K110. Did Paul tell us just to confess righteousness instead? (3)

This is the third time I talk about the doctrine of Paul on righteousness.
I have explained in (K108) that Paul had no condemnation in Rom 8:1-4 because he was not under the law to do the rituals or the ritualistic works of the law; but in the law of Christ to serve and do the law of God with his mind (Rom 7:24-25).

Doing more is the law and Spirit of Christ
Today, we can still go deeper to find out what is the law of the Spirit of Christ since we are in the law of Christ:
Rom 8:2-4 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:  (4)  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Since we are in the law of Christ, we need to walk in the law and Spirit of Christ. Hence, when we are no more under the law to do the rituals or the ritualistic works of the law, it does not mean that we have no more law. It does not mean that we do less law of God. No, on the contrary, we do more under the law and doctrine of Christ. We do ALL the laws and commandments to worship and obey God. It would include the Ten Commandments, the doctrine, the parables, and the law of Christ too.
I will ask those who say that listening to the law of God is like listening to the devil or the Pharisees, Did Paul listen to the devil? No. Of course, Paul did not listen to law of the rituals, the circumcision, or the religious works of the law, but he still listened to the laws and commandments of God or the law of the Spirit to do God's righteousness. I have said in K108 that there were two laws: the law of God in the Spirit and 'the law' of sin and death in the flesh and of the flesh. When we listen and focus on the law of the rituals or circumcision, we serve the law of the flesh; but when we listen to the law of the Spirit, we serve the law of God because the righteousness of the law is found in us and we would walk in it:
Rom 8:3-4 KJV  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.
Hence, we conclude that Paul did not listen to the devil; he listened to Jesus Christ.

The world would do less, do the minimum, or do nothing in the law of God
Mat 22:33-40 KJV  And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.  (34)  But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.  (35)  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.
Ha, that was a great answer from Jesus. The lawyer had probably asked the question to test Jesus, hoping that the answer of Jesus would be ONLY ONE great commandment which he could boast and use it argue against Jesus. When he got a different answer (to do ALL the commandments), he was silent by Jesus instead.

Jesus has the words, the law, and the Spirit of God; we must do likewise
The same lawyer could have asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbour?" in Luk 10:26. Look at the wisdom of how Jesus answered him. The lawyer thought that he could trap Jesus with his question, but in the end, he was trapped by his own question and his own answer:
 Luk 10:26-30 KJV  He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?  (27)  And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.  (28)  And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.  (29)  But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?  (30)  And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho.. .. (36) Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?  (37)  And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Of course, we can learn from the whole lesson that Jesus was very wise, but it also shows that Jesus has the law and the Spirit of God to do all the commandments of God and he would tell us to do LIKEWISE too. If we are not convinced, please read His sermon on the mount and find out if He would teach us with the same Spirit to do more for the kingdom of heaven:

The words, the law, and the Spirit of Christ can never be obsolete for the kingdom of God
Mat 4:17 KJV  From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mat 5:3 KJV  Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:10 KJV  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:19-22 KJV  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  (20)  For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.  (21)  Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: (22) But I say unto you..
Mat 7:21 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.
Mat 13:11-12 KJV  He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.  (12)  For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
Mat 25:1 KJV  Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

The words, the law, and the Spirit of Christ is our weapon against the devil too
If we are still ignorant of the law and the Spirit of Christ, please read His words against the devil again:
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.
One of the weapons of Christ which will defeat the devil is to do every word, not one word or a few words of God. It is not just to obey one commandment or a few commandments of God; it is to obey all the commandments of God. Now please ask ourselves, Can obeying every word or commandment of God be obsolete? Absolutely not. How can we cast away our most effective weapon if the devil is still around? We may cast away the 'bond woman' or the old covenant; but not the laws and commandments of Christ to keep, obey, and do the commandments of God. Otherwise, we are the most blinded believers on earth - like the foolish virgins who has no oil for their lamps. They are so foolish that they would carry an empty lamp without any oil until they realize it when it was too late. Empty lamp without the oil is the picture of a church with no law (light), no commandment (lamp) and no Spirit (oil):
Pro 6:23 KJV  For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
1Sa 16:13-14 KJV  Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.  (14)  But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.

How foolish are the foolish virgins (or the churches)?
Mat 25:1 KJV  Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
The foolish virgins were foolish enough to keep just enough oil for the lamp. But do we know that there are foolish virgins or churches who are more foolish than that? If we observe long around, we can find that there are three level of 'foolishness' in the Bible, in real life, in the churches, and in the kingdom of heaven:
1. Being foolish enough (for the virgins or churches) to keep just 'enough' oil for the lamp (without the Spirit of the law to do more in Christ or in the law of Christ)
2. Being very foolish (for the virgins or churches) to have an empty lamp without any oil (by rejecting the Spirit of the law of God totally and maintaining only an 'empty' form of godliness without the power and light of God). 2Ti 3:5-7 KJV  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.  (6)  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,  (7)  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
3. Being extremely foolish (for a virgin, church, or believer) to have cast away their lamp or God's commandments and become totally naked without the light and the glory of God to 'cover' themselves. Mat 22:11-12 KJV  And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:  (12)  And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
Some people said, "There is no cure for stupid". I think there is some truth in it. It is because: If we do not do something right, we may repent when we are told to do it right. But if we are stupid, we will never repent even if we are told to do it right. Instead, we could be so stupid that we keep telling ourselves that "there is therefore no condemnation for doing wrong or doing nothing" or "We can never confess sins or repent because we can never do wrong". Hence, this is the utter foolishness that the Lord would not want the churches to teach and practise in the last days with His parable.

How can we do more if we are always arguing?
Many will still argue, "What? We must still do more after Jesus did His finished work for us? No, it must the voice of the accuser. God tells us that it is finished. It is enough for Him and for us. The Bible said, It is by His obedience; not by our obedience. But did not the Israelites boasted, "All that you commanded we will do", and they fell? It's because they think that they could do more, obey more, or keep more law .. Hence, don't talk about our obedience under the law anymore; but focus only on Christ's obedience under grace !"
Rom 5:19 KJV  For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
I will tell them, Are you sure that if we are not saved by our obedience, it means that it is no longer necessary for us to obey God? Or if we are not saved by God's commandments, God's commandments are no longer necessary too? Can you understand what kind of logic it is when the devil would say that since you are not saved by love, it is no longer necessary for you to love too? It is obviously a lame excuse !
No, of course, God would never say that. But God would say, If you are truly saved by Christ's obedience, you will obey like Christ (Rom 12:16, Php 2:5-8, Php 3:15-16, 1Pe 4:1-2 ..). The question is not whether we have the obedience of Christ; the question is whether we  have the obedience of Christ to obey at all? The question is not whether we can do enough; the question is whether we can do God's words and commandments. If we can't do it, please don't talk about do enough or do more for the kingdom of God or heaven.
Rev 3:19 KJV  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
2Co 10:5-7 KJV  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;  (6)  And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.  (7)  Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
The foolish virgins or the Laodicean church had probably thought that they could just do enough or do nothing. But could they argue with the Lord who asked them to do more or do well for the kingdom of heaven? No. If we are like them and keep rejecting the voice of reproof, rebuke, or repentance with our own logics to relax more, rest more, and receive more, we may not have heard Him correctly.

God gave us His laws not because we boast to obey more laws
Many will argue, "No, Doing more is an Old Testament mentality. The Israelites were under the old mentality to do more and do all that God would command them. That's why God gave them the law. Similarly, if we boast today and say that we can do more and do all that God will command us, we are boasting like the Israelite, and God will condemn us with the law.."
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.
I will ask them, Please read your Bible again. Did God give them the commandments before (or after) they asked for the commandments? Exo 19:7 said clearly that Moses laid before their faces all the commandments of God BEFORE they asked for the law. So, it is wrong to conclude that God gave them the law only after they boasted for it. God would still give them the law whether they boasted for it or not. Today, under the New Covenant, God will still do the same as Jesus calls for us, the disciples, pastors, and elders of the churches, and lays before us all the words that God the Father has commanded us:
Joh 14:10-23 KJV  Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. .. (23) Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.  (24)  He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
Will Jesus tell us just to obey the Ten commandments to love God and our neighbour in the Bible verses above? No, Jesus referred to all the commandments that He had taught or laid before the people in His sermon on the mount and in His parables as He called the people to repentance too. Hence, Jesus did not give us His commandments just because we boast that we can do all His commandments; He gave us His commandments because it was God's plan from the very beginning. It was not an alternative plan; it was the original plan:
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..

Can we find death in the laws of God?
Many will still argue, "But there was no death until the laws were given to the Israelites from Mt Sinai. Hence, the laws are the cause of all the problems to men. If the Israelites did not boast and ask for the laws, they would be continuously blessed as a nation without any law. Hence, the law was the culprit."
I will tell them, Please read your Bible again. How can the law be the culprit when God said that His laws and commandments were the testimony of His communion with them?
Exo 25:21-22 KJV  And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.  (22)  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.
Are you sure there was no death before the law was given? If this was so, there should be no death before they left Egypt too? Of course, this is ridiculous. When the Bible did not mention any death in Egypt or in wilderness, it did not mean no death. Of course, if the Bible did not mention that they went to the toilet, it did not mean that they did not need to go to the toilet too. Hence, it is foolish to assume something just because something else has not been mentioned.

Can we find fault with the laws of God?
I have already mentioned that the laws were not given just because the Israelites boasted and asked for the laws. God gave the laws because He had planned for it long before He did that (Exo 19:7, Heb 8:10, 10:16). He planned to give the Israelites good laws which could save them at that time. However, those who died at Mt Sinai were not killed by the law; they were killed by their lawlessness instead. Many may still argue, "But why did Paul say that the law is the law of death? Isn't the law the culprit and it kills?"
I will tell them, Yes, Paul did say that the law of the old covenant is the ministration of death. It has become the law of sin and death only because it was corrupted by the Pharisees. God had foreknown that this could happen. He gave good law to the Israelites, but the Pharisees under the Old Covenant corrupted it and make it bad. Hence, God would put His laws into the hearts of the true believers who will never allow His laws to be corrupted this time - in another words, the true believers under the New Covenant will keep His laws and preserve His laws. Because of this, Paul would conclude that the laws under the New Covenant are more superior than the laws under the Old Covenant. The Bible said that God found fault only with the law that was corrupted by men; but the devil will find fault with all the laws of God that were created by God. Hence, we must be careful how we interpret God's finding fault with the Old Covenant in the following Bible verses. If we are not careful, we will find fault like the devil:
Heb 8:7-10 KJV  For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.  (8)  For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:  (9)  Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.  (10)  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:
The devil will interpret that God found fault with all the laws; however, God had said it very clearly - He found fault with the OLD COVENANT or FIRST COVENANT. We must be careful not to twist His words and find fault like the devil.

We are warned to keep the faith and commandments of God
Rev 14:12 KJV  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
It is also the faith of Jesus to do more in the commandments of God:
Jas 2:17-24 KJV  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.. .. (19) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.  (20)  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?  (21)  Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? .. (23) And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.  (24)  Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
I found out that the dragon, the beast, and the false prophets may not kill us physically; but they can do it spiritually. The false prophets could make us (the churches) wise in our own eyes; but foolish in casting away all the doctrine and commandments of God. In another words, the false prophets could make us (the churches) so foolish that we teach and behave like the foolish virgins who are left behind to face the beast and become his easy prey. However, many (churches) may still think that they are the wise who are not harmed or killed by the beast, when they are foolish. When the beast is around, it is better for us (the churches) to be 'killed', 'decapitated', 'discapacitated', 'disintegrated', 'minimized', or 'disfavoured' by him than to be marked by him as his favourites ..
Rev 13:15 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.
Rev 14:9-12 KJV  And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,  (10)  The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:  (11)  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 beast has the power to deceive many and give his mark of 'favour' to those who believe him. But his mark of 'favour' is the mark of spiritual death or second death. It could be the mark of rebellion, lawlessness, or deception which will ultimately corrupt the human thinking (in the minds) and control the human doing (hands) too.
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K109. Would Jesus still tell the believers to confess their sins today? (4)

I have said (in K106) that a believer can confess vain confession. Obviously, the confession is vain confession if it is confessed like the birds, like the sheep, or like the animals which do not know sins. Are there believers who confessed like the birds, like the sheep, like the animals, or like the hypocrites? Yes, you bet.

A. Vain repentance - it has no confession of sins and humility
Many say that they believe in repentance; but when we probe further, we realize that they believe in repentance as 'change of mind' only, with no confession of sin or the humility to admit that they are sinners. Then the same people would later say that they believe in confession of sin; but they would confess it, not because they want to repent or ask for forgiveness of sin, but because they confess it knowing that they have been forgiven.
I will tell them, If that is the case, you don't have to confess it. It is a vain confession. The Bible, in fact the Lord, has shown us that repentance and confession of sins (or the humility to admit sins) are always together:
Luk 11:4 KJV  And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Luk 15:21 KJV  And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
Luk 18:14 KJV  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 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.
Hence, if we just want to repent or change our mind without doing anything or knowing why we need to repent, our repentance would be just a vain realization.

B. Vain confession - it has no repentance or turning away from sins
On the other hand, if we just want to confess sins without any repentance or turning away from our sins, it is a just vain confession too. Do we know that confessing it without knowing the meaning of confessing it is a vain confession? Similarly, confession of sins with the wrong purpose is still a vain confession too. Hence, if we confess it just because we know that we are forgiven or we are righteous, it is still a vain confession. It is meaningless, deceiving, and self-righteous. Please think (we don't have to think very deeply), Why did the Bible tell us that the sinners or agnostic believers would repent or confess sins:

1. Sinners - Act 2:37-38 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.
Act 3:19 KJV  Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Did they repent and confess that they are the righteousness of God ? No, I believe that they prayed and confessed that they were wrong and that they were sinners .. that they might be forgiven. It is ridiculous to think that they would confess that they were the righteousness of God or God is good. Hence, it is ridiculous to preach publicly and generally that repentance is just change of mind or having good opinion of ourselves and God.

2. Agnostic believers - 1Jn 1:9 KJV  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Although I believe that this Bible verse is for all the believers, I can accept that it is for the agnostic believers too. But please read it again, Did John say that we or the agnostic believers confess sins because we have already been forgiven or we are the righteousness of God? Did John say, If we confess our sins, we declare or confess that we are (already) forgiven? If we can declare or confess that we are already forgiven or righteous whenever we sin, we are greater than God. No, if we are the agnostic believers or sinners who know that we need to confess sin, we must humbly confess and admit that we are the sinners who have sinned or have sins. But, if we just want to confess it by confidently thinking that we are already righteous or forgiven, God will say, "Why beating around the bush? Why don't you just confess righteousness directly? Why go around in circles if you do not have the heart to repent or confess your sins in humility ?" Hence, I think, It is ridiculous to confess sin after we are made righteous (and vice versa i.e. to confess righteousness after we sin). Do you think that it is alright to reverse what God tell us to confess? Do you think that we can fool God when we confess hypocritically or evasively ?
Gal 6:7 KJV  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Please do not split the Bible and discard the Bible truth that we do not want
The Bible truth may not be what we want now, but it could be what we need in times of our need. Many still argue that 1 John 1:9 or the first chapter of John is for the agnostic believers but the subsequent chapters are for the believers. I will ask them,
1. If you were agnostic believers and you confessed your sins based on 1 John 1:9, will all of you stay there as the agnostic believers forever? Won't you be qualified to read the subsequent chapter which is written to the believers too ? - 1Jn 2:1 KJV  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
So, if you were the agnostic believers or sinners, both 1 John 1:9 and 1 John 2:1 are for you. You ought to read both chapters (and all the subsequent chapters) so that you sin not. If you still sin, you can still go back to 1 John 1:9 to confess your sin and repent.
2. But, if you were normal believers and you sinned, will all of you stay as the normal believers or the little children in 1 John  2? No, some of you may become agnostic believers because of sins, rebellion, ignorance, pride, or unrepentant spirit. Don't you think that 1 John 1:9 can still speak grace and mercy perfectly and powerfully to you? 1Jn 1:9 KJV  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Hence, both chapters should be read continuously and frequently by all the believers whether we think that we are now the agnostic believers or not. It is ridiculous to cut the letter of John in two and barred the believers from going back or going forward to read the Bible verses which might help them the most when they are the agnostic believers or normal believers.

It is not a shame to confess sins even if we need to humble ourselves and do it
Of course, sinners, agnostic believers, and normal believers can all confess sins if they need to. And we must know the reasons why we do it; otherwise, we confess in vain. I have explained (in K100) why the believers would still confess sins. It is :-
1. to remember that we ourselves are the sinners too, and therefore we ought to forgive other sinners (Luke 11:4)
2. not to think highly of ourselves and behave like Pharisees who prayed in Luk 18:14 or like Peter who became over-confident and boastful in Mat 26:33
3. to be honest about our sins and repent like the prodigal son in Luk 15:17-19, especially if we have wronged others or sin against God.
Hence, if we are honest, can we boast that we are better than the agnostic believers who need to confess sins? No, we need to humble ourselves and confess our sins too, not because we think that we are righteous, but because we realize that we are the sinners just like them too.
Many will try to challenge us, "So, you like to confess sins? Then, you'd better confess it every night 24 hours a day 7 days a week and 365 days a year .. or else you would not be saved?"
I will tell them, "Oh, is this how you argue? Now I know why you pray, confess, and chirp unceasingly like the birds or animals. Is this how you were taught by your former pastors or churches? Please ask them to repent for the mental 'torture' they have imposed on you. But if it is not true, it could be just your own created ridiculous argument against the words of God. It is like me asking you, "So, you like to confess righteousness or grace? Then, you'd better confess it every night 24 hours a day 7 days a week and 365 days a year .. or else you would not be the favor of God or the righteousness of God?" Do you know what's the problem with this kind of argument? We are putting words or accusation into the mouth of God when God did not say it. Hence, I do not have to answer you unless you can answer it yourselves.

C. Vain repentance + Vain confession = Vain salvation
We do not want to judge if there are believers who believe in vain repentance or vain confession. We trust that all believers will one day come to the true knowledge of repentance and confession. It is still not too late to repent. We can still show grace to the preachers who preach vain repentance OR vain confession ignorantly too. It is because the people who do vain repentance but confess their sins with true humility will still repent and vice versa (i.e. the people who truly repent but confess their sins ignorantly will still be saved too).
However, we want the believers to take note of those who preach BOTH vain repentance AND vain confession of sins. They can save no one because they preach a repentance and a confession knowingly and schemingly to contradict the gospel or repentance message of our Lord Jesus Christ. They may show that they have the 'anointing' or wisdom which can twist the words of God for supernatural gains and prosperity, but the Bible is very clear about it: they are the end time prophets or christs who are the 'anointed' and who will deceive many in the last days:
Mat 24:23-25 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.
1Ti 6:5 KJV  Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Jud 1:10-11 KJV  But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.  (11)  Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

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K108. Did Paul tell us just to confess righteousness instead? (2)

I have explained in (K107) that Rom 8:1 cannot stand alone by itself. Hence, we went deeper and found out that Paul was determined to serve the law of God with his mind, take up his cross daily (Rom 7:24-25), do the words of Christ (Luk 9:23-26), and walk in the law and Spirit of God.
Rom 8:1-2 KJV  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  (2)  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Today we can still go deeper into what Paul would say about the law and Spirit of God. If Paul was not under the law, was he out of the law or 'above the law'?

Was Paul out of the law or having no more law?
Rom 7:24-25 KJV  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.
Does it mean that there was no more law or no more commandment, and therefore no more condemnation to Paul in Rom 8:1? No, on the contrary, it means more law than before because Paul had decided with his mind to serve the law of God more than the law of sin and death in his body or flesh.
But many pure grace or hyper grace preachers will argue, "No, no, no. We disagree. How can there be more law when Paul said in Rom 8:3 KJV, For what the law could not do.., God sending his own Son.., condemned sin in the flesh .. .. It means that the law is not the solution. It is the problem. If we go back to the law, we are back to doom. The gospel that Paul preached is not a mixture. It is the gospel of pure grace. Please don't bring in the law."
I will ask them, Have you read carefully? In Rom 7, Paul had shown us that he was struggling between the two laws: the law of God and the law of sin. In Rom 8, Paul was still showing us the two laws, but it was no more a struggle to him because he had decided to follow the law and Spirit of God. We can probably see better if we read Rom 7:24 to Rom 8:1-4 continuously:
Rom 7:24-25 KJV  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.
Rom 8:1-7 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:
Hence, 'the law' in Rom 8:3 must be read with the previous verses (Rjom 7:25 and Rom 8:2). It was 'the law' of the flesh or the law of sin and death which was weak through the flesh. 'The law' in Rom 8:3 was not the law of God that Paul would serve with his mind. So, why can't we say that there is now more law of God in our minds than the law of sin and death in our flesh? This will explain why we have the law of God in our hearts and minds in Heb 8:10 and Heb 10:16 too.

The law of God is the same as the law of Spirit to Paul
Many will still argue, "No, The law of God and the law of Spirit are the two different laws. Paul would not want us to follow the law of God; he wants us to follow only the law of Spirit because we are no more under the law."
I will tell them, Paul has said it very clearly in Rom 7 - the two different laws are the law of God and the law of sin. But in Rom 8, he would consider the law of God and the law of Spirit as the same because:
1. he compare the law of Spirit to the law of God: Rom 8:6-7 KJV  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  (7)  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
2. he compared the law of Spirit against the law of sin and death: Rom 8:2 KJV  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

What is the difference? 'under the law' and 'in the law of God and Spirit'?
If Paul had more law than before, what can we say about him? Can we say that he was out of the law, above the law, having no more law, or lawless? No, it is impossible to say that if he had more law than before. After exploring all the options about his status in the law, we can say that he was no more under the law; but he could be 'in the law'.
I am not very sure if 'in the law' is the appropriate words. However, I believe that it can show better contrast in comparison with 'under the law'.
1. Being in the law - it means more law in the Spirit. It means being in the law and Spirit of God. The law of the Spirit cannot be counted or written in the form of rules and regulation like the Ten Commandments. However, it is still a law which includes the Ten Commandments as the Holy Spirit will still convict us and guide us to obey all the commandments of God and Jesus Christ - Joh 16:8-13 KJV  And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:  ..  (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. Hence, when Jesus, The Word of God who came in the flesh, showed the lawyer how the Ten Commandments could be summarized into two and how it is still valid for us to obey it (Luk 10:29), He showed us the law of the Spirit too.
2. Being under the law - it means more law for the flesh under the Old Testament. The laws were written rigidly or ritualistically in the form of stones, scrolls, letters, or documents as codes or lists eg. circumcision laws, the sacrificial laws, the ceremonial laws, and the Jewish law and order of worship in the temple. Many of these laws were followed by the Jews ritualistically (or blindly) without much understanding of the Spirit of the laws. They would just do it with the thinking that all their sins could be cleansed without turning away from their sins. The Pharisees were one type of hypocrites who had capitalize on this to justify themselves for sinning willfully (Heb 10:26). Sadly, many Christians today do not understand the Spirit of the law of God too. They are not under the law but they are still having the same mentality of the Jews and Pharisees who were under the law. I am afraid they are not in the law and Spirit of God even though they may confess that Jesus is Lord (Heb 10:29, Mat 7:22). If we are truly in Christ, we are in His Word and we are in His law. We would be determined to serve the law of God with our hearts and minds. We would think like Paul too.

What is the difference? 'under the law' and 'under the law of Christ'?
If we do not like to be 'in the law of God and Spirit', how about being 'under the law of Christ'? Is there a difference between 'being under the law' and 'under the law of Christ'? Of course, there is a big difference. I believe that it is the same difference that I have already mentioned between being under 'the law' and being in the law of God and Spirit. When we are under 'the law' without Christ, 'the law' is the law of sin and death. But when we are under the law of Christ, the law of Christ is the law of life and resurrection to our spirit, soul, and body.
Many will say, "Why do you make it so confusing? What's the difference if you are in the law or under the law of Christ? You are still have the law, and therefore, you are still under the law. When you are under the law, the law is the sting of death."
1Co 15:56-57 KJV  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  (57)  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I will tell them, Yes, I agree. Yes, the sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law, and therefore, the strength of the sting of death is 'the law'. But have we asked why 'the law' is the law of sin and death. Paul had said it clearly in Rom 7 that it was 'the law of sin and death because it could still work in his flesh or body, bringing wretchedness to his body. Therefore, he would serve the law of God and Spirit or the law of Christ with his mind, that he might walk in His Spirit. He was totally delivered because of what he did with his mind or heart. Hence, he thanked God for Jesus Christ (1Cor 15:57) and through Jesus Christ (Rom 7:25).
I also agree that it could be quite confusing. But it is confusing because people are not willing to hear the law of Christ or the law of God and Spirit. They do not want to be under any law. If we know the law of God, we would never think that Paul wanted us to be totally out of the law or having no more law:
1Co 9:20-21 KJV  And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;  (21)  To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
Paul said that he was NOT WITHOUT the law of God, but under the law of Christ, even though he might live as though he was never under the law so that he might win those who are not under the law. Isn't it clear to us that he could never be out of the law or having no more law?

For this reason, Wesley concluded in his commentaries: "To them that are without the law - The heathens. As without the law - Neglecting its ceremonies. Being not without the law to God - But as much as ever under its moral precepts. Under the law to Christ - And in this sense all Christians will be under the law for ever."

We can also say that we are in the law too: 1Co 9:21 YLT  to those without law, as without law--(not being without law to God, but within law to Christ) --that I might gain those without law;

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K107. Did Paul tell us just to confess righteousness instead? (1)

Many will say, "You keep telling us that Jesus wants us to confess our sins in (K106, K107, and K100), but do you know that Paul tells us to confess our righteousness in Christ instead? Paul said, "There is therefore NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ" (Rom 8:1) and "We are the righteousness of God" (2Cor 5:17). So, we should confess righteousness (not sins which make us feel more condemned). So, when there is a conflict between what Jesus said and what Paul said, whom do we listen to? If you want to feel more condemned, go ahead and confess your sins. But, as for me, my loved ones, my sinners, and my churches, we listen only to the gospel that Paul preached because Paul is the only Apostle who can really speak for Christ or preach grace. That's why we can say that most of the parables and doctrine of Jesus Christ are under the law and they are not for us although we may still learn something from His sermon, for example, His words about "seek ye first the kingdom of God and don't worry about tomorrow". Naturally, confession of sins is a law teaching or false humility which has become obsolete. 1 John 1:9 said clearly that it is the confession for the agnostic believers; not for us .."

What should we confess if there is a conflict?
I will tell them, If there is a conflict between what Jesus said and what Paul said, it means either:
1. Jesus is right and Paul is wrong. When there is a conflict, you must still listen to Jesus; not Paul, because the words of Jesus can never be wrong or obsolete (Mat 28:19, Joh 6:63),
or
2. Jesus is right and Paul is right. There is no conflict, but you need to find out what Paul has really said.
I choose (2) because I believe that there is no conflict in the Bible; the conflict is only created by you. If you can convince me that we need the revolution of grace that is preached by Paul to 'think' differently, and hence, we must believe only in Paul's words and not in Jesus' words, I will still choose (2) - I believe that both Jesus and Paul are right; but you are wrong ! You must find out what Paul has really said in 2Co 5:21 and Rom 8:1:

1.  2Co 5:21 - Did Paul really tell us to confess righteousness?
2Co 5:21 KJV  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Did Paul say that we must confess or boast that we are (already) righteous or we are (already) the righteousness of God in Christ (in order to be made righteous)? No, certainly not. Neither did he say that we must confess it (how many times) to get righteousness or to be made the righteousness of God in Christ. In fact, Paul said it very clearly that we cannot do anything that we might be made the righteousness of God. It is Christ, not our confession or boasting, that make us the righteousness of God. So, can we still confess righteousness or confess that we are made righteous by Christ? Of course, you can. Go ahead and confess it if you still want to feel good by confessing it. However, if the confession is not a command from Paul and it does not make you righteous, you cannot use what is not a command to nullify the commands of Jesus Christ who call sinners to repentance (Luk 11:4, 18:14).
Act 17:30 KJV  And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: .. (26:20) But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, .. that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Hence, there is only one type of confession which matters the most, which is a command to all men. it is the command of God for all men to repent and confess it that they might be reconciled to God. Of course, the confession itself will not make people righteous; but if it is done in obedience to Christ or in Christ, it is true repentance in Christ, and it will becomes the fruits of our lips which show that we are made righteous by Christ. Only this type of confession can be explained with consistency in both what Jesus said and what Paul said. When we place their words side by side, we can now find agreement of Paul words to the words of Jesus Christ because true repentance in us will testify that the words of Christ are not only true; they are the spirit and life which all good things must come from:
1. The words of Jesus: Luk 11:4 KJV  And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.  Luk 18:13 KJV  And the publican, standing afar off, .. saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
2. The words of Paul: 2Co 5:20-21 KJV  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.  (21)  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Do you find the continuation (of what Jesus said) in what Paul said? Please think, How are we made righteous? Didn't all their words say clearly that we confess that we are the sinners before God to be reconciled to God, that we might be made the righteousness of God (in Christ)? Why did Paul emphasize that it is the righteousness of God IN CHRIST? It is the righteousness IN CHRIST only if we think, confess, obey, or do all that Jesus said and commanded us to do. Otherwise, it is not in Christ, and we are not in Christ.
Hence, repentance with the confession of sin is a command of God. It is the type of repentance that Jesus and Paul preached (Act 17:30, 26:20). But, repentance with the confession of righteousness is only the change of mind based on the realisation of men. It is a type of 'repentance' that men preach (or the hyper grace preachers preach). Which type of repentance would you believe in?

2. Rom 8:1 - Did Paul really tell us to confess no condemnation?
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.
I have explained in (K102) that Rom 8:1 cannot stand alone by itself. We must read it with the previous Bible verses. However, before we find out more, please think, Did Paul say that we should just confess it so that there is no condemnation or so that we do not feel any condemnation? No, I am sure that he did not say that. Of course, I have said that we cannot do anything to make ourselves righteous, to be righteous, or to be justified. However, if you just want to feel righteous, feel justified, or feel less condemned, go ahead and just confess it. However, we know that Paul did not tell us to just know or CONFESS it to have no condemnation; he showed how we might DO like him to have no condemnation. He showed us what he did in Rom 7:24-25, and therefore, there is no condemnation to him who used to feel like wretched man:
Rom 7:24-25 KJV 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.
I have explained in (K102) why there were two different laws in Paul and how he used to struggle until he was settled in his mind to serve the law of God in his mind. The law of God is the Spirit of God who will still remind us of the laws and commandments of God so that we will know, obey, and walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Only the true spirit of God is subject to the Spirit of God or the law of God (Rom 8:7). Ok, I do not want to continue and repeat what I have already said in (K102).
But, many people still argue, "How do you know that Rom 7:24-25 explain that Paul had stopped his struggle because he obeyed the law of God with his mind; but the law of sin with his flesh. It doesn't make sense for him to obey the law of sin with his flesh ! Hence, we would explain that Paul stopped his struggle only because he did not obey any law; instead, he obeyed only Jesus Christ who deliver him from the body of death. That's why he thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord in (v25) that he has no more struggle, no more sin, and no more condemnation."
I will tell them, That is a good explanation. But it is still not good enough to explain why Paul would still talk about the law of God and walk in the law and the Spirit of God in the next chapter in Rom 8:1-4. However, I believe that the following is the explanation of Rom 7:24-25 and it explains why there is, therefore, no condemnation who will do like Paul:

Paul did not just confess righteousness; he did the words of Christ
Paul would let only the law of God have his mind (Heb 8:10). He would serve the law of God with his mind too, but the law of sin and death with his flesh. What does it mean when his flesh was served under the law of sin and death? It means that he would 'willfully' crucify his flesh and the sinful desires on the cross of death. That's why he thanked God for Jesus who deliver him from the body of that death in (v24). Contrary to what many hyper grace preachers said, Paul had no condemnation, not because he just closed his eyes (or his mind) and assumed that there was no more sin in the flesh, but because he took up the cross according to the command of the Lord. When he had decided to serve the law of God with his mind, taking up his cross daily and walking in the Spirit was, therefore, no longer a struggle to him.
Luk 9:23-26 KJV  And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.  (24)  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.  (25)  For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?  (26)  For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.
Now can we see the vast difference between what some think that what Paul preached and what Paul really preached? Some preach that there is no condemnation when they just CONFESS, think, or boast about the righteousness of God. But Paul actually preached that there is no condemnation when we DO the words of Jesus Christ by serving the law and Spirit of God with our mind and walking in His Spirit.

The doctrine of Christ will become crucial in understanding and doing the righteousness of God in the end time
I would not claim that I know the heart and mind of Paul better than all the Bible scholars. I do not think that the believers need to go so deep into the doctrine of Christ and Paul, to the extend of understanding how Paul thought or served the law of God from Rom 7:24 to Rom 8:1-4 too. However, in the end time, it could become one of the most crucial truth to detect and defeat major errors (tares) in the doctrine of the antiChrist who would constantly preach, corrupt, or conspire against the gospel, the seed, and repentance message of Jesus Christ. When the beast comes, he would challenge The Word and nullify all the doctrine and teaching of Christ too. Hence, it is time to go deeper now because no one can imagine how (in the world it could become possible that) the words of Paul could be so twisted:
1. that it becomes a vain confession of righteousness or boasting which Paul would never preach
2. that it will fight against the gospel and Jesus Christ who called sinners to repentance and taught the believers about the humility of confession of sins. The end is near !

To walk in the Spirit is not just to confess righteousness; but do righteousness
Many still argue, "But why do we keep talking about understanding and doing the righteousness of God when Jesus has done everything for us and when we ourselves have become the righteousness of God. It does not matter what we do when God's righteousness is in us. We are always righteous in God's eyes even if we lie or sin. Do you know that Abraham lied and he was considered as righteous? And whatever that he did was imputed unto him for righteousness?"
Rom 4:22-24 KJV  And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.  (23)  Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;  (24)  But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
Jas 2:23-24 KJV  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.  (24)  Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
I will tell them, Yes, what Abraham did out of faith was imputed unto him for righteousness; but the scripture did not say that 'whatever' he did was imputed unto him for righteousness, including the lies and adultery. I am sure God would not want us to correlate His righteousness with lies by always saying that Abraham lied and it was imputed unto him for righteousness. God hates lies. If Abraham lied, it does not mean that we can lie. Do we know what is the great difference between Abraham and the believers under the New Testament? Abraham was not filled with the Holy Spirit; but we are. We have the Holy Spirit to teach us not to lie. Hence, we would not encourage others to lie too. Please think, If we always preach the righteousness of God by giving the example of how Abraham lied or how David committed adultery and how God would still forgive them graciously, do you know what kind of false impression or Old Testament teaching we will give to the people? We are not calling the sinners to repentance under the New Testament; but we are giving out the wrong signal to live with lies.
Many preachers still argue, "We preach only the confession of righteousness but we still receive countless testimonies of people who are set free. Many smokers stop smoking because of confession of righteousness. The pornography addicts and drugs addicts were also delivered. People who used steal, no long steal too .. etc"
I will tell them, Countless testimonies? That's an exaggeration. No offence if I say this, If you preach and tell people to confess righteousness to grow more hair or to become prettier, many will still believe and write to you that it works for them too. The logic is: We cannot prove our own human realization based on our lame excuses or twisted interpretation of God's words. We should prove only what God said; not what we said.
There is an obvious difference between the doctrine of confession and the doctrine of doing: The doctrine of confession is still considered as a confession or lower principle in the eyes of the Lord. No matter how well we can confess it, it is still a confession. If we really want the believers to grow, we should teach like Paul and encourage them to go for higher doctrine or principles by doing the words of God: Heb 6:1 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 ..
That's why 'do nothing' principle is a dead principle or dead belief if it would just keep teaching the believers to stay at the level of confession without doing anything even though it may have been taught correctly as the Lord's foundation of righteousness, repentance, or faith:
Jas 2:19-20 KJV  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.  (20)  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

We are now more equipped by the Spirit of God to do God's righteousness
Please remember, We are no longer living under the law or Old Testament. Hence, we cannot tell the people to lie like Abraham (sin like king David or sin like those who were under the Old Testament) and still expect God to forgive them. We would now tell them under the New Testament to repent and turn from their sins because we have the grace of God to be filled with the Holy Spirit and walk in His Spirit now. We have the law and Spirit of God to guide us constantly to do righteousness now. We have the words of God to instruct us or teach us to do righteousness too:
Mat 5:6 KJV  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Rom 6:12-15 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.  (14)  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.  (15)  What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
1Co 15:33-34 KJV  Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.  (34)  Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
1Ti 6:10-12 KJV  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  (11)  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.  (12)  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
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.
Heb 12:11 KJV  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.
2Pe 2:21 KJV  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.
1Jn 2:29 KJV  If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
1Jn 3:7-10 KJV  Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. .. .. (10)  In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
Rev 22:11-14 KJV  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.  (13)  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.  (14)  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

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K106. Would Jesus still tell the believers to confess their sins today? (3)

I said in K105 that "If we confess sins without knowing the purpose of confession, we confess in vain". Hence, believers can confess sins in vain. They may confess for the sake of confessing. They may argue for the sake of arguing too.

Is it possible for a believer to confess vain confession?
Yes, there are believers who will confess for the sake of confessing only. They may repent for the sake of repenting, or believe for the sake of believing too. Some of them may even ask for grace for the sake of having grace only. They want grace given for repentance, but they do not want to repent. They want forgiveness; but they do not want to forgive. Did the Lord tell us that there are such believers or sinners today?
Mat 18:23-34 KJV  Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants .. .. (32) Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:  (33)  Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?  (34)  And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. Many will still argue that the parable was obsolete as it was too harsh for them who are under grace. Hence, they argue that it was a law teaching for the disciples and Jews who were under the law. But I don't think so. It is for the believers in the future or end time; otherwise, why did Jesus mention it as the parable of 'the kingdom of heaven' in (v23) ? It shows Jesus' wisdom.

Is it possible for a believer to believe vain beliefs?
Yes, there are believers who will believe for the sake of believing. They may believe and even pray the sinner's prayer; but they do not know the meaning of 'a sinner's prayer'. It could be just a formula of 'salvation' or repetition for the occasion. They may pray; but they do not repent. They may pray the Lord's prayer every Sunday; but it could be just a vain confession of the mouth; not of the heart or spirit of humility and repentance:
Luk 11:4 KJV  And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Is it possible for a believer to worship God in vain?
Hence, some churches may pray the Lord's prayer every week initially. But, after a while, when they realize that they could not pray with the conviction or the spirit of humility or repentance in their hearts, they would just give up and come up with the prevalent vain excuse that it is not for them to pray (to be forgiven to forgive) or to repent during the church service. They claim that they can only do the 'happy' things in the church services, for example, worshipping God, loving God, thinking of His righteousness, .. ..; but certainly not repenting or reminding themselves of their sins. Actually, they do not want to be reminded of their rebellion for putting repentance behind their back. Unknowingly, their wonderful arguments or preaching for a fantastic worship service is just a camouflage to hide their rebellion, pride, self-righteousness, and hypocrisy before God in the temple of God or in their hearts. I will ask them, What's the problem if you come before God to repent or confess your sins? Do you consider it as worship only when there is a lot of thanksgiving, singing, praising, and good opinions about God and yourselves? I know that most hypocrites or Pharisees would like it, but Jesus did not change the way we worship God in the new covenant under grace. On contrary, He said that we must still worship God in spirit and in truth (Joh 4:23) with the laws of God in our hearts (Heb 8:10, 10:16); not in hypocrisy:
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.

Can a believer be saved by vain belief, vain faith, vain worship, or vain repentance?
I will ask the hyper grace people, You said, "1 John 1:9 is for the agnostic believers, and hence, many believers have confessed sins unnecessarily or vainly".
If the believers can confess sins in vain, don't you agree that they can argue in vain, believe in vain, worship in vain, or repent in vain too? Of course, there are vain believers who do vain things and fall because of vain belief and vain faith. What does it mean when the Bible says that the devils believe and yet they are not saved?
Jas 2:19-20 KJV  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.  (20)  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
It means that there are believers who believe wrongly or vainly and they are not saved. There are those who have vain faith or vain worship and they are not saved too. Hence, we are not saved by vain belief, vain faith, or vain worship. How about vain repentance?
Please think, If a believer cannot be saved if he believes like the devils or believe in vain, can he be saved if he will just repent in vain too? I don't think so. I don't think we should help him to find all kinds of vain excuses, deceitfulness, or false consolation to repent in vain. Why should we preach or encourage vain people to repent in vain when all they want is grace:
1. only to prosper and feel good (feel less condemned);
2. but not to repent and turn from sins ?

How practical is the doctrine or teaching of Jesus Christ?
Many argue that true repentance is just a change of mind. They say that it does not involve the confession of sins or acknowledgement that they are sinners, and therefore, the teaching of Jesus on how the publican repented in Luk 18:10-14 is no longer valid for them under the New Covenant. They argue that today they do not cut themselves or beat their chests; but they will need only to believe or change their mind from unbelief to right belief or from bad opinion about God to good opinion about God. They say that they have repented too..
I will tell them, Of course, we do not cut ourselves or beat our chests, but can't you see the real meaning of the Lord's parable? Jesus did not just teach ONLY THE JEWS on how they should come and pray to God; He taught EVERYONE on how we should come and pray to God. The JEWS, the Pharisees, and the religious would always come with the good opinion about themselves and God; but everyone who repent would come with the real understanding of themselves as sinners before God.
Now please think, Are there still people who come and pray to God like the JEWS, the Pharisees, and the religious? Of course, yes. Of course, we may not find any Jews or Pharisees in our churches, but we can still find many religious people who have good opinion about themselves and God in our churches. I won't judge if they are saved or not. But if they cannot accept the doctrine of Jesus Christ and they rebel like the Pharisees, there is a big question mark on their salvation. Please think again, If there are still such people in our churches, how can we say that the parable or doctrine of Jesus Christ is no longer valid in our churches?
I will tell them, Although the parable was about two Jewish believers who came and pray to God, it can be applied to Christian believers who come to God too. In the parable,
1. Jesus showed us that the Pharisee or hypocrite under the law could come to God with the 'good' feeling that all his sins had been forgiven, and hence, he thought he could come with greater confidence than the poor publican next to him.
2. Can religious hypocrites under the new covenant still come into our churches with the 'good' feeling that all their sins are forgiven, and hence, they think that they can come with greater confidence than other believers? Of course, yes. Oops, is this a true or familiar picture that we can see today? If this is so, how can we deny the parable or doctrine of Jesus Christ as obsolete?
So, how practical is the parable or doctrine of Christ? I am afraid it is more practical or relevant than what we could think or imagine !

Rituals, offerings, boasting, doing, or even beating of self can become obsolete; but the principle or attitude can never be obsolete
The doctrine of Jesus Christ is not always the new things under the New Covenant. It could be something which is still practised in both the Old and New Covenant, for example, our love, our obedience, our humility, our attitude, and our worship to God. Hence, we should never focus and interpret it wrongly whenever we look at the parables of Jesus. Of course, Jesus would not want all His disciples to boast like the Pharisees or pray like the publican by beating themselves. But, He taught the principle of humility before God, and He did mention that this is what we should focus on, and this is the principle which can never be obsolete:
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.
Of course, Jesus is not very bothered if we beat our chest or just whisper a prayer when we confess our sins. But He is very bothered if we confess it sincerely or hypocritically. He would judge whether we are justified or not justified based on how we confess it in our hearts. I know that there are preachers who thought that they must confess or chirp like the birds 24 hours a day. Of course, everyone knows that it is ridiculous to confess vainly in this manner. But it does not mean, after realizing that it is a stupid thing to do, we can just go to the other extreme and repent like the sheep quietly by confessing nothing or doing nothing. I have explained in (K101) that the sheep cannot confess sins. Hence, it is still a silly doctrine to teach people to confess or repent like the animals.

Hence, confession of sins, whether it is done with the beating of the chest or with a simple prayer, can still be practised by all the believers or anyone who will come and pray to God, as long as it is done with the heart and right attitude.  Who say that we cannot practise it because the churches have no more sinners or no more believers who still need to repent? It is ridiculous to preach this unless we are in heaven !

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K105. Would Jesus still tell the believers to confess their sins today? (2)

I have explained (in K100) that the believers today will still confess sins. But how do they confess sins? Do they do it internally, quietly, or publicly? Did Jesus say that we should confess it verbally, creatively, or subtly? No, Jesus simply said "Pray" or "Just do it" (Luk 11:4). Did He give long sermon, for example, on how many types of repentance, how to repent with faith, how not to repent under the law, how to repent without confessing sins, how not to confess sins like the AGNOSTIC believers, how to repent and confess sins CORRECTLY, or how to repent without hurting too much of our ego? No. His focus is to do all the works, words, and commands of God irrespective of whether it is the work of faith or the work of repentance. However, today there are many preachers, especially the radical or hyper grace preachers, who argue constantly and repeatedly on how people have misunderstood them or how they could never misinterpret the works or the words of God. Hence, they preach 3/4 of their sermon or argument on what is works, what is rest, and what is grace, then it is followed by 1/4 of 'ding dong bell' preaching on why they can preach, believe, or 'repent' better than others. They may claim that they are always humbled by grace, but are they humbled enough to obey and do the words of the Lord ? Hence, by their fruits (by the fruits of their thought, their works, or their words, we may know them (Mat 7:20).

Repentance without doing it is not complete
I will tell them, No, you can repent better only if you can DO IT. You don't have to think too much (on how to repent under the law or under grace). God has given grace to all the sinners. If God tells us to confess our sins and that He is faithful to forgive us (1 John 1:9), don't you think that it is the word of grace? If it is the word of grace for all who will believe and do it, it is certainly not for the agnostic believers, the 'low class' believers, the carnal believers, the immature believers, or the unrighteous believers only. It is for all of us.
Jesus has always emphasized that we must repent by doing it. He did not tell us to just repent or change our minds and FULL STOP:
Luk 19:8-9 KJV  And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.  (9)  And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
Mat 7:21-24 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.. .. (24)  Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Luk 15:17-20 KJV  And when he came to himself, he said, .. (18)  I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee .. .. (20) And he arose, and came to his father. ..
Luk 10:29-37 KJV  But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?  (30)  And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves .. .. (36)  Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?  (37)  And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Confession of sins or repentance is a requirement under grace
I will ask the hyper grace people, why can't you just accept confession of sins as the word of grace too?
Suppose someone slapped you 10 times and ran away (Please take note that it is just a hypothetical example). Later that person repented and came back to you and you said, "I forgive you if you apologize and confess that you are wrong." Now, please think, Don't you think that the 'requirement' of that confession is grace? What if he argued, "No, no, no .. I am a Christians saved by grace. I am not like the agnostic believers. And I cannot confess sins because it shows that I am still dependent on my self-effort and under the law. Hence, if I must confess, I will only confess that I am the righteousness of God .."
Don't you think that it is ridiculous and that it is an abuse of grace or mercy you have shown to him. If you think so, you would know that there are many believers who have abused the grace of God too. If you argue and say that this can never happen because Jesus has never rebuked any believer for doing so, please read your Bible again. Jesus has given us a very similar example of how a believer who was forgiven had abused the grace and mercy of God (Mat 18:32). The ungrateful believer might not bargain with God for more grace, but he had acted as though grace could forever 'cover' him or save him even if he acted wickedly or unrighteously.

Jesus did not preach, "REPENT, REPENT, REPENT and FULL STOP"
Of course, Jesus always preached repentance, but He did not preach like the hyper grace preachers. Yes, He preached repentance as a FULL STOP to sin, but He did not preach repentance as a FULL STOP for everyone. Yes, repentance is a FULL STOP to the sinner who sin. Yes, it is a FULL STOP for the sinners to sin too; but it is not a FULL STOP for the believers to do the words and works of God.
Unlike the hyper grace preachers, Jesus showed us clearly (with most of His parables) on how to repent. He would never tell us to repent by changing our minds and FULL STOP. He would never define, with long sermons, on how to change our minds ONLY. No, instead He preached that keeping His words or commandments must be done by doing it or by repenting with doing, works, or fruits; not just by knowing it or arguing about it. If we cannot do it or would not do it, we may not have truly repented irrespective of how well we can understand it, preach it, define it, or argue about it.

Repentance is more than the meaning of it in the dictionary
Many will still argue, "I have checked from the most accurate Greek dictionary. It defines 'repentance' as 'metanoia' or 'change of mind'. It did not say turning from sins or doing something more to show that you are remorseful. Hence, repentance is just to change your mind and FULL STOP."
I will tell them, You remind me of the English professor who argued with his student on the definition of 'love' and insisted that 'love' is only 'a great affection or liking for someone or something'. He would say, "According to the definition of my dictionary, love is just an affection or feeling, but where, where is the need to do many things and to love your neighbour as thyself?" Of course, this is just a hypothetical example, but it shows how silly a preacher would become if he would also define repentance from his Greek dictionary too. If we would just want to interpret the meaning of 'repentance' without the law and Spirit of God in the scripture, we would be as blind as the English professor even we may claim to know more than others. I would not want to insult any English professor, but the moral of the story is:  If we want to preach 'repentance', do not preach like the professor; preach like Jesus, preach with the law and Spirit of God.

Do we still preach repentance which includes turning away from sins?
Many will argue, "Ok, I repent or change my mind now. I agree that repentance is not just changing our minds only and FULL STOP. But did Jesus tell us that it must include turning away from our sins ? No, Jesus has never said it. Why do many preachers today still preaching repentance as turning away from sins which is so condemning to the sinners who find it hard to repent ?"
I will tell them, You have changed your minds, but you have not repented. Haven't you read the story of Zacchaeus, the parable of the prodigal son, and the parable of the good Samaritan? Jesus showed us that they had all repented. Isn't that clear enough. Please read what they had done again. Isn't that turning away from sin? What is there to argue about? Why are you so concerned if repentance would involve turning away from sins or not? You may claim that you do not sin and you would never sin, but the way you have argued shows that you would only want to believe in 'a repentance' that has no turning away from sins ! You may deny it vehemently, but you can never hide the fruit of your thinking or intention - you can only 'repent' in your own ways ! It is certainly not the repentance that Jesus preached. Without turning away from sins, repentance would not be the repentance of the sinners; it would be the change of minds from the Pharisees or the self-righteous.

Did Jesus tell the people to repent and turn away from their sins?
They will say, "No, I don't see any command from the Lord for us to repent and confess our sins; but only the command to repent and change our minds only. Hence, Paul would preach only the goodness of God and the goodness of God will lead them to repentance. We don't have to preach or tell the people to repent. I cannot find Jesus or Paul preaching any law or command to repent, repent, repent .. or else God will not forgive you. Let me quote the following Bible verses:
Joh 20:19 KJV  Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Joh 20:29 KJV  Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
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 Jesus and Paul tell the people to repent and confess their sins so that God will forgive them? No. In fact, the disciples had sinned when they feared men and doubted on Jesus' resurrection. Did Jesus rebuke them and ask them to confess their sins? No. So why do we still keep telling the people to repent when Jesus would only show the goodness of God to the sinners and His disciples?"

The gospel that Jesus preach would not change before or after He died
I will tell them, For your information, Paul did not just preach the forgiveness of sins; Paul preach repentance:
Act 26:19-20 KJV  Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:  (20)  But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Do you know that Jesus had taught His disciples to confess their sins in Luk 11:4? Did He tell them to stop praying or confessing their sins because He was going away and therefore they must believe in a gospel that has no more confession of sins? No, instead He reinforced what He had taught by giving them a very clear command:
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.

Are we condemning the people because we tell them to sin no more?
I will ask them, What's the problem if we ask the people to repent and confess their sins? Can we become a condemning preacher just because we ask the people to turn away from their sins or to sin no more? If this is true, what will you say about Jesus when He told them to sin no more?
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 KJV  She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Luk 13:5-9 KJV  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; .. (9)  And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Luk 16:30 KJV  And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

If we confess sins without knowing the purpose of confession, we confess in vain
Many of them will still argue, "Ok, ok. You have your points but you have misunderstood us.  We did not say that you cannot confess your sins or you cannot tell people to turn away from sins. We did not say that it is wrong to confess sins in 1 John 1:9. We said that only the agnostic believers will need to confess sins. It is for the agnostic believers. If you want to think that you are the agnostic believers, go ahead and confess your sins. As for us, we will never confess sins; we will confess only righteousness. If we must confess sins, we will confess sins only because we know that we have been forgiven. We confess sins out of God's righteousness. We confess sins because we know that we have been forgiven. When we know that we are forgiven and righteous, we will reign in life. We will prosper. We will do this .. and that.. We will soar like the eagles .. we will fly .."
I will tell them, Ok, ok. I know that you are righteous. But are you going to preach that to everyone in your church or in the world? It could be a message only fit for you or your righteous believers who can fly in heaven; not on earth. If you are in heaven with your righteous believers, none of you would need to hear any repentance message. You don't even need to repent. Repent for what? If you are already in heaven, you do not even need to repent out of righteousness. Hence, repentance or confession of sins out of righteousness is meaningless in God's eyes in heaven. But if you are still on earth, there are many reasons why we will still confess sins. I have explained (in K100) why the believers would still confess sins. It is :-
1. to remember that we ourselves are the sinners too, and therefore we ought to forgive other sinners (Luke 11:4)
2. not to think highly of ourselves and behave like Pharisees who prayed in Luk 18:14 or like Peter who became over-confident and boastful in Mat 26:33
3. to be honest about our sins and repent like the prodigal son in Luk 15:17-19, especially if we have wronged others or sin against God.
Hence, we must know the meaning of our confession. There is always a purpose for confession:
Act 3:19 KJV  Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord ..
Hence, it is meaningless for the people to confess sins if they confess it just for the sake of confessing it; it would be like the confession of the Pharisees: Mat 3:6-8 KJV  And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.  (7)  But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  (8)  Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Hence, I will tell them, If you find it difficult to confess your sins, don't confess it; it will insult God. Confess it only when you really want to repent. It is better to be honest and have the conviction or reproof of the Holy Spirit than to be hypocritical and have no more conscience of sins.

Jesus has shown us that no one should boast; not even Peter
Many will say, "Ok, if you say so, we change our mind and decide that we should not confess any sin. Confession of sins is only for you or your agnostic believers. We will now confess only righteousness. We have decided to preach only the righteousness of God from the scripture. If it is sin, warning of sin, or condemnation of sin, it is for you and your believers. Hence, 1 John 1:9, Heb 6:4, Heb 10:26, Act 20:28-31, and many other Bible verses about the fallen believers are not for us; they are for you and your agnostic people. Those Bible verses will include the Lord's warnings to the churches in Rev 2-3, and the parable of the sower, the parable of the tares, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the parable of the ten virgins, the parable of the foolish servants, the parable of the sheep and the goat. Why? We can never fall !"
I will ask them, Do you know that you sound familiar to me? You sound like Peter. Peter said that he could never fall; but the moment he said it, Jesus knew that Peter would fall. Pride had caught hold of Peter and the Lord knew that it was a matter of time when he would deny Him. Later, the Lord had to do the 'triple restoration' to show how Peter should repent - ie. to confess or admit his incapability to love, agape, or obey Jesus three times - before he could be used by the Lord. Do you know that that was Peter's confession of sins? It was his confession to:
t is :-
1. to remember that he had failed the Lord, and how he ought to forgive others who offended him too: Mat 18:21-22 KJV  Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?  (22)  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
2. not to think highly of himself
3. to be honest about his sins and confess it before others with the courage of the Lord

Please do not forget: God's preachers do not just preach to the saints in the world only
They preach to the 'sinners' in the churches too. I will tell them, Do you know that hell is not for us? But why did Jesus preach about hell, the rich man, and Lazarus? Of course, we can think that none of us are the rich man in hell, or the rebellious churches in Rev 2-3, the false prophets in Mat 7, the foolish virgins, the unfaithful servants, and the goats in Mat 25, and that therefore, they are NOT US. But can we say that their warnings or lessons are NOT FOR US? Do you know that the people of the world would never say that the criminal laws or the traffic rules are not for them even though they are not the criminals and they do not break the laws? But it would reflect very much on their natures or characters if they keep complaining that the traffic rules are redundant, that the laws are stupid, and that all the rules and regulations are useless. It reflects ultimately that they are rebellious, lawless, or out of sync with their society. Similarly, the warnings, commandments, or doctrine of Jesus may not be the doctrine of salvation, but it will reflect on the true natures, characters, maturity, and fruits of different believers when they respond to it respectively. It reflects on what kind of faith or belief they have. It will show us whether they have true belief or false belief:
Mat 7:15-23 KJV  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  (16)  Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? .. (20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.  (21)  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  (22)  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  (23)  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

'Waterless' doctrine cannot bear fruits
So, who would still complain about the laws, commandments, judgement, repentance message, or warnings of the Lord? I will tell them, Please think twice before changing or switching your doctrine to and fro like the raging sea. Don't just change your mind for the sake of changing, confess your sins for sake of confessing, or repent like the sheep; but repent with real fruits that meet for repentance.
Many have given the fantastic illustration to show the people how they can repent better or 'repent like the sheep' in Luk 15:4-7. However, I have explained (in K101) that Jesus did not want us to repent like the sheep. He used the metaphor of sheep to show us how we should only obey like the sheep; not to think like the sheep. We should be as wise as serpents; but as harmless as the dove.
Mat 10:16 KJV  Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
The sheep or animal can never confess any sin. Obviously, Jesus would not want us to be as stupid as the sheep or think like the sheep too. Hence, the illustration and the doctrine of the sheep in repentance to show us how to repent like the sheep and just do nothing cannot 'hold water'. It is one of the most foolish excuses for those who will just want to repent without doing anything:
2Pe 2:16-21 KJV  But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.  (17)  These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.  (18)  For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.  (19)  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.  (20)  For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.  (21)  For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
Jud 1:10-13 KJV  But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.  (11)  Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.  (12)  These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;  (13)  Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

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