By Richard F. Ames
If you have strayed from God in the past, you may wonder whether you can really return to Him in the future. Have you sinned so greatly that all hope is lost for you? The Bible’s clear warning can help you see for yourself!
One of the most agonizing worries is the fear of being cut off from God. Even more distressing is the thought that one may be cut off forever, with no chance of redemption. Some fear that they have committed the "unpardonable sin." Do you feel guilty, worried that your sins are keeping you away from God?
If you want deliverance from your guilty feelings—if you want to repent and you want relief for your feelings of despondency—there is help available. God is not out to trick people into sinning so He can find an excuse to destroy them. On the contrary, God wants us to be a part of His family and to share in His loving way of life. He wants us to learn from our mistakes, repent and change our lives.
Does your conscience bother you? Scripture explains that those who have actually committed the unpardonable sin have seared their consciences—and are totally consumed with rebellion against God. They are not worried about committing the ultimate transgression. They may be fearful of their ultimate punishment, but they are not equivocating over their unswerving dedication to wickedness and evil.
Just what is the unpardonable sin? Put simply, it is a sin that will not be forgiven. God is willing to forgive our sins if we repent of them, if we are sorry for them and if we are determined to change. But when one sears his conscience to never repent, he cannot be forgiven. Jesus states the problem clearly. "Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation" (Mark 3:28–29).
Jesus said that all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, if they repent of those sins. Yet the one unforgivable sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. What does that mean? And how does one blaspheme against the Holy Spirit?
Blasphemy, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is "to speak impiously or irreverently of (God or sacred things)" or "to speak evil of, slander; abuse." A parallel Gospel account gives us a powerful example. "Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He [Jesus] healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the multitudes were amazed and said, ‘Could this be the Son of David?’" (Matthew 12:22–23).
The crowds recognized that the prophesied Messiah, the Son of David, would be able to accomplish this miracle, but the Pharisees falsely asserted that Jesus used the power of Satan. "Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, ‘This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons’" (Matthew 12:24).
These accusers blasphemed—they spoke evil of God’s miraculous work through the Holy Spirit. Jesus warned them powerfully: "Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come" (Matthew 12:31–32).
We all need to heed that warning. Notice the Apostle Paul’s warning to Christians, that "if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins" (Hebrews 10:26).
Willful sin is a fully conscious and determined act and attitude to not ever repent of sin. The willful sinner is intractable. He or she has a conscience seared to do evil. This kind of sinner will never even entertain the thought of repenting and desiring to return to God’s way of life (cf. 1 Timothy 4:2). The incorrigibly wicked are not blinded like the rest of the world; they have "knowledge of the truth." They know the effect of Christ’s sacrifice, yet they profane it. Such ones face "a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?" (Hebrews 10:27–29).
Yes, there will be a fiery judgment—a lake of fire for those who persist in sinning willfully and who insult the Spirit of grace. Scripture also gives a warning to all who, as Christians, have been "partakers of the Holy Spirit." Remember that God gives the Holy Spirit to those "who obey Him" (Acts 5:32). If Christians willfully turn back to evil—if they fall away and turn to a hardened and permanent attitude of disobedience—Scripture teaches that it is impossible to "renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame" (Hebrews 6:6).
Truly converted Christians are those to whom God has given the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9). Even converted Christians will sin—but they are committed to repenting always. They need a repentant attitude of mind, always looking forward to changing their behavior and attitude, even if they feel too weak to do so just yet. God is patient, but we need to respond to that patience because the time is growing short. Always desire repentance. Always desire to change your life for good even if, through weakness, you give in to temptation. Ask God for a spirit of repentance!
How Can Christians Avoid the Unpardonable Sin?
We have seen that the unpardonable sin is a sin that will not be forgiven because the sinner willfully blasphemes the Holy Spirit, and hardens his heart to never repent. Such a sinner sears his conscience to do evil, and will end up in the lake of fire, as we read in Revelation 21:8. How can we avoid having this belligerent and hardened mindset?
We all have the opportunity to choose life and love, rather than death and disobedience. But how can anyone deliberately and permanently decide to go the wrong way into rebellion? Here is what Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote concerning that deliberate choice: "This may come from wrong reasoning; from wrong desire thought out to a final fixed, permanent decision as to his way of life; or, from allowing resentment in his heart toward either God or some person who may have wronged him. To allow resentment to embitter him, until he comes to change his whole life course, turning from God" (What Do You Mean, ‘The Unpardonable Sin’?, 1972, p. 34).
Hurt feelings often lead to resentment, and resentment turns to hate and bitterness. Are you resentful and hateful toward someone? We must always be on guard against such feelings. Remember: "Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him" (1 John 3:15). If you have those feelings, you need to overcome them by choosing to fear God and choosing to understand the seriousness of hate and resentment.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave another antidote to feelings of hate and desires for revenge. "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matthew 5:43–45).
To a carnal mind, that approach sounds naive and foolish. But following those instructions to pray for our enemies can keep us from the poison of bitterness. Yes, this is a revolutionary way of life. It is the antithesis of today’s selfish, covetous, me-first philosophy. But it is the way of life taught by the Son of God, and the way of life everyone in the Millennium—Christ’s future 1,000-year rule on earth—will learn. Try it! Actually get down on your knees—and pray for the welfare of someone you may even hate. You will be surprised at the relief of stress you will experience. Our attitude and approach toward others is extremely important.
God, in His judgment, will avenge injustice. As the Apostle Paul wrote: "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord" (Romans 12:19). We must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ (14:10). Trust God to punish the wicked, just as He says.
Notice one more key to overcoming bitterness. "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled" (Hebrews 12:14–15).
Here is another warning to avoid bitterness. Notice the prescription: "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness." Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). He said: "Do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). Will you take His challenge? Will you humble yourself before God and pray for your enemies? This will go a long way toward overcoming any root of bitterness you may have.
One can also lose the Holy Spirit, and go down the pathway toward the unpardonable sin, by continued neglect. Do you neglect prayer, Bible study and fellowship with converted Christians?
This world has such a pull on our interests that we can be distracted from our spiritual priorities. What is your personal goal in life? Jesus said: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). That should be our goal in life, according to our Savior! Neglecting our spiritual priorities leads to spiritual weakness, but God’s Spirit is the Spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind. The Apostle Paul wrote: "Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:6–7).
Without that spiritual power, we will be unable to change our lives. But God is willing to give us that gift, the most valuable gift beyond the gift of His Son for the sins of the world. What must we do? On the day of Pentecost, at the very beginning of the New Testament Church, the Apostle Peter said: "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). Christians do receive that gift, but it is a gift that must be treasured, and even "stirred up," as the Apostle Paul exhorted.
Continued neglect of our spiritual priorities will lead to a "care-less" attitude—an attitude that can lead to a hardened heart and the unpardonable sin. "Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away" (Hebrews 2:1). Otherwise, "how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?" (v. 3). Christians must make the commitment never to allow bitter or resentful attitudes to poison their hearts and minds. And we must make the commitment to seek the Lord while He may be found. Keep up heartfelt prayer and Bible study. Choose to stay awake spiritually. Be committed to staying spiritually active and alert!
One of the most comforting and encouraging truths of the Bible is that billions of people—individuals whom some Christians have condemned or considered lost forever—were actually blinded spiritually. They were carnal, they were even wicked, but they never heard or understood the true Gospel. Yes, they will certainly be judged, as the wicked people of Sodom and Gomorrah were judged when God poured out fire and brimstone upon them. But did these blinded people commit the unpardonable sin? Jesus spoke about those cities which should have repented at His disciples’ preaching: "Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!" (Matthew 10:15). Even the people of Sodom and Gomorrah will have their opportunity for salvation!
Hope and Encouragement
God gave His promises to the patriarch Abraham, but on the surface it appeared that fulfillment of the promises was impossible. Notice what the Bible says about Abraham’s attitude. "Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, ‘So shall thy seed be’" (Romans 4:18, KJV).
Abraham "against hope, believed in hope" or as the New King James Version states it, Abraham "contrary to hope, in hope believed." I can identify with that. Before I became a Christian, I felt the same way. Your Bible is filled with God’s promises to you. You can have an assurance, an expectation, and a hope for the future. There is not only hope, but promise—the promise of a new world, the Kingdom of God on earth and the millennial rule of Jesus Christ. I learned of Jesus’ promise to return to this earth—and that He would establish lasting world peace. Paul went on to say: "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13).
If you feel cut off from God, you can be reconciled. You can have hope. You can be brought near by the blood of Christ. If you want ministerial counsel, please call or write to the Regional Office nearest you, listed on page 30 of this magazine. There is hope for you—and for billions of people on this earth. God wants all of mankind to respond to His love. He "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4). You, too, can come to that knowledge of truth.
If you are committed to changing your life—if you are truly sorry for your sins and truly repent—you will be forgiven. A vital key to avoiding the unpardonable sin is always maintaining a repentant attitude. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
We need to confess our sins to our God and Savior. Remember the tax collector whom Jesus said went home justified rather than the Pharisee? He prayed: "God, be merciful to me a sinner" (Luke 18:13). May God help you to seek Him wholeheartedly, because He is able to forgive you your sins, and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. If we maintain this repentant attitude, we can know that we have not committed, and will not commit, the unpardonable sin!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The Crucifix - a Christian or pagan symbol? By Wyatt Ciesielka
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has sparked a heated debate with the Greek Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church, and Italian mayors over the role of the crucifix in Italian society (Christian Telegraph, November 18, 2009). But, a more fundamental issue should be addressed. Is the cross even a Christian symbol in the first place?
Alarming the churches and local authorities is the ECHR’s ban on displaying crucifixes in Italian schools. Greek Bishop Nicholas “lamented that at this rate youngsters will not have any worthy symbols at all to inspire and protect them” (BBCNews, November 12, 2009). The leader of the Greek Orthodox church, Archbishop Ieronymos, “echoed comments by the Catholic Church that the ECHR is ignoring the role of Christianity in shaping Europe’s culture, laws, and identity” (Interfaith.org, November 16, 2009).
But what is the real history and meaning behind this religious symbol? Did Jesus Christ, the Apostles, or the original New Testament Church adore the cross as “a worthy symbol to inspire and protect them?” Should you?
The story of the cross as a religious symbol begins in ancient Babylon. Upon Nimrod’s death, his wife Semiramis exalted her infant son, Tammuz, as Nimrod re-born. God-king worship became quickly entrenched among the ancient Babylonians…and the Tau symbol – the first character of Tammuz’ name became a key symbol in Babylonian worship.
It is historically indisputable that the Tau was an integral part of pagan religious worship in pre-Christian culture. The cross was sewn into pagan priests’ costumes, worn by vestal virgins, and adorned pagan temples. (See, Alexander Hislop’s: The Two Babylons and The Catholic Encyclopedia, “The Cross and Crucifix,” page 517, 1913 edition). The Tau took various forms such as Τ and ϯ and would sometimes incorporate a circle representing the sun – an integral part of the Babylonian Mystery Religion.
After death, Nimrod was worshipped under various names including Marduk, Bel, Baal and Beelzebub. Baal-worship, a continuation of Babylonian religion, was what God rebuked ancient Israel for when they “did evil in the sight of the LORD. They forgot the LORD their God, and served the Baals and Asherahs” (Judges 3:7). It was in service to this pagan deity that ancient Israel sacrificed their infant children as burning sacrifices (Jeremiah 32:35). Baal worship was a terrible abomination in God’s sight.
But Nimrod worship spread throughout the ancient world. Nimrod-reborn as Tammuz was associated with the Tau symbol in the pre-Christian, pagan worship of the ancient Babylonians, Orientals, Philistines, Egyptians. It crept into what became the Roman Catholic Church and then was adopted by the various Protestant denominations. The pagan Tau now adorns most church buildings and priestly costumes – just as it did in the ancient, pagan world! But it never adorned Christ, the Apostles or the membership of the original New Testament Church.
To argue that this heathen symbol “is now OK to use and honor because the meaning now points to Christ,” is not only to ignore that Jesus Christ and the Apostles and the original New Testament Church never worshipped or revered the cross (they saw it for what it was – a pagan symbol and a cruel instrument of death), but is also to ignore the words of Jeremiah the prophet – “Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen” (Jeremiah 10:2, KJV).
While human memory is short, and most simply do not understand the pagan history of the cross, the Almighty God does remember where the symbol came from! He remembers the cry of burning infants sacrificed to Baal (Ezekiel 16:20&21)! He remembers the cruel instrument of crucifixion upon which many died, even including His Son.
For more on how ancient pagan Babylonish practices been adopted into modern false-Christianity, read the Tomorrow’s World article, The Lady of Nations; the study paper, Who is the Harlot of Revelation 17?; and the booklet The Beast of Revelation: Myth, Metaphor or Soon-Coming Reality?.
Alarming the churches and local authorities is the ECHR’s ban on displaying crucifixes in Italian schools. Greek Bishop Nicholas “lamented that at this rate youngsters will not have any worthy symbols at all to inspire and protect them” (BBCNews, November 12, 2009). The leader of the Greek Orthodox church, Archbishop Ieronymos, “echoed comments by the Catholic Church that the ECHR is ignoring the role of Christianity in shaping Europe’s culture, laws, and identity” (Interfaith.org, November 16, 2009).
But what is the real history and meaning behind this religious symbol? Did Jesus Christ, the Apostles, or the original New Testament Church adore the cross as “a worthy symbol to inspire and protect them?” Should you?
The story of the cross as a religious symbol begins in ancient Babylon. Upon Nimrod’s death, his wife Semiramis exalted her infant son, Tammuz, as Nimrod re-born. God-king worship became quickly entrenched among the ancient Babylonians…and the Tau symbol – the first character of Tammuz’ name became a key symbol in Babylonian worship.
It is historically indisputable that the Tau was an integral part of pagan religious worship in pre-Christian culture. The cross was sewn into pagan priests’ costumes, worn by vestal virgins, and adorned pagan temples. (See, Alexander Hislop’s: The Two Babylons and The Catholic Encyclopedia, “The Cross and Crucifix,” page 517, 1913 edition). The Tau took various forms such as Τ and ϯ and would sometimes incorporate a circle representing the sun – an integral part of the Babylonian Mystery Religion.
After death, Nimrod was worshipped under various names including Marduk, Bel, Baal and Beelzebub. Baal-worship, a continuation of Babylonian religion, was what God rebuked ancient Israel for when they “did evil in the sight of the LORD. They forgot the LORD their God, and served the Baals and Asherahs” (Judges 3:7). It was in service to this pagan deity that ancient Israel sacrificed their infant children as burning sacrifices (Jeremiah 32:35). Baal worship was a terrible abomination in God’s sight.
But Nimrod worship spread throughout the ancient world. Nimrod-reborn as Tammuz was associated with the Tau symbol in the pre-Christian, pagan worship of the ancient Babylonians, Orientals, Philistines, Egyptians. It crept into what became the Roman Catholic Church and then was adopted by the various Protestant denominations. The pagan Tau now adorns most church buildings and priestly costumes – just as it did in the ancient, pagan world! But it never adorned Christ, the Apostles or the membership of the original New Testament Church.
To argue that this heathen symbol “is now OK to use and honor because the meaning now points to Christ,” is not only to ignore that Jesus Christ and the Apostles and the original New Testament Church never worshipped or revered the cross (they saw it for what it was – a pagan symbol and a cruel instrument of death), but is also to ignore the words of Jeremiah the prophet – “Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen” (Jeremiah 10:2, KJV).
While human memory is short, and most simply do not understand the pagan history of the cross, the Almighty God does remember where the symbol came from! He remembers the cry of burning infants sacrificed to Baal (Ezekiel 16:20&21)! He remembers the cruel instrument of crucifixion upon which many died, even including His Son.
For more on how ancient pagan Babylonish practices been adopted into modern false-Christianity, read the Tomorrow’s World article, The Lady of Nations; the study paper, Who is the Harlot of Revelation 17?; and the booklet The Beast of Revelation: Myth, Metaphor or Soon-Coming Reality?.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Les Messages des trois Anges
Les messages des trois se trouvent dans Apocalypses 14:1-12. Ils parlent de la crainte de Dieu, qu'on doit adorer uniquement (pas la bête et son image). Ces messages annoncent les chatiments que les idolatres encourent au jour du jugement final.
"Il disait d'une voix forte : Craignez Dieu et donnez-lui gloire, car l'heure de son jugement est venue; et prosternez-vous devant celui qui a fait le ciel, la terre, la mer et les sources d'eau! Ap 14.7"
Les Anges représentent les saints (les chrétiens) qui doivent proclamer la bonne nouvelle à la terre tout entière. Ils doivent annoncer un Evangile éternel, qui associe la grace divine et l'obéissance à ses commandements. Par notre intermédiaire, Dieu envoie au monde un dernier message, une dernière offre de salut, appelant son peuple à sortir de Babylone (confusion) et à se tourner vers la foi et l'obéissance qui découlent du vrai culte rendu au Créateur.
"Il disait d'une voix forte : Craignez Dieu et donnez-lui gloire, car l'heure de son jugement est venue; et prosternez-vous devant celui qui a fait le ciel, la terre, la mer et les sources d'eau! Ap 14.7"
Les Anges représentent les saints (les chrétiens) qui doivent proclamer la bonne nouvelle à la terre tout entière. Ils doivent annoncer un Evangile éternel, qui associe la grace divine et l'obéissance à ses commandements. Par notre intermédiaire, Dieu envoie au monde un dernier message, une dernière offre de salut, appelant son peuple à sortir de Babylone (confusion) et à se tourner vers la foi et l'obéissance qui découlent du vrai culte rendu au Créateur.
WHAT IS TRUE CHRISTIANITY? by Roderick C. Meredith
Nearly two billion people call themselves Christians—followers of Jesus Christ’s teachings. Yet they are divided into more than 450 different sects and denominations, with contradictory doctrines and styles of worship. Just what is a true Christian? Is a Christian someone who follows the customs of today’s professing Christian sects? Or does the Bible reveal a very different answer?
It is high time someone pointed out what true Christianity is all about! So-called "mainstream" Christianity is losing millions of members. Scores of different ideologies and different types of "New Age" teachings are now coming to the fore, but the pure religion of Jesus Christ seems to be totally neglected by most religious leaders.
WHY?
And what is WRONG with the mainstream Christianity that millions have grown up in and are taking for granted? Do not all these churches teach the Christianity of Christ?
The truth is that the greatest and most bloody wars in all human history have been waged primarily in Europe—the very heart of western, "Christian" civilization. In fact, the professing Christian church directly instigated a series of "holy wars" during the Middle Ages, called the "Crusades" (Encyclopжdia Britannica, 11th ed., Crusades). The article describes the supposed BLESSING put on the murderous and blood-thirsty activities of the Crusaders: "The knight who joined the Crusades might thus indulge the bellicose side of his genius—under the aegis and at the bidding of the Church; and in so doing he would also attain what the spiritual side of his nature ardently sought—a perfect salvation and remission of sins. He might butcher all day, till he waded ankle-deep in blood, and then at nightfall kneel, sobbing for very joy, at the altar of the Sepulchre—for was he not red from the winepress of the Lord?"
Were THESE men true followers of the humble carpenter of Nazareth who said: "Love your enemies"?
Yet remember that these men called themselves by the NAME of Christ—Christian. It seems that nearly all western religions, philosophies and sects must persist in applying the name of Christ to their ideas, teachings and practices. In ancient times, the pagans openly and honestly acknowledged their worship of the various "gods" and demon spirits of their own choosing.
The NAME of Christ is Often Misused
Since the life, death and the resurrection of the Son of God, a great DECEPTION has resulted in the placing of Christ’s NAME on every type of pagan, heathen, perverted philosophy of man that has come along!
Shocking as it may sound, the fact that many churches, doctrines, ideas and practices of men are called "Christian" proves absolutely NOTHING!
Did Christ start these ideas and institutions? Do they follow His teaching and His example?
How can you KNOW?
Almighty God inspired the Apostle John to describe the Devil as "that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, who DECEIVES the WHOLE WORLD" (Revelation 12:9). Again, in Revelation 20:1–3, God describes how Satan will soon be restrained "that he should DECEIVE the NATIONS no more."
These inspired scriptures certainly show that most people and nations have been misled and DECEIVED by Satan the Devil! This, very frankly, is the "key," which explains WHY there are so many obvious contradictions in our supposedly "Christian" society. It shows why this world is so mixed up and CONFUSED about what the word "Christian" really means. It shows that our civilization has NOT been following Christ, but has been DECEIVED into going many different ways under Satan’s confusing influence!
Strangely, yet at least honestly, some of this world’s noted religious leaders and scholars have acknowledged that our professing "Christianity" has NOT EVEN SERIOUSLY TRIED to follow the literal teaching and example of Jesus Christ—its supposed Author!
Observe also this revealing and even shocking quote from highly respected historian Will Durant:
Christianity did not destroy paganism; it adopted it. The Greek mind, dying, came to a transmigrated life in the theology and liturgy of the church; the Greek language, having reigned for centuries over philosophy, became the vehicle of Christian literature and ritual; the Greek mysteries passed down into the impressive mystery of the Mass. Other pagan cultures contributed to the syncretist result. From Egypt came the ideas of a divine trinity… and a personal immortality of reward and punishment; from Egypt the adoration of the Mother and Child, and the mystic theosophy that made Neoplatonism and Gnosticism, and obscured the Christian creed; there, too, Christian monasticism would find its exemplars and its source. From Phrygia came the worship of the Great Mother; from Syria the resurrection drama of Adonis; from Thrace, perhaps, the cult of Dionysus, the dying and saving god… The Mithraic ritual so closely resembled the eucharistic sacrifice of the Mass that Christian fathers charged the Devil with inventing these similarities to mislead frail minds. Christianity was the last creation of the ancient pagan world… [The Eucharist] was a conception long sanctified by time; the pagan mind needed no schooling to receive it; by embodying the "mystery of the Mass," Christianity became the last and greatest of the mystery religions [The Story of Civilization, pp. 595, 599].
This noted historian here plainly acknowledges that church leaders did NOT take Jesus’ life and HIS TEACHING as the standard for their so-called "Christian" churches!
Ask yourself, honestly: What other true standard could there possibly be?
What IS a True Christian?
Our dictionaries have preserved part of the truth about what a "Christian" is supposed to be. The American College Dictionary states: "Christian, pertaining to or derived from Jesus Christ or His teachings… believing in or belonging to the religion of Jesus Christ."
But what was the teaching of Jesus Christ? What was His religion— Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, "Mind Science"—what?
The only authoritative answer is found in the inspired record of what Jesus did teach and of the perfect EXAMPLE He set for us to follow. Your Bible contains this inspired record!
With the above questions in mind, we need to look into it—honestly— openly—without prejudice.
What DID Jesus—the Author of true Christianity—actually TEACH and DO? And remember that a true Christian is one who follows Christ and His teaching!
What Jesus DID Teach
At the beginning of His ministry, "Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel’" (Mark 1:14–15).
The word "kingdom" means government. Jesus was talking about the coming government of God over this earth. He commanded: "REPENT, and believe in the gospel!"
To "repent" means to be so sorry that you are not only willing to quit—but to turn around and go the other way. Of course we must repent of SIN. But what is sin? God answers: "Sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4, KJV).
So we must repent of disobeying God’s Government—of breaking His LAW!
Again, notice Jesus’ own inspired words on the subject: "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill" (Matthew 5:17). In other words, Jesus in His own life perfectly performed the spiritual intent and purpose of God’s law. Why did He do this?
Let God answer! In His inspired prophecy about the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, Isaiah wrote: "The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake; He will MAGNIFY the law and make it honorable" (Isaiah 42:21, KJV).
To magnify does NOT mean to destroy but to show forth and enlarge an object or a thing to the fullest possible extent. Jesus perfectly fulfilled and magnified God’s law to show us its fullest spiritual application and also to set us an EXAMPLE that we should follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21).
Jesus continued in this same discourse: "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever DOES and TEACHES them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:19). So according to Jesus’ literal teaching, you have to both DO and TEACH even the LEAST of God’s commandments if you are to become great in His Kingdom.
Isn’t that PLAIN?
Throughout the rest of this teaching, commonly called the "Sermon on the Mount," Jesus continued to MAGNIFY God’s law and bring out the spiritual intent and purpose of that law for Christians with God’s Spirit.
How Jesus MAGNIFIED the Law
He showed that we are not only to restrain ourselves from literal murder, but that to even HATE a brother—involving as it does the spirit of murder—is bringing us into judgment before the spiritual law of God. He vividly illustrated how one can commit adultery not only by performing the literal act, but by LUSTING after a woman in his heart (Matthew 5:21–31).
Read these examples in your own Bible. Think about them. In every case, they obviously do NOT do away with God’s law but rather make it all the more binding!
Matthew’s fifth chapter ends with Jesus’ instruction: "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (v. 48).
Obedience to God and His law is the keynote in the entire Sermon on the Mount. Jesus declared: "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).
Later, notice Jesus’ own words—His teaching—on how to be saved. "Now behold, one came and said to Him, ‘Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?’ So He said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS’" (Matthew 19:16–17). Then (vv. 18–19) Jesus proceeded to name some of the Ten Commandments.
God’s Government Has Laws
Speaking about the New Testament Gospel, which He preached, Jesus stated: "The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail" (Luke 16:16–17). Here Jesus clearly showed that God’s Kingdom or GOVERNMENT— is inseparably connected with God’s Law. He showed that the law would NEVER fail! Then He went on to show what law He was talking about (v. 18) by commenting on the commandment concerning adultery—one of the Ten Commandments!
So the good news of God’s Kingdom is inseparably related to the Law of God as contained in the Ten Commandments. Jesus always magnified and kept THIS LAW during His lifetime. He said: "I have kept My Father’s commandments" (John 15:10).
After His resurrection, as Christ was commissioning His disciples to preach His message to ALL NATIONS—certainly including the Gentiles— Jesus commanded: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe ALL THINGS that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19–20).
Here Jesus is clearly and plainly telling His apostles to go out to all nations preaching exactly the SAME message of obedience to God’s LAW and His government as He Himself had taught them!
But carnal-minded men REBEL at the teaching of obedience to God’s commandments. They say it is IMPOSSIBLE for human beings to obey God’s law. They come up with many different excuses for disobeying the commandments of God and teach that you are saved by a sentimental acceptance of Christ’s NAME or PERSON without any real obedience to Him or God as your Lord and MASTER!
Jesus Set a Perfect Example
Remember that a Christian is one who literally follows the example of Jesus Christ! Jesus was the "light" that God sent into the world to show man HOW he ought to be living. "That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world" (John 1:9).
Peter was inspired to write: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an EXAMPLE, that you should follow His steps: Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth" (1 Peter 2:21–22). Jesus OBEYED God. He did NO SIN—and sin is the "transgression of the law." He obeyed God and suffered persecution willingly and in all this set us an EXAMPLE that we should follow His steps!
The Apostle John wrote: "He who says he abides in Him [Christ] ought himself also to walk [to live] just as He walked" (1 John 2:6).
This passage clearly shows that the true Christian must LIVE just as Jesus Christ did live—following His example. The New English Bible renders this in more modern English: "Here is the test by which we can be sure that we are in Him: whoever claims to be dwelling in Him, binds himself to LIVE as Christ Himself lived."
So we are LITERALLY to follow the inspired EXAMPLE of Jesus Christ’s perfect life! And we have seen that Jesus DID KEEP the Ten Commandments—LITERALLY (John 15:10).
If you really study the inspired record of Jesus’ life carefully, you will see where Jesus prayed constantly on both knees to God the Father and fasted when He was in need of being especially close to God (Mark 1:35, 2:20, 9:29). You will see where Jesus literally OBEYED the fourth commandment—setting us an example (Luke 4:16, 31).
You will see where Jesus refused to be drawn into worldly wars and politics (John 18:36–37). You will see that Jesus OBEYED the commandments of God both in the letter AND in the spirit; that He lived a life of GIVING and SERVICE; and that He conducted Himself as an ambassador of a foreign kingdom or government—God’s Government in heaven, which will soon come to replace ALL governments on this earth. Therefore, Jesus had no part in the religions, politics, wars and disputes of His time.
True Christians are LITERALLY to follow His marvelous example! AND Paul was inspired to write: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).
Christ has NOT CHANGED. He will guide you to live the same kind of life today that He DID LIVE in His own human body more than 1900 years ago! And remember, Jesus "was in ALL POINTS tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15, KJV).
How You CAN Follow Christ’s Example!
The Apostle Paul was inspired to write: "Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His" (Romans 8:9). In plain language, if you are without God’s Spirit you are NOT a Christian!
But what good is the Holy Spirit, some will ask, what does it do? Jesus answers: "If you love Me, keep My COMMANDMENTS. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever; the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you" (John 14:15–17).
Then Jesus continued by saying: "I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you" (v. 18, KJV). Obviously He was going to come to and "comfort" BY this spirit, which would dwell IN the disciples. He stated in verse 23: "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My WORD [obeying His commandments]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." It is obvious that both Jesus and God the Father do not come down and live INSIDE of someone in bodily form! Rather, they live IN the Christian through the Holy Spirit!
And Jesus continued by stating: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you" (v. 26). Notice that the same Spirit emanates out from Christ and the Father. That Spirit TEACHES Christ’s true followers and helps them remember and apply the Truth.
So it is that the Apostle Paul could exclaim: "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" (Galatians 2:20, KJV).
Here we see that— through the Holy Spirit— Christ comes to live His LIFE literally IN the true Christian who not only lives by faith in Christ, but by the very faith OF Jesus Christ—the same faith that guided and motivated Him in His human body over 1,900 years ago!
Through the Holy Spirit, then, you receive the very nature and power of Christ to obey the commandments, laws and ways of Almighty God! But it is actually CHRIST doing it.
However, you must surrender your will to Him, and you must REPENT of your lawlessness and ACCEPT CHRIST as your SAVIOR and as your Lord and MASTER! Then you must yield and strive to be an effective instrument in His hands!
Now can you understand?
It is actually CHRIST who keeps the commandments all over again—just as He did over 1,900 years ago—in your mortal body! It is His righteousness operating in your body, which you have willingly yielded to Him as His instrument.
HOW the Holy Spirit Functions
The inspired formula for receiving God’s Holy Spirit was given by Peter on the Day of Pentecost, 31AD "Then Peter said to them, ‘REPENT, and let every one of you be BAPTIZED in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’" (Acts 2:38).
Since your old self must be buried or baptized for the remission of SIN, you must REPENT of sin! Recall that "sin is the transgression of the law." So you must repent of BREAKING GOD’S LAW!
You must be baptized in a watery grave as an outward acknowledgement of the death penalty you have brought on yourself by disobeying the LAW of your Creator, and of your willingness to let the old self die. Then, after real repentance of your rebellion against God and your own carnal ways and desires, and fulfilling the ordinance of humility in being baptized and accepting Christ’s shed blood as payment for your past sins in FAITH, you are PROMISED the "gift" of God’s Holy Spirit. Then, through His Spirit, Christ places His nature within you—His love, His faith, His strength to overcome your own weaknesses and the temptations of Satan and of this world.
The LOVE you receive through God’s spirit is not mere human love, but the very love of God, because the "LOVE of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:5).
Now how does this love operate?
Let Christ’s Word give the true answer! "For this is the love of God, that we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. And His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3).
It is through God’s love placed in us by His Spirit that we are enabled to KEEP His commandments!
Not through your strength, but through the spiritual POWER, which God’s Holy Spirit imparts, you CAN follow the perfect example of Jesus Christ. You CAN yield to let Jesus live the same kind of life in you, which He DID live over 1,900 years ago—keeping the same laws of God, worshipping on the same Holy Days which God ordained, remaining separate from this world’s society, politics and wars, and—through constant Bible study, earnest prayer, occasional fasting, and consistent spiritual overcoming and GROWTH— you can yield to let God fashion you in His spiritual image to be born of Him in the resurrection as His LITERAL SON—possessed of His very nature!
This is, in fact, the very PURPOSE of your existence!
Who are the True Christians?
Down through history, God has always set apart and marked those who truly serve Him by keeping His commandments and His LAWS. The Apostle John was inspired to write: "He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a LIAR, and the truth is not in him" (1 John 2:4).
The true God does not even hear our prayers unless we keep His commandments! "And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS and do those things that are pleasing in His sight" (1 John 3:22).
God further states: "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the DOCTRINE of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the DOCTRINE of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do NOT receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds" (2 John 9–11).
This true teaching—the matter of OBEDIENCE to the true God and His LAW—is of PARAMOUNT importance in the eyes of God! Even in the final book of your Bible, the book of Revelation, this standard of OBEDIENCE is used as a sign of IDENTITY of God’s true Church down through the ages.
Notice! Speaking of the true Church, which has to flee from the Devil at the time of the end, God says: "And the dragon [Satan the Devil] was enraged with the woman [the true Church], and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Revelation 12:17).
And, at the very END of your Bible, as His final message to YOU, God states: "Blessed are those who do His COMMANDMENTS, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city" (Revelation 22:14).
True Christianity then, the Christianity of Christ—is a WAY of life! It involves the Living Jesus Christ living His life within us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Then we can truly worship God in the way He tells us to. We will be given spiritual LOVE to have the genuine out-flowing concern, the patience, the kindness and the mercy we need toward our fellow human beings.
Through His Spirit, we will "walk with God" on a daily basis—reflecting Jesus Christ in every facet of our lives. We will overcome the downward pull of sin and—through Christ in us— we will SURRENDER to let God form within us His very nature and character. And so God Himself will prepare us and qualify us to RULE with Christ in the coming Kingdom of God soon to be set up on this earth! "And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations; ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’; as I also have received from My Father" (Revelation 2:26–27).
For real Christians are called not just to be "nice" people— NOT just to "roll around heaven" all day with nothing to do. Rather we are called to join with Christ in RULING this world and bringing genuine peace and JOY to the earth when Christ’s Kingdom becomes a glorious reality at His Second Coming. That is the very purpose for those called now to be true Christians.
It is high time someone pointed out what true Christianity is all about! So-called "mainstream" Christianity is losing millions of members. Scores of different ideologies and different types of "New Age" teachings are now coming to the fore, but the pure religion of Jesus Christ seems to be totally neglected by most religious leaders.
WHY?
And what is WRONG with the mainstream Christianity that millions have grown up in and are taking for granted? Do not all these churches teach the Christianity of Christ?
The truth is that the greatest and most bloody wars in all human history have been waged primarily in Europe—the very heart of western, "Christian" civilization. In fact, the professing Christian church directly instigated a series of "holy wars" during the Middle Ages, called the "Crusades" (Encyclopжdia Britannica, 11th ed., Crusades). The article describes the supposed BLESSING put on the murderous and blood-thirsty activities of the Crusaders: "The knight who joined the Crusades might thus indulge the bellicose side of his genius—under the aegis and at the bidding of the Church; and in so doing he would also attain what the spiritual side of his nature ardently sought—a perfect salvation and remission of sins. He might butcher all day, till he waded ankle-deep in blood, and then at nightfall kneel, sobbing for very joy, at the altar of the Sepulchre—for was he not red from the winepress of the Lord?"
Were THESE men true followers of the humble carpenter of Nazareth who said: "Love your enemies"?
Yet remember that these men called themselves by the NAME of Christ—Christian. It seems that nearly all western religions, philosophies and sects must persist in applying the name of Christ to their ideas, teachings and practices. In ancient times, the pagans openly and honestly acknowledged their worship of the various "gods" and demon spirits of their own choosing.
The NAME of Christ is Often Misused
Since the life, death and the resurrection of the Son of God, a great DECEPTION has resulted in the placing of Christ’s NAME on every type of pagan, heathen, perverted philosophy of man that has come along!
Shocking as it may sound, the fact that many churches, doctrines, ideas and practices of men are called "Christian" proves absolutely NOTHING!
Did Christ start these ideas and institutions? Do they follow His teaching and His example?
How can you KNOW?
Almighty God inspired the Apostle John to describe the Devil as "that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, who DECEIVES the WHOLE WORLD" (Revelation 12:9). Again, in Revelation 20:1–3, God describes how Satan will soon be restrained "that he should DECEIVE the NATIONS no more."
These inspired scriptures certainly show that most people and nations have been misled and DECEIVED by Satan the Devil! This, very frankly, is the "key," which explains WHY there are so many obvious contradictions in our supposedly "Christian" society. It shows why this world is so mixed up and CONFUSED about what the word "Christian" really means. It shows that our civilization has NOT been following Christ, but has been DECEIVED into going many different ways under Satan’s confusing influence!
Strangely, yet at least honestly, some of this world’s noted religious leaders and scholars have acknowledged that our professing "Christianity" has NOT EVEN SERIOUSLY TRIED to follow the literal teaching and example of Jesus Christ—its supposed Author!
Observe also this revealing and even shocking quote from highly respected historian Will Durant:
Christianity did not destroy paganism; it adopted it. The Greek mind, dying, came to a transmigrated life in the theology and liturgy of the church; the Greek language, having reigned for centuries over philosophy, became the vehicle of Christian literature and ritual; the Greek mysteries passed down into the impressive mystery of the Mass. Other pagan cultures contributed to the syncretist result. From Egypt came the ideas of a divine trinity… and a personal immortality of reward and punishment; from Egypt the adoration of the Mother and Child, and the mystic theosophy that made Neoplatonism and Gnosticism, and obscured the Christian creed; there, too, Christian monasticism would find its exemplars and its source. From Phrygia came the worship of the Great Mother; from Syria the resurrection drama of Adonis; from Thrace, perhaps, the cult of Dionysus, the dying and saving god… The Mithraic ritual so closely resembled the eucharistic sacrifice of the Mass that Christian fathers charged the Devil with inventing these similarities to mislead frail minds. Christianity was the last creation of the ancient pagan world… [The Eucharist] was a conception long sanctified by time; the pagan mind needed no schooling to receive it; by embodying the "mystery of the Mass," Christianity became the last and greatest of the mystery religions [The Story of Civilization, pp. 595, 599].
This noted historian here plainly acknowledges that church leaders did NOT take Jesus’ life and HIS TEACHING as the standard for their so-called "Christian" churches!
Ask yourself, honestly: What other true standard could there possibly be?
What IS a True Christian?
Our dictionaries have preserved part of the truth about what a "Christian" is supposed to be. The American College Dictionary states: "Christian, pertaining to or derived from Jesus Christ or His teachings… believing in or belonging to the religion of Jesus Christ."
But what was the teaching of Jesus Christ? What was His religion— Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, "Mind Science"—what?
The only authoritative answer is found in the inspired record of what Jesus did teach and of the perfect EXAMPLE He set for us to follow. Your Bible contains this inspired record!
With the above questions in mind, we need to look into it—honestly— openly—without prejudice.
What DID Jesus—the Author of true Christianity—actually TEACH and DO? And remember that a true Christian is one who follows Christ and His teaching!
What Jesus DID Teach
At the beginning of His ministry, "Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel’" (Mark 1:14–15).
The word "kingdom" means government. Jesus was talking about the coming government of God over this earth. He commanded: "REPENT, and believe in the gospel!"
To "repent" means to be so sorry that you are not only willing to quit—but to turn around and go the other way. Of course we must repent of SIN. But what is sin? God answers: "Sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4, KJV).
So we must repent of disobeying God’s Government—of breaking His LAW!
Again, notice Jesus’ own inspired words on the subject: "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill" (Matthew 5:17). In other words, Jesus in His own life perfectly performed the spiritual intent and purpose of God’s law. Why did He do this?
Let God answer! In His inspired prophecy about the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, Isaiah wrote: "The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake; He will MAGNIFY the law and make it honorable" (Isaiah 42:21, KJV).
To magnify does NOT mean to destroy but to show forth and enlarge an object or a thing to the fullest possible extent. Jesus perfectly fulfilled and magnified God’s law to show us its fullest spiritual application and also to set us an EXAMPLE that we should follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21).
Jesus continued in this same discourse: "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever DOES and TEACHES them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:19). So according to Jesus’ literal teaching, you have to both DO and TEACH even the LEAST of God’s commandments if you are to become great in His Kingdom.
Isn’t that PLAIN?
Throughout the rest of this teaching, commonly called the "Sermon on the Mount," Jesus continued to MAGNIFY God’s law and bring out the spiritual intent and purpose of that law for Christians with God’s Spirit.
How Jesus MAGNIFIED the Law
He showed that we are not only to restrain ourselves from literal murder, but that to even HATE a brother—involving as it does the spirit of murder—is bringing us into judgment before the spiritual law of God. He vividly illustrated how one can commit adultery not only by performing the literal act, but by LUSTING after a woman in his heart (Matthew 5:21–31).
Read these examples in your own Bible. Think about them. In every case, they obviously do NOT do away with God’s law but rather make it all the more binding!
Matthew’s fifth chapter ends with Jesus’ instruction: "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (v. 48).
Obedience to God and His law is the keynote in the entire Sermon on the Mount. Jesus declared: "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).
Later, notice Jesus’ own words—His teaching—on how to be saved. "Now behold, one came and said to Him, ‘Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?’ So He said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS’" (Matthew 19:16–17). Then (vv. 18–19) Jesus proceeded to name some of the Ten Commandments.
God’s Government Has Laws
Speaking about the New Testament Gospel, which He preached, Jesus stated: "The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail" (Luke 16:16–17). Here Jesus clearly showed that God’s Kingdom or GOVERNMENT— is inseparably connected with God’s Law. He showed that the law would NEVER fail! Then He went on to show what law He was talking about (v. 18) by commenting on the commandment concerning adultery—one of the Ten Commandments!
So the good news of God’s Kingdom is inseparably related to the Law of God as contained in the Ten Commandments. Jesus always magnified and kept THIS LAW during His lifetime. He said: "I have kept My Father’s commandments" (John 15:10).
After His resurrection, as Christ was commissioning His disciples to preach His message to ALL NATIONS—certainly including the Gentiles— Jesus commanded: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe ALL THINGS that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19–20).
Here Jesus is clearly and plainly telling His apostles to go out to all nations preaching exactly the SAME message of obedience to God’s LAW and His government as He Himself had taught them!
But carnal-minded men REBEL at the teaching of obedience to God’s commandments. They say it is IMPOSSIBLE for human beings to obey God’s law. They come up with many different excuses for disobeying the commandments of God and teach that you are saved by a sentimental acceptance of Christ’s NAME or PERSON without any real obedience to Him or God as your Lord and MASTER!
Jesus Set a Perfect Example
Remember that a Christian is one who literally follows the example of Jesus Christ! Jesus was the "light" that God sent into the world to show man HOW he ought to be living. "That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world" (John 1:9).
Peter was inspired to write: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an EXAMPLE, that you should follow His steps: Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth" (1 Peter 2:21–22). Jesus OBEYED God. He did NO SIN—and sin is the "transgression of the law." He obeyed God and suffered persecution willingly and in all this set us an EXAMPLE that we should follow His steps!
The Apostle John wrote: "He who says he abides in Him [Christ] ought himself also to walk [to live] just as He walked" (1 John 2:6).
This passage clearly shows that the true Christian must LIVE just as Jesus Christ did live—following His example. The New English Bible renders this in more modern English: "Here is the test by which we can be sure that we are in Him: whoever claims to be dwelling in Him, binds himself to LIVE as Christ Himself lived."
So we are LITERALLY to follow the inspired EXAMPLE of Jesus Christ’s perfect life! And we have seen that Jesus DID KEEP the Ten Commandments—LITERALLY (John 15:10).
If you really study the inspired record of Jesus’ life carefully, you will see where Jesus prayed constantly on both knees to God the Father and fasted when He was in need of being especially close to God (Mark 1:35, 2:20, 9:29). You will see where Jesus literally OBEYED the fourth commandment—setting us an example (Luke 4:16, 31).
You will see where Jesus refused to be drawn into worldly wars and politics (John 18:36–37). You will see that Jesus OBEYED the commandments of God both in the letter AND in the spirit; that He lived a life of GIVING and SERVICE; and that He conducted Himself as an ambassador of a foreign kingdom or government—God’s Government in heaven, which will soon come to replace ALL governments on this earth. Therefore, Jesus had no part in the religions, politics, wars and disputes of His time.
True Christians are LITERALLY to follow His marvelous example! AND Paul was inspired to write: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).
Christ has NOT CHANGED. He will guide you to live the same kind of life today that He DID LIVE in His own human body more than 1900 years ago! And remember, Jesus "was in ALL POINTS tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15, KJV).
How You CAN Follow Christ’s Example!
The Apostle Paul was inspired to write: "Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His" (Romans 8:9). In plain language, if you are without God’s Spirit you are NOT a Christian!
But what good is the Holy Spirit, some will ask, what does it do? Jesus answers: "If you love Me, keep My COMMANDMENTS. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever; the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you" (John 14:15–17).
Then Jesus continued by saying: "I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you" (v. 18, KJV). Obviously He was going to come to and "comfort" BY this spirit, which would dwell IN the disciples. He stated in verse 23: "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My WORD [obeying His commandments]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." It is obvious that both Jesus and God the Father do not come down and live INSIDE of someone in bodily form! Rather, they live IN the Christian through the Holy Spirit!
And Jesus continued by stating: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you" (v. 26). Notice that the same Spirit emanates out from Christ and the Father. That Spirit TEACHES Christ’s true followers and helps them remember and apply the Truth.
So it is that the Apostle Paul could exclaim: "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" (Galatians 2:20, KJV).
Here we see that— through the Holy Spirit— Christ comes to live His LIFE literally IN the true Christian who not only lives by faith in Christ, but by the very faith OF Jesus Christ—the same faith that guided and motivated Him in His human body over 1,900 years ago!
Through the Holy Spirit, then, you receive the very nature and power of Christ to obey the commandments, laws and ways of Almighty God! But it is actually CHRIST doing it.
However, you must surrender your will to Him, and you must REPENT of your lawlessness and ACCEPT CHRIST as your SAVIOR and as your Lord and MASTER! Then you must yield and strive to be an effective instrument in His hands!
Now can you understand?
It is actually CHRIST who keeps the commandments all over again—just as He did over 1,900 years ago—in your mortal body! It is His righteousness operating in your body, which you have willingly yielded to Him as His instrument.
HOW the Holy Spirit Functions
The inspired formula for receiving God’s Holy Spirit was given by Peter on the Day of Pentecost, 31AD "Then Peter said to them, ‘REPENT, and let every one of you be BAPTIZED in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’" (Acts 2:38).
Since your old self must be buried or baptized for the remission of SIN, you must REPENT of sin! Recall that "sin is the transgression of the law." So you must repent of BREAKING GOD’S LAW!
You must be baptized in a watery grave as an outward acknowledgement of the death penalty you have brought on yourself by disobeying the LAW of your Creator, and of your willingness to let the old self die. Then, after real repentance of your rebellion against God and your own carnal ways and desires, and fulfilling the ordinance of humility in being baptized and accepting Christ’s shed blood as payment for your past sins in FAITH, you are PROMISED the "gift" of God’s Holy Spirit. Then, through His Spirit, Christ places His nature within you—His love, His faith, His strength to overcome your own weaknesses and the temptations of Satan and of this world.
The LOVE you receive through God’s spirit is not mere human love, but the very love of God, because the "LOVE of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:5).
Now how does this love operate?
Let Christ’s Word give the true answer! "For this is the love of God, that we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. And His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3).
It is through God’s love placed in us by His Spirit that we are enabled to KEEP His commandments!
Not through your strength, but through the spiritual POWER, which God’s Holy Spirit imparts, you CAN follow the perfect example of Jesus Christ. You CAN yield to let Jesus live the same kind of life in you, which He DID live over 1,900 years ago—keeping the same laws of God, worshipping on the same Holy Days which God ordained, remaining separate from this world’s society, politics and wars, and—through constant Bible study, earnest prayer, occasional fasting, and consistent spiritual overcoming and GROWTH— you can yield to let God fashion you in His spiritual image to be born of Him in the resurrection as His LITERAL SON—possessed of His very nature!
This is, in fact, the very PURPOSE of your existence!
Who are the True Christians?
Down through history, God has always set apart and marked those who truly serve Him by keeping His commandments and His LAWS. The Apostle John was inspired to write: "He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a LIAR, and the truth is not in him" (1 John 2:4).
The true God does not even hear our prayers unless we keep His commandments! "And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS and do those things that are pleasing in His sight" (1 John 3:22).
God further states: "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the DOCTRINE of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the DOCTRINE of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do NOT receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds" (2 John 9–11).
This true teaching—the matter of OBEDIENCE to the true God and His LAW—is of PARAMOUNT importance in the eyes of God! Even in the final book of your Bible, the book of Revelation, this standard of OBEDIENCE is used as a sign of IDENTITY of God’s true Church down through the ages.
Notice! Speaking of the true Church, which has to flee from the Devil at the time of the end, God says: "And the dragon [Satan the Devil] was enraged with the woman [the true Church], and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Revelation 12:17).
And, at the very END of your Bible, as His final message to YOU, God states: "Blessed are those who do His COMMANDMENTS, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city" (Revelation 22:14).
True Christianity then, the Christianity of Christ—is a WAY of life! It involves the Living Jesus Christ living His life within us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Then we can truly worship God in the way He tells us to. We will be given spiritual LOVE to have the genuine out-flowing concern, the patience, the kindness and the mercy we need toward our fellow human beings.
Through His Spirit, we will "walk with God" on a daily basis—reflecting Jesus Christ in every facet of our lives. We will overcome the downward pull of sin and—through Christ in us— we will SURRENDER to let God form within us His very nature and character. And so God Himself will prepare us and qualify us to RULE with Christ in the coming Kingdom of God soon to be set up on this earth! "And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations; ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’; as I also have received from My Father" (Revelation 2:26–27).
For real Christians are called not just to be "nice" people— NOT just to "roll around heaven" all day with nothing to do. Rather we are called to join with Christ in RULING this world and bringing genuine peace and JOY to the earth when Christ’s Kingdom becomes a glorious reality at His Second Coming. That is the very purpose for those called now to be true Christians.
RETHINK CHURCH by Wyatt Ciesielka
“Rethink Church” has become a popular slogan. Do you want to be part of Jesus’ faithful church; the “little flock” (Luke 12:32) that Jesus promised would never cease (Matthew 16:18)? If so, then here are 10 Biblical keys to help us “rethink church” and analyze if we are following Christ – or false human ideas.
We should rethink our church if:
1. It teaches that people go to heaven or hell when they die. Christ said that no one has ascended to heaven (John 3:13) and Paul explained that the dead saints will be resurrected from death at Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Further, Romans 6:23 reveals that the wages of sin is death – not to be tormented forever in hellfire. For the biblical truth on this topic, please watch our Tomorrow’s World telecast: “Heaven, Hell and the Resurrection.”
2. It does not observe the seventh-day Sabbath. Jesus and the Apostles always worshipped on the Sabbath (Saturday). Notice Luke 4:16 and Acts 17:2. Isaiah 66:23 even shows that the Sabbath will be observed by all people in the millennium.
3. It observes pagan holidays. Christ, the Apostles and the New Testament church observed biblical Holy Days (Acts 12:3-4; 18:21, NKJV), and these Holy Days will be observed during Christ’s millennial rule (Zechariah 14:16). Furthermore, Jeremiah 10:2-4 warns us to “not learn the way of the heathen” and even rebukes ancient Israel for learning pagan customs such as decorating a tree with silver and gold.
4. It does not have the proper name. The church that Jesus founded is called the “church of God” twelve times in scripture. Notice Acts 20:28 (“to feed the church of God”), 2 Corinthians 1:1 (“the church of God which is at Corinth”), and 1 Timothy 3:15 (“the church of the living God”).
5. Its primary mission is something other than to preach the Gospel of the return of Christ and the coming Kingdom of God (Revelation 11:15) as a witness to the entire world. This is what Christ commanded His faithful flock to have as their primary focus (Matthew 10:5-8; Matthew 24:14, Mark 16:15) up to His return.
6. It does not practice godly government. Exodus 18:17-27, Luke 10:1, Acts 1:23-26, Acts 6:3 and many other passages show that God appoints leaders, and those leaders appoint people under them. Nowhere in the Bible does God approve of balloting or voting to elect our church leadership.
7. Its priests wear ornate costumes, such as mitres (fish-shaped hats). Christ and the Apostles did not wear ornate costumes. However, ancient pagan priests did. History records the Philistines (Judges 16:21-31) and ancient Babylonians worshipping a pagan fish-god, Dagon. These pagan priests wore fish-shaped hats (mitres) to honor him (Layard, Babylon and Nineveh; Woodrow, Babylon Mystery Religion).
8. It charges for literature or sells DVDs, books or religious memorabilia. Christ said, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).
9. It attempts to do away with God’s laws or the instructions of Jesus or the Apostles by claiming “progressive revelation, or any other excuse.” Matthew 28:20 and Jude 1:3 tell us to observe and practice what Christ delivered to us.
10. Its ministry does not practice and teach love, kindness, joy, peace and the other fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-26). Anger, rebellion, pride, jealousy, hatred, self-promotion and arrogance are not fruits of the Spirit. Jesus’ true disciples will not compromise the truth, but they will be known by their love for their spiritual brothers and sisters (John 13:35).
Many people should rethink church. Many people are sincere in their beliefs, but fail to understand that our opinions are not important. God’s word is truth (John 17:17). It does not change. It endures forever (Luke 21:33; Hebrews 13:8).
Please study Where Is God’s True Church Today?, and Satan’s Counterfeit Christianity. If your place of worship does not align with scripture, then don’t just rethink church – do something about it personally (Luke 6:46). Be willing to follow Christ (Luke 9:23).
We should rethink our church if:
1. It teaches that people go to heaven or hell when they die. Christ said that no one has ascended to heaven (John 3:13) and Paul explained that the dead saints will be resurrected from death at Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Further, Romans 6:23 reveals that the wages of sin is death – not to be tormented forever in hellfire. For the biblical truth on this topic, please watch our Tomorrow’s World telecast: “Heaven, Hell and the Resurrection.”
2. It does not observe the seventh-day Sabbath. Jesus and the Apostles always worshipped on the Sabbath (Saturday). Notice Luke 4:16 and Acts 17:2. Isaiah 66:23 even shows that the Sabbath will be observed by all people in the millennium.
3. It observes pagan holidays. Christ, the Apostles and the New Testament church observed biblical Holy Days (Acts 12:3-4; 18:21, NKJV), and these Holy Days will be observed during Christ’s millennial rule (Zechariah 14:16). Furthermore, Jeremiah 10:2-4 warns us to “not learn the way of the heathen” and even rebukes ancient Israel for learning pagan customs such as decorating a tree with silver and gold.
4. It does not have the proper name. The church that Jesus founded is called the “church of God” twelve times in scripture. Notice Acts 20:28 (“to feed the church of God”), 2 Corinthians 1:1 (“the church of God which is at Corinth”), and 1 Timothy 3:15 (“the church of the living God”).
5. Its primary mission is something other than to preach the Gospel of the return of Christ and the coming Kingdom of God (Revelation 11:15) as a witness to the entire world. This is what Christ commanded His faithful flock to have as their primary focus (Matthew 10:5-8; Matthew 24:14, Mark 16:15) up to His return.
6. It does not practice godly government. Exodus 18:17-27, Luke 10:1, Acts 1:23-26, Acts 6:3 and many other passages show that God appoints leaders, and those leaders appoint people under them. Nowhere in the Bible does God approve of balloting or voting to elect our church leadership.
7. Its priests wear ornate costumes, such as mitres (fish-shaped hats). Christ and the Apostles did not wear ornate costumes. However, ancient pagan priests did. History records the Philistines (Judges 16:21-31) and ancient Babylonians worshipping a pagan fish-god, Dagon. These pagan priests wore fish-shaped hats (mitres) to honor him (Layard, Babylon and Nineveh; Woodrow, Babylon Mystery Religion).
8. It charges for literature or sells DVDs, books or religious memorabilia. Christ said, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).
9. It attempts to do away with God’s laws or the instructions of Jesus or the Apostles by claiming “progressive revelation, or any other excuse.” Matthew 28:20 and Jude 1:3 tell us to observe and practice what Christ delivered to us.
10. Its ministry does not practice and teach love, kindness, joy, peace and the other fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-26). Anger, rebellion, pride, jealousy, hatred, self-promotion and arrogance are not fruits of the Spirit. Jesus’ true disciples will not compromise the truth, but they will be known by their love for their spiritual brothers and sisters (John 13:35).
Many people should rethink church. Many people are sincere in their beliefs, but fail to understand that our opinions are not important. God’s word is truth (John 17:17). It does not change. It endures forever (Luke 21:33; Hebrews 13:8).
Please study Where Is God’s True Church Today?, and Satan’s Counterfeit Christianity. If your place of worship does not align with scripture, then don’t just rethink church – do something about it personally (Luke 6:46). Be willing to follow Christ (Luke 9:23).
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