- The Jews and the Pharisees said, "I thank God that I am saved to do the works of the law, to tithe to Him, and to circumcise according to the Law or the Old Covenant ..Luk 18:11 .."
- The ignorant preachers will say, "Of course, we are saved to do nothing ... If we are saved, we must not do anything or else we will insult the grace of God under the New Covenant .."
- The prosperity preachers will say, "No, we are saved to prosper and to create more wealth ... If we are saved, we can have more power to do more and to make more money under great anointing .."
- The radical grace preachers will say, "No, we are saved to rest and keep hearing the gospel of grace preached by us .., not hearing about doing good or doing any law of God. If we are saved, we don't do and do any more. But we just hear and hear .. and we will do it 'one day', and prosper effortlessly .."
- God's preachers will say, "No, we are saved to do good and do the works of God ... If we are saved, we can do more good works now. We will still do the laws of God, we will still do according to the words of God or the commandments of God .."
What do you say ? Can you say it according to the words of God ?
Are you sure there is no work under the New Covenant ?
Probably, the radical grace preachers will still argue. They will say, "Under law we are the ones who must do this and that .. to be righteous; but under grace God is the one who will do this and that .. to make us righteous .. Jesus has done everything for us so that we will just do nothing. Hence, everything in Christ and everything under the New Covenant is effortless or 'Yes and Amen' promises. If we still preach and tell people to do something, to live godly lives, to obey many God's principles and commandments under the grace covenant, we are not preaching grace; we are preaching self-effort or mixture of the Old and New covenants. Hence, confessing our sins, doing some kind of work after our repentance, or doing anything to justify ourselves after we are saved would be considered as self-effort. After we are saved, everything under the New Covenant should be effortless .."
Probably, the radical grace preachers will still argue. They will say, "Under law we are the ones who must do this and that .. to be righteous; but under grace God is the one who will do this and that .. to make us righteous .. Jesus has done everything for us so that we will just do nothing. Hence, everything in Christ and everything under the New Covenant is effortless or 'Yes and Amen' promises. If we still preach and tell people to do something, to live godly lives, to obey many God's principles and commandments under the grace covenant, we are not preaching grace; we are preaching self-effort or mixture of the Old and New covenants. Hence, confessing our sins, doing some kind of work after our repentance, or doing anything to justify ourselves after we are saved would be considered as self-effort. After we are saved, everything under the New Covenant should be effortless .."
I will tell them, Do you know that lying is effortless too. Of course, we can't do good work to be righteous; neither could the Jews do the works of their law to be righteous too. However, does it mean that we are not required to do God's works or God's commandments? No. Are there still works of the Lord under the New Covenant or the Covenant of grace ? Of course, yes. If it has no work, no commandment, no judgement, no effort, no fruits of love, no discipleship, no discipline, no taking up the cross, no repentance, no turning from sins, no this and that.., it can never be the grace of God.
There are works under the marriage covenant
So likewise, there are works under God's covenant too. I have quoted enough Bible verses (in 'Is there self-effort in pure grace' too) to show that, under the covenant of grace, we will still need to work and prove our work. However, I would like to question the radical grace preachers one more thing: Do you believe in the covenant of your marriage with your wife ? Do you solemnize marriages in your churches ? If you do, please be honest with yourself about the question: Do you tell your believers to do nothing in their marriages ? I don't think so; you would probably tell your believers to do many things to show their love to their wives like buying flowers, showering them with many gifts, doing more communication, and etc. If you would do so in your covenant with your wife, what's wrong if the Apostles and God's preachers would tell the believers to keep God's commandments in their covenant with God too ? If you would do the will of your wives and keep your marriage covenant, what's wrong if we, the Apostles, and God's preachers would tell the believers to do the will of the Father and keep His covenant too (Mat 7:21) ? Please do more common sense thinking first if you still cannot understand God's laws and commandments yet.
Do you know why Jesus would emphasize doing His words ? It's because there are works to be done and He would not want us to hear and believe only under His covenant.
we are justified not by faith only; but by the works of faith too (Jas 2:24, Mat 7:16)
Many will argue and say, "We did do His words and sayings. We believe in His name. We prophesy in His name, we did cast out devils in His name, and we did many wonderful works in His name too. Weren't these enough ? If we believe, we would have done His words too !"
I will tell them, If believing only is doing His word, Jesus would have said so. He would have said in (v24), "Therefore whosoever heareth sayings of mine, and believe Me, I will accept him." But why did He say that we must do His words in many Bible verses ? Obviously the Lord did not want us to hear and believe only. He did not want us to believe like the Pharisees or the devils.
- Gal 6:4-10 KJV But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. (5) For every man shall bear his own burden. (6) Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. (7) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (8) For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (9) And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (10) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
There are works under the marriage covenant
So likewise, there are works under God's covenant too. I have quoted enough Bible verses (in 'Is there self-effort in pure grace' too) to show that, under the covenant of grace, we will still need to work and prove our work. However, I would like to question the radical grace preachers one more thing: Do you believe in the covenant of your marriage with your wife ? Do you solemnize marriages in your churches ? If you do, please be honest with yourself about the question: Do you tell your believers to do nothing in their marriages ? I don't think so; you would probably tell your believers to do many things to show their love to their wives like buying flowers, showering them with many gifts, doing more communication, and etc. If you would do so in your covenant with your wife, what's wrong if the Apostles and God's preachers would tell the believers to keep God's commandments in their covenant with God too ? If you would do the will of your wives and keep your marriage covenant, what's wrong if we, the Apostles, and God's preachers would tell the believers to do the will of the Father and keep His covenant too (Mat 7:21) ? Please do more common sense thinking first if you still cannot understand God's laws and commandments yet.
Do you know why Jesus would emphasize doing His words ? It's because there are works to be done and He would not want us to hear and believe only under His covenant.
- Mat 7:15-29 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. (24) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. (26) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: (27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (28) And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: (29) For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
- 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.)
we are justified not by faith only; but by the works of faith too (Jas 2:24, Mat 7:16)
Many will argue and say, "We did do His words and sayings. We believe in His name. We prophesy in His name, we did cast out devils in His name, and we did many wonderful works in His name too. Weren't these enough ? If we believe, we would have done His words too !"
I will tell them, If believing only is doing His word, Jesus would have said so. He would have said in (v24), "Therefore whosoever heareth sayings of mine, and believe Me, I will accept him." But why did He say that we must do His words in many Bible verses ? Obviously the Lord did not want us to hear and believe only. He did not want us to believe like the Pharisees or the devils.
- Luk 8:11-15 KJV Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. (12) Those by the way side are they that hear; .. (13) They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, .. (14) And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, .. (15) But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience ... (18) Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
- Mat 7:15-29 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 ... (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 .. (24) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
- Jas 2:19-24 KJV Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (20) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (21) Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? (22) Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? (23) And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. (24) Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Many preachers have quoted
from Jas 2:23 above that Abraham believed ONLY, and it was imputed
unto him for righteousness; but they
deliberately kept silent about believing with the fruit or the works of faith
as emphasized
by the
Lord and James.
Obviously they have
quoted the
Bible out of its context without much understanding of God's righteousness. Of
course, we are saved by faith alone, not by the Old Jewish law, the mixture of the law (in the Old Covenant and the New Covenant), or the works of the Old Jewish law. We are save under the New Covenant.
But we are justified not by faith only under the New Covenant; but by the works of faith too (see Jas 2:24, Mat 7:16). Without works, faith under the New Covenant is dead. In another words, faith without works is not faith in Christ or the righteousness of God under the New Covenant. Without works, no one can justify his belief or faith in God (Jas 2:24), neither can any false prophets justify their confession or faith in God too (Mat 7:16-23). Hence, faith without works is dead. It is condemnation to those who believe it, keep it, confess it, practise it, or preach it (Mat 7:23, Mat 25:41).
There are still works meet for repentance and after repentance
I will ask them, Do you know why the Lord and James gave us those words in Luk 8:11-15 and Jas 2:19-24 above ? Obviously, they knew that many Jewish believers in the past, as well as Gentile believers in the future, would quote Abraham's righteousness and blessing out of their Bible context as their excuses for believing only. The Lord knew that there would be carnal believers who would believe and argue like the Pharisees, but they would also want to be baptised by the Lord without any fruits or works of repentance.
But we are justified not by faith only under the New Covenant; but by the works of faith too (see Jas 2:24, Mat 7:16). Without works, faith under the New Covenant is dead. In another words, faith without works is not faith in Christ or the righteousness of God under the New Covenant. Without works, no one can justify his belief or faith in God (Jas 2:24), neither can any false prophets justify their confession or faith in God too (Mat 7:16-23). Hence, faith without works is dead. It is condemnation to those who believe it, keep it, confess it, practise it, or preach it (Mat 7:23, Mat 25:41).
There are still works meet for repentance and after repentance
I will ask them, Do you know why the Lord and James gave us those words in Luk 8:11-15 and Jas 2:19-24 above ? Obviously, they knew that many Jewish believers in the past, as well as Gentile believers in the future, would quote Abraham's righteousness and blessing out of their Bible context as their excuses for believing only. The Lord knew that there would be carnal believers who would believe and argue like the Pharisees, but they would also want to be baptised by the Lord without any fruits or works of repentance.
- Mat 3:5-11 KJV Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, (6) And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. (7) 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. (11) I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
- Mat 4:17 KJV From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
- Luk 13:3 KJV I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
- Joh 3:3-5 KJV Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (4) Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? (5) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
- Mat 5:13-17 KJV 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. (15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (17) Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
- Luk 10:29-37 KJV But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? (30) And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. .. (33) But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, (34) And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. ... (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.
- Mat 25:37-41 KJV Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? (38) When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? (39) Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? (40) And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (41) Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
- Luk 19:8-9 KJV And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. (9) And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
Did Jesus promise us effortless success under His covenant ?
They will say, "To prove that we are better and that we can prosper more than other churches who preach a lot of works and efforts, we show our believers that we do not need to have any effort to succeed by grace. Every week we would just boast about our testimonies of effortless success. Many of our believers have experienced effortless breakthrough without the need to confess sins or doing repentance. This is the proofs of God's effortless favours and prosperity upon our lives in the forms of:
Jesus knew that there are many people in the world who could prosper more than us too. Many of them have enjoyed effortless success in life and prospered like the rich men in the following parables:
Many believers or preachers would seek after effortless material gains and prosperity too. They would point people to their riches and prosperity and promote themselves as the righteous ones with whom God has found favours and boast like the Pharisees too. But Jesus would never want us to behave like the rich men in the world or the Pharisee in the following Bible verses.
Can we be justified if we do nothing ?
I will tell them, If you know the words and teaching of the Lord under the New covenant, you will never preach effortless success to the believers.
Is doing good in the will of God ?
Of course, doing good is in the will of God. The Lord has said it so clearly that even the false prophets cannot deny it:
I will tell them, Who told you that 'Do good get good' is under the law ? Doing good is God's will. Hence, 'do good get good' is under God's law. It is under the law of the Old covenant and New covenant too. It is under the law of Christ. It is the teaching of the Lord in the Spirit too.
I will tell them, Who told you to sell everything and give it to the poor ? Yes, the Lord did say to the young man, Peter, and Andrew to sell everything, take up the cross, and follow Him:
I will tell them, You said that there are many poor people in your country and you cannot do anything. Hence, you will just do nothing ? Wrong ! You may not be able to help all the poor and the beggars; but you can definitely do something as a pastor or preacher who can teach, influence, and train the people and their younger generation to do more for the society. Otherwise, why would the Lord say that His disciples are the salt of the earth and light of the world ?
I realised this many years ago. I was eating outside the shops when a group of beggars came to me. They asked for money. However, I had to reject them because I knew that in my country most of the beggars were not really poor people. They were 'licensed' beggars who might not have genuine or desperate needs. Recalling how I would always give without hesitation many years ago, I realised that I could not help it. I realised that I do not have the solution to help the genuine poor today. But would the Lord accept it if we say that there is nothing we can do ? No, even though I am not a rich government, pastor, preacher, or millionaire, there are things that I could do to help if I seek the Lord. Hence, I believe that what James said in Jas 4:3-17 is still applicable and true. It is still the teaching of the Lord for all of us, even more so for the government, the foundation, the churches, the pastors, and those who knoweth to do good:
They will say, "To prove that we are better and that we can prosper more than other churches who preach a lot of works and efforts, we show our believers that we do not need to have any effort to succeed by grace. Every week we would just boast about our testimonies of effortless success. Many of our believers have experienced effortless breakthrough without the need to confess sins or doing repentance. This is the proofs of God's effortless favours and prosperity upon our lives in the forms of:
- effortless lottery winnings
- effortless cancellation of debts
- effortless pregnancy and child birth
- effortless job promotion
- effortless success in life
- effortless preaching of goodnews
Jesus knew that there are many people in the world who could prosper more than us too. Many of them have enjoyed effortless success in life and prospered like the rich men in the following parables:
- Luk 16:19-20 KJV There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: (20) And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores ...
- Luk 12:15-21 KJV And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. (16) And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: (17) And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? (18) And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. (19) And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. (20) But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? (21) So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Many believers or preachers would seek after effortless material gains and prosperity too. They would point people to their riches and prosperity and promote themselves as the righteous ones with whom God has found favours and boast like the Pharisees too. But Jesus would never want us to behave like the rich men in the world or the Pharisee in the following Bible verses.
- 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 6:1-4 KJV Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. (2) Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (3) But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: (4) That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
- Mat 6:19-34 KJV Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (21) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (22) The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. (23) But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (24) No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. .. (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 ..
Can we be justified if we do nothing ?
I will tell them, If you know the words and teaching of the Lord under the New covenant, you will never preach effortless success to the believers.
- Luk 10:33-37 KJV But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, (34) And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. .. (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.
- Luk 16:19-21 KJV There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: (20) And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, (21) And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
- Mat 25:39-46 KJV Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? (40) And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (41) Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: (42) For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: (43) I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. (44) Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? (45) Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. (46) And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (The righteous are those who can see !)
- Jas 4:3-17 KJV Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (4) Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (5) Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? (6) But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble .. (11) Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge .. (16) But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. (17) Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Radical grace preachers would argue, "The Lord's parables have all become obsolete. We don't listen to James too because he was a Jews who was under the law and he still taught from the Old Testament. He spoke to the Jews and the agnostic sinners. Hence, his teaching is not applicable to us too. We will only listen to Paul .."
I will tell them, If you refuse to listen and learn from the parables of the Lord, you are no more abiding in the words of the Lord. You are on your own like the world. You have rejected the Lord in your own pride even though you may argue that you have confessed the name of the Lord radically in everything that you do. The Lord will reject you because He had spoken:
I will tell them, You have said that James was under the Old covenant to teach from the Old covenant. But how could any Apostle or disciple of Jesus Christ be under the Old covenant if they had repented in Him ? How could they be called the Apostles or the disciples if they disobeyed the commandment of the Lord and taught from the Old Testament ?
- Joh 15:1-24 KJV .. (5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (6) If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (8) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. .. (10) 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. .. (14) Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. (15) Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. .. (18) If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. (19) If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. .. (22) If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. (23) He that hateth me hateth my Father also. (24) If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
- Mat 7:15-24 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. (24) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
I will tell them, You have argued that the words of James in Jas 4:3-17 were no more applicable to you because his teaching were for the Jews and the agnostic sinners. But do you know that all the Apostles would only write and sent their letters to the churches and the believers who would receive and read his letters ? Hence, I don't think James would write to the Pharisees or agnostic sinners. Hence, how can we say that his letters are not for us?
- Mat 28:19-20 KJV Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
- Act 26:19-20 KJV Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: (20) But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Is doing good in the will of God ?
Of course, doing good is in the will of God. The Lord has said it so clearly that even the false prophets cannot deny it:
- Mat 7:15-24 KJV (15) 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? (17) Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit .. (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. (24) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
- 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.)
I will tell them, Who told you that 'Do good get good' is under the law ? Doing good is God's will. Hence, 'do good get good' is under God's law. It is under the law of the Old covenant and New covenant too. It is under the law of Christ. It is the teaching of the Lord in the Spirit too.
- Rom 7:25 KJV I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Rom 8:1-2 KJV There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
- Gal 6:6-14 KJV Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. (7) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (8) For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (9) And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (10) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (11) Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. (12) As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. (13) For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. (14) But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (Doing good is under the law of God in the New covenant.)
I will tell them, Who told you to sell everything and give it to the poor ? Yes, the Lord did say to the young man, Peter, and Andrew to sell everything, take up the cross, and follow Him:
- Mar 10:20-22 KJV And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. (21) Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. (22) And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
- Mar 1:15-22 KJV And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. (16) Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. (17) And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. (18) And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. (19) And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. (20) And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him. (21) And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. (22) And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
- Mar 8:34 KJV And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (See Mat 16:24 Luk 9:23 too)
I will tell them, You said that there are many poor people in your country and you cannot do anything. Hence, you will just do nothing ? Wrong ! You may not be able to help all the poor and the beggars; but you can definitely do something as a pastor or preacher who can teach, influence, and train the people and their younger generation to do more for the society. Otherwise, why would the Lord say that His disciples are the salt of the earth and light of the world ?
I realised this many years ago. I was eating outside the shops when a group of beggars came to me. They asked for money. However, I had to reject them because I knew that in my country most of the beggars were not really poor people. They were 'licensed' beggars who might not have genuine or desperate needs. Recalling how I would always give without hesitation many years ago, I realised that I could not help it. I realised that I do not have the solution to help the genuine poor today. But would the Lord accept it if we say that there is nothing we can do ? No, even though I am not a rich government, pastor, preacher, or millionaire, there are things that I could do to help if I seek the Lord. Hence, I believe that what James said in Jas 4:3-17 is still applicable and true. It is still the teaching of the Lord for all of us, even more so for the government, the foundation, the churches, the pastors, and those who knoweth to do good:
- Jas 4:3-17 KJV .. (17) Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
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