The Magic of lawlessness

The magic of lawlessness is the seduction from the lawless who will turn the grace of God into a lawless, effortless, and waterless doctrine which will become a sensation, a grace revolution, a prosperity gospel, or a popular godly form of excuse for all the unrepentant sinners to do nothing and to have only good opinion of themselves and God:

1. Waterless doctrine - 2Pe 2:17-22 KJV  These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.  (18)  For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.  (19)  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.  (20)  For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.  (21)  For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.  (22)  But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. Obviously, those who can corrupt the grace of God or the gospel of Jesus Christ can never be the sinners or the believers from other religions or from outside the churches. They could be the believers who came from our churches and have turned against the commandment of God, sin wilfully, and abuse the grace of God (Heb 10:26-29), after they have known the commandment and righteousness of God.
2. Licentious philosophies - Jud 1:3-13 KJV  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.  (4)  For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ...  (10) But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.  (11)  Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.  (12)  These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;  (13)  Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. They are believers who loved to preach oxymoron philosophies or 'ding dong bell' doctrine to confuse the mind of the people.
3. a form of godliness - 2Ti 3:1-17 KJV  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  (2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  (3)  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  (4)  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  (5)  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.  (6)  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,  (7)  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth ... (12) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.  (13)  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.  (14)  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;  (15)  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  (16)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. The seducers could be the believers who will twist and turn and corrupt the words and commandments of God with the scripture. They are worst than the Pharisees who made God's words and commandments of none effect - Mat 15:6 KJV  And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Mar 7:13 KJV  Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with magic
I love magic and I know that magic can be practised as a science to teach, entertain, and amuse the children and adults. However, if magic is used as a religious tool to preach lies, elevate self, promote lawless philosophies, and prosper ourselves, it is a godless deception which will change the characters of our future generation. That's why the Bible described the sorcerers as wicked magicians who were godless and evil in the sight of God unless they had truly repented:

Act 8:9-13 KJV  But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:  (10)  To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.  (11)  And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.  (12)  But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.  (13)  Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Repentance is more than just believing
Simon in the Bible verses above had believed, but probably not repented. Hence, repentance can never be the same as believing (or just change of mind from unbelief to believing). Repentance is more than believing. Simon's case shows us clearly that a person may believe, but he may not have truly repented. Yes, Simon believed and behaved like any other believers after he believed. In fact, no one could deny that he was a believer as he continued with Philip, attended the church miracle services, and had fellowship with other believers. However, he was still very carnal in his belief. He may have stopped practising magic, but he thought that he could still practise 'some other things' in name of Christ, in the Holy Spirit, or in grace, to preach lies, elevate self, promote lawless philosophies, and prosper himself. But Peter saw his wicked intention and spoke out the rebuke against him. But thank God, Simon finally repented after the rebuke.

Act 8:18-26 KJV  And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,  (19)  Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.  (20)  But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.  (21)  Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.  (22)  Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.  (23)  For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.  (24)  Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.  (25)  And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.  (26)  And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

The proud can only believe; they can never repent
However, today many believers, like Simon who has the same motive to preach lies, to elevate self, to promote lawless philosophies, and to prosper themselves, will not repent. They may argue vehemently that they have repented and they are very humble. But we know that they have only believed like Simon. They think that they are so righteous that God is under the obligation to forgive them regardless of how much they would lust to preach lies, lawlessness, and delusion. They think that if Philip, who was Simon's Bible teacher and had the anointing of God to hear from angel, could not detect Simon's heart, no one can detect their wickedness of hearts and rebuke them too. They are wrong. One day, they will encounter another 'Peter' who will expose their nakedness and ask them to repent. Or else they will become speechless when it is too late to repent:

Mat 22:10-14 KJV  So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.  (11)  And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:  (12)  And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.  (13)  Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  (14)  For many are called, but few are chosen.

The lawless can prosper, so can you?
Many will argue, "Why are you so against lies, lawlessness, and prosperity gospel? What's wrong with lies, belief of no more law, and prosperity ? No one can keep the law. Don't you lie too? In fact, Abraham lied, and he was still counted as righteous. The gospel that Paul preached has no more law too. And it will prosper all of us .."
I will tell them, What religious rubbish is this ? If everyone sins, so can you? No. If everyone sins or lies, it does not mean that you will not need to keep any law. If king David commit adultery and he was still counted as righteous, it does not mean that you can commit adultery and become righteous too. Of course, there are many false prophets who can preach this kind of rubbish and prosper too, but it does not mean that they are preaching the gospel. Who told you that the gospel that Paul preached has no more law? Please read your Bible, Paul or the author of Hebrews told us that there is now more law in the hearts of the believers (Heb 8:10, 10:16) than in the hearts of the Jews and those who are lawless. I think many of us still need to read more from the Bible and listen less from the false prophets.

1Jn 2:3-7 KJV  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.  (4)  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  (5)  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.  (6)  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.  (7)  Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning... (15) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  (16)  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world ... (18) Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.  (19) They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. .. (22) Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.  ..  (24)  Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.  .. (26)  These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.  .. (28)  And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (29)  If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

The lawless will not only deny Jesus as the Word or God's law which came in the flesh, they will also preach their own doctrine or key principles to replace (anti) the doctrine of Christ. They will depart from God's law and preached contrary to the doctrine of God's commandment and righteousness.

Radical grace preachers contradict themselves in what they preach and sing
I will ask those who preach radical grace and argue vehemently that we should preach only pure grace with no more law, Do you sing Psalm 1 or Psalm 34? If you ask people not to preach or teach any law, why do you yourselves sing about the law of God? 

• Psa 1:1-2 KJV  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  (2)  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. These are clearly do's and don'ts from the law of God which requires doing the law. 
• Psa 34:11-16 KJV  Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.  (12)  What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?  (13)  Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.  (14)  Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.  (15)  The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.  (16)  The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 
• This is from the ten commandments: Exo 20:16 KJV  Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.)

Don't you think that it is very hypocritical if you condemn those who do and teach the law of God, but you yourselves would boast about yourselves as God's preachers because you can sing better with the Psalm or the law of God? What makes you think that you can just sing about God's laws without doing and teaching them? It reminds me of the Pharisees who could sing or speak about their laws and gave people the false impression that they were more godly than others, but they would never really do and teach the law of God. They made the words and commandments of God of none effect (Mat 15:6, Mark 7:13). They were hypocrites who used the laws as a tool to sell their religious merchandise and do affiliated businesses to enrich themselves. They might be good fathers and husbands who did not kill, steal, or commit adultery. They were legally upright, but in the eyes of the Lord, they were worst than the sinners and the lawless because they used His laws and His name to pursue their own lawless lusts 'legitimately'; but do nothing to help the poor. In the eyes of the Lord, they were 'robbers and thieves' in the house of God:   

• Mat_23:23 KJV  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.  
• Mat_23:25 KJV  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.  
• Mat_23:27 KJV  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.  
• Mat_23:29 KJV  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
• Mat 15:6-9 KJV  And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.  (7)  Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,  (8)  This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.  (9)  But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 
• Mar 7:10-13 KJV  For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:  (11)  But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.  (12)  And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;  (13)  Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. 
• Mat 21:12-13 KJV  And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,  (13)  And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

What's so magical or mysterious about the error of the lawless?
Many may think that Satan would preach more laws in the last days because the Pharisees had preached too many laws too. However, we know from the Bible that Satan would preach more lawlessness instead. Why? It's because Jesus said that false prophets would arise; He did not just say crime rate will rise. This shows us clearly that, in the last days, false prophets will preach lawless doctrines and their teachings will cause more people to sin and do lawless deeds. Jesus told us that  lawlessness will reign in the last days, not only because there will be more lawless crimes, but also because there will be more lawless thinking and lawless preachers too. Yes, we agree with the radical grace preachers that people do not need license to sin because they have already been sinning without condemnation. That's why Jesus did not just tell us to beware of the false prophets who preach sin or 'license to sin'; but to beware of, especially, the false prophets who will disguise as His disciples, anointed ones, or little christs, and who will just want to preach mind changing philosophies or lawless thinking which will remove and replace all His teaching on repentance, God's laws, and commandments: 

•  Mat 24:8-12 LITV  But all these are a beginning of throes.  (9)  Then they will deliver you up to affliction, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.  (10)  And then many will be offended, and they will deliver up one another and will hate one another.  (11)  And many false prophets will be raised and will cause many to err.  (12)  And because lawlessness shall have been multiplied, the love of the many will grow cold. 
• 2Pe 3:15-18 LITV  And think of the long-suffering of our Lord as salvation, as also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you, according to the wisdom given to him;  (16)  as also in all his epistles, speaking in them concerning these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the unlearned and unsettled pervert, as also they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.  (17)  Then beloved, you knowing beforehand, watch lest being led away by the error of the lawless you fall from your own steadfastness.  (18)  But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
• 2Th 2:3-15 LITV  Do not let anyone deceive you in any way, because that Day will not come unless first comes the falling away, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,  (4)  the one opposing and exalting himself over everything being called God, or object of worship, so as for him "to sit in the temple of God" as God, setting forth himself, that he is God. Dan. 11:36; Eze. 28:2  (5)  Do you not remember that I told you these things, I yet being with you?  (6)  And now you know the thing holding back, for him to be revealed in his time.  (7)  For the mystery of lawlessness already is working, only he is holding back now, until it comes out of the midst. (8) And then "the Lawless One" will be revealed, "whom" "the Lord" "will consume" "by the spirit of His mouth," and will bring to nought by the brightness of His presence. Isa. 11:4  (9)  His coming is according to the working of Satan in all power and miraculous signs and lying wonders,  (10)  and in all deceit of unrighteousness in those being lost, because they did not receive the love of the truth in order for them to be saved.  (11)  And because of this, God will send to them a working of error, for them to believe the lie,  (12)  that all may be judged, those not believing the truth, but who have delighted in unrighteousness.  (13)  But we ought to thank God always concerning you, brothers, beloved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth,  (14)  to which He called you through our gospel, to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (15)  So, then, brothers, stand firm and strongly hold the teachings you were taught, whether by word or by our letter.Why did Paul say that it is the deceit of unrighteousness? Obviously it is unrighteousness in disguise. Many would still think that they have believed the truth and delighted in the righteousness of God. But unknown to them, they have believed in a lie or a working of error and have delighted in lawlessness and unrighteousness.
• 1Jn 3:2-4 LITV  Beloved, now we are the children of God, and it was not yet revealed what we shall be. But we know that if He is revealed, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is.  (3)  And everyone having this hope on Him purifies himself even as that One is pure.  (4)  Everyone practicing sin also practices lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.

Many will ask, How can you tell who are those that will love righteousness? I will tell them, Those who love righteousness will hate lawlessness. It means that they are those who will preach against lawlessness; they will do and teach righteousness, and shine with the light and the garment of righteousness too. They will not omit the doctrine of Christ and the warnings of the Apostles. They will continue in the teaching of the Apostles, and warn and teach the believers to do and practise only righteousness:

• Heb 1:9 LITV  You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; because of this God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness beside Your fellows."
• Psa 45:7-8 LITV  You love righteousness and hate wickedness; on account of this God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your fellows.  (8)  All Your garments smell of myrrh and aloes and cassia out of ivory palaces; by strings of a harp they make You glad.
• 1 Jn 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

 
 

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