Should we have grace or the law of God in our minds?

Should we have grace or the law of God in our minds?
Of course, the law of God ! God says so. I don't care if radical grace or hyper grace preachers can convince us that they hear Jesus better or hear Jesus all the time; if God says that we should have the law of God in our minds, we will do and teach that we should think of His laws and have the His laws in our minds. It is what Jesus preached too:

• Heb 8:10-12 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:  (11)  And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.  (12)  For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Do we notice that when we have the laws of God in our mind, we do not need others to teach us, Know the Lord, Know the Lord ? We will all know Him. Did the words of God tell us not to teach the laws of God? No, His words say, And they shall not teach, Saying, Know the Lord. When we think of the laws of God or have the laws of God in our minds, God will be merciful to our unrighteousness, and our sins and our lawlessness will He remember no more. Hence, we don't think of grace, we think of God's laws. Of course, we can still think of God's grace, God's goodness, prosperity, peace, love, joy ... etc; but we must still have God's laws in our minds - it is His command.   


Should we just have good opinion of God, His forgiveness, and grace in our mind?
But Radical grace preachers would argue, "Of course, we must think of grace and His forgiveness only. If we have good opinion of God, God will have good opinion of us and forgive us all our past, present, and future sins. Thinking of the law will not help. It will not lead to repentance; but to the curse of sin. That' why Paul preached only the forgiveness of sin. See:

Act 26:18 KJV  To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Did you see any repentance from sins or things that you must do in repentance? Where? Where is repentance? Paul said, The more he think of the law and commandment not to sin, the more he sinned. Hence, Law has failed terribly. There should not be any law or repentance in our mind, in our sermon, in our preaching.. otherwise, we remind people about their sins or remind them to sin. We become the preachers of the law and condemnation like the Pharisees, we become the hypocrites.. "
I will tell them, Please go and read your Bible again, Did Paul say that the more we think of the law, the more we will sin?

• Rom 6:12-19 KJV  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  (13)  Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God... (19) I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
  Rom 7:21-25 KJV  I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.  (22)  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.  (24)  O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?  (25)  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Paul saw two laws working in the opposite direction in him: one is the law of sin and flesh which yields to unrighteousness, the other is the law of God which yield to righteousness and holiness. What was his decision and solution? So then with the mind, he would serve the law of God ! It means that he would delight in the law of God, think of the law of God, serve the law of God, and obey and yield to the law of God, whilst leave the law of sin in the flesh and put it to death through Christ. He would still want us to learn from the Old Testament people like king David or the Psalmist who thought and meditated on the laws of God: 

• Psa 1:1-3 KJV  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  (2)  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  (3)  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

We do not need to think of grace; we think of the laws of God
We know that most radical grace preachers would like to use the example of the adulterous woman in John 8:11 to prove that the Pharisees, law preachers, and those who teach the laws were hypocrites. I will ask the radical grace preachers, Would you think, if you put yourselves into the shoes of the woman or if you think of yourselves as the adulterous woman? What would you think? Would you just think of forgiveness or grace if you were the woman? You may say, "Oh, of course, I would just think of grace and grace will lead me to repentance and prosperity .. blah, blah .." But what if you were not the woman charged for adultery; you were a serial rapist, a thief, a con-artist, or a robber? Will you just think of grace, expect to be forgiven, and still live like a hero? No. If you were the thief crucified by the side of Jesus, you must accept the punishment, repent, and seek God:

• Luk 23:39-43 KJV  And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.  (40)  But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?  (41)  And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.  (42)  And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.  (43)  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Hence, I believe that the adulterous woman in John 8:11 was not thinking of grace or forgiveness too, when she was judged in front of everyone. She was thinking of facing the punishment and judgement, like the thief on the cross. She did not expect that she could be freed because of Jesus. It was a surprise to her that she could be freed. But we know that it was grace. Probably we can say that her deliverance was much better than that of the thief who died on the cross. But both of them received grace and forgiveness of God, and they had never thought of it.
Hence, if the sinners today would all just want to think of grace and expect grace after they have sinned or before they sinned, they would not know true repentance. They could just sin with the thinking and expectation of grace. If we would just encourage the sinners to think of grace only, with no repentance, we are not responsible God's preachers. If we are responsible preachers who want to help the sinners to repent, we do not preach and tell the sinners or believers to think of grace and expect grace only:

• We would tell the sinners to repent and to have the laws of God in their minds
• We would tell the believers to continue to think and meditate on the laws of God, and do like Paul (Rom 7:21-25) and the Psalmist (Psa 1:1-3) even though the believers have been forgiven of their sins

We can never reason well if we do not build our foundation of principles, doctrine, and reasoning based on the words and commandments of God 
In fact, young believers need to learn and think of the laws of God more. Like the children, they cannot understand many things; neither can they reason very well. Hence, like parents, we would still teach them and give them short instructions, doctrine, rules, and regulation based on the laws and principles of God, which they may not like. However, they will finally understand and teach others if they will just grow and obey the words of God:

• Heb 5:12-14 KJV  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.  (13)  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  (14)  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
• Heb 6:1-3 KJV  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,  (2)  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.  (3)  And this will we do, if God permit.

Are the laws, commandments, first principles, and fundamental doctrine of Christ important? Certainly yes. Can we skip them and go for higher principles of reasons or reasoning instead? No, though some of us can reason very well, no one can boast that he can just skip the law and doctrine of Christ and go straight to spiritual reasoning immediately. It's because all reasoning and teaching must still be given and taught based on the laws, commandments, and the fundamental principles of Christ. I am sure this is common sense too. Who would try to reason with their kids why they should drink milk? why they cannot take chocolates everyday? why they must go to school? why they must listen to the teachers? why they must take their bath, .. etc? No, we don't reason with kids or babies who are too young to know the reasons. Yes, if you have the time to explain everything, you can try to explain to them; but I know that you are just wasting your time. It's because they have not developed the ability to reason like the adults yet, and a lot of time it is still better to give them the short and clear instructions of what to do or what not to do.
Similarly, many new believers or new converts may still want to reason with their old thinking too. It is our responsibility to show them the will, commandments, principles, and doctrine of God first before we let them use their reasons to remove or change the words of God. When they are mature enough (after knowing and doing the commandments, instructions, and doctrine of the Lord), they will just automatically cast away all their old reasoning and accept God's commandments and doctrine as the basis of all their future reasoning:

• 2Ti 3:15-17 KJV  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  (16)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

We must have the authority of God's words in our minds to defeat Satan
And the authority of God's words is in the written commandments of God:

• Mat 4:10-11 KJV  Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.  (11)  Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Jesus did not say, It was written; He said, It is written .. Hence, Jesus showed us clearly that the written commandments of God are not obsolete. He has not only the written words of God in His mind; He has  the written commandments of God in His mind too. Hence, if we want to tell Satan to get out from us or get lost, we must have the written words and commandments of God too. It would be strange if we tell Satan to get lost by thinking of the grace of God without using the authority or commandment in the words of God.

** When there is too much 'sugar' in our food, it could become 'poison' to our body (in the body of Christ)
When Satan tempted Jesus, he could have probably used the illustration of food too and told Jesus to eat anything because of the grace and supplies of God. However, Jesus did not only show that Satan was wrong; He showed us that we must not replace the normal 'diet' of the believers with something else.
Satan could have told Jesus that He should just think of the grace and the goodness of God and jump because God's super abundant grace and protection would save Him.
Today many radical grace preachers preach grace as a mental principle whenever or before they do anything. Should we listen to them, and 'jump' ? No, Jesus said that it is written that the words of God must be our main stable food; anything else is bad even if they are better, sweeter, more desirable, more effortless, more powerful, more fantastic, more super abundant, more supernatural, and even more saving than the words of God. Yes, 'sugar' means the goodness of God, but it is not cheap. It is not meant to be taken insensibly, radically, or indiscreetly. If we do that, we will fall into the trap of Satan.

• Mat 4:4-6 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.  (5)  Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,  (6)  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.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with just sugar or sweets. We do eat pure sugar or pure honey. There is nothing wrong if we want to add more sugar in our coffee according to our individual preference too.  However, if someone tells us that we must eat only sweets or take sugar all the time and replace our main diet with it, we should tell him to get lost. Similarly, we know that there is nothing wrong with the goodness, supplies, protection, or grace of God too. However, if someone tells us that we must think of His goodness only to replace thinking of all His words and commandments in our walk with the Lord, we should tell him to get lost too.  Hence, whenever we hear someone said, "Law demands, grace supplies ..", "Grace cannot mix with any other teaching of God's words and commandments ..", or "Pure grace can prosper more effortlessly and supernaturally ..", to show that the goodness of God for our welfare is more important, that it should be the main focus of all our teaching, and that it should replace the doing and teaching of all God's commandments in a believer's life, we know that he did not come in the name of Jesus; he came as a wolf, a tempter, or a thief. He did not come to steal only money, offering, or tithes from the churches; he came to steal the written words of God from the hearts of the believers.   

Hence, if Jesus had said 3 times, "it is written, .. it is written,.. it is written..", it means that Jesus confirmed it 3 three times that the words of God with His commandments, instructions, do's and don'ts, doctrine, and principles are more important than any fantastic messages of goodness, pleasures, blessings, prosperity, and protection. It's because Satan cannot preach the commandments of God with true Spirit of the law of God; he could only twist and turn the words of God with his message of goodness, pleasures, prosperity, and protection. He may even impress us with his supply of wisdom to know more things from his gospel:

• Gen 3:4-6 KJV  And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:  (5)  For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.  (6)  And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
• 2Co 11:3-4 KJV  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.  (4)  For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
• Joh 10:9-10 KJV  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.  (10)  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
• Mat 13:18-23 KJV  Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.  (19)  When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.  (20)  But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;  (21)  Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.  (22)  He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.  (23)  But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
• Mar 4:14-15 KJV  The sower soweth the word.  (15)  And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
• Luk 8:11-12 KJV  Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.  (12)  Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

Hence, if it is written 3 times how the words of God (including the laws and commandments of God) can be stolen or removed from the hearts of the believers, it means that the Bible confirms it 3 times that the words of God (with His commandments, instructions, do's and don'ts, doctrine, and principles) could be received or believed by the believers, and then stolen by the devil or Satan too. Many of us thought that all those believers who fell were not believers or they were young believers. However, the Bible did not mention about their age or the duration of how long they had received the words before the words were stolen from their hearts. Hence, we know that believers could lose the words irregardless of how old they were. Some of them might even have received and believed the words with much joy (and with genuine tears of belief too), but they could still lose the words after temptation:

• Luk 8:13-14 KJV  They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.  (14)  And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 

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How are God's preachers judged by God?

Who are God's preachers?
All God's preachers will be judged by God. But before we find out how will God judge His preachers or His people, let's find out who are God's preachers or God's people? I would think that anyone who preach God's words is God's preacher. Hence, I would think that the Pharisees and the scribes would be judged by God too, irregardless of whether they thought they were God's preachers or not. Hence, I am not too concerned if Ananias, Sapphira, or Simon (the sorcerer in Act 8:9), were true believers, agnostic believers, carnal believers, or false believers; if they preached God's words without repentance, they would be the preachers who would be judged by God too (see "The death of Ananias and Sapphira is the clear evidence that there is still judgement in the church of God" in my another post).  



How are God's preachers judged by God? 
Are they judged based on how graciously they can preach the words of God? No, it is based on how accurately they can preach the words of God.

Many will argue, "If you think that we should preach sound doctrine or sound words, follow every principle right to the dot, and teach like the Pharisees, you are wrong. Do you know that the Pharisees could teach very accurately, but they were not gracious? they were hypocrites? Hence, the danger is: when we teach legalistically and accurately like the Pharisees or the lawyers, we are bound to fall. But we are not like them. We preach more grace. Hence, who can judge us even if we preach the wrong things knowingly or unknowingly? We preach gracious things with good intention, and hence, God will never judge us because we are always His beloved and the favoured ones. He will always be gracious to us even if we sin and preach the wrong things .. Haha.. we are blessed .. Don't you think so? But many people are jealous of us .."

I will tell them, Please read your Bible again. Yes, the Pharisees did preach the words of God seriously, lawfully,  rigidly, subtly, enthusiastically, intelligently, or cunningly, but they never preached the words of God accurately. In fact, some of the Jew could have thought that the Pharisees were gracious to change the commandments of God to release them from their obligation to honour their parents. The Pharisees could have preached graciously to the people, but God still judged them severely because:

1. They made God's words and commandments of none effect. 
Mat 15:5-7 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,
Mar 7:11-13 KJV  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.

2. They removed the commandments of God or misinterpreted the laws of God so that they were justified for not doing the commandments and the will of the Father, and hence they would not enter heaven; but neither would they allow others to go in too:
Mat 7:21-23 KJV  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  (22)  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  (23)  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Luk 6:46-48 KJV  And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?  (47)  Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:  (48)  He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood (false doctrine) arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. Mat 23:13 KJV  But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in too. (Hence, Jesus said clearly that He would not just want us to have right believing, right faith, right miracles, right preaching, or right confession only; he wants us to have right doing with His words too, because right doing would prove that we are His true disciples on the rock of salvation.)

3. They 'ding dong' between the words of God to create double standards for themselves and others so that they can justify themselves all the time; but accuse others who would not preach like them or think like them. They confuse the people about keeping the law, the covenant, and the grace of God:

Mal 2:6-9 KJV  The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.  (7)  For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.  (8)  But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.  (9)  Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.. (17) Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?
4. They preached contrary to the law and the will of God. 
Mal 3:13-15 KJV  Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?  (14)  Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?  (15)  And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. 
5. They mocked at God's commandments and judgement. 
Mal 2:17 KJV  Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment? 

When the Pharisees and the scribes spoke and taught all these, of course, it is far from preaching accurately. They were hypocrites in the eyes of God. They were the law preachers. However, if we, the grace preachers, would preach like them, what make us think that we are better than them and that preaching of law is better than preaching of grace? No, if we do not preach the words of God accurately, we can be hypocrites too, irregardless of  whether we think that we can preach grace better, or laws better than others. 
I will tell some radical grace preachers, If we preach like the Pharisees or like the false prophets above, do you still think that God cannot judge us? Of course, when I said, "If we preach like the false prophets", I do not mean that I have preached like the false prophets; I mean that anyone (including us) who preach like the false prophets would be judged severely by God. But can we argue that, if we can never preach like the false prophets, all the Bible warnings or the commandments of the Lord to teach sound doctrine are for those outside the churches? No, it is ridiculous to stop preaching repentance, commandments, and judgement just because we don't like them. If it is the doctrine of Christ, we must preach it irregardless of  whether we like it or not. Otherwise, how can we leave for higher doctrine and principles:

• Heb 6:1-3 KJV  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,  (2)  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.  (3)  And this will we do, if God permit.

Similarly, when John said, "If we confess our sins" in 1 John 1:9 and Paul said, "If we sin wilfully" in Heb 10:26, they did not mean that they had been sinning like the agnostic believers or false believers; but they meant that anyone (including the saints and themselves) who sinned must confess their sins and be warned of the sorer punishment and severe judgement from God. It is ridiculous to preach blindness to God's warning, message of repentance, doctrine, and judgement just because we think that none of us could sin, repent, and need any of the basic doctrine of Christ in Heb 6:1-3:

• Heb 10:26-30 KJV  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,  (27)  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.  (28)  He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  (29)  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?  (30)  For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people (The words 'of how much sorer' indicates clearly that there were two groups of people: one group will be judged more severely than the other, and both groups of people are His people. God will judge His people)
• Heb 6:4-6 KJV  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.
• Heb 12:25 KJV  See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
• 1Jn 1:6-10 KJV  If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:  (7)  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  (8)  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  (9)  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  (10)  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.    

How accurately should we preach the words of God
It is difficult to show how accurately we should preach the words of God. Most radical grace preachers would argue that they should just think of grace and preach with the Spirit of God in them without emphasis on the accuracy of the words. They would probably quote from the following Bible verses out of context and explain how the letters can kill if we pay too much attention to the written form of the words:

• 2Co 3:6-7 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:

Of course,  we know that the Bible verses above are referring to the Old Covenant, not the written words, the written Bible, or the written Ten Commandments. Please think if any letters of accuracy is bad, how do you explain the importance of accuracy in the translation of the Bible?
Hence, accuracy in the preaching of God's words is very important. It is impossible for the young believers to appreciate or discern it unless they were properly trained in God's words, principles, and basic doctrine of Christ. It is required of every believers to leave for higher principles and doctrine:

• Heb 5:12-14 KJV  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.  (13)  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  (14)  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
• Heb 6:1-4 KJV  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,  (2)  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.  (3)  And this will we do, if God permit.  (4)  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,

**RAM vs OVERCLOCKING (or Our Own Words vs Changing His Words)  
So, it is difficult to show how accurately we should preach the words of God to the immature believers or preachers, and it is not my job to do it here. However, I can give a simple illustration to show why we must emphasize on the accuracy of God's words.
We know that we are not robots and computers, however, the way we should treat God's words closely may resemble the way we should deal with the clockspeed in a CPU or a microprocessor in the computer. Most computer today have a clockspeed of 2GHz (or higher). The computer manufacturer has already pre-configured this clockspeed as the standard processor speed in its Bios and specification. However, most computer users who still want to make their computers run faster could do something to increase their processor speed by:

• increasing the RAM size   
• resorting to OVERCLOCKING

Yes, in both cases, we can do it to make the computer run faster at the initial stage. However, there are hidden limitations and risks. RAM can no doubt increase the memory size of the primary storage in the CPU for processing; however, it does not increase the processor's speed or clockspeed for calculation, sorting, decoding, and execution, of machine instruction. Hence, it may not work for certain software applications which require intensive calculation or processing. Hence, increase of RAM beyond the 4GB limit may not always bring the required performance. OVERCLOCKING is another possible option. It is a process of making a computer operate faster than the clock frequency specified by the manufacturer by modifying system parameters. However, it would also increase power consumption, generating more heat, and become unstable. I have heard of friends who did OVERCLOCKING and damaged their computers.
So, what's the moral of the story. There are people who tries to change the written words of God like the way they changed the clockspeed of their computers too. They would think of many different ways to add more words and more explanations, beyond the clear limit that has been set based on the commandments of God. They would just preach anything that is radical, thinking that they could help the people to do better with their 'power' words. Yes, their intention could be good, but it is a vain effort in the eyes of God. It is like adding RAMs to their computers with no significant power to their performance. The worst damage they can bring to the people is when they tried to change the written words of God, the written commandments, and the written scripture. When God has set the clear commandments for them not to do it or change it, they would all the more rebel and do something different. It is like doing OVERCLOCKING with the self-deception of finding a better solution; but at the risk destroying the whole computer.   

Greedy preacher or False preacher? Who is more sinful?
Many radical grace preachers would apply their grace theology and say, "Of course, all of us are sinful. No one is more sinful than another. In the eyes of God, everyone who has sinned is the same. Everyone has fallen short of the glory or the grace of God.. "
I will beg to differ, not because I think that I want to discriminate people or to categorize them into the condemned or more condemned category. Yes, all of us are sinful but we must know who is worst so that we will watch our steps and do not fall into the deepest 'hole'. I don't think it is wrong to teach people to watch their steps in real life although many radical grace preachers think that it is sufficient to just look up and think of grace only, with no more thinking of God's laws. If we just want to look up all the time with no more God's laws in our minds, we will fall into the biggest and deepest hole in life:

• Psa 1:1-6 KJV  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  (2)  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  .. (6)  For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
• Psa 37:23-32 KJV  The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.  (24)  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. ..  (27)  Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.  (28)  For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.  (29)  The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.  (30)  The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.  (31)  The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.  (32)  The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

The words of the Lord have said clearly what we should be meditating - the words and the laws of God. Hence, we cannot replace the meditation of His laws with only the meditation of grace. We must do, and also teach the laws of God too.
The Old Testament has taught us to watch our steps; does it mean that, in the New Testament, we will not have to watch any more? Does it mean that we can just walk blindly with the thinking of grace and doing nothing all  the time? No, I don't think that this is the teaching of Jesus, neither is it the gospel that Paul preached. Trusting and believing in God's grace will certainly not remove the need of the believers to watch and pray during the deceitful time and days, especially when we are living in the last days. We must take heed to the words and warnings of the Lord:

• Mat 24:42-46 KJV  Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.  (43)  But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.  (44)  Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.  (45)  Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?  (46)  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
• Mat 26:41 KJV  Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
• 1Th 5:6-8 KJV  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  (7)  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  (8)  But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
• 2Ti 4:3-5 KJV  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  (4)  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.  (5)  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
• Rev 3:3 KJV  Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Yes, we know that we are all sinners in the eyes of the Lord. But did Jesus tell us who is the worst? Yes, certainly - the false prophets. We should know them, lest we follow them, become like them, or become deceived by them:

• Mat 18:6-9 KJV  But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  (7)  Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!  (8)  Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.  (9)  And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
• Luk 17:1-2 KJV  Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!  (2)  It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
• Rev 18:20-24 KJV  Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.  (21)  And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.  .. (23) ..: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.  (24)  And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. 
• Luk 12:45-46 KJV  But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;  (46)  The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. (This shows us that believers CAN FALL and become the worst servants, and they will  judged together with the UNBELIEVERS. Who says that believers can never fall?)

Hence, those who are worst are those who HAVE tasted the goodness of God, continued to live like the people of the world, and refused to repent:

• Heb 6:4-6 KJV  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.
• Heb 10:26-30 KJV  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,  (27)  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.  (28)  He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  (29)  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?  (30)  For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
• 2Pe 2:19-22 KJV  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.  (20)  For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.  (21)  For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.  (22)  But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Therefore, we can judge who are the worst?
Who are the worst preachers? Are they preachers who come from the greedy believers, old covenant believers, or false believers? Of course, the worst preachers according to the words of Christ are the false prophets who come from the false believers (Luk 12:45-46). Why? It is because false believers are not only greedy; they would:

• corrupt the laws of God 
• preach against all the principles of the doctrine of Christ
• lie and say that the words, warnings, and commandments of Jesus have all become obsolete 
• argue that His principles and teaching of repentance with the confession of sins, of living faith with good works, and of commandment with eternal judgement, are no longer necessary for the believers. 

Hence, false prophets are antiChrists who has no law and no principle of Christ. They are so good in their preaching that they could remove the principles and doctrine of Christ from the churches. They would say that they are not important. However, on the contrary, Paul said that they are the first or basic principles for every believers before they can become mature and leave for higher principles. They are too important to be ignored. Yes, they are basic, it does not mean that they are not important. The doctrine of repentance from dead works does not mean that doctrine of repentance is dead work. The doctrine of repentance will lead to eternal life:

• Heb 6:1-6 KJV  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,  (2)  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.  (3)  And this will we do, if God permit.  (4)  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.

Heb 6:6 means that the doctrine of repentance is too important to be ignored. For it is expected of us to renew ourselves again unto repentance if we are still the believers in Christ with His doctrine and principles. But if we shall fall away, it is impossible to renew ourselves again unto repentance even if we were once enlightened, and have tasted the goodness of God.


The first principles of the oracles of God and the fundamental doctrine of Christ must be taught properly and accurately
If the foundation is not right, how can the building be solid. Similarly, if the fundamental doctrine of Christ is not taught properly, the foundation of our belief would be shaky and prone to swaying from one side to another side.
Many radical grace preachers argue, "Yes, laws, principles, and doctrines are important. But they are obsolete because of the finished work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is grace; not law. Jesus wants us to hear Him only. Jesus wants us to learn from His Spirit without any law, rules, and regulation. He loves us so much that we can feel and experience His abundant grace. When we feel that He is so good to us, we will automatically obey all the laws without any teaching, thinking, or keeping His laws..."
I will tell them, If laws, principles, and doctrine are not important, Paul would not have said that there are first principles of the law of God or doctrine of Christ for the believers:

• Heb 5:12 KJV  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
• Heb 6:1-3 KJV  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,  (2)  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.  (3)  And this will we do, if God permit.

Yes, Paul knew that the first principles of the oracles of God and the principles of the doctrine of Christ are not perfect for the believers. We must grow and leave for higher principles. But did he say that we can skip these principles? No, on the contrary they are fundamental. They are basic and important for every young believer. I don't think baby can skip milk and go for solid food before they can grow into adulthood. Similarly, it is absurd to force the young believers or immature believers to go for high principles immediately.  How can we abandon the first principles, the oracles, the laws, commandments, doctrine, and teaching of Christ before they know how to think like an adult in Christ?
I will tell them, Yes, we must hear Jesus; but how do we hear Him? Is it by hearing Him through your grace teaching, instruction, sermon, utterance, or oracles? No, by hearing from the written words of God !

• 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.
• Joh 7:15-18 KJV  And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?  (16)  Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.  (17)  If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.  (18)  He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

Many radical grace preachers would argue, "But the principles and doctrine of Christ are simply the words of God without any laws or demands. They are just words of grace, words of blessings, promises, and prosperity; not hard sayings, rules, regulations, dos's and don'ts, what you must do and what must not do .."
I will tell them, Please check your Bible before removing the laws and commandments of the Lord from His words. The words of God without God's commandments, instructions, or reproofs are not God's words; they are your words. The following Bible verses will show us clearly that the laws of God are the words, commandments, and the instructions of God too:

• Psa 1:1-2 KJV  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  (2)  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
• Mat 15:6 KJV  And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
• Mar 7:13 KJV  Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
• 2Ti 3:16-17 KJV  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
• Joh 6:63-64 KJV  It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.  (64)  But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him ... (68) Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life...  Joh 14:15 KJV  If ye love me, keep my commandments. ...  Joh 15:10 KJV  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.  
• 1Jn 2:3-7 KJV  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.  (4)  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  (5)  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.  (6)  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.  (7)  Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

::
    

Can we condemn sins or preach against sins?

Can we condemn sins or preach against sins?
God hates sin. Jesus hates sins. The Bible hates sins. The word of God hates sins. They condemn sins. So, I don't see any reason why we cannot preach against sins.
Radical grace preachers would argue, "But God loves sinners, Jesus loves sinners, the Bible loves sinners, and the word of God loves sinners too. Why should we condemn the sin that is in the sinners. We should preach grace instead of sin. If we do that, we would save the whole world effortlessly. Everyone would love to come to Jesus. Don't you think that this is better than preaching repentance or condemnation of sin which turns everyone away.."
I will tell them, If you have problem condemning sin, it does not mean that God cannot condemn sin. Yes, God loves all sinners including the woman who committed adultery in John 8:11-12, but you cannot use that account to conclude that everyone who preaches against sin would condemn people like the Pharisees. If someone raped your children and we preach against that crime, does it mean that we are condemnation preachers like the Pharisees. No, as long as we are God's preachers, we will condemn any sin or crime which is lawlessness against the commandments of God, and we are certainly God's preachers who love the people so much so that we would still preach the commandments of the Lord to keep them from condemnation, even though we would become unpopular.


Jesus condemned sin and He would judge the believers more severely if they sin wilfully with His grace and with the thinking that they can never be condemned
When Jesus told the woman who committed adultery to sin no more, He showed that He would condemn sins too. If the woman took His grace to justify herself to sin again and again in the future, I am sure that Jesus Himself would judge her and her sins. Similarly, Jesus would condemn sin and condemn anyone who takes His grace to justify himself to sin continuously too. Jesus confirmed with His words that that person would become more condemned than before or worst than before:

• Joh 5:14 KJV  Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
• Joh 8:11-12 KJV  She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.  (12)  Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Yes, both the man and woman above received great forgiveness. Did Jesus tell them, "Hello, haha, congratulation, your sins have been totally forgiven, past, present, and future. Don't worry about sin any more. My grace and forgiveness would lead you to sin no more and you can never fall. Just enjoy life and have abundance of grace. Go and prosper with the favour of God." No, instead Jesus gave them the warning and commandment to sin no more. He had been preaching the same warning to everyone even if some might think that they were more righteous than others:

• Luk 13:1-9 KJV  .. (2)  And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?  (3)  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  (4)  Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?  (5)  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  (6)  He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.  (7)  Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?  (8)  And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:  (9)  And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

 
The Bible condemns sin
Many radical grace preachers would tell the people in the end time, "No, the Bible never condemns sins. If the Bible condemns sins, it is condemning the world or the non-believes. Those Bible verses are not for us.. We can ignore those condemnation or warnings.. We will just read Paul letters and the gospel that Paul preached. We are told to think of grace only.." I will ask them, Please read your Bible again. Are you sure that Paul did not condemn sins? Of course, we can find many Bible verses which condemn sins.
Now, if Paul and all the Apostles have condemned sins, can we condemn sins? Of course, we can:

• Rom 6:1-4 KJV  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  (2)  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?  (3)  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  (4)  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Please think, If Paul preached it so clearly here that we should never sin with the justification of grace to sin even more, how can we preach that the gospel of grace is too good to be true or it is so good that people can think that it is licence to sin? No, if it always gives people the wrong impression that they can sin, it is not the gospel of Jesus Christ or the gospel that Paul preached. It is the gospel that the serpent preached.)
• Heb 10:26-29 KJV  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,  (27)  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.  (28)  He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  (29)  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
• Heb 6:4-6 KJV  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.
• 2Pe 2:18-22 KJV  For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.  (19)  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.  (20)  For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.  (21)  For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.  (22)  But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. 
• Act 20:28-31 KJV  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.  (29)  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.
• Mat 18:32-33 KJV  Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:  (33)  Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
• Mat 7:15-23 KJV  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  ..  (20)  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.  (21)  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  (22)  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  (23)  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
• Luk 6:46-48 KJV  And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?  (47)  Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:  (48)  He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood (false doctrine) arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. (Hence, Jesus said clearly that He would not just want us to have right believing, right faith, right miracles, right preaching, or right confession only; he wants us to have right doing with His words too, because right doing would prove that we are His true disciples on the rock of salvation.)
• Mat 25:11-13 KJV  Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.  (12)  But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.  (13)  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. ..Mat 25:26-28 KJV  His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:  (27)  Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.  (28)  Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. .. Mat 25:44-46 KJV  Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?  (45)  Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.  (46)  And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
• Mat 13:41-43 KJV  The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;  (42)  And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.  (43)  Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

The Bible verses above are very obvious and serious condemnation against the believers or servants in the churches who sin wilfully, live in sins,  or rebel without taking heed to the words or commands of the Lord. How can we say that the Bible never condemns sins. Now, if I would list down all the Bible verses which condemn sins and command us to turn from sins, I will probably find another thousand of them.. Please think now, If the whole Bible has so many Bible verses which condemn sins, can we, or should we preach against sins? Of course, we should.
However, some radical grace preachers who wish to portrait that they are more gracious than others would just want to accuse God's preachers who condemn sin or preach against sin. Many radical grace preachers have, in one way or another, disproved or disapproved the Bible verses above about God's judgement and warning against those who continue to sin wilfully. The radical grace preachers may claim that they could never sin wilfully, but in actual fact, they have already become the spokemen or spokewomen for the 'believers' who sin wilfully, and knowingly or unknowingly stood with the sinners to condemn all God's preachers who preach against sins.     


Are we in the light or out of the light if we sin?
Radical grace preachers will still argue, "But John said we are in the light. If we believe in Him, we are in the light. So, if we are in the light, can we be out of the light ? When you sin, will you be out of the light? And then when you confess your sins, you will be back to the light again? No, this is ridiculous. Can a believer be switching in between light and darkness? One moment he is in the light and another moment in darkness? No, It's impossible. We are always in the light and sin will never be able to put us out of the light if we sin. Hence, we do not need to condemn sins or preach against sins .. Hence, even when we sin, we sin in the light. It also means that we can never be out of darkness even if we sin. The blood of Jesus will keep us in the light even if we sin.."

• 1Jn 1:5-7 KJV  This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  (6)  If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:  (7)  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

I will ask them, Do you read other Bible verses. I don't care if you define the 'we' in the above as true believers, agnostic believers, false believers, or Jewish believers; but we must read it together with the word 'if'. Hence, 'If we' means that it does not matter if you are a believer, false believer, or true believer; 'if you' walk in the light, you are a true believer. However, 'if you' walk in darkness, you are a false believer. Now, let's look at more Bible verses written by John:

• 1Jn 1:8-10 KJV  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  (9)  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  (10)  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
• 1Jn 2:3 KJV  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
• 2Jn 1:6-10 KJV  And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.  (7)  For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.  (8)  Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.  (9)  Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.  (10)  If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

John was not concerned if you are a true believer or false believer in the churches. If you confess your sins and walk after His commandments, you are in the light. If you are in the light now, and if you decide that you would no longer walk after His commandments, can you argue that, since you are in the light, you can never be in darkness if you no longer walk after His commandments. No, it would show us that you are not a true believer now. We don't have to make the words of God complicated. We just know from the words of God that if you do not walk after His commandments now, you were not in the light at all or you have just departed from the light now.
Hence, if you sin, we can condemn sin, even if you think that you can never be condemned because you are forever in the light or protected by the blood of Jesus. Similarly, we will condemn anyone too if any one of us sin. We will not bother to find out if those who sinned are true believers, agnostic believers, or false believers; but if they rape or murder, we will condemn it. Do you have problem with such condemnation of sin? You have problem with any condemnation of sin because you know that you will sin, but you do not have the intention to repent. Hence, you will not condemn sins or anyone who sins. In fact, you will not condemn any false doctrine or lawless principles too. You want to give people the false impression that you are a gracious preacher who can 'smile' like the 'happy God' that you preached too.
Have we thought why John said, If we confess our sins .. and Paul said, If we sin wilfully..? Does it mean that John always confessed sins or Paul always sinned wilfully? No. We can say that they hardly sinned. But does it mean that they are saying it to the agnostic believers and therefore their warnings are not applicable to us? No. They are saying it to us and their warnings are for us. Please think, When a father warned his kid and said, "Son, if we drink and take drugs, we will get drunk, get addicted, and regret one day..", does it mean that the father had taken drugs? No. We can say that the father had never taken drugs or hardly took any drugs. But does it mean that the father could only say it to other kids and therefore his warning was not applicable to his own kid? No. It is ridiculous to twist the warning of the father and ocnvince the kid that his father's warning was not for him. Similarly, it is ridiculous to twist the words of God in Heb 10:26 and 1 John 1:9 and convince God's children that God's warnings are no more applicable to them.

I will talk about Heb 10:26 again in more detailed later. But can we twist it and argue that this warning is not for God's people? No, it says very clearly that God will judge His people; not other people. When He used the comparison of a sorer punishment, He confirmed again that He was comparing and warning two of His people - one who despised Moses' law under the Old Covenant, and another who will dishonour the Spirit of grace under the New Covenant. Please think, who were able to despised Moses' law? Of course, nobody except the Jews or God's people who were given the law? Similarly, who can dishonour the Spirit of grace? Of course, no one, except God's people who have been given the grace of God too?

• Heb 10:26-30 KJV  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,  (27)  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.  (28)  He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  (29)  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?  (30)  For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

If we sin, we don't confess righteousness or confess like the Pharisee; we confess sin
Is it wrong to confess sins? One of the most obvious problem with the radical grace teaching is their confusing 'ding dong bell' stands on their needs to confess sins. If you asked them, "Do you sin?" they will give you all kinds of replies, for example,

1. they may initially say, "We can never sin or have any sin to confess; that's why we will never need to confess our sins. 1 John 1:9 is not for the believers. Jesus has forgiven all our sins past, present, and future.."
2. then sometime later, they will switch their stand and say, "Of course, only the stupid fool would say that they can never sin? We all sin and can still sin. That's why I won't guarantee that I will never look at a woman without lust or commit adultery. There are too many people in our churches who commit adulteries. We won't judge all of them. There is still grace for them..."

However, the problem appears when we ask them, So, if you agree that no one is perfect, do you agree that you may still sin too even if you think that you are always in the light? If you think that you are always in the light and that you are a believer when you sin, do you think that 1 John 1:9 is for you? If 1 John 1:9 is not for you, please tell me what will you do if you sinned? Confess righteousness instead of confessing sins? But, please think, How will you feel if your employees did something wrong and they would only confess that they were right? Hence, I don't think that God has promised forgiveness of sins to everyone who think that they are right and confessing that they are right?
Yes, we know that the believers are sons and daughters in the eyes of God. But are we sons already with the full nature of Christ and authority? No, we are still far from it although we are called the sons or the righteousness of God. We are still not that righteous in our thoughts and deeds yet. If we are not there yet, we are still sinners who must learn to admit sins, humble ourselves, and receive grace daily.

• 1Jn 3:1-9 KJV  Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.  (2)  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  (3)  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.  (4)  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.  (5)  And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.  (6)  Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.  (7)  Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.  (8)  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.  (9)  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

What did John mean when he said in 1 Jn 3:6, Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him? If we sin, does it mean that we are no more in Christ? No. John meant that no one in Christ would want to sin or abide in sin. If we abide in sin, we cannot abide in Christ. However, because of the weakness of the flesh, some of us would still sin. Hence, if we sin and confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us us all our sins. That's why 1 John 1:9 is still for the believers who sin. We still need to tell the believers to depart from their sins, confess their sins, and turn from their sins, unless they are totally perfect like Christ, which is not possible yet.
I will tell the radical grace preachers, If you said that, in your marriage seminar, you still teach the wives and husbands to be faithful to one another, to sin not, or to live pure and holy life in Christ, I don't see any reason you can just falsely accuse all those who preach against sin, condemnation of sins, confession of sins, repentance, turning from sins, and holiness teaching as condemnation preachers? Who told you that when you asked the people to live holy life in your marriage seminar, it was called grace teaching; but if God's preachers telling others from their pulpits, to live holy life and sin not, it became law-based teaching?
I will tell the radical grace preachers, Many of you think that the sinner in Luk 18:10-14 confessed his sins to be forgiven. But Jesus did not just look at the confession; He looked at his heart. He saw humility in him.

• 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.

Hence, I would think that confession of sin is not just confession by words only; it can be an action (like water baptism before the people or like Zacchaeus' recompense to those he had cheated), or an attitude with repentance in the heart too. If you saw many people who confessed sins hypocritically and whispered their confession meaninglessly like the 'birds', it does not mean that all confession of sin is useless and that it will make everyone confess and behave like the hypocrites.   


Can the Holy Spirit convict sins, rebuke sins, or condemn sins?
If we agree that we can condemn sins and should condemn sins, why can't God or the Holy Spirit condemn sins ? If God can condemn sins, God can convict anyone who sins too. If God or the Holy Spirit cannot convict or judge people who sin, He is not God. Only Satan cannot convict or judge people who sin. It's because he loves sin and those who sin against God. 
Most radical grace preachers do not believe that the Holy Spirit can convict them of sins. They believe that the Holy Spirit will instead comfort them if they sinned, so that they will not sin again? The Holy Spirit may correct them in such a way that they would no longer feel any sin conscience or any need to repent or confess their sin; but that they would just feel more and more loved to sin no more.
I will tell them, If God or the Holy Spirit cannot convict us of sins,  He is not God or the judge any more. If every believers will only want to hear God or the Holy Spirit to plead with them not to sin, God has suddenly become more inferior than us. Do you think that God would give His laws, change His laws, or keep His laws to please us, to make us comfortable, or to serve us better ? If God has to do all these, God is no longer our Father, He is our 'servant'. Yes, you can quote the parable of the parable of the prodigal son to show how much God loves the rebellious younger son or the lawless son. However, do you think that Jesus would tell us that we should continue to live like the prodigal son in the kingdom of God? No, no matter how much we know that our Father would love, we must turn back from our sinful way, from our lawlessness, from our rebellion, and from the world, to go back to our Father. If we still love the world and continue to live like the rebellious son or lawless son, we have not repented yet and we are still far from home. 
Please think, If the Holy Spirit can convict the prodigal son, a sinner or a lawless character, to turn back to the Father, can the Holy Spirit convict us too? Of course yes. When the Holy Spirit convicts a person, He would make the person see His wrong and feel it so bad that he would not mind settling for something less. The prodigal son was convicted because he felt humble enough to change from his previous arrogant thinking of himself as the master's son to the thinking of himself as a servant of his father's house. This is repentance and it could come from the conviction of the Holy Spirit. So, What's wrong with the conviction of the Holy Spirit which can make us, whether we be the sinners or believers, to feel so bad, so humbled, or so wrong, that we would make a drastic change from our wrong thinking to right thinking, or from wrong doing to right doing ? No, there is nothing wrong. At least, we know that that was what had occurred in the repentance of both the prodigal son, Zacchaeus, the sinner in Luke 18, and the sinners who heard the preaching of Peter:

• Luk 15:17-19 KJV  And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!  (18)  I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,  (19)  And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
• Luk 18:13-14 KJV  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.
• Luk 19:8-10 KJV  And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.  (9)  And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.  (10)  For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
• Act 2:37-40 KJV  Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?  (38)  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  (39)  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.  (40)  And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Please think, Why would the Lord or the Holy Spirit reprove, convict, or rebuke the people or the churches in the world ('kosmos') of sins? Is it to just condemn them or torture them for enjoyment. Of course, no. However, the radical grace preachers have wrongly interpreted the conviction of the Holy Spirit in John 16:8 as torture and condemnation and that, therefore, the conviction and reproof of the  Holy Spirit is not for them. I will tell them, Of course, the Holy Spirit did not come to condemn or judge the world yet; He came to speak, show, and convince the whole world ('kosmos' - all those who are in the world, including both the sinners and the churches) of sin, of righteousness, and of judgement. Of sin because it is sin or lawlessness not to believe in Him or His doctrine. Of righteousness because He is the Righteous One who will depart from the world and go to the Father. Of judgement because He will come back to judge the prince of the world in the future, and the Holy Spirit will speak and show the churches that all these will come to pass. But radical grace preachers will take these Bible verses, split them, pervert the interpretation, and convince the world that these Bible verses are not for them, in order to show the world that they can never be reproved, corrected, or rebuked by the Holy Spirit:

• Joh 16:7-13 KJV  Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.  (8)  And when he is come, he will reprove the world ('kosmos') of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:  (9)  Of sin, because they believe not on me;  (10)  Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;  (11)  Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.  (12)  I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.  (13)  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
• Rev 3:18-19 KJV  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.  (19)  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
• Heb 12:4-11 KJV  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  (5)  And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:  (6)  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  (7)  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  (8)  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  (9)  Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?  (10)  For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.  (11)  Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Hence, I will tell them, I don't think anyone can deny that Jesus Christ or the Holy Spirit can convict sins. If Jesus could convict the Pharisees by writing on the ground with His fingers and cause the Pharisees to leave one by one before Him (Joh 8:8-9), He can convict anyone in the world ('kosmos'), including the self-righteous believers, gnostic believers, agnostic believers, carnal believers, false believers, lying believers, worldly believers, or any kind of believers who think and argue that they can never be the sinners of the world and, therefore, they can never sin or do not have any sin to be convicted by the Holy Spirit.
(see "It is normal to have godly sorrow or conviction against sins in true repentance" in my previous post here.)

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