I will tell them, You said that it is a negative word from the Bible. Yes, it is indeed a negative word from the Bible. However, It also means that it is God's word ! If it is in the Bible, we will read it, we will think about it, and we will preach it too. If God does not want us to do anything with it, He would have removed it from the Bible or told us not to preach it. But have you ever thought why it is written for us in our Bible ? Like what you have said, "Those who are negative would think that everything is negative. They would murmur against everything that is from God, including radical grace, prosperity, blessings, health, and wealth ..". So, can you please try to think of it as something positive too even if eternal judgement is negative to 'some people' ?
The other reason why I believe in eternal judgement is because I begin to ponder more on it after I wrote about repentance in my previous post - "To preach repentance or not to preach repentance ?" :
"Yes, repentance may be an old doctrine, but it is not an Old Testament doctrine. It could be a very basic and old doctrine but it does not mean that it is unimportant doctrine. In fact, it is so basic and important, for every believer who are saved, that the Apostles would think that something was wrong if they would still need to teach the believers to know how to be saved again:
Of course, all the above doctrines are important for the gospel of salvation. It would be ridiculous if we say that we should ignore them and stop preaching them because they are too basic for the believers. No, some believers who have not grown up would still need to be taught repentance, baptism, faith, and eternal judgement again and again .. Unfortunately this is still true for our churches today.
- Heb 5:11-14 KJV Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. (12) 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 ... (6:1) 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.
Grace, repentance, and many other fundamental doctrines are indispensable; they are not mutually exclusive
- 2Jn 1:6-10 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. (7) For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. (8) Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. (9) Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (10) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed :
- 1Jn 4:6 KJV We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error ..
If you read the Bible, you will know that all sinners have been taught on how to receive grace under the New Covenant by Jesus Himself (see all His parables eg. the parable of the prodigal son, the rich man and Lazarus, the Pharisee and the publican who prayed in the temple .. etc. How can the parables and teaching of the Lord be old doctrine if He specifically commanded His disciples to teach all that He had commanded them before His resurrection and also after His resurrection too ? The disciples had preached repentance before His resurrection (Mar 6:12-13), but they could only understand it fully after the Lord's resurrection when He opened their eyes to believe the scriptures in Luk 24:25-47. At the end of the Lord's thorough exposition of the scriptures, they were commanded to preach repentance - Isn't this the crux of the whole scriptures, the whole gospel, and His main ministry? Will Jesus change it by telling us to preach only remission of sins, blessings, prosperity, or the goodness of God instead ? No way !"So, "eternal judgement", like the doctrine of repentance, is a basic important fundamental doctrine which every believer must know and believe as the foundation of their salvation. It is known as one of the six main principles of the doctrine of Christ in Heb 6:1-2. Hence, I don't see any problem if we tell the church to teach these principles to every believer before they can move on and walk with the Spirit. We cannot afford to ignore these principles totally and dismiss them as negative teaching or doctrine; we can only build on it. Hence, the doctrine of Christ is called the basic foundation or principle because it is something which everyone of us must build on even if we think that we have attained it and become highly spiritual; we don't just ignore it, replace it, belittle it, or let it to be trodden under foot. However, if anyone will insult and destroy the foundation that God has built, God will destroy him:
- 1Co 3:12-23 KJV Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; (13) Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. .. (17) If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. (18) Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. (19) For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. (20) And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. (21) Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; (22) Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; ..
- Heb 10:26-30 KJV 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? (30) For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. (I will talk about Heb 10:26 again in more detailed later. But can we twist it and argue that this warning is not for God's people? No, it says very clearly that God will judge His people; not other people. When He used the comparison of a sorer punishment, He confirmed again that He was comparing and warning two of His people - one who despised Moses' law under the Old Covenant, and another who will dishonour the Spirit of grace under the New Covenant. Please think, who were able to despised Moses' law? Of course, nobody except the Jews or God's people who were given the law? Similarly, who can dishonour the Spirit of grace? Of course, no one, except God's people who have been given the grace of God too?)
Hence, I find it ridiculous to continue to promote radical grace without judgement and condemnation of sins. If we can teach and preach about grace, repentance, and judgement, I don't see any reason why we cannot teach and preach God's commandments and judgement on those who are unrepentant sinners, criminals, false prophets, false believers, and those who have turned to the false doctrines which promote themselves with lots of lies, false assurance, vain prosperity, and perverted liberty (or license to sin) :
- 1Pe 2:15-16 KJV For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: (16) As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
- 2Pe 2:12-21 KJV .. .. (17) These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. (18) For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. (19) While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. (20) For if after they have escaped the 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.
- Jas 2:10-15 KJV For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (11) For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. (12) So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. (13) For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. (14) What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? (15) If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, .. (Many radical grace preachers have problem with these Bible verses. So, their solution to the sinners who are still lawless and unrepentant is - "Since no one can obey all God's laws, they have no more burden to keep any law now". And they continue to lie that it is the will of the Lord when He spoke against those who had lust in their mind Mat 5:28. I will tell them, No, you have taken the Bible and the Lord's message of repentance out of its context. Please read it again. Of course, the Lord did not mean that we need to have an amputation theatre; but He certainly meant that we need to have a circumcised heart to enter His kingdom. Hence, it is clearly the will of the Lord and the Father for us to repent and to obey all God's commandments !)
- Rom 2:21-29 KJV Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? (22) Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? (23) Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? (24) For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. (25) For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. (26) Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? (27) And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? (28) For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: (29) But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Eternal judgement will come after the sin of the false doctrine (or tares) is ripen
They will boast, "What ? This is crazy. Are you going to talk about judgement and tell people that it is part of your doctrine. You are preaching condemnation. Only the devil will preach condemnation, fear, and judgement. How can anyone listen to you. But look at us. Look at the most expensive church which we have built. Many people are jealous of us. We are not smart but we have prospered more. And we do it more effortless than many others churches. Why ? It is because we are under grace, we preach the true gospel, and we promote the radical grace gospel and revolution. That's why we have favours and prosperity. We can never fall. We can never die. We can boast about the grace of God because we believe in grace. We are convicted to believe in grace, not conviction to believe in condemnation. Hence, where is judgement for us ? Where is repentance ?"
I will tell them, Ok, ok, yes, you are richer because you believe in grace. But it means nothing to me to earn more or less. It is like asking, Who can earn the most between a lawyer or a liar ? Of course, a liar ! The liars may not be smart but they can lie better than the lawyers and that's why they may prosper more. Yes, you don't have to be smart to earn more or prosper more in the religious circle too. But the question is: Will you be bothered if you prosper more with the integrity of your words and principles ? You may keep argue and deny about it but God will be the final judge. Judgement has not come yet because it is not fully ripen for your doctrine to be exposed yet. The Lord is waiting for the harvest to grow and be ripen, into the good crop or bad crop, and then He will reap the earth. This is the sure promise or prophecy of the Lord, not something which I've cooked up, ok ?
- Mat 13:30 KJV Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
- Rev 14:14-19 KJV And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. (15) And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. (16) And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. (17) And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. (18) And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. (19) And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
- Rev 3:14-19 KJV And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; (15) I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. (16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (17) Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: (18) I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. (19) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
- Mat 24:23-26 KJV Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ (the anointed one), or there; believe it not. (24) For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (25) Behold, I have told you before. (26) Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers (or he is in the internet or podcast); believe it not.
We don't make unfair judgement against the Lord's teaching of repentance, eternal judgement, and the law of God
They will argue, "What possible things could come from the preaching of eternal judgement, repentance, God's commandments, condemnation, and negative words ? It will only make people more depressed and negative. Some of them have even committed suicide because they felt so condemned that they can no longer live any more ..."
I will tell them, Just because some sinners, false prophets, or mental patients have committed suicide we cannot justify that preaching of God's commandment and repentance is negative. Please think, Just because Judas Iscariot had repented and then committed suicide, can we also conclude that repentance would cause depression and lead people to suicide ? This is ridiculous:
- Mat 27:3-5 KJV Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, (4) Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. (5) And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
- Act 23:2-3 KJV And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. (3) Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?
- Jas 4:11-12 KJV 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. (12) There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
Don't 'play' around with God's judgement !
They will argue, "But I really hear the voice of God. He said, "Son, why are you preaching so much condemnation and judgement doctrine. Don't you know that I am a God of love. I will never judge the people now. Under the Old covenant, I was a judging God; but now I am a loving God. Under the law, I was a God of wrath; but under grace, I am a God who prospers. Under law, I demand; but under grace, I supply. Don't discredit my people. Don't preach judgement. Only the devil will judge and condemn.."
I will tell them, Are you sure you hear from God ? They will say, "Of course, I heard an audible voice one day when I was watching the TVs .. Oops I think I heard the voice when I was having my holidays .. Even the piano played by itself when I said, "There is no more law, no more judgement, and no more condemnation .."
I will tell them, No, whatever reason you gave can never hide your lies. How can it be from God if God's words have said clearly that eternal judgement is one of the principle of doctrine of Christ (Heb 6:1-2) which every believer must know ?
- 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.
We should not hide the wrath of God with lies or radical grace
We should not hide the wrath of God with lies or radical grace if we cannot turn the wrath of God from all sinners. However, radical grace preachers always say that we should never preach the wrath of God or eternal judgement to any sinner or believer. They said that God told them not to do so in their dreams, in their visions, in their holidays, in their pianos, or in their lies. I will tell them, If God told you not to preach the truth, He was not God no matter how He spoke to you. He could be the inner 'voice' in you or your inner 'God' you worship but it is not the God of my Bible. My Bible tells me that God is the judge. Jesus will also be the judge when He comes back too. There will be wrath to come when they judge the world and those who believe not His call to repentance:
- Joh 3:36 KJV He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
- 1Th 1:9-10 KJV For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; (10) And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
- 1Th 5:9 KJV For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
- Rev 11:18 KJV And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
- The gospel of Jesus Christ tells us that we are saved from the wrath of God, which will be poured out onto the sinners and the world in the end time. However, we are saved because we repent and believe.
- The gospel of Jesus Christ
tells us that we are saved
from the wrath of God, which will be poured out on the sinners and the world in the end time, because we can just 'change our mind' and believe.. Hence, wrath is deleted and will no longer be mentioned in the true gospel of Jesus Christ .. - The gospel of Jesus Christ tells us that we are saved because
God loves all sinners, murderers, thieves, hypocrites, and false
preachers, regardless of what they do and whether they will repent or
not. God is not offended by our sins or lies. God loves us too much to be offended even by our future sins, future
wrongdoings, future lies, or lawlessness .. Haha, no more wrath for
us in the gospel of Jesus Christ ! We can never fall. Haha, we can
never die .. we will prosper, we can fly, we will .., we will live like
christs, like gods, like Adam, .. like the good old days (in the
garden) !
Those who have unrepentant spirit will try to hide the wrath of God
I will tell them, Yes, if you hide the wrath of God or say that there is no more wrath, you may help many people to feel less condemned, but you may also have the hidden intention to make the repentance preaching of the Lord of none effect. Please think, If you argue vehemently that "there is no more wrath of God or no more preaching of wrath" to all the sinners, do you think there is still a need for you to preach salvation to them ? No. This is common sense. If there is no more wrath of God to everyone, everyone is saved. If everyone is saved and not under the wrath, what's the point of preaching salvation or repentance ? Everyone can still be saved by just hearing the 'prosperity gospel' too. Hence, telling the sinners that "there is no more wrath, no more judgement, no more commandments, no more our obedience for us, no more teaching of godly or moral instructions for our children, no more doing good for the believers, or no more .." is like telling the sinners today (and the sinners in Nineveth; and in Sodom and Gomorrha) that there is no more need to do repentance, keep God's commandments, or do anything, but just HEAR the 'radical grace' gospel ONLY (or just meditate on all the 'positive' Bible verses from their Facebook only). This reminds me of the Lord's warning again - It can never be the gospel of Jesus Christ:
- Mat 7:20-24 KJV 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:
- 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.)
- Mat 13:23-25 KJV But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (24) Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: (25) But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
- Joh 14:23-25 KJV (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. (25) These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
- Mat 24:4-26 KJV And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (5) For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. .. (10) And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. (11) And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. (12) And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. (13) But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (14) And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (15) When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) .. (23) Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. (24) For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (25) Behold, I have told you before. (26) Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. (False prophets may have blocked us from their secret 'chambers', 'podcast', 'chat rooms', or 'internet accounts', where they would boast that they are the 'christs', the 'very anointed', or the 'very favoured ones'; or that as Christ is, so are they. But not all God's elect will believe this nonsense.)
However, a true believer will not listen to your radical grace arguments, excuses, and lies. They will not just believe and do nothing. They will not just change their mind from thinking of unbelief to believing. They will not just change their mind from feeling condemned to feeling of no more condemnation without any conviction of the Holy Spirit (or the sin conscience) to repent from all their former dead works, lifestyle, thinking, and hidden sins. They will not just hide the wrath of God by trying to lie about their repentance and blaspheming the conviction of the Holy Spirit as the conviction of the devil and the condemnation from Satan. How do we know that some radical grace preachers do not have the real intention to repent or to preach repentance from sins or lawlessness ? We know that when they find all kinds of excuses and arguments:
- to mock at other repentance preachers
- to advise the sinners and believers to repent later. Zacchaeus did not only repent with his mind immediately but he also repented with his action too. Jesus immediately said, "This day is salvation come to this house" Luke 19:9. What does this Bible verse show us ? It shows us that Jesus would never tell the sinners to repent later at their own convenience.
- to encourage the sinners to delay repentance; but expect and demand for God's goodness now. Do you know that Jesus would preach eternal and irreversible judgement because He did not want the sinners to delay repentance ? He taught us that there was no turning back for the rich man and Lazarus who died (Luk 16:30); the moment they died, no amount of repentance will work.
- to reverse the order of repentance and forgiveness of sin. If the sinners are all confused about the order of repentance, I don't think there will be any sinners who will repent. This is common sense. Please think, If we rewrite the Bible so that the order of repentance in Act 2:38 and all other Bible verses are changed, what will happen ? eg. Act 2:38 KJV Then Peter said unto them, Be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and then repent ??, .. Everyone will just want to be baptized and forget about repentance, after they have been baptized.
- to belittle the importance of the doctrine of Christ on repentance
- to repent insincerely or casually by believing only or by changing their mind only
- to receive grace merely as their indemnity against the wrath of God (in the future) without any repentant spirit or humility (the servant in Matt 18 was a clear example of such radical behaviour and mentality) Mat 18:32-34 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? (34) And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. The servant above shows us that those who desire grace and receive grace may not have true repentance, whilst the publican in Luk 18:13-14 showed that those who have true repentance will always find grace. Now if you were a preacher, will you tell the sinners to focus on grace and think like the servant in Matt 18; or to focus on repentance instead and repent like the sinner in Luk 18 ? You decide, Which one will you preach: grace will lead to true repentance or true repentance will lead to grace ? If I were you I will decide on the later.
- to radically misinterpret all the Bible doctrine against unrepentant spirits as applicable only to the agnostics (eg. confession or admitting of sins (1 John 1:9), conviction of the Holy Spirit (Joh 16:8), warning against unrepentant spirits (Heb 6:4-6, Heb 10:26), warning against false liberty (2Pe 2:19-21), warning against license to sin (Jud 1:4), and warning against false doctrines (2Ti 4:2-3)).
- 2Ti 3:13-17 KJV 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.
- 2Ti 4:1-5 KJV I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; (2) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. (3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (5) But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
The gospel which does not give the full picture may not be the true gospel I have heard radical grace believers who said, "We are interested only in the positive grace teaching of God's words, such as radical grace or the grace revolution. No more condemnation, please. It's because today no one would be interested to hear the 'badnews' any more. If we preach the negative things, we are not preaching the 'Goodnews' or the gospel of Jesus Christ; we are preaching the 'badnews' and condemnation. However, my Bible tells me that those who preach condemnation against the gospel of grace would be doubly cursed:
- Gal 1:6-9 KJV I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (7) Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (8) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (9) As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
- Jud 1:3-4 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. (Jude said that believing or preaching the wrong grace to people will affect their salvation.)
When a preacher preaches only the 'positive' side of the gospel and makes it appear even more positive by 'deleting' all the Bible passages which contain the words "wrath of God" or by 'blocking' others from preaching the wrath of God, he reminded me of the way most radical grace preachers would block their blogs, internet websites, forums, or facebook accounts from receiving any negative comments, except the positive comments from their own fans and friends. Does it ring a bell to you ? Yes, their websites may be very 'positive' with tons of positive comments, praises, songs, jokes, videos, or testimonies, but they do not present the full picture or true picture. If they do not present the full picture or true picture of their websites, neither will they present the full picture or the true picture of the gospel.
The true gospel which gives the full picture of the gospel must embrace all the important principles of the doctrine of Christ
Today we have many preachers who want to preach the glorious salvation or the gospel which can save more 'positively'. We can easily classify them into 3 main categories based on what they preach:
- Those who preach and tell people to believe ONLY and be saved because of these Bible verses which tell them to believe only: Act 15:11-12 KJV But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. (12) Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. Act 16:29-31 KJV Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, (30) And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (31) And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Rom 10:9-10 KJV That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
- Those who preach and tell people to call the name of the Lord ONLY and be saved because of these Bible verses which tell them to call only: Act 2:21 KJV And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Rom 10:13-14 KJV For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (14) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
- Those who preach and tell people to be baptised ONLY and be saved because of these Bible verses which tell them to do so only: Mar 16:15-16 KJV And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Act 2:38-42 KJV Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. .. (41) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (42) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Act 10:47-48 KJV Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? (48) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. .. Act 11:15-16 KJV And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. (16) Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Act 22:16 KJV And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Gal 3:25-27 KJV But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (26) For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
- Now I will ask them, If we are saved by believing only, calling the name of the Lord only, or being baptised only, does it mean that I should also preach and tell people to repent ONLY and they will be saved because of the following Bible verses too ? Act 11:18 KJV When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. 2Co 7:10-11 KJV For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. (11) For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
- whether there is the word 'and' in the same Bible verse orOtherwise, we are not helping the people to see the full picture. Now, does it make sense why we said that the true gospel is the gospel which will give people the full picture and true picture ? Of course, we do this, not because we want to find fault with all the lazy or slothful preachers; but because we want to save people with the true gospel and full gospel. This is not finding fault; but finding truth in the doctrine of Christ:
- whether there are other Bible verses, above it, below it, in other chapters, or in other parts of the Bible.
- Mar 1:14-15 KJV Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, (15) And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
- Act 19:4-7 KJV Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. (5) When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
- (6) And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. (7) And all the men were about twelve.
- Rom 5:9 KJV Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
- Gal 3:25-27 KJV But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (26) For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
- 1Th 1:10 KJV And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
- 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. (6:1-3) 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, (of the ministries of healing and the gifts of the Holy Spirit)
- and of resurrection of the dead,
- and of eternal judgment. (3) And this will we do, if God permit.
True repentance preachers may sometimes give much demanding repentance doctrine
We have to pay attention to more Bible verses which explain God's doctrine and salvation, not because we are perfect or we like to create many legalistic, rational, and unnecessary demanding rules for the people; but because there are many different type of people and sinners in the world. Some of the people may need to see things differently before they can see the need to repent and believe God. Many of us may have misunderstood John the Baptist as a 'fire and brimstone' preacher who was legalistic and angry at the people because of his much demanding repentance message and condemnation against the Pharisees. However, I would think that John the Baptist was one of the meekest and greatest preachers on earth who had the most compassion and love for the sinners; he preached true repentance, and risking his own life, he preached it boldly with the perfect wisdom of God:
- Mat 3:7 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? ...
- Luk 3:2-15 KJV Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. (3) And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; .. (6) And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. (7) Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (8) Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin 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 the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? (11) He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. (12) Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? (13) And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. (14) And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. (15) And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;
Obviously, preacher who always deny the Lord's calling and twist it to their own advantage and teach it deceitfully to hide or suppress their sin conscience to repent could be on the road to perdition:
- 2Th 2:1-17 KJV Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, (2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. (3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (4) Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (5) Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? (6) And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. (7) For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. (8) And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: (9) Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (10) And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: (12) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (13) But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: (14) Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (15) Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. (16) Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, (17) Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
The gospel which blocks all others from speaking may not be the true gospel
They will argue, "You are very unreasonable. You have not experienced spam comments from your critics and opponents yet. So, you would never understand our situation. There are too many people who are jealous of our grace message. Hence, they would spam our websites beyond 'recognition', to release their frustration and anger on our websites. You would find that only the law believers or law Pharisees would do such despicable things. But you would never find the grace people who would do such things on your websites. Hence, I don't find any wrong to delete the spam messages and make good what we have posted for the convenience of our grace readers .."
I will tell them, Firstly, of course, we can block spam and those who spam; but that does not mean that we should block all others or silent everyone who disagrees with us.
Secondly, if I do not receive much criticism or many comments, it does not mean that I have no critic or opponent. I do not receive much criticism because I would try to answer every genuine criticism and help them to see the full picture or true picture. Hence, those who just want to spam or criticise unreasonably would think twice before they would spam. However, I would never need to block or erase genuine comment or reasonable criticism even if they may appear to be negative to me. It is because I believe that all of us including our readers can learn from our critics and opponents. We don't have to 'erase' them, 'terminate' them, or 'delete' them away. We can learn from our critics because we can see the full picture with their negative comments as long as they do not spam.
Similarly if God would want us to read His words, He would not 'erase' all the false prophets or false doctrines too. God would not block all their comments or criticism just because they may appear to be negative against His words. As long as the false preachers do not 'spam' (or corrupt) His gospel, His New Covenant, or the Bible, God will not shut their mouths too. God will still allow them to speak, argue, and even say negative comments against His principles and commandments. However, only those who belong to Him will see the full picture and the true picture in the last days. The true believers will hear, know, meditate, keep, compare, discern, and do His words:
- Mat 11:10-26 KJV .. (13) For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. (14) And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. (15) He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. (16) But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, (17) And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. (18) For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. (19) The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. (20) Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: (21) Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. (22) But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. (23) And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. (24) But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. (25) At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. (26) Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
- Mat 13:12-19 KJV For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. (13) Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. (14) And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: (15) For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (16) But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. (17) For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. (18) Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. (19) When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side ...
The principles of eternal judgement or the doctrine of Christ can never be the ministry of condemnation or old testament teaching
They will argue, "But eternal judgement is a ministry of condemnation. It may have certain glory, but the glory is greater for the ministry of grace and righteousness.."
I will tell them, Please don't quote the Bible out of its context. Please read your Bible again:
- 2Co 3:6-14 KJV Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. (7) But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: (8) How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? (9) For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. (10) For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. (11) For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. (12) Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: (13) And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: (14) But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
Hence, something would be very wrong if you just keep preaching that all the principles of the doctrine of Christ (including the doctrine of repentance, of faith, and of eternal judgement) are Old Testament doctrine and that they should be passed away. Obviously, you have misinterpreted Heb 6:1-2 again. When Paul said, Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, he did not say that they were passed away. Instead, Paul told us that we may move on or leave them, only if we are sure that we have the good foundation of repentance, of faith, of the doctrine of baptisms, of .. (if God permit).
- 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.
- Act 24:24-25 KJV And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. (25) And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. (Are you surprised that Paul being a grace preacher would preach eternal judgement to the extend of making Felix trembled ?)
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