Now that you have committed your life to Christ, what must you do? Most Christians have been saved by a stranger. What I mean by that is, if someone rescued you from drowning wouldn’t you want to get to know them? Yes!! You would be thankful and you would want to become acquainted with them. That is exactly what you need to do. The following principles will help guide you into a personal relationship with Christ your Lord.
Proverbs 4:18 - The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn it gets brighter until the full day. The Christian walk is a progressive walk. At times you will experience slow growth and you will find there are some valleys as well as mountain top experiences. Don’t be discouraged, it is part of God’s plan to form you into His image and likeness. It takes nine months for a baby to grow in the mother’s womb before it is ready to come into this world. After the child is born it goes through stages of growth until it matures and can stand on its own. The same is true spiritually for all Christians. God has a perfect plan for your life, He will reveal it to you a little at a time, trust Him.
Growth:
II Peter 3:18 -“Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
I Peter 2:2 - “As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow.”
Ephesians 4:15 - “...grow up into Him in all things...”
Luke 2:40 - The life of Jesus. “The child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom...”
Mark 4:27-28 - stages of growth, first the blade, the ear and the full corn. We grow in stages.
Find a local Church that you can become a part of:
I Corinthians 12:12-27 - Every member is a part of a local church.
Hebrews 10:24-25 - Assembling.
Acts 2:41f - After they were saved they were instructed about the Lord and spent time with believers.
Foundational Beliefs of the church:
Inspiration of scripture - II Timothy 3:16, II Peter 1:20-21
The eternal Godhead - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - God is revealed as Father (John 6:27), the Son (John 6:69), and the Spirit (Acts 5:3-4,9). These three, as the one God, are called in theology the “Godhead.” Ephesians 4:4-6 - Here the Spirit, the Lord Jesus, and God, the Father are all distinguished, but it clearly says they are all one.
Christ’s preexistence - Micah 5:2, John 1:1-3, Isaiah 9:6
Virgin birth - Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:35
Christ’s sinless life - Hebrews 4:15 - without sin - He never sinned.
I Peter 3:18 “Just” (Christ) suffered for the “unjust” (You)
Atoning death - Isaiah 53:4-5 - (Read whole chapter) (Mt. 8:16-17; Gal.3:13; I Pet.2:24)
Physical resurrection - Luke 24:39, 46 (Read Luke 24:25-46)
John 20:26-31, I Corinthians 15:1-19 (Read whole chapter)
Second coming of Christ - Two stages:
(1) Rapture: I Thessalonians 4:13-18, I Thessalonians 5:1-9.
(2) Second coming to earth to establish the Millennium: Revelation 20:1-7, Zechariah 14:9
Eternal kingdom: The eternal state. Revelation 21 and 22 describes the eternal state and it reveals
both heaven and hell. (Revelation 20:14, 21:8)
Committed to living the Christian life according to the new testament principles.
II John 1:7-10 - Doctrine of Christ:
The above doctrines are basic - what you believe about Christ is important. II Corinthians 11:1-4, Paul was concerned that the church would believe in “another Jesus”, a false Jesus.
I Timothy 4:16 - What you believe is related to your salvation.
Beware of false doctrine, false Christ, false teachers.
Mt.24:1-10,24 - I Tim.4:1F - II Tim.4:1-3 - 1 Jn. 4:1F - Rev.2:2 - Deut. 13:1-5
Qualifications of a pastor, leadership:
I Tim. 3:1F - Titus 1:6-16 - Acts 20:28F
Baptisms:
Water baptism: Mark.16:15-16; Matthew 28:19; Acts 8:12; Acts 9:36-39; Acts 10:47;
Romans 6:3-5; Explains the purpose, our identification with Christ.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Matthew 3:11; Luke 11:9-13; Luke 24:49; John 7:37-39; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4;
Acts 8:17; Acts 10:44-47; Acts 19:1-7
The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter, one called along side to help: John 14:16-17; John 14:26; John 15:26
Assurance of salvation:
Hebrews 10:22 - “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith..”God’s promises to you: II Corinthians 1:20 - All God’s promises are YES....
John 5:24 - “Hath everlasting life - is passed from death to life “
John 10:27-29 - “They shall never perish - no man pluck them out of my hand”
John 11:25-26 - “Yet shall he live - believeth in me shall never die”
Romans 8:38-39 - “Neither death, nor life, shall...separate us from”
Philippians 1:6 - “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform”
Hebrews 6:11 - “To the full assurance of hope unto the end”
Hebrews 13:5 - “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”
I Peter 1:4 - “To inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, that fadeth not away”
I John 3:19 - “Shall assure our hearts before Him”
My Responsibility:
Matthew 24:13 - “He that endures to the end shall be saved”
John 8:31-32 - “If you continue in my word”
John14:21 - “He that hath my commandments and keeps them”
Acts 26:17-20 - “Do works meet (give evidence of ) for repentance”
Ephesians 4:22-24 - “Put off ... the old man...put on the new man”
Philippians 2:12-13 - “Work out your salvation with fear”
Colossians 1:23 - “If you continue in the faith grounded and settled”
Hebrews 5:9 - “Author of eternal salvation to all them that obey Him”
Hebrews 12:1-2 - “Lay aside every weight, and the sin”
Hebrews 12:4-7 - “Endures chastisement” (Revelation 3:19 - “as many as I love I chasten”)
James 1:12 - “Endures temptation”
Revelation 2:7 - “To him that overcomes” (Revelation 2:11, 2:17, 2:26, 3:5, 3:12, 3:21)
Inner assurance:
John 14:27 - “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world gives”
John 16:33 - “That in Me you might have peace”
Isaiah 26:3 - “Thou will keep him in perfect peace”
Romans 5:1 - “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God”
Romans 15:13 - “God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing”
Ephesians 2:14 - “He is our peace”
Colossians 3:15 - “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts”
John 16:24 - “That your joy may be full”
Romans 5:2 - “Rejoice in the hope of the glory of God”
Romans 5:11 - “We also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ”
Romans 15:13 - “God of all hope fill you with joy.”
Philippians 4:4 - “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say Rejoice”
The devil’s work against you: (See #8, Spiritual warfare)
John 10:10 - Steal, kill, and destroy - he will try to steal your joy and peace.
I Peter 5:8-9 - “Seeking who he can devour....resist steadfast in the faith”
Take the time to study and mediate on these facts - memorize key verses that will help you in time of need. Apply the principle of Romans 10:9-10, confess with your mouth. Confess means to say the same things as God declares about you. Agree with God, His word. Believe these facts, confess them.
Know who you are in Christ: What God says about you.
Our standing in Christ -
John 1:12. You received Christ into your heart by faith. He gave you the right to be His child. He gave you a new nature. You are His child by divine right.
Romans 8:37 - “We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us”
II Corinthians 5:17 - “You are a new creation in Christ”
Ephesians 2:5-6 - “Quicken together with Christ”.. “Sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus”
God has provided everything we need to live in victory in Christ
Philippians 4:13 - “I can do all things through Christ”
I Corinthians 15:57 - “ Gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”
II Corinthians 2:14 - “Always causes us to triumph in Christ”
I John 5:4 - “This is the victory that overcomes the world”
Revelation 12:11 - “ They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb...”
Know What belongs to you:
Colossians 1:12-14 – Four times: He hath and have Hath made you meet, means qualified - hath delivered you - hath translated you - we have forgiveness - all of this is an accomplished fact. You simply believe it is true.
II Corinthians 5:17 - You have new life
John 5:24 - Have eternal life - I John 5:11-13
Your responsibility to believe:
John 3:36; John 6:29; Ephesians 1:19; "to us who believe"; Ephesians 2:8-9.
II Corinthians 5:7 - you walk by faith not sight - faith is not based on feelings - emotions - circumstances - because feelings and circumstances can change daily. The temptation to doubt, fear and question is a common temptation that comes to everyone. They are an unreliable basis for faith. Faith must be based on the eternal unchanging Word of God.
Habakkuk 2:4 - The just shall live by his faith - Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38
Faith receives what God says:
James 1:21 - Believe the facts of salvation are true to you personally.
II Thessalonians 2:13 - Receive and believe.
Justification by faith:
Romans 3:20-27 - We are made righteous by faith in Christ. The Christian life is based on faith in Christ and His work on your behalf.
Romans 4:1-8, Righteousness is by faith - examples of Abraham and David
Romans 5:1-10, 15-21 - free gift
Sanctification by faith:
Romans 6:1-13. Commit your life to walk in newness of life in Christ. You are now set apart from sin - world - old life unto God
Walk in the spirit by faith:
Romans 8:1-8. Daily commitment to yield to God through reading the Word and listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Confess Christ as your Lord by faith:
Romans 10:8-10. Confess simply means to agree with God. You are now saved and you agree with what God says about you in spite of your feelings, circumstances or problems.
You are in Christ by faith - daily confess these facts:
II Corinthians 5:17, “I am a new creation” - I John 1:9, I am forgiven” - Ephesians.2:6, “I am seated with Christ” Revelation 12:11, “I am an overcomer” - Colossians 1:12-14, “I am translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God”. Matthew 10:32 - Confess Christ - He will confess you before the Father.
Faith must have corresponding action:
James 2:14-26; James 1:22-27. (Hebrews 11:4f; They all acted on what they believed).
What Jesus said about faith:
Matt. 8:1-10; Matt. 8:26; Matt.9:22, 29; Matt. 21:21-22; Matt. 25:23; Mark 4:40; Mark.5:34; Mark 5:36; Mark 9:23; Mark 11:23-26; Mark 16:16-18; Luke 7:50; Luke 8:48-50; Luke 12:28-29; Luke 18:8; Luke 24:25, 44-49; John 6:28-29; John 11:25-26; John 20:27.
What the New Testament says about faith:
Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:10; Hebrews 10:38 - Just shall live by faith
II Corinthians 4:17-18; II Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:1-40, defines faith as action. James 2:14f.
I John 3:21; I John 5:1-4; I John 5:14-15.
Study words like: faithfulness - believe - confidence - trust - endurance.
Your faith is in the faithfulness of God, His Character, His Word given to you by the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 10:23 - God is faithful - you can rely on Him. Numbers 23:19 - God doesn’t lie, He is trustworthy.
John 8:44 - The devil is a liar.
Renew your mind and learn God’s will for your life - Romans 12:1-2:
Now that you have experienced the new birth, it is important that you renew your mind. You will either allow God to influence the way you think about life or the world will influence you. Joshua 1:8, Meditate on God’s Word daily so you can change the old thinking habits and appropriate new ones. Renewing your mind is like renovating an old house. It’s your responsibility to yield to the work of God in you to change the way you think, talk, and act. (Philippians 2:12-13; Eph.5:17, Be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 4:22-32 - Clearly commands us to put off the old lifestyle, and put on the new life of Christ. We do this by making right choices daily to not indulge in the old sinful ways of life before Salvation. Replace the lie with truth be honest and truthful at all costs. When tempted to be angry choose to be longsuffering and forgiving. Replace negative speech with positive.
Control your thoughts and guard your mind:
II Corinthians 10:3-5 - You will discover quickly that you are in a struggle with the way you think about spiritual things. Why? Because your past lifestyle, education, traditions, religious beliefs and superstitions will be in direct conflict with the revealed will of God. Captivate your thoughts and judge them on the basis of God’s Word, not your feelings, opinions or preconceived conceptions. You can choose to control your thoughts. What you think is important: Proverbs 23:7; Philippians 4:8 - Think on these things.
Temptations and testings:
Acts 14:22 - The way into the kingdom of God.
You will be tempted to draw back to old sinful habits. The devil is trying to get you to doubt your salvation, doubt God’s goodness, love and grace. You may be tempted to be dishonest, lie, curse, smoke, drink.
James 1:13-14 - God is not tempting you to sin. It is your own lustful desires that are being drawn into temptation. You have the authority to resist and to say, NO! Matthew 4:1f - Jesus’ temptation and how He overcame. Hebrews 4:14-16 - God promises to help you in the time of temptation: (I Corin. 10:13; Heb.2:14; Heb.3:12-14)
Spiritual Warfare:
Ephesians 6:10f: Put on the whole armor of God. Why? So you can resist the devil.
Study each weapon and learn how to use it against the enemy. There are weapons of defense and weapons of offence. Revelation 12:11 Reveals how you can take the Word of God to fight the devil and overcome his attack against your life.
We have three major enemies in the Christian life:
The devil - Put on the whole armor of God so you can resist him.
Luke 10:19; I Corinthians 4:4; II Corinthians 11:1-4, 14; Ephesians 2:2; Ephesians 4:27; Eph.6:10f;
James 4:7; I Peter 5;8; I John 2:13-14; Revelation 12:11;
The world - renew you mind so you can discern the difference between the world’s corrupt philosophies
and God’s absolute standards of right and wrong.
Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 1:4; Colossians 2:8; James 4:4; II Timothy 2:4; II Timothy 4:10; I John 4:1-6; I John 5:1-4;
The flesh - your own desires, appetites and feelings. Learn what it means to deny yourself, your fleshly desires that are contrary to God’s will. I Peter 2:11; Fleshly lusts that war against the soul. (See next point)
Take up the cross daily:
Luke 9:23; Luke 14:26f; Matt.16:24; Gal.5:24f - The cross we take up is simply where God’s will crosses your will. Think of a dangerous intersection, crossroads. What happens when you refuse to yield? The same is true in our relationship with Christ. It’s your responsibility to say “Yes” to God’s will and “No” to your will that refuses to surrender to God’s right of way into your life.
Matt. 26:39 - Not as I will, but as you will.
Matt. 26:41 - The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. We must yield our will.
Romans 8:13; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 5:24; Galatians 6:14; Colossians 3:1-5
Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit:
Note the two opposites in Galatians, the work of the flesh and the work of the Holy Spirit. This is a warfare
(I Peter 2:11). We all face inner struggles with our desires, feelings, appetites and affections that are a God given part of who we are. Not all desires and affections are wrong. The desire to eat food is necessary to survive, but the desire can be perverted into gluttony. It’s your responsibility to ask God to help you. He will not do it for you, but He will help you as long as you yield. Deny yourself when tempted to overeat and the Holy Spirit will give you the fruit of temperance to aid you in your struggle... YIELD!! (Romans 6:13). Don’t yield to hate, bitterness,
unforgiveness, but yield to love and forgiveness. Don’t yield to depression, fear, anxiety and anger but yield to joy, peace and longsuffering; trust the Holy Spirit to come along side and help you. II Pet.1:5-7, add to your faith these fruits. You can’t maintain a fruitful garden unless you are willing to cultivate it. The same is true spiritually.
Cultivate a prayer life, learn how to pray:
Matthew 6:1-15; Luke 11:1-13;
Romans 5:1-2 - You have been given access to approach God as your Father.
Hebrews 4:16 - He invites you to come with confidence to fellowship and ask for help in the time of need.
John 15:16 - 16:23-24, 26 - Pray to the Father in the name of Jesus.
James 5:13F - Confess your sins. Pray with fervency.
I John 5:14-15 - Pray with confidence and according to God’s will.
II Corinthians 1:20 - Every promise is God’s will for you personally.
I John 3:20-22 - Pray with a clear conscience. (I John 1:9; Acts 24:16)
James 4:1-3 - Pray with pure motives.
Mark 11:24-26 - Pray in faith with a forgiving spirit.
Matthew 6:7 - Be specific - Matt.23:14, Luke 11:9-13, Luke 18:13
Luke 18:1-8 - Be persistent.
I Thessalonians 5:18 - Pray always with thanksgiving. (Psalms 100:4)
II Chronicles 7:14 - Humility, pray, seek, repent.
Note: The three promises: God will hear, forgive and heal.
Why God doesn't answer prayer?
You are responsible to meet the conditions above.
James 1:5-8 - Doubt, wavering. (Mark 11:23)
Mark 11:24-26 - Unconfessed sins. (Isaiah 59:1-2; James. 5:16; Psalm 51:10; Ps.32:1-5; Ps.66:18)
I Timothy 2:8 - Pray without anger and doubt.
I Pet.3:7 - Hindered by sin between husband and wife. (Mt.18:19, agree means harmony)
Mark 4:40 - Fear (Mk.5:36; II Tim.1:7)
Matt. 6:24F - Anxiety, to take thought means to be distracted in mind.
Salvation is a personal relationship with the living God:
John 6:48-63 - Like eating bread to nourish life. (I Peter 2:1-3)
John 7:37-39 - Like drinking water to quench thirst. (Psalm 42:1-2)
John 15:1-7 - Analogy of the branch and vine, life comes from the vine.
John 17:3 - He is the only source of life. (John 1:12; John 14:6; I John 5:12)
John 4:10-14 - Well of salvation that never runs dry. But you have to drink. (John 7:37-39)
If you get dry it is because you are not drinking.
I John 1:1-9 - Daily fellowship is necessary, it can be broken. It can be restored, Psalm 51:1-19; Hebrews 10:19-22; James 4:7-10 - Draw near by submission to God, confessing your sins and resisting the devil and humbling yourself.
We have a responsibility to guard our relationship with one another and with God.
Acts 24:16 - Keep a clear conscience. (Ps.130:1-8)
I John 1:9 - James 5:16; Be quick to confess any known sins to one another and to God.
(Matthew 5:23-24; Mark 11:25-26).
Colossians 3:13-25 - Forgiving one another (Ephesians 4:25-32)
II Timothy 2:15; Study the word. John 5:39 - Read your bible: Believe every word. God is speaking to
you through His word. (Acts 17:11)
Psalms 1:1f - Meditate on the Word: Psalms 119:11, hide God's word in your heart. John 6:63, God’s
word is life to you. (Hebrews 4:12)
John 10:27 - Listen to His voice. God speaks to us through his word, Proverbs 6:20-24. (Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 28:1f; Proverbs 4:20-24)
Psalms 100:1-5 - Worship and praise God. (Psalms 95:1-7; John. 4:22-24)
Exodus 25:22 - Communion with God, through prayer, meditation, worship and listening.
(Luke .24:15-27,31-32; Psalms 4:4; Psalms 77:6)
John 16:7-11 - Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, he will convict you of sin, righteousness and judgment.
John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit will teach you and remind you.
John 15:26 - The Holy Spirit will always testify to Jesus Christ - not man, a religion or a group.
(Revelation 19:10).
John 16:13 - The Holy Spirit will guide you.
John 14:21-24 - If you love God you will obey what he reveals to you personally.
Look up all these passages on love and remember as many as you can. Heed the warning of Matthew 24:12.
Matthew 22:36-40 - Let love motivate all you do. (Romans 5:5; I Corinthians 13:1-8; I Corinthians 8:1;
I Cor.16:22; Galatians 5:6, 14; Ephesians 4:16; Phillippians 1:9-11; Colossians 3:14; I Thessalonians 3:10-11;
II Thessalonians 2:10; I Tim.1:5; II Timothy 1:7; Philemon 1:5,7,9; Hebrews 10:24; Hebrews 13:1;
James 1:8-10; I Peter 1:8; I Peter 3:8; II Peter 1:7; I John 2:5-11, 15; I John 3:10-16; I John 5:1-3;
II John 1:1-3,6; III John1:1; Jude 1:21-22; Revelation 1:5.
False Doctrine
OUTLINE REFUTATION OF J.D.S. HERSEY
This information is the result of a study regarding the error of Jesus dying spiritually, hereafter referred to as the JDS heresy.
ERROR: Jesus had to be born again.
Scriptures used to support error: Acts 13:29-34, Col. 1:15-18, Rm. 8:29, Rev. 1:5.
What they say:
Jesus was born again (justified) from spiritual death unto spiritual life.
Jesus was the first born-again man - "a new species."
God again became His Father (Heb. 1:5).
Jesus is never again called the "only begotten"; now called "first begotten."
Now all the Old Testament saints could get born again."
TRUTH: This is erroneous and so dangerous because it denies Jesus' deity and His eternality, and denies
Jesus as God. How can God be born again?
Isa. 7:14, 9:6; Col. 2:9; II Cor. 5:19, "God was in Christ" - Godhead can not be separated.
Acts 13:33: "Begotten" is referring to physical resurrection of Jesus - not born again in the pit. Verses 28-29 - isn’t referring to a spiritual rebirth but the physical death and burial of His body in a grave. Verses 30 & 33 - speaking of His physical resurrection from the dead. Acts 13:30-34 - The statement in verse 33, "Thou art my Son , this day have I begotten thee” speaks only of His physical resurrection - to twist this to say Jesus had to be born again is preaching another Jesus (2 Cor. 11:3-4 Gal.1:6-9) The Bible never teaches that Jesus had to be born again, but that He was raised from the dead physically. 1 Cor. 15:1f; Acts 26:23; Jn. 2:8; Lk. 24:36-48
Col. 1:15-l8: Firstborn - Greek prototokos
Study references International Standard Bible Encyclopedia; Wycliffe Encyclopedia; The International Dictionary of the Bible; Kittel's Theological Dictionary of New Testament (10 volumes); Pulpit Commentary (25 volumes). A study of the meaning of first born shows that Col. 1:15-18 is speaking of Jesus being heir over all things and not being born again.
Mt. 1:25 used to refer to physical birth of the first child to be born into a family.
Also used to denote position; rights, inheritance.
Examples:
Ex. 4:22: Nation of Israel called first-born, which entitled them to special privileges.
Ex. 13:2: First-born preserved, consecrated to the Lord, they held special position
in God's sight.
Deut. 21:17: In Israel, first-born son had special rights and privileges
i.e. He had authority over family in place of the father and received a double share of the inheritance. Jesus is called first-born, referring to special privileges, legal rights, rank, position-they were His and had to consecrated unto Him.
Col. 1:16b: "By Him and for Him" meaning Jesus as Creator of all things for
Himself, He has rights to all creation, heir. Compare Heb. 1:2;
Col. 1:18 "He might have the preeminence."
Jesus is called the "only begotten" again; (see note #1 D. above);
they say He is not called "only begotten"
"Only begotten" Jn. 3:16; Greek monogenos,
mono - one; genos - kind, meaning only unique one. There is no other like him.
I Jn. 4:9: He is called "only begotten."-speaks of uniqueness of virgin birth
ERROR: Jesus had to be justified in the Spirit after three days.
Scriptures used to support error: I Tim.3:16,
I Pet.3:18.
What they say:
Jesus was spiritually dead, needed to be justified.
A booming voice from heaven cried "loose Him! He's there illegally!"
It was after He was justified in the Spirit that He became a begotten son...
God justified Him in spirit...then made him alive in spirit.
TRUTH: To say that Jesus died spiritually leaves you without an adequate substitute and still in your sins.
I Tim.3:16: Term justified - dikaloo means to show to be righteous...
Does not mean to "make" righteous but to "declare" one as just or righteous.
Meaning of this verse: Jesus was vindicated by the Spirit, declared to be the holy,
righteous substitute because He was raised from the dead, thus proven to be true and divine.
Compare Lk. 7:29-30 - The publicans justified God. God didn't need to be justified;
by receiving John's baptism it showed that God was
righteous in His claims against them that they were sinners.
Provo 17:15 - God cannot justify anyone without a basis.
I Pet. 3:18 - "quickened by the Spirit" refers only to the resurrection of Christ.
ERROR: Jesus had to die twice - physically and spiritually.
Scriptures used to support error: Isa. 53:9 - deaths, plural; Mt. 27:46 - forsaken.
What they say:
Jesus died twice on the cross; first he died "spiritually". "The moment God laid our sin upon Him...that precious body became mortal, and He could then die physically".
The death of Jesus' physical body wasn't that important - any prophet could have died as a redeemer, if this was all that was required.
TRUTH:
A. Isa. 53:9 - deaths is plural but doesn't mean what the J.D.S. teachers say. This is an intensive plural and is used to express violent death...such as a death so painful and extreme that it's like dying over and over again (death by fire, sword, crucifixion). Reference Keil & Delitzch: "The plural noun 'deaths' is an exaggerated emphasis used to denote a violent death." The Septuagint translates "deaths" as a singular noun, "death,"e indicating this as its proper sense in Isaiah 53:9.
What does the Bible say about the death of Jesus? Physical or Spiritual?
Eph. 2:13-16 - "in his flesh"
Col. 1:20-22 - "in the body of his flesh"
Heb. 10:10 - "body of Jesus"
I Pet. 2:24 - "in his own body"
I Pet. 3:18 - "in the flesh"
I Pet. 4:1 - "in the flesh"
What did Jesus say about his death?
Jn. 2:19-21 - "temple of his' body"
Jn. 6:51 - "my flesh"
Mt. 26:26/1 Cor. 10:16/1 Cor. 11:24
The word emphasizes it was the body, his flesh, was offered as a sacrifice.
Why did Christ have to die physically and not spiritually? God cannot die spiritually. The Scriptures state the Son of God needed a body of flesh so He could die physically on behalf of sinners like O.T. type. The necessity of incarnation of the Son of God is clearly stated in Heb. 2; Phil. 2; Gal. 4:4-5; John 1,3; and Col. 1,2
He bore the punishment of our guilt in His body - I Pet. 2:24. I Pet. 3:18.
He provided His blood for the atonement Heb. 9:22, I Pet. 1:18-19.
ERROR: Jesus was made sin.
Scriptures used to support error: II Cor. 5:21.
What they say:
He was actually made to be sin with our sin.
All of the sins of this world - hatred, murder, adultery, etc. - laid on His spirit.
TRUTH:
Imputation teaches he was punished our sins, and we were accounted as Righteous, Rm. 4:22-24; Christ became our I Cor. 1:30; Phil. 3:9.
To say Jesus became sin is to say he actually sinned. Jesus never sinned - Heb. 4:15, 9:26.
Isa. 53:6 - Jesus our substitute - He became liable for our punishment, a "lega1" transaction.
Sin offering - II Cor. 5:21. Study Old Testament sacrifices and sin offerings, see Paul's thought more clearly here. Jesus was a sin offering, fulfilling O.T. type.
Sin Offering: Lev. 1:2-4 - sin offering
Sin offering remained holy before and after death Lev. 4:3
Heb 10:10-12
Jn. 1:29
ERROR: J.D.S. Doctrine of Identification
Scriptures used to support error: Isa. 53 - misunderstanding of the meaning of substitution.
What they say: .
Jesus had to identify with man in every way in order to be man's substitutionary sacrifice.
He was lifted up as a serpent - synonymous with Satan.
TRUTH: The scriptures don't teach the doctrine of identification, but rather substitution.
Heb. 2:14-18 - Jesus identified with humanity at birth, not death (Phil. 2:5F).
Heb. 7:26 - He did not identify with sinners but was a sinless substitute" for them on the cross.
The Bible teaches penal substitutionary blood atonement. Penal-punishment or penalty. Substitutionary on behalf of or in place of Atonement- to cover.
Rm. 5:8 - clearly teaches his death was substitute for sinners, not an identification with sinners.
He is the only one who died for someone else:
Rm. 3:24-25. 5:8-9. 5:19
II Cor. 5:19-21
Gal. 1:4. 3:13. 4:4-5
Eph. 1:7. 5:1-2
I Tim. 2:5-6
Titus 2:14
Heb. 9:26-28. 10:10-14
I Jn. 2:1-2
ERROR: Jesus was lifted up as a "serpent" when he was made sin on the cross, took on the evil nature of Satan.
Scriptures used to support error: Jn. 3:13-14; Num. 21:8-9.
What they say:
When Jesus died spiritually, He became united with Satan in his spirit, separated from God.
Jesus was lifted up on the cross as the serpent was lifted on a pole.
TRUTH:
Jn. 3:14 - Jesus was referring to the "manner" of His death - He was to be "lifted up" on the cross. Not referring to a change in his nature, from sinless to sinful. Compare: Jn. 8:28, 12:32-33. If Jesus became a "serpent" in nature as error teaches, then healing was provided by Satan, not God.
Num. 21:8-9: The typology reveals the reverse of the J.D.S. view. The serpent spoke of their sin and judgment; by their obedience to God's command to look upon the brazen serpent, they were delivered.
ERROR: God forsook Him at Calvary.
Scriptures used to support error: Ps. 22:1-6; Mt. 27:45-50.
What they say:
Jesus totally forsaken by God, became a mortal man, God was no longer His Father.
Jesus was in deep agony and shame because His Father had forsook and abandoned Him - broke His heart.
TRUTH:
Jesus was God's perfect sacrifice, chosen by Him before world began. 2 Tim 1:9; Jn 1:29; Isa. 53. It is gross jeresy to teach Jesus was made sin with mankind's sin, possessing Satan's evil nature and totally rejected by God
Ps. 22:1 does not teach total abandonment; that God ceased to be His
Father. It is impossible to separate the eternal manifestation of the
Godhead: Father, Son, & Holy Spirit. God was in Christ (at Calvary) reconciling
the world unto Himself. The Godhead cannot be divided, unless one believes in
three gods. Because God was in Christ on the cross, how could He have been
totally forsaken?
At the cross, there was a legal separation as the Father gave His Son up to
death on mankind’s behalf. The O.T. types for sin & trespass offerings were
most holy unto God, Lev. 6-7. Isa. 53:11 speaks of His Son on the cross
not as sin, but as My righteous servant.
ERROR: Jesus' death was the fulfilling of the Abrahamic Covenant.
Scriptures used to support error:
Jn. 19:30 - it is finished.
What they say:
Jesus had fulfilled the Abrahamic covenant when he died on the cross.
When he cried "it is finished" Jesus was merely referring to the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant as an Israelite.
TRUTH:
Abrahamic covenant couldn't be finished; it is an everlasting covenant - Gen. 17:7, 13, 19.
Compare Rm. 11:26-29.
The Mosaic covenant of the Law was fulfilled by His sacrificial death as the Lamb of God.
ERROR: Jesus didn't redeem us on the cross by His death and the shedding of His blood;
He had to go to hell to obtain redemption for us. He suffered three days and nights.
Satan was His master.
Scriptures used to support error: Acts 2; Mt. 12:40; Eph. 4:7-10.
What they say:
When Jesus died, His spirit was taken by the adversary, and carried into the place where the sinner's spirit goes when he dies.
When his blood poured out, it did not atone; it did away with the handwriting of the ordinances that were against us, Col. 2:14. Jesus spent three days and nights in hell getting back our rights with God.
TRUTH:
Acts 2:27,31 - Term for hell should be hades(Gk); KJV mistranslates hades- realm of departed spirits.
Lk. 16:19F - The lost are shown to be in a place of torment, but the righteous entering the realm of the dead are in paradise (a place of comfort). Further, the righteous, at death, go to be with the Lord. II Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23. Acts 2:31 - God would not allow Jesus to remain in the realm of the dead or the departed spirits, He was not going to hell as an unregenerate. Where did He go in the realm of departed spirits? He tells us He was going in spirit to the Father in paradise. Lk 22:43; Lk 23:44-46; Jn. 19:28-30
Mk. 9:4) - Greek - gehenna English hell should be only translate. Gehenna equivalent to lake of fire in Rev. 20:11-15. Jesus didn't go to hell.
Mt. 12:40 - reference to Christ's burial and resurrection - should not be interpreted as descent into the pit of hell.
Eph. 4:9-10 - "descended into the lower parts of the earth" equated by J.D.S. with going into the pit; scriptural meaning is the incarnation - Christ's descent from heaven to earth. Jn. 3:13, 8:14, 16:28.
I Pet. 3:19-20 - preached to - not suffered punishment for sinners.
Lk. 23:43 - J.D.S. manipulate the comma to make it sound like Jesus is saying "I am telling you today."
Col. 2:15 - both vs. 14 and 15 are referring to what Christ did on the cross. "In it" in verse 15 refers back to vs.-14 - the cross. (Compare Williams New Testament)
FOOTNOTE: I have personally written a letter to many of the individuals promoting this heresy through preaching and written materials. Replies were received stating their position to be as I have outlined above. None denied this error, rather affirmed they did believe exactly as we have presented it for your investigation. The subject matter contained herein is a result of my personal study, research and counsel from other men of like precious faith. We do not claim to have “all truth;” however, we believe this teaching to be unsound in its content and dangerous to those who embrace it. Our sincere prayer for any ensnared in this heretical doctrine is that they will diligently seek truth with an earnest heart, considering the consequences of believing this heresy; and that God would give them repentance in the acknowledging of the truth.
Sources: as mentioned above in outline
See also: H.E. Freeman - Did Jesus Die Spiritually - Exposing the JDS Heresy. Available through our link in the book review room.
False Cults
WHAT IS A CULT?
We often hear the word cult with reference to persons involved in religious practices and ideologies that are unorthodox, having no sound scriptural basis. Jesus commanded us in John 7:24 to judge with a righteous judgment, not based on appearance, but on an honest evaluation of the facts before coming to a fair conclusion. Laying aside any criticisms or preconceived assumptions, we must remember, if we judge others with mercy and fairness, we will receive the same. Just judgment is evidenced by a gathering of all facts from the "horse’s mouth", not from rumor or speculation. Ideally, we can speak the truth in love thereby helping some escape from falsehood and deception. Our motive must always be to contend for the faith, loyalty to our Lord, and hopefully to rescue some from deception.
Care must be exercised toward those involved in a cult. 2 John 1:10-11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, the doctrine of Christ, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. Why? Arguing only strengthens their position. We are to give an answer of the hope within us with meekness and respect, 1Peter 3:15. In 2Timothy 2:24-26 we are told to avoid foolish and unlearned questions which gender strife; be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves, if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition, reject.
The above scriptures teach four principles:
Don’t be quick to say Godspeed to those in error. You don’t want to give the impression you agree with what they believe. Without becoming argumentative or rude, firmly state your position, letting them know you are in disagreement with their doctrine. Remember, they are looking for an opportunity to trip you up.
Be prepared to answer with a gracious attitude should inquiry be made concerning your church or beliefs. If you are well grounded, you may provide concise answers concerning your faith, while pointing out their error at the same time. For example, let a Jehovah Witness know you believe Jesus rose physically from the dead. In Luke 24:39 Jesus said, Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have. Do not engage in debate. They will most likely counter with 1 Peter 3:18, For Christ also had once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. They interpret this passage as a spiritual resurrection without a body, which is contradictory to all Scripture, especially the complete chapter of 1 Corinthians 15.
They are in opposition to God and ensnared with a deceiving spirit. Exercise caution, refusing to engage in foolish and unlearned questions. Stay with cardinal doctrines regarding Christ. Don’t sidetrack onto traditions and nonessentials; remain firm on the one point. This eliminates confusion. If they will not stay focused on one important issue, such as the resurrection of Christ, it may be they recognize you are well grounded in scripture. They may try to redirect the conversation to another area they are better equipped to discuss. Refuse to change the subject. If you cannot agree on the resurrection, other issues are moot.
If an admonition is rejected by one who has departed sound doctrine, scripture commands us to depart from their company. Romans 16:17 tells us to mark and avoid them. In 2 Timothy 2:16-17, Paul spoke of two men having deviated from truth, who were involved in overthrowing the faith of some by false teaching concerning the resurrection. In Galatians 1:1-9 Paul, warning of those who would pervert truth by preaching another Gospel, said let them be accursed. Harsh words no doubt, that reveal the seriousness of God’s attitude toward any who would undermine the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
What is another Gospel? In 2 Corinthians11:1-4, Paul is concerned false teachers would seduce some from the faith by preaching another Jesus. From these passages, we can see the early church had to deal with error and heresy. What is another Jesus? A Jesus not born of a virgin, sinless or physically resurrected from the dead. 2 John 1:7 warns if anyone does not believe Jesus came in the flesh, was born of a virgin and was the divine, incarnate, eternal Son of God; the Bible declares he is a deceiver and anti-christ. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 tells us false apostles and deceitful workers transform themselves into apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. Transformed used here is not the same as transformed used in Romans 12:2, meaning change - this word means to disguise or masquerade. Cults and false religions abound that prey on the untaught, the gullible and unrepentant sinners. Knowing what you believe and having a sound Biblical understanding of Christianity is essential; equipping us to discern the true and the false.
WHAT IS A CULT? Most false religions and cults embrace Christian teaching and use the Bible to validate their view; many have Christian roots. They are false because they depart from orthodox teaching concerning Christ. Early church history, passed down through the centuries, clearly defines what true Christian faith involves; embracing and believing wholeheartedly - the virgin birth, sinless life of Christ, the value of His atoning death in that He shed His blood for our redemption, His literal physical resurrection, His Person - God/man incarnation, the trinity, His return and judgment, eternal punishment and wrath of God on all who deny Him.
Threefold definition of a cult:
Extreme, devoted, extravagant attachment exceeding the Biblical norm of respect for one placed in authority over you. God places leadership over the church to pastor, oversee and rule. 1 Peter 5:1-3 instructs leaders to take oversight, not for money or out of constraint, but with a willing mind and not as lords but as examples to follow. No man’s word is to be equal with God’s word. The pastor is human and has flaws; so respect him for his position but don’t idolize him or make him a god. He is to point you to Jesus, not to himself. He is responsible to watch over your souls and warn of deception and false teachers. In a cult, someone’s personal interpretation of the Bible becomes the standard for allegiance and loyalty. Joseph Smith-Mormons, Mary Baker Eddy-Christian Science, David Koresh-Waco cult.
Adhering to major doctrines which specifically contradict the Christian faith - often expressed in the term orthodox. Any person, group or church departing from the orthodox Christian doctrines, clearly defined in the bible and by early Christian councils, is considered to be a cult.
Any group or movement deviating from orthodoxy while claiming to represent the true faith of Christianity is a cult. Orthodox means conservative or opposed to liberalism. Adhering to accepted, traditional, established faith (referring back to early church councils).
Dr. Walter R. Martin’s The Rise of the Cults defined a cult as "The adherence to major doctrines which are pointedly contradictory to orthodox Christianity, yet which claim the distinction of either tracing their origin to orthodox sources or of being in essential harmony with those sources. Cultism, in short, is any major deviation from orthodox Christianity relative to the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith."
In his book, Confronting the Cults, Dr. Lewis says: "A cult is any religious movement which claims the backing of Christ or the Bible, but distorts the central message of Christianity by an additional revelation and by displacing a fundamental tenet of faith with a secondary matter." Any group or person deviating from the cardinal doctrines of Christ is evidence of a cult.
U.S. Treasury Department agents, in their efforts to apprehend counterfeiters, spend very little time studying counterfeit notes, but they know the genuine article like the back of their hand. They handle, examine and understand all the special components that identify the genuine article. When they pick up a counterfeit note, they discern immediately that it isn’t authentic. They may not know initially exactly what is wrong with the note, but they do know it’s counterfeit. Cults can be attractive because they include enough truth to appear genuine. The Christian faith must be more than a brand you wear. It is essential to know what the Bible teaches, what you believe and why you believe it.
Understanding usage of the term cult in society vs. religion:
The term cult is now often used when referring to contemporary religious groups whose beliefs and practices depart from conventional norms of society. This definition has a major defect, the word society. How cunning! Society has never, indeed cannot, determine what is normal for the Christian faith. A cult departs from the norm of the Christian faith, not what society thinks about the Christian faith. True, aberrant religious groups abound, void of Christian virtues, exhibiting antisocial, militant behavior. Society targets Christians as abnormal simply because they shun the world, refusing to conform to its philosophies and immoral lifestyles. True Christianty will never live by the standards and values determined by unregenerate men; but by the standards established in God’s word, calling us to live above this sinful world. True Christianty always brings peace, order, civility and moral excellance. Philippians 2:15-16 says, That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life. 1 Peter 2:11-21 clearly reveals adherence to Christian standards brings stability to any government.
Does this mean any group splitting off from an established denomination is a cult? No! Through the centuries, we see religious systems of the time becoming cold, legalistic, hierarchical; losing the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Time and time again, God led some out to preserve a remnant. Martin Luther left Roman Catholicism and God used him to birth the Reformation. He and Zwingli led the reformers to renounce the carnal traditions of the church. But why, asked the Anabaptist leaders, do the great reformers not go all the way with the Scriptures and abolish the state and people’s church, infant baptism, and any office or activity which violates New Testament teachings?
Any group that seeks to have total commitment to Jesus Christ seems to come under suspicion from carnal and unlearned men. Many today are hungering for a true, personal relationship with Christ but are skeptical and unwilling to give up the self life and pleasures of sin to serve God. Sadly, the denominational system, for the most part, has lost its fervency for living the Christian life.
Why have the number of cults risen since the beginning of the twentieth century? The Bible warns us in 1 Timothy 4:1f the last days will bring a great departure from the faith as many give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. This is happening across Christendom because church leadership has neglected to teach sound doctrine. Too many today have been convinced doctrine divides; yet, the Bible says doctrine is what brings unity.
Matthew 24:1-24 prophesies many false teachers and false Christs will proclaim a message contrary to the true Christ revealed in the scriptures. Romans 16:17-18 says, Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 2 Timothy 4:2-4 warns preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
These scriptures give clear instruction.
We are in a warfare against seducing spirits attacking the faith of many, turning them away.
Beware of divisive people entering the church to undermine the faith. They are self serving, greedy, troublesome; seeking to deceive the unsuspecting gullible and the untaught. In Acts 15:1-30 some Jews made circumcision a prerequisite to salvation. Confusion among the new converts was resolved by the church and recorded in scripture for an example to us.
People want to hear what makes them feel good and gives them a license to sin. This leaves them defenseless and unable to contend for the faith. Remember, cults are built upon what the founder says the Bible teaches not what the Bible teaches.
Ephesians 4:11-14 declares And he gave some, apostles; and some prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till 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 fulness of Christ; 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. God’s purpose for pastors and teachers is to equip the church with truth so they won’t succumb to false doctrine.
Cults flourish because Christians are ignorant of the scriptures. Hosea 4:6 says: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you shall be no priest to me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. Isaiah 5:13 says: my people are gone into captivity because they have no knowledge. Millions are captive to the seducing spirits of false teaching because they lack sound biblical teaching regarding the basic tenets of the Christian faith. Another reason is unbelief. Romans 10:17 tells us faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Without sound teaching from the scriptures, a man will be faithless and unbelieving.
The contemporary church is full of uncertainty about what it believes concerning salvation, forgiveness, the virgin birth, the resurrection, the second coming and eternal punishment. Deceivers have proclaimed God is love, He will not judge nor condemn anyone to Hell. God is love; but love is not God. Many today have made love a “god” and all that opposes man’s idea of love is cast off as false. 2 John 1:4-10 says I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, that, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an anti-christ. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed. For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. Note clearly, truth and love are put together here and we must not put at variance the truth of God’s Word and God’s love. God requires we love His word more than we love ourselves. This is evidence we love God. John 14:21: He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father; and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. If God says adultery is sin, why would I lie to someone, telling them God understands and loves them. Certainly, God wants to reveal His love to them, but God says the sinner is under the wrath of God. Yes, God is longsuffering, willing that none perish and His forbearance is a manifestation of His love. Let us not pervert love, making people feel good about living in sin. Romans 5:8 says God commended His live toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Because God is love, He will tell you the truth in love; repent or perish.
To contend for the faith and refute the cults, we must know two things. First, what we believe as Christians. Secondly, what the beliefs are of a particular cult we may be encountering. This is simply an introduction. We plan to follow up with tenets of the Christian faith based on the Bible and the orthodoxy of the early church. We will be outlining information on various cults, what they believe and their discrepancies.
Mormonism:
A brief video on some of the beliefs of the Church of Latter Day Saints.
The Bible vs Joseph Smith! by Chip Thompson
We have watched this and found it a great source for accurate information re the Mormon church and its false teaching - false prophets. An ex Mormon who is now a Christian lives in Israel and his talks with a Mormon re The Book of Mormon vs The Bible and the nature of the true test for a prophet and he gently puts him on a corner and the Mormon admits it.
