Monday 30 December 2013

If grace is not license to sin, What is grace ?

Why do we use a negative approach in the definition or confession of grace? 
I know that I am not good in definition. But if the radical grace or hyper grace preachers keep defining grace as "not license to sin", I would ask them, what's your intention of defining grace as this? If grace is not license to sin, grace is what ? Some preachers would be quick to reply, "Of course, grace is unearned, undeserved, and unmerited favour !" I will tell them, Of course, I know that grace is not license to sin and I have no problem with that definition too. But I am still waiting for the answers from the radical grace preachers who keep saying that "grace is not license to sin". I will ask them, We know that grace is not license to sin, but why do you always like to use the word 'license' or 'not license' as your definition of grace? If it is 'not license' to sin, it is 'license' to what or  'license' to do what?
Before I hear any answer from the radical grace preachers, I would guess that the reason why they defined grace as 'not license to sin' is because they have heard too many law preachers falsely accusing them for preaching grace as 'license to sin' or 'freedom to sin'. While I am not sure who would accuse them for preaching or defining grace as license to sin, I can advise that we do something to stop ignorant preachers from misunderstanding or falsely accusing us for preaching license to sin. I would recommend that we should preach grace as license to do something, which could be a more positive and more direct definition and it should stop unwanted speculation or misunderstanding.
"Grace is not license to sin; but grace can be abused and turned into a license to sin !"


Therefore, we should use a more positive and direct approach in the confession of grace
I believe that my definition of grace may not be as good or as accurate as the definition of grace by some Bible scholars; however, it should do better than the definition of grace as being 'not license to sin':
1. Grace is license to come before God  

2. Grace is license to be accepted by God  
  • Heb 8:6-10 KJV  But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.  (7)  For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.  (8)  For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:  (9)  Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.  (10)  For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:   
3. Grace is license to have God's laws in our hearts  
  • Heb 10:16-29 KJV  This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;  (17)  And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.  ..  (26)  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,  (27)  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.  (28)  He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  (29)  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?  
4. Grace is license to yield our members to do righteousness 
  • Rom 6:13-22 KJV  Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.  (14)  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.  (15)  What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.  (16)  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  (17)  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  (18)  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.  (19)  I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.  (20)  For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.  (21)  What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.  (22)  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.  
5. Grace is license to repent and bear fruit  
  • Luk 13:5-10 KJV  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  (6)  He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.  (7)  Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?  (8)  And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:  (9)  And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.  (10)  And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
6. Grace is license to keep the laws and commandment of God and walk in it
  • 1Jn 2:4-6 KJV  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  (5)  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.  (6)  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. .. 2Jn 1:3-6 KJV Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. (4) I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.  (5)  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.  (6)  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.     Psa 1:1-2 KJV  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  (2)  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.


The grace of Jesus is not radical freedom from all kinds of laws, commandments, or principles 
Hence, I would think that the gospel of grace that Paul preached is based on the gospel that Jesus preached - the gospel of grace or grace is the license, membership, or servanthood in God's kingdom to yield fruit and do righteousness. Of course, true grace can be proven by its fruit:
  • Mat 7:15-23 KJV  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  (16)  Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  .. (20)  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.  (21)  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  (22)  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  (23)  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  • Luk 6:46-48 KJV  And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?  (47)  Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:  (48)  He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood (false doctrine) arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. (Hence, Jesus said clearly that He would not just want us to have right believing, right faith, right miracles, right preaching, or right confession only; he wants us to have right doing with His words too, because right doing would prove that we are His true disciples on the rock of salvation.)
Of course, the grace of God can never be radical freedom and departure from all kinds of laws, rules, and regulations if grace has been defined as the license, membership, or servanthood in God's kingdom. However, if grace is defined as total departure from all the laws and commandments of God, it can never be God's grace; it could be 'radical grace' from another 'God' or lawless 'God'.

Hence, if grace is defined as radical freedom to have no more law of God, it is license to sin. It is the same license that the serpent had given to Adam and Eve. It might not ask them to sin or live like the devil; it was as 'good' as (or as bad as) the license to sin in the eyes of God It was the license to make God's words or commandments of none effect:
  • Gen 2:16-17 KJV  And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:  (17)  But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die...  Gen 3:2-4 KJV  And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:  (3)  But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.  (4)  And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
  • 1Jn 3:3-4 LITV  And everyone having this hope on Him purifies himself even as that One is pure.  (4)  Everyone practicing sin also practices lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.

Radical freedom from all God's laws or lawlessness is license to sin    
Hence, I will tell the radical grace preachers now, By the way, after discussing on your 'ding dong bell' doctrine, going through your 'pure grace' theology, or going to and fro with you in your lawless arguments, I realised something: the law preachers were not wrong to say that you have preached license to sin. After all, giving people the license to have no more God's law or commandment in their hearts or minds is license to sin in God's eyes. You can disagree with me, but you can't deny the words of God or the commandments of Jesus:
  • Mat 19:17 KJV  And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
  • Joh 15:10-14 KJV  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.  (11)  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.  (12)  This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.  (13)  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  (14)  Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
  • 1Jn 2:3-7 KJV  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.  (4)  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  (5)  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.  (6)  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.  (7)  Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.
  • Rev 12:17 KJV  And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
You can be angry with me, but please don't get angry with God or with those who keep the commandments of God. Amen.
  • Rev 22:10-16 KJV  And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.  (11)  He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.  (12)  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.  (13)  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.  (14)  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.  (15)  For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.  (16)  I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
  • Rev 22:20-21 KJV  He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.  (21)  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

False preachers would always deny that they preach license to sin
They will argue, "No, we have never never preached license to sin. We vehemently deny it. In fact, we have never commit adulteries. We are good husbands and fathers. We are good and law-abiding citizens. Although we are quite rich, we are not like what you say. We can never be Satan or the devils. We love the people and speak positive words to the believers. We never beat them.  We just want them to live righteous and godly lives. We preach the name of Jesus more than any other preachers. Hence, how can we preach license to sin? You have put false words and false accusations in our mouths ..  "
I will tell them,You don't have to deliberately preach the name of Jesus more than others. God's preachers will never need to preach the name of Jesus more than any other people to prove anything if they will just do and teach the words of Jesus genuinely.
Secondly, have you wondered why I did not find fault with the 'Pharisee' preachers, 'Money' preachers, or 'Monkey' preachers? It's because they are 'dead' preachers or the 'D' preachers, but those who preach 'license to sin' are the 'D&D' preachers - they are the 'dangerous and deceiving' preachers. Of course, Jesus would not need to warn us about the false preachers outside or the 'dead' preachers too. He would only warn us about the wolves that is still in our midst:
  • Mat 7:15-23 KJV  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  (16)  Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?... (20)  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.  (21)  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  (22)  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  (23)  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  • Luk 6:46-48 KJV  And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?  (47)  Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:  (48)  He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood (false doctrine) arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. (Hence, Jesus said clearly that He would not just want us to have right believing, right faith, right miracles, right preaching, or right confession only; he wants us to have right doing with His words too, because right doing would prove that we are His true disciples on the rock of salvation.)

They know how to preach God's righteousness to make the preaching of the Lord of none effect
I will tell them, You said that you have not preach license to sin? Please think again, Have you preached that the sinners or believers should confess righteousness if they sin? If you have preached it, you are the 'D&D' preachers who have preached license to sin.
  • Many of them may argue, "Countless people have listened to our teaching. We just tell them to confess, 'I am the righteousness of God', instead of 'Repent, repent, repent'. And they can overcome sins more effortlessly by confessing and thinking of righteousness instead of repenting and thinking of their sins !" I will ask them, Which one of your believers have watched pornography, confessed I am the righteousness of God, and overcome sins effortlessly?
  • They will argue and say, "Of course, none of them will watch pornography and confess righteousness. Of course, something is wrong if they will confess righteousness while watching pornography. But what I meant was that after they have watched pornography, they will confess that they are the righteousness of God. And they wrote to inform us that they have overcome the addiction to watch pornography.. Hallelujah.." I will ask them, If they had sinned and knew that they had sinned, why didn't you tell them to confess sin?
  • They will say, "I don't tell them to confess sin because we cannot confess sin. 1 John 1:9 is not for us. Conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit is also not for us too. Hence, we can only confess righteousness. We must think righteous about our sins and that we are the righteousness of God." I will tell them, No wonder, all your believers would write back and confess that they are the righteousness of God and that they have overcome sins. It is because they are told to think that they are always righteous no matter how they've sinned or will sin. Hence, even though they may not have overcome sins, they would write to you and confess that they are righteous and no longer under sins. This is clearly a self-deception for all those who sin and need some kind of immediate mental justification for sins ! Hence, I can say that this could be still license to sin for some of them.
    I do not know how you can prove that your preaching of radical grace or preaching of righteousness of God is more effective than the preaching of the Lord, and therefore your preaching can replace all the repentance message of the Lord. How can you prove that your believers have sinned less, stopped sinning, had no more future sins, and had no more need to confess any sins too, when they would just confess or think that they are too righteous to repent?
  • I will ask them, Do you know what it means if you confess righteousness or that 'I am the righteousness of God' while sinning or after sinning? You are literally telling Jesus that you are already righteous, that you don't need to repent, and that you don't need grace any more. You are thinking that you are too righteous to pray too:  Luk 11:2-4 KJV And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.  (3)  Give us day by day our daily bread.  (4)  And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
  • I will tell them, I know that you have many good and valid reasons to preach "I am the righteousness of God" or "I am too righteous to repent and confess sins" and that one of the obvious reasons is "sinners do not like to hear repentance any more", but I will still preach repentance because it is what Jesus has commanded us to preach:  Luk 24:45-48 KJV  Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,  (46)  And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:  (47)  And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  (48)  And ye are witnesses of these things.

The Lord would not want us to be misunderstood; He would want us to be clearly understood even if it means persecution by others
Hence, I realised that the biggest problem with the radical grace preachers is not their enthusiasm or radical passion to preach grace; but their unusual lawless boldness to deny Jesus and the teaching of Jesus. When they say,"If you do not preach grace until everyone misunderstood you, you are not preaching grace!", they have not only falsely accused all the preachers who do not preach like them, they have also falsely accused Jesus and all the Apostles for not preaching grace! This is the greatest lie, accusation, and blasphemy ! I will tell the radical grace preachers, Please read your Bible again. Of course, Jesus and all the Apostles preached the gospel of grace. In fact, Jesus had preached the gospel of grace more than any Apostles, including Paul. Of course, I see grace in all the Lord's preaching of repentance, parables, and sermons. I believe that all of us including the sinners should see more grace from the teaching of Jesus too. Jesus would not want us to preach until people misunderstood us because we seemed to preach license to sin; but Jesus would us to preach until people might even persecute us because we preached His name, His commandments against sins, and His repentance message to turn from sins:
  • Mat 5:10-14 KJV  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  (11)  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  (12)  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.  (13)  Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.  (14)  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
  • Joh 15:20 KJV  Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
Hence, it is no big deal for anyone to preach until he is misunderstood now. If it deviates from the teaching of the Lord or the commandments of the Lord, it is still fake grace or license to sin.

::

Thursday 12 December 2013

Should we tell people to prosper effortlessly or to work honestly?

Do we teach prospering effortlessly or working honestly? 
Of course, it is understood that we are saved not by working honestly or prospering effortlessly, but by grace. But can we still teach the people to work honestly as a rule or God's commandment? Of course, why not? There is no need to lie - if it is a rule, it is a rule. We don't lie and say that this is 'grace' or the 'finished work' of Jesus who has done everything for us, and hence, there is no more rule, no more law, no more do's and don'ts, or no more commandment. In fact, I agree with Paul that we should teach the believers more about working honestly than prospering effortlessly. This is still a rule, a way of life, or a commandment in the New Testament:
  • Rom 13:9-14 KJV  For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  (10)  Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.  (11)  And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  (12)  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  (13)  Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.  (14)  But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
  • 1Th 4:10-12 KJV  And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;  (11)  And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;  (12)  That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. (This is a God's command too)
I have found the Bible verses above which are God's instructions or requirements for us to work honestly. How do I know that they are God's commandments, instructions, or doctrine; and not the Apostle's own commandments, instructions, or doctrine ? It is because Paul deliberately showed us that the command to work honestly came from the Ten Commandments or the original purpose of the commandments which is to love your neighbour as thyself. In fact, the command to love is a God's commandment or commitment which is more demanding than what is required by the Ten Commandments - it requires us not only to stop doing harms to others (eg. to stop stealing, killing, robbing .. etc); it also requires us to love others, help them, and show mercy to them. That's why the Pharisees who could obey all the Ten Commandments or the books of their laws could never follow Jesus Christ or His teaching.
  • Mat 3:7-10 KJV  But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  (8)  Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:  (9)  And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.  (10)  And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Why couldn't the Pharisees repent or follow the teaching of Jesus Christ or John the Baptist? It's because they found that the teaching of repentance and genuine obedience to God's laws could not synchronize well with the desires of their lawless hearts. Hence, they rejected or preached against God's laws and commandments. I believe that they could have twisted the scriptures and convinced the Jews and the widows by saying, "God's laws demand; but our laws supplies":
  • Mar 7:6-13 KJV  He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.  (7)  Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.  (8)  For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.  (9)  And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.  (10)  For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:  (11)  But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.  (12)  And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;  (13)  Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
Hence, I am not surprised that the Pharisees would do the same too if they were to preach grace, favour, prosperity, or Abraham's blessing today. They would still say, "God's laws demands, but 'grace' supplies". They would twist, argue, and 'ding dong', to and fro', by saying, "Jesus has fulfilled all the laws so that we have no more laws too. All God's commandments have now become grace, but grace has now no more law, commandment, or commitment.. Hallelujah.. Thank you God .. Amen .. we have become more righteous: if we sin, we are not considered to have sinned because there is no more law to judge us. We can just confess that we are the righteousness of God confidently and we will surely prosper us more than those who do and teach the laws.. We will become more favoured and make them jealous.. Haha ..".
The Pharisees could only believe, metanoia, or think of the goodness and the promise of God. They would think that they were too righteous to repent, turn from their sins, and do good to others. Instead, they looked for loop holes in the law so they could continue to 'rob' others legitimately while thinking that the law of sacrifice and circumcision would justify all their hidden lawlessness, wickedness, selfishness, covetousness, and hypocrisy against others. That's why they were greatly offended when Jesus preached that everyone, including them who think that they were righteous under the law, must repent before God:
  • Mat 5:19-23 KJV  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  (20)  For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.  (21)  Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:  (22)  But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.  (23)  Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
Jesus was telling everyone including the Pharisees that there was no one righteous before God and all must repent, do, and teach God's commandments with the change in their hearts and minds, from lawlessness to obedience to God's laws.
  • 1Jn 3:2-7 LITV  Beloved, now we are the children of God, and it was not yet revealed what we shall be. But we know that if He is revealed, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is.  (3)  And everyone having this hope on Him purifies himself even as that One is pure.  (4)  Everyone practicing sin also practices lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.  (5)  And you know that that One was revealed that He might take away our sins, and sin is not in Him.  (6)  Everyone remaining in Him does not sin. Everyone sinning has not seen Him, nor known Him.  (7)  Little children, let no one lead you astray; the one practicing righteousness is righteous, even as that One is righteous.
Jesus showed us clearly that God's judgement is no longer based on only the Ten commandments which is rigid and easily abused by the hypocritical and the religious like the Pharisees; God's judgement is now based on His words and teaching which is clearer and of higher standard than the law under the Old Testament. We are now under the New Testament with God's commandments: 
  • Joh 14:15-24 KJV  If ye love me, keep my commandments... (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.  (22)  Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?  (23)  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.  (24)  He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
  • Joh 15:10-12 KJV  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.  (11)  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.  (12)  This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

God's commandments have now become better, stronger, and sharper; but not obsolete
However, many radical grace preachers will argue, "Of course, we would never say that the commandments are obsolete, but we won't teach our children to obey God's commandments. Why? It's because we just need to teach them about Jesus and Jesus will teach them to work honestly .."  
I will say, What? You won't teach your children to obey God's commandments? Your words are already clear denial of the Lord and His words even though you keep saying that you preach in His name.
  • Mat 7:21-23 KJV  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  (22)  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  (23)  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  • Luk 6:46-48 KJV  And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?  (47)  Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:  (48)  He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood (false doctrine) arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. (Hence, Jesus said clearly that He would not just want us to have right believing, right faith, right miracles, right preaching, or right confession only; he wants us to have right doing with His words too, because right doing would prove that we are His true disciples on the rock of salvation.)
How do you know that you need to teach about Jesus and that Jesus would teach your children to work honestly? Didn't you read it from the words of Jesus and the teaching of the Apostles that Jesus would still teach us to work honestly and obey God's laws? and that the teaching of Paul is from the Ten Commandments too?
a. The Gentiles would teach and think about prosperity
I will ask the radical grace preachers, Do you often preach and tell your followers to prosper in Christ? If you want them to prosper, teach them to prosper, encourage them to prosper, and make them think so much of prosperity in Christ, why don't you tell or teach them to work too? If you talk so much about prospering like the Gentiles, what's the difference between your prospering in the name of Jesus and their working in the name of their motivation principles ?
  • Mat 6:29-34 KJV  And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  (30)  Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?  (31)  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (32)  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  (33)  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ..
  • Mat 13:22 KJV  He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
b. But God's preachers would teach and think about God's principles and commandments
Hence, true preachers don't talk about prosperity. Neither do they preach about working for prosperity. They do not focus on prosperity or works; they focus on the principles of how you get prosperity or how you work. If you read Rom 13:9-14 and 1Th 4:10-12 above, you would have known that true preachers would want the believers to know, teach, encourage, and think of the principles of working and walking with honesty. It is not so much about prospering; it is about how you prosper.

God's preachers will not teach evasively to make God's laws and principles of none effect 
But there are many preachers who insist that they could teach better because they could teach 'effortless prosperity' - a type of prosperity which has no more law or principle for them to follow. However, in the eyes of God, it is just another type of lawless teaching which subtly argues against those who do and teach God's laws. It makes all the laws and the doctrine of Christ of none effect.
Hence, if I have to compare those who keep talking about effortless prosperity; but nothing else in the name of God, I would say that those who work could be more honest and more genuine than those who always talk about the amount of donation they have collected or about the books they could sell for preaching effortless grace, nothingness, immunity to judgement, lawless favours, prosperity, and anointing in the name of Christ. They are just another bunch of religious people, who focus and boast on the favours of God, like the Pharisees who make God's laws of none effect !

Those who make the people lawless are worst than those who do lawless deeds
Have you come across people who made the laws of their country of none effect? For example, they might not be smokers; but they took down the 'no smoking sign' and told everyone that the law against smoking is obsolete and hopeless. When they do so, they are not just against the law, they are against the lawgivers and the government. It is like going around telling the people that the government was hopeless. They might not do lawless deeds; but they were worst than the lawless because they took away the laws so that the lawless in our society, in our churches, and in our world would not know the importance of laws any more.
Of course, our churches would still need the laws of the country too. How do I know that? Just look around and we would see the 'no smoking sign' in our church buildings, offices, or public areas. It shows that the laws are not obsolete yet.
  • Joh 16:8 KJV  And when he is come, he will reprove the world (kosmos) of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 
As long as our churches are still not in heaven yet, we still need the 'no smoking sign' or the laws of the country in our churches too. Of course, common sense tells us that, if we still need the laws of the country in our churches, how much more do we still need the laws of God in the churches where there are still many sinners, murderers, thieves, gamblers, gays, rapists, adulterers, liars, or the lawless.  Hence, if we are not in heaven yet, I don't see any reason why we should avoid telling the sinners to repent and keep the laws and commandments of God. I find that it is ridiculous to tell the sinners just to think of God's righteousness, of how 'righteous' they are, or of good opinion of themselves and God.
Hence, I don't think anyone can deny that Jesus Christ or the Holy Spirit can convict sins. If Jesus could convict the Pharisees by writing on the ground with His fingers and cause the Pharisees to leave one by one before Him (Joh 8:8-9), He can convict anyone in the world ('kosmos'), including the self-righteous believers, gnostic believers, agnostic believers, carnal believers, false believers, lying believers, worldly believers, or any kind of believers who think and argue that they can never be the sinners of the world and that, therefore, they can never sin or do not have any sin to be convicted by the Holy Spirit too. 


"No one can keep all the laws" does not mean that all the laws are obsolete
  1. Please think again, Can the smokers complain to the Government and say, "Since none of us can stop smoking, why do you still put up such a hopeless 'No smoking sign' ? This law is going to fail .." ? No, the smokers may keep complaining but they will still be fined if they break the law. 
  2. Similarly, the students may complain to the school principal that "they can never keep the rules and regulation of the school", but they will still be punished if they break the rules. 
  3. The false prophets may also complain to God that "they can never keep any God's laws and commandments" too, but God is not going to listen to them even if they apply the name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus, or the grace of God. They can never apply it because they have no intention to keep God's laws in their hearts. If they have no God's laws in their hearts, they are not under the New Covenant (Heb 8:10, 10:16). They have become lawless like Adam and Eve in God's sight. Of course, God would never forgive their lawlessness so that they become lawless preachers who twist and blaspheme His laws. The false prophets may argue by quoting many Bible verses and say, "But we are no more under the law! Why do we still do the law or fulfil the law? Jesus has kept all the laws so that we do not need to do any law". I will tell them, Precisely, we are not under the law to keep the law like the Jews, and we can never be under the law even if we are subject to the law of the country or God's laws. 1Co 9:20-21 KJV  And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;  (21)  To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. Of course, we won't become a Big Mac or a Jew automatically just because we ate too many burgers or kept too many laws too. Of course, all those Bible verses you quoted about the law in Galatians are referring to the law of Moses or the Old Covenant for the Jews, and they can never be good justification or excuse for you to keep no more laws in your hearts. You have denied the Lord by twisting His words and commandments. Hence, if you give people the false impression that God's laws are hopeless or make God's laws of none effect, you are worst than those who are lawless. You have, in effect, told people that God's laws or God's commandments are useless and it reflects subtly that God is useless too..
But many radical grace preachers would argue, "We do not need the conviction of sins any more because we are already righteous. We needs only the conviction of righteousness.. We should hear only the good things, positive things, God's grace,  .. In fact, God told me in my dreams that we have not preached enough grace. If we have really preached grace, we would preach until everyone misunderstood us. Paul had been accused of preaching license to sins. Similarly, we should be accused of doing the same thing too if we have preached the gospel that Paul preached."I will ask them, Please think with your anointed brain, Do you follow anyone who appears to you in a dream and says that you have not preached enough prosperity, money, or the gospel which looks like license to sin too? No. Anything which looks like license to sin could be deceitfulness which will choke the words and the commandments of God. Paul would never preach it. He said "God forbid" and made it clear (to the Roman believers and sinners) that he would never do so:
  • Rom 6:1-6 KJV  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  (2)  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?  (3)  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  (4)  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  (5)  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  (6)  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
  • Mat 13:22 KJV  He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
  • Heb 3:8-13 KJV  Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:  (9)  When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.  (10)  Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.  (11)  So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)  (12)  Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.  (13)  But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
I will ask them, Please think with your anointed brain, Are your churches in heaven now? No. If our churches are still in the world, still full of sinners from the world, and still flooded with adulterous, immoral, lying, selfish, and covetous preachers, we would still need the conviction of sin, of righteousness, and of judgement in our churches. We would still need the knowledge and teaching of Christ on repentance, conviction of sins, exhortation of doctrine, baptisms, resurrection, judgement, .. and the principles of the doctrine of Christ (Heb 6:1:3), especially for those who are still young and carnal in their mind.
  1. Of course, we would still preach to the sinners of the world, unless we have stopped sinners and adulterers from coming to our churches. 
  2. Of course, we would still preach repentance, unless we have become a totally perfect church who needs no more teaching of God's instructions, principles, conviction, and judgement. 2Ti 3:15-17 KJV .. (16)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
In fact, if we are honest, we can say that many of our churches today are still no better than the Corinthian churches or the believers in the Hebrew letter; we still need 'milk':
  • Heb 5:12-14 KJV  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.  (13)  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  (14)  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. .. Heb 6:1-3 KJV  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,  (2)  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.  (3)  And this will we do, if God permit.
Please think, If our churches are still full of sinners who are not clear about repentance or the principles of the doctrine of Christ, how can we deceive ourselves and tell them that we can just skip (leave) the foundation principles or requirement of repentance, and just think of the 'prosperity' principles or 'do nothing' principles? NO, God forbid ! The teaching of the doctrine of Christ to repent and obey God may be foundational but it is not dead works.Yes, we may repent from dead works, but we don't consider preaching of repentance as dead works.

God's preachers will teach their children; but false preachers would 'teach' evasively
I will ask them, Please think with your anointed brain, Why do you teach or allow others to teach your children biology, physics, or economics? It's because you know that Jesus would not teach them the law of nature or the law of good finance automatically or supernaturally without them going to a good school with good learning principles and attitude. Similarly, what's wrong if we teach or allow others to teach our children the law of God, good principles, or learning attitude, from the Bible? It may not be about salvation; but it is certainly necessary for our children.
  • 2Ti 3:15-17 KJV  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Of course, you can tell your children to stay home, do nothing, and allow Jesus to teach them 'supernaturally' and 'gracefully' with your 'effortless' principles if you really believe so. However, if you send your children to the schools and find the best teachers for your children; but tell us that our children should learn from you and your 'effortless' or 'lawless' principles instead, you are disgustingly hypocritical ! You are knowingly and hypocritically corrupting all our children and make God's commandments of none effect with your lawless principles and smooth tongues:
  • Mat 18:5-10 KJV  And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.  (6) But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  (7)  Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!  (8)  Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.  (9)  And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. (10)  Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
I will tell them, Yes, you may argue that the above Bible verses are not applicable to you because you don't sin with your eye, hand, or foot any more; but you sin with your tongues. Probably, the Bible verses below is more applicable; however, please renounce smooth tongues which are lawless, and start preaching like Jesus who speaks with the words and commandments of God:
  • Rev 2:12-13 KJV  And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;  (13)  I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
  • Rev 12:17 KJV  And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
  • Rev 14:12-13 KJV  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.  (13)  And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
The Bible is very clear; those who have the testimony of Jesus Christ and the faith of Jesus would keep the commandments of God in the end time. And the dragon would become wroth with those who do and teach God's commandments in the New Testament, especially in the end time. He might not be seen as an angry preacher, but as a smiling 'Lamb' with lots of good words. But deep down, we know that he was angry and wroth with the preaching of the Words, especially the preaching of God's commandments:
  • Rev 13:11-13 KJV  And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.  (12)  And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.  (13)  And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,

The serpent will preach God's words without any do's and don'ts again
The dragon and his followers would say, "We preach or teach God's words too. We do and preach more effective principles which will make more people righteous. We know that God is no more angry with you. You won't die if you sin because the goodness of God is greater than your sins. And you would become more righteous than others who obey and follow all the do's and don'ts of God's words and His commandments .."
I will tell them, I don't think Jesus has told us that we should preach like you or preach principles outside God's laws and commandments. If it is your effective principles or philosophies, it could come from your own human reasoning or lying 'vision'. If it is not from God's laws and commandments, it is from your own words, tradition, idea, reasoning, or commandment.
  • Mat 15:5-6 KJV  But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;  (6)  And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
  • Mar 7:13 KJV  Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
  • Gen 3:4-5 KJV  And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:  (5)  For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

The serpent will then preach his own do's and don'ts later
Without God's commandments or God's do's and don'ts, I don't think we can tell people to live Godly living or Godly obedience to God's words. It would not make sense to teach Godly obedience without any God's do's and don't for the people to obey and do. Hence, I don't think we can just tell others to learn Godly living without preaching it based on God's laws and commandments too. Without any God's commandments or God's do's and don't, Satan would soon give us his own do's and don't or his teaching of grace without the law and the word of God. He would quote any scripture to give us his do's and don'ts in a way that will make all the laws and commandments of God of none effect, and claim credit for teaching the people to be more 'righteous', more 'godly', and more 'obedient' to him or to his teaching instead, with his lawless philosophies; whilst proving that the God who is the lawgiver and who gives the laws is not God, but he himself who has no more law is more gracious and is God.
Many so-called anointed preachers have quoted from the following Bible verses and argued that Godly living should be based on their preaching of grace. They argued that it is their 'fresh' revelation and instruction from God because they have heard God speaking to them and that it has made them more favoured, more righteous, and more anointed than those who still do and teach God's laws under the Old or New Testament:
  • Tit 2:11-12 KJV  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,  (12)  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
I will tell them, Please don't confuse the people again. We can never be under the law of Moses, under the Old Testament, or under the Law. No, never ! It's because we are not Jews and we can never ever become a Jew under the Law again in the future. However, we can certainly do and teach God's laws or commandments under the New Covenant, as Gentiles who have received grace and covenant through Christ. I will ask them, Did you read the whole chapter Tit 2 from the beginning? In fact, Paul said that those who preached the grace of God must preach with the teaching of sound doctrine against worldly lust and ungodliness. In another words, there must be teaching of sound doctrine based on the words, instructions, do's and don'ts, wisdom, laws, and commandments of God for the people:
  • Tit 2:1-7 KJV  But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:  (2)  That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.  (3)  The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  (4)  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,  (5)  To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.  (6)  Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.  (7)  In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

Grace cannot teach without sound doctrine or God's commandments
Do you know that sound doctrine came from God's word, instruction, correction, reproof, and God's commandment? That means we can still speak (or teach) sound doctrine with the grace of God. Of course, we won't just conclude base on Tit2:11-12 that only grace can teach; but sound doctrine, Holy Spirit, God's words, God's laws, or God's commandments cannot teach.
  • 2Jn 1:6 KJV  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.
  • 1Jn 2:3 KJV  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
John said it so clearly. If we have His commandments or His words, He will teach us. But, if we do not have any of His commandments, how can He teach us?
  • 1Jn 2:4-6 KJV  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  (5)  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.  (6)  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.  (John has confirmed again that, on that day, many would say that they knew the Lord; but keepeth not His words and commandments. They were clearly the false prophets, rebellious preachers, and eloquent liars who did not do the will of the Father by preaching the truth, as prophesied by the Lord in: Mat 7:15-23 KJV  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  (16)  Ye shall know them by their fruits. .. (21)  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  (22)  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  (23)  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.)
In fact, if we want to be more precise, Jesus told us to do and teach His commandments and grace to others too, instead of just teaching them or just asking the law or grace to teach them. However, many of us would just want to teach like the Pharisees and do nothing:
  • Mat 18:32-33 KJV  Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:  (33)  Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
  • Luk 10:35-37 KJV  And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.  (36)  Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?  (37)  And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
a. justification by faith or by grace is only the beginning of a believer's forgiven life so that he can do more with the words and commandments of God in his life. The grace for cancellation of debts or forgiveness of debts is not given so that we can have more future debts or more future lawlessness. It is certainly not an excuse or license to have more future sins with no more repentance (or to sin wilfully). 
  • Luk 13:2-10 KJV  And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?  (3)  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  (4)  Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?  (5)  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  (6)  He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.  (7)  Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?  (8)  And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:  (9)  And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.  (10)  And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
b. Grace is not forever - it is given for the purpose of repentance, turning back to God's commandments, keeping God's laws, and doing His words. Grace is not given for the purpose of enjoying or living in lawlessness forever. Grace is not there forever if we are forever lawless in our hearts or minds. However, if we repent, keep the commandments of God, and live with the laws of God in our hearts and minds, God will remember all our lawlessness no more and He will be our God forever: 
  • Heb 10:16-17 LITV  "This is the covenant which I will covenant to them after those days, says the Lord: Giving My Laws on their hearts, and I will write them on their minds;"  (17)  also He adds, "I will not at all still remember their sins" and their lawlessnesses. ..  
  • Heb 8:10 LITV  Because this is the covenant which I will covenant with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord, giving My Laws into their mind, and I will write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." 
  • Luk 19:8-10 LITV  But standing, Zaccheus said to the Lord, Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor. And if in anything I accused anyone falsely, I restore it fourfold.  (9)  And Jesus said to him, Today salvation has come to this house, for he also is a son of Abraham.  (10)  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the one being lost.
Hence, the cancellation of debt or forgiveness of debt is not given so that a believer can have more future debt or lawlessness forever. It is certainly not an excuse or license to have more future sin or lawlessness without any repentance. However, many preachers have deceived the believers into thinking that they can literally expect forgiveness of all their future sins, and even supernatural cancellation of all their future financial debts, if they will just radically believe or do and teach their 'holy communion's blood cleansing' ritual, 'pure grace' confession, 'supernatural' favour, 'mind changing' philosophy, or 'false repentance' to disregard and to 'repent' from all the laws and commandments of God. I did write about some preachers who have managed to quote the Bible out of context and capitalise on this 'supernatural' deception or 'cancellation of debts' to transfer effortless wealth to themselves. (see "Supernatural cancellation of debts - Is it really a supernatural transfer of wealth, a religious gimmick, or just a vain religious boasting?" in my previous post here.)

::

Monday 2 December 2013

Who are more religious ? Those who preach the laws or those who preach radical grace?

The Radical grace's argument for lawlessness or freedom from the law 
If you ask me, "Who is more religious ? The legalistic or the lawless ?" I would say, Of course, the legalistic. Why? The legalistic are normally religious people who believe and follow many laws, rules, and regulations based on the belief of their own value system or religion. But the lawless has no religion, no god, and, hence, no law.
If you ask me, "Between the legalistic and the radical, who is more religious?"  I would say, The radicals ! I would say that the radicals are more legalistic than the legalistic. Why? It's because they tend to follow the ideology of someone who is radical more radically than those who follow the laws or their religions. Instead of following a God who gives them the laws, they follow a man who gives them the law which they regard as their 'God's laws'. Hence, I would think that the religiousism of the legalistic can never surpass the radical beliefs of the radicals.
That's why if you ask me, "Who are more religious? Those who preach the laws or those who preach radical grace?" I would not hesitate to say, The radical grace people ! They may argue vehemently that they believe in freedom from all the laws, freedom from any do's and don'ts, and freedom from any God's commandments. But their minds are totally obsessed to follow the 'law' of their own radical grace preacher or their religious 'star' who demand that they must keep their minds free from any law from God -

Hence, this by itself is a more restrictive law than the law of God when we have to think of their law or freedom based on their justification, judgement, or argument in the way they look at 'grace' or 'unmerited favor', instead of based on God's words and commandments.



The Bible's argument for the doctrine and the law of God
  • Rom 6:12-23 KJV  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  (13)  Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.  (14)  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.  (15)  What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.  (16)  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  (17)  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  (18)  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.  (19)  I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.  (20)  For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.  (21)  What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.  (22)  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.  (23)  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Can the above teaching of Paul not to sin or not to let sin reign in our mortal body be religious teaching? No. If this is the case, we can't accuse everyone who teaches God's laws and principles not to sin as the religious principles too.
I have highlighted the Bible verses above with two colours to show why there are two different laws:-
  1. one is the law of sin or the old law which restricts us under sin to do unrighteousness - we would yield our members servants to uncleanness and iniquity unto iniquity (v19)
  2. the other is the law of God or the law of righteousness which restricts us under righteousness to do righteousness - we would yield our member servants to righteousness unto holiness (v19
Radical grace preachers will argue, "But Rom 6:14 above says that we are not under the law, but under grace. It means that we are no more under any law to sin or to do righteousness. We should be under grace to do righteousness.."
Yes, of course, we are under grace. But if we are under grace to do righteousness, don't you think that it is still the law of God or the doctrine of God for us if we must still obey from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered to us (v17) ? Under grace, Paul said, even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness (v19) -  

Hence, this by itself is a law of God when we would think of God's words and instructions based on Paul's doctrine, judgement, or argument in the way he preached grace in Roman 6, instead of based on the lawless grace preachers.


It means we are under grace to do God's laws
Of course, we can say that we are no more under the old law, but under grace, to do God's will and God's commandments. Hence, Paul would still do and teach God's commandments, including the Ten Commandments and the commandments of the Lord:
  • Eph 6:1-3 KJV  Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.  (2)  Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)  (3)  That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
  • Rom 13:6-14 KJV  For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.  (7)  Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.  (8)  Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.  (9)  For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  (10)  Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.  (11)  And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  (12)  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  (13)  Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.  (14)  But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.


::

Friday 29 November 2013

The Magic of lawlessness

The magic of lawlessness is the seduction from the lawless who will turn the grace of God into a lawless, effortless, and waterless doctrine which will become a sensation, a grace revolution, a prosperity gospel, or a popular godly form of excuse for all the unrepentant sinners to do nothing and to have only good opinion of themselves and God:
  1. Waterless doctrine - 2Pe 2:17-22 KJV  These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.  (18)  For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.  (19)  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.  (20)  For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.  (21)  For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.  (22)  But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. Obviously, those who can corrupt the grace of God or the gospel of Jesus Christ can never be the sinners or the believers from other religions or from outside the churches. They could be the believers who came from our churches and have turned against the commandment of God, sin wilfully, and abuse the grace of God (Heb 10:26-29), after they have known the commandment and righteousness of God.
  2. Licentious philosophies - Jud 1:3-13 KJV  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.  (4)  For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ...  (10) But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.  (11)  Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.  (12)  These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;  (13)  Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. They are believers who loved to preach oxymoron philosophies or 'ding dong bell' doctrine to confuse the mind of the people.
  3. a form of godliness - 2Ti 3:1-17 KJV  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  (2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  (3)  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  (4)  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  (5)  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.  (6)  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,  (7)  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth ... (12) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.  (13)  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.  (14)  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;  (15)  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  (16)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. The seducers could be the believers who will twist and turn and corrupt the words and commandments of God with the scripture. They are worst than the Pharisees who made God's words and commandments of none effect - Mat 15:6 KJV  And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Mar 7:13 KJV  Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with magic
I love magic and I know that magic can be practised as a science to teach, entertain, and amuse the children and adults. However, if magic is used as a religious tool to preach lies, elevate self, promote lawless philosophies, and prosper ourselves, it is a godless deception which will change the characters of our future generation. That's why the Bible described the sorcerers as wicked magicians who were godless and evil in the sight of God unless they had truly repented:
Act 8:9-13 KJV  But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:  (10)  To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.  (11)  And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.  (12)  But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.  (13)  Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Repentance is more than just believing
Simon in the Bible verses above had believed, but probably not repented. Hence, repentance can never be the same as believing (or just change of mind from unbelief to believing). Repentance is more than believing. Simon's case shows us clearly that a person may believe, but he may not have truly repented. Yes, Simon believed and behaved like any other believers after he believed. In fact, no one could deny that he was a believer as he continued with Philip, attended the church miracle services, and had fellowship with other believers. However, he was still very carnal in his belief. He may have stopped practising magic, but he thought that he could still practise 'some other things' in name of Christ, in the Holy Spirit, or in grace, to preach lies, elevate self, promote lawless philosophies, and prosper himself. But Peter saw his wicked intention and spoke out the rebuke against him. But thank God, Simon finally repented after the rebuke.
Act 8:18-26 KJV  And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,  (19)  Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.  (20)  But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.  (21)  Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.  (22)  Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.  (23)  For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.  (24)  Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.  (25)  And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.  (26)  And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

The proud can only believe; they can never repent
However, today many believers, like Simon who has the same motive to preach lies, to elevate self, to promote lawless philosophies, and to prosper themselves, will not repent. They may argue vehemently that they have repented and they are very humble. But we know that they have only believed like Simon. They think that they are so righteous that God is under the obligation to forgive them regardless of how much they would lust to preach lies, lawlessness, and delusion. They think that if Philip, who was Simon's Bible teacher and had the anointing of God to hear from angel, could not detect Simon's heart, no one can detect their wickedness of hearts and rebuke them too. They are wrong. One day, they will encounter another 'Peter' who will expose their nakedness and ask them to repent. Or else they will become speechless when it is too late to repent:
Mat 22:10-14 KJV  So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.  (11)  And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:  (12)  And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.  (13)  Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  (14)  For many are called, but few are chosen.

The lawless can prosper, so can you?
Many will argue, "Why are you so against lies, lawlessness, and prosperity gospel? What's wrong with lies, belief of no more law, and prosperity ? No one can keep the law. Don't you lie too? In fact, Abraham lied, and he was still counted as righteous. The gospel that Paul preached has no more law too. And it will prosper all of us .."
I will tell them, What religious rubbish is this ? If everyone sins, so can you? No. If everyone sins or lies, it does not mean that you will not need to keep any law. If king David commit adultery and he was still counted as righteous, it does not mean that you can commit adultery and become righteous too. Of course, there are many false prophets who can preach this kind of rubbish and prosper too, but it does not mean that they are preaching the gospel. Who told you that the gospel that Paul preached has no more law? Please read your Bible, Paul or the author of Hebrews told us that there is now more law in the hearts of the believers (Heb 8:10, 10:16) than in the hearts of the Jews and those who are lawless. I think many of us still need to read more from the Bible and listen less from the false prophets.
1Jn 2:3-7 KJV  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.  (4)  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  (5)  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.  (6)  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.  (7)  Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning... (15) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  (16)  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world ... (18) Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.  (19) They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. .. (22) Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.  ..  (24)  Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.  .. (26)  These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.  .. (28)  And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (29)  If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
The lawless will not only deny Jesus as the Word or God's law which came in the flesh, they will also preach their own doctrine or key principles to replace (anti) the doctrine of Christ. They will depart from God's law and preached contrary to the doctrine of God's commandment and righteousness.

Radical grace preachers contradict themselves in what they preach and sing
I will ask those who preach radical grace and argue vehemently that we should preach only pure grace with no more law, Do you sing Psalm 1 or Psalm 34? If you ask people not to preach or teach any law, why do you yourselves sing about the law of God? 
  • Psa 1:1-2 KJV  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  (2)  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. These are clearly do's and don'ts from the law of God which requires doing the law. 
  • Psa 34:11-16 KJV  Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.  (12)  What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?  (13)  Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.  (14)  Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.  (15)  The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.  (16)  The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 
  • This is from the ten commandments: Exo 20:16 KJV  Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.)
Don't you think that it is very hypocritical if you condemn those who do and teach the law of God, but you yourselves would boast about yourselves as God's preachers because you can sing better with the Psalm or the law of God? What makes you think that you can just sing about God's laws without doing and teaching them? It reminds me of the Pharisees who could sing or speak about their laws and gave people the false impression that they were more godly than others, but they would never really do and teach the law of God. They made the words and commandments of God of none effect (Mat 15:6, Mark 7:13). They were hypocrites who used the laws as a tool to sell their religious merchandise and do affiliated businesses to enrich themselves. They might be good fathers and husbands who did not kill, steal, or commit adultery. They were legally upright, but in the eyes of the Lord, they were worst than the sinners and the lawless because they used His laws and His name to pursue their own lawless lusts 'legitimately'; but do nothing to help the poor. In the eyes of the Lord, they were 'robbers and thieves' in the house of God:   
  • Mat_23:23 KJV  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.  
  • Mat_23:25 KJV  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.  
  • Mat_23:27 KJV  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.  
  • Mat_23:29 KJV  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
  • Mat 15:6-9 KJV  And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.  (7)  Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,  (8)  This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.  (9)  But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 
  • Mar 7:10-13 KJV  For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:  (11)  But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.  (12)  And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;  (13)  Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. 
  • Mat 21:12-13 KJV  And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,  (13)  And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

What's so magical or mysterious about the error of the lawless?
Many may think that Satan would preach more laws in the last days because the Pharisees had preached too many laws too. However, we know from the Bible that Satan would preach more lawlessness instead. Why? It's because Jesus said that false prophets would arise; He did not just say crime rate will rise. This shows us clearly that, in the last days, false prophets will preach lawless doctrines and their teachings will cause more people to sin and do lawless deeds. Jesus told us that  lawlessness will reign in the last days, not only because there will be more lawless crimes, but also because there will be more lawless thinking and lawless preachers too. Yes, we agree with the radical grace preachers that people do not need license to sin because they have already been sinning without condemnation. That's why Jesus did not just tell us to beware of the false prophets who preach sin or 'license to sin'; but to beware of, especially, the false prophets who will disguise as His disciples, anointed ones, or little christs, and who will just want to preach mind changing philosophies or lawless thinking which will remove and replace all His teaching on repentance, God's laws, and commandments: 
  •  Mat 24:8-12 LITV  But all these are a beginning of throes.  (9)  Then they will deliver you up to affliction, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.  (10)  And then many will be offended, and they will deliver up one another and will hate one another.  (11)  And many false prophets will be raised and will cause many to err.  (12)  And because lawlessness shall have been multiplied, the love of the many will grow cold. 
  • 2Pe 3:15-18 LITV  And think of the long-suffering of our Lord as salvation, as also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you, according to the wisdom given to him;  (16)  as also in all his epistles, speaking in them concerning these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the unlearned and unsettled pervert, as also they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.  (17)  Then beloved, you knowing beforehand, watch lest being led away by the error of the lawless you fall from your own steadfastness.  (18)  But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
  • 2Th 2:3-15 LITV  Do not let anyone deceive you in any way, because that Day will not come unless first comes the falling away, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,  (4)  the one opposing and exalting himself over everything being called God, or object of worship, so as for him "to sit in the temple of God" as God, setting forth himself, that he is God. Dan. 11:36; Eze. 28:2  (5)  Do you not remember that I told you these things, I yet being with you?  (6)  And now you know the thing holding back, for him to be revealed in his time.  (7)  For the mystery of lawlessness already is working, only he is holding back now, until it comes out of the midst. (8) And then "the Lawless One" will be revealed, "whom" "the Lord" "will consume" "by the spirit of His mouth," and will bring to nought by the brightness of His presence. Isa. 11:4  (9)  His coming is according to the working of Satan in all power and miraculous signs and lying wonders,  (10)  and in all deceit of unrighteousness in those being lost, because they did not receive the love of the truth in order for them to be saved.  (11)  And because of this, God will send to them a working of error, for them to believe the lie,  (12)  that all may be judged, those not believing the truth, but who have delighted in unrighteousness.  (13)  But we ought to thank God always concerning you, brothers, beloved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth,  (14)  to which He called you through our gospel, to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (15)  So, then, brothers, stand firm and strongly hold the teachings you were taught, whether by word or by our letter.Why did Paul say that it is the deceit of unrighteousness? Obviously it is unrighteousness in disguise. Many would still think that they have believed the truth and delighted in the righteousness of God. But unknown to them, they have believed in a lie or a working of error and have delighted in lawlessness and unrighteousness.
  • 1Jn 3:2-4 LITV  Beloved, now we are the children of God, and it was not yet revealed what we shall be. But we know that if He is revealed, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is.  (3)  And everyone having this hope on Him purifies himself even as that One is pure.  (4)  Everyone practicing sin also practices lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.
Many will ask, How can you tell who are those that will love righteousness? I will tell them, Those who love righteousness will hate lawlessness. It means that they are those who will preach against lawlessness; they will do and teach righteousness, and shine with the light and the garment of righteousness too. They will not omit the doctrine of Christ and the warnings of the Apostles. They will continue in the teaching of the Apostles, and warn and teach the believers to do and practise only righteousness:
  • Heb 1:9 LITV  You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; because of this God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness beside Your fellows."
  • Psa 45:7-8 LITV  You love righteousness and hate wickedness; on account of this God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your fellows.  (8)  All Your garments smell of myrrh and aloes and cassia out of ivory palaces; by strings of a harp they make You glad.
  • 1 Jn 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.


 
 

::