K145. How do we see obedience?

“Too often, we say we are defeated by this or that sin. No, we are not defeated. We are simply disobedient .. " -- Jerry Bridges 
Sleep well, brother Jerry, with obedience : https://plus.google.com/+DavidKowalski/posts/Gnv2fhcE54B

Obedience is a fruit of those who will be resurrected
Yes, Jesus died that we can become obedient to God, that we may sleep; and not die. Hence, obedience to all the words of God or all that God commanded us to do is not a boasting or self-effort in the eyes of God.
1. To the Israelites or God's chosen people, it was a privilege
2. To the hyper-grace preachers, it is a boasting and man's effort (Exo 24:7-8)
3. But to us, it is grace and faith
1Jn 3:4 KJV  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
Rom 1:4-6 KJV  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:  (5)  By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:  (6)  Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
Hence, sin is disobedience and lawlessness; but, faith is obedience under the grace of God.

If we preach obedience as obedience, people will obey; otherwise ..
Now back to the question: How do we see obedience?
If we see obedience or preach obedience as a boasting or a man's effort, do you think that we will still obey? No, many of us will just want to believe or just think of it and confess it without doing anything. Some may even think of obedience to God's law as the curse of the law. But, if we see obedience as grace and faith, we will not only obey, we love to obey.
So, do we want the believers to obey or not to obey? If we want the believers to obey God, we preach obedience as grace and faith; but, if we want to the believers to do otherwise, we preach obedience as boasting or self-effort. This is the reason why we will never see common ground with those preachers (especially the hyper grace preachers) who preach obedience as boasting of self-effort or bondage of the law using their wrong interpretation with the following Bible verses:
Exo 24:7-8 KJV  And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.  (8)  And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.
Hyper grace preachers claim that the Israelites received the law because of their boasting; not because of their privilege to become God's people under the blood covenant. Some of them now turn back and say that we have misunderstood them because they preached obedience too. They insist that they told many people to obey God. But they forgot that they had argued vehemently that there is no more law too. When there is no more law, do you think that obedience has any meaning at all? If we are not under any law of God, we are still under sin.
a. Under the old covenant, the Israelites were under the law of Moses or blood covenant to do all the law which was given by (through) Moses, but now
b. Under the new covenant, we are under the law of Christ or blood covenant to do all the law which is given by (through) Jesus - this is known as grace and truth:
Joh 1:16-17 KJV  And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.  (17)  For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

'Grace for grace' is 'God's goodness will comes one after another'
Notice why John wrote in Joh 1:16 "grace for grace .." ? I think it can mean "grace after grace .." too. The law of Moses was a type of grace, a gift, a favour, a blessing, a privilege .. etc. But, when the 'grace and truth' of Jesus Christ came, it is 'grace for grace' or it is 'God's goodness comes one after another'. 'Grace for grace' is God's goodness comes now and it surpasses all the past favour, prosperity, or blessing which God had given to the Israelites. It is 'grace for grace' because grace is now greater as it is given through the death of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. However, it does not mean that there is no more law to keep. Notice that Moses sprinkled the blood on the Israelites and gave them the commandment to do all the law of God in Exo 24:7-8? Likewise, after the shedding of His blood, Jesus gave His disciples the commandment to do all that He has commanded them too:
Mat 28:17-20 KJV  And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.  (18)  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  (19)  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.
In fact, this has already been confirmed by God Himself that we must hear and keep ALL that He commanded us to do:
Mat 17:5 KJV  While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

God will always tell us to do all or more; not less
The Spirit of God and the law of the Spirit of life in Christ will always tell us to do more as we delight in His law:
Rom 7:22 KJV  For I delight in the law of God after the inward man ..
Rom 8:2-3 KJV For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  (3)  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh ..
Hence, when we are saved by grace, it does not mean that we are saved to be under no more law or to do no more law; it means that we are saved to be under the law of Christ to do all the law of Christ. Notice whenever God makes a covenant with men, He will always tell men to do ALL or keep ALL His commandments:
Jos 1:8 KJV  This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Exo 19:7-8 KJV  And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him.  (8)  And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.
The principles still apply even in the law and doctrine of Christ:
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.
Php 4:13 KJV  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
In fact, Jesus does not want us to stop at the level of doing 'all things'; He wants us to go beyond the commandment or written boundaries of what we can keep - for example the Ten Commandments. He wants us to keep beyond what is written by the letters or boundaries of the law; in another words, He wants us to keep the law of the Spirit which has no boundaries and it is understood only by those who have the Spirit:
Mat 5:27-28 KJV  Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:  (28)  But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Mat 22:35-40 KJV  Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,  (36)  Master, which is the great commandment in the law?  (37)  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  (38)  This is the first and great commandment.  (39)  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  (40)  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (The lawyer hoped to do only the law to love God; but Jesus disappointed him by saying that he need to love God and men, including the poor, the widow, and the neighbour).
Rom 8:1-5 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.  (3)  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:  (4)  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  (5)  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
2Co 3:6-9 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.
This is another reason why hyper grace people dread to preach too much about the law of God, the Ten Commandments, or the law of Christ (Probably they hope to do only one law - ie. the law of 'grace' or the law of effortless 'metanoia').

God will not only tell us to do more; but do it better
We should delight in the word, the principle, the law, and the doctrine of God; not in the 'effortless' law or doctrine of the false prophets. When we say we truly delight in the law of God, we will do more and do it better; not just do it hypocritically or confess it verbally. This principle or law is confirmed consistently throughout all the words and teaching of Jesus Christ too:
Mat 5:27-47 KJV  Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:  (28)  But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.  (29)  And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell .. .. (42) Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.  (43)  Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  (44)  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;  (45)  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.  (46)  For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?  (47)  And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?  (48)  Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
False prophets will twist it and tell you to think otherwise or do otherwise as they will take out a Bible verse eg. Mat 5:29 and lie to you that it is impossible for you to keep any law of God, and therefore, it is not the will of God for you to do any law.

We are not saved by obedience; but without obedience we cannot be saved
Of course, we can preach and stress that we are not saved by obedience; we are saved by grace. We are not saved by obedience, by good works, by law, by doctrine, by love, by the Bible, or even by the Holy Spirit; but, we can certainly say that we are saved:
a. to have obedience,
b. to have good works,
c. to have the law of God,
d. to have sound doctrine,
e. to have the love of God,
f. to have the good words of God,
g. and to have the Holy Spirit
What if we see someone living without the proof or the fruit of the Holy Spirit? Can we say that he is not saved? Yes, of course. That's exactly what Jesus told us in Mat 7:15-23. By the fruit of the Holy Spirit in him or by his bad fruit or false doctrine, we can tell if he is saved or not saved. Similarly, if we see someone living without the proof or the fruit of obedience, good works, law of God, sound doctrine, love of God .. etc, we can say that he is not saved too.
Rom 7:22-23 KJV  For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:  (23)  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
1Th 4:1-3 KJV  Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.  (2)  For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.  (3)  For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication ..
2Ti 2:4 KJV  No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
Heb 11:6 KJV  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hence, false prophets will never want us to please God; they will preach anything, any doctrine, any effortless philosophy, any lawlessness, or any 'hyper-grace' which does not please God.

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K144. Two types of walking or covenant

Most of us agree that there are two types of 'walking':
1. Walking under the Old Testament ie. walking by the law of Moses and the commands of the Prophets
2. Walking under the New Testament ie. walking by the grace of Jesus and the doctrine of the Apostles
In summary, we can put it in a simple chart:

   Old Testament            New Testament
  Law and Prophets      Grace (gospel) and Doctrine

Today we are no more under the Old Testament, but we can see from the Old Testament that there is the law and there are the prophets. Similarly, we do not have the gospel only (like Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John); we have the Acts and the letters of the Apostles which are the doctrine too. The doctrine consists of the commands, instructions, and principles which we must do and practise; they are not sermon scripts just for confessing, analysing, or debating (between the law and grace).

The Law and Grace are both the gifts of God
Since they are the gifts of God, we can never work for them because they are both given. They were given by God, but through Moses and Jesus Christ:
Joh 1:17 KJV  For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ
a. From the law, the Israelites would then have the law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets (like Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, .. etc. They were written based on the laws and commands of Moses)
b. Similarly, from grace or the gospel, the believers of Jesus Christ would now have the law of Christ or the doctrine of Christ which is written in the letters of the Apostles (Acts, Romans, Corrinthians, Galatians, Peters, James, and Johns). The letters were written based on the words and teaching of Jesus Christ; not based on the teaching of Paul. In fact, Paul wrote his letters based on the teaching of Jesus Christ. Hence, if we find conflicts between the gospel that Jesus preached and Paul preached, we should take the gospel that Jesus preached. Very likely the conflicts arose because we could not understand Paul; so, we should just go back to the gospel of Jesus Christ and simply keep His commandments.

Grace without doctrine is not grace
Now please think, Did God split the Old Testament into the law and the prophets and tell the Israelites to walk according to the law only? No.
Similarly, God would not split the New Testament into the gospel and doctrine and tell us to walk according to grace only! Notice that Jesus always mention the law and the prophets together? He did not split the law and the prophets, neither did He tell us to split grace and doctrine. Many still argue, "But Grace is not a doctrine. Grace is Jesus Christ. Grace can teach us so we can live without any need for sound doctrine." I will tell them, Yes, grace came from Jesus; but grace is not Jesus. Even if grace is Jesus, Jesus would not tell us to cast away His doctrine or commandments. Grace and doctrine are always together in the teaching of the New Testament. Casting away His doctrine is like casting away the words of Jesus and listening only to the false prophets. Without the doctrine of God, false prophet can tell you:
a. that they listen to grace only, and
b. so you must listen only to them
That is the oldest and most brilliant strategy when the serpent, the dragon, the beast, the frogs, and the false prophets would tell you to listen to them only:
Gen 3:4 KJV  And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
Tit 2:1-12 KJV  But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine .. (10) Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.  (11)  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,  (12)  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Grace without the doctrine or law of God is not the grace of God; it would be the 'grace' of the serpent or the frogs:

Both the law and grace have God's commandments
Today we are not under the law to follow the teaching or the law of Moses; we are under grace to follow the teaching or the law of Christ. However, do we realise that both the teaching of Moses and the teaching of Jesus are not totally different. They both have the law and commandment of God! The difference is:
a. how the law and commandment is given? one is by Moses; the other by Jesus
b. how the law and commandment is written? one is written on the stone; the other on the heart
c. how the law and commandment is obeyed? one is obeyed through the external flesh, circumcision, and outward effort; the other through the Spirit of Christ in the heart
d. how law and commandment is understood? .. applied? ..
We can keep asking questions and try to differentiate between the law and grace, but we can never deny that the law and grace are both from God, they are good, and they are not 'enemies' to each other. The real enemy is lawlessness. When the Apostles told us not to keep the law of Moses or the teaching of Moses, they did not tell us to reject it as the enemy of God; they told us to 'grow out' of it. They knew that the law of Moses or the teaching of Moses would no longer be effective when Jesus came. However, they still showed that keeping the law and commandment of God is still valid up till today:
Act 15:5 KJV  But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
Act 15:24-29 KJV  Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:  (25)  It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul .. (29)  That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
Eph 6:1-3 KJV  Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.  (2)  Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)  (3)  That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
If we want long life, we don't listen to the serpent or the false prophets; we listen to God; but how do we listen to God if we do not have any of God's commandment? Hence, we must still walk with God's commandment if we are really walking in the Spirit of God; we do not walk in ignorance to God's words, doctrine, and commandments. Those who want to just walk in the Spirit and reject God's commandments can never really walk with God. They have walked out of the will of God. Oh, I have almost forgotten, there is a third type of 'walking'.
1. Walking under the Old Testament
2. Walking under the New Testament
3. Walking out of His will

Ironically, like the prodigal son or Adam, many do not know that they have walked so far and so fast (without God's commandments) that they have walked out of His will.

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K143. Do we still walk with God's commandments?

Many claim that we should only walk with the Lord, walk in the Spirit, Walk in wisdom, walk by the 'flow', or walk by the 'rhema' teaching of a certain anointed preacher. However, they have forgotten, walking with the Lord is simply walking after His commandments or walking in His will (having been restored to walk with God again).
Exo 25:22 KJV  And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.
Deu 8:6 KJV  Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.
2Jn 1:6 KJV  And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
Rom 8:1 KJV  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Gen 3:8 KJV  And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
God's words said it so clearly: If we have His commandments, we will commune with Him and walk with Him. But if we do not keep His commandments, we will hide from Him, and then we will walk in the flesh or walk like the fallen Adam. Hence, walking in the flesh is the reverse of walking in the Spirit or walking with the commandments of God. If there is no commandment from God, men cannot walk with God or commune with God; men can only hear from the imagination of their hearts or the doctrine of the false prophets:
Jer 16:11-12 KJV  Then shalt thou say unto them, Because your fathers have forsaken me, saith the LORD, and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshipped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law;  (12)  And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me:
Jud 1:18-19 KJV  How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.  (19)  These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

Walking with God's commandments vs walking with our own excuses
Hence, many who walk without God's commandment will walk after their own imagination or excuses. Their excuses for not walking with God's commandments can be almost inexhaustible. Many have come up with the following excuses:

1. that God had no plan to give any commandment to the Israelites until they boasted and said that they could obey all the commandments (Exo 19:7-8)?
I will tell them, That is not true. Please read Exo 19:7-8 again. Do you notice that God had already laid His words and commandments before their faces, even before they asked for the commandments ?
Exo 19:7-8 KJV  And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him.  (8)  And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.
Hence, it is always the will of God to give His commandments (not just word of promises) to men from the very beginning, even before man rebelled (Gen 2:16-17). His will never change. Hence, if anyone tries to change it, remove it, or preaches against it, God will reject him even though he may have done many good things:
Mat 7:15-24 KJV Beware of false prophets, which come to you .. (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:
Jesus said that many (not a few) will deny Him even though they argue vehemently that they hear, preach, or confess His name:
a. They could have denied Him by rejecting His logos words or written words
b. They could have lied by rejecting His words saying that they heard a voice, a sound, a 'chime', a small inner prompting, or a rhema revelation which can fit only their own doctrine or imagination
c. They are the false prophets who have rejected God's words because they lied and twisted God's words with their own words. When they always tell you that "God told me in a special dream .. ", "God said to me in a special vision ..", "God spoke to me in a special anointing", "God has a special word or blessing for you this year .." .. and etc, beware! It could be a strategy to get the people to believe that they are the 'anointed'.
Mat 24:23-26 KJV  Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ (anointed), 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.

2. that Jesus preached against walking with God's commandments with the metaphors of plucking out your eye and cutting off your hand?
I will say, That is not true too because it contradicts what Jesus said when He told the disciples to keep His words and commandments which came from His Father.
Joh 14:24-31 KJV  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 .. (31) But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

3. that the Apostles did not want the believers to keep any law or commandment?
I will tell them, Yes, the Apostles did tell the believers not to keep the law; but they did not tell them to reject God's commandments. When the Apostles told the believers not to keep 'the law', they did not refer to the law in general (eg. the law of the country, the law of the society, or the law of God); they refer to 'the law' which is known only by the Jews. Please pay attention to 'the law' that the Apostles would warn the people about in Act 15:5-6, Act 15:24, Rom 2:25, and Gal 6:13. The believers were told not to keep 'the law' because the Apostles did not want the Gentile believers to be burdened by the law, requirement, and circumcision known and practiced only by the Jews under the law of Moses. It is not equivalent to the rejection of all the laws and commandments of God. I have explained about it in K140.

4. that since no one can really keep all the commandments, we do not need to keep any commandment?
I will tell them, That is an excuse. It is like saying: "Since no one can really obey, we do not need to obey", "Since no one can really be humble, we do not need to be humble", "Since no one is honest, no need to be honest ..", "Since no one is doing it, we don't do it .." That is not true. That is the most irresponsible thinking or teaching from a lawless preacher. It is from the principle of the flesh; not the principle of God. The sinners lie and lust, and they would say among themselves, "Since all of us do the same things and we can never change, we do not change." But do we, the believers, say the same things among ourselves too. No. However, many lawless preachers will mock at the teaching of Christ as the doctrine of amputation theatre and say, "The believers lie and lust too. Do you ask them to pluck out their eyes and cut off their limbs too? No wonder, your churches are filled with the lame and the one-eyed jacks."
I will tell them, Yes, I will take it as a compliment, and we are not ashamed to believe that the metaphor is applicable to the sinners and the broken people like us because:
1. it was taught as a METAPHOR by JESUS on the pursue for holiness
2. it was SERIOUSLY taught as a metaphor to the DISCIPLES and followers, not the Pharisees or unrepentant sinners
3. it can still be taught as a GODLINESS STANDARD to all the believers who believe and are serious about going to heaven today
4. the metaphor must be interpreted as a metaphor; otherwise it shows the stupidity of the preachers, or the hearers (refer to https://plus.google.com/103386467367636094616/posts/FUg75zhD4ye)
Mat 5:1-30 KJV  And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:  (2) And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,  (3)  Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven .. .. (28) But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.  (29)  And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.  (30)  And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

5. that the sermon and the doctrine of the Lord in Mat 5:1-30 is not for the New Testament believers?
I will tell them, That is not true. If you read His sermon again, you will know that His high expectation for the believers not to sin is for all His disciples; not just for the Jews who were under the law. If you really hear Jesus only, you would hear and preach His words.
Some may still argue, "No, you have misunderstood us because we still keep the high standard of godliness by telling our believers not to sin or watch pornography. Most of our believers can testify that they have stopped watching pornography. So please do not falsely accuse us as irresponsible preachers." I will ask them, If you would expect your believers not to sin or watch pornography, why do you preach that the sermon or the doctrine of the Lord is obsolete and impractical? Do you think that your doctrine is more relevant, practical, or better than the doctrine of the Lord?
The doctrine of the Lord is still practical if we know that his extreme illustration of plucking your eyes in Mat 5 is a metaphorical way of how we must stop sinning and pursue godliness.

6. that if we walk with grace, we cannot walk with  commandments?
I will tell them, That is an excuse. Grace is not a gift of God to remove or replace another gift of God; grace is a gift of God to preserve, keep, protect, or establish the law of God in His people:
Tit 2:11-14 KJV  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,  (12)  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  (13)  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  (14)  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Heb 8:10 KJV  For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
Hence, the grace of God which brings salvation must teach with the law of God or sound doctrine too. Otherwise, it is not from God. The Bible verses above are for the believers because after:
a. we hear and we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ,
b. we must walk, be sustained, and be established by the law, word, and doctrine of God for good words and works
Mat 4:4 KJV  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
2Th 2:17 KJV  Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
Jesus had spoken the truth that is: (although we are not saved by the word or the law of God) we cannot live without the word. It is not just hearing the word; but doing the word also. Hence, TRUE SALVATION is when we:
a. hear the word of His grace, and
b. walk with the word of His commandments
However, many would just hear the word of grace, but walk in the lawless philosophies of the false prophets:
Act 20:29-32 KJV  For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.  (30)  Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.  (31)  Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.  (32)  And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Col 3:16-17 KJV  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  (17)  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Many claim that they hear Jesus only. But do they really hear or do they only hear like king Saul? Why did Jesus tell us to 'hear' twice:
Luk 8:8 KJV  And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
It was not a repetition. Jesus did not want the people to hear with their ears only; He wanted them to hear with their hearts too. This could only be done from an understanding heart, fruitful heart, or obedient heart; in another words, the heart must be an obedient heart which is 'soft' to the word and law of God; otherwise, they will hear and hear (with their ears), but they will still not hear (with understanding) !
1Ki 3:12-15 KJV  Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart ..  (14) And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days ..
Mat 13:14-15 KJV  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: ..
Many false preachers today would tell you to keep hearing the 'rhema' word of God (or the voice of God) from them; but what they won't tell you is that: When their 'rhema' word cannot work in your situation, you must go back to the 'logos' word, the written words, or the commandments of God.

7. that walking with God is just walking with a good opinion of God or having the consciousness that God is good?
I will tell them, That is not true. The Pharisee had a good opinion of God and thought that they would be justified, but Jesus did not think so:
Luk 18:10-14 KJV  Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  (11)  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  (12)  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  (13)  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.  (14)  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Today many can sing and confess the name of the Lord with their lips; but their hearts are far away from Him. They argue, "How can it be possible? Don't you know that we are the believers? we are forever saved?"
I will tell them, It is possible because the Bible said so. When you do not have the law of God in your hearts, whatever you confess or do is based on your vain doctrine or lawless philosophies of men. You may even do great things; but they are abomination in His eyes:
Mat 7:22-23 LITV  Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many works of power?  (23)  And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; "depart from Me, those working lawlessness!"
Mat 15:5-9 KJV  But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;  (6)  And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.  (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 7:6-8 KJV  He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.  (7)  Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.  (8)  For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

8. that washing of pots and cups can do better than keeping the commandments of God?
I will tell them, That is an abomination. Jesus used the metaphor of the 'washing of pots and cups' to describe the deeds of the Pharisees as merely their outward effort, work, or tradition to show off and justify themselves. They went through the ceremony and the motion without really obeying God's commandments. If the Pharisees used the things like the washing of 'pots and cups' to replace God's commandments, the false prophets would use anything to replace God's commandments too. They will use 'the bread and the cup' to lay aside the commandments of God thereby taking the Holy Communion in an 'unworthily' manner:
1Co 11:24-32 KJV  And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me .. .. (27)  Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord .. .. (29)  For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.  (30)  For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.  (31)  For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.  (32)  But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
Thinking or changing the purpose of taking the bread and the cup as something merely to gratify our lawless conscience and desires is taking it unworthily. Instead of thinking and knowing that it is the sacrifice of God or the body of Jesus, many think of it merely as a thing, a commodity, or a merchandise for their carnal flesh, or an excuse for their lawless conscience, thereby removing the sacrifice of God for themselves. That is an abomination worse than the washing of 'pots and cups' by the Pharisees. It could be as abominable as the one committed by king Belshazzar and his men:
Dan 5:1-6 KJV  Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand .. (3)  Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.  (4)  They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.  (5)  In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.  (6)  Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.
King Belshazzar and his princes were having good fun and doing fine initially when they drank wine and boasted about the 'God' of their wealth, their armies, their power, their pleasures, their prosperity, their riches, their jobs, their business, their houses, or their temple. However, things suddenly turned bizarre when they saw a finger writing on the wall.
Obviously Belshazzar and his princes were a type of the dragon and beasts in the book of Revelation too. They corrupted the things of God (or the things used for the sacrifices of God) in their palace. But nothing is more abominable when that is done by the beast of the Revelation 13 in God's temple later (in the body of Christ). The 'cup' in God's temple is a metaphor of God's redemption for us. When we fill His 'cup' with our vain imagination or lawless desires , we will contaminate it with our own abomination. That will remove the daily sacrifice of God for ourselves too. Daniel prophesied about the abomination and the fallen king Belshazzar; do we know that he prophesied about the abomination and the fallen 'kings' later in Dan 11 and 12 too? That is also the prophecy of Jesus for the end time churches too:
Dan 11:31 KJV  And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.
Dan 12:9-11 KJV  And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.  (10)  Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.  (11)  And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
Mat 24:14-15 KJV  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:)
Mar 13:14 KJV  But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
Rev 22:10-12 KJV  And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.  (11)  He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.  (12)  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

9. that walking in wisdom is to prosper in everything and that is the highest blessing for all the believers?
I will tell them, No, that is not true. When John told his children that they might prosper, he did not say that it was his number one wish:
3Jn 1:2-4 KJV  Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.  (3)  For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.  (4)  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
John's number one wish for his children was not just to walk in prosperity; but to walk in truth or walk in the commandments of God. However, it is a pity to know that many preachers' number one wish for their 'children' now is just to walk in prosperity. They can only see one prosperity Bible verse and become blind to all the letters of John:
1Jn 1:6 KJV  If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
2Jn 1:6  And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
1Jn 2:3-8 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.  (8)  Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.
1Jn 3:22-24 KJV  And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.  (23)  And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.  (24)  And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
1Jn 5:2-3 KJV  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.  (3)  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
It is clear to us that to walk in wisdom and walk with the Lord is to keep His commandments.

Excuses can be a form of serious rebellion
The nine excuses above are just some of the most common ones preached by some of the hyper grace preachers. However, if a preacher twists the words of God, Jesus, and the Apostles with all the excuses above, and change the word of the warnings in Jud 1:4, Heb 6:4-6, Heb 10:26-29, 1 John 1:9, .. and etc, he will lie on almost everything, including his conscience, his miracles, his men, his pasts, his childhood, his testimonies, and his weaknesses. In another words, he is not just a small liar who will exaggerate and make others misunderstand or feel jealous of him; he is a great liar who has seared conscience, and he would keep using the scripture to deceive, distract, and confuse the believers. He is doing what he is doing now because of the seared conscience which cannot be convicted by even the Holy Spirit (1Ti 4:1, 2Th 2:5-12). I have explained about it in K142.
The nine excuses above are not just misunderstanding or ignorance; they are rebellion, doctrine of lawlessness, or serious offense against God's doctrine and principles of His laws and the law of Christ.
Some preachers today are worst than the religious sinners outside the churches. When they find that they do not like the law of God, they will just blame it as evil, as the bondage, as the demand, as the hindrance which will rob them of their desires, or as something which is too grievous for them; however, when they suffer for the lack of law and order in their country, they will just blame the world, the leaders, the legalistic, the companies, the devils, the terrorists, or the churches. Similarly when Adam and Eve were deceived to think that the law was not meant for their good, they rebelled. But when they suffered and they were judged, they immediately shift the blame to the  serpent.
Today many still blame others. They argue vehemently that they have been condemned, misunderstood, or falsely accused as the antinomian preachers. They argue that they have only preached against the Ten Commandments; not God's commandments. I will tell them, No, God's preachers have not misunderstood you having known that your lawless excuses, imaginations, examples, or typologies are carefully planned and intended preaching against all the laws and commandments of God, not just against the Ten Commandments only. If you have preached the denials or excuses against God's commandments above, it is hard to believe that you have been misunderstood. It is one thing to preach ignorantly against God's commandments; but it another to preach radically against God's commandments and then give people the idea that you have been falsely accused by God's preachers. If king Saul was judged or punished for his ignorance of God's commandment, how much more sorer will your punishment be if you plot or scheme against God's commandment:
1. to exalt yourselves above all others
2. to falsely accuse God's preachers or God's prophets
3. to justify the removal of the Ten Commandments, but subtly making all the words or commandments of God of none effect too
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 15:5-6 KJV  But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;  (6)  And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition (Do you notice that the commandment of God is the word of God? It is still the word of God and it cannot become obsolete.)
Mat 7:12 KJV  Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Mat 22:37-40 KJV  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God .. (39)  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  (40)  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

The law and the prophets will not pass away forever
It means that all commandments of the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah) hang or cram into the two commandments (Jesus Christ):
Luk 9:29-31 KJV  And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.  (30)  And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:  (31)  Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.
Luk 16:16-17 KJV  The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.  (17)  And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
Men may fail; but the law of God never fail. The Law or the Word is now a Spirit in men after it is accomplished and fulfilled through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Hence, the death of Jesus Christ does not signify the death of the law and the prophets; it signifies a new chapter for the law of God to rule in men's lives. Do we remember the two olive trees in the book of Revelation? They were known as the two candlesticks, the two witnesses, or the two prophets of the Lord too:
Rev 11:3-4 KJV  And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.  (4)  These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
Rev 11:9-11 KJV  And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.  (10)  And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.  (11)  And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
The people of the world wished them dead, but they came alive and ascended up to heaven in a cloud. It mirrored the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ too. However, I notice a big difference between death of our Lord and the death of the two witnesses.
Rev 11:8-9 KJV  And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.  (9)  And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
While the Bible scholars are still debating on the actual physical location of 'Sodom and Egypt' in v(8) to decide if it is a place which can be identified in our map, I will just want to point out an interesting fact in the death of the two prophets: their bodies remained in the open for 3 1/2 day without being put in graves. This reminds me of the cross which could be the picture of them hanging there while the 'lawless world' was still rejoicing over their death. Hence, whenever I am reminded of an empty tomb, I will see an empty cross too. It is the cross which is now in us and we must still carry it daily because of what Jesus did on it to fulfill it:
Mat 10:38-42 KJV  And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.  (39)  He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.  (40)  He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.  (41)  He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.  (42)  And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward .. .. (11:1) And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.

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K141. The mystery of Godliness and the mystery of lawlessness

There are similarities and differences in both mysteries. I believe that:
1. the mark of godliness in a believer is the law of God in his heart (Heb 8:10), but
2. the mark of the beast in a fallen believer is the lawlessness of Satan
Hence, the mark of the beast will remove the law of God in a believer before it can become the mark of the beast in him:
Rev 12:17 KJV  And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Rev 14:11-12 KJV  And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.  (12)  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Hence, the reverse of godliness is lawlessness. It is because godliness has the law of God; but lawlessness does not have the law of God. I believe that we are ready to talk about the mystery of godliness (1Ti 3:16) and the mystery of lawlessness (2Th 2:7) now.

A. What is the Bible mystery about numbers?
Talking about the mystery of lawlessness will lead us to study the meaning and typology of the numbers in the Bible too.
I must say that I am not against the teaching of the mystery in numerology. I love Bible mystery but I love the revelation or the interpretation of the mystery even more, not because it is dramatic or mysterious, but because it reveals the truth. We should always love the truth even if it is the 'boring' truth, plain truth, or simple truth. I am now thinking of two types of mysteries which false prophets or prosperity preachers have used to deceive the people of the churches:
1. Verse number as seed faith?
Will we prosper if we sow an 'Isaiah 54 :17 seed' with an amount of $54.17 according to the command, prayer, teaching, or instruction of a certain modern preachers or prosperity preachers? No, the truth is: There is no such seed, no such amount, and no such number when the Lord said it through the mouth of Isaiah. Verse numbers were written and added by men for easy referencing very much later. Verse numbers in the Bible have no significant meaning in the doctrine of Jesus Christ too. However, verse number has clearly become a mercantile tool, theory, or system which some modern preachers or false prophets would use to deceive the foolish or illiterate believers (including the 'poor' and miserable widows) into parting with their hard earned money in a mysterious and pseudo-biblical faith manner. The tactics of the false prophets today are similar to that of the Pharisees who oppressed and deceived the widows in the past. The difference is that the Pharisees had to deceive many more widows to give them the same amounts that are being given to false prophets today. The similarity is that many 'rich widows and widowers' (who gave) thought that they have given to God or to the church under grace, under the covenant, or under the will of God. Giving with the intention or the 'seed' to prosper under a Bible verse number (like 54.17), a biblical favourite number (like 555), or a gorgeous Bible architecture (like a church building) is nothing more than the practice of many Gentiles who believe in prosperity through their auspicious number (like 888 or 999) or golden idols.  
2. Verse number as protection?
Can we become more protected if we memorize, meditate, or confess Psalm 91:1 or Psalm 91:11 on September 11? No, besides the truth that the Bible referencing is not part of God's words, it is not even a Bible doctrine or theology for God to protect us when we memorize the number. Our trust in God's protection is not based on just a certain Bible verse or a few Bible verses. Jesus told us that the correct basis on how we live by the words of God is not by a few Bible verses; it is by every word of God, including His commandment:
Mat 4:4 KJV  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Interestingly, the devil quoted Psalm 91:11 to Jesus too when the devil wanted Jesus to just meditate, think, and confess only Psalm 91:11
Mat 4:6 KJV  And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Psa 91 :11-12 KJV  For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.  (12)  They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

B. What is the Bible mystery about sin or lawlessness?
The meaning and the study of sin is a mystery too. No one can really tell where did sin come from? It is still a mystery in the word of God to many. The Bible calls it the mystery of lawlessness. It is a hidden mystery to men until the time is due for it to be revealed. However, Satan will use the mysteries of God words to blind the people from knowing and admitting their sins and distract them from pursuing God or godliness. In fact, the mystery about sins and godliness has already been revealed to us, but to the blind, it will still remain as mystery to them:
1. The mystery of godliness in Christ: - 1Ti 3:16 KJV  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Eph 3:3-6 KJV  How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,  (4)  Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)  (5)  Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;  (6)  That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel ..
2. The mystery of lawlessness in the lawless one - 2Th 2:3-11 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 .. (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," ..

C. What is the mystery of the titles and names
If Jesus Christ is the Word who came in the flesh, then the lawless one is very likely the beast who came or who will come in the flesh. There are stunning 'similarities' (differences) between the mystery of godliness in Christ and the mystery of lawlessness in the beast.

1. Both mysteries have been revealed to the Apostles (Eph 3:5, 2Th 2:6-7) and will be revealed to everyone in the end time.

2. Both have the titles which all men will see
Joh 19:19-22 KJV  And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.  (20)  This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.  (21)  Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.  (22)  Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.
a. The title and name of Jesus was put on the cross, but
b. The title and name of the beast will be splashed on the computers, hand phones, and wall screens across all the cities, cinemas, churches, and countries too. This was impossible 2000 years ago or even after the invention of the computers; but it is now possible with the internet. Unknown to some ignorant believers, many churches have already used the cinemas and commercial networks to show live telecast preaching of their favourite 'superstar' pastors from the pulpits. When John wrote about the crucifixion and the titles of Jesus in John 19, he wrote from what he knew and what he saw. It was history. However, when he wrote about the beast in the Revelation and how the people will respond to the titles and the names of the beast, it was a prophecy.
Rev 13:16-17 KJV  And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:  (17)  And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Many believers and even the non-believers think that the beast will force his mark onto the foreheads or hands of the people. However, please think, Will God judge the people because they are forced to receive his mark? No, God is fair. God did not judge Adam because he was forced to take the fruit too. God judged him because he took it on his own accord when he listened to the serpent. When he listened to the serpent instead of listening to God's command, he loosed the glory of God. Similarly, God will not judge us because we are forced to take the mark of the beast too; God will judge us if we take the mark of the beast or listen to the beast instead of listening to Him and His commandments. When we listen to the beast, we will become lawless and fall like Adam again. Hence, the beast is not likely a dictator; but a deceiver or a tempter like the serpent. He is sent by the dragon to tempt mainly the believers. He is not a tyrant, a mad politician, or an IT pervert ; but a preacher or a false prophet. Hence, the mark of the beast is not just a micro chip or a number which is given to us; it is what the beast will put on our minds or into our lives, that blasphemes and rebels against God. It is not the micro chip; it is what is behind the micro chip. It is not what is seen; it is what is unseen!

3. Both have the great titles and names
Jesus has the titles of king and God. Initially the Jews thought of the title of the king as a mockery, until it was put on the cross and they were shocked to find out that it was more than the title of a king. Some Bible scholars believe that, when the titles were written in Hebrew, the initial alphabet of each letter formed the Hebrew name of 'God' or YHVH (יהוה). The Pharisees demanded that it should be changed. But Pilate said, "What's written is written". In another words, it was quite a hassle to change it once it was written and displayed to everyone.
However, the beast has the titles and names of men (666).
Rev 13:18 KJV  Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
I believe that, when the beast adopted or changed his names, nobody paid attention to it. But when he starts to rise, take power, or become more lawless, many pastors are shocked to find out that they have been fooled by the beast who has the title and names of a man. But it could be too late. Many churches could have become so badly divided that most pastors have no choice but to continue the 'lawless' propaganda to keep the churches under control.

4. Both have a 'spiritual' father
Jesus has God the Father, but the beast has Satan as the father:
Rev 13:1-12 KJV  And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.  (2)  And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority .. (11) And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.  (12)  And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
We notice that there were TWO beasts in Rev 13 - the first beast with ten horns and the second beast with two horns. I believe that
1. the first beast is a 'lawless' SPIRIT (Rev 13:1-2) -  it could also be a collective and figurative 'WORD' which summarizes the characteristics of many rising kingdoms, kings, and men who are lawless, rebellious, boastful, manipulative, influential, anointed, and deceitful.
2. the second beast is a 'lawless' MAN (Rev 13:11) - it could be the lawless 'WORD' or the spirit which will finally come in the flesh with great titles, names, and numbers of a man. Hence, he will be visible to all men when he starts to rise up and he will gain the most impact and respect from men who will rebel against God under his title and name. Like Jesus, he may have a dramatic eventful childhood life which already spells his destiny. However, he begins to indulge in the full 'ministry of lawlessness and pseudo repentance' only when he is an adult, and he 'speaks to kill'.
Rev 13:15-18 KJV  And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.  (16)  And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:  (17)  And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.  (18)  Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Do you notice that the Bible uses 'he' instead of 'it' to describe him? Hence, the Bible shows clearly that the beast who tries to give his mark desperately to the believers is not a thing or a monster, not a computer, not a company or a corporation; but a man. Unknown to many ignorant believers, he is a 'killer' of God's life in the believers; not the 'killer' of God's life in the sinners (because the sinners do not have God's life or God's Spirit, and the beast knows that the sinners will all join him in the lake of fire regardless of whether they receive his mark or not).
Now question: Why did the Bible tell us that the beast could speak life into the image, and then they BOTH speak in Rev 13:15. Hitler could never do that and king Nero did not do it too. How could it be possible? Honestly I could never understand how it was possible many years ago before the projection screens were used in many churches. However, it still took me quite a while to understand it many years after the churches had started to use the projection screens, until one day I saw a pastor suddenly turned back to face the image of himself on the projection screen, spoke to himself before the congregation, and shouted, "Preach it,  Pastor ! Preach it, Pastor !" Oops, I almost fell off from my chair while the rest of the congregation still laughed and enjoyed his silly jokes. But I knew immediately how the beast and his image BOTH speak and cause many to 'die' in Rev 13:15, irregardless of whether the people will worship or do not worship his image. However, his image is still a mystery to me as the Bible said that it "had the wound by a sword, and did live". Was it referring to his past, or his another identity in occultism before he came to know Christianity, or his another identity before he switched to become more evil? I do not know.
Many who want to deny and dispute would still ask, "How about Rev 13:13? If he is the beast, he must call fire to come down in the sight of everyone too. We should get to the bottom of it .."
Rev 13:13  And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men ..
I will tell them, If you want to get to the bottom of it, then let us get to the bottom of it. If the beast must call down fire from heaven, then King Nero could never be the beast because he could never call down fire from heaven. He could only put fire on the heads of the persecuted Christians and made them into torches to illuminate his palace. Probably Hitler could almost do it when he ordered his airplanes to rain down the missiles and bombs. But I think false prophets could do it better in the sight of men with their videos, prayers, and IT experts. I have seen preachers praying and preaching about curses (or double curses) on those who disagree with their 'ministries' and 'miracles'. I have even seen videos repeatedly showing fires and curses coming down on Jesus in a dramatic 'Horriwood' style in the sight of men! They may portray the picture proudly and successfully as a highly attractive, exciting, imaginative, and creative art to everyone; but it is a false, dramatic, and perverted presentation of His death. We know that Jesus was crucified on the cross; not burned on the cross. If He was a picture of blood sacrifice or burnt offering to God, it was once and for all. But He is now a picture of an empty tomb or empty cross. It is not necessary to show the 'bloody and gory' picture again. However, many lawless people love to see the Lord being 'burned' or 'mutilated' dramatically again and again. While some believers might think that everyone would appreciate, honor, and watch it with tears, sorrows, and crying, I think Satan would only laugh at our ignorance and enjoy each reenacting of the Lord's death in details. If you tell me that Hitler is the beast, I will tell you that Hitler could only be a little 'puppy' compared to the real beast who can mutilate men's bodies and take away their souls.
Heb 6:4-6  For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,  (5)  And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,  (6)  If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
What does the words "fall away" above means? It means that once they were God's chosen ones; but now they are the fallen ones.
Today our eyes and minds are bombarded by many videos and pictures that can be easily accessible from the media. They can now become the main source of our encouragement or abomination; they can be the truth or deception too. We can judge for ourselves. Just for reference (on how images or videos can be used to capture or create the great miracles and wonders at the sight of men), see also: http://citizen.co.za/786990/video-prophet-bushiri-walks-on-air/ and https://youtu.be/s7uXnOr1isE
Jesus said,  "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." (Joh 7:24). It means that we do not always judge by what we see; but by what the Lord said. Hence, I believe that Jesus wants us to judge; however, when we judge, we must judge wisely and righteously with His words, not foolishly, blindly, or deceitfully with our lies or twisted words. Sometimes, we may need to judge boldly without any fear of men to save our loved ones from the trap of the serpent, the dragon, the beast, or the 'frogs' (Rev 16:13) too.

5. Both have the power to work miracles
Of course, the power of the beast is lying power; not God's power.
2Th 2:9-11 KJV  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:
Many will still ask, "Why do you think that the beasts are 'anointed'?" I will tell them, They are the 'kings'; but they are not the political kings that we know in the world. They are considered kings because they are 'anointed' and they have great influence on many people and nations. John considered himself as the 'king and priest' too (Rev 1:6, 5:10). Hence, the beast and the kings in Rev 13 could be the anointed 'kings and priests' who reign on the earth, but they are actually the false prophets. They may vehemently argue that they preach Jesus only; but they preach a different 'Jesus'. They may show that they are the anointed; but they are actually the false christs who preach, bless, heal, prosper, and reign under the spirit of the beast. They 'speak to kill'.
Rev 5:10 KJV  And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Many will still ask, "How about the horns or the crowns on the heads of the beasts? What are they?" I will tell them, This has been explained by the angel (Rev 17:12): The 7 heads of the beast depicts the 7 kingdoms with 10 kings. The crowns on the horns will show that the horns are the kings. By contrast, the dragon which also has 7 heads and 10 horns had the crown on its heads instead of on its horns  (Rev 12:3). I believe that the dragon might rule or control 10 kingdoms with 7 kings instead. If you ask me, "Who are the dragon's 7 kings, and who are the beast's 10 kings?", I do not have the answer but I can answer and say that the dragon controls the kings and the kingdoms of the world, but the beast controls the 'kings' and the 'priests' of the fallen churches. And, hence, the two horns on the head of the second beast could mean the rise of two 'kings' from two 'kingdoms' or two fallen churches too. I immediately remember the Lord's prophecy of the abomination of desolation in Mat 24:15. The desolation was mentioned in Dan 11:31-32 and Dan 12:11. Many Bible scholars believe that it was the prophecy about the desolation which will come after the battle between two political kings or kingdoms: one from the North, and the other from the South. But I believe that it is the desolation which will come after the battle between two 'spiritual kings', two competition, two revolutions, two gospels, or two abominations in the fallen churches: one is from the north, and the other is in the south.

6. Both have the crowns
Jesus had a crown with many thorns, but the beast had many horns with a crown on each horn. Jesus did not sin, and therefore, he kept all the laws and commandments of God, but the beast would not only speak blasphemies against God, it would think of blasphemies and lawlessness against God too. Its ten horns and ten crowns will rise from its heads where blasphemies are 'written'. They are clearly the display, glory, tools, kings, and kingdoms of its blasphemies against God and God's commandments.
Joh 19:4-5 KJV  Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.  (5)  Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!
Rev 13:1-2 KJV  And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.  (2)  And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
Hence, the believers, and the followers of Jesus Christ, who keep God's commandments will keep the Ten Commandments (Rev 12:17); but the beast(s) who have the ten horns and ten crowns will keep speaking and thinking of great things, blasphemies, lawlessness, or freedom from His law. He will blaspheme against God, against His name, and against His tabernacle (which is the body of Christ comprising His people, His watchmen, and His prophets):
Rev 13:5-8 KJV  And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.  (6)  And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.  (7)  And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.  (8)  And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Many will worship him, admire him, or join him, but those who do so are not saved.

7. Both shocked the world with their titles and names
Joh 19:2-5 KJV  And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,  (3)  And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. ..  (5)  Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!
When Jesus was given the title of the King of the Jews by the Jews mockingly, no one was shocked. But when His title and name was put on the cross, it shocked all the Jews who knew the scripture. They realised that it was the sacred name of God. Similarly, when the beast received his title proudly in the church, no one suspected anything. But, when his title and name is splashed across the world, it will shock all the Christians who know the Bible. They will realise that it is not the title of God; but the title of the beast. They will count it and realise that it comprises the number of a man which forms the number 'man man man' or '666'. Six is understood as the number of man because man was created on the sixth day. However, unlike the title and name of Jesus which was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, the title and name of the beast that John saw was in English. Obviously John could never write it or spell it, but he could certainly count it by the number of the alphabets as: xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx. And he was probably told by the angel to indicate it and reveal it that both the number and the meaning of the names were from the names of the men too.
Rev 13:18 KJV  Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
(However, many argue that what John saw or counted was 600+60+6; not 666. Well, if that is the case, is it ok to just keep it as a mystery since no one can tell how John counted it? We do not know if John counted it with the help of an angel or with an ancient 'computer', or by using the Hebrew numerics, Greek numerics, Latin numerics, Roman numerics, or Arabic numerics, but we certainly know that he would want all of us to count it, and it should not be very difficult to count and know the name of the beast in our modern day's language or numerics even without any complicated computer system or hidden codes).
The Jews who called or gave Jesus the title wanted to change it when they realized their mistake after studying and understanding the alphabets of the name based on what they knew in their own language at that time, but it was too late. Pilate refused to do it because changing it would confirm it even more. Similarly, the beast or his church would like to change his title too, but it was too late. Changing it will create even more suspicion.
Some Bible scholars may dispute and say that we should never compute the number of the beast based on our reasoning, our assumption, or our modern day's language. I will tell them, If the Bible scholars can believe and assume that the title of Jesus on the cross written in the Hebrew comprised alphabets of 'God' or YHVH (יהוה), why can't we believe and assume that the title of the beast in today's language can comprise the number of the beast too.
1. The name of YHVH was a 'reasonable assumption' and interpretation  based on the Hebrew language without any Bible reference;
2. but the name of the beast was a 'reasonable assumption' and counting based on our today's language with Bible reference to Rev 13:18
Hence, if you ask me, "Can we accept reasonable assumption in Christianity?", I will say, Yes, I am open to it. However, if you say that you cannot accept any reasonable assumption or counting based on Rev 13:18, it is alright to me, but you should not accept any assumption, 'Holy Comm' fantasy, typology, number, or prophecy given without clear scriptural references too. Do not believe the beast who can give you more fantasy, number, or typology than what the scripture can show about himself. The beast might try to give us a different set of numeric or typology to confuse us and hide his name or identity again.

8. Both were struck by the armies but Jesus will win the final battle
a. Jesus was struck by the soldiers who blasphemed Him. They could be the armies from the beast who blasphemed God too.
Luk 22:64-71 KJV  And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?  (65)  And many other things blasphemously spake they against him ..
b. The beast was smitten by the armies of Christ
Rev 19:14-20 KJV And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. (15) And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. .. (19)  And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

9. Both have kings and priests
Jesus has kings and priests, but the beast has kings and false prophets. But the 'kings' are described in the Bible as the spiritual kings, not the political kings.
Rev 5:10  And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Rev 17:9-13  And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.  (10)  And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.  (11)  And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.  (12)  And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.  (13)  These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
The kings and priests of Jesus Christ have the mind of Christ, but the kings and priests of the beast have the mind of the beast. The angel said that the ten horns in the first beasts were the kings and kingdoms. I think that they might not be the real kings; they were the false prophets or religious leaders who possessed the mind of the beast. If that was true, the beasts which rose up with the two horns in Rev 13:11 could be the beast in the 'flesh' who will rise with the two 'kings' too. He could rise after the two 'kings' too. Do we remember that Jesus and Daniel showed us that the abomination of desolation came from the battle (or intense competition between two 'kings': one from the North and another from the South (Mat 24:15, Dan 11:31, Dan 12:11). Many Bible scholars wrote about it and showed us how this happened dramatically between two great kings or two great empires, however, no one can be pretty certain about who were the kings or which were the two empires. I think the Bible scholars should not rule out the possibility that it can also happen anywhere, now or in the future, and the two kings may not be the real kings. It could be a battle between two fallen kings or fallen religious leaders like the kings of Judah and Israel, or a battle between someone who is a pseudo king and someone who has only the name of the king. They might have so much intense fight or competition to win or to rise above one another that they brought the abomination of desolation to themselves or they became the (two) abominations themselves. This reminds me of the (two) abominations created by king Jeroboam from the north when he fought with king Rehoboam in the south:
1Ki 12:26-30 KJV  And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David:  (27)  If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah.  (28)  Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.  (29)  And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan.  (30)  And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.
From the Bible account above, we notice that the majority of the kings and the Israelites were religious, rebellious, superficial, and foolish, even though they had received the words and the Ten Commandments of God. Their focus was still on the flesh, and their aim was on the number of the people, the prosperity, the fame, or on the sight, sound, and power that they could get from a bigger crowd. It is sad to know that many pastors and believers today are still thinking and reasoning like the Israelites even though they have known the doctrine and commandments of Jesus Christ. I am open to TV shows, stage shows, fashion shows, talk shows, game shows, comedy shows, or magic shows to get bigger crowd to the churches; however, there must be a limit in the way we use them to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. For example, we do not do the strip shows, 'money' shows, 'get-rich' shows, or sensual shows in the churches. We should never use any kind of shows which appeal to the greedy self, sinful lust, lawless flesh, or boastful spirit, to attract more people.
Jud 1:16-23 KJV  These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.  (17)  But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;  (18)  How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.  (19)  These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit .. .. (22)  And of some have compassion, making a difference:  (23)  And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

10. Both were not recognized by men
Both are not keen to reveal their true identity for different purposes.
a. Jesus did not go around to boast about His Christ identity. When He was living on earth, He was not recognized as the Christ by many people, even His disciples. Only Peter could see Him as the Christ:
Mat 16:16-17  And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Mar 9:2-9  And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them ..  (9) And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.
b. The beast would not show his true identity too. He would keep promoting his 'godly' image before all men while still keeping his own lawless conscience secretly and deceiving many people to think that he was anointed or he was from God.
Rev 13:13-17  And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,  (14)  And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.  .. (16)  And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:  (17)  And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Today it is easy for everyone to make an image of him on his books, his websites, his TV broadcast, his CDs and DVDs, in his merchandise, souvenirs, T-shirts, and key chains, .. or on the posters of our buildings, offices, and homes, or on the wallpapers of all our handphones too.
Hence, the beast hates the law of God which reveals his true nature or his lawless conscience. The law of God will also remind him of his evil, his lying conscience, and his condemnation
Rom 2:15-16  Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)  (16)  In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
1Ti 1:5-7  Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:  (6)  From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;  (7)  Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
1Ti 4:1-2  Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;  (2)  Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
What is a seared conscience? It is a conscience which should know the conscience of sin but the person deliberately covered his conscience with his own lawless lies or deception. Hence, it is also a conscience which will slowly cause him to twist more and more words, doctrine, laws, or commandments of God to make himself feeling more and more comfy before God. To do it more convincingly to himself and the believers, he will stretch God's protection (of blood, grace, faith, Jesus' name, or whatever ..) to the extreme. However, his conscience is still evil in God sight not only because he has a wicked conscience; but because he has a godless, lawless, or rebellious conscience in God's eyes. Normally he could never repent (again) after he has known the words of God and deliberately seared his conscience with his lawless lies or deception.
Heb 6:4-6  For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,  (5)  And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,  (6)  If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

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