. There is one scripture that describes a lust that is natural and God given.

Romans 1: 24-27 “24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up to vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.” Romans 1:24-27 more than implies that “burning in lust” toward the opposite sex is “natural use” of the body. Sexual lust (at least heterosexual lust) is natural and a part of being human according to scriptures. It makes sense too. How would the human race survive if men didn’t lust to be with women and women didn’t lust to be with men? We would never propagate! Those in error have taken the most basic of human passions and needs (the desire to self procreate) and made it one of the seven deadly sins! What more evidence do we need that they are trying to make it intrinsically sinful just to be a human being? They also twist Messiah’s words to make it look like everyone who has lustful feelings is committing “adultery.” Matthew 5: 27-28 “27 You have heard that it was said by them of old time, you shall not commit adultery; 28 But I say to you, that whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Christians everywhere take these texts completely out of context and turn the basic desire of a man to have a woman, and a woman to have a man into something filthy and sinful. Feelings that we have seen by reading Romans, are “natural.” In actuality what Christ was talking about here is “coveting your neighbor’s wife!” (The tenth commandment). Which is in actuality a sin, being that to do so is transgression of the law. Christ turned the basic law “thou shalt not covet” and applied it to the subject of adultery (not sexual desire). In context Christ was stating that if you have the intent to sleep with your neighbor’s wife at the first given opportunity you have already committed adultery in your heart. This makes you an adulterer “In your heart” but until you actually commit the transgression of adultery through performing the act you are not technically an adulterer (although you are coveting). Intent means you have decided that what belongs to your neighbor should be yours. If you are married and do this with your neighbor's wife, you may not have committed the overt act of adultery, but you have done it in your heart. You have violated the tenth commandment and because you are married, your heart is adulterous. Is it a sin to have a natural and quite human reaction of "desire" for a woman to whom you are physically attracted (even your neighbor's wife)? No, it is natural. Especially if your neighbor's wife parades around in her bikini in their back yard. It's natural when you take the scriptures as a whole. If that happens you get out of there and you will save your soul from

sin. To have those feelings is one thing. To decide and intend on acting upon them is another. If just having the desire is a deadly sin then Christ could not have been “tempted” in all ways like we are and the apostle who penned that was wrong. We know that Christ felt desire for a beautiful woman at least once in his life (and we know that is not a sin) otherwise James could not have written this: James 1: 13- 16 “13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither does he tempt any man 14 But every man is tempted when he is DRAWN AWAY OF HIS OWN LUST and enticed, 15 The WHEN LUST HAS CONCEIVED, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished brings forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved children" And Paul could not have written this: Hebrews 4: “15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. “ Common sense dictates that if Christ was "tempted" and all temptation comes from lust then Christ knew lust! By adding lust to the list of "deadly sins" they have made Christ guilty of a "deadly sin." Lust is only sin when it has “conceived” or “finished,” according to James. It “brings forth sin.” That is why there are numerous scriptures condemning them that “walk in” the lust of the flesh.” We all experience lust of the flesh, we just can't “walk in it.” Lust of the flesh is natural and “common among man” according to the apostles, and we are admonished to “abstain from sinful lusts.” There are "natural" lusts, there are "righteous lusts" and there are "sinful lusts." Yet, the seven deadly sins do not recognize this and state that lust itself is sin! Clearly they are trying to make it sinful just to be a human being. The fact that the apostles recognized “natural lust” (as in the verses in Romans) is the one evidence that disproves the notion of lust being a sin. When it comes to “coveting” it all depends on what you are lusting after that makes it a sin. Lust after your neighbor's anything and you have crossed over to transgression. We are to abstain from “sinful lusts” and we are not to give ourselves over to fleshly lusts. Lust in and of itself is not sin. We are told not to lust after “evil” things and told to lust after good things in the Bible. 1 Corinthians 10:6 “Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.” Lust is desire and there are many things that after which it is righteous to lust. Such as Holiness! There is no sin in lusting after that which is right! The scriptures say that the Holy Spirit in us "lusts."

Galatians 5: 17 “17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that you would.” How can lust itself be a sin if the Spirit lusts against the flesh? Even the world and the unbelievers understand that it defies basic common sense to say that lust itself is a sin! When the apostles spoke of lust as a sin, they were speaking of “sinful” or “fleshly” lust. Lusting after that which is not right which is “coveting.”

Romans 7: 7 “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. No, I had not

known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, “you shalt not covet.” Christ's Temptation Was Not Temptation Some attempt to make the argument that Christ was not "tempted" to sin but was "tested.” This argument is pointless because whether it's a “test” or a “temptation” it makes no sense that Christ was either because they also teach that he's “God Incarnate.” If he's God he cannot be tempted to sin and he cannot be "tested" according to scripture. If tempting means “testing” then God cannot be tested neither tests he “any man” according to the scripture.God, who is all knowing, knows fully well the heart of every man and does not need to "test" us to see if we will sin or not! That should be common sense, but what they seem to forget in this argument is that if Jesus is God Himself, then certainly Jesus did not need to be "tested" by God either! If "tempted" means "tested" then when the Apostle wrote that "no man is tempted of God," but is drawn away of his own lusts and "tempted" he was saying no man is “tested” of God and is drawn away of his own lusts and “tested.” Man therefore is “testing himself.” Actually our lust has a mind of its own and “tests” us to see if we will sin? That making no sense at all! Clearly, it matters not if the word "tempted" actually means "tested" it still makes no sense that Christ was “tested” in all ways like we are. Especially if Christ is God Himself, for God cannot be "tested" any more than he can be "tempted." Lust is not equated with sin until you let your lusts drive you to sin! When lust is finished and uninterrupted it brings forth little sin babies and when those babies are born it brings forth death. That does not make lust the "sin," for it says "lust brings sin and when sin is finished it brings forth death." By their reasoning this would make sin itself death. How so? Because logically if because it's sin to lust because lust brings forth sin, then it's death to sin for sin brings forth death and therefore death itself is a sin. Actually, original sinners believe that. They point to the fact that babies die as proof that babies are sinners and the Catholics actually baptize their infants because of how horribly sinful they are. Original sin teaches exactly that, sin is death and the Bible says so. Well, not exactly. The Apostle wrote and said “there is a sin that is not unto death." He couldn't have written that if sin is death. We do know that, through Christ there is life even though there once was sin in us. If we accept their logic there can be never escape from death because there's no escape from sin. Since there's no escape from lust because we are human. To be human therefore

itself is lust, it is sin, and it is death. In which case, Jesus Christ must have been a sinner, fir he was human, he was tempted like any human and temptation comes from lust. They say the death of babies is proof they are sinners. Jesus Christ died, therefore he must have been a sinner. The logic is irrefutable. 6. ENVY Envy is the same as “jealousy.” This is another sin of which, apparently God himself is guilty and just another case where God is an hypocrite telling us to do as he says not as he does. In the ten commandments God states, “I am jealous God.” (Exodus 20:5) If jealousy is in and of itself a mortal sin then God himself is a sinner! The whole notion is ridiculous! Like any other human (and apparently divine) emotion, jealousy is only a sin when you let it conceive sin babies. In the same way that lust is only a sin when you let it conceive sin. I think that is enough said on the subject. It’s just common sense that if God is a “jealous” God then envy cannot be a mortal sin! 7. GLUTTONY This is overeating! By this statement everyone who is even more than a few pounds over weight is a mortal sinner! If you’re going to make it intrinsically sinful to be a human being, this is the best trait of all to list as a deadly sin. Of course, gluttony when mixed with selfishness, greed, and indifference can indeed be sinful! Yet, is loving food and loving to eat in and of itself a sin? Well, if so then every human being is guilty of this sin and that is the point isn't it? It's like the old joke, “I'm on a seafood diet, I see food and I eat it.” This is basic human nature! It’s only when we allow gluttony to rule our lives and destroy our health and make us selfish, uncaring, and so greedy with our food we refuse to share it with the less fortunate that gluttony becomes sinful. As we are learning, the “seven deadly sins” and the dividing of sin into two classes is “upside down” or “inverted” morality. By seeking to condemn the basic underlying causes of most sins they seem to be preaching righteousness; However, upon closer scrutiny, it becomes obvious that what they are actually preaching is quite the opposite. In fact, if the seven sins are indeed “mortal sins,” they place all under bondage to sin. That is the trap. It takes away any hope of conquering sin, ever. One would have to cease being human to cease sin and we could not be truly moral. There would be no escape or freedom from sin. You'd have to shed this fleshly body to get away from the these seven deadly sins! We'd have to change our very nature. We'd have to become a completely different creature. A new species that is “super human,” before we could ever obey God. This doctrine of seven deadly sins: Therefore, destroys the ministry of Messiah, it seeks to nullify the power of the Holy Spirit, and strips us forever of the true liberty we are promised through Christ which is to be free of the sin that so easily besets us.

17: THE GREAT FALLING AWAY Some will say “you can’t be sinless but you must strive to be.” That is completely dishonest. Who is going to truly and sincerely strive to be something that is not only impossible but would require changing human nature itself? How can we strive to be rid of something of which we can never be rid unless we shed our own bodies and our basic nature entirely? If you truly believe you're born this way, there’s no way you are going to sincerely strive to be any other way! It would be like a zebra “striving not to be a zebra” or a leopard striving not to be a leopard. It's just ridiculous when you think about it. The reason this defeatism destroys the work of the cross is because Christ did not shed his blood to only "wash away" the penalty of sins and provide a "covering" for sins, Christ shed his blood to do what the law could never do, which is wash away the sin itself, to make us perfect, righteous and Holy. As a result of the shed blood of Christ, the Holy Spirit is sent, who then "purges your body of dead works to serve the living God." (Hebrews 9:14) When they teach that we are "trapped" in sin for as long as we are trapped in this body they are actually falling away from the faith for our faith should say, "oh wretched man that I am WHO shall deliver me from the body of this death, I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 7: 24) Another teaching that represents “falling away from the faith” is the teaching that Christ "does away with the law," that the "law is dead" and that the law is not applicable to us! Anyone, therefore who preaches Christlike holiness called a "legalist." It is taught that since we are born sinners we can never “do righteousness. For the proof of this faithless teaching they go to Romans 7. Romans 7: 15-22 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent to the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:” From the start they have inverted things. Instead of saying “we are no longer under sin” they say “we are no longer under the law,” based on the above text. They haven't been “delivered from sin” they've been “delivered from the law.” They haven't been delivered from disobedience, they've been delivered from obedience. Their misapplication of the above verses in Romans are many. It's hard to know where to begin.. 1. They conclude that they are no longer guilty of sin, placing the blame on their flesh (their bodies). (Romans 7: 17)

2. They conclude that in their bodies dwells no good thing. (Romans 7: 18) 3. They conclude that no matter how much they want to do righteousness they cannot. (Romans 7: 18 and 19) 4. They again conclude that as long as they want to do good, that is good enough for God. Whether they actually do it, is irrelevant. God doesn't see their sins anymore. (Romans 7: 20) 5. They conclude that they are delivered from the “law” of God only to be trapped forever under a "law of the flesh" (Original Sin). A law that dictates no matter how good they want to be they will always be evil. (Romans 7: 21) 6. They conclude that "desiring" to be righteous (in their hearts) is good enough (thus they deny Christ's teaching that all sins proceed from a good heart and sin proceeds from a sinful heart). They call Christ a liar when he said a good tree does not bring forth evil fruit. Instead teaching that they are still a good tree (inside, in the heart) even if their fruit is sin. This, despite Christ's clear statements that your heart is revealed by what comes out of you. (The Entire Chapter of Romans) Those who apply Romans 7 to themselves and to all other "believers," attempting to use it as evidence of some sort of "fleshly sin curse" in which we are forever trapped in these bodies have fallen away from the faith. They are “apostates.” According to them we can never be righteous, we cannot do good! Yet, it is very easy to prove these scriptures in Romans 7 do not even apply to the believers. They apply only to him who is still "in the flesh" and "under the law." It's ironic, because they they teach they are no longer under the law, but they also teach Romans 7 still applies to them. Why is this ironic? Because Romans 7 is written about someone who is “still under the law” and only applies to them to which the law itself applies. Romans 7: 5-6 “5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit to death. 6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.” Paul starts out this particular lesson in Romans 7 by saying "when we were in the flesh." They stop at Romans 7 but if they would continue reading all the way into Romans 8 they would see that believers are no longer "in the flesh" but are "in the Spirit!" Yet, this is not the only way we know Romans 7 does not apply to believers. Clearly, Paul is describes the "carnal man," who is still "sold under sin,” in Romans 7. Romans 7: 14 “14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Romans 8: 9 But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Romans 7: 9-11 “9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be to death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Romans 8: 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Romans 8: 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwells in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live. In Romans 8 he says we are not carnal but spiritual and that "if you are yet carnal you are not Christ's." He also states that we are no longer "sold under sin,” in Romans 8. In Romans 7 Paul is not even speaking of himself or any other believer. He's speaking of the man who is under the law, who has not yet been delivered by Christ. We know this for he says so. “For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. (Romans 7:9)” Was Paul alive before the commandment came (the law?) Of course not! So is he talking about himself here or is he speaking hypothetically about man under the law? He's talking about a man who has not been “delivered” by Jesus Christ yet. Those who apply Romans 7 to the believers have concluded that because we are "no longer under the law" therefore we no longer have to “obey the Father.” The law, they say, is dead, done away with and no longer applicable to them! Paul certainly says no such thing here in Romans 7. It's a “conclusion” they draw from a misapplication of the text. In fact, as we can see, after describing this wretched state man was in whereby in him "dwells no good thing" and whereby man could "not find the way to do good," Paul then says this: Romans 7: 24- 25 “24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

25 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.” We have to keep in “mind” here that Paul continues to describe a man who is “still under the law,” but more importantly a man who “wants to do that which is right” and a man who has made a determination in his mind to do so. Paul is not describing someone who is completely lost. He's describing a “repentant” sinner under the law. Such a person has “intent” to do that which is right in the law, but continually falls short of this because of the weakness of the flesh. So, Paul says of this person, “with the mind I serve the law of God” (repentance, a changing of the mind to do God's will) but with the flesh I serve the law of sin. In Romans 8 he goes into detail how we no longer serve "by the flesh" but by the Spirit! We are given “the mind of Christ” to overcome the law of sin and death he has just described in the previous chapter. Christ has delivered us from this carnal state Paul describes in Romans 7. They continue to quote Romans 7 as proof that they are still sold under the Adamic "sin curse" of Original Sin! Amazing! They have fallen from the faith as described by Paul in the next chapter. That we are no longer "in the flesh" nor are we in "the body of this death" and that we are "dead with Christ in baptism." In Romans 8 he says "if we live by the flesh we shall die, but if we do by the Spirit mortify the deeds of the body we shall live." The man Romans 7 describes is not a believer, for it says of him, "I know that in me, that is in my flesh dwells no good thing." Paul simply could not have been speaking of himself or any other believer there and must have been speaking of a man before he is delivered by Christ because we know that Christ dwells in the believer. The Holy Spirit dwells in us and God dwells in us when we are "in the faith." No man who is in the faith can say of himself "in my flesh dwells no good thing." Yet that is precisely what they say of themselves. This goes right back to the antichrist spirit. They are applying Romans 7 to themselves. They are saying “in my flesh dwells no good thing.” Therefore, Christ does not dwell “in their flesh” according to their own application of Romans 7! In 1 John 4 he said: “every spirit that confesses not that Jesus is come 'in the flesh' is antichrist. “ They deny Jesus Christ dwells “in their flesh.” They do it openly. So, all we have to do is examine their “take” on Romans 7 and it becomes obvious they deny that Christ dwells “in the flesh” once you believe and want to keep themselves “in the flesh” and sold under the “law of sin and of death,” even while claiming to be “delivered.”

18: TRUE FAITH In order to understand what “falling from the faith” means we must first have a firm grasp of what is “true faith” according to Christ and the Apostles. Only then can we understand how the “apostates” would “fall away from the faith.” The obvious place to begin, then would be to get Christ's take on “faith” first. Christ used the word “faith” 29 times in the New Testament. This is the list of scriptures where Christ says the word “faith.” 1. Matthew 6:30 2. Matthew 8:10, Luke 7:9 3. Matthew 8:26, Mark 4: 40, Luke 8:25 4. Matthew 9:2, Mark 2: 5, Luke 5:20 5. Matthew 9:22, Mark 10:34, Luke 8: 48 6. Matthew 9:29, Mark 10:52, Luke 18:42 7. Matthew 14:31 8. Matthew 15:28 9. Matthew 16: 8, Luke 12:28 10.Matthew 17:20, Luke 17:5-6 11.Matthew 21: 21, Mark 11: 22, 12.Matthew 23:23 13.Mark 5:34 14.Mark 10:52, Luke 18:42 15.Luke 7:50 16.Luke 17:19 17.Luke 18: 8 18.Luke 22:32 It may come as a surprise that even though “faith” is the central teaching of salvation in the Christian church Christ only uttered the word 29 times and many of those times are repeats in the various gospels. All told, the word “faith” was used by our Lord only 18 times. Notice, too, that Christ never uses the word “faith” in the Gospel of John. In the Gospel of John instead it uses the words, “believe,” “believes,” or “believing.” I point this out to demonstrate that the word “faith” and the word “believe” are synonymous English terms. The places in the Gospel of John which speak directly of belief (faith) are too numerous to list. There are at least 1 to 2 instances of the word “believe” in every chapter of the gospel of John except Chapters 2, 15, 18 and 21. In some chapters of this magnificent gospel the word believe appears 5 times. What we will learn from studying the words “faith” and “believe” that, according to the words of Christ, faith and believing involve not just a personal conviction that something is true, but a conviction that leads one to act. To “perform.” We will find this same principle being applied and taught in the rest of the New Testament by every Apostle. Faith, or belief, involves doing something. True faith, as we will soon discover, is made perfect by following through with your convictions. True faith leads one to “live” by faith, or to “live” according to what one believes. Some examples from the words of Christ are: Matthew 6: “30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is,

and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?“ We said that faith requires “doing something” but on face value, without understanding, the above verse it may appear to be teaching quite the opposite. Is Christ saying that he who has faith does nothing to “toil” and does not work to obtain these things? (Food, shelter, clothing). No! Christ is here speaking about not worrying about what you will eat, or drink, or wear. He states that those who do this lack “faith.” So, on the surface, if we were to read the above verses with the notion that faith does nothing, therefore, going out and getting a job so you can buy clothes, food, or get some place to live is being characterized as “lack of faith.” If Christ is criticizing those who “do something” to get these items, saying that they are not “walking in faith,” then none of us should be working or doing anything to obtain food, shelter, etc. Common sense dictates he cannot possibly be saying that faith means you do nothing to get these items yourself. In context, Christ is saying “don't worry” about these things. We who believe must take an active and faithful step forward to obtain the things that are needful for the body, in full belief that God will make a way for you to obtain them. There is a far cry difference between that and sitting around worrying about not having anything or being afraid that you'll end up hungry and homeless some day. True faith inspires us to do something to get these things in full assurance that God will provide an opportunity. If all we ever read was verse 30 with the supposition that faith does nothing, we would draw the conclusion that we are not to “work” to provide for ourselves, however, we might end up living in a dumpster somewhere. This is what the majority of Christians have done with the word “faith.” They have decided that because we are saved by grace, “through faith” and that “not or ourselves it is a gift of God,” (Ephesians 2:8) this means that they don't have to do anything. They are spiritually homeless, living in a metaphorical dumpster of spiritual poverty. They have no “treasure in Heaven.” If they would have continued to read in Matthew 6 they would have soon discovered that faith involves doing something. Matthew 6: “33 But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. “ We seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness. In the same way the world struggles and strives for earthly wealth. The word “seek” here involves going out and searching for something, apprehending it, like a buried treasure. We are spiritual treasure seekers and the treasure is “his righteousness.” Many do not seek righteousness at all. They preach they already are “counted” as righteous. There is no plan of action and no active “seeking” of his righteousness through faith. In fact, they call anyone who seeks righteousness “a Pharisee,” a liar and “self righteous.” In reality, true faith causes you to seek righteousness and to actively participate in the kingdom of God. True faith brings obedience according to Christ. It's a “do” word. Faith is a verb. Matthew 8: 10 When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Truly, I say to you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

In Matthew 8: 10, a Roman Centurion had just asked Christ to heal one of his servants. When Christ said “take me to him,” the Roman thought that might cause problems so he told Christ to merely speak the word and the servant would be healed. Did Christ know what type of faith this Centurion had when he first came to him? No. The man's faith was not “manifest” and was not evident until the man came to Christ and asked him for healing for his servant. Had the Centurion just sat home believing Jesus could heal the servant, would the servant had been healed? Not at all. The healing required faith and that faith required the Centurion do something. Even if it was only to seek out Christ and ask for the healing. Faith at least requires that we ask, and not just ask, ask believing in our heart that we shall receive it. That is the principle of faith taught by Christ. Matthew 7: “7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you: 8 For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks shall find; and to him that knocks it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, even when you're evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in Heaven give good things to them that ask him?” There are many, many people who don't believe we can walk without sin in this life, and so they shall not. Obviously they have not asked for this and if they have asked for it, they openly do not believe in their hearts that such a thing shall be granted to them (for they say it is impossible to stop sinning in this life). The first requirement for receiving anything is asking and the second requirement to receive is belief (faith). So, at the very least faith requires you to do at least that much. Where do some get the idea faith does not require us to do anything? The certainly don't get it from scriptures. Those who say we cannot walk sinless in this life (as Christ walked) are saying one of two things. Either they are saying Christ was a liar when he said “anything you ask according to the Father's will, believing you receive it and you shall have what you ask” OR they are saying that it is futile to ask for a Christlike sinless and perfect life because it's not the Father's will. In other words they are saying that if we ask for a sinless, perfect, obedient and Holy life through love, God is going to say “NO” and give us more sin instead. This is the only thing we can conclude, for they teach that it is “impossible” for a believer to walk perfect and holy, sinless, even as Christ walked “in this lifetime.” This they call “faith?” Christ did not call it faith, he called it faithlessness. Matthew 8: “24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?

Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.” In the above example these men, all of them “believers” and followers of Christ, were afraid and decided that they were going to perish in the storm. They did come to Jesus and ask for help but they were still called “you of little faith.” How can this be? Didn't Christ say that he who has faith will “ask” and shall receive? Consider that, even though they asked, it was not as much a plea for help as it was a declaration that they were “all going to die.” They were “fearful” and didn't believe there was anything that Jesus could actually do about the storm. They believed him to be the Christ but they had doubts as to what Christ could do for them. They were “of little faith.” They were not of “no faith” but their faith was very little. The conclusion we can safely draw from this is that the measure of our faith is in what we do, how we face trials and adversity, and temptations. Do we stand and believe for deliverance or do we declare that we are going to fail (ahead of time)? Many today claim that believing Jesus is Christ and believing what Christ has already done for them is sufficient. Christ did not teach this. He taught by example that it is not enough to believe in what he can do. We must follow him. We must believe we can do what he does. Luke 6: “And why call you me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? “ Matthew 7: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in Heaven. “ In this next example Christ is demonstrating this great faith and encourages Peter to “follow him” and to repeat his act of faith. Matthew 14: “26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Once again, in the above example we have a believer (Peter) a follower of Christ who's faith is being measured by what he does or doesn't do. Peter's faith was measured by his actions. He starts out strong, walking on the water, then falters, doubts and begins immediately to sink. Faith, therefore is measured by what you do, and just belief in Jesus alone is not going to “save you” from drowning in the sea. Peter believed in Jesus, called him Lord every day, but his faith was not strong enough to sustain him in the waves because he

doubted what he could do in Christ's power. In every example where Christ speaks of faith he does so because of something that someone has done or not done. Christ will pronounce someone's level of faith based upon their actions. John 14: 10 You don't believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwells in me, he does the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me because of the works. 12 Verily, verily, I say to you, He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. “Believe me because of the works,” said Christ. No other statement so drives home the point that faith brings works. Christ makes it clear that “if you believe” (have faith) you will do things. You will not only have “works” but you will do the same works that he did. Incidentally, when Christ says a believer will do “greater” works than Christ, many erroneously think he's only talking about miracles and they translate “greater” to mean “greater in quantity.” They turn this into a promise of what the collective body of believers will accomplish down through the ages. Yet, if we read the text it is not talking about the combined miracle power of all believers of all time. It is talking about one believer. It says, “he (not they) that believes on me, the works that I do shall he (not they) do, and greater works than these shall he (not they) do.” One believer can do greater works than Christ, it's not talking about the combined “works” that all the believers from that moment on until the end of time would do. It's crucial also to note that Christ does not say “greater miracles.” Whenever you hear Christians teach from John 14: 12 they change what Christ said, from “works” to “miracles.” Christ said we shall do his works. What were Christ's “works?” Christ did the will of the Father and perfectly obeyed the Father. Christ said that his works were not his own but his Father's in Heaven. Christ was sinless and perfect, doing only that which the Father commanded him to do. That was the “works” of Christ and he promised that he who believes will do the same and even greater. Most importantly, Christ didn't say “he that believes” (has faith) might do his works. He said “will do his works and even greater.” There is a rule of logic, called “contraposition.” It says that if all A is B, then all that is not A is not B. The following contraposition must be true, therefore, that if all who believe can do Christ's works then all who do not believe cannot do Christ's works. Hence, they who say they cannot do Christ's works do not believe. We can therefore apply the following statements: “If he that has faith does Christ's works and greater, then he that does not do Christ's works and greater does not have faith.” Or, put this way: “If he that believes in Christ does Christ's works (and even greater works) then he that does not do Christ's works at all does not believe in Christ.” Or we could put it this way: “If you don't believe you can do the same righteous works as did Christ (and even greater)

then you don't believe Christ for he said you can, if you believe.” In short, someone that says we cannot be sinless like Christ is saying we cannot do the works of Christ and that is calling Christ a liar and denying the faith. They have “fallen from the faith.” Christ taught that even with very little faith, faith as tiny as a mustard seed (which is about the size of a sesame seed) a believer could speak and cast a mountain into the sea. Matthew 17: 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. You have to wonder, those that say it's impossible to live without sin in this life, what part of “nothing shall be impossible” do they not understand? They claim to believe they can cast mountains into the sea if they would but believe but at the same time state openly that they can't cast sins away from them? Does this make any sense at all? Christ made it clear that believing is “doing” and “performing” his words, not just hearing them. Matthew 7: “21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in Heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? and in your name have cast out devils? and in your name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” They who are hearers only and not “doers” have “fallen” from the faith according to Christ himself and “great” is their fall indeed. The Apostles (including Paul) taught these same principles of faith. They taught that faith and works are inseparable. James 1: “22 But be you doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Many today teach that we are “no longer under the law” and they are correct, but what they don't understand is that the law was made for the transgressor. The only way we could “no longer” be “under” the law is if we are no longer transgressors. We are “no longer under the law” however they err in concluding that, because we are not under the law, we are therefore set “at liberty” to live however we want to live. This is not liberty, it's slavery to sin.

John 8: “34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin.” Romans 6: “16 Know you not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? “ The Apostle Peter foresaw ahead of time the apostate religion would be those who turn “liberty” into a license to sin. 2 Peter 2: “1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who secretly shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingers not, and their damnation slumbers not. 2 peter 2 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise law. Presumptuous are they, self willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 2 Peter 2: 12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceptions while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 2 Peter 2: 17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

20 For if after they have escaped the pollution of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. James said that the “law of liberty” involves being a “doer of the work.” James 1: 25 But whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues in it, he is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. The Apostle James had a lot to say about faith and works. He started by pointing out that “belief” alone is not enough, he says that “faith alone” cannot save you (despite Martin Luther's claims) and then he stated boldly that faith without works is dead and that faith is made perfect in our works. James 2: “14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 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. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” But James didn't just stop there. He further explains that Abraham's faith was only counted as righteousness because it brought “performance.” His faith brought about an active response in which he did the will of the Father. This is the only true faith according to James. James 2 “21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Do you see how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God,

and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 You must see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” True faith, according to James the Apostle and brother of Jesus involves more than just believing, it involves believing to the point that you follow through with actions based upon that faith. But James wasn't the only one who thought this way. Paul himself taught the same thing about Abraham, even though Paul is the one credited with first preaching that we are righteous “without works” of righteousness, Paul is misunderstood as to having said that we are justified by faith alone without works: Romans 4: “1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he has whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that works not, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6 Even as David also describes the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputes righteousness without works, 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” Many read the above texts and erroneously come away with the idea that Paul is saying all one has to do is make a single “confession” of belief in God and now you are “imputed” with righteousness, even if you continue on for the rest of your life disobeying God and sinning day after day. Paul says no such thing in the above text however. Paul is just saying that works without faith is just as dead as faith without works. Whereas James focused on faith without works being dead, Paul here focuses on works without faith being dead. Paul states in verse Romans 4:2 that Abraham was not justified by works alone (anymore than faith alone justifies a man). In Romans4: 3 he states this openly, pointing out that Abraham did not just “work” his way into God's good graces, but there was faith involved in his works. Does Paul here say Abraham did no good works? Of course not. Yet that is exactly how they read those texts. They twist it to say that Abraham did no work. Yet we know that Abraham did good works from his faith. James taught us this and Paul

will also teach us this, if they would but read a little bit further. The only way this could possibly be saying that Abraham was justified by faith alone without works, is if Abraham did no works. As we will see later in this chapter Paul speaks of Abraham's works of faith. So what is Paul talking about in Romans 4: 5? Paul is talking about the state Abraham was in when God first offered him grace. Abraham was imputed as righteous before he was even circumcised, before there even was a written law. Therefore, faith has nothing to do with keeping a written law. That is Paul's point. Can that be construed to mean Paul to be saying that after Abraham was imputed as righteous because he believed God, that Abraham continued doing “no work” and was still considered righteous? Only if you want to ignore everything else Paul ever wrote on the subject. Only if you want to ignore all of the other Apostle's teachings on the subject. Paul is saying that Abraham believed God and it was imputed as righteousness. What does “believed God” mean? Abraham was told to circumcise himself and his entire household. He was told that he would have a son while he was old. Abraham believed God and performed God's will, right down to having a son when he was very old. Anyone who's ever had a child is going to know just how much faith that would take. Because of his believing in God (and doing God's will out of that belief) Abraham's past sins were forgiven. Abraham turned from his sin and began to obey the Father. Thus his past sins were “not imputed” to him. Which is what Paul says in verses 7 and 8 above. “Blessed is a man who's sins (past sins) are not imputed to him.” Does Paul here say that Abraham did “no work” and yet was forever considered a righteous man, not having any of his past, present and future sins imputed to him? It's not even coming close to saying that. Quite the contrary it says that Abraham believed God and as such was “able to perform.” Romans 4: “18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall your seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” If Abraham had done nothing, had not performed, it would not have been said of him “Abraham believed God,” in which case his faith would not have been imputed to him as righteousness and his past sins would have continued to be imputed to him. It was only by his performance out of his belief that Abraham received the promise! Paul says this clearly, but they never read that far. The problem here is that when they read “Abraham believed God” they have an erroneous preconceived idea of what “believe” means. They read Romans 4: 5 “But to him that works not, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness,”

They draw an erroneous conclusion from it that believing has nothing to do with works. This error comes from a lack of understanding of the Hebrew concept of “repentance.” This is talking about when a sinner repents and turns from his wickedness and walks in faith! It's talking about someone who, up to this point has no “works” of faith and they suddenly begin to believe. When you keep in mind that “believe” involves doing God's will, you start to understand this is talking about repentance. A wicked sinful man turns from his sin and believes God, doing righteousness instead out of that belief, and now his faith is counted as righteousness, his past sins are forgiven. When Paul was talking about “works” in Romans 4 he was talking about “works of the law,” or reading, memorizing and through the flesh keeping the law without faith. As James spoke of faith without works, Paul spoke here of “works without faith” or keeping the “works of the law” by rote. Paul makes it clear when he says: Romans 4: “10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.” What is circumcision? It is a part of “the law.” The law requires circumcision and Paul here points out that Abraham believed God and performed that which God promised and this was before he was circumcised, before he kept the law. Obviously, Paul was talking about faith without “works of the law” and we will see this even more clearly in a moment: Romans 4: “11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.” In the above two verses Paul again drives home that Abraham's example was to “believe” and then “obey” and not simply to “obey.” Abraham found grace with God and was imputed as righteous before he even kept the law of circumcision, and Paul makes the very strong case that is how Gentiles can come to the same state of grace and having their sins forgiven before they ever keep the law. But wait there's more: Romans 4: 13For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 Because the law works wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.” In verses 13 through 15 Paul compares the two different types of obedience. The two different types of “works. Obedience to a written law or command and obedience through faith. He makes it clear that keeping the law alone, without faith, does not bring righteousness. That is why the law can make no man righteous. All that did was bring wrath.

In verse 15 he points out that before the law, man did not have sin, for sin is transgression of the law and if there is no law, there is no sin. When the law, therefore, is handed down it brings nothing but wrath on them who have no faith and cannot “obey” in the Spirit. They have twisted Paul's words and today they teach Paul was saying the law is no more and because of this their sin is no more (even though they continue in disobedience and sin). How is that “faith?” How is that following Abraham's example? Did Abraham not “perform” the will of God after he believed? Of course he did! Paul was not saying that we have no “works of righteousness” he was saying that keeping the law without faith is not “works of righteousness” at all in the same way faith without works is no faith. Yet, Romans 4 is not the only place where Paul discusses Abraham's faith: Galatians 3: 3 Are you so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. 5 He therefore that ministers to you the Spirit, and works miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know you therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that does them shall live in them. They have once again twisted what Paul had to say on this subject and now teach that if you believe, you are “declared” to be sinless and righteous even if you continue in sin. That is how they read the statements “righteousness which is by faith” and “justify the heathen through faith.” I've seen Christian ministers quote verse 5 above and conclude that it is saying all you have to do is “hear” the word and that is faith, even though we just read in James where he tells us “be not hearers only but doers” and Christ said that he that “hears only” shall not inherit the kingdom. When a man lives by “the hearing of faith” it means he is hearing the Spirit. If a man is obeying the Holy Spirit he does not need a written law to obey the Father. A man who “hears”

through faith will “live by that faith” because the faith and the hearing causes that man to obey the Father by the Spirit, rather than by the dead letter of the law. That was the message of Paul, not that we don't obey God, not that we don't stop sinning, but contrary, we do all of those things but we don't do them by working the written written law. And why not? Because the law is not faith according to Paul. One does not need any faith at all to read a law and try to do what that law says! Yet, if that is how you plan to live you are in trouble, because the “just live by faith” and not by “the written law.” If you attempt to reach perfection and righteousness and to please God by keeping a written law, you will fail for you cannot please God by keeping a written law. There's more to pleasing God than just reading a rule book and following. God is a living God and he wants you to hear him and to obey. The law was never intended to bring us to perfection and sinlessness. It never promised to give you that. The law is an instruction book. It is a tool used by the Holy Spirit to teach you and guide you into true obedience which is by faith. Paul goes into that in chapter 5 saying “the law is our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ.” They twist that as well, and have it to say that once we “believe” in Jesus we no longer have to obey at all, not even by the Spirit. They teach that once you become a “believer” (belief only with no works) you are now considered “perfect” and “sinless” already. They, again don't understand what “believer” really means. So, they do not understand what “true faith” is but they also don't understand what is true repentance. That is why they read Romans 4 and Galatians 3 but do not understand, giving those teachings the opposite meaning than was ever intended.

19: TRUE REPENTANCE There is a large body of people who have completely twisted what it means to have “imputed righteousness.” To them, there is no need to repent of your sins. You don't have to “stop sinning” as a believer, they say, because you have “righteousness” and “perfection” imputed to you once you “believe” in Jesus. They have even changed the definition of repentance itself. The original word used for “repentance” in the New Testament (with the exception of one verse which we will look at shortly) is the Chaldean word “metanoia” (μετάνοια, ας, ἡ) which actually means “to reverse direction, to change one's mind, thinking, or ways,” and by implication means to “reverse a decision to do something.” Metanoia comes from the Chaldean word for “repent” which is “metanoeo” (μετανοώ). It means “to think differently or rethink afterwards, to reconsider.” That is what was meant in scripture when it says to “repent.” Yet, let's look at how the modern world has changed the meaning: From Merriam-Webster's Dictionary: “Repent- to feel or show that you are sorry for something bad or wrong that you did and that you want to do what is right.” Using the modern definition of repent and coupling that with their application of Romans 7 to the believers, it becomes obvious that they do not believe the Bible definition of “true repentance” is even possible for the believer. We must only look at a few key verses from Romans 7 to understand the mindset of those who are living in this error. Romans 7: “14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me.” The above text describes the modern version of repentance. The carnal man, who is sold under sin, does not “want” to do what he is doing and feels remorse for his actions but cannot seem to stop doing it. He is “willing” to do good rather than evil but cannot find the way to do the good. Furthermore, this “carnal man” who is “sold under sin” wants to do good but only ever finds that evil is “present” with him. Finally, the conclusion is that it's not them doing the sin, it's this mysterious “sin force” that dwells inside them. This “sin curse.” That is the modern Christian take on repentance. That is the very definition of repent. “to feel or show that you are sorry for something bad or wrong that you did and that you want to do what is right.” By that definition, every human being who ever lived was “repentant.” Except of course for sociopaths who feel no remorse and those who have no idea that what they are doing is even wrong, (those who have no law or morality to tell them to feel guilty). If repentance is just feeling sorry for your sins and wanting to change then everyone under the law, who consents that the law is right and good is a “repentant” sinner. That's what he says in verse 16: “If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.”

Paul here has said that by my admitting that what I am doing is wrong, and by repenting and expressing a desire not to do it anymore, I am consenting that the law is good. Common sense, therefore dictates that modern repentance as it is taught today strengthens the law, because “sin is the strength of the law,” (1 Corinthians 15: 56) and without sin there can be no repentance. There can be no repentance without the law because where there is no law sin is not “imputed.” Romans 5: “13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. “ So, when Christ calls for the seven churches of Asia Minor (in Revelation) to “repent” Christ was in error under modern theology. Why? Because Christ was dictating those letters to his Churches, the believers, and according to modern theology there is no repentance after you “believe.” In order to repent one must be “under the law” and the modern Christians teach we are no longer under the law. The law no longer applies, and our sin is “not imputed” to the believer! Modern theology teaches that a believer need only repent once. That in fact, repentance after one is a believer is impossible! Hebrews 6: 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. The “once saved always saved” crowd uses the above verses as proof that no one can “fall away” or lose one's salvation. Their argument is very simple, if you could lose your salvation you would be doomed forever because the law is done away with after you repent. You are no longer under the law and cannot “repent” again. Most of them will tell you that you “repent once” then all of your sins (whether they be past, present or future) are summarily forgiven as long as you believe and call upon the name of the Lord Jesus when you repent. Repentance is done once according to them. It's another one of those common thread ideas that is found in all of the various denominations. We must ask the common sense question, if sin is not imputed and God does not see our sin, why would Christ call for believers to “repent” and “do the first works? Revelation 2: 5 “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 2: 16 “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 2:21

“And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 2:22 “Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 3:3 “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 3:19 “9 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” In the book of Revelation Christ speaks to all seven churches that existed in that day and time and he said that not only does he still see their sins, their sins are still imputed to them, and he calls them all to “repent.” So much for the idea that believers have no more sin, even if they sin all the time, because they are “no longer under the law.” So much for the teaching that only the non believer must repent. Paul himself (remember Paul, the one they credit for first teaching we don't have to stop sinning). Paul said that if you are not being chastised for your sin, you are not a “son” but a “bastard child.” How are you going to be “chastised” and disciplined for your sins if God doesn't even see them anymore? How are you going to be chastised for sins that are no longer “imputed” to you? Hebrews 12: “3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 You have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks unto you as unto children, My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives. 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as he does with sons; for what son is he whom the father does not chasten? 8 But if you be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then you are nothing but bastards, and not sons.” How can you be punished and disciplined for sins if your sins are not imputed to you anymore and you are considered“perfect” and “righteous?” The answer is, you cannot be punished at all for sins that God doesn't even recognize. If you are without sin you are “no longer under the law” and you cannot be disciplined for disobeying the law! Yet, here is Paul saying if you aren't chastised for sin you are a bastard. Those who teach that God no longer sees their present sins, or their future sins, are not “sons” of God, for they cannot be chastised, nor can they be scourged when they sin. They are “bastards.” Peter called them “cursed children.” They who “cannot cease from sin.”

2 Peter 2: “14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: “ If believer's sins are not “imputed to them” then why does Christ call for them to “repent?” Furthermore, if Christ is waiting for us to “repent” then how can we say that our sins are not “imputed” to us and God doesn't see them? Those who have fallen into this deception can never be raptured. Christ is waiting for us to “repent.” He's holding back the day of his return not willing that any of us should perish, waiting for us to repent. Yet, those who say their sins are not “imputed” to them and that they are already righteous and perfect by imputation, are never going to repent, believing they have nothing for which to repent. They will “perish” at his second coming. 2 Peter 3: “9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” True repentance is to turn your back on your wickedness and do righteousness. That has always been repentance in scriptures. We see this most clearly in Ezekiel: Ezekiel 18: “21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.” When scripture says that a man of faith is not “imputed” with sin, it's talking about past sins. It's talking about a man turning from his wickedness and unbelief and walking in righteousness through faith. At that point, Ezekiel promises, “all his transgressions that he has committed (past tense) shall not be mentioned.” (Not be imputed). We know it's only talking about past sins for look what it says about the man if he turns back to his wickedness again: Ezekiel 18: “24 But when the righteous turns away from his righteousness, and commits iniquity (sin), and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All his righteousness that he has done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass and in his sin that he has sinned, in them shall he die. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ezekiel 18: “26 When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, and dies in them; for his iniquity that he has done shall he die.” Then, just for emphasis, Ezekiel repeats that in order to truly repent and receive eternal life the wicked must turn his back on his wickedness: Ezekiel 18: “28 Because he considers, and turns away from all his transgressions that he has committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.” The tradition Biblical concept of “repentance” has always been and always will be “turning

your back” on sin and moving in the “opposite direction.” Changing your mind. Reversing your previous intentions to sin and making a commitment to do what is right and good. Those who teach the version of repentance in which all you can do is “be sorry” for your sin, also teach that the only way to be “just” or “justified” in the sight of God is by the proxy righteousness of the Son of God. They teach, erroneously so, that not even faith justifies you (contrary to scripture) but that only the shed blood of Jesus Christ justifies. Yet, Paul taught that a man is justified by faith, and justified by grace, and justified by the blood of Christ, while James taught that a man is justified by faith and the works that result from that faith. Romans 5: “1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: “ Many Christians now deny that we are justified by faith, saying rather that we are only justified by the “blood” of Jesus. This they take from the following verse: Romans 5: “8 But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” So, from the same chapter we get two conflicting statements. First, it says we are “justified by faith” then it says we are “justified by his blood.” Those who want to destroy the true message of righteousness by faith and the true repentance that leads to Godliness in our deeds, have perverted the message of Romans 5. Let's look at some modern translations in order to thoroughly see how they have changed its meaning: New Living Translation: Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us Holman Christian Standard Bible: Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. See how they have changed the pure simple message that by faith we believe in the power of God to bring us to Christlike perfection and Holiness to “we have been declared righteous in God's sight.” Not that we are righteous, mind you, no, they teach we remain sinners, sinning every day until the end of our lives but God doesn't see our sins, he “declares” us righteous simply because we “believe” in Jesus. The true irony, of course, is that he who truly believes in Jesus is going to obey Jesus' words and do his works (righteousness) and therefore would be “declared righteous” because they “do righteousness.” Even as John wrote “Don't be deceived he that does righteousness is righteous even as he is righteous.” (1 John 3:7) When we Google this subject on the internet it becomes clear that there is great confusion in the world about this. People don't understand. They think that James and Paul were contradicting each other. One saying that we are “justified by works” and the other saying we are “justified by faith,” and if that isn't confusing enough, we then have Paul changing his mind mid chapter and saying we are “justified by the blood of Christ.” It never occurs to them that perhaps James and Paul are both right. While James focuses on how our faith brings true works and by this we are justified. Even

under James' teaching it can be said that we are justified by faith, for the faith brings the works. James concludes that faith without works is dead. Paul, on the other hand focuses on how works without faith are equally as dead as faith without works. He shows us how, if we were justified by works alone, we wouldn't need faith. Conversely, if we are justified by faith alone who needs works? That is where the apostates go wrong. Furthermore, Paul didn't really contradict himself when he says first “we are justified by faith” then “we are justified by the blood.” Because we wouldn't have our faith or our works without the blood. That faith and those works come only by the grace of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, sent as a result of Christ's shed blood. So all three statements therefore are true. We are justified by the blood. We are justified by faith. We are justified by works (that result from that faith). A man who walks in sin is never “justified.” Scripture makes that abundantly clear and states that the only way to be “just” is to turn from your wickedness and “do that which is right.” Ezekiel clearly states that only he who does righteousness is “justified:” Ezekiel 18 5 But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, 6 And has not eaten upon the mountains, neither has lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither has defiled his neighbor's wife... … 8 He that has not given forth upon usury, neither has taken any increase, that has withdrawn his hand from iniquity, has executed true judgment between man and man, 9 Has walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord God.” When we consider all the scriptures as a whole it becomes obvious that true repentance is to turn your back on sin. To have a “change of mind” in which you determine to walk righteous before the Lord. This can only come by true faith. Furthermore, it is a free gift for, God did not require us to turn from our wicked ways before he sent his Son to die for us and shed his blood. As Paul puts it, “while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” This is why our salvation is “not by works of righteousness which we have done” (through faith) but ultimately we are “saved by grace through faith, and that not of ourselves it is a gift of God.” Titus 3: “5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” So now we see that there is a fourth way we are “justified.” Paul says to Titus in verse 7 we are “being justified by his grace.” How can this be? For the same reason we are justified by faith, by works of faith, and by the blood of Christ! All three of those things could not be possible without grace. This explains why, even though we walk by faith in the Son of God and so fulfill the law of righteousness in our bodies, we are still not saved by works, but by grace. Ephesians 2:

“8 For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, in case any man wants to boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.” We do not perform works of righteousness in order to be saved. Christ died to save us in order that we could perform works of righteousness . Those who say that preaching righteousness and holiness through faith is preaching “salvation by works,” simply do not understand what it means to be “righteous by faith.” So, now, in order to fully grasp true faith, true works, true repentance we must come to a full understanding of the fourth way the Apostles identified how we are justified. Namely, by “true grace.”

20: TRUE GRACE When modern churches talk about grace it can have very different meanings depending upon the particular “brand” of faith. There are, however a few aspects of grace upon which the majority of Christians agree. We must identify those aspects of grace first before we can determine if any have strayed on this point. In the Old Testament the word “grace” has one primary definition (except in Ezra 9:8). The Hebrew word for “grace” is: “Khane” (‫ )חסד‬which means, “favor, or “preferential treatment.” In Ezra 9:8 the word “techinnah” which is basically “graciousness,” and is used when a person treats everyone with “favor,” or in the connotation of “supplication.” Christians say it this way: “unmerited favor.” In the New Testament the word grace has one primary meaning (except in James 1:11). The primary word for grace in Greek (Chaldean) is: “Khares” (χάρις). It actually is where we get the word “caress” from. It denotes a “free gift,” primarily God giving of himself freely without merit. In James he uses the word: euprepeia, (εὐπρέπεια ) which means- “goodly or beautiful in appearance or countenance.” No matter how one defines grace, we soon discover that modern Christians regard “grace” as something that was brought in by the cross of Christ. It is almost unanimously taught this way. Christ brought grace and before that mankind was enslaved to the law. That is the basic gist of the modern “grace” teachers. Yet, is this supported in scripture? Did the Hebrews before Christ, under the law have “grace?” The word “grace” appears 38 times in the Old Testament. The following people were said to have “found grace” before Christ was ever crucified. 1. Noah (Genesis 6:8) 2. Lot (Genesis 19: 19) 3. Moses (Exodus 33) 4. Gideon (Judges 6: 17) 5. The remnant of the House of Israel (Ezra 9: 8) 6. Christ- The Coming King (Psalms 45: 2) 7. All who walk uprightly (Psalms 84: 11) 8. The son who hears his father's instruction and forsakes not the law of his mother. (Proverbs 1: 9) 9. The man who seeks wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 3: 22) 10.

The humble (Proverbs 3: 34)

11.

He who exalts wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 4: 9)

12. He that loves pureness of heart (Proverbs 22: 11) 13. The survivors among the people of Israel in the wilderness (Jeremiah 31: 2) 14. The house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Zechariah 12: 10)

15. Christ as a child (Luke 2: 40) 16. The Word made flesh (John 1: 14) 17. The disciples of Christ (John 1: 16-17) Grace- Not Just For The Hebrews Anymore Scriptures don't lie. Grace was in the world, and God was granting his grace to his people long before Christ ever died on the cross. In fact, it wasn't even known that grace was being offered to the gentiles after Christ's death. Not at first. Until Paul began to preach the gospel to the Gentiles it was thought that grace was only for the Hebrews. The modern Christian dogma is that Christ ushered in grace when he died on the cross. They actually call the days following Christ's death and resurrection “the age of grace.” Yet, we now see that grace was in the world from the beginning. It did not begin with Christ. There is one scripture above all that drives home just how in error popular teaching is on the subject of grace. Romans 5: 14 “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. “ Notice that it does not say that death reigned from Adam unto Christ! That is how it is being preached by Christians the world over. It's taught that the world was lost in the death of the sin curse, the curse of the law which brought only death, until Christ came, shed his blood, and brought grace. Yet, see above, Paul says death only reigned from Adam to Moses. Why? Because within the law of Moses was grace, atonement and forgiveness of sins, the blotting out of the handwriting of the ordinance. These things which Christians claim are exclusive to Christ, and only available through Christ's sacrifice were ALL available to the Hebrews under the law and under the blood sacrifices of animals for atonement and for cleansing of sins. They are not just in error on this point, they outright deceive, calling God a liar. They teach that grace was not available under the law. They teach that the blood animals could never really “atone” for sin or bring forgiveness. Evidently, God lied when he instituted these sacrifices (according to the teaching). When God told Israel that their sins would be forgiven and they would be granted “grace” through the blood sacrifice of lambs, and other creatures, God lied. They teach “atonement” didn't work and God couldn't forgive nor grant grace to anyone until after Christ died. those things really couldn't atone and bring grace to them who turned to them. That is what is taught. They teach that grace comes only through Christ's shed blood. Scripture, however, as we have already seen does not support this. Grace was in the world and was being shed abroad as far back as Genesis. In fact, Christians have for centuries taught that everyone who lived before Christ, even the Jews all went to hell. Here is the scripture they use: John 3:

“13 And no man has ascended up to Heaven, but he that came down from Heaven, even the Son of man which is in Heaven. “ Christians unanimously use the above verse to prove that Jesus is actually God and that he literally “came down” from Heaven when he was born. Therefore, Jesus is saying here that “no man has ever gone to Heaven” at that point. In Christian theology there are two possible places you go when you die. Heaven, or Hell. Now, the Catholics used to have pergatory and limbo but those have been suspended. Even the Catholics now teach that you either go to Heaven or hell when you die. Therefore, Christ has stated in John 3: 13 that none of the Jews who lived before him went to Heaven. No man had ever gone to Heaven. They, therefore, all went to hell according to basic Christian dogma. Indeed, Christians say openly that the blood sacrifices of old which Israel used to atone for their sins couldn't really atone for sins. They get this idea from the following verse in Hebrews: Hebrews 10: “4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5 Wherefore when he comes into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou would not, but a body hast thou prepared me:” It is the Christian teaching that blood atonement under the law could not really “atone” nor could it “cleanse you of sin.” They teach that is why Christ had to come and die, so he could bring the real atonement, the real grace, the real forgiveness. This leads us to the inescapable conclusion that all the Hebrews of the Old Testament, all who died under the old atonement of animal blood sacrifice, died without real atonement. They died without having “their sins taken away” by forgiveness. They died without grace. That is the position of those in error! For they teach that the blood of Christ “takes away sin” through grace and forgiveness and that the comers unto the blood of Christ are now “perfect” and “declared righteous,” by forgiveness. They further teach that such a thing was not available under the Old Law of animal sacrifices. The Christian position on this is horribly in error. God promised the Israelites that they would have “atonement” and forgiveness under the old law of animal sacrifices. Was God lying? So why did the author of Hebrews say “it is impossible for the blood of animals to take away sins?” Because the author is not talking about “atonement” alone there. He's not talking about “taking away the penalty of the sin.” He's not talking about “taking away the punishment of sin by forgiveness.” He's not talking here about our sins “no longer being imputed.” He's talking about having your sins “taken away,” so that you no longer sin, and are perfect and sinless before God. That is what the blood of Christ promises that the law could not. For you see, by the blood of Christ the Holy Spirit was sent into the world (and could not be sent without Christ's shedding of his own blood). The Holy Spirit brings the promise of us to “live” in righteousness by faith. It promises to make us “perfect” in deed, not just “declared perfect.” There is the promise of our “overcoming sin” completely. The law never promised this, which is why there were “yearly” sacrifices set up in the law, until the end of time. God knew when he created the animal sacrifices that the people who used them were going to sin until the day they died and were going to have to repeat those

sacrifices over and over again because of the “new” sins. If the author of Hebrews is saying that animal sacrifices could not provide grace, atonement and forgiveness, if he's saying they could not “cleanse” a person from past sins, then he's contradicting himself, for in the previous chapter he said animal blood could provide purification of the flesh from past sins. Hebrews 9: “13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” The author here states quite clearly that animal blood sacrifice could indeed “sanctify” and “purify” the flesh from past sins! He also states that the only way Christ's blood could do the same is if animal blood could do it. In other words, if animal blood “can sanctify” then Christ's blood can sanctify “more.” The following contraposition can be stated from this: If animal blood can sanctify then so can Christ's blood, therefore, if animal blood cannot sanctify, then neither can Christ's blood. The author of Hebrews states that the only way Christ's blood works for sanctification is if the principal of shed blood found in the law works. If that principal does not work and did not work (as Christians claim) then Christ's shed blood accomplishes nothing. The only way Christ's blood sanctifies is if animal blood indeed could sanctify, for Christ is the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Common sense dictates that if the figure, the literal lamb's blood does not atone then that which the figure represents, (Christ the lamb) does not work. If lamb's blood does not take away and cleanse the flesh of past sins, then neither can Christ's the Lamb of God's blood. This all should be common sense. Animal blood could “cleanse and purify” the flesh from the penalty of sin. If that' were all that Christ's blood does, his blood need not to have been shed. Yet, Christ's blood does more than that. What Christ's blood does that animal blood could not do is bring the promise of some day living without sin. The hope of having no more sin for which to atone. That is what the Hebrews author states. Hebrews 10: “1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshipers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.” We are “made perfect” by the blood sacrifice of the Son of God, through the coming of the Holy Spirit and our submission to the same in faith. Hebrews 11: 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. Those without us will “not be made perfect” and those with us (in faith) shall be made made perfect. The “grace” and the “forgiveness” they are teaching comes from the blood of Christ the same exact grace and forgiveness that was available to the house of Israel under the old law! The only thing that has changed, according to them, is Christ sheds his own blood once, rather than shedding animals year after year. So, Christ had to die simply to save us the “convenience” of having to shed animal blood every year? Really? When they teach that atonement didn't really work under animal sacrifices, they nullify the purpose of the cross. Christ's death then makes no real sense. Why did he have to die, just to bring us the same atonement and forgiveness we already had under the law? If all we gain is “forgiveness” from sins (past, present and future) by Christ's shed blood then Christ died in vain for we could have gained the same thing by continuing to sacrifice animals year after year. Therefore the forgiveness being offered in the modern Christian gospel is the same grace and forgiveness offered under the law. Whereby, blood is shed and then because we believe in this shed blood we are “imputed as righteous.” Paul said that if all we get is “imputed” righteousness, if the only righteousness we can expect from the blood of Christ is the same righteousness they could gain from the law (through animal sacrifices) then Christ died completely in vain. Galatians 2: “21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. “' What does Paul mean by “I don't frustrate the grace of God?” He's saying that true grace through faith brings a changed heart and a changed life where we walk away from sin. He's saying that to continue in sin after you receive grace is to “frustrate grace.” That is precisely what they did under the old law. They sinned, were cleansed by blood, then went out and sinned again. It was built right into the law for the law has the blood being shed year after year. Christ died once. He died to bring grace, true grace. Under the old law it was anticipated that sins would be repeated, hence the yearly sacrifice. Under the New Covenant in Christ's blood grace is sent and the Holy Spirit is sent to “purge” us of sin, so that we eventually are “without sin” by his grace and faith. To say we only have “forgiveness” of sins and “imputed righteousness” is to revert back to the LAW, in which case Christ is then dead in vain for you could have sacrificed an animal to gain the forgiveness you are talking about. You nullify the cross. True grace through Christ's atonement doesn't just promise forgiveness, it promises power to overcome the sin and put it behind you completely. That is precisely why the author of Hebrews said that when they go back to their lives of sin after receiving Christ's sacrifice they “crucify the Lord afresh.” Hebrews 6: If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

21: THE HOPE OF SALVATION The way grace is taught these days, if we take it on face value and apply what scripture says about grace, it becomes apparent that they are actually teaching “Universalism.” Unwittingly perhaps, but they are teaching it nonetheless. What is Universalism? Christian Universalism is a school of Christian theology which includes the belief in the doctrine of universal reconciliation, the view that all human beings will ultimately be restored to a right relationship with God in Heaven, and the New Jerusalem.

It's the teaching that everyone goes to Heaven in the end. Everyone is saved. How can Christians be unwittingly teaching such a thing, being that they clearly state in their doctrines of faith that one must accept their Christ in order to be saved? When you examine modern Christian teachings on grace and the purpose of the cross and then apply those principles to what scripture teaches, you are left with no other choice but to accept Universalism. This is simply and easily proved. First, Christians teach that we are “justified by the blood.” It is unanimously accepted that Christ finished the work of salvation on the cross, at the moment he died. His shed blood, therefore is our only salvation. (According to them). How does this equate to “Universalism?” Because scripture says that Christ died (shed his blood) for the “sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2: “2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Timothy 4:10 “10 For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those that believe.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ephesians 1:7 “7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; “ If all one needs is the shed blood of Jesus in order to be “justified” and saved, and if that salvation is “regardless of what you do or don't do,” then the whole world is saved, because Christ's blood covers the sins of the whole world according to 1 John 2: 2. This conclusion is inescapable. Christians also teach that we are saved by grace and “justified by grace” alone. How does this equate to Universalism? The entire world has been given the grace of the cross of Christ. Common sense dictates that if Christ died for the “sins of the whole world” then the whole world's sins are forgotten and nailed to the cross. The whole world is now “imputed as righteous.” The whole world has grace. Indeed, scripture says that the grace of the cross has been shed upon the world. Colossians 1: “5 For the hope which is laid up for you in Heaven, whereof you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and brings forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day you heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Titus 2: “11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, “ Let's approach this logically shall we? Popular teaching says that we are saved by grace alone, and grace has been granted to all men through the blood of Christ shed for the entire world. Yet, here's where Christians then contradict their own teachings. While they say we are “saved by grace through faith” and that it is “regardless of what we do or don't do,” whenever you point out the obvious Universalistic underpinnings of their teaching they say, “but no, you have to believe in Jesus.” Hold the phone! We are saved by grace and it is “regardless” of what you do or don't do! Right? We are saved by the “blood of the Lamb,” and nothing else? When Christ hung on the cross he said “it is finished,” (thus completing the work of salvation) and he hung on the cross “for the whole world.” Isn't that what Christians teach? Christians can't seem to make up their minds. Do we have to “walk in faith” and show forth through our “confession” and our lives of service, showing that we are true believers in order to be saved or are we saved by “grace” alone and by the “finished work of the shedding of Christ's blood on the cross?” Both cannot be true! If the latter is true then the whole world is saved according to their teaching when we take the scriptures to heart that say “Christ died for the sins of the whole world.” Christ's atonement was for “the whole world.” By the blood you're sins are atoned for, your sins are “not imputed” to you, therefore the sins of the world are no longer “imputed,” for he shed his blood “for the whole world.” Again, it's irrefutable. Clearly, there's more to salvation than just having your sins paid for on the cross and having the blood of Christ shed for you. Surely there's more involved to being saved than just “God's shed grace” on you. Otherwise, why would anyone have to receive Christ or even believe in him? He died for the “sins of the whole world,” and it says “especially for them that believe.” It doesn't say “only for them that believe.” Their own teachings of grace preclude the requirement of receiving Christ and accepting him because those are works and they teach clearly that grace is “without works,” and salvation is without works. There is a huge hole in their teaching that atheists on the internet drive a truck through on a daily basis. You cannot have it both ways. You cannot say that Christ died for the sins of the whole world and that grace has been offered to all men as a result of that death, also say that we are “justified” by Christ's sacrifice alone, also say that grace has nothing to do with what you do or don't do, and then turn right around and preach that you must “ask Jesus into your heart” to be saved. Asking Christ into your heart or saying any sort of prayer whatsoever in order to be saved is “doing something” to be saved, which is “salvation by works.” Clearly! Yes, it's so easy to see that there is something wrong with the modern Christian concept of “salvation” that even the non believing atheists can spot the holes. Christians have a saying:

“Christ died for you but if you say this isn't so, then I guess he didn't die for you.” That is a direct contradiction to their own scripture! It does not say that Christ died only for those who believe! It says “while we were yet sinners” (non believers) Christ died for us!” (Romans 5:8). Again, let's apply their logic to faith itself. Christians conclude that because Christ died while they were yet sinners and while they were yet unrighteous therefore righteousness is not required for salvation, and we are not required to stop sinning. Well, Christ also died while they were yet “unbelievers.” By this same logic therefore, belief is not required for salvation! Clearly their logic is flawed. We know that belief (faith) is a requirement for salvation, even though Christ died while we yet had no faith. Christ's death was not contingent upon us believing. Christ died for us and he did not require us to stop being an “unbeliever,” first. Do we conclude that since he died while we were “unbelievers” we can remain “unbelievers” and still be saved? Therefore, it is illogical to conclude that since Christ died while we were yet sinners, this must mean we are not required to stop sinning. They say that grace, forgiveness and salvation are all unconditional and that the work of their salvation was finished the moment Christ died, but then they add conditions to that salvation. Some of the conditions they add: You must confess you are a sinner. (That is a work, a condition). You must believe in Jesus as your personal savior. (That is a work, a condition). You must accept Jesus into your heart. (Work). You must say the sinner's prayer. (Works). Either salvation is a “free gift” brought on by the sacrifice of Christ, in which case all are saved for Christ “died for the sins of the whole world,” or salvation has requirements upon the believer. Both cannot be true. Modern Christians like to play both ends against the middle. Their entire teaching on salvation is complete hypocrisy, for they say they don't have to “do anything” to be saved but put on all these stipulations upon the unbeliever, what he must “do” to be saved. It's hypocritical because the Bible says that Christ died for the unbeliever as well as the believer. In fact, the Bible says everyone was an unbeliever when Christ died! The Bible concludes all in “unbelief.” Romans 11: “32 For God has concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. “ Salvation is now being offered to all men, so where do the Christians get off saying salvation is only offered to “them that believe?” They were unbelievers when Christ died! Scripture concludes all men in unbelief. So, if Christ died for them while they were still unbelievers, where do Christians get off saying that Christ only died for you if you are a believer? Their teaching that all you need is “grace” and “the blood atonement of the finished work of Christ” is contradicting everything else they teach themselves about being saved. Clearly, since Christ died for the whole world, Just the fact that Christ died for me does not save me (even though Christ's death is sufficient to save me if I believe). If one is saved merely because Christ died for them, the whole world is already saved and religion and faith, belief is pointless. It's been rendered moot by Christ, who finished the world's salvation on the cross!

The Apostles did not teach that we aren't required to “do anything for salvation,” they would not have taught that for Christ made it clear that “only they who do the will of his Father” shall be saved. (Matthew 7:21). Christ taught, “he that endures to the end, the same shall be saved,” (Matthew 24: 13) and the Apostles taught “work out your own salvation with much fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2: 12). So, what is the true Biblical concept of “salvation?” To attempt to define salvation in scripture would require a whole book in and of itself. For our purposes we only need “summarize” generally what is “salvation.” Basically, it is unanimously agreed upon that salvation means, “to rescue, to set free, to save, to help in distress, to deliver, to ransom.” When most modern Christians say they are “saved” what they actually mean is they are “saved from the punishment of their sin, they are rescued from God's wrath, they are delivered from the consequences of their actions.” In short, they are “set free from the ravages of sin.” This is not to mean they believe they are set free “from sin” itself. No. Christians do not believe a human being can truly ever be “free from sin.” So, salvation to most Christians means “saved from punishment” and not saved from the behavior that brings the punishment. As you can well imagine, this is a huge problem. As we saw earlier, salvation, according to scripture is a “hope.” It's something one must “apprehend” and “attain,” through perseverance and endurance. Matthew 24: “13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Philippians 2: “12 Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Thessalonians 5: “18 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Peter 1: “5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Romans 13: “11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” Salvation is not just a way for our souls to get to Heaven. It's not just “eternal life” or the “promise of eternal life” (although it is both of those things). Salvation is “redemption” of our bodies as well: Romans 8:

“23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, for the purpose of the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for it? 25 But if we hope for that we do not yet see, then do we with patience wait for it.” We are not just saved spiritually. Our entire being is saved, including our bodies, which are preserved (saved) through sinless perfection, through a transformation and a renewing of our minds. 1 Thessalonians 5: “23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. “ The Ransom Paid Scripture depicts Christ as having saved us by “paying a ransom.” Mark 10: “45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” 1 Timothy 2: “6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. “ Christianity once taught the “ransom theory of atonement.” The ransom theory of atonement is a doctrine which relates to the meaning and effect of the death of Jesus Christ. The theory was first proposed by Origen. It teaches that the death of Christ was to “pay the price” for our sins and to “pay the ransom.” Depending on which sect of Christianity you listen to, the ransom is said to have been paid to Satan, or to death itself, or paid to God Himself. The idea is that Christ had to satisfy the debt in order to “free” humankind from “inherited” or “Original Sin.” "Redemption" literally means "buying back." It was common practice to take all POW's you captured and put them into slavery. It was then, also common practice that if your enemy wanted these POW's back they had to pay the “ransom.” The “ransom theory” teaching relies on Mark 10:45 and 1 Timothy 2: 5-6 shown above. The main idea is that a person's sins have "sold them under sin and that these sins alienate them from God, until Jesus, by shedding his own blood ransomed people from death (by paying the penalty for their sins). There was some debate for centuries as to whom Christ had to pay this ransom. The ransom theory has since evolved until it's widely accepted that the meaning of the ransom theory should not be taken in terms of a business transaction (who receives payment), but rather as the emancipation of human beings from the bondage of sin and death. The theory evolved then to the “satisfaction” theory of atonement which says that Jesus Christ suffered the crucifixion as a substitute for human sin, satisfying God due to Christ's infinite merit. However, some still do preach the “ransom paid to Satan” view of atonement, such as Anabaptist and some Pentecostals (like Kenneth Copeland Ministries). The word “ransom” used in Mark 10 is not the same word that was used in 1 Timothy 2.

Mark 10 uses the word: is the “lutron” (λύτρον) which means “something to loosen with.” The word used in 1 Timothy 2 is: antilutron (ἀντίλυτρον) which means “redemption price, ransom price.” So Christians have once again unanimously missed the meaning of “ransom.” Both Mark 10 and Timothy 2 say that Christ himself is the ransom, not that he paid a ransom. Christ is the ransom. His life for our life. The only question that remains is what are we “loosened” from by this ransom? From what are we set free? That is really no mystery. While Christians are debating whether God is paid the ransom, or Satan, or death himself we can go to the scriptures and find out who or what held us captive then the answer to that question will become obvious. Christ made this clear. John 8: “31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33 They answered him, We are Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: why do you say, You shall be made free? 34 Jesus answered them, Truly, truly, I say unto you, Whoever commits sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant does not live in the house: but a Son abides forever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” Christ gave himself as a ransom to set us free from the bondage of the sin itself. Paul explained this in even greater detail: Romans 6: “15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Don't you know that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that you were the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, you became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as you have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when you were the servants of sin, you were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had you then in those things whereof you are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God,

you have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Our salvation, our great hope is to be “glorified” some day, even as Christ rose from the dead and was “glorified.” This cannot happen, however, unless we purge ourselves of sin and walk “free from sin” in the Power Christ has given us by his own shed blood. We cannot inherit the Kingdom by walking in flesh. Only by yielding to the Holy Spirit and being a “servant of righteousness,” can we inherit eternal life. So, the hope of salvation is actually “the hope of Glory.” That some day our bodies will be “glorified” into sinless, perfect, and immortal bodies. Many erroneously teach that we have to wait for the Lord's return for this and therefore it would be futile to strive for sinless bodies. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

22: THE HOPE OF GLORY There are no two words from New Testament Scripture more misunderstood than "hope" and "mystery." As usual, the "mainstream" approach to these very important words has not come anywhere close to the mark. You will find many an internet site which provides a list of the various New Testament scriptures about “the mystery” and these sites represent them as “many mysteries” in the Bible. The scriptures do not speak of “many” mysteries, but only speak of the same mystery. Through the Spirit and by pouring over the Bible fervently we can come to truly understand what the New Testament means when it says "the hope of our calling," and "the mystery of Christ." How can so many have missed it? Even the "scholars" and theologians" can't seem to agree. There are so many different opinions, you could probably spend a lifetime examining them all and never have read all the variants. Such is confusion and as we know God (Yahweh) is not the "author of confusion." When the New Testament talks about our "hope" we have in Christ, and the “mystery” it is, without exception, talking about the same thing. In every place you find them both mentioned there is a common theme. Colossians 1: “21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under Heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: 25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Timothy 3: “9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. “

~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Timothy 3: “15 But if I delay long, that you may know how you ought to behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Corinthians 2: “6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nothing: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. 10 But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ephesians 1: “9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he has purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both who are in Heaven, and who are on earth; even in him:” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ephesians 6: “19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mark 4: “11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ephesians 3: “3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I

wrote about before in few words, 4 Whereby, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ephesians 5: “32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Colossians 2: “2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Colossians 4: “3 In addition praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Corinthians 15: “51 Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be you steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as you know that your labor

is not in vain in the Lord.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 10: “7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he has declared to his servants the prophets.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Romans 11: “25 For I would not, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Romans 16: “25 Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:” The fact that in the New Testament, texts pertaining to the hope and mystery of Christ can be cross referenced to each other without exception is the most convincing evidence of all concerning the "harmony" of the New Testament. It's evidence that demands we take the "inspiration" of the New Testament seriously. No other two words so clearly demonstrate that the separate authors of the New Testament were all of "the same mind." Before we can discover what are “the hope” and the “mystery” it behooves us to first examine what they are not. The Rapture Is Not Our Hope In the last 150 years or so many apologists and students of eschatology have begun to use the phrase, “the hope of our calling" as a synonymous term for the "pre-tribulation rapture." They speak of "our blessed hope" then suddenly it turns into the often heard story about how in the end times man breaks a large spiritual mirror and there will be "seven years of bad spiritual luck on the earth," (seven year tribulation). They always quote Christ when he says "then shall be great tribulation" and they take this phrase, applying it in a haphazard method, to the book of Revelation, where twice it mentions a 3.5 year period. They then combine it with Daniel, in an elaborate mathematical formula to come up with a "seven year period" (or the final "week" spoken of by Daniel) which they call the great tribulation. They then take scriptures referring to "the mystery," and "the hope of our calling" and do even more contextual manipulation so they can misinterpret them to say that before this seven year period occurs on earth all the believers will be whisked away into Heaven, to "escape" the wrath of God. Pre-trib rapturists almost unanimously refer to this event as "the hope of our calling,” or “the blessed hope.”

Ironically, when our hope and the mystery of godliness are finally realized it indeed does culminate in the moment when “this mortal puts on immortality,” so they actually aren't far from the mark. However, our hope is the immortality, not some “great escape” from punishment for our many sins. The Hope Is Not Just The Resurrection The "hope of our calling" is also not "the resurrection" per se. The resurrection of our bodies is indeed a part of the “hope of salvation” but it's the end result, it's not the hope. The resurrection and salvation itself are the end result of our enduring in faith and growing in Grace "unto the coming of our Lord." It is the success of attaining to the Spiritual maturity promised us when we believe that is the actual hope of our calling. It's not that we “hope” for salvation. Righteousness is the “hope” itself and it's the “hope” that brings and leads to salvation. There is more to what we hope for than just "going to Heaven." I point this out, because some have removed "righteousness, obedience, and holiness" from salvation equation. To them, all a believer has to do is to be baptized as an infant, or as an adult, say "the sinner's prayer, (or perform other sacraments), go to "church," follow the precepts of our religion and you are "already saved." Interestingly enough it's mostly the “once saved always saved” crowd who are calling the rapture “the blessed hope.” This isn't surprising for if our salvation is “in the bag” if it's already a finished work, if we're already righteous in God's eyes as they say we are, then for what else would we have to hope? Those who say “I'm saved,” are left with nothing else for which to hope but some made up rapture. Since the scriptures so often mention "the hope of our calling," they must concoct something else in for which to hope. Enter the secret vanishing of the church before the great day of God's wrath! Thus they unabashedly replace the true hope of our calling (which is Christlike sinless perfection) with a man made belief in a "pre-tribulation rapture." It's disgusting when you think about it. They first take away the "hope" of righteousness through Christ, then replace it with an empty hope of "escaping" punishment for sin through some "vanishing away." The Mystery Is Not Mysticism One of the most glaring ways "the mystery" has been mishandled by popular teaching is to "mystify” everything! They love to quote the verses concerning "the mystery of Christ" or "the mystery of godliness," and use them to defend every mystically polluted doctrine that comes down the pike. Mysticism, has begun to sweep the world like a plague. Suddenly we are looking for “secret codes” in the number of letters of each word in the Bible! Let's be clear on this. When the New Testament talks about "the mystery of Messiah," it's not encouraging us to bring mysticism into the gospel. It's not talking about some "mystical hidden meaning" that can only be revealed by examining the "numeric values of scriptural words" or some other such nonsense. Now that we've talked briefly about what the hope and the mystery are not, let's examine what scriptures say are our hope and the mystery.

23: WHAT IS THE HOPE OF GLORY? The very first place "hope" is mentioned in the New Testament is: Luke 6: 34-35 "34 And if you lend to them of whom you hope to receive, what thanks have you? For sinners also lend to sinners to receive as much again. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind to the unthankful and to the evil." These words of Christ, the first place hope is mentioned at all in the New Testament, are the landmark scriptures defining "the hope of our calling!" These two verses not only explain exactly why, even though we do righteousness, salvation is not by works they also explain why, at the same time, good works are not done away with by the cross! In two simple verses Christ forever explains that good works are not done by the believer in “hopes” of earning salvation as a reward for those good works. Believers do good works for the sake of the works themselves, because they were commanded to do so by Christ and because it's just the right thing to do. Good works are their own reward and a true believer does them without “expectation” of return or reward! Therefore, Christ establishes here a "principle" of living which is not just a suggestion, it is a clear command to us about not only how we will behave, but he stipulates what should be in our heart when we do it (if our hearts are right with God). We do our acts of charity with no expectation of a reward. If we are doing good things in "hope for salvation" as a "reward" our hearts are not right according to Christ and we are in violation of his commands. His edict tells us not to do good to others in hopes of receiving some reward back! We should neither hope of having our charity "returned" to us in kind, nor should we hope God rewards us. (With salvation or with anything else). We do good out of faith, period, because it's what God's faithful servants, God's children, do. If we "love our enemies," we must do good for them, and do so without expecting anything for it. True obedience must come out of love motivation and not some expectation of reward. In the reverse, if I refuse to obey Christ's commands and to “do good” out of some sense that it the right thing to do because I'm “abstaining from self righteousness,” if I “avoid good works” and hope to receive a “well done good and faithful servant” because of my abstention, and all the while hoping to receive the reward of salvation by grace alone because I avoided good works, I am also violating this principle established by Christ. How so? Because I'm not doing good in hopes of being rewarded. I am hoping to receive grace and the reward of salvation for my great faith in that I believe in God's goodness to save me despite the fact I don't do any good. In this context, my not doing good is "works" and therefore my believing I receive salvation for not doing works is the same thing as believing in salvation by works. In this case, I would be saved by works of iniquity because those works make grace “abound.” As Martin Luther once wrote: “...Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong (sin boldly)...” If you follow Martin Luther's teaching, you are still “working for salvation” you are just doing

“works of iniquity” for them. (Let us continue in sin so that grace may abound). So, modern religions are correct when they teach that salvation is not by works. But then they turn around and say that our "blessed hope" is to be saved from wrath in a “rapture.” To add to that injury, they also say we are “already saved.” So they preach they have already received their reward for their lack of good works and as a reward for believing in God's grace, despite their sinful works, God has “declared them” good.” How is that NOT “salvation by works?” It's salvation by works, just not works of righteousness. It's salvation by works of sin which make Grace thrive. Salvation is a free gift therefore it can never be a reward. Neither for doing good, nor for believing in Grace while you “sin boldly.” Christ establishes here that even though salvation is not a reward for good works, the believer does the good works anyway. Many erroneously conclude that since salvation does not come by obedience, therefore obedience is now irrelevant. Those who do this reveal their hearts. They decide they don't have to obey because there's no “salvation” in it for them. They are already saved. It is like a child who is given an incentive to clean his or her room. They are promised cookies and milk if they clean their room. Then, the parent gives them the cookies and milk before they have done the chore. Basic human nature will have the child wondering, “why should I clean my room I already have the cookies and milk.” Those who say we don't have to do righteousness because it's not a way to be saved are basically saying they aren't going to obey the Father because there is no incentive to do so. They aren't going to hell for refusing to obey, so they don't have to obey. Many Christians live their lives in this. They say “you don't have to stop sinning to go to Heaven.” They don't realize that ceasing from sin has nothing at all to do with going to Heaven. A true child of God ceases from sin because they are children of God There can be, therefore, no "hope of reward" for their "faith" either since it does not lead to obedience and faith is a work. (Faith without works is dead). They have a way around this, however, by teaching they have already received the reward of salvation. They are like the children given the cookies before the chores. They have lost their incentive for they only do chores for reward. Now they don't have to “do the chores” and they say so openly. Yet, if they already have received their salvation, why do they still quote scripture which says salvation is "a hope? “ We know scripture speaks of a future "hope" that we have through our faith and persistence in obedience! There is a reward for our faith and our obedience. Colossians 3: “24 Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ. “ Indeed the Apostles call it a reward but we do not perform the faith and the obedience in hope of receiving that reward! Thus, even though our salvation is a direct result of our works wrought through faith that's not why we do them. Our salvation is the eradication of sin in us, which destroys death and brings eternal life. Therefore, righteousness is a reward in and of itself. Salvation is but a finished product of our faith and the resulting righteousness that comes brings about “eternal life” or “eternal reward.” The world teaches that salvation is a "hope of reward" for believing (namely eternal life)! If this were so then they contradict themselves, for believing is a "work" and if salvation is a reward for our faith, then salvation is of works! Thus, they erroneously conclude that faith

cannot be a work (for we are saved by faith and not of works). It would be more accurate for them to say "we are not saved by acts of obedience to the law" we are "saved by the work of faith." Paul puts it even better by saying "not by works of righteousness which we have done are we saved by the grace of God, through faith." We know that faith is the driving motivator of all true good works of righteousness. Therefore, just like we don't work in hope of reward, we don't have faith in hope of reward either. We have faith because God is faithful and through his love and grace has proved Himself. We have works because of our faith and none of this we do in hope of a salvation reward. In the same way, our faith brings forth "works of righteousness," not because we expect salvation rewards for those works but because the natural response to believing is to perform it. Modern teachers say our works are irrelevant when Christ himself commanded us to love one another. How can works be irrelevant if they are the commands of our Lord and savior? It's an offense to God to nullify the command of Christ and make it irrelevant. A true believer has faith because of God's love shed abroad and upon them. A true believer has righteousness because of that same love and would “love” even if there were no promise of eternal life at the end. So, Christ has totally lain to rest the notion that our "hope" is for rewards of salvation, eternal life, or anything else. He has made it clear that we should expect nothing in return for our faith (which equates to lack of good works in their minds) or our good works. He said we must not let our hope be in reward. Our hope is rather to perform and thus be called “the children of the Highest,” by our obedience. Our hope is not that we will receive a reward for "loving our enemies," but rather our hope is that we may learn to "love our enemies" and therefore be called the children of God! Many cannot see the distinction. True children of God have faith and do the works of Christ because they love as Christ loved and because it is the loving and right thing to do. The true child of God would do the works of Christ even if their were no eternal rewards offered! The conclusion on the part of many, that faith is regardless of works, reveals their true colors, for their reasoning is that if faith is of works and we are saved by faith, then salvation would be of works! As James pointed out, "believing" is also a work for indeed Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness, and it says that Abraham's faith was manifested by performance. Therefore saying that there can be no salvation reward for our works is the same as saying there can be no salvation reward for our belief (faith). It cannot enter into their minds that he who has faith does the work of righteousness not for reward of salvation, he does it because of his faith, hope and love! He that believes does so, not for reward, but because he or she believes. The second place that "hope" appears in the New Testament is a reference from the Old Testament: Acts 2: 26 "Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:" If we read the context of this verse we get a better understanding of what is our "hope!" The Apostle is attempting to show a group of Hebrews how the resurrection of Christ was predicted by King David himself and, moreover, show the significance of this resurrection. While it appears that David is saying our "hope" is the resurrection (and partly it is) we will come to understand that the resurrection (total salvation of mind, body, and soul) is the end

result of our journey of hope. In one way our hope is "the resurrection" because it is our hope is to be "righteous and holy," to "follow Christ wherever he goes,” which of course brings us to eternal life for we become “sons of God,” through righteousness by faith in Christ. Acts 2:33 "Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has shed forth this, which you now see and hear." The context of Acts Chapter 2 is very important in understanding what is the "hope of our calling." The Holy Spirit had just descended on a large group of people in a public place. This was the first such "public outpouring" of the Holy Spirit! The Apostle was saying that this outpouring was the "promise" and the hope" of which David spoke! Yet, one might ask, "if believers already have the Holy Spirit and the Spirit is the blessed hope, why do the Apostles say we yet "hope" seeing that the promise is fulfilled?" This is a very good question for you see, it's not just the Spirit which was the "promise" but what the Spirit does in us and through us that is our ultimate "hope." Actually, it's not the end result or final reward of receiving the Spirit that is the hope either (salvation and resurrection). The "hope of our calling" is to be a Son of God, to be conformed to the image of the Son of God. Christlike perfection. True repentance and "remission" (cessation) from sin! We see this even clearer in verses 38 and 39. Acts 2:38-39 "38 Then Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call!" There we have it, then. “As many as the Lord our God shall call!" The hope of our calling. The promise of a life in the Holy Spirit. To what purpose, according to the Apostle above, comes this great hope and calling? The Apostle says we receive this promise "for the remission of sins!" That is the purpose for which the power from High is sent unto the repentant heart! To give them the healing power, to watch their sin disease "go into remission!" The world defines remission of sins as "forgiveness of sins." This is not accurate at all. As we already discussed doctors use the term to this day to refer to when a disease ceases it's onslaught. If a cancer has stopped progressing and is no longer a threat you are said to be "in remission." If remission meant "forgiveness" this doesn't make much sense does it? Cancer goes into remission. Is our cancer something which others need to “forgive?” Forgive me of my cancer. Sure, you have “remission.” No, obviously that is not what remission means. Furthermore if "remission" of sins is "forgiveness" through "atonement" then again, as we said already, Christ died in vain to bring us remission of sins for we already had atonement and forgiveness (what they call “remission”) under the law through animal sacrifices. There can be no doubt here what is the intent of the words of the Apostle. He's saying

quite clearly that we now have a "promise" of being "free from sin.” We also know that Christ said he that commits sin is a “servant” to sin. There is no other conclusion, therefore, but that “freedom from sin” means we no longer commit sin, otherwise we are not free, but still enslaved. Sin will be gone! No good doctor will examine a patient who is still suffering from a disease, a disease which is still consuming the patient, and tell that patient, "you are in remission." If they do, they will be sued for malpractice. Theologians in this world who teach that you, as a believer, will "always" be a sinner should all be sued for "spiritual malpractice" for telling their followers that they are "in remission" from sins, when in fact at the same time telling them they will always be wracked by the ravages of sin and will suffer with the "sin disease" until the day they die! 1 Peter 2: “24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes youwere healed.” We learned about Christ as a “ransom” for many. We now discover that the ransom paid sets us free from the bondage of sin, in the same way a kidnap victim is set free by a ransom. Peter in the above verse actually quotes a passage from Isaiah that was a prediction regarding the Messiah: Isaiah 53: “5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. “ Christ's death on the cross “heals” us of the sin it does not just “free us from the penalty” of the sin so that we can continue on in the sin! If you are healed of something there is no more disease. Christ died to purge us of sin. Not just to pay the penalty for the sin. Getting back to King David's words, quoted in acts when he says "my flesh rests in hope." (Acts 2:26) The key phrase in the scripture is found in the very next verse. Acts 2:27 “Because you will not leave my soul in hell, neither will you suffer your Holy One to see corruption.” This is the reason for our "hope!" We now have the promise of holiness through the Holy Spirit who, as the result of our sinless obedience, in the end grants us immortal bodies at the appointed day and time, as long as we corruptible beings put on Christ (incorruption). For some it comes after they have endured and apprehended this obedience all of their lives and have died not seeing it. For others it comes while we yet apprehend and strive to attain it, while our bodies yet live. That is why salvation and resurrection are end results of our hope! The real hope is to be as Christ, to do his works on this earth and to take our place as purified Sons and Daughters (just as he is pure). We have a hope of walking even as Christ walked, following in his footsteps, if we would but believe! When we attain to this, at the last trumpet we shall be granted immortality. To they who “seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, Holiness is our hope. We make a conscious decision when we repent, to change our ways and to walk in obedience rather than disobedience and without that decision we shall in no way see eternal life!

Many who preach you “don't have to stop sinning” claim to also believe that we must make a conscious decision to swear off of sin, yet they do not see how contradictory their two statements are. Let's put them together. “We don't have to stop sinning, but no one in their right mind is going to say that Christians “continue” in sin.” Saying “we don't have to stop sinning” is the exact same thing as saying “we can continue in sin.” They are confused for they do not see he who says “it's impossible to stop sinning in this life” and he who says “we don't have to stop sinning to go to Heaven” cannot claim that he has made a “conscious decision to repent and turn from his sin.” His statements show that he has made the conscious decision to NOT turn from his sin, when he says “we don't have to stop sinning.”

24: HOPE OF RESURRECTION The next few places where the word “hope” appears in the New Testament are also in Acts. They speak of the "hope of the resurrection of the dead." Acts 23: 6 “6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Acts 24:15 “15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Acts 26: 6-7 “6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, to our fathers: 7 to which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Acts 28: 20 “20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.” While the resurrection is called "the hope," it cannot be forgotten that it is the holiness that comes through the faith of the Holy Spirit that ultimately brings about the resurrection. Popular teachers today have most definitely forgotten this and in doing so have erased the very hope of which they speak. Notice in Acts 24:15 it says there is a resurrection of the just and the unjust. If a resurrection alone is the hope, then the unjust have the same hope as the just. The just are raised immortal, into everlasting life, and why? Because they are righteous and like Christ, God will not leave them in the grave. That is precisely the reason given for our resurrection in Acts 2: 27. “Because you will not leave my soul in hell, neither will you suffer your Holy One to see corruption.” The reason we are “resurrected” into eternal life is because we are an “Holy One” by the power of the Holy Spirit! Intent Is Faith The next important place hope is mentioned is a reference to the "faith of Abraham." Romans 4: 18 "Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, so shall your seed be." What was the "faith of Abraham?"

Abraham so believed God that he prepared to sacrifice his only son on an altar as he believed God had commanded him. Abraham believed and performed what he believed. Yet, it wasn't just his act of obedience that was faith, but it was what his act demonstrated about what he believed. Abraham was promised to be the "father of many nations," and here he was, commanded to kill his only heir on an altar. He intended to do just that,too. This story sounds very odd. If someone today said that they were going to sacrifice their kid on an altar and that God told them to do it, we would lock them up. Some of the Old Testament scriptures are very very hard to understand. This is one of the hardest. Yet, look past the horror of the story itself and get to the principle. Try to imagine Abraham holding his only son getting ready to plunge a knife into him and try to see the big picture. This was Abraham's "promised" heir. All of the promises of God hinged on him. What was Abraham thinking? The New Testament Apostles told us that Abraham believed in God "who quickens the dead." In other words, Abraham believed the promises that his heir would be “father of many nations.” He believed that were he actually to have sacrificed his son on an altar God would have to raise the child again in order for the promises to come true. So Abraham believed in God's promises and God's power. He knew that either his son was not going to die, or that he would be raised again should he die. Those in error do not think of "faith" as something you do, it's something you feel, it's intangible. That is why if you Google the subject you will find thousands of sites which grapple with the “contradiction” between what James taught (that we are justified by works of faith) and what Paul taught (that we are justified by faith regardless of works). You have to wonder why it never occurs to them that if our works come from faith, then our works are no more works but are faith, so, in that case both James and Paul would be correct. It is no contradiction at all. James is talking about works of obedience apart from the law, through faith and Paul is talking about the same thing, Abraham's works of obedience through faith without works of the law. The only difference between James' and Paul's teachings is how they worded it. James was saying faith brings obedience (which are technically works) and concluded that faith without obedience unto good works is no faith at all. When Paul speaks of works he's talking about works of the law and concludes that Abraham's faith brought obedience that was “apart” from the law, Paul says “faith without works” because good works of obedience apart from the law is still technically “faith” alone. If my works come from faith, and have nothing to do with what the law says, then those works are faith and not really works. Christ has done the works through me through faith. Scripture does not say that Abraham had faith without any kind of works. Contrary. The faith of Abraham is something that he performed, not just believed without performing. Those who try to say that Abraham had “faith without any works” are just deceiving themselves and everyone else. Read Abraham's story, that man did great acts of faith in his lifetime. Abraham was so obedient to the father he was willing to drive a knife right through his own son's heart because God commanded it. How DARE anyone suggest that Abraham had “faith” but no works! When Paul speaks of Abraham having faith “without works” he is talking about Abraham having faith without being circumcised. So the “works” Paul is referring to are “works of the law.” The works Paul speaks of in reference to Abraham's have faith without “works” are not “righteous works of obedience” but rather “dead works of the written law.” Abraham never had to go through the trauma of taking his own son's life, thankfully, but he

was willing to do it, not just willing but he intended to do it. This intent is why his faith was “imputed to him for righteousness.” This is critical. We must repeat that. When it says “Abraham believed God and it was imputed to him for righteousness,” it's speaking of Abraham's intent to obey God's commandment. (To sacrifice his son). All that was required to demonstrate his faith was the INTENT! God had to stop him from performing it. How many of us can say that our faith is so strong God has to step in and say, "woah there, don't do that it was just a test there partner?" Therefore, it was not Abraham's overt act of obedience that demonstrated his faith (for God stopped the act) it was Abraham's intent to obey that showed “Abraham believed God” and thus his intent perfected his faith and his faith then was “imputed as righteousness” (even though he never actually performed the act of killing his son in obedience). Abraham's great intent of the heart was to obey and that intent was counted as righteousness! Which is technically another reason why Paul said Abraham's faith was “without works.” Abraham never went through with the command to sacrifice his son, even still, though he never performed the act (being that God stopped him) his intent to act was still “counted as righteousness.” We cannot stress how significant this truly is! When it came to the command to sacrifice his son, Abraham never actually obeyed it. Yet, that didn't matter. Abraham intended to obey and his intent was considered fulfillment of the obedience. It is, therefore, not the act of obedience that defines your faith more than it is the intent to act! Now, many Christians in the past have tried to say they actually preach that we have “the intent” as believers, yet these are the same ones who say “you can never stop sinning in this life,” or “you don't have to stop sinning to go to Heaven.” How is that expressing “intent” to stop sinning and obey the Father? The answer is, it is not intent, no matter how much they try to say that it is. How can they be preaching we must have “intent?” They are stating with their mouths that they don't have to obey God and that they won't obey God in this life. Many even say it's impossible to stop sinning, which means they are saying overtly that it is impossible for them to obey God. How can they then claim to have the “faith of Abraham?” Abraham's faith was the intent to obey God and they have no intention to do any such thing and say so openly!

25: WHAT IS GLORY? We have not yet even defined what it meant by “glory” when it speaks of the “hope of Glory.” In the New Testament there are actually 8 variations of the world “glory” used in scripture. We must look at them all. 1391 Doxa δόξα, dignity, honor, renown; glory, an especially divine quality, the unspoken manifestation of God, splendor, worthy of praise or worship. 1392 Doxoza δοξάζω I glorify, honor, bestow glory on. 2744 kauchaomai καυχάομαι I boast; I glory (exult) proudly. 2745 kauchéma καύχημα, a boasting; a ground of boasting (glorying, exultation). 2746 kauchesis καύχησις the act of boasting, glorying, exultation 2755 kenodoxos κενόδοξας vainglorious, boastful, egotistical, conceited 2620 katakauchaomai κατακαυχάομαι I boast against, exult over 2811 kleos κλέος glory, fame, praise; rumor, report, credit. The primary word used for “glory” in the New Testament is “Doxa.” That is the word used when Paul says “Christ in you, the hope of Glory.” Let's take some time to dwell on that, shall we? Paul is saying that the great mystery (in Colossians 1:27) is a “hope of glory,” and the glory of which he speaks is “glory... as in “divine qulity” or “the manifestation of God.” We have a hope, therefore, of manifesting God IN US, the “divine quality” in us. Make no mistake, our hope is to have our nature changed to “the divine nature,” and thus “put on incorruption,” (sinless perfection). Peter said this openly: 2 Peter 1: 4 “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these youmight be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” It's hard to understand how anyone can read such scriptures as what we just read and come away with the idea that escaping the corruption of the world involves being “whisked” away on a magic cloud. We are promised to “partake” in the divine nature, and our “escape” is to escape the corruption that comes “through lust.” If our escape is to merely stay just the way we are, full of sinful lusts (while being “counted” righteous), why would he even mention that the corruption of the world we are escaping is “corruption through lust?” It simply makes no sense whatsoever. It's more than implied we are going to escape the corruption that comes through giving into lust. We are going to escape and overcome sin. Those are “exceedingly great” promises. Romans 5: 1-5 “1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 By whom also we have access by faith into his grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, 3 And not only that, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience; 4 And patience, experience: and experience, hope: 5 And hope makes not ashamed: because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given to us.” Verse 2 above states that “we have access” to grace only by “faith.” There are many that

say we aren't saved by “faith” we are saved by “grace.” Everywhere we have read about the salvation equation it states we are saved by grace “through faith.” In other words, without the type of faith that Abraham demonstrated, we have no grace. Those in error say that grace is "regardless of what you do or don't do" when in fact we are saved by grace through faith and “faith without works is dead.” Faith is not something you believe only, it's the intent of the heart to obey. It's something you practice, it's something you perform, just as faithful Abraham! We see that in the verse 2, the word "glory" once again is “Doxa” and in context it means "to be good," or "dignified," and being "lifted up by God" or worthy of praise because of our obedience. We have a hope therefore of being accounted "good" and to be "dignified" in our walk. The verses in Romans 5 here quoted outline how that is to be accomplished consecutively. The grace of God is such that while we are yet sinners, Christ died for our sins. This death then offers us faith and that faith brings about obedience which in turn gives us "good favor" with God and tribulations only work to develop our patience and our experience. This increases our "hope" of reaching what was before unattainable, that from our hearts we shed forth the pure love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit! After reading the above, there should be left no doubt what is our hope. That in this life we can walk in the Spirit of love to the same degree as did Christ and in so doing attain to the same eternal life. Even the same resurrection as he! Some will not “sleep” when they attain to this resurrection. They will not require their bodies to be raised from the dead for they shall be physically alive at the moment of transformation. Another Form Of Glory It's also interesting to note that in verse 3 we find another word for glory. A verb, kauchaomai, which denotes the meaning, “I boast; I glory (exult) proudly,” in tribulations. Ironic, isn't it? The pre-tribulation rapturists talk of our hope being to “escape” tribulation, but Paul tells the Romans he “exults” in tribulation. Tribulation is not a bad thing that we "hope" to escape but quite to the contrary, we know that tribulation works in us only good! When you consider what tribulation does, which is to work righteousness into us and create hope of spreading the Spirit of Love, the "rapturists" are actually hoping to escape the very thing that will bring them to maturity! They are hoping to escape the very thing that helps to bring them the salvation they claim to already possess! It's ironic and it's tragic! They are hoping, actually to escape, not only the penalty for their sins but the glorious overcoming of said sins through faith and the power of God! You will often hear them saying, “we don't have to stop sinning when we are saved,” or “we don't have to stop sinning to go to Heaven.” Does a child of God, full of faith and looking to the “glory” speak this way? Why don't they “want” to stop sinning? That is the question we must ask them. They insist they don't “have” to. Just because I don't have to do something doesn't mean it isn't desirable for me to do it.

26: THE HOPE OF OUR CALLING The next place "hope" is mentioned also talks about tribulation, the teaching Paul gives to Romans in chapter 8 puts it all together. Here we see what is the “true hope of our calling.” Take note, nothing in the following verses mentions a “catching away” or a “vanishing away” of the saints before tribulation. In fact it speaks of tribulation (our suffering) as being necessary in order for us to be “glorified.” Tribulation is therefore instrumental in conforming us, the new creation, into the image of the Son of God. Romans 8: 14-31 “14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba Father. 16 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time not worthy with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God. 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now, 23 And not only, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, the redemption of the body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees, why does he yet hope? 25 But if we hope for that we don't see, we do with patience wait for. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searches the hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he did predistinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom

he called ,them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" The hope of our calling is to be “conformed to the image of the Son of God,” through sufferings and tribulation. The hope is not that we “escape” the tribulations and sufferings. We have been set upon that path of glory and are now being called to the destination and, in fact, our destination is now predetermined by our intent, which is faith, belief that we SHALL reach that destination. If we continue on this path nothing can stop us from attaining to the promised glory, nor can anything prevent us from being so conformed. That is glory and rapture indeed. Hope of merely "escaping" tribulation by some "rapture" truly pales in comparison to the true hope of our calling described in scriptures. Verse 17 says we are only joint heirs with Christ if we suffer with Christ and this very suffering is the very thing the rapturists seek to escape. Those who say we cannot attain to sinless perfection have denied the faith and announced their intent to not reach the destination. They cannot be a part of the “new creation” for they deny it. Paul had much to say to the Romans about "hope.” Is it just a coincidence that wherever Paul mentions hope, salvation and being glorified, he also mentions sufferings, trials, and tribulation? Apparently, those things are the very things that bring us to the glory. You have to wonder why the rapturists are so eager to escape tribulations. They will have “none of” tribulation. They preach instead prosperity, joy and happiness in this world. Nice jobs. Nice cars. Beautiful marriages. Nice church buildings with padded pews. Great homes. All of these things they shall enjoy right up until the time when, “poof” Jesus comes and whisks them into Heaven on a magic carpet, lest, God forbid, their faith should be tried and tested in the fires of adversity and they should have to grow up. The time has come for the true believers to sober up, stop drinking the strong drink of the false prophets preaching peace and prosperity, fables and myths. We have a job set before us. A “labor of love” that culminates in our being “conformed to the image of Christ!" We haven't attained to it yet! If we had, it could not be called “the hope of salvation.” They go to their churches and shout for joy and say "I am saved!" "I am saved!" They want to know, “are you saved, brother? “ They ask “are you ready for the rapture?” They are "presumptious souls" according to the Apostles! Just look at the stark contrast of what the Apostle says here. If they are already "perfect in God's eyes" and they are "already saved" then wherein is their hope? If they already see everything that Christ and God have to offer them, then what is all this talk about “hope of salvation,” and “hope of glory” and “hope of resurrection?” Why does Paul say he strives to “attain to the resurrection?” If they have already received the only salvation they are going to get they are then “without hope” in this life and in the life to come. They patiently wait for nothing.

27: THE TRUE NEW TESTAMENT So what is it for which we are still patiently waiting? What don't we see yet? It's the total redemption of our bodies. This redemption can only come once sin is gone from us first. Our eternal life begins when we overcome sin completely because the wages of sin is death. The Apostles made it clear that if you live after the flesh, to fulfill the lusts of the flesh, you are carnal and you shall surely die! Common sense then dictates if there is a final generation who never dies, but who “put on immortality” without dying, that generation must be a generation who will be sinless. The very next verses in the New Testament that speak of “hope” are: Romans 12: 10-12 10 Kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;" Again we see "hope" and "tribulation" found in the same sentence. I think the Apostles foresaw the day when some would try to turn "hope" into some dream of escaping tribulation altogether. Romans 15: 4 4 For whatsoever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Here, according the the Apostle, the Scriptures themselves were written and provided to bolster our "hope." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Romans 15: 13 “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Corinthians 9: 10 “Or said he altogether for our sake? For our sake, no doubt, is written: that he that plows should plow in hope; and he that threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.” Some things should be self evident. When speaking of the hope of our calling, Paul likens it to "plowing" and "threshing" in hope! These are things we do they aren't just things we "believe." Many today apply the "plowing and threshing" to such things as going to church Sundays and Wednesday, tithing, doing your part in the congregation. What a weakened and watered down version of our “apprehension” of Christlike perfection. Paul speaks of our hope of glory, of being like Christ, of walking in total love and commitment to the Father even as Christ did in his lifetime! They turn it into "churchiness! Something anyone can do and for which you do not need the Holy Spirit at all! Most crucial to see is that according to Paul only they who "thresh" and “plow” are partakers of the hope. If you don't believe it's even possible to grow a crop how hard are you going to thresh or plow?

That is why they have no real hope and live their lives in dead faith. Dead religion. 1 Corinthians 13: 13 “And now abides faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these, love.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 1: 7 “And our hope of you steadfast, knowing, that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also of the consolation.” We only have the "consolation" as much as we are "partakers" of the "sufferings." This is a clear reference to our "labor and travail" to bring forth Christ in us and the "comforter" who dwells in us! We have a hope of ceasing from sin, but if we do sin we have the Spirit who comforts us, for we shall not always fall short and sin. Yet they of the world's religions do not have that "comfort." Instead they deceive themselves that they will "always be sinners" (either personal sin or at the very least Original Sin). What's worse they seem to be somehow "comforted" by the idea that they will always be sinners. They take solace in it. They are totally comfortable to continue in their sin until the day they die! There was a popular Christian song recently in which the lyrics say that when he lays awake at night feeling terrible about the sins of the past day it must be the devil trying to “shake his faith.” Believe me, it's not the Devil who convicts you of sin. If you are being convicted of sin, it's the Holy Spirit. How twisted is that? The Holy Spirit does not want you to be comfortable in your sin. Rest assured. However, the devil does! Many modern Christians are operating under the lie that Christ died sear their consciences, so that even though they sin every day, they feel no "guilt" for it! This too was also predicted. 1 Timothy 4: 1-2 1 Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to convince you of your sin so that it can be dealt with and eradicated. How can that ever happen if you have no conscience? 2 Corinthians 3: 8-12 “8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more does the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excels. 11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remains is glorious. 12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:”

He speaks here and there in the above verses about none other than the "ministrations" or "ministry" of the Holy Spirit! More accurately he's talking about the "administration" of the Holy Spirit in us, calling it the "ministration of righteousness." A better translation would be the "administering (or handing out) of righteousness." This is one of the most important scriptures in the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians 3: 11 the author writes: "for if that which is done away was glorious." To what is he referring? What's being done away with in the context of this letter? To grasp what he's talking about we have to read a few verses back: 2 Corinthians 3: 6-7 6 Who also has made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life. 7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraved in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:” Paul is identifying here the true New Testament. We call the gospels, the Acts, the letters of the Apostles and Revelation "The New Testament,” but Paul says that the New Testament actually replaces “the letter." So, the New Testament is "not of the letter" according to Paul but "of the spirit." The writings of the Apostles which make up the New Testament (and especially Paul's writings) focused on one subject entirely. They were all about Christ's life, his death, his resurrection and their significance to us. As Paul put it, “Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Jesus said that the purpose of his life was two fold, “to do the will of the Father” and that we might “have life and have it more abundantly,” in order to do this he must demonstrate the way of salvation and thus become the way of salvation. The purpose of his death was to create the way of salvation. Namely, his death was for the express purpose of sending the Holy Spirit to live in us. Christ in you, the “hope” of Glory! The letter "kills" Paul writes, making it clear that the New Testament is not “the letter.” We must remember that the only scriptures they had in Paul's day were the law and the prophets. If we rely on our own understanding and fleshly observance of the "scriptures" as Paul knew them, (the letter of the law) they kill us, according to Paul. What makes Christian religions think anything different is going to happen if they rely solely on the written scriptures of the New Testament today? Isn't that still a reliance and observance of "written words" (the letter) only? If complete and total reliance on the scriptures of the Old Testament (the law) cannot bring righteousness, if “keeping the law” cannot bring righteousness, how can “keeping the New Testament”do any better? The answer is it can't. Yet, they teach from most pulpits that our faith and our walk come from “studying the written word.” How is that different than saying righteousness comes by the law? When they do this they are “returning to the letter.” The same thing Paul said of reliance on the Old Testament letter would have to apply to reliance on the New Testament letter. They are both “letters,” words on a page. Paul clearly taught we don't keep the old law by fleshly observance in order to attain “righteousness,” and that we attain to righteousness by the Holy Spirit. Logic dictates the same thing must be true about trying to attain righteousness by studying, memorizing and observing the “New Testament.” Paul concludes that we don't obey by the letter (Old or New Testament) through fleshly observance of the same, but rather we obey by the “ministration of

the Spirit.” (which is love). Which is exactly why Paul wrote this: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 “9 But as touching brotherly love you need not that I write to you: for you yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 10 And indeed you do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that you increase more and more;” At this point, I'm sure many will say I have crossed over into “blasphemy." Paul told the Thessalonians they have "no need" that he write to them in order to teach them to love. Love is the Spirit. Love comes directly from God by the Spirit. If you have love, you have everything you need to be righteous and holy even as Christ was righteousn and holy. Without love, you could memorize every single verse in the Bible, but you don't have what it takes to please God and all of your study profits you nothing! Anyone can read and study a scripture. Of course, that is what the scriptures are for. Reproof, edification, instruction in righteousness. Yet the written word never caused anyone to love as God loves. The written word never empowered anyone to be obedient. One can merely go through the motions and follow the “love checklist” written in the Bible without ever possessing the Spirit of love themselves. They have accomplished nothing. Memorization and following the written letter by "observation" and "study" never made anyone Christlike and it never will! That applies not just to the “law” but to the New Testament letters as well. Only love makes one in right standing with the Father. Popular teaching has replaced the ministration of the Spirit with the same "letter" system that Paul said could "never make the comers to it perfect!" The Spirit leads to “glory” (Christlike perfection) the letter leads to death. If the old written text (the law and the prophets) failed to bring them unto Christlike perfection through love, and failed to "conform them to the image of Christ,” how then shall the new written text do any better? The New Covenant is God's obedience written in our hearts. As Paul told the Galatians: "Oh foolish Galatians having begun in the spirit are you now made perfect by the flesh?" Jimmy Swaggart once held up the Bible and said “this is God” quoting “in the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God.” If the Bible is "God" how is it they say the law is "dead?" Is not the law a part of the Bible? In fact, if the law is “done away” in Christ, and the law is in the Bible, and the Bible is God, then God is “done away” in Christ. The law was the only scriptures Paul ever knew. He wrote and said “all scripture is good for instruction in righteousness.” How say they the law no longer applies? It must at least apply as instruction in righteousness. The law is scripture. Paul himself wrote more than half of the New Testament of the Bible in the form of “letters.” Yet Paul said “the letter kills.” He also says, "as touching brotherly love" (walking in the Spirit) you have no need for his letters (no need for him to write unto you). Since the New Testament is primarily Paul's “writings” it's logical that he is saying you don't even really need the written New Testament in order to learn to love one another. (Be sinless and Christlike). In fact Paul doesn't call his letters “the New Testament,” he says that he ministers the New Testament “by the spirit and not by the letter.” So how could his letters be “New Testament?” If you need the New Testament writings to learn to love one another and to know what love does, then you probably do not have the Holy Spirit who is the Spirit sent to “teach you” and “lead you and guide you into all truth.”

If you don't have the Holy Spirit to teach you, you don't have the New Covenant, you don't have Christ and you don't have God. True believers are "taught of God" to love one another, according to Paul, and they do not even need the writings of Paul! “Galatians 3: 3-5 3 O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received you the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. 5 He therefore that ministers to you the Spirit, and works miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” The same thing that can be said of the old letter can be said of the new letter as well! “He that ministers to you the Spirit and works the miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the written New Testament or by the hearing of faith?” No one ever received the Spirit by reading the Bible. If we can't please God by reading and observing the Old Testament scriptures, what makes them think we can please God by reading and observing the New Testament? The same principles must apply to the New Testament that apply to the Old Testament. If the “law is dead” and we are “no longer under the law” then the New Testament is dead and we are no longer under the New Testament. If the old covenant that was sealed and written on tablets of stone by God's own hand could make no one perfect, how then will the New Covenant which is written by the hands of the Apostles make us perfect? The Old Testament couldn't give them an obedient heart, nor could it cause them to walk in God's love. Neither can the new. The letter kills! In fact the New Testament of the New Covenant has nothing to do with writings on parchment. The New Covenant is the law “written in our hearts” and on our minds. Hebrews 8: “6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a New Covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: 9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after

those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. 13 In that he saith, A New Covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish away.” The false teachers of the modern era are literally the enemies of obedience. They actually argue that we cannot obey the Father because of Grace. It is their “twist” on things that if we were to obey the Father through love, since that “fulfills the law” then it is still “keeping the law” in which case, you would fall from Grace. So, walking in love and obedience to Christ, according to them is the same thing as attempting to work your way to Heaven. They denounce it completely for this reason. Yes, they denounce serving Christ. They deny the Lord who bought them for that very purpose.

28: THE HOPE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS Galatians 5: 5 “For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” Most have twisted the above scripture to say that their "faith alone" is their righteousness. Yet, common sense dictates that if they are already “perfect” by imputation why is righteousness “a hope?” They are teaching that even though they are filthy and dirty and caught in the flesh for the rest of their days, God only sees them as righteous, having “declared” their righteousness when they believed. So, how are they righteous already? Because of their religion? Clearly, they do not comprehend neither do they understand how faith works. In fact they teach faith doesn't work at all, it does nothing. The “hope of righteousness” is exactly what it says. We have a hope for the righteousness demonstrated by Christ. This we do by walking in the love of Christ. We hope for the day when we walk righteous even so as he walked righteous. That is what faith is truly about and it's also "righteousness by faith." It's not just believing in a religion. It's believing what you can do “in” Christ. Walking as he walked. “Threshing" your way to it! Faith is doing something. Even as Abraham did something. Even as the Apostles did something! Yet, popular teaching says, "it can't be done, not while you are in this Adamic sin cursed, sin soaked flesh, it's impossible!” They call that faith? That's not faith it's unbelief. Why? Because the Spirit calls it so, our Lord calls it so, the Apostles called it so. We are surrounded literally by a cloud of scriptural witnesses to their unbelief. Their so called faith is no faith at all for it is "taught by the precepts of men," and by the false interpretations of the written word, taught to them by their false prophets. The Do Word Is Not A Dirty Word There is a movement in popular teaching now called "What Would Jesus Do" abbreviated WWJD. There are bumper, t-shirts, pins, pendants, hats, and other "merchandise" sporting WWJD. This movement was started as a result of a book in which the author admonishes us that the way to "follow Christ" is to study the scriptures and basically try to “understand” in our own minds "what would Jesus do" in any given situation. That is not how the Bible teaches us to follow Christ. That is following by "letter" rather than by the Spirit. The WWJD movement basically ignores or forgets that Christ is in us. That we have a personal relationship with him through the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we don't have to read the scriptures and try to figure out what Jesus "would" do. Following Christ means we live in Christ and we, out of love, do what he does automatically (as long as we are walking in the Spirit of course). Ephesians 1:18-19 "18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what is the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.

19 And what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ephesians 2: 11- 13 "11 Wherefore remember, that you in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time you were without Messiah, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ephesians 4: 1-7 “1 I, Therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called. 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all and in you all. 7 But to every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Messiah.” Philippians probably says it best concerning the “one hope” that we have in Christ! Philippians 1: 20 "According to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life or death." As Paul says here, our hope is that we are not "ashamed in any matter" and that the "image" of Christ should be magnified "in our body" not just in death (or by resurrection) but in this life as well! Colossians 1: 5 "For the hope which is laid up for you in Heaven, you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;" ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Colossians 1:23 "If you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, which was preached to every creature which is under Heaven; whereof, I Paul am made a minister."

~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Thessalonians 1: 3 "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father." The above verse is one that they like to point to and say that we are only righteous "in God's eyes." What is God suddenly blind to our sin now that we "accepted Jesus?" Well, yes, that is what they teach. He indeed is now blind to our sin because the "blood" magically covers our disobedience from God's "sight." It never occurs to them that God is not blind to their sin and the only thing the above verse can mean is that we have a "work of faith" and a "labor of love" patiently "hoping" in our Lord to perform in us what was promised! That the end result of which is that when we are presented to the throne “in God's sight” we are blameless and perfect. Righteousness, perfection and eternal life are the direct result of our “labor of love” and “patience of hope.” In the end we are "righteous in God's eyes" because we do righteousness. (Even as John said in 1 John 3: 7, “don't be deceived he that does righteousness is righteous). We shall some day be righteous in Spirit and in truth. Nut just “imputed” or "proxy" righteousness, but a bonafide, God breathed, Spirit led righteousness that is at all times pleasing in the sight of God Himself. So much so that He declares, as he did so over Christ, "this is my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear him.” Only when we do righteousness up to the standard of God's righteousness can we truly be “righteous in God's eyes.” Matthew 5: 20 “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of Heaven. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Thessalonians 2:19 "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? None other than you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-14 "13 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, 14 For if you believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Christ will God bring with him." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Thessalonians 5: 8 "But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for an helmet, the hope of salvation." ~~~~~~~~~~~~

2 Thessalonians 2:16 "Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which has loved us, and has given everlasting consolation and good hope through grace." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Timothy 1: 1 "Paul, and apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God, our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is hope." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Titus 1: 2 "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Titus 2: 13 "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God, with our Savior Jesus Christ."' ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Titus 3: 7 "That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hebrews 3: 6 "But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast to the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hebrews 6: 11-12 "11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope to the end. 12 That you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hebrews 6: 18-19 "18 That by two immutable things, in which impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19 Which we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entered into that within the veil;" ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hebrews 7: 19

"For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope; by the which we draw nigh to God." As you can see, the hope of our calling makes us "perfect" more assuredly than following he law and most powerfully more than observing any "letter" found in the Bible could EVER do! We are called to good works by the Holy Spirit of love and our hope is that we are victorious over our own sins! Reading the scriptures (the law, the prophets or the New Testament) can never make you perfect! 1 Peter 1: 3 "Blessed the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy has begotten us again into a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Peter 1:13 "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Peter 1: 21 "Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Peter 3: 15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and ready always to an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 John 3: 1-3 "1 Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed up us, that we should be called the sons of God, therefore the world knows us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doesn't yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that has this hope in him, purifies himself, even as he is pure." From beginning to end the New Testament speaks of our hope in the same light until finally with the letter of John we discover clearly that our "hope" is to be "like Christ," and that hope "purifies us," to the same degree that Christ was pure. There can be no more doubt that the "hope of our calling," and the "hope of Glory" are speaking of a day when we are "purified," and found "righteous," and walking in the full degree of the Spirit of Love, just like Jesus Christ walked! Notice too, that there can be no resurrection without the Holy Spirit and there can be no Holy Spirit in our lives without "repentance," (an intent to obey the Father). Once the Holy

Spirit comes he leads us into “remission” of sins. Those who believe we are already saved or "perfect" (in God's eyes), that we are a "finished work" from the day Christ died and said "it is finished," or that all you have to do is "accept Jesus" and you have that resurrection in the bag, are in a quandary, because "if a man sees that which he hopes for, why does he yet hope?" It is clear then that salvation is not a finished work until the "body" of Christ is conformed to his very "image" through the love of God. That is our hope and it is not in vain, in him.

29: ORIGINAL SIN IS NEITHER Catholics may take issue with the charge that all Christianity denies we can stop sinning. That is because their doctrines do not. They split sin up into two types. “Original Sin” and “personal sins.” While they don't believe you can “live your life without sin” because of Original Sin, they teach you can cease from “personal sins.” Yet, it never really occurs to Catholics the role of "Original Sin" and how, by coupling that teaching with the teachings of the "God Incarnate (because of the sinless Christ)," “Virgin Birth,” "Immaculate Conception," "venial" and "mortal" sins, and the seven deadly sins we have a conundrum in which Catholicism teaches both. Paying lip serve to living without personal sin but declaring through doctrine that you cannot live without personal sin (because you're human). From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: PART ONE THE PROFESSION OF FAITH SECTION TWO THE PROFESSION OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH' CHAPTER ONE I BELIEVE IN GOD THE FATHER ARTICLE I "I BELIEVE IN GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY, CREATOR OF HEAVEN AND EARTH" Paragraph 7. The Fall The consequences of Adam's sin for humanity 402 All men are implicated in Adam's sin, as St. Paul affirms: "By one man's disobedience many (that is, all men) were made sinners": "sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned."289 The Apostle contrasts the universality of sin and death with the universality of salvation in Christ. "Then as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one man's act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men."290 421 Christians believe that "the world has been established and kept in being by the Creator's love; has fallen into slavery to sin but has been set free by Christ, crucified and risen to break the power of the evil one. . ." Notice the deliberate misquote of the verse quoted in 402. Here is the text the Catechism misquotes, as it is written (in all accepted versions). Romans 5:18-19 18 Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to

condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men to justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. The Catechism reverses the order in which these two verses appear, quoting verse 19 first and changing the text at the same time having it say "all men" rather than "many" by inserting a portion of verse 18 into verse 19. This might seem incidental and hardly worth mentioning, but it is not, for it was done by design. By inverting the order of the two verses they become a much more powerful defense of the "Original Sin" the catechism is attempting to prove than if we were to read them consecutively, in their proper order. Note that the catechism also changes the phraseology of verse 19 from “many shall be made righteous” to “acquittal for all men.” That is why they quote the first half of verse 19, lop off the final part which says "so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous" then insert the entire body of verse 18 where it never appears. What trickery. The original phrase in verse 19 "many shall be made righteous" is taken away and replaced by "leads to acquittal and life for all men." “Made righteous" (in reference to men) is therefore redefined as "acquittal" and "justification of life.” There is a huge difference between being “justified” for a crime or being acquitted of a crime and “making someone a law abiding citizen.” The first merely provides amnesty for an act, the second changes the behavior of the accused so that they no longer commit the crime. Whereas the original text has the latter, it has been replaced by the former. In this way "made righteous" itself takes on the modified meaning to be a direct reference to our being “declared” righteous by the death of Christ rather than by our becoming righteous because of his death. When they take the phrase “so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men to justification of life,” from verse 18, and then remove “by the obedience of one “ from verse 19 they change the entire statement. The text originally speaks of Christ's obedience that “makes” us righteous, the changed version speaks of a single act of righteousness (implying the crucifixion) makes us righteous (whether we live righteously or not). In the original version, before they tampered with it, it is saying that by repeating Christ's obedience many men are made righteous. “One man's obedience” carries with it the connotation of all the obedience that one man has performed and not just a single act. Their change is a huge change to the meaning of the text. So, the significance of the catechism on this subject, by their handling of Romans 5: 18-19 is quite clear. By the catechism it's not our repeating of Christ's "obedience" that will cause "many men" to be righteous. Instead, they have it to read that a single act of righteousness (the cross) on the part of Christ causes everyone to be “considered” or “declared” righteous. The catechism also make reference to Romans 5:12 but does not quote it directly. This is significant, for it shows how the Catholic church tells it's converts what scripture says and there is no expectation of the parishioner to go and double check that it actually reads that way. Otherwise, they would give them the reference. Those of us who go and read it for ourselves notice immediately that Romans 5: 12 states clearly that death does not spread to "all men" by some mysterious "curse" or "imputed sin,” (as the catechism claims), instead the text teaches us that a death sentence was decreed upon all men who might follow after Adam's example of disobedience.

This “death” passes to all men, not because all men are being punished or blamed for Adam's sin, not because all men are “imputed” with Adam's sin, not because all men are declared sinners simply because Adam sinned, but because all men ended up repeating Adam's sin. That all men have sinned is self evident for the wages of sin is death. The catechism states openly that all men are "implicated" in Adam's sin, thus blaming all of Adam's sins on every man who came from Adam, and at the same time blaming every sin every man commits afterward on Adam as well. This destroys the latter claims in the catechism that Original Sin and personal sin are not the same. The way it is taught in the above section creates a direct causality between Original Sin and personal sin, although modern Catholics deny this to be the case. Deny it as they will, the relationship between Original Sin and personal sin in the catechism is firmly established within the writings of the catechism. Pure logic and sound reasoning dictate that there can be no difference between personal sin and Original Sin if all men commit personal sin as a result of Original Sin. This is just common sense. Original Sin is the direct cause of personal sin in the catechism. Furthermore, because of Original Sin all men are “imputed” with sin, whether or not they commit personal sin. So personal sin is rendered moot and irrelevant. Man is a “born sinner” under the catechism. Yet Romans chapter 5 does not support this idea. Instead it teaches the common sense approach that if Adam was sentenced to death for his own sin, God being a just God declared death as the sentence to all men who would follow in Adam's example of sin. Death passes to all men, not because of Adam's sin but because “all men sinned” like Adam. Romans 5:12 “12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” There is no “Original Sin” mystery in the scriptures. The only real mystery is how the developers of the catechism and indeed the creators of the accepted Original Sin doctrine at the council of Trent missed the meaning of Romans 5: 12. How did they not see how that one scripture alone completely destroys their claim. The claim that there is a "mysterious sin curse" that passes to the rest of mankind because Adam sinned and brings about death of the soul of all of mankind! The author of Romans leaves no doubt, saying, "death passed upon all men because all men sinned," (not because there's some mystery curse). ANOTHER FALSE PREMISE USED TO TRANSLATE TEXT What we see done here is the same slight of hand used throughout the catechism when referring to the scriptures. Romans 5: 19 is speaking, not of a single act of righteousness, but is referring to the obedient life and example of Christ, his life of sinless perfection and obedience to the Father, passed down to us the way Adam passed down his example of sin. Adam sinned and then those who came afterward sinned like he did and were declared sinners just as he was. In the same way, Christ lived in obedience and all who come after him live in that same obedience and as a result are declared “righteous” even as he is righteous.” Again, John states this in 1 John 3: 7. “.. he that does righteousness is righteous even as he is righteous.” The catechism proceeds on a false and unproved premise, that because of Adam's one act of sin all men were “declared” sinners and then uses that false premise as proof that by

Christ's single act of righteousness (his death on the cross) all men are now mysteriously declared “righteous,” (even if they are still born sinners). They correlate Adam's sin with Christ's righteousness by begging the question. It's a complete fallacy of logic. They have not offered one scripture that says because Adam sinned once all men were “declared” sinners. One cannot make the correlation and say “because Christ committed himself to the righteous death on the cross all men are “declared” righteous now, the way all men were declared sinners because of Adam's one sin” without scriptural proof. Yet, the catechism, in true Catholic form ignores the need for “scriptural proof.” They don't need it. The Holy See says it's so. When you think about it, it's pure insanity. Paul states that by Adam's one sin, he brought judgment and condemnation into the world. All this means is that God established the death penalty for those who would sin. This penalty applies to all equally and fairly. Yet, it's complete insanity to conclude that because a death penalty is decreed on all who would sin because one man sinned first, therefore, because one man (Christ)- who wasn't really just a man but was God- committed one act of righteousness, now that death penalty is lifted. It makes no sense. It also discounts that Christ died for “the sins of the whole world.” He died for all men and if it's true that his death lifts the death penalty for sin for “all men” then all men are now saved. Yet Catholicism does not teach Universalism even though it's clearly found right in their catechism. Without our life being conformed to Christ's obedience we do not have salvation. That is what is meant when it says, “by one man's obedience shall many be made righteous.” If it were saying that many men are “declared” righteous because of Christ's single act of righteousness on the cross, it would not say “many SHALL be made righteous,” it would say “many have been made righteous,” or “many were made righteous.” When the catechism quotes scripture it always supports what they are putting forth because, as with Romans 5: 18-19 they merely rearrange the text or rewrite it completely. Of course it's going to defend their position. At the time the catechism was established only the priests of the Catholic church could even read the text for themselves so who's going to know that they changed it? There is always a subtle difference between what the scripture actually says and what the Catechism has it to say but that difference changes everything. If the world followed the catechism in criminal justice, a prosecutor could implicate a man's child in the crimes of his father, even if the child wasn't even born at the time the crime was committed. The death penalty for sin was pronounced because of Adam's sin, yes, but more importantly because it was the law. This explains why modern preachers are now blaming the law for "causing sin." If Adam can be blamed for causing the sin of mankind, then certainly the law likewise is to blame for mankind's sin, for without the law Adam could not be imputed with sin. The law, sin, and death all stem from Adam's first transgression and because of this they now blame Adam for the sins of all of mankind (Poor Adam ) and what's worse they impute all mankind with Adam's sin (poor mankind). Furthermore, by their own judgment of Original Sin, they have pronounced to all that they themselves now stand guilty of every sin their children will ever commit. If Adam is to be blamed for the sins of all of his children, then certainly we are all to blame for the sins of our future generations. The Catholic might point out that verse 18 is talking about the "grace" that comes by the

cross (the free gift). Thus, they could say that the context establishes that the latter statements in verse 19 are references, not to the examples set by both Adam and by Christ, but rather the one single decisive actions each of them took. In fact that is what the Catechism puts forth: "The Apostle contrasts the universality of sin and death with the universality of salvation in Christ" Thus, they say Adam's sin in the garden leads to condemnation of all men (whether they sin or not) a death sentence upon all men (righteous or not) because of what Adam did and that is contrasted by Christ's death on the cross which leads to life, acquittal, and justification available to all men (especially them that believe). This would be excellent exegesis if it weren't actually eisegesis. We would be tempted to believe if it weren't for the pesky fact that the above arguments are all based, again, on the preconceived notion of "Original Sin." According to the Catechism, it only took one sin committed by one man to bring condemnation upon all men (for that one man's single sin). How fair is that? Atheists have a field day with that one online. One man sinned once and God judged and condemned the entire human race and sentenced them all to death. (Even though they weren't even born when Adam, their father, committed the sin)? They depict God as completely insane! In Romans 5 Paul says that many will be made righteous by following Christ in his obedience. It's predicting that the obedience of Christ, being repeated in power by his followers through the Holy Spirit of love is going to transform the believers. Many shall (future tense) be made righteous. Original Sin, therefore, has an ulterior motive, to sell all mankind under sin forever, so that they will be forever dependent upon the church for salvation. While the Catechism says you can overcome and cease from personal sin, that does not change the fact that you were already declared a sinner because of Adam's sin long before you were even born. Original Sin trumps personal sin every time. They promise freedom from personal sin but you can never be free of the stigmata of Original Sin. You remain forever in bondage to a “sin nature” that came from Adam. Under the catechism freedom from sin is promised but it's only “justification and acquittal.” It's freedom from punishment for sin, not freedom from the sin itself. So, according to Original Sin doctrine, you can never be free from sin because it was declared by God long before you were born. Catholics preach that man is a “born sinner,” because of Original Sin, but then openly admit that Original Sin is only sin “in an analogical sense.” Therefore, Original Sin is not sin at all. Especially when the Bible says that “sin is transgression of the law.” The Bible separates real sin” transgression of the law” from Original Sin calling one sin “personal” sin and the other is “only an analogy.” So, if one has no personal sin (because one does not transgress the law) one is only a sinner by “analogy” and not really a sinner at all. The answer is, they who have no personal sin cannot be called a sinner and therefore “Original Sin” is not sin, it's poppycock. Original sin is not sin and it's not very “original” either, for just because Adam sinned doesn't mean that we have to sin. Taken from the Catechism: “404 How did the sin of Adam become the sin of all his descendants? The whole

human race is in Adam "as one body of one man".293 By this "unity of the human race" all men are implicated in Adam's sin, as all are implicated in Christ's justice. Still, the transmission of Original Sin is a mystery that we cannot fully understand. But we do know by Revelation that Adam had received original holiness and justice not for himself alone, but for all human nature. By yielding to the tempter, Adam and Eve committed a personal sin, but this sin affected the human nature that they would then transmit in a fallen state.294 It is a sin which will be transmitted by propagation to all mankind, that is, by the transmission of a human nature deprived of original holiness and justice. And that is why Original Sin is called "sin" only in an analogical sense: it is a sin "contracted" and not "committed" - a state and not an act.” The Catechism defends the position that man is a "sinner" from the minute he's born until the day he dies, even if that man commits no personal act of sin in his life. That is why they baptize infants. Taken from the Catechism: “403 Following St. Paul, the Church has always taught that the overwhelming misery which oppresses men and their inclination towards evil and death cannot be understood apart from their connection with Adam's sin and the fact that he has transmitted to us a sin with which we are all born afflicted, a sin which is the "death of the soul".291 Because of this certainty of faith, the Church baptizes for the remission of sins even tiny infants who have not committed personal sin.” According to the Catechism, sin, therefore is "transmitted" somehow from parent to offspring, and they say that the way this happens cannot be understood and is a mystery. First, they plant the seed of this idea in people's head then they attempt to quote rearranged and rewritten scripture to back it up. We find this sort of deceptive teaching throughout the Catechism. The Protestants are in full agreement with the catechism on Original Sin as a "mysterious curse" which passes death from Adam to all of mankind. The only way Protestants part company with Catholics on the issue is, Protestants have just taken Original Sin to it's obvious and logical conclusion. There is very little difference between the Original Sin taught in the Catholic catechism and the Original Sin taught among the Protestants, the only difference being perhaps "degree" of the corruption. Catholics acknowledge an “acquittal” from this “Original Sin” which amounts to clemency, but, the comer thereto remains “a sinner” for life. To their credit they at least pay lip service to the cessation of “personal sins,” but it can never be because they also teach that personal sin is “passed down” from Adam to his offspring in some “genetic curse” as a result of Original Sin. They further teach that mankind, after receiving the acquittal for Original Sin, continues to pass down this curse to their children. Otherwise why would they baptize the infants of their faithful parishioners? From the catechism, therefore, we conclude that men cannot really exist without sin because of Original Sin. The teachings that one can be “delivered” from Original Sin and personally stop sinning at the same time are diametrically opposed to each other when you add them to the rest of what is taught in the catechism. Logic dictates that if Original Sin is broken and a man can “cease” his personal sin that was passed down to him from his father, therefore, a man who is so liberated would not pass this sin curse to his children. Ceasing personal sin would therefore break “Original Sin.” No more sin curse to pass down. Future generations would only have personal sin with which to contend. Protestants understand this. They therefore, based on what is taught about Original Sin,

have rejected the idea of Christians living without sin (the cessation of personal sin) because if men had ever done this, there would be no sin left in the church by now. Men would have long ago ceased their sin, would have no sin to pass down to their children and their children would be “immaculately conceived.” Mankind would be “sin poor” with no sin inheritance to leave their children. They shudder to think. Common sense dictates, therefore, that the protestants are correct in their assessment of catholic dogma on this. If there is “Original Sin” there can never be an end to “personal sin,” for if personal sin has ended Original Sin is no more. If man is indeed a "born sinner" and "sinner by nature" having inherited a mysterious curse from Adam, and if grace of the cross brings only "acquittal" and "justification" (something that is clearly stated in the catechism) then, indeed, it is pure fantasy to believe that man can live as Christ lived "without sin," for according to the selfsame catechism, Christ (and Mary) were the only humans able to have accomplished sinless lives. It is written right in their catechism they could only accomplished lives free from personal sins because neither of them had “Original Sin.” Mary, because of “immaculate conception” and Christ because he is God incarnate and has no “sin nature.” The one thing that both Protestants and Catholics have in common is their white knuckled grip on the doctrine of “Original Sin” to the detriment of all logic and reason. At the same time the contradictions between them become glaring. On the one hand Catholics seek to teach that men can live holy sinless lives by the power of the Holy Spirit, but then propagate a catechism of Original Sin, immaculate conception, and “Chris is sinless because he's God. That, if true, forever precludes we mere Original Sin born creatures doing so. Christ and Mary were born without Original Sin and we are not, how can we hope to not personally sin like as they? Protestants have pointed out the illogical fallacy of this and conclude, “yes there is Original Sin and for that reason man can never overcome personal sin as long as they dwell in this sin cursed flesh.” What is the summation of this then? The Catholics, while claiming to believe Christians can, through the power of Christ, live without sin have created a doctrine of Original Sin and purported the notion that Mary and Jesus both lived sinless and perfect lives only because they were born without this Original Sin! This forever bars mankind ever living without sin. The Protestants have simply accepted the Original Sin doctrine of Trent (which the Catholics also have adopted) but do not contradict it (as do the Catholics- by saying that men can live their lives without sin). It is most definitely a contradiction to state that the sinless lives of both Mary and Jesus are the proof that they were born without Original Sin then try to say that men who are born with Original Sin can also live sinless lives! The notion is preposterous in the extreme! Why do Catholics not see this glaring contradiction? Certainly the Protestants saw it. Yet at the same token, why do Protestants not see, by overwhelming scripture which commands us to “walk even as Christ walked” that they are wrong indeed to say that men cannot cease from sin? Both Protestants and Catholics are found scripturally in error, believing a teaching of several things (Original Sin being only one example) which forever bar men from living as Christ lived on the earth (holy and perfect without sin) and the Catholics then claiming to believe that men can live without sin, when by their own catechism this should be impossible for men.

Across the board, therefore, those in error teach Original Sin (the Original Sin of Trent) and,whether they admit it or not, by teaching this concept have forever barred mankind from ever repeating Christ's obedience. That is why when they read Romans 5: 19 it never even comes into their minds that by saying “many are made righteous” the Apostle Paul, who like John believed that “he that does righteousness is righteous,” was saying that we are literally “made” righteous. Righteous by following in Christ's example of obedience! The religions cannot accept this because of Original Sin and instead decide Paul didn't mean what he said, he must have meant that we are “declared” righteous.

30: GOD DENOUNCES ORIGINAL SIN Original Sin is not “original.” It was not a concept that was created at Trent. It was not a new teaching to Christ and the Apostles either. In fact, long ago when Israel was in captivity to Babylon, Long ago God spoke directly to Ezekiel and denounced the entire notion of "Original Sin." This notion of Adam's sin curse is ancient and heavily influenced the Jewish teaching of The Scribes and Pharisees, who built their entire approach to the law around the idea that when Adam sinned, his children received a death sentence for that sin! By the time of Christ there was no debate anymore in Hebrew tradition about this. Apparently, Ezekiel's denouncement had gone completely unheeded by the theologians and sages of the time. They probably opted to go by the Rabbinical tradition, rather than by scripture. By the time of the council of Trent this notion of Original Sin had still not been completely denounced and it became a part of the Christian tradition. During the historical councils there were several things borrowed by Christians from their Jewish brethren. First, as we have discussed, is the traditional atonement of the blood of animals which only atones for sin, it does not eradicate sin. The priests in Jerusalem taught the exact same blood atonement as was later adopted by the Church. A man receives of the sacrifice, is cleansed from his sin, then because of the sin curse man repeats his sin returning to it. In both Hebrew tradition and Christian tradition shed blood of the sacrifice only alleviates the feelings of guilt for the sin and frees the comers thereto from the consequences of the sin, the sacrifice does not make one perfect and sinless. The Christians merely borrowed this form of blood atonement and applied it to their Christ's sacrifice. Another concept borrowed from the Rabbinical tradition is the notion that God punishes the children for the sins of their father. Original Sin. Unfortunately for all involved God long ago spoke to his prophet Ezekiel and exposed this error. In Ezekiel 18 there are actually three errors addressed at the same time. 1. The father is blamed for his son's sin. 2. A righteous man's righteousness can be imputed to a wicked man. 3. The son is blamed (or punished) for his father's sin. (All men declared sinners because of Adam's sin). The general message of Ezekiel 18 is that "the soul that sins (personal sin) shall die", which completely destroys the notion of a death sentence upon a man for some "imputed" sin due to how his father lives or lived (or due to how Adam lived). There is only one sin death sentence for sin according to Ezekiel and that is the sentence of death upon a man for for his own sin! Let's look at God's pronouncements against the idea that mankind are all under a death sentence because of Adam's sin: PART ONE: A RIGHTEOUS FATHER IS NOT TO BE BLAMED IF HIS SON IS A SINNER AND A SINFUL SON CANNOT BE IMPUTED WITH HIS FATHER'S (OR ANY MAN'S) RIGHTEOUSNESS BY PROXY. (A WICKED MAN'S BLOOD IS ON HIMSELF). Ezekiel 18: 1-13 “1 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, 2 What mean ye, that you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel,

saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge? 3 As I live, says the Lord God, you shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel. 4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sins, it shall die. 5 But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right...” Ezekiel 18: 9-13 9 has walked in my statutes, and has kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, says the Lord God. 10 If he beget a son that is a robber, sheds innocent blood, and that does the like to any one of these things, 11 And that does not any of those duties, but even has eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbor's wife, 12 has oppressed the poor and needy, has spoiled by violence, has not restored the pledge, and has lifted up his eyes to the idols, has committed abomination, 13 has given forth upon usury, and has taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he has done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his (own) blood shall be upon him.” Verses 1 through 3 should ring a bell. The Original Sin teaching is based on the idea that because Adam ate of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil all of his children are “cursed.” In other words he bites the fruit and his children are punished as a result, the children suffer the consequences of the bite (their teeth are set on edge). The first thing we notice is how God hates that notion and denounces it, proclaiming that he will no longer give them “occasion” to say this anymore. However, does that mean they shall no longer say it? No, it only means God is taking away their excuses. God intended to do something to end their invalid teaching. Ezekiel 18 is actually a prediction of the coming Christ. What follows then in Ezekiel 18 is a clear statement that if a righteous man has a wicked son, the sin of the son shall be upon his own head and not blamed upon the righteous father. Under Original sin, our sins are all Adam's fault. Because he sinned we sin and we sin because he sinned. God denounces this idea first. PART TWO : THE RIGHTEOUS SON OF A SINFUL FATHER SHALL NOT DIE BECAUSE OF HIS FATHER'S SIN. Ezekiel 18: “14 Now, lo, if he beget a son, that sees all his father's sins which he has done, and considers, and is not like his father...” Ezekiel 18: 17-18 “17 That has taken off his hand from the poor, that has not received

usury nor increase, has executed my judgments, has walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live. 18 As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people, lo, even he shall die in his iniquity.” Verse 14 above describes a scenario where a son sees his father's sin and does not repeat that sin. In verse 17 it says the son who doesn't sin like his father shall not die for the sin of the father. This directly contradicts and denounces the Original Sin teaching, which says that all of mankind were “implicated” in Adam's sin. Also that because Adam sinned, all men died (for Adam's sin). It's just not so according to God through Ezekiel. “The soul that sins shall die.” God declares. PART THREE : COMPLETE DENOUNCEMENT OF ORIGINAL SIN Ezekiel 18: 19-21 19 Yet you ask, Why? does 't son bear the iniquity of the father? No! When the son has done that which is lawful and right, and has kept all my statutes, and has done them, he shall surely live (and not die for the sin of the father). 20 The soul that sins, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. 21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he has committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Not only do the above 3 verses destroy Original Sin completely, they also destroy the teaching which says that Christ's righteousness is “upon us” even though we sin. Verse 20 clearly states that “the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.” Logically, the following contraposition is true. “The righteousness of the righteous cannot be upon the wicked any more than the wickedness of the wicked can be put upon the account of the righteous.” God has completely destroyed the teaching of Original Sin as set forth by the council of Trent (and especially as taught in the catechism) because God says to Ezekiel that the son cannot be "implicated" in his father's sin! Yet, the Original Sin is universally regarded by all Christians, including the "fringe" such as Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, and Jehovah's Witnesses (whom the majority of Christians reject as not being Christian at all). The death sentence for sin is only upon the man that sins according to Ezekiel 18. God makes it clear through Ezekiel that there he will not kill a son because of the sins of that son's father. God clearly states that a man's personal sin is the only thing that is reckoned unto a man and the only sin for which God will take a man's life. Original Sin is a myth and is denounced by God over and over again in scripture. There is no mysterious "curse" of death upon men because of Adam's sin otherwise Ezekiel is utterly in error here. Included in this denunciation by God is the approach that all men are "born spiritually

dead" because of Adam's sin as well as the Protestant's contention that men can never hope to live sinless because of Adam's sin. If there is no hope for a son to see his father's wickedness and turn from it and live righteously then the entire chapter of Ezekiel is pointless and a waste of breath! God gives Ezekiel a principle that can be directly applied as well to the teaching of Christ's righteousness being imputed to us (even though we walk around sinning). A wicked son cannot rely on his father's righteousness to be “upon him,” and also a wicked man's blood is on his own head. A righteous man, therefore cannot pay for another man's wickedness and a wicked man cannot be “counted righteous” based on another man's righteousness. PART FOUR: GRACE AND FORGIVENESS OF THE REPENTANT ARE FAIR Ezekiel 18: 22-18 22 All his transgressions that he has committed, they shall not be mentioned to him: in his righteousness that he has done he shall live. 23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? says the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? 24 But when the righteous turns away from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? Any righteousness that he has done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he has trespassed, and in his sin that he has sinned, in them shall he die. 25 Yet you say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? 26 When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, and dies in them; for his iniquity that he has done shall he die. 27 Again, when the wicked man turns away from his wickedness that he has committed, and does that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. 28 Because he considers, and turns away from all his transgressions that he has committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.” God makes it clear that a wicked sinner can “turn” from his sin and do righteousness. This silences every Protestant in the world who say that it impossible to stop sinning. If that were so Ezekiel was crazy and we can disregard his entire book for he speaks of a wicked man turning from his wickedness and doing righteousness instead. God also addresses the illogical claim that it is somehow unfair that a wicked man who repents and turns from his wickedness will be counted as though he were always righteous. (His past sins shall never be mentioned again). What the Hebrews found really unfair about this was that if a righteous man turns and does wickedness again all of the righteousness he did previously is forgotten and never mentioned again. He's counted as though he were wicked all the days of his life! The original sinners find this to be in comprehensible and completely unfair. Yet God says, my ways are fair, it is your way (of blaming a righteous son for his father's sin) that is unfair. If it is fair to say that a man who rejects wickedness and turns to righteousness is now

“counted” as righteous and his past sins will not be mentioned, then the contraposition must be true and fair, that a righteous man who turns and does wickedness is counted as being wicked and all of his previous righteousness he has committed is equally not mentioned nor remembered. How is this not fair? The above 7 verses make it clear that even if a man were to be born with some "sin curse" he has no "sentence of death" upon him until he commits "personal sin." While Protestants claim to believe this (and denounce infant baptism as a result) their teaching of Original Sin states that it is impossible for men to live without committing personal sin (because man is a sinner by nature). Thus they deny any notion of a man living without sin (even though Ezekiel 18 clearly acknowledges the possibility). Christians, therefore, in putting their stamp of approval on "Original Sin" take Ezekiel 18 only in the "hypothetical" and handle it accordingly, yet there is no scriptural support for doing so. They do so only because of their man made doctrine of Original Sin will not let them take Ezekiel 18 literally. Ezekiel 18: 29-32 “29 Yet says the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal? 30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, says the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. 31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby you have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies, says the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” Again and again in Ezekiel 18 God addresses claims of those who feel that his handling of sin is somehow "unfair." God says it is not unfair to condemn one man for his own personal sin but then to forgive another man of the same personal sin should that man turn from his sin. Catholics and Protestants often claim that it would be “unfair” of God to call one man righteous because he has turned from his sin yet call a righteous man wicked because he turned from his righteousness. How is this unfair? It's perfectly fair. The man who turns from his wickedness becomes righteous, the man who turns from his righteousness becomes wicked. Both men are blamed for their own sin unless they turn from it and do righteousness. The righteous man who turns to wickedness has the same promise and opportunity to turn once again from his wickedness and do righteousness. At which case his past sins will not be mentioned and he will be counted righteous again. The original sinners say that if these conclusions were correct then God's handling of sin is unfair! How they figure that is the real mystery. It is not unfair and Ezekiel says so! Indeed, the "original sinners" quote the verse that says "for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) and wrongfully conclude that it supports a teaching whereby all men are sinners because of Adam's transgression! Protestants make it to say that "all must sin" (and can do nothing but sin). Catholics teach that a death sentence mysteriously falls upon all mankind because of Adam's sin and even if a man were to have no personal sins he still is under this death

sentence. They are not alone in this error. Protestants make the same mistake, but go one further and say that not only is this death sentence upon all mankind because Adam sinned, but sin itself is a part of our "genetics" we being all children of Adam. (Something that Catholics too secretly consent to being true). While Catholics openly (howbeit it unwittingly) agree with the Protestants on this subject, at the same time they criticize the Protestants for their handling of it. Yet, God sets aside all of these questions by saying, "look, people, the soul that sins shall die." Many Christians will be quick to say that this approach destroys grace and leaves us all vulnerable to a death sentence anyway! Not so, for grace is included in the denouncement in verse 21. "But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he has committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die." If grace brings automatic "acquittal" and "justification" then all men are now acquitted, justified and saved! As we have already seen earlier, the Apostles stated clearly that Christ died for the "sins of the whole world," that the "propitiation" of sins is given to all men, and that grace is given to all men. By virtue of that logic, we know that all men are not saved and that one must “follow Christ” it is irrefutable then that Grace must be accompanied with obedience or you do not have “the sacrifice” nor do you have the “propitiation.” You are acquitted for all of your past sins, sure, but then you go out and commit more crimes.

31: THE ADDED WORKS OF RELIGION If the saving blood of Christ merely is an "acquittal" and or "justification"of our Original Sin (and despite our personal sin) and this grace and forgiveness is a free gift which acquits us of all sins (including future sins) then according to the scriptures all men are now saved, sanctified and acquitted, because that same blood that acquitted you and I was shed for all men. This is not something that Catholics and Protestants teach but it is implied in their teaching. Yet, they say, “no you have to do this or that” in order to have the acquittal. Excuse us? You have to “do something” to receive the acquittal that comes through Christ's blood? You have to be a “Christian?” You have to accept and believe? Really? Aren't Christians teaching that it's all free, that Grace cannot be “earned” and is regardless of what you do or don't do? Look at how they both add to to the free gift, the requirements of works to receive it! Yes both Protestants and Catholics alike add “works” of some sort to the salvation equation. Catholics do it overtly Protestants clandestinely. The Catholics add religious sacraments to the requirements of salvation. They add communion and confirmation and a drove of other traditions. They have conversion rights, confirmations, special baptisms, special sacraments, all works required of a person before he truly has the grace that the scriptures say is offered "to all men!" We can't single out the Catholics, however. The Protestants and Evangelicals all have their traditional "works" that are required for a man to have this grace this they claim is a "free gift." Evangelicals say that a man must "confess that he is a sinner" (that is a work), that a man must "ask Jesus into his heart" (yet another work) and that a man must repent of his sins (again, another work). A man must “tithe.” (Works) A man must attend an assembly (Works). A man must say the sinner's prayer. (Works) A man must be baptized in water (works). Some Pentecostal churches add baptism in the name of Jesus only, baptism in the Holy Spirit (with evidence of speaking in tongues) and so on and so on. Protestants who claim to believe in "salvation by faith alone without works" will be quick to say that in order for men to be saved it is not enough that Christ died for them and shed his blood for their sins. They must receive this forgiveness and this "acquittal" which is offered through the cross of Christ. Men must first "believe" in Christ (and belief is a work, don't kid yourself, for James says faith without works is dead). So, they who claim to believe in salvation by faith alone (Protestants and Evangelicals alike) then contradict their own teaching by saying a man must "believe" (a work) and a man must "confess" (yet another work, this one of the mouth). They all miss the boat for even though all sins of all men have been "propitiated" by the work of Christ (atoned for) and even though the free gift (grace) is now given (offered) to "all men," according to the Apostles there remains, therefore, a requirement that men must repent and "believe" and not only that, but that it must be true repentance and true belief which results in "fruit" of the Holy Spirit. According to the Apostles one must "walk therein" or one does even have a sacrifice for sin! While the Catholics, in their catechism, claim to believe in Christ like perfection and a life without sin, their other doctrines deny it outright. The Protestants are more pragmatic denying with their mouths that such a thing is even possible in this life as long as we are “in this cursed flesh!” At least Catholics make a verbal confession of the truth, that men can walk even as Christ

walked with no personal sin, so they have a chance of seeing it, even though their heart may say otherwise. Sadly, non-catholic traditional mainstream Christian churches have no chance of seeing Christlike lives. They deny it outright, making a negative confession of faith to the contrary of grace, not understanding that if grace and the shed blood of Christ is all that brings salvation, then indeed the Universalists are correct and all men now must be saved. Nevertheless, in all incidents where "Original Sin" rears its ugly head, one thing is beyond denial; namely, that the purposes of Christ are then thwarted! Which are to “set us free” from sin. So, ironically, while the Catholic catechism claims that denial of Original Sin confuses the "mystery of Christ" the exact opposite is true. Acceptance of "Original Sin" truly confuses the "mystery of Christ" for the Mystery of Christ is "Christ in you, the hope of glory," a direct reference to the believers becoming like Christ (sinless and perfect) by the power of the Holy Spirit. When we say that only Christ and Mary could live without sin and this because they were born without Original Sin, they jeopardize the truth of our coming perfection and holiness. Among the Protestants the nullifying of the purposes of the crucified Christ are even more obvious, stark by contrast to that of Catholicism. They openly deny the purpose of Christ to bring every man before God "without spot or blemish," (while paying lip service to it) and deny (as do the Catholics without realizing it) that any man can live sinless and perfect as Christ lived! Wherever you find Original Sin, therefore, you find it wrecking havoc with the purposes of Christ. You find those who preach Original Sin in perpetual denial of the work of the crucifixion and its true purposes. No wonder they have to change the purposes of the cross to something else entirely. Both Protestants and Catholics state that the work of the cross brings about "acquittal" and "justification" only, in other words Christ's blood takes away the penalty of sin only and not the sin itself. There is no room for Christlike sinless perfection in the life of the believer under Protestantism because of their radical application of Original Sin. There is no room for Christlike sinless perfection in the life of the believer among Catholics. Certainly they claim a belief in the cessation of personal sin but it's highly doubtful any Catholic Priest would preach that some day we believers shall all live “In Christlike sinless perfection.” That would be blasphemy to say among Catholics. They believe that only Christ and Mary could live without sin, and this only because they were born without "Original Sin.” Pure logic dictates that those of us who were born with Original Sin have no chance of ever living Christlike, or even “Marylike” for that matter. Popular teaching says men can "never stop sinning." Catholics will try to take you to the mat for saying this, but it is only because they have never realized the stark contradictions existing within their own Catechism and notoriously they chalk up such contradictions as being "the mystery that cannot be understood." Truth be told when Catholics teach you are saved by works of faith, they aren't talking about righteous sinless living through the Holy Spirit, they are talking about religious works of the Church. Adding line upon line of human works to the requirement of salvation. Original Sin concludes that all men must sin as did Adam. Scripture does not support this. Romans 5 itself bears out that not all of Adam's progeny have to sin in Adam's likeness. Romans 5: 12-15

“12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15 But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, has abounded to many.” If these scriptures are teaching "Original Sin" they would not say that this death (that came from Adam's sin) reigned from Adam to Moses! Original Sin wasn't broken until Christ hung on the cross (according to Christianity and according to the tenets of Original Sin). Clearly, the Apostle is not teaching Original Sin, but something else. Death reigned over mankind from Adam until Moses, then the law came and with it the atonement for sin through sacrifice of blood on an altar. Death reigned until forgiveness and grace came in by Moses. Of course, they had blood sacrifice before Moses but those sacrifices were not for “atonement” but for “appeasement.” God instituted shedding of blood for "atonement" and "cleansing" from sin through Moses. After Moses and the priesthood came, mankind's sins could be atoned for and death had no more reign over them. So, even if you could prove somehow that Romans 5: 12-15 says that death came upon all men because of Adam's sin, that death only reigned from Adam to Moses according to those self same scriptures. Christ's blood atonement is the same atonement given by Moses (administered by better promises and a better way). Under Moses it was the shedding of innocent animal blood for the forgiveness of sins every year, under Christ it is the shedding of his own blood once and for all men. So, death reigned only from Adam to Moses according to the Apostle and after that life through atonement! Pure logic would then dictate that the blood atonement of Christ is the same blood atonement that was given under Moses. It would have to be for Christ is called “the Lamb of God.” Except, the blood of Christ is better because the animal sacrifice could not "make one perfect,” it did not promise “remission” or a “cessation” of sins, we know this because the law has them repeating the sacrifices every year. The animal blood could not bring someone to the point of sinless perfection through obedience but Christ's blood can and will! Otherwise, Christ would have to die year after year for our new sins. Paul says that death reigned from Adam to Moses (not from Adam to Christ), then he says something else remarkable. "Even over them that had not sinned after the similtude of Adam's transgression." Here is clear cut proof that it is at least possible for those who came after Adam to not sin like Adam! It completely destroys the Protestant and Evangelical beliefs that all the children of Adam must sin like Adam because of Original Sin. The Catechism states that Original Sin brings death to all of mankind (even if a man were to live his entire life without personal sin of his own) and indeed Paul seems to bear this out in verse 14!, but only if you have the preconceived notion of Original Sin. Yet Romans 5: 14 does not really support the Catholic position that a death sentence was passed to all men even those who didn't have personal sin (like Adam). All the author says is that “death

reigned” over all men, including those who hadn't sinned like Adam. What does that mean? Death reigns when sin reigns. When men yield themselves to sin they become the servants of sin and sin “reigns.” Death reigns through the power of sin. Break that power and the reign of death comes to an end. All men were under the penalty of death should they sin with no way to escape. Sin itself reigned and all men were caught up in it's slavery. Until the law, atonement and forgiveness brought a way for men to be free, being ransomed by blood. All of Adam's children did eventually sin. We cannot conclude from this, however that they had no choice and that they had to sin. Not without providing proof other than your doctrinal conclusions. Sin and death reigned the planet until Moses brought the system of sacrifice and blood atonement that was merely a shadow of Christ. Yet, if the figure of this sacrifice (animal blood) could not truly atone for sin and cleanse men of sin, then certainly the fulfillment of it (death of Christ) could not do it either. The only way Christ's atonement even works is if the figure atonement actually works. Does Paul's statement "death reigned over them" support the notion that all of Adam's offspring are "condemned" and "sentenced to death" because of Adam's sin? Absolutely not! Death reigned over all men (even those who hadn't yet sinned like Adam) because there was a death penalty over all, should they sin. Tt merely states that God declared a death sentence upon Adam for his sin and that death sentence hangs over everyone (should they sin) from Adam to Moses! Enter Moses, who brought in blood atonement and the washing of sins year to year. Men were no longer under the death sentence as long as they faithfully obeyed God in the sacrifices. Yes, the scriptures record that all indeed did sin, from Adam to Moses, but it is horrible logic to conclude that because all sinned, therefore they had no choice but to sin and that all must sin, even today (because of some genetic sin curse). Romans 5: 16-19 “16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offenses to justification. 17 For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. 18 Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men to justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” In verse 15 he says “by one man's offense death reigned by one.” Most translate this to say that by a single sin committed by Adam death reigns over everyone. That is not what it says however and we see that by backing up to verse 16 and reading: “the free gift (grace) is of many offenses.” He clearly states that he's not talking about “one offense” or “one act of sin” causing death upon all mankind, but “many offenses.” Scripture does not say “by one man's one sin...” In other words, it was Adam's sin but it was repeated over and over again by his children, bringing death to all of them. That is the actual correlation between sin passing down to all

men from Adam and righteousness passing to many through Christ. Just as it was one man's sin (Adam) multiplied over and over again by those who followed after him, even so it's one man's righteousness (Christ's) repeated and multiplied over and over again by those who follow him. It says that judgment came by Adam to condemnation. This means that Adam sinned and brought down a death sentence on all who would do likewise. It then states that the free gift (grace) came because of many offenses, not just Adam's one offense. Yes, you read that right. Grace came by offenses and would not exist were it not for those offenses. Just as the law according to Paul does not exist without sin. If there is no law, there is no sin, and if there is no sin there is grace. That's why Paul says the free gift is "of many offenses unto justification." Paul then says in verse 17, “For if by one man's offense death reigned. This does not say by one man's “one offense.” It says “one man's offense (which would include all of his offenses as one). All Paul was really saying is that the death penalty for sin was upon all men because Adam sinned and was sentenced to death and God is nothing if not fair. Paul is in no way saying that all men were declared "guilty" and then put to death because of Adam's sin. Not only is that insane, it's a complete twisting of the writings of Paul to the Romans! Original Sin attempts set up Romans 5 as clear scriptural proof that all of Adam's progeny were condemned because of Adam's sin but we know from Ezekiel that is never true and "the soul that sins it shall die." Verse 18 merely states that because Adam sinned and was condemned, all of his children who sinned were likewise condemned (when they sinned like Adam) and that this pronouncement of death upon the sinner applied even to them who had not yet sinned like Adam. The law reigned supreme over all men and so did death. Yes Paul acknowledges that death also "reigned" even over any child of Adam even if they did not sin like Adam, yet that only means they were under the same penalty for sin (should they commit Adam's sin) with no way of being atoned for until Moses! We know that all men did sin, yet even Paul acknowledges that it's at least possible for a man under the old law to "not sin after the similtude" (like) Adam! Certainly if it's possible for someone under the old law to "not sin after the similitude of Adam" then it is possible for them that live under grace and the New Covenant in Christ's blood by the Holy Spirit to "not sin after Adam's sin!" Finally in verse 19 it says "by one man's disobedience many were made sinners." The Catholic catechism changes this to say "by one man's disobedience all men were made sinners" and adopted the Original Sin error. The Protestants and the Evangelicals likewise followed suit and then afterward all of the "offshoots" of those in error as well. Popular teaching stands on the brink of falling completely because of this error. Furthermore, where Romans 5 verse 19 says "so by the obedience of one" it is speaking of Christ's entire life and example of obedience, repeated by his followers, not just his obedient death on the cross. This is not describing an acquittal, it is describing a changing of mind of those who were once unrighteous, children of disobedience into children of obedience as a result of one man's obedience shed abroad to all by his death on a cross! Romans 5 literally describes the perfecting of them that believe into sinless creatures as a result of what Christ did, not just on the cross but throughout his lifetime.

Popular teaching as a whole misreads the scriptures, turning the righteousness that is being offered into an "imputed" righteousness even though God said through Ezekiel that a sinful man cannot have a righteous man's righteousness imputed to him by proxy. That sinful man must turn from his sins own sins according to Ezekiel. Shall a sinful man be called righteous just because his father (or his Lord) is righteous? Despite his living in sins? Sins for which God says a man shall die if he lives in them? Not according to Ezekiel. Can a man live by another man's righteousness and yet continue in his sin with no intention of turning from them? Not according to Ezekiel It says "the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him (the righteous one) and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him (the wicked one). Through the crucifixion of Christ and through is life example (which we live every day), that sinless perfection, we shall be "made righteous" and like the wicked who turns from his wickedness in Ezekiel we shall be “justified.” Being righteous means we "do righteousness." Being justified means we live justly. Christ lives in us and through us. Our life is no longer our own, it is his and we no longer live our own lives we live “his life.” That is why it says earlier in Romans 5 that we are "saved by his life." Romans 5: 9-10 “9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” If you do not “live his life” you are not saved, for we are “saved by his life.” The "blood" of Christ came, not just to reconcile fallen man to God, the blood was shed so that we could receive the Holy Spirit, (and be saved by repeating his life through that same Spirit). The Holy Spirit does not just "cloak" or "cover" our sins he "cleanses us of all unrighteousness" and presents us in the end "without spot or blemish" and "blameless" and brings us "unto the perfect man, to the stature of the fullness of Jesus Christ." When they teach "Original Sin" and that the blood merely "acquits you" and "justifies you" even though you continue in a sin nature and continue in sin they are completely changing the gospel, the very mission of both Christ and the Holy Spirit. They nullify the very reason Christ shed his blood to begin with. They change Christ's mission from "eradicating sin" in us (thereby destroying the work of the devil) to "eradicating the penalty for sin" so that we can can continue the work of the devil (continue in sin) and yet still inherit eternal life. Their version of the death of Christ does not kill sin, it keeps it alive and strong which keeps the law alive and well for as long as they return to and continue to live their former lives of sin.

32: TRUE POWER IN THE BLOOD The blood of Christ does not merely “cover” your sins. That is what was accomplished by the animal blood sacrifices. That was insufficient to “make the comers thereunto perfect.” The significance of the blood is not that is "covers" your sins from God, but the significance is that the blood brings the Holy Spirit who eradicates sin in you day by day, through love and through walking and abiding in that love! The Holy Spirit comes to "break" the sin in you and bring you to Christ like perfection! There's a scripture that says: "wilt you not know O Vain man that faith without works is dead being alone?" James 2: 20. This turns out to be one of the most important verses in the Bible. Not just because it identifies that faith is never alone and is always accompanied by works but because it recognizes a truth about mankind. We are vain. We think that every thought which pops into our heads must be true. In today's society truth itself is taught as "relative" and that one man's truth is no more valid than the next man's truth. How vain is man? No greater example can I think of than the one James gives here. Mankind thinks that belief in God is enough and that our works have nothing to do with our salvation. This traps us into a perpetual "sin situation" from which we can never escape and ironically they trap us in this sin state then, promise us an "escape" only after we are dead (or at the rapture). In the end, it's just vanity. It's a vain attempt to maintain control of our own lives. God the Father allows it, for he wants us to have free will, but the end of that road is death. O how vain is man, to think that his way is better even though it leads us to a lifetime of sin and ultimately death, and to reject that God might have a better way. It is a very old lie. One which Satan first uttered to Eve when he tried to convince her to give into sin. “You shall surely not die." Christ came, not to cover up sin but to uncover it. There are numerous scriptures which show this. Christ came because of sin. Ironically it's the same reason the law came. Only Christ's appearing brings much better result than the law. The law does not seek to hide sin but expose it, and so does Christ. Sin must be exposed or it “cannot be eradicated. The first such inkling we get of this comes from John Chapter 15: John 15: 22-27 “22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. 23 He that hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But this comes to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. 26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify of me:

27 And you also shall bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning. As we see, Christ's mission is not to provide sinners with a "cloak for their sins." Some undoubtedly will take exception to this. Many apply an erroneous contraposition here based on a misunderstanding of the text. It goes as follows: “Christ said they don't have a cloak for their sin because they hate him, therefore if they didn't hate him they would have a cloak for their sin.” Such an argument is totally unfounded. Christ does not say he takes away their cloak because they hate him. That is a twisting of his words. He says the opposite, that they hate him because he takes away their cloak for sin. Christ says that his works of righteousness take away their cloak, because he's walking without sin. This takes away their excuses, such as “we are all Adam's children we are going to sin.” There Christ is, a son of Mary (who is a daughter of Adam) and he's walking without sin. He takes away their cloak for their sin. They make this error because they are not reading the entire statement and are not taking into account the mission of the Holy Spirit. Actually, they seek to change the mission. The Holy Spirit comes to “reprove (convince) the world of sin.” The Holy Spirit therefore comes to expose it for how can the Spirit reprove us of sin that is hidden? Those who oppose this idea argue that the Holy Spirit only exposes the “world's” sin not the believers! So, they have the Holy Spirit coming to "hide" or "cloak" the sins of the believers while at the same time exposing and reproving the world of that same sin. How unfair would that be? They also forget that if the blood of Jesus “hides” man's sins from God (covers the sin) then the entire world, every man woman and child's sins are hidden from God, for Christ died for the “sins of the whole world.” Christ speaks in verse 25 of the "Comforter." “26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify of me:” Several verses later he completely describes the mission of the Comforter and what he shall do for the believer and it is not to "cloak" or cover our sins, but rather to "reprove" us of our sins and lead and guide us into all truth. John 16: 7-15 “7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send him to you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and you see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12 I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all

truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it to you.” Again, there are those who argue that verse 9 makes it clear the only ones who are reproved of sin are them that "believe not on me." By inference, therefore, they conclude that those who believe on Christ are not "reproved of sin" but instead their sins are "cloaked" or "covered up.” They believe that this directly cross references to Christ's statements that because they "hated him" they shall not have a "cloak for their sins." Yet, consider if you will, the "Comforter" only comes to them who believe! How can the Holy Spirit "reprove" the sins of “those who are not believers.” Only the followers of Christ receive the Holy Spirit. The world cannot receive him. John 14: 17 “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you. “ Nevertheless Christ says the Spirit will “reprove the world” of sin because they “believe not on him.” The Spirit does this after he “dwells in us” according to Christ. How? How does the Spirit “reprove the world” if the world cannot “receive” the Spirit? How does the Spirit dwelling in us “reprove” the world of sin. The same way Christ's living by the Spirit put the Pharisees to shame and “took away their cloak for their sin.” When the world reproves us of sin, He takes away our sin from our lives and our lives become sinless. We, through the Holy Spirit prove the world wrong when they say humans beings cannot live sinless. They only say they cannot live without sin because they don't believe the example, nor the testimony of God's Son on the matter. In John 16: 13 he says the Spirit of truth will guide us into "all truth," then in verse 15 he says that "all things that the Father has are his" and promises that the Holy Spirit shall take of his (all things the Father has) and show it to us! This would have to include holiness. Sinless perfection! Who can argue that the Father has sinlessness and holiness? Christ promises that all things the Father has are now his and the Holy Spirit shall come and give that which is his (all that is the Father's) to us! They say this doesn't include sinless perfection. What part of “all” do they not understand? All that the Father has must include holiness and sinless perfection or else Christ is at the very least completely inaccurate and at the worst he is lying! When it says the Holy Spirit comes to the believer to "reprove the world of sin,” the only way this would be possible is if they who believe “have no sin.” Thus, the world is reproved and ashamed for not believing in the power of Christ to deliver them from sin. Moreover, if you are “abiding in sin” you are not abiding in the truth. The Holy Spirit is “the spirit of truth” and will not allow this to continue. He will expose the sin so that you can get rid of it. The Holy Spirit comes to make your faith real by pointing out your sin and moving you to cease! How can the Holy Spirit do that if your sins are "cloaked" or "covered" and God can't see them anymore?' As usual, their take on this subject is terribly flawed because they don't understand that

the only way for the Holy Spirit to "convince the world of sin" is for the believers to live without sin! Just as the Pharisees' sins were exposed by Christ's life of obedience and righteousness. We become that same light shining into the world and exposing the world's sin. We have the same effect upon the world around us as did Christ, when we live “in Christ.” So, first those who receive the Holy Spirit (they that are not of this world) are convinced and reproved of their sins, then through their example of faith, those who cannot receive the Holy Spirit are also reproved and convinced of their sin. Romans 2 “14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law to themselves:” In Romans Paul is speaking to Gentile believers who have received the Holy Spirit and have the "mystery" which is "Christ" in them! He's telling them that when they live by the power of the blood, which is the sending of the Holy Spirit, and when they do by "nature" (the divine nature imparted by the Spirit) or by "love" the things written in the law they become the law unto themselves! They are the living breathing law. (The word made flesh). Romans 3: “31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” This is why it's such grave error for those who say that the "law is dead" under grace. The law is alive and well, being written upon our hearts and upon our minds by the Holy Spirit and when we live by that Spirit we become a living law to the world! We “establish” the law. So, the purpose of the Holy Spirit is to come and replace our sinful life with a Holy and sinless life of perfection through the spirit of love, rather than by observance of the “dead letter.” So shall the predictions of Christ be fulfilled when he said: (Matthew 5: 48). "Be you therefore perfect even as the Father in Heaven is perfect." We see, then that it is not just the "acquittal" and the "atonement" for sin for which Christ "went away" (died). Although that was a part of the reason. All of us were sinners and needed to be reconciled; Yet, the death of Christ was ultimately to reconcile us to God in order that we would receive the "Comforter," the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit. The express mission of which is to "take of the Father" and give to us. We then, through the Holy Spirit, sent as a result of the cross and our final reconciliation to God, “partake of the divine nature.” All that the Father has is Christ's and the Holy Spirit takes that and “gives it to us.” He that believes upon Christ should walk even so as Christ walked, through the free gift of the Holy Spirit. In so walking as he walked we, through the Holy Spirit, "reprove the world of sin" in the same way that Christ did. At that point the world will hate us (for it hated him) and they that are his and are not of the world will “hear us” even as they heard him. In the end times when the body of Christ is sinless and perfect through faith and by the Holy Spirit, they who do not attain to this shall have "no cloak," for their sins, they shall be without excuse! To teach that we can never attain this (because of Original Sin or for whatever reason) is to completely nullify the very purposes of the crucifixion of Christ and to thwart the very ministry of the Holy Spirit!

Proverbs 28:13 “13 He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.” Above is yet another scriptural reference that states God is not interested in "covering up" your sins! What the "blood covering" of sin teaching really does is state that God "overlooks" your sin. Christians who teach the "cloak" or "cover up" teaching (which is the lion's share of all Christianity) fail to understand that you cannot "hide" things from God. They preach that God no longer sees their sins and that they are now “perfect” because their sins aren't “imputed.” Yet, ironically they all have in place at the same time teachings which urge the Christian to "confess" their sins not just to God but to one another and to ask for forgiveness. So they don't even believe their own hype. For if they are “declared” righteous and “without sin” by believing in the cross, if they really believed God no longer "sees" their sins (their sins being covered perpetually by the blood of Christ) they wouldn't teach that we need to confess our sins. Non one in their right mind actually believes God is “blind to the sin” of his children. What they are really teaching is that that God "overlooks" their sins and pretends not to "see them" and sees the believer only as being righteous. (Imputed righteousness instead of doing righteousness). What kind of parent does such a thing? What kind of parent simply pretends that their children are behaving when in fact their children are in disobedience? Will such children ever "grow?" Will such children ever have discipline and learn to behave rightly? It's not only doubtful, it's preposterous. Nevertheless, this is the Father they depict in their teachings. One who sent his son to provide a way for him to "look the other way" when they behave in disobedience! There isn't a single scripture which states that the blood of Christ "covers up" or "cloaks" your sins from God. Furthermore to say all the blood does is “cover” sins is to deny the power of the blood to “deliver” one from the sin and bring you to true “right standing” with God. When Christians teach this they quote scriptures that say "Christ died for the sins of the world." Saying that Christ died for your sins is not saying that Christ "died to cover up your sins from God." That is a huge twisting of the truth of scripture. Indeed, Christ not only died "for your sins," to take them away, to eradicate them, to destroy them, to send the Holy Spirit for to rid you of your sins, but Christ died because of your sin! To some Christians Christ died "for your sins" seems to mean that he died for your sins so they could remain. They are literally translating this to mean that Christ didn't really die for them, he died for their sins, to preserve their sins, so that their sins could live. Christ dying "for your sins" does not a "sin cover-up" or "sin cloak" make! Indeed, the "sin cover-up" teaching more than implies that you remain "in sin" so that grace may abound. Saying your "future sins" are "covered up" and "cloaked" especially to make provision (or license) for you to sin in the future. They actually preach that Christ came so that you could "continue in sin," and still go to Heaven, by saying “you don't have to stop sinning to go to Heaven.” This is a turning of the gospel upside down and preaching the exact opposite of the purposes of Christ who actually came to eradicate sin in us. It more than suggests that Christ and God turn a "blind eye" to your sin and disobedience and do not expect anything from you other than “empty belief” in which you lay around and soak up God's grace while you sin day in and day out with no end in sight.

Of course no Christian teaches such a thing openly. They all deny that it has any part in their doctrines. While Catholics do not teach this sort of grace outright, they teach that the blood of Christ merely "acquits" you of sin and "justifies you" by "faith." Indeed, that is how they actually word it in their Catechism. The only conclusion one can draw from their teaching is that while they claim we can live without sin they teach at the same time we cannot really (for we were born with Original Sin).

33: THE TRUE RAPTURE There is one more scripture we need to look at as pertaining to “our hope.” This text segues into the subject of "the finishing of the mystery,” which is in reality the true “rapture” event. 1 Corinthians 15: 19-20 "19 If in this life only we have hope in Messiah, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, become the firstfuits of them that slept. 21 For since by man death, by man also the resurrection of the dead.” In verse 21 Paul says that the resurrection of the dead comes by “a man” in the same way that death came “by a man.” This seems to support the idea that because of Adam's sin, all men died. Yet it only appears so with the preconceived notion in your head. We have to understand that because of Adam's sin, death was introduced into the world, because that death penalty for sin applied to all men. We must look closer now at 1 Corinthians 15, so that we can examine the relationship between "hope" and the "mystery of Messiah." We've looked at this scripture already but we need to tie it in with what we learned about the "hope of Glory." 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 "51 Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." The “mystery” we have learned is “Christ in you, the hope of Glory” and here in 1 Corinthians he begins to describe this “finishing” of the mystery, the moment in which the mystery is complete. He can only be talking about what happens as the direct result of us living “in Christ.” This is the first time the details of this mystery are given in scripture. We can see that this finishing of the mystery follows after “this corruptible puts on incorruption.” At that point all that is left is for “this mortal to put on immortality.” Many believe It's some sort of "transformation,” but the language is “put on” not “becoming or become.” The word here used, "changed" is"allasso" in the Greek Lexicon and simply means "made different." Not surprisingly, the pre-tribulation rapturists have seized on these verses as being their "strongest" proof that we will be “snatched away” in some rapture. What a mistake they have made, because, first and foremost, nothing is said about us "going anywhere," or "vanishing" here. It simply says we are "changed." Aside from that, if we study the context of the verses, it becomes clear it is not describing a transformation. It describes our current bodies being “changed” from mortal to immortal. They assume much in saying we "all disappear" for seven years. That simply is not in the text. 1 Corinthians 15: 34 "34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not: for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak to your shame."

Paul begins his discussion of this "mystery transformation" that the believers will undergo by telling them to "awake to righteousness and sin not!" As we are starting to see, the Apostles never taught that we cannot stop sinning. This “awake to righteousness and “sin not” is the very context of the entire discussion. The very reason we are changed and “put on immortality” is because we do what Paul demands, we “awake to righteousness and sin not.” We “put on incorruption” and sin has been destroyed within the body. The big question is, was Paul crazy? According to modern rapture teachers no one can be righteous. No one can be "good." Paul is saying "sin not" but they say such a thing is impossible. So, why is Paul shaming the Corinthians, calling them “slumberers” for not ceasing sin?" Is he just being “mean?” The answer is obvious. Paul never said you can't stop sinning. Would never say such a thing neither did (or would) the other Apostles. 1 Corinthians 15: 35 "35 But some will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?" The actual discussion here is the resurrection. Paul is intent upon explaining what happens to us at that glorious day (both the dead and those who are still alive at that moment. 1 Corinthians 15: 36 “Fool, that which you sow is not quickened, except it die:” We've covered all of this before but it bears repeating. Paul seems to contradict himself here for later he says "we shall not all sleep (die) but we shall all be changed.” Clearly he is reminding us of a principle that has been repeated all through scripture. We must "mortify" or "kill" the deeds of the body before the "new created being" can emerge righteous and Holy. He then uses some examples in nature to underscore the point. 1 Corinthians 15: 37-44 "37 And that which you sew, you do not sew not the body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat or of some other. 38 But God gives it a body as it has pleased him, and to every seed his own body. 39 All flesh not the same flesh; but flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, another of birds. 40 Also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial one, and of the terrestrial another. 41 One glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for star differs from star in glory. 42 So also the resurrection of the dead. It is sewn in corruption: it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sewn in dishonor, it is raised in glory: it is sewn in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sewn a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a

natural body, and there is a spiritual body." Many latch on to this statements “celestial bodies” and “spiritual body” and try to say that in the resurrection we shall be “spirits.” They either take the position that our bodies are a cross between “spirit” and “flesh” or they take the position that in the resurrection we are “like the angels” in that they are spirit beings who can “shapeshift” into a fleshly being at will. Both of these positions are refuted by Christ himself. Christ said: John 3: 6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” Obviously, if flesh is flesh and spirit is spirit then spirit cannot become flesh and flesh cannot become spirit, nor can we both spirit and flesh at the same time. Christ, when he was resurrected was a “celestial body” and he had a “spiritual body” yet they could touch his wounds and he ate and drank with them. Spiritual body is obviously a reference to our spiritual state in the resurrection. Our bodies are raised but we are “spiritual” rather than carnal. In Romans 8 Paul clearly states all of this. He says: Romans 8: “5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwells in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” When we are raised we come with the exact same kind of body with which Christ came. Our own bodies that we had in life, with all of its scars. The same thing happens to them who have not fallen asleep and who are alive on the earth at the time of the resurrection. Their bodies are changed to “immortal.” They are not given “new bodies.” 1 Corinthians 15:

“44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47 The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from Heaven. 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Verse 47 says it plainly. “The second man is the Lord from Heaven.” Couple that with verse 49 and we get the whole picture. “We shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” Paul says almost the exact same thing in Romans 8 as well saying we are “predestinated to be conformed to the image of his Son.” (Romans 8: 29). John, also, spoke of how when the Lord “shall appear” we shall be “like him.” 1 John 3: “2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. “ When confronted with these truths the “rapturists” show their true lack of understanding in these matters by saying “yes, well that might be true but we have to wait for the Lord's return for that.” Can you spot their error? First of all, they do not know when the Lord's return is. It could be tomorrow. So when they say “we won't be sinless like Christ in this lifetime” they are claiming they know for a fact that the Lord is not coming in their lifetime. Secondly, John does not say we have to wait to be “sinless” like Christ. Christ was sinless before his body died and was glorified. He does not say “when he shall appear we shall be sinless like he WAS.” If John were saying that we have to wait for the Lord to appear before we can be like he was before the resurrection (sinless while yet in this body of this flesh) then he would not have said “we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is.” He would have said “we shall be like him for we shall see him as he was.” John also would not have said that he that has this hope of being “like Christ” will “purify himself” even as he is pure! We don't wait until the Lord's return before we live his life of obedience and sinlessness through love! We live his life and then wait to be transformed to be like him, the way he is now in his transfigured body, after he was raised! So, in this lifetime we “put on Christ,” we “put on incorruption” and we “patiently wait” to be transformed into the image of Christ, the image that Christ is now, which is “the image of the invisible God.” The same image he had when he came to his disciples after the resurrection! We are to be raised just like he was raised. Our bodies will be "changed" into immortal bodies but, should someone touch us, we will look and feel exactly the same as we did before we were changed. Certainly Christ was sinless before his resurrection and so shall we be. The servant is not greater than his master. If Christ had to be sinless and obedient to the Father in order to be

resurrected, why do the popular teachers think they do not? Are they greater than Christ? Can they obtain a better resurrection than he, by being raised without walking in the Father's love first? It's ridiculous when you look at it that way. Of course we shall be “sinless and perfect” before we “put on immortality” because we are followers of Christ and that is what he did. In fact, technically speaking Christ was immortal before he was raised from the dead. He told them that no man could take his life from him, that he would have to lay it down freely.” (John 10:18). Yet we do know that something was different about Christ after he rose because on several occasions his own disciples didn't recognize him. All we really need to know is that we will be raised exactly like Jesus Christ, and shall have the exact same immortal bodies, and that this will occur at his second coming. We also know it will occur to those who have died striving to “purify themselves even as he is pure” through the Holy Spirit first, then, it will happen to those of us who are still alive at the time. So, obviously, there will be an entire last generation of believers who step forward and are “like Christ” in their lifetimes. So much for the false teaching that “you can't be sinless in this life.” Rapturists are falsely teaching that we have to wait for the second coming to “Live as Christ lived.” Scriptures do not support this. We must wait to be like he is now, but we do not have to wait to live like he lived! The fact of the matter is, this "changing" from mortal to immortal that they are awaiting in the rapture cannot occur until after “this corruption puts on incorruption.” That is the great and glorious “finishing of the mystery” which is “Christ in you the hope of Glory.” Our bodies will be glorified as we stand upon our feet. The final generation will be alive when this occurs. This is the day when our bodies are changed from "flesh and blood" into the very image of the risen Lord of Glory. It could happen in our lifetimes! We should be pressing toward “putting on Christ” we should be striving to “put off the corruption of the world” and to “put on the incorruption.” Only then can “this mortal put on immortality” at the sounding of the trumpet. Since we “apprehend” and we seek to “attain” this incorruption and this Christlike walk of love in this lifetime, and since the finishing of the mystery is “this corruption puts on incorruption” then shall we be changed, obviously the change has already begun in us when we first believed and set our feet on the path to incorruption! The rapture is now! Those who say "you can't be perfect in this life," are proved by the final generation to not only be false teachers but false prophets as well! The final generation who will “be like Christ” at his coming, in their own lifetimes will prove them wrong. What happens to false prophets? Do they go to Heaven? Are they raptured into the kingdom? Think about it. They would have us to believe that it was all “finished” on the cross. Yet the Apostles did not teach this. They said things like “we are saved by hope, but hope that is seen is not hope for it.” The final mystery of salvation, the hope of Glory is not finished in us until the end. Revelation 10: “7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Matthew 24: “13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Philippians 2: “12 Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Thessalonians 5: “18 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Peter 1: “5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Romans 13: “11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”

34: THE DAY DEATH DIES 1 Corinthians 15 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Corinthians 15: 54-56 "54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where your sting? O grave, where your victory? 56 The sting of death, sin; and the strength of sin; the law." The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. As long as sin is alive and well so too is death, for the wages of sin is death. Pure logic dictates, therefore, that before death can be destroyed sin must be destroyed. We can now see how far mainstream popular teaching is from the truth of this mystery! They deny the basic message of the mystery, which is that we will be sinless and perfect and as a result changed. Our bodies will be “raised” immortal or in the case of those who are alive, “changed” into immortal bodies. They take this basic simple message away and put in its place a rapture of the sinful flesh and blood body into Heaven, a "vanishing" away of global proportions! Since the sting of death (sin) is "no more" and we are, at that point incorruptible, then death is swallowed up in victory and we become immortal. Now, here's where the religions really twist things. They claim that since we are “no longer under the law” and where there is no law there is no sin, therefore they are already “sinless,” when they believe. Thus, their sin is no sin. In fact, they say they are “perfect and righteous” in God's eyes while they yet are sinning. So their sin is actually righteousness. When we preach that we can be sinless and perfect by the power of the blood, literally sinless and perfect, they will quote 1 John 1: 8 and call us a liar. 1 John 1 “8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” Ironically, it is they who are saying “I have no sin,” and it is we who apprehend perfection that acknowledge we still have sins to overcome. When they say that they are “no longer under the law” and therefore there is “no sin,” they are literally saying “I have no sin.” Furthermore, their use of 1 John 1: 8 is completely out of context. They are defining sin, not as “transgression of the law” but rather as a “state of being,” or a “nature.” That verse is talking about how we must “confess” our sins and Christ will “cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Then it says “if we say we have no sin (to confess and be cleansed of) then we deceive ourselves.” 1 John 1:8 cannot be construed to mean that no one, at any time, can ever say “I don't sin anymore.” Yet, that is how they read it. Here's how a typical conversation will go with them: Person:

"Jeff, did you sin today?" Answer: As a matter of fact I did not. Person: “you are a liar,” then they quote: 1 John 1: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Answer: I did not say I am "without sin" I said I haven't sinned today Person: Same thing: Answer: So, if I say "I haven't spent any money today" that logically means that I am saying I don't have any money to spend?" Person: No response...silence... There is coming a day when we walk in the Holy Spirit and eradicate sin in us. By the time the last trumpet sounds we will be sinless, otherwise we would not be able to “put on immortality." If there is any sin in us at the time of the last trumpet we cannot inherit eternal life for, the scriptures say that "if you live by the flesh you shall die" as it says earlier in 1 Corinthians, "flesh and blood cannot inherit eternal life," and it also says in other places that "the sting of death is sin." The fact that none of this occurs until the Messiah's return cannot be construed as some sort of permission to put off the battle against sin in their lives! Don't forget we don't know when this moment shall be. It could occur today or tomorrow! Furthermore, even if we were "going up to the clouds" at the last trumpet as some attest, we are still alive and on this earth when the trumpet sounds and can only qualify for immortality if we are incorruptible!" All the major religions who teach you can't live in perfection in this life are proved to be liars because we know that some will attain immortality "in this life," and you can't obtain immortality if there are sins in you (if you are corruptible)! In fact, they can't even say that we can't be perfect today, unless they are absolutely certain that Christ is not going to return today! Since "no man knows the day or the hour," they cannot say this with certainty and we know that Christ could return today. Since Christ can return today and at his coming we shall all be perfect and sinless, it's a true saying when I say "you can be perfect today!" Not only can we stop sinning, we can do it today! Hallelujah! 1 Corinthians 57-58 "57 But thanks to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

Paul states that our "labor is not in vain.” In other words, our pressing toward the righteousness of Messiah, is not in vain and we know some day we will see the fruit of those labors in the form of sinless righteousness. We shall all witness as our bodies are changed into immortal beings. Some of us will die and then be resurrected before that happens, others may just be alive and well on that day. We don't have to wait until after we are dead to see this glory! This is a much more exciting prospect than the idea of being "carried away on a cloud into Heaven," for no other purpose than to “escape tribulation!" That those in error don't even believe in sinless perfection in this life, or think that such a thing is not possible demonstrates how far they have drifted from the message of Christ.

35: REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY The revelation of the mystery was not just found in 1 Corinthians 15. It is also mentioned in other places such as: Romans 11:25 "For I would not, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in." The context here is that the Gentiles are now fellow heirs with the House of Israel, through faith. The "fullness" of the Gentiles is a reference to the "fullness of the Spirit." In other words, Israel will remain partly blinded until they see the Gentiles walking the earth in the fullness and in the image of Jesus Christ. This, too, is a round-a-bout reference to the finishing of our righteousness by the Holy Spirit. The use of the word “fullness” is a dead giveaway. The ministry of the Holy Spirit was to continue to work in the church “until we all come together in the unity of the faith, unto the perfect man,, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13). Part of the “mystery” was that Christ is “in” the gentiles as well as Israel. Romans 16: 25-27 "25 Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began. 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 27 To God only wise, glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen." The revelation of the mystery was hidden. That mystery being made known for the obedience of faith. It's obvious that this mystery has something to do with "righteousness" for faith brings obedience and obedience, righteousness. The mystery reveals to us what power the righteous man possesses, as demonstrated by Jesus during his life, his death, and the resurrection from the dead! Man never understood what Glory awaited those who obeyed the Father in all things. Not until Christ demonstrated it. God grants “immortality” to those who are "pleasing in God's eyes," and even if they "see" death (as did Christ) God shall not leave them in the grave! They become a completely new type of creature and their bodies are changed! Not convinced? Read on! 1 Corinthians 2: 6-10 "6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world that comes to naught: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden, which God ordained before the world to our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them

that love him. 10 But God has revealed to us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ephesians 1: 9-12 "9 Having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he has purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Messiah, both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth. 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ." The mystery is that all believers in Christ, (Jew or Gentile, male or female) are fellow heirs and fellow sons of God and that in due time they will all be remade into his image! Holy and Righteous! Ephesians 3: 6 "3 How that by revelation he made known to me the mystery; (as I wrote before in few words, 4 Whereby, when you read you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ). 5 Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel." Because of the above passages, in times past, many scholars and theologians have identified this mystery as nothing more than the revelation that the Gentiles would also be included in the salvation. A salvation that, up to that time, was previously thought to be only for the Jew. While that is no doubt a part of the mystery, when you consider how the Gentiles become fellow heirs you see that this mystery is far deeper than that. The Gentiles are grafted into Israel by faith and, more importantly, by receiving the power of the Holy Spirit! Now, righteousness is not for the Jew only, but for the believing Gentile as well. This same grace and faith that came to Israel by Christ now brings forth the same fruit in the Gentiles. Making them heirs according to the same promise that was once thought only to be made to Israel. Ephesians 3: 9 "And to make all see what the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hid in God, who created all things for Jesus Christ!" When he writes, “the fellowship" of the mystery it's a direct reference to the fellowship we have with Christ, and with God the Father and with each other through the Holy Spirit unity.

Thus, as always the Holy Spirit is at the center of the mystery. For the Holy Spirit is our oneness, through love that rebirths us as sons of God. Not convinced? Well let's examine the next time the "mystery" is mentioned by the epistle of Ephesians: Ephesians 5: 30 "30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the congregation." After this Epistle was written, the congregation of believers was thereafter referred to as "the bride of Messiah." This symbolism of the "bride," was used by Christ himself and is found all through the book of Revelation! The great mystery revealed is not just that the Gentiles are fellow heirs. It has more to do with how they become fellow heirs. How we obtain that inheritance together through Holy Spirit and the unity that makes us eventually (or remakes us) into his image! The writer of Ephesians states that the Gospel itself is the "mystery." Ephesians 6: 19 "And for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Colossians 1:26-29 "26 The mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of Glory. 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 Where unto I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily." If any Scripture explains the mystery (and the great hope) this is it! Christ in you, the hope of Glory. Verse 28 completely lays to rest the arguments of those who say we are “already perfect” because we are “declared perfect.” If this were so why would the apostles “warn every man” and “teach every man” in order that they may present them perfect in Christ Jesus? That verse makes absolutely no sense at all if one is “perfect” the moment one believes. This error comes from not understanding what “in Christ” means. As we have shown, “in Christ” does not just mean “believing in Christ.” Paul is writing to believers here and he is saying that he “warns every man” and “teaches every man,” to present them perfect. Do they have to be “warned” and “taught” to believe? Then they are not believers. The image of Christ has been placed in you by the power of the Holy Spirit and we by faith are not predestined to be conformed to that image by our faith in the same. Being conformed to his image means we will ultimately be made perfect in him. Since Christ is “the image of

the invisible God” and we are to be “conformed to his image” this means we are being brought back to the “image of God” as Adam was originally created. Without blame, sinless, and ready to take of the tree of life and eat, thus living forever. That is truly rapturesque revelation indeed! It is the revelation that Satan has gone out of his way to keep from us. It is the revelation that the world's religions can never see, for they would have to let go of their sin in order to see it! Colossians 2: 2-6 "2 That their hearts might be comforted being knit together in love, and to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Messiah: 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. 5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk you in him:" As with the scriptures about hope, the scriptures concerning "the mystery" repeat the same theme over and over again. Becoming fellow heirs, with Yeshua, walking as he walked, being "perfected," being ONE in the Spirit! Colossians 4: 3 "Withal praying also for us, that God would open to us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Messiah, for which I am also in bonds:" We must pray for an opportunity to speak this great mystery to all! It's not something that should be "hidden" away and spoken of only to the most "spiritual." 1 Timothy 3: 8-9 "8 Likewise the deacons grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Timothy 3:16 "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." Many have misinterpreted the above passage. They make "God was manifested in the flesh," a reference to Christ being "God in the flesh,” only. Nothing could be farther from the truth. If this interpretation were correct, then why does it say "justified in the flesh?" God (and certainly Messiah) need no justification whatsoever! It is clearly talking about God being manifested in us, our flesh when we submit and conform to the Holy Spirit rather than our flesh. It's talking about God in you. It's talking about Christ in you. Both God and Christ in you, the hope of Glory. John 14:

“22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. Revelation 10: 7 "But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished as he has declared to his servants the prophets." There can little doubt that the event spoken of in Revelation 10: 7 is referring to the same event depicted in 1 Corinthians 15:51. Both Scriptures place this event at “the seventh trumpet,” or “the last trumpet.” Actually, there has been some controversy about this because 1 Corinthians says the "last" trumpet and, some argue, that doesn't necessarily mean the "seventh trumpet." Common sense dictates, however, that if it is the "last" trumpet, there are no other trumpets after! Yet, according to the argument, there could be seven more after that! In this view the "last trumpet" doesn't have to mean "the last trumpet." Nevertheless, both scriptures mention a final trumpet and the finishing of a "mystery." One has got to be as stubborn as a mule to refuse to admit these two scriptures are talking about the same event! The return of Christ, with the sounding of the seventh or last trumpet brings in “the day of the resurrection, and the “finishing” of our faith, the finishing of the mystery, Christ in you, it is the realization of the hope of our calling. It is the day when, after having put on incorruption (ceasing from sin) we then, at the sound of the trumpet and the return of Christ receive the final reward of eternal life as we “put on immortality.” Death is then defeated for sin is defeated. It does not say “the last enemy that will be defeated is sin,” it says “the last enemy that will be defeated is death.” Death cannot be defeated as long as sin reigns in our members and rest assured he who gives his members over to sin has become the servant of sin and allowed sin to continue to reign in their mortal flesh. The Holy Spirit, through love, comes to change all that. There is every reason to believe that the book of Revelation is called "the revelation of Jesus Christ," because it is a detailed depiction of that day when “the mystery of Christ” is finally finished and Christ is “revealed” in us through the power of the Holy Spirit. The day when Christ is “manifest” in us, in our flesh and our flesh becomes immortal. The day of the finishing of “the mystery of Godliness.” It's called the mystery of Godliness, because, by our submitting to Godliness in the Holy Spirit God is then able to reveal himself in us, the way God was revealed through Christ's obedience.

36: WICKED AND SLOTHFUL SERVANT It seems like a very harsh phrase, does it not? “Wicked and “slothful” Yet, it is the words of our Lord describing his servants who, after deciding that they do not have to do good while waiting for the Lord's return, begin to do as they please and fall into sin. Matthew 25:26 26 His lord answered and said to him, you wicked and slothful servant, you knew that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not sown.” As we recall. In Romans 5 Paul speaks of how through doing Christ's obedience and multiplying that obedience in ourselves “many shall be made righteous.” In Matthew 15 we have a parable of how the Lord gives his “talents” (powers, ability) to his servants and leaves. The righteous servants go out and increase those talents, multiplying them. The wicked and slothful servant buries his talent, afraid to risk it. Christ calls the servant who does nothing, “wicked and slothful.” This is not the first place our Lord, uses that phrase and not surprisingly the Apostles echoed it in reference to many who were "among" them and refused to “cease from sin.” Normally we would start by examining what is meant by "wicked" and what is meant by "slothful;” However, before we do we must first determine who is a "servant" and who is not according to Messiah. This is imperative because in today's watered down versions of the truth the above verse has been applied to anyone and everyone except the believers themselves! Notice, if you will, the very first two words of Matthew 25:26: "His Lord answered." This phrase leaves absolutely no doubt what type of a servant is being described in the text. It's a parable. In the parable it's obvious who "the Lord" is. The Lord is our Lord Jesus Christ. No one will dispute this, hopefully. In the parable Christ is speaking of the end of the age and of his second coming. He began this exposition in Chapter 24 and it carries forward into Chapter 25 of Matthew. Remember, the original texts were not broken up into chapters at all, so the context of Chapter 24 does not end at the beginning of Chapter 25. Before we go any further, let's look at how the conversation begins: Matthew 24: 1-10 “24 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said to them, See you not all these things? verily I say to you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said to them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

6 And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that you be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and you shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” There can be no doubt of the subject matter (context) of Matthew 24. Just look at the end of Matthew 24 and the beginning of Matthew 25. Matthew 24: 50-51 “50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looks not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Matthew 25: 1 “1 Then shall the kingdom of Heaven be likened to ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.” Matthew 24 ends with Christ talking about the fate of an unfaithful servant and Matthew 25 begins with the word "then" which clearly tells us his discourse was not complete and he's still talking about the same thing. He then begins to speak of other ways he can liken the wicked and unfaithful servants. The context is still "servants,” who are “waiting for their Lord to return.” You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure this one out. In Matthew 25 Christ offers up three separate parables on this same subject. First he compares 5 wise servants of a bride with 5 foolish, (Matthew 25: 1-13). Second he compares two profitable servants with an "unprofitable" one (Matthew 25: 1430) Third he compares a group of faithful servants (the sheep) with a group of unfaithful servants, the goats. (Matthew 25: 31-46). In all of these parables there is a common thread of context: 1. He's clearly talking about the coming kingdom and what happens upon his "return." 2. The servants depicted in each parable call him "Lord." 3. In every parable not all who call him Lord are accepted in the end, yet throughout he never says "they were never really servants" he clearly calls them all servants and uses phrases to distinguish them like "wicked and slothful," "wise and unwise," "doers of iniquity." 4. The final judgments of these failed servants is based upon what they did or didn't do and not on what religion they believed. It's very puzzling how the “once saved always saved” crowd (the eternal security believers) do not see these truths when reading Matthew 25. Eternal security teaches that all

the servants of the Lord, everyone who "believes" and receives Jesus Christ and calls him Lord are "saved" already and can never be "unsaved.” They believe that there is "no condemnation" for the servants of the Lord. They teach that if anyone proves to be "unfaithful" in the end it is only an indication that they were not authentic and never truly a "servant of the Lord." Under eternal security teaching these scriptures are only applied to the "non believers" who either refuse to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior or who have only pretended to call Jesus Lord. Yet, there is no scriptural indication that the Lord sees it this way. Why would he call the unfaithful and the unbelieving "servants” at all? This is actually infuriating because it's unclear what they mean by “unfaithful.” According to eternal security a believer can sin. So who are the “unfaithful” servants? Christ describes them as servants that when he returns he doesn't find them 'so doing” (obeying him). In reality the eternal security bunch are contradicting themselves by saying that if the Lord comes and finds someone in disobedience it means they never were true believers. This MORE than implies that a true believer obeys the Lord and does not sin! (Something they categorically deny at the same time). Here in these parables Christ still calls them servants who are "unfaithful" and "wicked and slothful,” and treats them accordingly. Casting them out in the end because of their iniquity. Let's look at what happens to the three types of servants in Matthew 25. The wise "virgins" enter into the wedding supper of the Lamb, the foolish are shut out and refused entrance being "disowned" by their Master. Matthew 25: 11- 12 “11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say to you, I know you not.” Eternal security proponents (most of whom are also pre-tribulation rapturists) will be quick to point out the final "disavowing" of the foolish virgins as the bridegroom pronounces "I never knew you." They argue that even though these foolish virgins were called "servants," in truth they were not and never had an authentic "conversion,” and the Lord never “knew them.” They forget that they are talking about an “all knowing” Lord here. How is it possible he “never knew” anyone? Clearly “I never knew you” has a completely different meaning. They miss the most crucial points. All ten virgins had "lamps" and trimmed them to "go forth and meet the bridegroom.” (Matthew 25: 1). They are all "virgins," in other words they are accounted among the "unspoiled" (yes, even the foolish ones). The characterization of the five foolish servants in this parable as "virgins" is a clear indication that they had indeed received "grace" and received the "propitiation of their sins! They are accounted as "servants" and are "awaiting the bridegroom." The biggest point they miss is that the foolish virgins are foolish because of what they did not do, not because of what they did not believe. (Technically the two are not mutually exclusive, but they are in the “eternal security” teaching) What was the difference between the five wise and the five foolish? This is critical! The only difference between them was the five wise had prepared and readied themselves with "oil" to light their lamps. Anyone who knows proper eschatology is going to understand that the "oil" is the Holy Spirit and the "lamps" represent our walking “in the light.” As Christ said "let your light so shine before men that they shall see your good works.” Matthew 5: 14-16 “14 you are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be

hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” Of course, the above scripture says "candle," not "lamp," Yet, consult with modern translations and you will find there is no debate that the word candle can be interchangeable with the word “lamp.” In fact, in modern times the brightness of a “lamp” (or light bulb) are measured by “candle power.” The issue here is that all ten virgin servants in the parable had “lamps.” The only difference between the five wise virgins and the five foolish is that the wise had lamps that were fueled by the "oil" which is the Holy Spirit and five foolish did not! This goes right along with Paul's description of the sinful “false believers” in the end times. He said “they have a form of Godliness but deny the power thereof.” 2 Timothy 3: “5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” They have lamps (a form of Godliness) but no oil (they have no power, devoid of Holy Spirit). The light we “shine before men” is fueled by the Holy Spirit and in Christ's own words that light shines forth in such a way that men "see our good works." So, the wise had enough oil in their lamps to shine forth their good works and the foolish did not! The foolish are shut out and disowned, not necessarily because they lacked goodness but because their lamps were dark and you couldn't see their goodness. As James said, “Show me your faith without your works and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2: “18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. “ There is no escaping this conclusion because any works they may have were not fueled by the oil of the Holy Spirit. How say some, in "light" of this fact, that our works have "nothing to do with our salvation?" That is the question of the hour, because, like the foolish virgins in this parable, they that live by this notion are not going to have enough "oil" in their lamps when the "Bridegroom comes" and shall be terribly lacking in light which shines that men might see their good works. When the Lord comes he finds them in darkness not in light. In fact, many who preach pre-tribulation rapture today say you cannot even dwell in the light because you cannot do good works! The bottom line is, if you call Jesus “Lord” he considers you his servant, and those of his servants who refuse to “do what he says” are eventually cast out. It's as simple as that really. Let us now examine the "wicked and slothful" servant, or the "unprofitable" servant. (They are one in the same). Matthew 25: 14-30 “14 For the kingdom of Heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered to them his goods. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his

journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and dug in the earth, and hid his Lord's money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants comes, and there is an accounting. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, you delivered to me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said to him, Well done, you good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter you into the joy of your lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, you delivered to me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter you into the joy of your lord. 24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that you art an hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the earth: lo, there you have that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said to him, you wicked and slothful servant, you knew that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 you ought therefore to have put my money to the bank and then at my coming I should have received mine own with interest. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it to him which has ten talents. 29 For to every one that has shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that has not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast you the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” To this day someone who has a special ability, such as singing, dancing, painting is called "talented" and that word comes directly from this parable. America's God Talent is a popular "talent" show. The word talent is so misapplied that it has lost it's real meaning. In this parable Christ likens the "gifts" given to his servants as "talents.” A talent was money in those days. Real currency. This correlates with “power” because everyone knows in

the world money is power. The Lord depicts two faithful servants who took what their Lord had given them and multiplied it and one servant who was afraid of losing the money and having nothing when his Lord returns, he then buried the talent so that he could return it when his Lord returned. The Lord calls that servant "wicked and slothful." What are the "talents" that our Lord gives us to multiply while he is away? This is an easy one, they are spelled out clearly by his Apostles in the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 12: 1 “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 “4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit with. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; ]10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these works that one and the self same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. If you Google the phrase "the gifts of the spirit" on the internet you will find the question "are the gifts of the spirit for today?" Those in popular teaching who say there are no “spiritual gifts” today quite literally are servants who are squandering the gifts which God has given them, saying they have none and burying their talents. Many have so buried their "talents" that they question if they even exist today. Yet, the Lord is like a traveler who has bestowed upon us these talents "gifts of the spirit" and expects us to multiply them, the way and investment banker takes his client's money and increases it. We don't have to guess, either, what is the "fruit" or "profit" that the gifts of the Spirit bring. The Apostles also spelled this out clearly. Galatians 5: 22-26 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.] 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. What happens to the servants of the Lord who have “no spiritual gifts?” (This would include who say there are no spiritual gifts today). Christ said that “every branch in me that bears no fruit my Father “takes away.” John 15: “2 Every branch in me that bears no fruit he takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” It's crucial to understand that all the servants are given "talents" by their Lord in this parable. We do know that the gifts of the Spirit are not given to the unbeliever, or to one who has had a "false" or "phony" conversion! The "wicked and slothful" servant was given a gift of the Holy Spirit from his Lord, he is a servant. Yet, based upon his "inaction" or "unprofitable" behavior what is his fate at his Lord's return? “Cast you the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” As you can see, this scripture should seriously puzzle anyone who lives by the teaching of "once saved always saved." Here is a servant of the Lord, upon whom has been bestowed the gift of the Holy Spirit and that servant “buries” that gift (the Holy Spirit) and pretends it doesn't exist. It doesn't end well for the wicked and slothful servants. Eventually, at their Lord's return, they are "cast out" into "outer darkness" and why? Because they didn't have the right religious beliefs? No, they are cast out because of what they did and didn't do. They are "wicked and slothful" and "unprofitable." Evidently your name can be removed from the book of life because of what you do or don't do. Your name does not remain in that book based solely on what you believe alone. Christ said this very thing in Revelation! Revelation 3: 5-6 “5 He that overcomes (sin), the same shall be clothed in white raiment; 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. 6 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Common sense itself dictates that if Christ promised he would "not blot out our name from the book of life" as long as we "overcome" the contraposition is also true that he that does not overcome shall indeed have his name blotted out of the book of life! Again, so much for "once saved always saved." Eternal security teachers have an answer for this. It's an answer that completely contradicts their teachings of “Original Sin.” They teach that every human being's name is “written in the Lamb's book of life” when they are born and then, when your hear the Gospel and refuse to accept it, your name is “blotted out.” Do you see the problem here? They teach clearly that all men are “implicated in Adam's sin” and that “death passed from Adam to all men.” How can they now say that all men have their name in the “book of life” by default? It makes no sense. It's time now to examine what "wicked" and what "slothful mean. In short modern terms wicked means "one who does wickedness." Slothful means "one who does nothing," or "one who is lazy," or "one who does not do what he or she is told to do."

Wickedness is self explanatory. It's someone who does the wicked or sinful acts. It's the opposite of "righteousness." When you consider the majority of the pre-tribulation rapturists include within their teachings the notion that you cannot be righteous, neither can you "do" righteousness, and also teach that you don't have to stop sinning (don't have to stop performing acts of wickedness) clearly we have a problem. To the majority of rapturists "wicked" is redefined as "one who does not believe the gospel,” and “one who does not believe in the pre-tribulation rapture.” What about "slothful?" How can there be any such thing as “sloth” under the modern grace teachers (the majority of which are also pre-tribulation rapturists). Modern grace doctrine says that works are irrelevant, your salvation is "regardless of works," and you cannot "lose your salvation" because you did or did not do something! You cannot be cast out for “sloth” by these teachings. The Lord himself was just “in error” according to their doctrines. What does "slothful" equate to in their world? How can they explain a servant of the Lord (as is shown in the above parable) being cast out for being "wicked," seeing that all our sins are forgiven "past, present and future?" How do they explain a servant being cast out because he or she is "slothful" being they teach that salvation has nothing at all to do with works (what you do or don't do)?' It is a very big puzzle indeed! They conclude that if there is someone like this who is cast out at the Lord's coming they must not have been a "real" servant to begin with! Then why does the Lord call them wicked and slothful “servants?” Shouldn't he call them “wicked and slothful non servants?” How does a “false believer” one who is only pretending to be a servant end up with a "gift" (talent) from the Lord? How does the foolish virgin end up with a lamp? Why is the foolish virgin “awaiting the coming of the Bridegroom” if the foolish virgin is not really a believer? Finally, they contradict their own eternal security doctrine by saying that a person is judged as a “non believer” or “false believer” because that person did or didn't do something! If those who “offend” and do “iniquity” and who are gathered by the angels to be “burned” were never believers why does the Lord say “they shall gather out of the kingdom all who offend?” The biggest question however hasn't even been asked. Why, if these failed servants are not part of the Kingdom, does our Lord begin these parables with the phrase, "Then shall the Kingdom of Heaven shall be likened unto...?" The answer can only be that these unfaithful servants are a part of the kingdom. God grants them “grace” and the Lord delays his coming for as long as he can hoping they will repent, not willing to cast them out. They are "servants" of the Lord, have been partakers of the heavenly calling, gifts and grace (virgins washed in the blood of the lamb) but have somehow not brought forth the "fruit" of the Holy Spirit, the "fruit of righteousness" by the time their Lord returns! They are not "overcomers." Overcomers of what? Overcomers of sin by the Holy Spirit. They have no oil in their lamps and they have no "fruits" of the Spirit (they are unprofitable). These are conclusions from which we cannot easily escape, especially in light of the third parable seen in Matthew 25. Matthew 25: 31- 46 “31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say to them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was hungry, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in: 36 Naked, and you clothed me: I was sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came to me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry, and fed you? or thirsty, and gave you to drink? 38 When did we see you as a stranger, and took you in? or naked, and clothed you? 39 Or when did we see you sick, or in prison, and came to you? 40 And the King shall answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, when you have done it to one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it to me. 41 Then shall he say also to them on the left hand, Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungry, and you gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and you took me not in: naked, and you clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and you visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to you? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Truly I say to you, when you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” The above parable of the sheep and the goats leaves no doubt that at the second coming the “servants” of our Lord shall be judged by their actual righteousness. What they have or haven't been doing. What they are or are not doing. They shall not be judged by what religious creed they espouse. Those who try to make a case that these rejected servants weren't really servants, not true followers, miss the point entirely. How is it decided whether or not they were “true servants” or false? By their belief alone? No! In all the parables their status as "false" servants is determined by what they have done or not done. Without exception. The parable of the sheep and the goats is often taught and quoted among the pretribulation rapturists, even them that teach "eternal security." How it escapes them that the judgment of these two groups is based solely upon their merits, their deeds, their actions, or their inaction is quite remarkable. Especially when they make statements like "grace is

regardless of your works or your lack of works." It is apparent from Matthew 25 that our Lord disagrees with them! It is also apparent that many among them will be on the wrong side in this judgment at our Lord's return for they teach you can "do nothing." They will point to the fact that Christ said “without me” you can do nothing and justify a statement that says “you can do nothing in this life.” It never occurs to them that we are never “without him.” He didn't say “you can do nothing so don't bother.” When they conclude they can "do nothing" they are saying outright that they are "without" him! What did Christ say sets the sheep apart? John 10: 25-39 “25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and you believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me 26 But you believe not, because you are not of my sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give to them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” The sheep "hear his voice" and more importantly they follow him. This is so simple it defies imagination that anyone misses it but they do miss it. For some reason it never crosses their minds that he who "follows" Christ does what he does, they walk as he walks and they walk where he walks. Sheep follow Christ, the good shepherd, wherever he goes and the good shepherd is not going to “lead them into temptation and into the danger of sin.” If you don't do his works how can you say you are "following him?" If you do the Devil's works, sins, how can you claim to follow him? It's why he exclaimed, "why do you call me Lord, Lord but don't DO what I say?" (Luke 6:46) A child can see the logic of this. Notice as well that the Lord himself places the emphasis on the works, (rather than believing). He states emphatically that works verify the belief and belief verifies the works. Works perfect the faith and faith perfects our works. He who says they "believe" and "follow" ought also to walk as he walked, otherwise their faith is not real. Thus, the sheep and the goats are separated and judged according to what they have done (and not done) because faith is a “do” word. Faith without works is dead. Faith without doing is dead. 1 John 2:6 “6 He that says he abides in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. We are the sheep and he is the shepherd but only if we follow him.” A wicked and slothful servant does not follow his Lord. Goats don't follow the shepherd. A foolish maidservant does not prepare for the Bridegroom (by making herself ready). This is what is meant in the scriptures that we should "watch, for we know not what hour our Lord comes." Yet, among many of the pre-tribulation rapture teachers "watch" has no meaning, for they hand in hand teach that there is nothing at all we can ever do to enter the

kingdom. They go even farther and say there is nothing we can do and nothing that we are required to do. Concluding that salvation is by faith alone. Luke 6: 45-49 “45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. 46 And why call you me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? 47 Whosoever comes to me, and hears my sayings, and does them, I will shew you to whom he is like: 48 He is like a man which built an house, and dug deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. 49 But he that hears, and does not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.” It is not enough to hear the shepherd, (be doers of the word and not hearers only). The sheep listen. They hear him and obey! It's as simple as that. Any other servant of our Lord who does not obey is cast out at his second coming! He states this plainly in Matthew 24 and 25 over and over again. Luke 6: 43-44 “43 For a good tree brings not forth corrupt fruit; neither does a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.” We do know that the "fruit" of the Spirit is works of righteousness born out of love. (We have looked at some of those scriptures already). In the gospel of John he has even more to say on this subject: John 15: 1-14 “1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that bears not fruit he takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except you abide in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same bringes forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done to you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you: continue you in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken to you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 you are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you.” They have wrongly concluded that because we are not saved by"works " then we do not not have to do works of obedience. Messiah, the Christ made it abundantly clear that they who follow him "keep his commandments" and they do this by "continuing" in his love! He states openly that we are his friends if we do what he commands! This is what makes a "disciple" according the Messiah. Yet, pre-tribulation rapturists the world over say you cannot do good, you cannot live righteously and without sin in this life! What they are really saying is that you cannot be a disciple, as Christ defined it, and they deny him and his teachings on the matter! Is this “no big deal? They have taken away the most important part of "being ready" for the rapture and that is bringing yourself into conformity to Christ, doing the work of Christ. In it's place they have put a vile notion that we will be raptured "regardless" of what we do or don't do in complete contradiction to Christ's own words! Who is a "wicked" and "slothful" servant more than one who says you don't have to do anything commanded of you by the Lord? A servant who openly tells his other servants you don't have to do the works commanded by Christ and then calls his fellow servants who say you do have to obey “liars” and smites them? Who is wicked more than he that says one can continue in wickedness until the day Christ comes and takes you out of the world? It shall be they who gather and say "Lord, Lord" and he shall say "depart from me you doers of iniquity! Clearly there comes a day when the Bride of Christ (the body of Christ) is without spot or wrinkle and is doing the commandments of Messiah! If you are not one among that group you shall be cast out at his return. If you say you cannot stop sinning "in this life" then you manifest you have no intention of doing so. How shall you "escape" in a "rapture" at his coming in light of all the scriptures we are now reading? The answer is, you won't!

37: THE BUDDING OF THE TREE If modern Grace preachers were right, and all sins are forgiven (past, present, and future) then the warnings in Matthew 25 have no meaning whatsoever because anything that you do or don't do as a believer were "forgiven" in advance, and the wrong things that you did are not “imputed” to you. In which case none of Christ's parables of judgment based on what they did or didn't do make any sense and neither do the words of Christ when he says a "good tree" doesn't bring forth "evil fruit." Yet, Christ speaks more on this "tree" and the bringing forth of the righteous fruit of the Spirit in Matthew 24. It is literally “the sign of his coming.” Matthew 24: 32 “32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when you shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34 Verily I say to you, This generation (the generation when the tree begins to leaf) shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” What happens after a branch brings forth leaves? The next step in the life cycle is reproduction. The branch brings forth bud and then fruit! Christ is telling us that the final generation begins when the branches (his followers) of the tree (himself) begin to leaf in preparation of bringing forth fruit. Christ identified himself as the “tree” (or the vine) and us as “the branches.” He states "abide in me and I in you for a branch cannot bear fruit lest it abide in the vine." The end result of abiding in Christ is we bring forth the fruit! The final sign of his coming then is when the tree begins to leaf, in preparation to bud, which leads to the fruit. Modern pre-tribulation rapturists believe the "fig tree" in this parable is "Israel" (that Nation in Palestine). At first they used to set the date of the rapture based on when Israel became a nation in 1948. Many a false date prediction has come from the notion that Israel (in Palestine) is the “leafing of the fig tree.” They don't understand the true significance of this parable and it's the only evidence we need against their false teachings! They say, "but the fig tree has always been Israel." Well, Christ did not actually make an issue that the tree in the parable was a “fig tree.” The type of tree wasn't significant at all. The tree could just as well be a grape vine in the parable. We only need to turn to the gospel of Luke to see this: Luke 21: 29-36 29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 30 When they now shoot forth, you see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31 So likewise ye, when you see these things come to pass, know you that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. 32 Verily I say to you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. 33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch you therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. So why did Christ specifically mention the fig tree? Because he was standing right next to one. One he had cursed for not bearing fruit. Of course he would use the tree nearest him for a visual example when giving his parable. The significance in the parable is not that a "fig tree" brings forth leaves (and ultimately fruit). The barren fig tree that had no fruit was being used as an example of how a good tree brings forth no fruit and a fruit tree that bears no fruit at all is good for nothing. Nothing more. Their desire to make the "fig" tree of some significance that symbolizes the formation of Israel as a nation in 1948 is indicative of how they handle all the scriptures. They make them say what they want them to say. If the fact that it is a fig tree were the focus of the parable he would not have said "and all the trees." Not to mention that they don't understand what “fruit” signifies in scripture. Fruit unanimously is “righteousness” and “good works” all through the New Testament but they turn it into a declaration of a Nation in the Middle East! Verse 34 directly cross references to what happens to the "wicked and slothful" servant at the Lord's return. Christ warned us if we get caught up with eating, and drinking and the "cares of this life" we will not be prepared at his return! The day will come upon us when we are not aware of it! That is the fate of most pre-tribulation rapturists in this world because they do not understand there comes a day when their sinning must stop and when they “do the first works” commanded of us by our Lord. They don't comprehend that from the moment we receive Christ we leave behind this world, leave behind our own lives, crucify our flesh with it's doings, Christ begins to live through us and the rapture begins! Notice the word, "worthy" in verse 36 above. We are to pray to be "accounted" worthy to escape. Logic dictates that if we should pray to be “found worthy” to escape, there must be some who are found “not worthy” to escape. Otherwise the Lord is just wasting his breath telling us to pray to be worthy. When we pray to be "accounted" worthy we are wasting prayers if all are already accounted worthy because we believe. Why would our Lord tell us to pray for something that we automatically have the moment we believe? It simply makes no sense. Matthew 24: “46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he comes shall find so doing.” Matthew 24: “48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delays his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;

50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looks not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” If the Lord comes and finds you caught in any sinful behavior, it means you are not obeying his command to walk in love. You are not walking as he walked. Which means you are not his disciple and do not dwell in the light. He will appoint you your portion with the hypocrites! This is the fate of all "wicked and slothful" servants! Beware for you have no idea when he shall return. Watching and being ready means to keep his commandments in love. To love one another. It means to “put on Christ.” It means to “live in Christ” or “abide in Christ.” He who abides in Christ does not commit sin, according to 1 John 3. Christ said that you are blessed if... when the Lord comes he finds you “so doing,” not “so believing,” not “so confessing.” This truth is very hard to miss in scripture, especially in the words of Christ. Rest assured saying you will never stoop sinning in this life is a great sin indeed. If you keep saying and believing it, that sin alone is enough to see you cast out at his return. It's the unforgivable sin for you live in open rebellion to the Lord and declare to his face that you have no intention of obeying him. You have no intention of keeping his command to love one another, and no intention of being a “faithful” servant! You are walking on very thin ice my friend. Very shaky ground indeed! You are building your house on sinking sands. If you abide in Christ how can you sin, for Christ commits no sins! 1 John 3: 6-7 6 Whosoever abides in him sins not: whosoever sins has not seen him, neither known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. Those in error teach that no one can actually do righteousness and that we are only “declared” righteous by the work of the cross! That our righteousness is only "imputed" to us and that despite our sins God only sees us as "righteous." This is a lie! The Apostles knew this lie was coming and spoke out against it saying don't be deceived, he that does righteousness is righteous." There comes a day when the believers do the works of Christ rather than just telling the story of the works of Christ and claiming to believe in them. That event is nothing less than the "sign of the Son of man in Heaven." When the tree of Christ (the body of believers) begins to bring forth the leaves. We know that day is near! The fruit will follow. Then, after we bear forth the fruit, comes the day of the harvest. Then God sends the angels to gather all who “offend” in the kingdom to be burned. All who have “rotten” or “wicked” fruit. The good fruit (the wheat) is gathered into the barns after the tares (the bad fruit) are gathered and bound in bundles to be burned. Every branch in Christ bearing forth no fruit or wicked fruit of the flesh will be “taken away.” That is the final end. When Christ has put down all enemies. All who are against righteousness. All who walk in iniquity. There will be no sin left in us for Christ in us will have defeated the sin in us. He will defeat all enemies in us then the end shall come and the final enemy destroyed is DEATH! Then will the trumpet sound, the dead will be raised and the "mystery" of "Christ in you"

having been finished will result in you “putting on immortality.” There comes then a shout saying “there is time no longer” and Christ shall return and everyone not “bringing forth fruit” shall be cast out as the enemy of Christ that they truly are! So much for eternal security and the notion that grace and faith are "regardless" of our works! Many who await the rapture have nothing but wailing and gnashing of teeth ahead of them, not because they don't believe, but because they claimed to believe but did not believe in the power of God and refused to follow Christ. They heap to themselves teachers who tickle their ears, creating doctrines that tell them they don't have to "work" to be "raptured!" Yet, our Christ is quite clear on this matter. If they continue in this state until he returns they shall be cast out as the wicked, slothful, hypocritical servants that they are. Christ says "without me you can do nothing," but if you abide in Christ and he abides in you, are you ever "without him?" No, you are not! Without him you can do nothing, with him you can do all things. Philippians 4: 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. It's only a matter of time and faith! Most claim to believe this with their lips but in their written teachings and dogmas say that you cannot and will not be perfect (Christlike perfection) in this life. It shall come upon them as they have predicted. Poor souls that they are. They are "souls that cannot cease from sin." “Cursed children.” These things come upon them because they don't want to live in obedience and righteousness. They love their lives of sin way too much. A judgment is coming on the servants of the Lord who refuse to obey him. The rapturists twist the verses in Matthew 24 to say that they shall escape this judgment suddenly: Matthew 24: 37- 41 “37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” The traditional teaching among pre-tribulation rapturists is that the world continues on as it always has until the day the believers are taken out of the world, “raptured." However, notice two important details about the above parable that do not mesh with their interpretation. First, Noah and his family did not leave the earth, did not disappear, nor did they "escape" the flood. They entered into the safety of the ark and went through the flood unscathed. The second inconsistency is that it is not the ark that is "taking" people away in this parable, it is the flood.

"And knew not until the flood came and took them all away." It then gives examples of the ones be "taken" but it is the flood that came and “took them all away.” This is always the order of all the parables Christ gives us concerning the coming judgment at his return. First the wicked are "taken" or "gathered" then the faithful are "gathered." He stated this earlier in Matthew 24 when he says "every branch in me that does not bear fruit my Father “takes away." It's the wicked, fruitless, slothful, hypocritical servants who are "taken" away and they are taken away by the judgment of the Lord at his coming!

38: THE WHEAT AND THE TARES While the righteous “plants” in the kingdom are bringing forth good fruit, the wicked growing among them show forth their sinful wicked fruits. So, this is how we tell the difference between the “good plants” (children of God) and the “bad plants.” (Children of the devil.) Matthew 13: 24- 30 “24 Another parable put he forth to them, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is likened to a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said to him, Sir, didst not you sow good seed in your field? from whence then has it tares? 28 He said to them, An enemy has done this. The servants said to him, Wilt you then that we go and gather them up? 29 But he said, Nay; lest while you gather up the tares, you root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather you together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” Tares look just like wheat when they are growing up. You cannot tell them apart until the wheat plants bring forth good wheat. The tares cannot bring forth wheat and bring forth nothing but thorns and thistles. The wheat plants are manifest when they bring forth wheat. That is why the judgment waits until “the time of the harvest.” That's when the tares (who bring forth no wheat and are obviously not wheat plants) are gathered first and bound in bundles to be burned. Afterward the wheat is harvested and gathered into the barn. The wheat is not pulled out of the field first, before judgment, and then the field burned down! That is the pre-tribulation rapturists version of the story. Note too that the wheat and the tares are growing up in the same field and our Lord states this is a parable of the Kingdom! The tares are in the kingdom, with the wheat, growing up and sharing of the fertilizer and the rain and all the other cultivation of the farmer until the moment the wheat plants bring forth wheat. The tares are then plucked up (having no fruit). The once saved always saved crowd have an answer for this. They say, “see, they were never wheat, they were tares all along.” In answering this way the forget one thing. What makes them tares? The fact that they don't bring forth the proper fruit of the Spirit! Once saved always saved says you don't have to bear forth wheat to be saved. You can even sin and bring forth thistles. You can be a tare and still be saved! Amazingly this is one parable Christ does not leave to speculation. He interprets it himself just so we know for certain. Matthew 13: 38-43 “38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. 40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who has ears to hear, let him hear.” The order of events here does not have the wheat taken out of the world (the field) first, then the wicked burned, but the other way around! This completely contradicts the entire pretribulation theory! Notice Christ says "then the righteous shall shine forth." That is how the wheat are differentiated by the tares! The wheat shine forth as the righteous branches they are! Indeed, Christ even prayed that the Father did not take his disciples out of the world, but at the same time prayed that while they were in the world they would "be with" him "where" he is! All of the Apostles preached the same thing on this. The way the “children of God” and are manifest, and the way the “children of the Devil” are manifest is by their works. “By their fruits you shall know them.” Matthew 7: “16 you shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” Those who claim we “don't have to stop sinning” as believers do not understand any of these principles. If the “believers” go around performing the same wicked acts as the unbelievers how do you tell them apart? The answer is, you don't. Not until the time of the harvest because in that time the believers will no longer bring forth evil fruit and shall bring forth good fruit and the wicked shall continue to bring forth the same old wicked fruit. There is no wicked fruit in the good plants. Otherwise, at the time of the harvest they are plucked up as the wicked plants that they are. Every Apostle taught that we tell the children of God from the children of the Devil by their behavior, by their fruits, by their works. 1 John 3: 7- 11 “7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother.

11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” In the final day, when the Lord returns there shall be no sin is us if we are "born of God" and are his children because a good tree does not bring forth evil fruit and by their fruits you shall know them. If there is still sin in you at that day you are not abiding in him, you have not brought forth the "fruit" (the wheat) and you are most assuredly a tare, a "child of the wicked one"! In that day we shall be "like him" and this hope causes us to “purify ourselves” even to the same degree that he is pure. We shall be in him and in him is no sin! The order is, first this corruption puts on the incorruption, then they who have not put on incorruption are removed from the kingdom (for flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom) then this mortal puts on immortality! We cannot get any clearer than this and for anyone to say "you can't stop sinning in this life" is to deny the very ministry and purposes of Christ himself. John wrote that Christ came to "destroy the works of the devil" and sin is the work of the devil! What part of this do they not understand? The deceivers run rampant in the world today creating all manner of religious delusions to keep you from this great "calling" of faith. Yet, we who do know the truth shall shine forth in the end in total righteousness and shall be gathered into the safety of the angels!

39: THE BELLY WORSHIPERS It's time to revisit the parable of the talents in Matthew 24. This parable is one of the most misapplied of all the parables. We need to examine the biggest abuse of these verses. Namely, their application of the servant with the "talent" to the teaching of "tithing," for this abuse goes right to the heart of the matter and reveals far more about religious motivations than anything else. Those in error use the parable of the talents as an object lesson in giving money to the church. The very fact that they take a parable that is talking about the "gifts of the Spirit" and apply it to money (tithing) is quite telling and indeed completely obscene. Yet they do this over and over again from pulpits across the country. The person who does not tithe to the church is cast in the role of the "unprofitable servant" in the parable! We see where their heart is, therefore, and it is not "in the gifts of the Spirit" but in the gifts of money! There are so many "version" of the tithing doctrine it would be far too much work to go over them all. Suffice it to say that generally speaking tithing is the teaching which says that just as Israel was commanded to give 10 percent of “your increase” to the Priests of the Temple, we are commanded to give to the Church. And, or they teach that just as Abraham gave 10 percent of his belongings to Melchisedec, we should be giving 10 percent to Christ because he is our High Priest after the order of Melchisedec. That is the sum of the modern version of tithing in its basic form. The tithe teaching has one fatal flaw. We are not commanded to give only 10 percent to Christ! We are commanded to “lay down” our “entire lives” for Christ. He has purchased us with his own blood and all that we have belongs to by right, if so be that we are his servants. We must “give our all.” Servants do not own anything! A "servant" as defined by Christ himself is a “slave.” Yes, we place ourselves into servitude to him willingly of course, he does not force us, neither does he take us "captive," (rapture as the world defines it); However, if you claim to be a "servant" of Jesus Christ yet hold back 90 percent of your living from him, you are a liar and the truth is not in you. There are plenty of scriptures on this. We have looked at some already. We are "dead" in Christ through baptism! Does a dead man own anything? You've heard the saying, "you can't take it with you?" Well, why do they think that when we "die in Christ" through baptism we can still take 90 percent of our goods and our living with us? It says "I live, yet not I, Christ lives in me." Our lives are not our own, if so be we are truly abiding in him and he in us. The teaching of tithe is truly where their flawed thinking on the entire message of the gospel shines through the brightest! They think that God only expects 10 percent! How surprised will they be at the second coming when the true servants of God have given their all and their everything to Christ? How will they feel when their own claims to have done the same are exposed by the fact they continually held back 90 percent and taught openly in the churches that 10 percent was enough? We have an example of this very thing in the book of acts! In order to understand the full impact, however we must read from the end of Acts Chapter 4 and then from the beginning of Chapter 5. This is because those who broke the scriptures up into chapters, themselves did not understand the significance of the events outlined here and erroneously broke the story up into two separate chapters. Or, perhaps they did understand the message of the story and sought to conceal it?

Acts 4: 32-37 “32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made to every man according as he had need. 36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Acts 5: 1-10 “1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why have you conceived this thing in thine heart? you have not lied to men, but to God. 5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. 7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8 And Peter answered to her, Tell me whether you sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9 Then Peter said to her, How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried your husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.”

The moral of this story should be obvious. While everyone there was selling all that they had and giving all to Christ, there were those who held back and while claiming to be servants of Christ and claiming to have "given their all" they were lying to the Holy Spirit. This is certain death! Yet, many all over the world, while claiming that Jesus is "Lord" of their entire lives have concocted teachings like the "tithing" doctrine which implicitly state that you only have to give "10 percent.” Tithing says all that God requires of you is 10 percent and anything over and above that is a "voluntary gift" and is not mandatory. They do lie against the truth and their fate will be the same fate as Ananias and his wife! Either Jesus is Lord (and in which case he's Lord of all) or he is not. There is no middle ground. They do the same thing with the "tithe" doctrine that the hypocrites of Christ's day did with the law, nullifying the law of God with their own traditions. Christs rebuked them directly about it and what he said demonstrates a principle that is directly applied to the "tithe" teachings of modern Christendom. Mark 7: “ 5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not your disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands? 6 He answered and said unto them, Well has Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things you do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition. 10 For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother; and, Whoso curses father or mother, let him die the death: 11 But you say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever you might be profited by me; he shall be free. 12 And you suffer him no more to do anything for his father or his mother; 13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which you have delivered: and many such like things you do.” In the above passages what was happening is the Jews had a tradition that taught that financially supporting your parents in their old age was considered “a gift” and not a part of the mandatory tithing system. You could not count the money you gave to support your parents as part of your tithe. Christ rebuked them because the law of God says “honor your father and mother.” This is not “a gift” this is not “voluntary” it is the law. They nullified the law of God with their traditions.

Modern churches do the same thing with their tithes. They say that offerings to the poor are not a part of the ten percent tithe, they are “gifts” and are voluntary over and above the 10 percent. This violates God's command to “love one another” and Christ's commands that he continually made. James' famous words “faith without works is dead being alone” were spoken to those who would refuse to help the poor in their time of need. Giving to the poor is not a “voluntary gift” it is a commandment from the Lord Jesus Christ. They nullify the Lord's command with their tithing traditions! No one tithed more faithfully than the hypocrites of Jesus' day! It was Jewish law that 10 percent of your increase must go to the temple. This was the "tithe" as written in the Levitical law. Despite this Christ said that the pharisees were snakes and vipers. This is the same tradition that Christians enforce to this day. In fact, the law states that "tithes and offerings" were to be for the poor. Tithes and offerings were food and supplies for the poor. We see this clearly in the law itself. Malachi 3: 8-10 “8 Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me. But you say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 you are cursed with a curse: for you have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of Heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Tithes where food brought into the "storehouses" for the purposes of feeding both the priests of the temple and the poor! You see, the priests had nothing of their own, no possessions and were completely reliant upon the people to whom they ministered. Talk about robbing God? If holding back your 10 percent that is supposed to go to feed the poor and indigent priests is “robbing God” what about taking those tithes and putting them in your own pocket? That is precisely what these churches do. They preach the tithe of the law which is supposed to be for the poor then put it in their own banks accounts and use it as they will! They shall not answer for this? We'll see. The Apostles did not live off the congregation neither did they take collections calling them tithes and then use that money to support their own livelihood. There is much in scripture we can read to demonstrate this truth. Tithes in the early church did not exist because as I have shown from Acts they shared everything! When it comes to tithing, Christians teach plainly that a "tithe" is 10 percent and it all goes to the ministration of the church, then a separate collection is taken called "the offering," this is voluntary money, over and above the 10 percent, that will go to the poor. They say taking care of the poor is “Corban.” "it is a gift!" The modern churches have done the exact same thing with feeding the poor and the needy as the hypocrites did in Christ's day when it came to feeding your elderly parent. Saying that tithes go to the church (the temple) and are a 10 percent MANDATORY donation and "offerings" are what we feed the poor with and it is a "gift.” The church gets our “firstfruits” (ten percent) and the poor get our “leftovers.” Thus they nullify Christ's command to feed the poor and to "love one another" as he has loved us. I take you now, first to the letter of John:

1 John 3: 15- 18 “15 Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso has this world's good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” No wonder when the sheep and the goats are separated they are judged according to what they did for the poor. The “least" of Christ's brethren! We are commanded to feed the hungry, commanded to love one another. It's not "voluntary" and it's not a "gift" or "offering." It's a command from the Lord and the very fact modern Churches say it “gift” and not “mandatory” to give to the poor is all the evidence we need as to how far they have really fallen from “the first works.” Note also that John echoes Christ's words from the passage we just read about how "my people draw near me with their lips and with their mouths do honor me but have removed their hearts far from me." John says in like fashion "let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed..." Faith is a do word. It's something we do, not just something we "believe." Christ said to "love one another" and he asked Peter "do you love me?” and Peter answered “you know I do” to which Christ responded “then feed my sheep!" John 21: “15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me more than these? He sad unto him, Yes, Lord; you know I love you. He said unto him, Feed my lambs. “ Christ promised that all who are not found doing so at his second coming are “goats” and shall be cast into outer darkness. Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, their teaching on tithe is the most blatant example of their apostasy and their hypocrisy for, like the hypocrites of old they have made offerings to the poor "voluntary" when it is a clear command from the Lord for which you may be judged unworthy at his second coming if you fall short of fulfilling it! We are commanded to walk in love! It's not a suggestion! James, the Apostle stated this most clearly in no uncertain terms. James 2: 14-24 “14 What does it profit, my brethren, though a man say he has faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say to them, Depart in peace, be you warmed and filled; notwithstanding you give them not those things which are needful to the body; what does it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone.

18 Yea, a man may say, you have faith, and I have works: shew me your faith without your works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 you believe that there is one God; you doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Do you see how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 you see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” How do modern Christian religions (most of them pre-tribulation rapturists) say that grace is "regardless of works" seeing that faith without works is dead and we are saved by grace through faith? How do they say that feeding the poor is a "voluntary gift" (offering) that is over and above the mandatory tithing gift in support of their churches? In light of the depth of this error the reader should now understand that the wickedness of it cannot be overstated. They are denying that we can walk like Christ and in so doing, even as James stated openly they are denying the Lord who bought them! James 2: 1-7 “1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2 For if there come to your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And you have respect to him that wears the expensive clothing, and say to him, Sit you here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand you there, or sit here under my footstool: 4 Are you not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to them that love him? 6 But you have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which you are called?” How does the "Tithe" doctrine fit in with the subject of the rapture? The way tithing is preached in the churches it is a clear indication of their immorality, their false faith, their lack of love, their phony walk, it embodies all for which the "goats" shall be judged by Christ at his return. How is it not pertinent to the subject of the rapture, being that “flesh and blood” (the carnally minded) shall not “inherit the Kingdom of Heaven?”

It is MOST pertinent to the subject of the rapture for it demonstrates more than any other teaching how many who preach pre-tribulation rapture will never attain to it! It's also no coincidence that most of the "rapture" movies and books are making a fortune! Ultimately, that is what the pre-tribulation rapture teaching is all about. The most popular modern teaching of this age is raking in huge money! Those who teach it have made their God their bellies! They have turned every scripture concerning the gifts of the Spirit into a teaching about money! What more evidence do we need of their depravity? We can see where their heart is for Christ said "from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks!" Philippians 3: 7-21 “7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death; 11 If by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as you have us for an example. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in Heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like to his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things to himself.”

Paul considered the minding of "earthly" things quite pertinent in the discussion of the "rapture." There comes a time when our "vile" bodies are "fashioned" like to his glorious body according to "the working." When he says “working” he speaks of works through faith, and righteousness , not by keeping the law but rather by following Christ in the Holy Spirit of love. This is not an "imputed" righteousness whereby we are "viewed" as righteous despite our sins and wickedness. It is a working righteousness that is real and tangible, demonstrates our true faith and for which, if we are found missing at his return we shall be cast out like the goats and the hypocrites that we are! In the end it's all about money (and earthly gain) to the pre-tribulation rapturists. Their God is their bellies and they are "the enemies of Christ," according to Paul. We are told here in the above verses that even though Paul had not "attained" perfection he hoped for it, apprehended it, worked for it, and pressed forward to it! We are told by modern religious that perfection is impossible! They have gone so far as to strike the words "perfect" and "perfection" from all modern translations and have replaced them with "whole," "complete" and "wholeness." Their judgment approaches because it was for the "perfection" of the saints that Christ died and they have nullified that purpose with their traditions and teachings of men. Like the hypocrites and pharisees they are, they now draw nigh to God with their lips only. Their heart is not in it and they say so with their own mouths with statements like "you can never live without sin in this life." It shall come upon them as they have spoken with their mouths and when the Lord returns they shall be cast out, being bearers of evil fruit and having barren branches devoid of the fruit of righteousness! Perfection is apprehendable and is attainable according to the Apostle. He did not say "you will never stop sinning in this life!" He never said any such thing! 1 Timothy 6: 3-12 “3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strife of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmising, 5 Perverse disputing of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.” According the these verses faith is a "profession," it's a 24 hour occupation. It's a “work.” The wicked and slothful servant does not get this and thinks to use the "faith" as a means of personal worldly gain! We, the true servants of God follow after "righteousness, godliness, love, patience, meekness." Faith is a fight, it's a battle, it's a race, it's not just "believing" something and then figuring out how you can turn that belief into a fatter bank account! Soon, yes, very soon the people of God will step forward and walk even as Christ walked and it will turn the world on it's ear and terrify the Devil for he will know his end draws near as well! When our sin is eradicated, the "works" of the Devil are destroyed and he will be utterly defeated!

40: THE SECRET SINNERS Faith as it is taught in scripture is a “working man's faith,” it's not a “rich man's faith.” It's a no nonsense approach to the subject, it has no luxuries, it has no baggage, it's just a straight forward approach to believing. If you believe Christ you will follow him and if you follow him you will do as he commands. Many preach “hidden” or “unknown sins,” and for this reason do not believe it's possible to truly go even one day without sinning. This is a doctrine that has absolutely no basis in scripture whatsoever. There are Christian religions who have been preaching the “secret” sin idea for hundreds of years. Such as Methodist. Basically, what is taught is that you can stop sinning “the known” sins, but that there are sins we do not know about. He commanded us to love, not only one another, but to love our enemies. If one truly loves another they do no harm to that person. A child can tell you this! If we walk in the Spirit 100 percent of our day, wherein is the room for "accidental sins?" If you walk in the love of the spirit and love keeps you from doing wrong to others, how are you going to “accidentally sin?” Clearly, those who preach this “hidden” or “secret sin” doctrine don't understand what sin is. Sin is transgression of the law. 1 John 3: “Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. “ “Transgression” is the word “violate.” In order for one to violate a law one must know that they are violating a law. It requires not only knowing the law, but requires an intentional decision to transgress the law. If you are unaware that what you have done or are doing is unlawful, it's not sin. Romans 4:15 Because the law works wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Romans 5: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Romans 7: 7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. Is scripture actually saying that “ignorance” of the law is an excuse? If I don't know the law that sin is not imputed? Actually scripture says exactly that. 2 Peter 2: “21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy

commandment delivered unto them.” So, where do they go wrong? Those who teach that you can only cease the “known” sins? That there are “hidden” or “unknown” sins a believer can commit? First of all, as we have seen they have an erroneous idea as to what constitutes sin. What they are describing, “committing an unknown transgression” is not even sin. Sin requires a knowledge of the law one is transgressing and a deliberate intent to violate that law. A complete disregard of law, or “lawlessness.” Secondly, they have a basic lack of understanding of the New Covenant. They fail to see that the law is now written in the heart of the believer and in the mind of the believer by the Holy Spirit. We are no longer under the “written” law because we live by a “higher law.” The law of “love.” John put it best. He said that “if you abide in the light there is no “occasion of stumbling” in you. In other words, you cannot accidentally sin if you walk in love. “1 John 2: 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keeps his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abides in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shines. 9 He that saith he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness even until now. 10 He that loves his brother abides in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.” If we walk in the Spirit of love we will not commit sin. Paul said this plainly: Galatians 5: 16 “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. “ If we cannot fulfill “the lust” of the flesh when we walk in the Spirit, therefore he that walks in the Spirit cannot sin, for all sin comes when a man is “led away” by his “own lusts” and enticed, and when that lust is “fulfilled” it brings forth sin. James 1: “14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.

16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.” If you sin, it's because you did not walk in the Spirit. It has nothing to do with what you “know” or don't know. It's all about what is in your heart! Knowledge has nothing to do with righteousness when you are a recipient of the power of the Holy Spirit of love! We live by a higher law. The law of the Spirit rather than the law of the letter of the written law. As we read a few chapters back Paul said that the letter kills. He also said that we do not need “the letter” in order to learn to “love” for we are all taught of God to “love one another.” Those who preach the “secret sin” idea (I call them the “secret sinners”) quote a text from psalms in support of this: Psalms 19: “12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.” Those who use the above verse to prove there are sins about which we don't know are rewriting the verse. They take the question “who can understand his errors” change the word “errors” to the word “sins.” They then have the psalmist begging God to “forgive him” of sins that are “secret” to him by likewise changing the word “faults” to the word “sins. ” The meaning of “secret” is also changed from something the psalmist tries to hide from others to something that is being hidden from the psalmist. In examining their interpretation we must first point out that “errors” are not sins, and neither are “faults.” The verse in psalms, which so many try to make about “unknown” or “secret” or “hidden” sins isn't even about sin it's about “error” and “human faults.” Sin is not a “mistake” or an “error.” So again we see their lack of understanding about what constitutes “sin.” You cannot “mistakenly” transgress or violate the law of God. In order to transgress the law there must be intent. You cannot “sin by mistake,” and human mistakes are not sins. Human faults are not sins either. Humans are not infallible and they are capable of making mistakes. Those who quote psalms 19: 12 and make it about sin are under the mistaken idea that it is somehow intrinsically sinful to be human. We discussed this very thing in several chapters in this book. They have made being human and capable of “error” itself a sin! No wonder they think there are “hidden sins” that a person can commit without even understanding what he is doing. Under their definition of sin, just making a human mistake itself is a sin. For example, if I misunderstand someone and think they have offended me and I react accordingly, that is a “sin” according to their idea of what is sin. No wonder they think it's “impossible to cease from sin.” One would have to cease being a human being and become all knowing in order to accomplish it if “faults” and “errors” are sin! Furthermore, those who quote Psalms 19: 12 and apply it to sin fail to realize that by “secret faults” the psalmist is talking about when a human being “hides his faults” from others to appear stronger and more “infallible.” Also, the psalmist prays to be “cleansed” from this. In other words the psalmist is praying for the ability to not “hide” his faults from others but rather to readily admit when they are in error or are at “fault” for something. They have taken Psalms 19: 12 completely out of its context. When we read the verses before and afterward, that becomes painfully obvious. Let's read the verse in context shall we? Psalms 19: “9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. 12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” The psalmist speaks of “keeping God's righteous judgments.” This is a direct reference to abiding by God's laws. Then the psalmist says “who can understand his errors” and by “his” it's implied “his own” errors. This is true. Many times humans make errors that defy our own understanding. Humans do this every day. Yet errors are not “sins.” That is the primary way they go wrong in reading it. In verse 13 the psalmists prays that God will “keep his servant back from presumptuous sins.” Let's take a very close look at what “presumptuous” means. The definition of “presumptuous” is needed here: “(of a person or their behavior) failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate.” When someone has “presumptuous” sins they have arrogantly, brazenly, and insolently failed to observe God's law and transgressed his law overtly with malcontent. That is what “presumptuously” means. How can one do that “by accident?” How can one commit a presumptuous sin by “mistake?” Furthermore, a sin of “presumption” is when a person presumes they are going to “sin in the future” and lives accordingly. Which is precisely what the teaching of the “secret sinners” encourages. They are saying that it's okay to “sin in the future” because you can do so without even knowing it. Peter spoke of those who commit “presumptuous sins.” He began by refuting the notion that you can “accidentally” sin if you are following the Lord. (It was not a new concept when Wesley thought of it). Peter states that if we follow the Lord, he knows how to “deliver us from temptations,” and keep us from sinning. Then he states that those who sin “presumptuously” are also those who “cannot cease from sin” and are “cursed children.” 2 Peter 2: 9 The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. It's important to notice that those who quote Psalms 19: 12 and try to say there are “unknown sins” that we as believers commit also are the first to speak evil of those who say we can “cease from sin” as believers, calling them “liars.” They are not afraid to speak “evil” of the dignified act of obedience. 2 Peter 2:

12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceptions while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: The bottom line here is that they who preach that there are “unknown sins” that believers commit every day, and say that we cannot stop sinning because of these “unknown” sins are taking an approach that completely disregards the ministry of the Holy Spirit, for the Holy Spirit, the spirit of truth, is supposedly there to expose all the “secret” and “hidden” things of the heart. Matthew 10: 26 “26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Corinthians 2: 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ. They who teach that there are “errors” we can “never understand” are operating under their “own wisdom” and “knowledge” rather than by “the mind of Christ.” They are “carnally minded.” 1 Corinthians 4: “4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who

both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” If we have the Holy Spirit here is no sin that is going to “hide” itself in us that won't be lain bare by the power of God through love! Those who quote psalms 19:12 where it speaks of not being able to “understand” your own errors are relying on their own understanding, in contrariness to scripture! Proverbs 3: 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. No sin is going to remain “hidden” or secret for long when you are walking in the light. If you have such sins, you are in “darkness.” Ephesians 5: “But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. “ You have to wonder. If they think that we believers have sins that are being “kept secret” from us, whom do they think is keeping them secret? Do we not have the Holy Spirit, the spirit of truth to lead and guide us into all truth? If we have the Holy Spirit is Satan going to be able to “keep secret” sins in us? Is there any sin we could commit of which God is not aware? This is where we see the damage their doctrines have done to their thinking. For, indeed, their gospel teaches that God no longer sees their sins. Their sins are covered by the blood. No wonder they think there could be “secret” or “hidden” sins in their life, even when they have the Holy Spirit. If we have the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God is in us and God is aware of every sin we commit, then the only one who could keep those sins “secret” in us is God himself. They are more than implying that God is keeping sins secret inside of us so that we can “remain in sin!” The real problem comes in where people say, "but no one can walk in the Spirit 100 percent of the day because of the sin nature!" If you live by that you shall in no wise be raptured because you will never be a sheep, you will never be a "good and faithful servant" mainly because you say it's impossible to do so! The scriptures called "the faith of Abraham,” the working faith. It's working faith because Abraham did not just "believe" something he had every intent to "act" on those beliefs. There are several key passages in the New Testament which address this "works" aspect of true faith and, lo and behold, there are those who "twist" it. You will find page after page on the internet posing the question, "what does faith without works is dead mean?" The scriptures from which this phrase "faith without works is dead" are very straightforward and they mean exactly what they say! So why do so many struggle with their meaning? Because they have heaped to themselves teachers with doctrines which deny this truth and they have to use “special pleadings” to "handle" these passages in order to continue teaching their twisted form of "grace." In many cases these teachings have existed as doctrine within their churches for generations, or hundreds and even thousands of years. In short there are countless churches teaching that we are indeed saved by "faith alone" and that works are irrelevant in the salvation equation. They are in clear contradiction to every New Testament scripture you can find on the subject of faith.

Their major contention? If salvation is by works then it cannot be by faith! Yes, it is true that no one can "work their way into Heaven" by the power of the flesh (fleshly observances of rules and regulations). Scriptures indeed make this abundantly clear! Yet, since we are saved by faith (and not works) do we throw out works entirely and relegate righteous deeds to the "irrelevant?" Not when you have the Holy Spirit and not when you know the written scriptures.

41: FAITH WORKS NOT LAW WORKS You see, faith without works is no faith at all and works without faith are no works at all. This sounds crazy. Romans 14: “23 And he that doubts is damned if he eat, because he eats not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” In some places we seem to have the Bible saying "you are saved by grace, through faith and not of works" then in other places you have the Bible saying, "faith that has no works is dead" and you have Christ saying that when he returns we shall be judged by what we have done or not done to the "least" of his brethren! It's a dichotomy to be sure. The problem, of course, is in how they view "saved" and "salvation," there are no contradictions in scripture other than the ones that are created by our own misunderstanding and misapplication of those scriptures! We indeed shall be saved by grace through our faith, but no one is saved until they are saved "mind, body, and soul." Salvation is not a "finished" work until we are "glorified," until our bodies are "redeemed." As in the old sayings "it's not over until the fat lady sings" and "it's not over until it's over." Now, when Christ cried out “It is finished” on the cross, he was talking about his mission on this earth. His life was “finished.” Where they get the misguided notion that “it is finished” means “the work of salvation was finished” is they reason that since the death of Christ on the cross is what brings grace, and grace alone saves us, then all who believe are therefore already saved. The only problem with that is, if it were so, the whole world is saved now, because Christ died “for the sins of the whole world,” and if his death “finishes salvation” then the whole world is now saved. Christ paid the ultimate price by shedding his blood because of the sins of the world, to reconcile the world, in order for us to receive the Holy Spirit to begin a “work in us” that culminates in eternal life. His Spirit of love then enters into the mind, body, and soul of those who receive the grace of forgiveness and they begin to walk in the Spirit of Love. That walk then leads us to be "like Christ." So, yes, for those who continue in that love their salvation is "predestined,” once they believe. Where many have gone astray is in their definition of what "continuing in that love" means. For many teach that we cannot walk in that perfect love "in this lifetime." They truly have created a self defeating walk. They teach they are "saved already," even though they have not reached the "finish line." They teach they are righteous already "in God's eyes" even though there is no righteousness in them. They have concluded righteousness or lack thereof is irrelevant. That in fact righteousness is not possible nor is it required of us. It then becomes even more confusing because, while they claim to be "running the race" of faith it is unclear what they mean, for they say "there's nothing you can do to be saved." If so, then why are they "running" a race? Isn't running "doing" something? Of course it is! So, works cannot be "irrelevant" to our salvation for true faith causes us to "run," it causes us to "press forward," it causes us to "do the commands of Christ!" As the Apostle stated, "not that I have already attained, or already have been made perfect." Yet, for many there is no attaining, there is no perfection in this life, no light at the end of the tunnel. There is only grace and forgiveness. T hey have missed the mark and they no

longer "run." For them there is no "hope" of salvation for they believe and teach they already have it. Faith and works cannot be separated. They are forever linked! How say any man that our salvation is "regardless of our works?" That is indeed contradictory to scripture which says "faith without works is dead!" So, not only is their view of salvation upside down, their view of what it means to "follow" Christ is also askew. No wonder they are confused. What's truly frustrating and disappointing is that often if you preach this "works by faith" you are immediately called a legalist. You are labeled a non believer and an heretic. You are reviled, persecuted and hated. The word "perfectionist" has become a word of derision, it has negative connotations in this world! Why? Because humans are flawed creatures and make mistakes all the time. Yet, one does not have to be "incapable of error" to be "sinless." That is what the world does not understand! They only think this because they are making excuses for their wickedness and trying to say "it was an honest mistake." The scripture does not make any such provision for a "sin by mistake." Certainly error can and does lead to sin when the error is in your thinking, your doctrine and the way you handle scripture, but ultimately error is not sin and does not cause it. Every man is led away "of their own lusts" and enticed to sin! We cannot blame our sins on the lies of the devil, nor false teaching, especially if our claim is that we “walk in Christ.” One cannot walk in Christ and walk in sin at the same time. Their idea of “walking in Christ” is believing and going to church. That's not even close. Justification has two possible meanings. First and foremost it is when someone who formerly acted “unjustly” turns from his ways and lives “justly.” His repentance “justifies” him. Secondly it can mean that there is a "good" or "righteous" reason for something that you have done even though it might appear to be evil to others. The word is still used that way today in the legal world. There is such a thing as "justifiable homicide" in the world today. In that case, justified simply means that your actions are "understandable and therefore legal," this should be common sense, yet, how can a Christian who claims to "abide in Christ" and claims to walk by love "justify" his or her sin? Especially in light of scripture. How can they claim to be "justified" by faith without justifiable deeds? Take for example Christ's entering into the temple and overturning the tables of the money changers and driving the merchants out with a whip. Today, if you entered a church, went into their "book store" (many have them in the lobby) and started overturning everything and driving them out with a whip you'd only end up in jail, and you'd be convicted. (Rightly so under the laws of the land). That sort of behavior was no less frowned upon in Christ's day. Yet, Christ's actions were "justified" by the fact that they were righteous acts of faith that God the Father had sent him to do just that! Sometimes Christians think that the Adamic Curse “justifies” their behavior and all Christ has to do is “pay the penalty.” Nothing is farther from the truth. Belief in Christ “justifies” you because you turn from your unjust ways and life justly. We obey the Christ by being "sheep" and by "hearing his voice" and by "following." We are exactly like Abraham, in that without even the written law and while he was yet uncircumcised he obeyed God! He did so by being a "sheep" and hearing the voice of the Father in Heaven and obeying through faith. Abraham's works had nothing to do with “keeping the law.” We do not do our works by obeying some letter of the law, we do our works by obeying the

voice of love! Many have erroneously concluded that because we aren't justified by “works of the law” have concluded we don't do works at all and that our salvation is "regardless of any sort of works." What they are really saying is they are going to Heaven regardless of whether they follow Jesus Christ or not! That truly is what they are saying because if they follow Jesus they are supposed to do what he says and they say they don't have to “go forth and sin no more.” When they conclude that the law is "dead" and nullified by grace and by faith they do seriously err, for the law is "written in" our hearts and in our minds by the Holy Spirit, through the New Covenant in Christ's own blood! Even when they don't say the law is dead, but merely “fulfilled” in Christ, if they conclude that negates obedience and works through faith, they are still in serious error. He who follows Christ and "loves one another" fulfills the law and becomes a "law unto" themselves. We are "working" out our own salvation with "much fear and trembling" knowing that "it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God." Our faith is Abraham's faith, a working man's faith! We have an higher law. The law of love. If we obey the law of love there is "no occasion of stumbling" in us, there's simply no way we can disobey the Father, for love is the Father's perfect will! Paul talks much about Abraham's faith as well. Paul states that Abraham is the father of all who have faith without being circumcised under the law of Moses, namely the Gentiles, because Abraham was justified and had his faith "accounted" as righteousness before the circumcision law was even put in place, while he was yet uncircumcised! Paul offers this truth as proof positive that you do not have to be circumcised under the law in order to have the faith of Abraham nor do you need to be circumcised to be "justified" by faith and "accounted" righteous by faith. He did this in answer to a group of misguided souls who were trying to compel believing gentiles to be circumcised under the law! Many unfortunately have taken Paul's argument further than he intended and have concluded that if you don't have to be circumcised to be "justified by faith" then you don't have to do anything to be justified by faith. You don't have to stop sinning, they conclude. They have changed the definition of "imputed" righteousness. Now, you are "imputed" righteous simply by believing and regardless of whether or not you obey! That is not how Abraham was "imputed" with righteous according to James. Abraham's work of faith was how he was "imputed" righteous. If the faith has no works there is no "imputing" righteousness to your faith. That should be common sense but apparently not because hundreds of thousands of people say otherwise in this world! Today they teach that by belief alone Christ's righteousness is "imputed" as your own even if no righteousness comes of that belief. What's truly infuriating is they try to use Abraham as an example of this. Abraham never once merely “believed” something without following through with some sort of obedient works. Christ's righteousness is only "imputed" to us if we truly repent of our deeds and turn to righteousness (as is explained in Ezekiel 18). Our faith brings forth Christ's righteousness in us only if, like faithful Abraham, our faith brings about performance of obedience! What they are preaching is “imputed” righteousness of the wicked without real repentance and turning from their sin. That is not scriptural. The works of Abraham did not come through some fleshly observance of a written law (for there was no written law in Abraham's time) but faithful obedience out of a love for God! Galatians 2: 16- 21

“16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live to God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Paul addresses the Galatians who were giving into pressure from certain Jewish "converts" that insisted they be circumcised even though they were already followers of Christ, had the Holy Spirit, and were obeying through the New Covenant. Paul says "by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." The subject is "circumcision" and the "law.” It is the written law that requires circumcision. That is what most seem to forget (conveniently so). No one can be "justified" by observing the written law (in the power of the flesh). We need the Holy Spirit because you can go through the motions of obeying the written law and still not be obeying out of love. If what you do is not out of love, not born of the Spirit, it's not authentic! Paul says we are justified by the "faith of" Jesus. He does not say "faith in Jesus" (which is how this verse has been misinterpreted). In other words many think Paul is saying we are "justified" by only believing in Jesus and are not required to obey Jesus (love one another as I have loved you)! That is not what he was saying at all. Truly we are justified by believing in Jesus as long as we truly believe in him (which results in us obeying him and being a faithful servant). Paul says "justified by the faith of Jesus." Christ and his Apostles admonished us to "walk" in the same faith Christ demonstrated! That is the difference between faith “of” Jesus and faith “in” Jesus. It's interesting to also note, while they say we are not saved by "observance of the law" they then turn around and say that our salvation comes from observing the "gospel" as written in the New Testament (which is the same as observance to the law). Their attempts to be justified by their interpretations of the New Testament are no different than those who would attempt to be justified by the law (Old Testament). Notice in verse 17 he says "we seek" to be justified! So much for those who say we are already justified by faith the moment we "accept Jesus." He also states that if we are "found sinners" while "seeking" this justification then Christ would be the minister of sin! How do they miss this? They supposedly have put Christ "in charge of their lives" and are"living in Christ" and are his servants. It is presumed, therefore that the things that they do are what Christ commanded. If they are found sinning it would be presumed that Christ commanded them to sin. They are claiming to only do what Christ commands. He's “in charge” of their lives. Then they are seen sinning. What are we to think?

In verse 18 Paul says "if I build again the things which I destroyed I make myself a transgressor." Many erroneously twist that to mean “if I go back to keeping the law” I'm now a transgressor. Which is horribly convoluted. They make the above words of Paul's to be an admonishment that the Galatians, by being circumcised are "rebuilding" that which Christ destroyed (the law)! Nonsense. Jesus Christ stated emphatically that he did not come to "destroy" the law but to fulfill. So they are proceeding under a false premise that faith “destroys” the law. Matthew 5: 1y- 18 “17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18 For verily I say to you, Till Heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Christ did not destroy the law and neither does Paul contrary to popular belief. Love fulfills the law and Christ came to bring us the Holy Spirit of love! He commanded that we walk in his spirit of love and to love even our enemies. He never said we could not do good works he said "let your light shine forth that men may see your good works," and he said "the works that I do shall you also do and even greater works." Neither Christ nor Paul ever said we would not be "justified" or "condemned" by our works. Christ declared it was by their works that he would separate the "sheep" from the "goats." They have turned the entire thing upside down. In Galatians Paul is talking about sin. He's not talking about the law when he says "if I build again that which I have destroyed!" Christ came that he might "destroy" the works of the devil, which is sin, according to the Apostle John. If I rebuild that which Christ destroyed (the works of the Devil, sin) then I have fallen from Grace. Paul says "if righteousness is by the works of the law then Christ is dead in vain." Many do not understand this statement because they don't really know why Christ died. Christ did not just die to provide a "propitiation" and "atonement" for our sin alone. He certainly would not provide those things so that we could continue in sin our entire lives and still go to Heaven! Christ ultimately died to send the Holy Spirit of love, that we would "fulfill" the law in us by the love! Paul merely states the obvious, that if anyone could overcome sin by keeping the written law we wouldn't need love at all. Christ would have died in vain for Christ recognized we needed more than the written law, we needed the Holy Spirit and the law written in our hearts. Paul does not say that if we all walk "sinless and perfect" in this life we destroy grace and nullify the purposes of the crucifixion! Paul even says later, to the Romans, "shall I continue in sin so that grace may abound? God forbid!" (Romans 6: 1) Today many say you nullify grace when you preach that we can follow Christ and walk without sin! They are saying that our sin state must continue so that grace can continue! They are doing "despite" to the Spirit of grace. In Galatians Paul uses the example of Abraham to drive his point home that you cannot be justified by obeying the written law. He does this by pointing out that Abraham was justified before the law was even written. Clearly Paul, when he speaks out against "works" he's not speaking out against true righteousness and obedience. That would be crazy. Actually it would be evil. Pure evil. Paul speaks out against trying to do righteousness by following a book with no Spirit behind you. Which, ironically is what many modern Christians are attempting to do after all. They may not follow the Old Testament scriptures but they do attempt to live by the New Testament writings. They attempt righteousness in the same way they who were under the old

law did. Through memorization and much study. They just use a different book to do it. Paul says "the just shall live by faith." Many conclude this is "faith" alone, regardless of whether or not you do anything. It's horrible error. They don't understand what “live,” means. Live is how you “live your life.” We live our life by faith. We “live by faith” this means everything we say, everything we do is by faith! The Apostles did not preach “faith alone saves you.” They preached a “lifestyle faith,” a "working man's faith" and made it clear that faith without works is no faith at all. Certainly the "just" shall live by their faith because true faith makes one live just and righteously. Galatians 3: 24- 29 “24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you be Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” When most Christians read the above text they think “bring us to Christ” means “bring us to where we believe in Christ,” and by “believe” they mean belief only. To be brought “unto Christ” means you are brought to where he is, Spiritually. You are lifted up to his level of obedience. You walk even as he walked. Once you are walking in perfect love, no you don't need to be instructed by our old faithful schoolmaster, the law. Yet, being “brought unto Christ” is not just saying “oh Lord Lord” with your mouth and going to church on Sunday and then all week long live the same way you did before you came to Jesus. The law brings us to Christ that we might be justified by faith! James states that we are justified, not by faith without works (for that is dead faith according to him) we are justified by our faith because that faith brings forth just and righteous obedience (as it did in Abraham). It says we are all "children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." How did John define the children of God and how did he say the children of the Devil were separated from the children of God in 1 John 3? By what they do, of course, just like Christ did in every parable in which he speaks of how the true servants manifest themselves. We have already read the scripture in 1 John 3 a few times, but it truly bears repeating in light of Galatians 3. 1 John 3: 9- 12 “9 Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother. 11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And

wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.” Paul said we are children of God by "faith in Christ" and John says we can tell the children of God by the fact they "do not commit sin." The only inescapable conclusion to this contradiction is that faith in Christ causes you to "not sin!" True faith in Christ causes you to do righteousness. Faith does not just "impute" Christ's righteousness to you as your own despite your sinning like the devil. The Apostles made it clear the justification through faith happens when you obey (even as Abraham obeyed through faith). That is why no one who sins is "justified." When they teach that they are justified (despite their sins) they are justifying sin itself! It's a devilish delusion to be sure. Galatians 5: 1-6 “1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say to you, that if you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect to you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; you are fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love.” Paul says here that if the Galatians are circumcised then Christ profits them nothing and they are "fallen from grace." He argues that if they seek to keep the written law in the flesh (by being circumcised) that they will then be debtors to do the whole law! He says that if they seek to be justified (made perfect and sinless) by keeping the written law Christ is made "of none effect." Many have taken this and twisted it to conclude that since it is a bad thing to be a debtor to keep the "whole" law, then it is a bad thing to say we must be righteous and holy and live without sin! The law came to expose our sins and the Holy Spirit does the same thing. The Holy Spirit brought the law. It's no surprise they perform the same function. Paul never says obedience is now a “bad thing.” To the Galatians he's only talking about attempting to live obedient lives by following a rule book rather than by faith and love. Paul doesn't denounce obedience he denounces the “dead works” of obedience with no Spirit behind the attempt! They have twisted Paul's words to say that the law is now dead and conclude obedience too is dead. When in fact the only thing that changes under Christ is how we obey. We now obey by the Spirit, through love, which is a much better way. Paul does tell the Galatians that if they have begun in the Holy Spirit they are "circumcised in the heart" already, which satisfies the Spirit of the law. Why would they need to observe the fleshly version of it which was only a mere “shadow” and figure of what they have already obtained by the Spirit? What Paul is getting at is this: if you say you must be fleshly circumcised to have faith after you have already obtained grace through faith, you are denying the faith and the grace you once claimed you had received. By bringing up Abraham he's merely pointing out that if you

deny circumcision of the heart by faith, you also deny Abraham's faith for he believed God before he was ever fleshly circumcised. Paul's logic is flawless! Paul tells the Galatians "we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” So much for the idea that we already have righteousness by faith. This many claim to have, while they still walk around sinning! What blasphemy. They teach that God only sees us as righteous, that Christ's righteousness is "imputed" to us when we convert and that we now are "righteous in God's eyes." If that were so, then Paul is crazy when he says we “wait and hope for righteousness.” We are "hoping," and "waiting" and "working" toward "righteousness" that is by faith! They are not doing any of that for they claim to already have that for which we are hoping, waiting and working. Do you see the stark contrast of what they are teaching to what the Apostles taught? It boggles the mind! It's staggering in scope . Christ came to destroy sin in us but they say Christ came to be righteous for them so that they could continue sinning "in the future" and still go to Heaven. Romans 5:8 “8 But God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Blessed indeed were we for the grace that came from the crucifixion of Christ! He propitiated our sins but he didn't do it so that we could refuse to stop sinning! God didn't send Jesus because He knew that we are too "sin cursed" and could never live up to His lofty expectations. He did not command Christ to die on the cross because He just gave up on the notion of us repenting and obeying Him! We have a working man's faith, not a wicked and slothful servant's faith! Abraham performed righteousness out of his faith! Romans 4: 20-22 “20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.” We're not talking here about “dead works” by following the law. The law hadn't been written yet! Abraham was obeying God without the law and that is the faith of Abraham! The above verses are routinely ignored by those who would have us to believe we have "imputed" righteousness without doing anything! Abraham did plenty in response to his faith! How was righteousness imputed to him? Because he believed and then performed it. Had he not performed, his faith would not have been imputed to him for righteousness because James states Abraham's faith would have been dead without works, without the “performance.” Those who say that grace is regardless of works are also saying that faith is regardless of works for we are saved by grace through faith. Without faith you have no grace and without works you have no faith! If faith without works is dead then grace without works is also dead for we have grace through faith. The logic is inescapable.

42: THE WOMAN IN TRAVAIL At the finishing of the "mystery" which is "Christ in you, the hope of Glory (divinely inspired Godliness) we who are alive on this earth and striving for this perfection shall see a new day when we have victory. The exact moment of this event is, not surprisingly, depicted in great detail in the book of Revelation. Most pre-tribulation rapturist teachers have never recognized this depiction, however because they don not believe in this coming perfection. Therefore, because the Church has lost its heritage and the purposes of the cross have been nullified and destroyed, no chapter in Revelation is more neglected and ignored than chapter 12. Revelation 12: '1 And there appeared a great wonder in Heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.' There is a great “wonder” in Heaven. This word “wonder” is also the same word as “sign.” We discovered earlier that Christ uses the “leafing of the fig tree and all the trees” and calls it “the sign of the son of man in Heaven.” This woman in travail is also a sign and lo and behold she's about to give birth. Just as the sign of the trees about to bring forth fruit is a sign of the coming of Christ, here is a woman about to bring forth of the “fruit of her womb.” This cannot be coincidence. Other coincidences we find in the “wonder” of the woman in travail include. 1. Satan, in the form of the Beast of Revelation 13 (with 7 heads and ten horns) stands before the woman to devour the child as soon as it is born. (Revelation 12:3-4 and Revelation 13: 1-4). 2. The child is to rule the world with a rod of iron (a reference to Christ) and the child “was caught up” to God and to his throne.” (The same phrase used to say we are “caught up” to meet the Lord in the air. (Revelation 12: 5 1 Thess 4: 17) 3. There is an immediate war in Heaven and victory for the saints is declared because the “accuser of our brethren” is now thrown down as a result of the birth of the child. (Revelation 12: 7-9) 4. The woman “overcomes” the devil by “the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. “ (Revelation 12: 11) It is this overcoming that causes the devil and his angels to be defeated in the war and cast to the earth. (Revelation 12: 12) 5. Because the woman has defeated the Dragon, by “overcoming”. The Devil has nothing more to accuse her of (Revelation 12: 10) and therefore no place is found for him in Heaven anymore (Revelation 12:8). Because they have defeated the devil by overcoming it is pronounced that the kingdoms of this world are now the kingdom's of our God and of his Christ. (Revelation 12: 10) 6. This same announcement is also made at the sounding of the seventh trumpet. (Revelation 11:15) The “mystery of God” should be finished at the sounding of the seventh trumpet. (Revelation 10:7) The mystery of God is “Christ in you.” (Colossians 1: 27) The woman in travail defeats the dragon by giving birth to the “Christ” (man child who

“was” caught up to God's throne) (Revelation 12: 5) this same child who was “in her” at the beginning of the “wonder.” (Revelation 12: 2) 7. The Devil having nothing more to accuse the woman of is cast to the earth and his angels cast down with him. (Revelation 12: 12) 8. The devil and his angels now persecute the woman who gave birth to the man child. (Revelation 12: 13) Because of the persecution, the woman “flees to the wilderness” where she is “fed” for 3 and a half years (the exact amount of time Christ ministered on the earth after his baptism). (Revelation 12: 6) When she flees to the earth, she's “caught up” by a “great eagle,” (raptor). (Revelation 12: 14) 8. There is a “great flood” as in the days of Noah (12: 15) after the woman flees to safety (just as Noah fled to the safety of the ark). (Matthew 24: 37-41) 9. The dragon then turns to persecute “the remnant of her seed” (the remnant of her child) and they are those who “keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. “ (Revelation 12: 17). That is an awful lot of coincidences. Clearly key scriptures have been overlooked or ignored by the likes of Hal Lindsey when formulating the “rapture” teaching. Not only that, but key symbols laid out first by Christ, then by his Apostles, which cross reference to the above text have been lost by those preaching rapture. We will start with those key symbolisms, therefore, and work our way into the book of Revelation to see how the imagery unfolds. When Jesus the Christ spoke of his “going away” and specifically mentioned how his followers would struggle in his absence, he compared the sorrowful church to a "woman with child," in the Gospel of John. John 16: 20- 23 “20 Verily, verily, I say to you, That you shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and you shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. 21 A woman when she is in travail has sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembers no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. 22 And you now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man takes from you. 23 And in that day you shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say to you, Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.” The believers are like "a woman in travail." Christ first established this symbolism long ago and the Apostles expounded upon it, leading up to a complete picture of this in the book of Revelation. No one can ignore this important likeness of the Church as a woman in travail. How can we not apply to the believers such a clear symbolism that comes later in scripture depicting “a woman in travail?” We, the believers, groan and travail to bring forth Christ us (through the Holy Spirit, the comforter). Romans 8: “22 For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the

Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” The Apostles continued using this symbol of the believers as a “pregnant bride” established by Christ and expanded on it, stating that the believers are like a "virgin bride" of whom Christ is the head. Ephesians 5 “23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ephesians 5: “26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 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.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ephesians 5: “30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Corinthians 11: “2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ John 3: “29 He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: thus my joy therefore is fulfilled.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revelation 19: 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. The church is likened as to a woman “in travail” and the “virgin bride” of Christ both. Just

before the second coming, she is about to give “birth” to “the man child who is to rule the world.” Not only are the believers "travailing to give birth" but they are the "bride" of Christ according to the Apostles. We, the believers are groaning and travailing to give birth to the "new creature" which is "Christ in us and through us." The second man Adam. In the parable of the sheep and the goats. the goats are told "when you did it not to the least of my brethren you did it not to me." When the world sees the “finished” believers (the believers who bring forth righteousness) they are looking right at Christ himself! That is an amazing truth that you won't hear in the mainstream. It is also why Christ warns us that he will “come to them when they are not aware of him) if they are "eating and drinking with the drunken." Many, who teach and believe they can't live sinless "in this life" will never bring forth Christ “in them” (in their lives). How can they, they deny it outright? They won't even recognize the moment of his return. There is every indication, by the reaction one receives when one preaches this “sinless perfection” that they will actually turn on those who are walking as Christ walked, calling them liars, and hating them, all the while quoting 1 John 1:8 against them. They will call them heretics for walking as Christ walked on the earth and thus they will “make war” with Christ “at his appearing.” Christ In You IS The Holy Spirit In You Christ starts out in Chapter 16 of John by explaining that the purpose of his "going away" (to the death at the hands of the Romans) was to "send the comforter." The comforter is the Holy Spirit. How often have you heard a modern preacher of the modern gospel say that “the purpose of the cross was to send the Holy Spirit?” You don't hear it because the purpose of the cross has been changed. Instead, it is primarily taught that the purpose of the crucifixion was to "pay the penalty for sins." However; contrary to popular belief, atonement (forgiveness and grace) were not the central purpose of the death of Jesus, according to Jesus himself: John 16: “7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send him to you.” The shedding of the blood of Christ had one main purpose, to establish the New Covenant of which he is the mediator. That is why it is called "The New Covenant in Christ's Blood." The New Covenant is that God shall "write his laws into their minds" and "into their hearts." (Hebrews chapter 8) This is done by the Holy Spirit! The death of Christ made it possible to send the Holy Spirit, and without the death of Christ we would not have the Holy Spirit and there would be no New Covenant. Christ states that the Spirit will "guide you into all truth." As it is written concerning the New Covenant "they shall have no need for any man to teach his neighbor and every man to teach his brother saying, 'know the Lord,' for all shall know me." Now, behold how Christ depicts the days after his crucifixion and the effect of having the Holy Spirit "upon the believer." Not only do we bring our bodies under subjection to the Lord (if we indeed are his servants) to the point that sin is no more in us but even our thoughts are brought unto subjection. 2 Corinthians 10:

“5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; “ Our very minds are “changed” day by day through the Holy Spirit until there aren't even any sinful thoughts! We have been "given the mind of Christ" according to scripture! 1 Corinthians 2: “16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. Philippians 2: 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: “ If this teaching sounds nutty there is something wrong. Really! Either we believe the Bible or we do not. Obviously, many do not! They take “spiritual” that which is literal and they take “literal” that which is “spiritual.” This they do because their minds are carnal and they are “in the flesh.” They live in the flesh, their knowledge of these things comes only from their own limited minds and the limited minds of them they have set over themselves as teachers and they cannot see the simple truth of the gospel! They are trapped in an epic fail from which there is no escape, even while they “hope” for an escape in some sort of “physical rapture.” Everything is about the physical to them. Their minds are on the “carnal” things. A Virgin With Child. Sound Familiar? In Revelation 12, the Bride of Christ awaits her bridegroom and makes herself ready, yet is "found with child" and is "groaning and travailing" even before the marriage supper commences. Does this sound vaguely familiar? It should. It is how Christ came into the world to begin with. His mother, Mary, being a virgin at the time was found with child and this was given as a "sign." I submit that the virgin birth was indeed an "allegory" to teach us a much deeper truth! The congregation of believers (the church) are continually likened to Mary, (a virgin with child) who is about to bring forth "a man child" who was to "rule the world" and bring final salvation and eternal life to the woman. Let us now look at the particulars in Revelation. Revelation 10: 5-8 “5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to Heaven, 6 And swore by him that lives for ever and ever, who created Heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: 7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he has declared to his servants the prophets. 8 And the voice which I heard from Heaven spake to me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which stands upon the sea and upon the earth.” So, we know the time frame of this event. It is at the "sounding of the seventh trumpet" and Revelation makes it clear that in those days the "mystery" shall be "finished." This is

completely in line with everything else written by the Apostles on the subject. It is perfect hermeneutics. Everywhere the return of Jesus Christ is depicted in scripture we find both the mentioning of the seventh (or last) trumpet and the “mystery” of God being “finished” or “revealed.” A mystery that was "hidden" from past generations but now revealed (Revelation of Jesus Christ) to the saints by the Holy Spirit “in them.” And this mystery is “Christ “in” you.” Colossians 1: 23-29 “23 If you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under Heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: 25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Where to, I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.” There are so many in the world preaching now that you cannot be condemned for sin if you are a believer, you cannot be deceived and you cannot fail, yet here Paul warns them and says you will only succeed, "if you continue in the faith and not be moved away from the hope." He then tells us exactly what that hope is, namely "Christ in you, the hope of glory." They have changed what "Christ in you" means, they have changed what "hope" means, they have changed what "glory" means! Glory is not a reference to going to Heaven only but is a reference to how we gain access to Heaven! By “partaking of the divine nature.” Glory is a reference to our righteousness in him. The righteousness we develop by following the Messiah! When scripture says "he shall glorify" our bodies it's talking about the eradication of sin in us, and the putting on of immortality as a result. It's promising that we shall walk even so as Christ walked (tempted in all ways yet without sin.) Paul says “I warn" every man and “teach” every man so that I can present them perfect. If this salvation is "in the bag" why are there warnings? Paul also says that he "labors" and strives! This is the same word as travail. We know this mystery now, it is being revealed and we know that it is shall be "finished" at the sounding of the last (seventh) trumpet: 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 “51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Now, while the changing of our bodies into immortal bodies happens "in a moment" (the rapture), the whole new creation has been travailing and “laboring” (working) since the beginning of the faith. A final generation succeeds in bringing forth Christ in them. This can only happen through their righteous actions and deeds. It's an ongoing process. A work in progress. Whereby "this corruptible" puts on "incorruption." There comes a magic moment when, as John wrote in Revelation 10 that the trumpet sounds and a voice shouts, "there is time no longer." Christ will wait no more and his delay, hoping that all should repent and do the first works is cut short. Until that shout he is giving us time to repent. When the trumpet sounds a shout comes forth “you're out of time.” The Lord “returns” and we are “caught up with him.” At which point everyone not walking even so as he walked shall be cast out into outer darkness where there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth! Right now the pre-tribulation rapturists don't even believe in this perfection and walking Holy. How shall they attain it? They say they will "never be sinless in this life," how shall they be among those who are "without spot or wrinkle" at his coming? (Should he come in their lifetimes). The answer is, they shall not for they have sealed their own fates with their own mouths! No wonder Paul says "warning every man and teaching every man." That is the Apostle's job, that is his ministry! The Holy Spirit has put it in the hearts and minds of the Apostles that they are to "prepare"a bride without spot or wrinkle who's soul purpose is to bring the congregation to the "full stature" of Jesus Christ himself! Ephesians 4: 11-32 “11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in 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 fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body to the edifying of itself in love. 17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But you have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that you have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. 26 Be you angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed to the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.” A lot was said in the above verses, I have highlighted a few things but so much more could be told concerning Paul's admonishment to the Ephesians. The highlights underscore the truth of what I have been saying in this book. We are sealed "until the day of redemption." Many say they are already redeemed! They are deceived. Not as long as they still have sin working in them, for in Christ there is no sin and at the moment you commit sin you are “out of Christ” and out of Christ there is no redemption at his coming! It really is just as simple as that. The Holy Spirit ministry has one soul purpose to bring us to "perfect man," to raise us to the same stature of Jesus Christ himself in all manner of work, conversation and love! Most do not believe this is going to happen to them. They say so openly and they write it down in their doctrines for future generations, deceiving their children as well. They are denying the purposes and the ministry of not only the Lord who bought them but the Holy Spirit which Christ himself died to send for the very purposes they now deny! How shall they escape in a "rapture?"

We labor toward this, like a virgin woman bringing forth a child! Revelation 12 Not A History Lesson Many have tried to pass Revelation 12 off as just a history of Christ. This is not a depiction of the actual birth of Christ. How do we know? When John received this vision he was told these things are "things that must shortly come to pass," and we do know, of course that Christ had already been born, died, and risen again. Revelation 1: 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to shew to his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel to his servant John: When studying Revelation we must keep in mind it's purpose. “To show" things that will "shortly come to pass." Revelation is a futuristic book which contains no "history" and no "documentation" of past events (from John's historic perspective). In the same line as history, many have tried to say that the woman is Israel and that the chapter merely depicts the birth of Christ and the defeat Satan suffered as a result. Yet at the time Revelation, this futuristic book about things to come was written, Israel had already brought forth Christ. Certainly the symbolisms used to describe the woman resemble “Israel” to a tee. That is because the woman, the bride is “spiritual Israel.” Many have argued that it cannot be the Church because the woman “appears in Heaven.” This is a silly argument because first of all we are “in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” and secondly we know the woman is on the earth when she gives birth for the Devil persecutes her after being cast to the earth. Ephesians 2: 5-6 “5 Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with Christ, (by grace you are saved;) 6 And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” The Bride of Christ exists in two places at once, she exists on the earth for now, but she also is "in heavenly places" in Christ! The earth "helps the woman" later in the chapter and the scripture says that after she gives birth the man child is "caught up to God and to his throne," also, the chapter says "woe to the inhabitants of the earth." Clearly, this event, including the war in Heaven, is taking place both "in Heaven" and "on the earth." In scripture there is only one “woman” who fits the entire description of the woman with child. It cannot be Israel. Why? Because it says that the woman overcomes the Dragon “by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.” It also says that the “remnant” of the woman's seed “keep the commandments of Jesus.” The woman is "clothed with the sun" she has "the moon under her feet" and wears a "crown" of twelve stars! Just like Israel is depicted several times in scripture, that is true. Yet, let us see if the Church can fit that description as well. She's “clothed in the sun with the moon under her feet (as her foundation). The sun, according to Genesis is "the greater light to rule the day" and the moon is the "lesser light to

rule the night." Genesis 1: 16 “16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also” The sun could be symbolic of the Holy Spirit. In fact the Holy Spirit is likened to “the day star” (the sunrise) that “shines in your heart.” 2 Peter 1: 19 “19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; where unto you do well that you take heed, as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: The Bride of Christ, "clothed" in the Holy Spirit, the greater light that rules the day, the "more sure word of prophecy." The Holy Spirit shines in a dark place (the hearts of men) and grows brighter and brighter as dawn approaches. It's just like the sun! Are there scriptures that depict the Church being “clothed” in the Holy Spirit? Ephesians 6: 10-18 “10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take to you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” That we are "clothed" in the Holy Spirit there now can be no doubt! That the Holy Spirit is the "greater light" shining in our hearts until a "day dawns" and is therefore symbolic of the sun there also can be no doubt! So, what could be the moon? The moon is the “lesser light” that rules the night. It has not “light” of it's own but merely reflects the light of the sun down to the earth. This is a clear symbolism of scripture. 2 Timothy 3: 14-17 “14 But continue you in the things which you have learned and have

been assured of, knowing of whom you have learned them; 15 And that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works. The woman with child stands firmly on the scriptures. “The moon under her feet.” Notice too that in the above verses our “feet” are “clad” with the preparation of the gospel. The scriptures.

43: INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN OF LIFE What of the "crown of 12 stars" upon the woman's head? That is the easiest symbolism of all! This could be “the crown of life” which is also called in scripture the the incorruptible crown, the crown of righteousness, and the crown of glory, the crown of joy (rejoicing). Christian tradition teaches that there are five separate crowns for the believer, not perceiving that there is but one crown with at least five “aspects.” A single crown with 12 stars or “diadems.” Before we look at the scriptures regarding this crown it must be pointed out that religious tradition in the world today preaches that these crowns are not "salvation.” They are instead considered “extra” rewards for faithfulness. In a way, they are right, the crown is not salvation the crown is the symbol of our faithfulness "unto the end." Believers receive the crown "at that great day of his coming" according to scripture and there is no evidence they already possess the crown. There are five specific aspects of the "crown of life" mentioned “as crowns,” but there is really only one crown. The crown of life. Ephesians 4: 3- 7 “3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But to every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Even as there is only one baptism, one body, one spirit, one faith, there is but one reward for our faithfulness, even "eternal life." (The crown of life). That could be the crown the woman (the church in travail to give birth) is seen wearing in Revelation 12! Revelation 2: 10 “Fear none of those things which you shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be you faithful to death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Popular teaching regards salvation as "in the bag" once a person converts and believes Christ. They regard the promise of eternal life as having been fulfilled. There are varying degrees to this and while some sects now acknowledge that salvation is a "future" event not a "past" event, the majority of Christians view salvation as a "done deal" when they become Christians and consider their "eternal life" in Christ already granted and for the most part they are correct, as long as they “continue” in the hope and “endure” to the end. When we walk in the faith and follow Christ we are "predestined" to "Glory," yet, in reality we hope for that which we have not seen yet, namely "immortality." The crown of life is described in the book of James: James 1:12 “Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he

shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.” James states that Christ promised us a "crown of life." Where in the four gospels did Christ promise a "crown?" The answer is, nowhere. Yet, James gives us a clue as to what he speaks of when he uses the word "endures." What did Christ promise to them that "endure to the end?" Matthew 24: 12-13 “12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure (in love) to the end, the same shall be saved.” What was the other "promise" Christ made as pertaining to "life?" He promised eternal life. That we would “never die.” Eternal life (salvation) is a promise to them who are "faithful" and "endure to the end" all of the trials, tribulations and temptations that shall befall everyone who "takes up their cross" and follows Christ! At the end of this "endurance race" is waiting a crown of life (eternal life). That crown has more than one aspect, five of which are specifically identified as “crowns” in scripture. There are numerous prerequisites to achieving this crown. James identifies the first, "enduring temptation.” This is almost the same phraseology used when it says Christ was "tempted in all ways, yet without sin." We must, therefore, repeat Christ's life of walking in love in order to receive the "crown of life" or eternal life! Is this salvation by works? Not at all! Who would disagree to the following statement? “In order to receive the free gift of salvation one must believe upon Jesus Christ, the son of God?” Believing upon Jesus involved "following Jesus." Following Jesus involves obeying his commands for even he asked "why do you call me Lord, Lord but do not do what I say?" Christ commanded us to "love one another" and stated openly that we must "endure to the end" or "continue in my Father's love" until the end and then shall we be saved! If you are not enduring until the end, your "belief" in Christ is not real, your faith is "dead.” This is not salvation by works,, this is salvation by grace through faith which results in works and eternal life through the putting on of incorruption. In the end times, the BRIDE (the body of Christ) will succeed in overcoming sin, walking even as Christ walked (because they truly believe). Thus, they receive a "crown of life" (eternal life) because sin is no longer alive in them and the only thing that brings death is sin. With no more sin there is no more death. Hence, “eternal life.” That is why we read the following in scriptures: Matthew 16:27 “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Peter 1:9 “Receiving the end (finishing) of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hebrews 2:2-3

“2 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by them that heard him;” Paul asks the question "if you neglect" your salvation "how can you escape?” It's the same as asking “if you neglect the works of salvation how can you be raptured?” That is the question of the hour in this book! Yet many say either you are saved or you are not there is no way to “neglect” your salvation. Yet notice again the focus of the subject. It says there is "reward" for transgression and disobedience and there is a reward for obedience. That is namely "salvation" or "the crown of life" (eternal life). Currently we are "dead" being buried in baptism and the life that we live is by faith in the Son of God. Our life is "hidden" in Christ until the appearing of "the sign in Heaven." Matthew 24: 29-31 “29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from Heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in Heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of Heaven to the other.” The real problem with the pre-tribulation rapture teaching is that by placing the great "finishing of the mystery" and of our "gathering together to him" before the tribulation they teach a system of belief and "walk" that does not prepare for tribulation. Christ stated that the "gathering together" of the saints does not occur until after the great tribulation. Consider if you will that a woman does not give birth and then go into labor (travail) after the birth. A woman also cannot “escape” travail when giving birth. We are the woman and our perfection in Christ is the "sign of the son of man in Heaven." This is clearly depicted in Revelation 12! Yet, the pre-tribulation rapturists ignore this great sign completely, do not perceive it, claim it is impossible and look for an escape from the “travail” and “sorrow” which shall bring forth Christ in us! As the Apostle asks, "how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?" The answer is, they shall not escape! They that do not "obey" in the end shall have only fiery judgment according to scripture. 2 Thessalonians 3-7 “3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith grows exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other abounds. 4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure:

5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer: 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:” The gospel is not just something we "believe" the gospel is something we "obey," according to scripture and what's more we "execute righteous judgment" so that we might be counted "worthy" of the Kingdom of God and for this we also "suffer" (travail, labor, tribulation). We count our lives as lost that we might gain eternal life and currently our life (crown of life) is hidden and we do not see it, but we "hope" and we "work" toward it, pressing forward as a man in a race runs for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9: 23-27 “23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. 24 Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain. 25 And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” Paul says there is a danger that he himself could be a "castaway” if he doesn't bring his body into subjection of Christ.” So much for "once saved always saved," and the teaching that you “don't have to stop sinning.” If your body is in “subjection” are you going to sin with your body? This is now the danger faced by millions of Christians in modern times who are following after false teachings. Even among the religions that do not teach "eternal security" righteousness, holiness and perfection in Christ is taught as a "voluntary" act and indeed, within the doctrines of those religions exist clear statements that it is truly impossible to attain to this being that Christ's holiness and perfection are the proof that he is God and that he was not born with the "sin nature" according to them. The "incorruptible crown" therefore, mentioned in the above verses is the one and only "crown of life" promised to them who "run the race," and this race is mentioned more than once in the New Testament. Hebrews 12:1 “12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”

~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Timothy 2:5-7 “5 And if a man also strive for mastery, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 6 The husbandman that labors must be first partaker of the fruits. 7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Colossians 3:23-24 “23 And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Galatians 5:7 “7 you did run well; who did hinder you that you should not obey the truth?” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Timothy 4:8' “8 For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable to all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 Timothy 4:7 “7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” The Apostles characterized our faith as a "fight," a "labor," an "exercise," a "race.” Where do those in error today get the idea faith doesn't involve doing anything? The Apostles also spoke of our eternal life as a "prize" or "award" for doing these things. Those in error created five different crowns rather than admit that our eternal life itself is a crown, a "reward" for our conduct (through faith). Again, there is but one crown with different prerequisites to winning that crown. We have looked at five so far, “resisting temptation” and "striving for mastery" or "running the race," or as in 2 Timothy "keeping the faith" by "fighting the good fight." This brings the "incorruptible crown" according to religion, yet our life is eternal in Christ and therefore the Crown of Life must be an "incorruptble crown! Right after Paul tells Timothy that he has run the "race" (finished the course) he mentions the "crown of righteousness." (Again it's the same crown, the crown of life” righteousness being another “aspect” of the crown). 2 Timothy 4:8 “8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but

to all them also that love his appearing.” So we know that running the race does not just bring the incorruptible crown, but the "crown of righteousness." The very fact that those in error today do not realize that the crown of righteousness and the incorruptible crown are one in the same reward is all the evidence we need that their minds are darkened and they cannot perceive the gospel as written! We are discovering why this is. They don't believe in “running” and striving” in righteousness, they believe in "imputed" righteousness only and have no righteousness for which to strive, for which to run! How shall they receive the “crown of righteousness?” They seek to change the gospel, to remove the race, the "labor" and the "works of righteousness" and set in its place a "pseudo" righteousness! The next scriptures we will look at “the crown of Glory” and the “crown of rejoicing.” 1 Thessalonians 2: 19 “18 Wherefore we would have come to you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 Peter 5: 1-4 “5 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:] 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.” This crown of "rejoicing" (rapture) and crown of Glory pertain to the crown of "life" as well. They are two different aspects of the same crown! The crown of eternal life (incorruptible crown) is rewarded to the ministers of the gospel because their obedience has been a direct result of bringing about the righteousness of the Bride! As the Apostles taught that they struggled to bring us all before the throne "without spot or wrinkle." A crown of Glory (Christ in you, the hope of Glory). In 1 Peter 5: 5 he first mentions being "partakers" of "the glory that shall be revealed." It was for this purpose that the Apostles and elders were admonished to "feed the flock" of Christ! Notice also, in 1 Thessalonians 2: 19 Paul states that we shall be "in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ at his coming." So, we exist in both worlds. We exist in the "earth" but at his coming we are "in his presence." (Caught up to meet the Lord in the air, so shall we ever be with the Lord). Clearly, the RAPTURE has far more meaning than just "disappearing for 7 years" as an escape from "tribulation." So there is one crown, but what of the 12 stars? There are 12 fruits of the Spirit.

1.Charity 2. Joy 3. Peace 4. Patience 5. Kindness 6. Goodness 7. Generosity 8. Gentleness 9. Faithfulness 10. Modesty 11. Self-control 12. Chastity. For this reason the crown we see upon the woman's head in Revelation 12 is a crown of "12 stars." The hermeneutics of all of the predictions of the Apostles concerning the second coming of Christ is astounding. In every place you find the same imagery and the same symbols being used over and over again and all of them referring to the same thing. The day in which the congregation of Jesus Christ overcomes sin and walks Holy, bringing forth Christ in her! It's the same exact imagery we see in Revelation 12 with the "woman with child." This is the "sign" of the son of man in Heaven.

44: THE DEVIL'S OWN In Revelation 12 we see the Devil, poised before the woman, to “devour” the child as soon as it is born. It's the Devil's efforts to thwart the gospel, to keep us from walking in him. His plan was to devour this righteousness which we have promised! He has done that through a "strong deluding influence" of religion. 1 Peter 5: “8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: “ We read of the deluding influence in Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-4 “1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together to him, 2 That you be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 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; 4 Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Notice the key phrase in the above verses, "that man of sin." This is how the "antichrist" is always depicted in scripture. Also, it is characterized as a "great falling away" which "reveals" the man of sin! All of the Apostles warned us not to "fall away" from the faith and return to "wallowing in the mire" of sin! They must have foreseen that a system of religion was on the horizon (even in their day) that would thwart the ministry of the Holy Spirit and cause a "great falling away" from the truth. We who live in these modern times face this influence every day, from those in error who teach us that "righteousness" is "impossible" and who go so far as to strike the word "perfection" from the Christian vocabulary and even from the scriptures! We know that "the man of sin" or as he calls him later "the son of perdition" is many not just one for John wrote that “many antichrists” have gone out into the world. The pre-tribulation rapture teachers speak of a coming "charismatic leader" who will deceive the world. The scriptures do not support such a teaching. The Apostle John (who wrote the book of revelation) defined the antichrist as a "spirit" and said that spirit was "already in the world." This was to be a religion that would teach man will remain in his "sin state" or "sin nature" until Christ returns and gives him new bodies. It would further teach that the "righteousness" that we would have is "acquittal" only and “declared” righteousness rather than active righteousness, contrary to the clear teachings of the Apostles. The Apostles never taught us to sit around and wait for Christ to return and remove a sin curse! They commanded, exhorted, and preached that we "press forward" and "hasten" the coming of our Lord by walking even so as Christ walked, “warning” every man and “teaching” every man. These same Apostles foresaw that a religious system was coming which would seek to "devour" this “Christ in us” as soon as he is born.

In verse 4 of 2 Thessalonians 2 he speaks of the "man of sin" as one who "opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God." That is precisely what is proclaimed when they teach they cannot "die of self" and allow Christ to live through them (cease from sin). They are opposing the rule of Jesus Christ over their sinful bodies, to conform them into his righteousness. This is nothing less than an opposition to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In so doing they oppose the Father God himself! They promote themselves and their own lives! Paul also says this man of sin "sits in the temple of God." This is the same phraseology used by the Apostles concerning the false brethren that would “creep in” who would be "spots" in our feasts of charity and who "sport themselves" among us! The Church, the Congregation, the Bride, is the Body of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit. Christ continually referred to his body as "the temple" and the believers are the "the body of Christ." This man of sin sits in the temple (the Body of Christ) and "shows himself" rather than showing Christ in him. Further, this man of sin shows that "he is God." When they say you cannot cease from sin, they are teaching God is not the God of their flesh, their bodies. They are opposing the authority of God over their lives. They are rejecting the Lordship of Christ, which in turn rejects the Father (God). They make themselves the gods of their own flesh! It is outright rebellion against God. 2 Thessalonians 2: 6-10 “6 And now you know what withholds that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity does already work: only he who now prevents will prevent until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” Even as there is a "mystery of Godliness" there is also "the mystery of iniquity." Iniquity is SIN! Paul was warning the Thessalonians that an antichrist spirit had entered into the world even then and was attempting to "withhold" or “to prevent” the revealing of Christ (in us). The Apostle Paul warns the Thessalonians that this antichrist spirit would infect the body of Christ like a virus and would come with "all power and signs and lying wonders." Then, in verse 10 he said "with all deceivableness of unrighteousness!" John wrote that he that does righteousness is righteous and the contraposition is true, he that does unrighteousness is unrighteous. The Apostles knew what was coming. An unrighteous version of Christ. A Christ who strengthens rather than destroys sin. An “unChrist,” or “antichrist.” The Apostles knew they would take the Holy calling to be righteous and replace it with an "imputed" righteousness and that this influence would gain in power until it took over in the world. He speaks of them that fall away into this influence by saying "because they received

not the love of the truth that they might be saved." That they “have pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2: 11- 17 “11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 13 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Where unto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17 Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work.” A strong deluding religious influence was coming so that they should fall back and believe a lie, so that they might be "damned" who did not believe the truth but instead had pleasure in unrighteousness! Indeed that is precisely what has happened! Paul says "he called you by our gospel to the obtaining of the Glory of our Lord!" (Christ in you, the HOPE of glory). We are called, not to believe only, but to "obtain" Christ! We shall be made perfect and walk "worthy" of the vocation of Christ. Meanwhile them that believe the "lie" shall continue in their sins waxing worse and worse even while being partakers of the calling and being in the Body of Christ. Just as Judas Iscariot was a disciple but had every intent upon betraying our Lord. Christ calls Judas the "son of perdition" and Paul calls all who live after his example "the son of perdition" adding to the phrase "the man of sin." What reveals this great deluding influence? What exposes this lie? The same thing that exposes the tares in Christ's parable of the wheat and the tares. The wheat bring forth the wheat (the fruit of righteousness) and the tares bring forth nothing but thorns and no wheat. They are thus exposed as not being a wheat plant and are "taken away." When Christ returns everyone who "offends" (sins) in the kingdom shall be cut off, taken away, cast aside, and bound in bundles to be "burned." This is a warning to all who refuse to be conformed to the image of Christ! They are in mortal peril. He shall say to them in that day "depart from me doers of iniquity, for I never knew you.” The "great lie" that they who fall away shall all believe is that "you cannot be like Christ in this life!" They shall not escape! Jude 1: 15-25 “14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these,

saying, Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaks great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. 17 But, beloved, remember you the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. 24 Now to him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” So, the dragon (strong deluding influence) stands before the Bride of Christ, who is "with child of the Holy Spirit" and seeks to either prevent this Christlike Glory or to devour the child as soon as it is born! We cannot get any clearer picture of the moment of the finishing of the rapture than this. Then "a WAR commences in Heaven the final result of which is that the Dragon is cast down and his angels (messengers) are cast down with him. This is the "casting away" of all who offend in the kingdom! When the Bride appears without spot or wrinkle the "mystery" of Christ in us is "finished." “...For the accuser of our brethren is cast down which accused them before God day and night." There is nothing more for which to accuse the Bride for she is "without spot or wrinkle" she has achieved Christlike perfection! She has brought forth Christ in her! Revelation 12: 11 “11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives to the death.” Here we have the clearest picture of how the Church overcomes sin! 1. By the blood of the Lamb 2. By the word of their testimony 3. They loved not their lives (unto death).

If you do not have all three of these things you are not an “overcomer” and will not be "caught up" for you shall not bring forth Christ in you! Popular teaching states that the blood of the Lamb washes them clean but they deny the power of the blood (which is the Holy Spirit sent as a result of the blood). They do not believe there is power in the blood to eradicate the sins and make them Christlike. So they fail in number 1. They do confess the Lord with their lips, so they believe they have the “word of their testimony” covered; However, they include in that testimony a negative confession. They say they “won't overcome sin in this life. They fail in the second item as well. They go about saying they can never be perfect! Where they really fail is in the third item. They love their lives and refuse to "die" of self. They will not kill or "mortify the deeds of the body" and thus they are refusing to "allow Christ to live through them.” Christ never “reigns” in their bodies. So, in truth they pay only lip service to all three.

45: TAKE UP YOUR CROSS From the very beginning we were commanded to lay down our lives and follow Christ! To walk away from the "cares of this life" and to serve in "newness of Spirit." This was not a choice it was a command. Christ made it clear that it was the only way to the Father and to eternal life. The only true way to follow him! Matthew 16: 24-28 “24 Then said Jesus to his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. 28 Verily I say to you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.” Most of traditional popular teaching handles these verses in such a way to make them say that one must be willing to "die" for your testimony (to be martyred). These verses have far deeper meaning. It says we must take up our cross "daily." When Paul spoke to the Corinthians concerning the coming day when we "put on incorruption" he included the statement: "I protest your rejoicing... I die daily." This is our daily sacrifice! It's no surprise, therefore that when Christ spoke of a coming antichrist influence that would "stand in the holy place," called the "abomination of desolation" he referenced Daniel's prophecy. What was the key element of this prophecy in Daniel? Namely that the antichrist would "take away the daily sacrifice and place the abomination of desolation." Daniel 11: 31-35 “31 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that makes desolate. 32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flattery: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flattery. 35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel speaks of the coming antichrist rule predicting that there would come a strong

deluding influence which would have an army to back it. "Arms shall stand on his part." This delusion would then "pollute" the sanctuary of strength (the Body of Christ is that temple in which the Holy Spirit dwells, the “sanctuary of strength”) and would "take away the daily sacrifice. The daily sacrifice is our dying daily, taking up our cross and loving not our lives to death. In it's place would come a system that "makes desolate." A tree that has no fruit is desolate. It's barren. A woman who's womb cannot bear a child is “desolate,” or barren! Christ said "every branch in me that bears not fruit my Father takes away." They would take away the daily “dying of self” and “mortifying the deeds of the body” the daily “taking up our cross” the “daily sacrifice,” and place an abominable system the causes them to “bear no fruit” and to be completely “desolate.” Even from the time of Daniel the gospel was being preached! Daniel says "they that shall do wickedly" shall be corrupted by flattery but "they that do know their God" shall be "strong" and "do exploits." This is the coming day we face now. When the body of Christ stands up, brings forth Christ in her and the wicked man of sin is revealed. He that loves the wages of unrighteousness and can bear no fruit of the Spirit. It comes as no surprise, either that when Christ begins to talk about his second coming he mentions the arising of "false Christs" who shall "deceive many" then speaks directly about the "abomination that makes desolate." Matthew 24: 11-19 “11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations; and then shall the end come. 15 When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso reads, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19 And woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!” Christ warns of false prophets who cause wickedness to “abound” and causes the “love of many” (the Holy Spirit) to wax cold. Then Christ promises that those who endure in his love all the way to the end (either the end of their lives or the end of days) should be "saved." Then he speaks of the "abomination that makes desolate" which will “stand in the Holy place” and “make them desolate.” The hermeneutics of the prophecies never cease to astound! Notice too Christ says to "flee to the mountains" or to the wilderness. This cross references to Revelation 12 as well. Revelation 12: 6 “6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.”

Modern translations change this word "wilderness" to "desert" (or desolate place). How ironic is that? With every new translation they seem to be deliberately creating more deceptions. Christ said the "wilderness" to which the woman flees is "the mountains," but they don't get it because they cannot possibly get it without the Holy Spirit! Notice also Christ says "woe to them that are with child in those days." This is a direct reference to the "woman with child." Those who do not bring forth Christ in us at the appointed time (when the Bride brings forth) and are found still with child after the second coming shall have nothing but woe! Christ awaits his Bride to bring forth the "man child" who shall "rule the world with a rod of iron" but he will not wait forever and those who do not attain this because of their unbelief will, at the appointed time, be cast into outer darkness. We must "die daily. We must “love not our lives unto the death.” That is the only way to overcome sin and the devil. It means we must turn from our present lives with it's cares and sins and count it all “loss,” that we may “put on Christ.” We must turn away from this present world right now and allow Christ to live in us. That is truly rapture! It is not for tomorrow, it's for today. The rapture is right now! They wrongly speak of a day in the future when they shall “leave behind this world.” It's not so! Christ has already commanded us to leave this world and this life behind if we are truly his disciples. They claim to be ready, willing and waiting to "leave this world" and "leave this life.” They are waiting until they see him floating down from Heaven in a cloud before they will lay down their lives, the works of the body of this flesh and serve him! They are going to be cast out at his return. It will be too late by then. They are foolish virgins with no oil in their lamps. They are wicked and slothful servants who have buried their talents in the dirt. They are not running the race. They will miss the mark! What a precarious position have the "pre-tribulation rapturists" placed themselves in their entire approach is to do nothing! This is what they call “being ready to leave this world.” They should already have left it! Put it behind them. They should be doing it every day! Each day they return to their lives of marrying and giving to marriage, eating and drinking, buying and selling, taking their leisure and taking pleasure in fleshly things and look forward to the day when the Lord comes and he will have to wrench them from this life! They are deluded. It's not going to happen. Wild horses couldn't drag them from this world otherwise they would have “left it” in their hearts already and their treasure and home would be in Heaven. They shall "know not" until the flood comes and "takes them all away." It is most ironic of all that they apply the "taken" scriptures to themselves when it's true. They shall be “taken” by the flood of judgment! Judgment approaches for them within the Body of Christ who refuse to follow him. They who refuse to leave behind their lives and state that it is "impossible to cease from sin." That judgment need only the sound of the trumpet and the shout “you are out of time!” They shall be "taken away" out of the kingdom and those who have "loved not their lives" shall be "gathered together" to him! Consider the warnings of the Apostles themselves: 2 Timothy 3-13 “3 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,

blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ingrates, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despising them that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest to all men, as theirs' was also. 10 But you have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long suffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” This group of apostates are indicated in scripture by two major qualities. 1. Their wickedness and 2. A form of Godliness that denies the POWER to overcome sin! This they call "faith?" All they talk about is all the things they cannot do, such as ceasing from sin, despite the fact they are supposed to have the power of the Almighty God Himself behind them! They teach that they shall go to Heaven even though they continue in their sin nature. They are all of them deceived. Their folly shall not proceed any further! Notice that they are contrasted with the Apostles' example saying "my doctrine and my manner of life." How dare anyone say that grace is "independent of works" in light of all the scriptures we have seen? They are "ever learning" the scriptures but at the same time "never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Peter 2: 2-3 “2 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as 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. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingers not, and their damnation slumbers not.” What are the key elements of the false teachers of the end times? They bring in "damnable heresies." What is more damnable than an heresy that denies the very work of the blood of Christ to shed the Holy Spirit of love in our hearts that we might be like him in this life? What are their ways? "Pernicious." Of what do they speak evil? The way of truth, which is righteousness and holiness in Christ, calling all who preach it “liars, legalists, Pharisees, self righteous.” They speak evil of all dignities of the Holy Spirit and are not afraid! The final element of the false prophet is they "make merchandise" of people! The last movies that were put out by the "rapture" teachers made millions. To them it's just a matter of "merchandising." 2 Peter 2: 9-10 8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) 9 The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust to the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. First of all Peter speaks of a "righteous man" here, something those in error say is impossible to be. Secondly Peter states that the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations! Something they say is impossible as well. “No one can stop sinning” they preach and if you say you can “you are a liar.” They teach their followers to "walk after the flesh" rather than by the Spirit. They teach them to be "self willed" and if anyone comes to them and says they must "stop sinning" to follow Christ they speak evil of them. How shall they escape the wrath of God in some "magic" rapture? They await Christ to return and "pull them" kicking and screaming from this world when Christ has commanded them that if they do not leave their lives they shall lose their lives and will not be counted as his disciple! Christ's followers, like Paul, die daily, taking up their cross and mortifying the deeds of their body by the pure Holy Spirit of love. They do it every day because... The "rapture" is now! What are we waiting for?