Lie of The Ages

Lie of the Ages
Historys Fatal Falsehood

Todd Tomasella
SafeGuardYourSoul.com
Lie of the Ages
Copyright 2012 Todd Tomasella
All rights reserved.
ISBN-13: 978-1479170951
Frisco, Texas
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ISBN-13: 978-1479170951
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All Scripture quotations deliberately taken from the Author-

ized Version of the Holy Bible, the King James Version
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TRIBUTE
In grateful tribute to the God of all creation whose salva-

tion has appeared to all men through the grace of our
LORD Jesus Christ by the cruel, merciless and unde-
serving punishment He endured for mankinds sins and
depravity, obtaining eternal redemption for us all. Who
was delivered for our offences, and was raised again
for our justification. (Rom. 4:25) All thanks to Christ
Jesus the Messiah for His unspeakable gift of salvation,
and to all who embrace and uphold His Word as final
authority in all matters of faith and practice of the Chris-
tian life. God bless all those in leadership, who authenti-
cally and unceasingly declare His full-counsel Word of
truth, laboring with Him, fulfilling a mission unsur-
passed in importance, seeking only His glory and to be
utilized in the care, feeding, protection, and building up
of His saints and eternal kingdom. Truly, our soon com-
ing LORD Jesus has prepared a place in His Fathers
house for all those He knows and loves (Jn. 14:1-6).
The mercy of God, shed upon us through the blood of

Christ our LORD, is a gift and blessing far too great for
this writer to attempt articulating. May our LORD be
thanked for the authentic humility of every God-fearing
man and woman who is born again and forthrightly em-
braces and upholds the Holy Scriptures as final authori-
ty for all matters of faith and doctrine and practice of the
Christian faith, once delivered to the saints through the
Holy-Spirit-inspired holy prophets and apostles of the
LORD.
By humility and the fear of the LORD are rich-
es, and honour, and life. Proverbs 22:4
Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted,

and become as little children (humble and de-
pendent upon Him), ye shall not enter into the
kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall
humble himself as this little child, the same is
greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew
18:3-4
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
For thou art great, and doest wondrous

things: thou art God alone. Teach me thy way,
O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my
heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O
Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glo-
rify thy name for evermore. For great is thy
mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my
soul from the lowest hell. Psalms 86:10-13
This writer believes there has never been a man more
in need of Gods all-sufficient grace than this depraved
soul whom the LORD has so graciously found, regener-
ated, and is daily transforming for His holy, eternal
purposes (Rom. 6-8; Eph.3:11). He has truly and more
than the initial time delivered my soul from the low-
est hell. (Ps. 86:13)
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, dis-
obedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleas-
ures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating
one another. But after that the kindness and love of
God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by
works of righteousness which we have done, but ac-
cording to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of
regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus
Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his
grace, we should be made heirs according to the
hope of eternal life. Titus 3:3-7
All comments concerning this book are welcomed. If

anyone can clearly and through the preponderance of
Holy Scripture, demonstrate that anything in this book
is not aligned with the mind of Christ as revealed in the
full-counsel of His Word, please bring that valid con-
cern to my attention so that correction can be made im-
mediately.
info@SafeGuardYourSoul.com
This writer has been himself deluded due to lack of
knowledge of Gods Word and wishes to assist others in
biblically and spiritually discerning so that they might
be spared deception and derailment and fully glorify the
LORD who bought them with His precious blood.
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom,
though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye
rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Receiving the end of your faith, even the sal-
vation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9
His watchmen are to hear and warn.
So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a
watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore
thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and
warn them from meTherefore, thou son of
man, say unto the children of thy people, The
righteousness of the righteous shall not deliv-
er him in the day of his transgression: as for
the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall
thereby in the day that he turneth from his
wickedness; neither shall the righteous be
able to live for his righteousness in the day
that he sinneth. When I shall say to the right-
eous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to
his own righteousness, and commit iniquity,
all his righteousnesses shall not be remem-
bered; but for his iniquity that he hath com-
mitted, he shall die for it. Ezekiel 33:7, 12-
13
The LORD told His watchman to hear the word at my
mouth, and warn them from me. Like the prophet
Ezekiel, the body of Christ is to hear the Word of God
and warn others of false doctrines which war against
revealed truth, corrupting the image and will of the living
God in the hearts of men, namely His very own people. A
watchman or overseer in the body of Christ is to
earnestly contend for the faith which was once de-
livered unto the saints, declaring, defending and
guarding the divine oracles, and speaking according to
them alone (Isa. 8:20; 2 Tim. 4:2-5; 1 Pet. 4:11; Jude 3-
4).
The deep concern of this writer and an army of God-

fearing men and women, is that without biblical authori-
ty, multitudes are being led to believe that they are
eternally secure no matter how they choose to live after
being saved. Is this a Bible teaching? What did Jesus
teach on this matter and what did His apostles teach? Is
the Almighty confused on this issue? Does the LORD ad-
dress this subject in His Word? Let us together explore
the answers to these and many more important ques-
tions in this bold, biblically resolute, and poignant vol-
ume sure to be an educational tool for individuals and
groups.
ACKNOWLDGEMENTS
Thanks to the friends who helped with the produc-

tion of this volume. Thanks to Bill Wegener for the
cover design and ministry of helps to the body of
Christ. Much gratitude to Steve Turner, Stephen Mi-
chels, Luanne Hisle, and Kim Kininmonth, for their
joyful provision, and work for our LORD and Savior.
ARE YOU AT PEACE WITH GOD?
To best understand and appreciate the contents of this

volume will require personal knowledge of the One whom
this author believes has inspired this writing. Friend, do
you know you are at peace with God? Are you 100%
sure you would go to Heaven to be with Jesus Christ if
you died today? If you are 99.9% or less sure, please go
to the rear of this book right now and make peace with
Him. See the Making Peace with God page near the rear
of this book. The LORD wants to bless you with the for-
giveness of all your sins and the assurance of knowing
Him and knowing you are going to be with Him when
you leave this earth which could be this very day.
Take this step now and He will change your life forever.
You will be eternally grateful to the LORD and Savior Je-
sus Christ for His gift of eternal life which He single-
handedly purchased for us with His sinless blood.
T A B L E OF C O N T E N T S
CHAPTER ONE
Lie of the Ages
CHAPTER TWO
The Great Dragon
CHAPTER THREE
The Intruders The Restoration
CHAPTER FOUR
Peddlers of the Lie
CHAPTER FIVE
Trojan Horse Heretics and Heresies
CHAPTER SIX
The Evil Shall Not Overtake Nor Prevent Us Amos 9:10
CHAPTER SEVEN
The Goodness and Severity of God
CHAPTER EIGHT
Quotes from OSAS Teachers
CHAPTER NINE
Proof Texts and Scripture Twisting
CHAPTER TEN
More Proof Texts and Scripture Twisting
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Peace, Peace; when there is no Peace Jeremiah 6:14
CHAPTER TWELVE
Is Your Sin Really Worth Going to Hell For?
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Soul-Damning Sins
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Artificial Assurance
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
What About Judas?
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Justified and Crucified
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Calvinists are Deceiving the Hearts of the Simple
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Did Jesus Die for All Men or Just Some Men?
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Dont You Dare Disturb My Little Eternal Security Par-
ty!
CHAPTER TWENTY
God Is Holy and to be Feared
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Doctrine of Balaam
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
License for Sin
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Ezekiel 33
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
The Book of Hebrews
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Grace and Faith
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Gods Grace In This Present World Titus 2:12
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Doctrine of Grace
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
The Manifold Grace of God 1 Peter 4:10
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Can a Believer Stop Believing?
CHAPTER THIRTY
The Exceeding Riches of His Grace Ephesians 2:7
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Holding Faith 1 Timothy 1:19
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Can a True Believer Depart from God?
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Falling From Grace: Is It Possible?
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Latter End Worse
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Are the Believers Present and Future Sins Automatically
Forgiven?
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Is Repentance Necessary for Believers?
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Lordship Salvation?
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Rejoicing Firm Unto the End
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
IF and AGAIN
CHAPTER FORTY
Penknife Sacrilege
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Are Christians to Fear God?
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Escape for Thy Life Genesis 19:17
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
The Message of Christ, His Apostles, and the Early
Church
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
Speak unto us Smooth Things
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
Jesus is Knocking
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
My Doctrine Shall Drop as the Rain Deuteronomy 32:2
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
Doctrine: A Matter of the Heart
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth 2 Timothy 2:15
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
Refuting the Lie of the Ages
CHAPTER FIFTY
Coming to the Light
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
What Early Disciples Said Concerning Eternal Security
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
The Security Idol
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
Church Discipline
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
Victorious Fruit Bearing
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
Apostasy in the Church World
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
The Spirit of Holiness
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
The Laid Down Life
INTRODUCTION
That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro, and carried about with every
wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and
cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to
deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may
grow up into him in all things, which is the
head, even Christ. Ephesians 4:14-15
We are saved by His grace through faith, but does it end

there? We must be presently teachable to receive a deep-
er understanding of what His salvation involves (Prov.
1:5). Many of those who have been genuinely born again
have been taught that they have no further responsibil-
ity to the LORD after they repented and received Christ
as LORD and Savior (Jn. 1:12; Acts 20:21). Is this what
the Word of God teaches us?
Do you truly desire to know what the LORD Himself says

about this eternal security matter? From whom did this
teaching originate? What did the prophets write concern-
ing this teaching? What did Jesus and His apostles have
to say about it? Who is teaching it in our day? Is the all-
knowing God silent or confused about this matter of
eternal security? What does the Bible reveal about such
an important subject?
Could it be that there exists a deadly deception so wide-

spread that those who dont teach it are considered by
some in the church world to be unorthodox? Yet, nei-
ther Christ nor His apostles taught such a heresy, but
rather identified it as false and the doctrine of ungodly
men who have crept in unawares. (Jude 3-4)
Regrettably, many who outwardly claim to believe the

Bible as Gods inspired Word to mankind have spent lit-
tle time personally studying it, or they simply aggrandize
the words of mere men higher than the divinely-inspired
oracles of Holy Scripture. Tragically, many today trust
what men in leadership have led them to believe about
what the Bible says, instead of finding out for them-
selves through personal study of the Scriptures. Christ
told us Search the scripturesthey are they which
testify of me. (Jn. 5:39) Jesus also told us that some
do not approach Gods Word with an open, honest and
good heart (Lk. 8:12-15), but rather embrace what
they have learned from mere men, even though those
teachings have no root in Scripture, but are many times
based upon subjective analogies, clichs, stories or even
fables instead of All Scripture which is given by in-
spiration of God and is profitable for doctrine. (2
Tim. 3:16) Those who do not diligently search and learn
the Word for themselves will be relegated to allow men to
spoil them through philosophy and vain deceit,
after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the
world, and not after Christ. (Col. 2:8)
For when they (false teachers) speak great

swelling words of vanity, they allure through
the lusts of the flesh, through much wanton-
ness, those that were clean escaped from them
who live in error. While they promise them lib-
erty, they themselves (these false prophets) are
the servants of corruption: for of whom a man
is overcome, of the same is he brought in bond-
age. 2 Peter 2:18-19
Many are being or have been overcome by the lies

that are being taught about the grace of God. The lie of
the ages is being taught in our institutions as if it were
Biblical truth, when in reality it has no basis in Scrip-
ture other than that it is exposed as a falsehood that
originated and is still being propagated by the enemy of
the souls of mankind, the one Jesus said was a a liar,
and the father of it. (Jn. 8:44) Many who come in the
name of the LORD teach this heresy and even claim it to
be an essential part of the Christian faith. This falsehood
is no new thing, it is the original lie. We should always
remember that the enemy has no new thing under the
sun to use against mankind, and also that he utilizes
his many times well-meaning yet devouring wolves in
sheeps clothing to propagate the error that leads
people to damnation (Eccl. 1:9; Matt. 7:15). The Scrip-
tures tell us that Satan has his ministers and
false apostles who are deceitful workers that are
transformed as the ministers of righteousness. (2
Cor. 11:13-15)
Of these ungodly men in leadership who corrupt the

grace of God, Jude writes:
These are murmurers, complainers, walking af-

ter their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh
great swelling words, having mens persons in
admiration because of advantage. Jude 16
In objecting, someone might say: But brother I know
men who pastor large name-brand evangelical churches
and have graduated from prestigious seminaries, so how
could they possibly be wolves? The Bible identifies the
characteristics of false teachers and their teachings and
is the measure of rule for dividing between the true and
the false. In the modern church we are so far removed
from the apostles doctrine. (Acts 2:42) Today we con-
cern ourselves with how much education a man has
how much he is approved of and by mere men and not
that he has studied to show himself approved unto
God. (2 Tim. 2:15) We should observe Luke 16:15,
where Jesus says Ye are they which justify your-
selves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for
that which is highly esteemed among men is abomi-
nation in the sight of God.
There are those who teach this lie of the ages in order to
tickle the ears of men so that they may win friends and
influence people as they endeavor to build their own
popularity, financial status and earthly kingdom in the
guise of running a ministry to glorify God and help peo-
ple. Many of the people who attend are just happy to be
entertained and told that all is well. But is it really all
well?
This writing contains the naked truth from the Bible it-
self which clearly answers the age old question, Is sal-
vation eternal and can a saved person forfeit his salva-
tion? - and be lost after he was once genuinely saved?
The LORD is not silent about this matter in His Word.
The question remains whether or not we truly want to
hear what He has to say in this matter and if we are will-
ing to put aside and do away with any notion that is con-
trary to Holy Writ.
The intent of the author is not to spend undo time ex-

posing the errors of men who have throughout New Tes-
tament centuries taught the lie of the ages or modern
men who espouse their teachings, but to simply investi-
gate what the Scriptures state concerning the security of
the believer, because the Bible is the final authority by
which all true doctrine is established and the holy
Standard against which every teaching must be judged
(Jn. 12:48; Acts 17:10-11; Rom. 2:16, 3:3-4; 2 Tim.
3:16). Why waste time with the doctrines of mere men
when we possess the oracles of God which He has mag-
nified above even His own name? (Ps. 138:2) Why bother
with the claims of mortal men when we have in our pos-
session the oracles of the living God? Is it time now for
us to let God speak for Himself through His own Word?
If we truly believe that divine Writ is final authority for
all matters of the Christian faith, why would we waste
our energies on the words of mere mortals?
It is unfortunate that the erroneous teachings of men

have been widely embraced and are still being perpetrat-
ed by thousands of misled leaders today. The intent in
this volume is to establish what the Bible states on the
matter of the divine conditions imposed upon men who
will be eternally saved, and thereby imbue the reader
with divine truth. This will equip the believer to divide
between the holy and the profane (Ezek. 44:23).
How misled we would be to believe that what we person-
ally believe has any bearing on the Almighty, His non-
negotiable and eternal truth, and the way He will judge
us on that Great Day.
Certain verses and passages will purposely be repeated

in this writing. It is this writers opinion that learning
comes from repetition, association, and illumination.
Furthermore, the aim of this book is not to establish or

promote self-righteousness or legalism in believers, only
grace-filled faith and obedience to the LORD Jesus
Christ. This author personally struggles with temptation
to sin as much as any other believer the world over and
has not always succeeded in those temptations. Like all
believers, this one is called by the LORD to sentence to
death the deeds of the body and to be upheld by the true
grace of God (2 Cor. 1:9; 12:9-10; Tit. 2:11-12). In this
writing, we will seek to establish what the Word of God
reveals concerning His salvation and what He has cho-
sen to make our personal responsibility as the recipients
of the glorious grace of Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:23-26; Heb.
13:9).
todd tomasella
1
Lie of Ages
CHAPTER ONE
LIE OF THE AGES

The First Lie and the Fall of Man
Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of
the field which the LORD God had made. And he said
unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat
of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto
the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of
the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the
midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of
it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the ser-
pent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof,
then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as
gods, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:1-5
Have you ever wondered what the first lie ever told was? Who
told it? Why was it told? What was the result of it? Can the fruit
be seen and felt today? Can its effects be traced throughout his-
tory and even into the future?
According to the Genesis account, the Garden of Eden was the

sanctuary of the Most High, where He communed with the first
man and woman He had made in His very own image. The Gar-
den was a sinless, guiltless sanctuary of unimaginable rela-
2
tional bliss between the LORD Almighty and the man and wom-
an. The Garden of Eden was the place of pure truth and love -
a place where lies were not even suspected.
Enter Satan.
Enter the lie.
Enter the seduction.
Enter no fear of God.
Enter stolen restraint.
Enter sin.
Enter the fall of man.
Enter alienation from the Creator.
Garden Scene The First Lie
Do you think this first lie may hold some insight into the work
of Satan and his war against God and His treasured people to-
day?
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of

every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But
of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou
shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest
thereof thou shalt surely die...(Now heres what Sa-
tan said) But of the fruit of the tree which is in the
midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat
of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the
serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely
die. Genesis 2:16-17; 3:3-4
In the book of origins (Genesis) where every major biblical doc-

trine is rooted (has its beginning), there can be found the keys
and answers to life. Mankinds Maker, beginning, his ultimate
enemy, temptation, sin, the resulting fall, and the redemption
of man are revealed in the first chapters of this all-important
first book of the Holy Bible.
Perhaps there could be no greater occupation than for the stu-

dent of Scripture to undertake, pore over, pray over, and dis-
mantle the first three chapters of the book of Genesis. In this
3
Lie of Ages
endeavor he will gain insight into the origins and purpose of

creation, pitfalls facing mankind, divine restoration, and keys
to living a victorious life in harmony with his Creator.
Sin entered the human experience through the temptation and

fall of the first man (Rom. 5). By this the enemy gained a foot-
hold and has warred with that sole creation made in the image
of the Maker Himself. But it is sin that is mans problem, not
circumstance or self-esteem nor any other diagnosis.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desper-

ately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9
Someone has wisely stated:
The heart of the human problem is the problem of the

human heart.
From the very beginning, Satan has tempted man to believe

that breaking the law of His Maker was not to be feared or
avoided and could not harm him. The temptation for man is
whether or not he is going to determine truth on his own
terms and how it fits his own lifestyle, or humbly accept and
obey what God says.
Cain was a religionist. He refused relationship with the LORD

because he chose to do things his own way instead of Gods
(Gen. 4:1-7). In his pride Cain wanted to make up his own
rules he was lawless. Religion is where men have created a
god in their own image and follow those teachings which ren-
der obedience to that false god. The most deceptive and evil
form of religion is that which is close to the truth and uses Bi-
ble Scriptures out of context to make up that doctrine which
circumvents obedience to the plain truth of God (see Jesus re-
buke the Pharisees in Matt. 23).
Who are we going to believe and trust? Whose report will you
believe? Since the LORD and the devil stated something in di-
rect opposition to each other, we know that one of them is a
liar. As He gave the first man and woman the option, so the
LORD gives us the choice to trust and obey Him or not to obey
him. Each of us will decide who it is that is going to be a liar in
our hearts the Almighty, or Satan.
4
God Said (Gen. 2:17)
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,

thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eat-
est thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE. Genesis 2:17
Satan Said (Gen. 3:4)
And the serpent said unto the woman, YE SHALL

NOT SURELY DIE.
The lie of the ages began in the very cradle of creation. The aim
of the enemy of all souls was the first man and woman who
were uniquely created in the image of the One who made all
things. Adam and Eve were the subjects of Satans deadly lie
the first lie ever told. Apparently, this cunning enemy under-
stood that if he could cause the man and woman to take things
into their own hands and violate the instruction of their Maker,
they would be ushered out of His Garden (presence) and forfeit
their place with Him.
Mankinds enemy led him to believe that he could violate the

law of his holy Maker and still remain within His approval. Like
Adam and Eve, it is readily observed that men naturally inter-
nalize this philosophy as I can sin with no fear of consequenc-
es. Is it possible that this lie is still leading men and women to
believe that they shall not surely die if they live in direct op-
position to the LORD? (Gen. 3:4)
Concerning this most insidious and destructive lie of the ser-

pent, the Life in the Spirit Study Bible states:
YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIEThe first lie proposed

by Satan was a form of antinomianism (lawlessness),
denying the judgment of death for sin and apostasy. One
of the basic sins of humankind is unbelief in Gods word.
It is believing that somehow God does not really mean
what He says about salvation, righteousness, sin, judg-
ment, and death. Satans most persistent lie is that un-
repentant, deliberate sin and rebellion against God will
not necessarily bring separation from God and eternal
condemnation.
As he did with the first man and woman, the adversary tells us
Ye shall not surely die. (Gen. 3:4)
5
Lie of Ages
Escaping the judgment of a holy God has long been the vain
imagination of depraved men, fueled by the enemy of all right-
eousness who has come to steal, and to kill, and to de-
stroy. (Jn. 10:10)
Because sentence against an evil work is not exe-

cuted speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of
men is fully set in them to do evil. Ecclesiastes
8:11
Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said

in his heart, Thou wilt not require it. Psalms 10:13
Question:
Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God?
Answer:
he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.
The hearts of those who are not in fellowship with the LORD
say The LORD will not require it of me. He will not bring me
into accountability for my life in this world. After all, He has
not done anything to me for my wrong doing thus far. I am
okay in my sins, God will just overlook them.
Lucifers lure capitalizes on the sinful nature of men, preying

upon his desire to be his own god, controlling his own destiny.
Somehow, according to this revelation and others, it is within
mans makeup to believe that because his Creator is not pres-
ently executing tangible judgment for his sin, he believes that
God is not going to judge him at all. So, unregenerate man goes
on sinning with reckless abandon, not realizing that that Great
and Terrible Day of Judgment lies just ahead.
The first man and woman bought into the first lie that there is
no consequence for violating the command of the one true God.
Such self-deception is no new thing. Since the first man and
woman, people have sought to define right and wrong on their
own terms instead of simply acknowledging what the LORD
says. As the first couple found out, it is a losing endeavor to
determine truth by how it fits ones lifestyle instead of by Gods
non-negotiable counsel given us in His Word (Jn. 17:17; Rom.
3:3-4; 2 Tim. 3:16). Defining truth on ones own terms is buying
into the lie of the ages presented to every man by the evil one
6
who walketh about seeking whom he may devour. (1 Pet.
5:8)
When men seek to redefine truth on their own terms, they un-
wittingly create a god in their own image one who accepts
them in their sins with no judgment. They then migrate to pas-
tors and teachers who will tickle their itching ears with smooth
messages void of the full-counsel revelation of Holy Scripture
(Jer. 5:30-31; 2 Tim. 4:2-4).
After Adam and Eve, it was their son Cain who sought to make
up his own way to God on his own terms. He failed. To Cain
and to all who seek through religion, whether self-style or orga-
nized, the Almighty would ask:
If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and

if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door Gene-
sis 4:7
In context, the LORD says to Cain If thou doest well, shalt

thou not be accepted? This simply means If you will do
things the way I prescribed, will I not fully accept you as I did
your brother Abel? Cain hardened his heart and refused to do
things Gods way by offering the type of sacrifice God requires.
Due to his own choice to rebel against the Most High he be-
came so filled with the enemy that he killed his own brother
(Gen. 4).
This is a classic example of how the enemy led a man to believe

that he could make up his own rules, violating the holy Creator
and still escape His holy judgment. Like Cain, millions of faith-
ful religionists today have a mere formula of godliness while
denying the power of a truly surrendered life to the one true
God who sent His only begotten Son as the only sacrifice for
the sins of men.
When he was able to get the first man to violate the command
of the LORD God, Satan gained access to authority by sin. Je-
sus re-gained that authority for His highest prize creation and
all those who come into relationship with Him experience the
abundant blessings that come along with being saved by His
holy blood (Jn. 10:10; Rom. 5:17).
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only

begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him
7
Lie of Ages
should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God

sent not his Son into the world to condemn the
world; but that the world through him might be
saved. John 3:16-17
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, please keep my heart from falling

prey to this same lie that led to Adam and Eves fall. Quicken
my heart in the fear of the LORD and that there are many harsh
consequences for disobeying You by not doing Your holy Word.
Convict my heart of sin and I beg You to make my conscience
extremely sensitive to Your conviction. Change my heart LORD.
Grant me a heart of flesh that delights to live in Your presence
and do Your will. Amen.
8
9
Lie of Ages
CHAPTER TWO
THE GREAT DRAGON

Origin of Evil
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent,
called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the
whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his
angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12:9
Like it or not, you have a sworn enemy. He has drawn a line in

the sand. Fight or be destroyed.
The introduction to the God of all creation and lover of His

highest creation mankind, is of supreme importance. And so
is realizing and understanding the existence of the most wicked
and iniquitous being in this universe. He is one of the major
themes and realities in this record of mankinds beginning. The
Word of our God unveils creations account, leading to our pre-
sent day and into the eternal future. What is set forth in the
book of Genesis would set the stage and affect all of history
that would follow.
This book of origins is about that fatal falsehood which ema-

nates from the Garden where it all began a garden that was
sinless bliss and perfection until the lie was introduced and
acted upon by the first two people.
10
Of this very arch-enemy of the Most High, from whom all lies
originate, the Word states: Thou hast been in Eden the gar-
den of God. (Ezek. 28:13) The serpent, animated by the vilest
of all beings, was allowed to sliver into the innocence and puri-
ty that originally existed in the sanctuary of creation. This was
due to the fact that perfect divine wisdom has seen fit to allow
His creation to have the opportunity of choice between good
and evil (Deut. 30:19; Josh. 24:15; Job 12:16; 1 Cor. 11:19).
Satan has a purpose. Since love is volitional by its very nature,

our Creator has seen fit to permit this evil and beguiling villain
to remain present amidst those professing sanctuary in the
LORD. Life on earth is a test for all all humans are on proba-
tion. Love is a choice and so is rebellion. The Maker of all made
man with free will so that the choice could be made to love or
not to love Him. Among volumes of other Scriptures found in
Holy Writ which demonstrate this, the following words from on
high make plain the free will the LORD made man with:
choose you this day whom ye will serve Joshua

24:15
Such a statement would not have been spoken by the LORD if

He had not made man with the ability of choice. Man was cre-
ated with the ability to choose every day whom he will
serve and this choice is ongoing while men are upon the earth
in this temporal life.
It would be remiss to attempt discussing the very lie of the ages

without opening up the grand subject of the one whom Christ
said was the father (originator) of all lies. Of Satan, the Son of
God informed us, as He spoke to the rebellious religionists of
His day:
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your

father ye will do. He was a murderer from the begin-
ning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no
truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of
his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John
8:44
All men are born in sin and are by nature the children of
disobedience.
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the
11
Lie of Ages
course of this world, according to the prince of the pow-

er of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children
of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our con-
versation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, ful-
filling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were
by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Ephe-
sians 2:2-3
There are this moment only two classes of people in the earth
those who have relationship with the One who made us all,
and those who dont. According to this passage (Ephesians 2),
all those who have not been brought into the kingdom of God
through Christ, have as their father, the devil. The reason the
Son of God came to the earth was to sever the ties and claim of
Satan from mankind. He came to deliver men from this rela-
tionship of fear, domination and bondage that is only enabled
by sin.
To open their eyes, and to turn them from dark-

ness 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. Acts 26:18
Who (God the Father) hath delivered us from the

power of darkness (Satan), and hath translated us in-
to the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have re-
demption through his blood, even the forgiveness of
sins. Colossians 1:13-14
The mission of Christ was to reconcile or restore the relation-

ship that had been severed by sin. He fully accomplished His
mission and is now seated at His Fathers right hand, enforcing
this victory (Heb. 4:14-16; 7:25-26).
From the dawn of the creation and fall of mankind, all evil,
tragedy and pain in history has been caused by Satan and ena-
bled by mans sin (Prov. 26:2). Only the LORD, the One whose
holiness is violated when sin is committed, can save, restore
and heal (Jer. 17:14; 1 Cor. 15:57; Rev. 21:4).
Victory was obtained through the precious blood of Jesus (1

Pet. 1:18-19). Being forgiven and released from all sin and its
evil effects and the dominion of Satan, comes through Christ
alone. Jesus utterly conquered His enemy on the cross (Col.
12
2:13-15; 1 Jn. 3:8). Blessed forgiveness and spiritual power en-
ables the individual disciple to serve the LORD without fear
and bondage to sin. Sin enables Satans rule and only those
who are free from it by Jesus Christ can rule over His enemies
(Ps. 8:6; 17:4; Jn. 8:31-36; 1 Jn. 4:4). Christ triumphed over
the enemy of all souls with His death on the cross and resur-
rection from the dead. Read the following passage for all its
worth:
For it pleased the Father that in him should all ful-

ness dwell; And, having made peace through the
blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto
himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in
earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were some-
time alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked
works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his
flesh through death, to present you holy and un-
blameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye con-
tinue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not
moved away from the hope of the gospel Colos-
sians 1:19-23
The Son of God accomplished complete victory in bringing God

and men back into perfect union by the blood of His
cross. (Col. 1:20)
And you, being dead (separated) in your sins and the

uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened
(made alive) together with him, having forgiven you
all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordi-
nances that was against us, which was contrary to
us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he
made a show (sport; spectacle) of them openly, tri-
umphing over them in it. Colossians 2:13-15
The serpent who was in the Garden of creation and still

walketh about in the midst of the earth, is specifically iden-
tified as Satan and the devil (1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:9; 20:2). This
ultimate enemy of all that is good took control of the serpent in
his attack against man. The serpent, animated by the enemy of
souls himself, was used as the instrument that led to the fall of
mankind and the righteous retribution of the holy Creator. Yet,
Jesus Christ accomplished mankinds redemption through
the blood of His cross. (Col. 1:20)
13
Lie of Ages
Know Your Enemy
Allow me to parenthetically say here that if one does not per-

sonally believe in a literal devil (Satan) and his insidious work
of evil among men, then perhaps that person will do well to
begin to search Gods Word for the volumes of Scripture which
identify and describe him along with unveiling his wicked pur-
poses. The LORD inspired the Scriptures and has much to say
about His enemy - our enemy. It is interesting to discover that
the word devil appears 57 times in the Bible. The word
Satan appears 50 times. These are the most utilized terms to
describe this darkest of fallen beings, and yet there are several
more which identify this enemy of all souls who is the personi-
fication of evil, such as serpent, and adversary. (1 Pet.
5:8; Rev. 12:9)
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent,
called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the
whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his
angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12:9
His goal may be summed up this way: Satans complete and

total purpose that underlies all that he does is to cause men to
fall from grace just as he himself did and was banished from
fellowship with the life-giving God. There is a horrible prison of
fire which will be the eternal home of all who leave this earth
apart from a personal and intimate relationship with the One
who died for sinners.
On Judgment Day, that Great and Terrible Day of separation
between the righteous and the unrighteous will include these
horrible words from whose face the earth and the heaven
fled away:
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on

it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled
away; and there was found no place for them. And I
saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and
the books were opened: and another book was
opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were
judged out of those things which were written in the
books, according to their works. And the sea gave up
the dead which were in it; and death and hell deliv-
ered up the dead which were in them: and they were
judged every man according to their works. And
14
death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is
the second death. And whosoever was not found writ-
ten in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:11-15
To those whose existence in this temporal life end disconnected

from the only Savior, the following will be the verdict:
Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire,

prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew
25:41
Hell is a place of indescribably horrid eternal punishment and

was created by the LORD for his arch enemy and all those who
are not His:
Back to the enemy, the one who wants you dead and in hell:
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the

devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom
he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8
One may find great intrigue in uncovering this iniquitous fallen

foe and gain much insight into the dark world of demons and
deception along with gaining perception into the real battle in
the spirit realm that rages over mankind.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be

able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we
wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against prin-
cipalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness
in high places. Ephesians 6:11-12
By the volume of information about His enemy included in His

Word, we know that the LORD intended for us to know our en-
emy His enemy.
Believers are to give him no place:
Neither give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:27
They are to set themselves against him:
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James

4:7
15
Lie of Ages
Stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians

6:11
We are to know his scheming goals and ways and avoid them
lest he gain advantage of us:
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are

not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:11
The devil seeks to trip up, war against, wear out and devour
the sheep of the LORDs pasture. He has come to wreak havoc
among the Lords highest creation:
The thief (devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to

kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have
life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10
Power Over All the Power of the Enemy
Believers are warned to live in obedience to the Word of God in

order to escape falling into the condemnation of the devil
and being caught in the snare of the devil or giving an
advantage to him (1 Tim. 3:6-7; 2 Tim. 2:26; 2 Cor. 2:11).
The enemy of our souls prospers through the ignorance of

Gods people he is shut out and his work nullified by the
knowledge and obedience of Gods people.
By the word of thy lips I have kept me from the

paths of the destroyer. Psalms 17:4
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most

High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalms 91:1
Disciples of Jesus are kept from being destroyed by the enemy

in obeying the Word of God. Holy Writ informs us that Jesus
came to successfully destroy the works of the devil and
also that greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the
world. (1 Jn. 3:8; 4:4)
Christ promised power to those who are truly His:
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying,

Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy
16
name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as
lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you
power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over
all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any
means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not,
that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather re-
joice, because your names are written in heaven.
Luke 10:17-20
Jesus Christ, the eternal Word, became flesh so that He might

destroy the works of the enemy of our souls:
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of

flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of
the same; that through death he might destroy him
that had the power of death, that is, the devil. He-
brews 2:14
Believers are told to be of a sober mind and diligent in light of

the proactive and evil plans of Satan to destroy them:

he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith,
knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished
in your brethren that are in the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9
Heres what the Bible says about Satans work in the last days:
Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in

them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the
sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having
great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a
short time. Revelation 12:12
As foretold here, the work of the evil one is accelerating in this

late hour before the destruction of all rebellion and return of
our LORD Jesus Christ.
The Alpha and Omega is coming back and His enemys end is
sure:
And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your

feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
you. Amen. Romans 16:20
17
Lie of Ages
And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent,

which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thou-
sand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and
shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should
deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years
should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a
little season. Revelation 20:2-3
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the
lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the
false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and
night for ever and ever. Revelation 20:10
Surrounded and Outnumbered
Elishas servant was brought to the understanding that there

are more angels of God with His children than there are fallen
angels who rebelled:
And when the servant of the man of God was risen

early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the
city both with horses and chariots. And his servant
said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
And he (the prophet Elisha) answered, Fear not: for
they that be with us are more than they that be with
them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray
thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD
opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and,
behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots
of fire round about Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17
The one who is following Christ need not fear. LORD Jesus
open our eyes! Nothing has changed - There are more angels
of the LORD with us.than they that be with them (the
enemy). The saints of the Most High are promised protection
and His angels are part of that plan.
Are they (Gods angels) not all ministering spirits,

sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of
salvation? Hebrews 1:14
The angel of the LORD encampeth round about

them that fear him, and delivereth them. Psalms
34:7
18
In Heaven and in eternity past, two-thirds of the then-angelic
beings remained under the command and blessing of the Al-
mighty, while a third chose to depart with Lucifer and are for-
ever alienated from the Most High. Lets take a glimpse into a
war that took place in Heaven in eternity past, a war that has
great impact today:
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his an-

gels fought against the dragon; and the dragon
fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was
their place found any more in heaven. And the great
dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Dev-
il, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he
was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast
out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in
heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and
the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ:
for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which
accused them before our God day and night. And
they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by
the word of their testimony; and they loved not their
lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens,
and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of
the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down
unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth
that he hath but a short time. And when the dragon
saw that he was cast unto the earth Revelation
12:7-13
It would remain difficult to understand this life and present

world system, and the world to come if one were to pass lightly
over this war of wars that occurred (took place) in Heaven.
When we begin to delve into the data given in this matter, un-
derstanding comes of the great God and His arch adversary.
Enlightenment and understanding into the 6,000 years of man-
kinds history open up to us when we know what preceded this
time period. Knowledge into what we are told prophetically is
transpiring before our very eyes. As we are seeing, the Holy
Scriptures reveal much about that dark and sinister being
called Satan and the devil who is and will have a large
part to play in the fulfillment of prophecy. Although his rebel-
lion against the Almighty began in eternity past, the ser-
pents workings among men began in the Garden of Eden. He
crept in to accomplish his wicked agenda. He has seemingly
19
Lie of Ages
succeeded for this brief moment, yet the divine promise is that
his time is running short.
The devil is come down unto you, having great wrath,

because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
Revelation 12:12
The First Fall-Out: Eternal Termination
We all understand what it means when someone says John

and Mark had a fall-out. This means they were friends or
business partners and then because of some disagreement,
they parted company and are no longer friends. Well, the first
fall-out occurred between the Almighty and Lucifer. The angel
Lucifer fell-out of the favor of God and consequently fell-out of
Heaven. Of Lucifers ejection from Heaven, the Son of God stat-
ed:
I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Luke

10:18
The evil one was evicted from Heaven when he turned against
God. Originally he was a good angel, the anointed cherub,
who led the worship of the Almighty, until the day that
iniquity was found in him (Ezek. 28:14-15). Lucifer, who
became Satan and the devil, led a third of the angels of the
Most High in rebellion against Him.
And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heav-
en, and did cast them to the earth Revelation
12:4
Ultimately, all deception and all lies have their origin in this
greatest of all enemies who brought about the sin and fall of
mankind and wages war today against the Almightys highest
creation (mankind). Of Satan, the Son of God said: for he is a
liar, and the father of it. (Jn. 8:44) He also informed us that
this supreme adversary has come to do three things to
steal, to kill, and to destroy. (Jn. 10:10) He wages war
against God and His people. He is defined as and called the
accuser of our brethren. (Rev. 12:10)
Satan is a real being. He is not a figment of someones imagina-

tion. In fact, anyone who is convinced of such has already been
conquered by his deception. He is forever the sworn enemy of
20
the LORD and will ultimately be put away for good, never again
to tempt another soul to rebel against the Maker of all that is.
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the
lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the
false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and
night for ever and ever. Revelation 20:10
The one who studies the Word of God will gain priceless insight
into the reasons for the current condition of the world and also
into the future blessedness of all those who know and follow
the One who bled to save us from Gods holy wrath against sin
and Satan (Rom. 5:9). In fact, a divine blessing is pronounced
upon all who read and obey the words of Holy Scripture.
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the

words of this prophecy, and keep those things which
are written therein: for the time is at hand. Revela-
tion 1:3
PRAYER: Holy Father in Heaven, bless me to know You more

and to be kept from the evil one and his wicked schemes against
Your people. I claim the blood of Jesus whereby I am blessed to
overcome along with the word of my testimony of how you have
washed and delivered me. I say afresh and aloud, right this sec-
ond if never before, that Jesus Christ is LORD of my life and He
alone will I worship and serve. Glory to His precious name!
Amen.
21
Lie of Ages
CHAPTER THREE
THE INTRUDERS THE RESTORATION

Thou hast been in Eden the garden of
God. Ezekiel 28:13
The evil one had been thrust down from Heaven to the earth
for the iniquity found in him (Ezek. 28:15; Lk. 10:18). This evil
foe who had been ejected from Heavens pristine and perfect
premise. He was cast down to the earth and allowed in the
sanctuary of the Garden of Eden because God gives men a
choice to serve or to not serve Him. He created in mankind the
gift of free will. Temptation is ultimately the test as to whom
each individual will love and serve.
for the LORD your God proveth (tests) you, to

know whether ye love the LORD your God with all
your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy
13:3
The serpent slivered among the lush embellishments of the

Garden of Eden. His goal was the fall of the first man and
woman who were created in the image of the One who made all
things. He obviously schemed and strategized as to what weap-
on to employ in order to accomplish his main objective to cause
the first man and woman to fall from grace by sinning and con-
22
sequently be alienated from the LORD. He knew from personal

experience that the Almighty keeps His Word and casts down
those who disobey Him. To this point, Adam and Even knew
only righteousness. They unfortunately didnt yet realize what
the evil one knew and had already been the recipient of (the
judgment of God for his sin). A hard lesson lay ahead and a
fallen creation would be left in the wake of their defiance of the
holy LORD and His righteous command.
The enemy of all souls has not changed. His temptations are
common to man (1 Cor. 10:13). Satans goal was and is to
interrupt and destroy the relationship between His enemy,
God, and His special creation - man. Jesus informed us that
the ultimate thief has come to steal, to kill and to de-
stroy. (Jn. 10:10) This same goal the fall of man - is still his
aim and will be until the LORD Himself puts him away for good
(Rev. 20:10).
From the Garden to the modern pulpit, the enemy has lied to
mankind. Satan and his false teachers are the intruders the
very enemies of the Almighty. The serpent has slivered through
the garden path of history, seductively spreading his poisonous
seed, causing the fall of many and now possesses the thoughts
and doctrines of an army of deceived men in ministry.
Ever since the Garden, the lie of the ages dwells among men,
especially in the sanctuary where the LORD is supposed to be
reigning the Church world. As in the Garden of creation, so
the enemy specifically concentrates on the sanctuary of his en-
emys people. He seeks to molest purity, beguiling those who
are unlearned. Many times he uses the body of Christs own
leaders.
Today, the pulpits and platforms of modern media are the plac-
es that most people simply do not suspect to be the mediums
where falsehoods thrive, reside, and flow. They do not see the
serpent lurking among the trees in the garden of modern
Christian pulpits, organizations, and media. Most are not
aware of the wolves in sheeps clothing who, like the lurking
serpent in the garden, lie in wait to deceive. (Eph. 4:14)
As foretold by the prophet Amos, the enemy of souls seeks to

alter and remove the Word of God from the hearing of Gods
people (Amos 8:11). This is what he did in the Garden of Eden
(Gen. 2:17; 3:4). Today this same enemy uses the most subtle
23
Lie of Ages
messengers the ones many people look to for truth. The Holy
Spirit forewarned us that in these last of days men would not
remain in the truth but rather that some shall depart from
the faith and that many would corrupt the word of
God. (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Cor. 2:17)
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter

times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed
to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. 1 Timo-
thy 4:1
It simply doesnt matter if a leader realizes he is teaching a

heresy or not. If he is teaching anything other than the Word,
he is a detractor from the glory of God and leading others
astray. Men of God are to preach the word and speak only
as the oracles (words) of God. (2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Pet. 4:11) This
is a non-negotiable command to all who would properly repre-
sent the LORD. No matter the reasoning, one will be found a
deceiver on Judgment Day if he preaches any other message
than the Word of God (Isa. 8:20). One can be sincere and sin-
cerely wrong at the same time (Prov. 14:12).
Let God be true, but every man a liar Romans 3:4
The holy and Almighty God told us that He is going to judge all
men according to His Word (Jn. 12:48; Rom. 2:16; Rev. 20:11-
15).
From the very beginning (Garden of Creation), the beguilers

target has been Gods people. Nothing has changed. His mes-
sage to men is simple - You dont have to worry about obedi-
ence, its optional, you can live the way you choose (not God)
and still remain in the grace of God.
Through those men he uses today, the enemy mixes in some

truth with this deadly lie of lasciviousness and poisons the
whole pond, leading many astray into a false gospel and false
security. Perhaps it has been wisely stated that Satan will give
you a million pounds of truth to blind you with that one ounce
of a deadly lie which will kill you. In order to bring in a lie
among Gods people, the enemy likes to lead with truth as his
smokescreen in order to bring in that deadly distortion behind
the cover of truth. See Matthew 16:6-12 and 1 Corinthians 5:6.
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Galatians
24
5:9
Why should we be surprised that this ultimate enemy still uses

the most subtle and unsuspecting methods and personalities
to communicate his deadly message to Gods people? After all,
his message still works to cause unsuspecting men to fall out
of fellowship with God. Why should we wonder why the evil one
still utilizes the same lie that claimed the first man and wom-
an? Has this message not captured untold scores of souls since
then? Are we so blindly nave as to believe that there is no evil
or devil? Why should we be surprised to realize that this same
evil enemy of souls is ceaselessly in the midst of our garden to-
day, telling this same lie by adding to the Word of the Maker?
God said Thou shalt surely die and Satan countered with
Ye shall not surely die.
Are pulpits more sacred than the very Garden of Eden? Obvi-
ously not. There was no sin in the Garden until Satan intro-
duced the lie of the ages and the man and woman bought it. In
the very cradle of creation, the enemy of God initiated and
launched the lie that would fatally wound mankind, claiming
the souls of millions throughout the centuries. This exact same
deadly lie was picked up, incorporated, and perpetuated by
early century church fathers, so-called theologians, whose
heresy-laced writings and commentaries regrettably hold great
prominence among many evangelicals today even though they
have no reconciliation with the Counsel of God, which will be
demonstrated throughout this book.
The Bible enlightens us to the reality that Satan is a strategist

and has schemes which believers are instructed not to be igno-
rant of (2 Cor. 2:11; 1 Pet. 5:8). We are in a war and like any
good war general and his staff, we are to study and know the
nature, weapons and ways of our enemy.
The apostle Paul informed us that Satans methods are the

same today as they were from the start - in the Garden.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is

common to man: but God is faithful, who will not
suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but
will with the temptation also make a way to escape,
that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
25
Lie of Ages
In this same text, the LORD told us that He makes a way to

escape the re-used lies of the enemy and his temptations.
As can be clearly seen in Genesis, once saved always saved is

not a new doctrine, and its also not the LORDs doctrine.
Once saved always saved is clearly the lie that caused the fall
of man. This is the doctrine of the arch enemy of the Almighty.
As in the very beginning, the unholy serpent himself is still
creeping into the homes and gathering places of believers today
and utilizing the same lie to mislead people and cause their fall
from grace. The chief wolf who has come to to steal, and to
kill, and to destroy seeks to devour souls for his kingdom
and from the Chief Shepherd who is come that they might
have life, and that they might have it more abundant-
ly. (Jn. 10:10; Heb. 13:20) Beware!

he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8
The first lie led to the fall of the first man and woman, and is
leading to the fall of masses of people today. Millions in our day
are being taught that they are unconditionally eternally secure
in the absence of the truth about the holiness of the God they
will stand before in judgment and His demand that we be made
holy as He is holy (1 Pet. 1:16).
The pulpits of America have been hi-jacked by men who have

crept in unawares who are teaching a doctrine originated by
the enemy of all souls and calling it Christian. This is para-
mount to using the name of the LORD in vain, by attaching His
holy name to a teaching of his arch enemy.
Tracing the Lie
The adversary attacked God through His own creation the

Garden, the fruit, the serpent, the woman and the man.
Does it intrigue you to uncover the very first lie told by the one
Christ warned us of who is the father of all lies? Of Satan, Je-
sus said: for he is a liar, and the father of it. (Jn. 8:44)
One 3-letter word not - changed the course of history! Sa-

tan told the woman Ye shall not surely die after their Mak-
er had told them that they would surely die in the day they
26
disobeyed Him (Gen. 2:17; 3:4).
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall NOT

surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat
thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall
be as gods, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:4-5
This first and poisonous falsehood, the lie of the ages, is still
today the same deadly venom being injected by the evil one in
the battle that rages for the eternal souls of men. The serpent
infused the first man and woman with this venomous and par-
alyzing deception, robbing from their hearts the fear of the
LORD which led to their fall from grace. Consequently, a sepa-
ration was incurred between a holy Maker and His creation
with a catastrophic curse which fell.
This unconditional eternal security without condition to the re-

cipient is the very FIRST LIE the devil ever told to mankind.
Once saved always saved (OSAS) is one of the modern labels
of the renamed or repackaged lie of the ages. In this deception
in the Garden as well as in our day, Satan craftily convinces
people that they have irrevocable security and assurance,
no matter what their actions against the clear command/Word
of God.
The message of eternal security without condition to the recipi-

ent is that once one has been born again, he has no responsi-
bility to continue to faithfully obey the Almighty the One who
saved him. Those who sit under this teaching are told that once
they have been brought into fellowship with Him in His garden
of salvation through Christ, they can never die or be separat-
ed from Him again, even if they blatantly rebel. This lie teaches
that the person who is saved by Christ, can then choose to live
as he wishes with no fear of consequence or righteous retribu-
tion from the One who is Holy, holy, holy. (Isa. 6:3; Rev.
4:8) This is the very lie that Satan gave Adam and Eve which
led to their fall into sin and separation from the LORD.
Can you see why it is a big score for the enemy of souls when
people are told by their misled leaders that they are once
saved always saved no matter what they choose to do, in-
cluding revolt completely against the Most High and go back to
the life of sin?
In the sanctity of the Garden, where there was no suspicion,
27
Lie of Ages
Satan intruded. Today, in the sanctuary of the pulpits and var-

ious Christian media, his emissaries are intruding where few
suspect. He prospers due to the fact that so many believe that
their leaders are guiding them correctly and yet do not know
and obey the Word of God for themselves. Only those who learn
the way of the LORD through His Word can know and see the
enemys work. Those who do not have a life in the Word will fall
prey to deception and ultimately be destroyed (Hos. 4:6; Matt.
22:29). Discernment comes from being personally exercised in
the Word of God (Heb. 5:11-14).
The New Garden Restored Holy Bliss
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:

and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and
his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The
mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of
Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace
there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and
upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it
with judgment and with justice from henceforth
even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will per-
form this. Isaiah 9:6-7
The Genesis account of creation and the relationship between

the LORD and the first man and woman is an ongoing saga to
continue until the hour of Christs return and the establish-
ment of His eternal kingdom. We are given this record (the Bi-
ble) in order to know the LORD and how He deals with men
and who He blesses and who He curses.
From the Garden to the Holy City Genesis to Revelation, the

war over the souls of men rages. The enemy seeks to reclaim
those redeemed by the blood of the one who is the seed of
woman (Gen. 3:15). What better way to undertake such an evil
mission than to use those shepherds at the very helm of the
visible church?
Gods account of mans creation and fall is not left without a

solution from the only One who can remedy his alienation. Ho-
ly Writ opens up with the creation and fall of mankind and the
promised prophetic restoration through the Messiah of all who
will come to Him as He justly prescribed (Gen. 3:15). The book
of all Books ends with a warning to all of us concerning making
the very same error Adam and Eve made when they bought in-
28
to the distortion of His holy words and thereby fell, joining forc-
es with His arch-enemy.
Revelation 22:12-21 reads:
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with

me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end,
the first and the last. 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. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and
whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and
whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. I Jesus have sent
mine angel to testify unto you these things in the
churches. I am the root and the offspring of David,
and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and
the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say,
Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whoso-
ever will, let him take the water of life freely. For I
testify unto every man that heareth the words of the
prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto
these things, God shall add unto him the plagues
that are written in this book: And if any man shall
take away from the words of the book of this prophe-
cy, God shall take away his part out of the book of
life, and out of the holy city, and from the things
which are written in this book. He which testifieth
these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Je-
sus Christ be with you all. Amen. Revelation 22:12-
21
In these final words of Holy Scripture, Jesus Christ tells us

that He is coming quickly to reward all according to each per-
sons works. He says to us that those who keep and do His
Word will receive blessings and have right to the tree of life
in the restored holy city of God. Outside this blessedness
will be all who have lived in and justified their sins no matter
what their previous relationship with Him might have been.
Then in the very final words of Holy Writ, there is the warning
of adding to or taking from His words. This adding to or remov-
ing of truth is done first internally, in the hearts of those who
do not truly love the LORD with all their heart, soul, mind and
29
Lie of Ages
strength. Those who love darkness rather than His holy light
do not wish to come clean under the light of divine truth (Jn.
3:18-21; 2 Tim. 4:3-4).
This war for the souls of men spans from Genesis to Revelation
and the words of God are pivotal in this most crucial and con-
sequential of battles. Those who play into the enemies scheme
to add unto or take away from Gods words of instruction
will be removed from the book of life and cut out of the holy
city and from all eternal blessings. The lake of fire waits.
PRAYER: LORD Jesus please purify my heart and remove all

dissimulation and mixture from me. Rid my life of all secret
faults and presumptuous sins! Father please grant me the bless-
ing of knowing You in truth and living in Your holy light and will.
Jesus please preserve my eternal soul until the day of soon Your
return. Amen.
30
31
Lie of Ages
CHAPTER FOUR
PEDDLERS OF THE LIE

Satans Ministers also be Transformed as
the Ministers of Righteousness
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers,
transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into
an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his
ministers also be transformed as the ministers of
righteousness; whose end shall be according to their
works. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
Did you notice in this passage that the Holy Spirit of God re-
veals to us that Satan himself has his ministers? Do you
personally believe that Satan has people in strategic places
who serve him wittingly or unwittingly? Here the LORD calls
the enemys emissaries false apostles and deceitful work-
ers. How long shall we be so foolish and nave as to deny the
truth and numerous warnings concerning deceitful workers,
false prophets, false teachers and false apostles? How long will
we in cowardice turn a deaf ear and blind eye to those deceiv-
ers who operate large worldwide ministries that are leading
millions astray? How long shall we cover for and defend false
prophets who are the enemies of the One we claim to be serv-
32
ing? How long will we allow self-service and sinful self-
preservation to rule our lives?
Satanic Seduction
In the midst of Gods people is where Satan has strategized and

set himself up in order to seduce Gods saints to give up
their eternal reward for temporal pleasure like Esau (Ps. 74:3-
4; Acts 20:29-30; Heb. 12:14-15). Read this following passage
carefully and notice just where Satan and his human agents
have entrenched themselves and set up their evil strongholds:
Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations;

even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the
sanctuary. Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy
congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs
They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have de-
filed by casting down the dwelling place of thy name
to the ground. Psalms 74:3-4, 7
The enemy has focused and concentrated his energies on the

sanctuary or refuge, the safe place of Gods people.
Make no mistake; it should be a fixed reality in our minds that

satanic seduction is a reality in this age, especially in this late
hour as he has come down with great wrath knowing that his
time to deceive is short (1 Sam. 5:8; Rev. 12:12).
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and

shall show signs and wonders, to SEDUCE, if it were
possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I
have foretold you all things. Mark 13:22-23
These things have I written unto you concerning

them that SEDUCE you. 1 John 2:26
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee,

because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which
calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to SEDUCE
my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things
sacrificed unto idols. Revelation 2:20

to SEDUCING spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speak-
ing lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared
33
Lie of Ages
with a hot iron. 1 Timothy 4:1-2
But evil men and SEDUCERS shall wax worse and

worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 2 Timothy
3:13
Notably, in the last days we are told that deceivers, their false
teachings, and their influence will increase. There has long
been a war over the strategic position of the pulpits and media
prominence. The pulpit along with other venues of influence
over the thinking of the people are places of influence. In most
circles the selection process for leaders is utterly out of congru-
ency with the New Testament record (1 Tim. 3). Diotrephes was
a satanic plant among early believers. He was a controller,
strategically and deliberately planted in the midst of the early
church to do harm to Gods saints. He would not give way to
the apostle John to come speak into the lives of Gods people (3
Jn). Simon the sorcerer was saved at the preaching of Paul
then began to operate deceitfully and was openly rebuked in
order to keep sin and deception out of the church (Acts 8:9-25).
In the book of 2nd Timothy alone Paul named 8 individuals by
name who were causing divisions and hindering the Gospel
contrary to the doctrine of the LORD (Rom. 16:17-18). (Book:
Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us is available at
www.SafeGuardYourSoul.com)
1 Timothy 3:6 reveals that a person who is saved and gets into
the ministry can then fall into the condemnation of the
devil. This is why the Holy Spirit instructed us not to place a
novice into the ministry which is what has been done as the
enemy roars among Gods people (Ps. 74:3-4, 7). The con-
demnation of the devil is simply the state of eternal con-
demnation or judgment that Satan is under by the decree of
the Almighty. Everything of satanic origin is based on pride
(Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28). Men who are not humbled before the
LORD naturally carry out their ministries undergirded and
dominated by their pride of life and will be eternally damned if
they do not repent (2 Pet. 2-3). These same men will lead oth-
ers into the worship of self while having a form of godli-
ness. (2 Tim. 3:1-13) This is the blind leading the blind into
the ditch of destruction (Lk. 6:39). Those who do not have a life
in the Word for themselves cannot discern and are being led to
believe they are right with God and will find out on Judgment
Day that they were dead wrong (Prov. 14:12; Heb. 5:11-14).
34
Pride-filled ministers lead others astray by spawning and solic-
iting many evils in others, bringing strange fire into the sanctu-
ary of the LORD (Lev. 10:1-2).
Remember that the enemy worked in the Garden of creation

against the LORD and His first man and woman. He was a wit-
ness of how the LORD separated them from His holy presence
after they believed and acted on his (Satans) lie (Gen. 2:17; 3:1
-24). The enemy of the Almighty works within the sanctuary of
the people of God to allure the saints to deny Christ instead of
self. Satan has ministers and they seek to lead Gods people
into spiritual and physical fornication in order to cause them to
be separated from the LORD who is Holy, holy, holy. (Num.
22-24; Isa.6:3; 2 Cor. 11:11-15; Rev. 2:14, 20; 4:8). His goal is
to lead the saints into sin which separates them from the
LORD.
And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with
enticing words. Colossians 2:4
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy

and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the
rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colos-
sians 2:8
Jesus came because God is holy! Yes, Christ came to the earth
because God is holy. Any man in leadership who does not hold
this cardinal truth in utmost importance and prominence is
utterly beguiled at best. Jesus Christ came In the body of his
flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable
and unreproveable in his sight. (Col. 1:22)
The enemys aim is to draw Gods people away from pure devo-
tion to Him. To do so with the most impact, he must gain stra-
tegic positions of prominence to possess preeminence in the
midst of those seeking to know the LORD (2 Cor. 11:11-15).
Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am

pure from the blood of all men. For I have not
shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the
flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you
overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath
purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that
after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in
35
Lie of Ages
among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own

selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to
draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch,
and remember, that by the space of three years I
ceased not to warn every one night and day with
tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God,
and to the word of his grace, which is able to build
you up, and to give you an inheritance among all
them which are sanctified. Acts 20:26-32
Do we not realize that it is outright disobedience to believe eve-

ry person or leader who comes in the name of the LORD?
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test; ex-

amine) the spirits whether they are of God: because
many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1
John 4:1
In 2 Corinthians 11, the apostle Paul speaks of he (any man)

that cometh and preacheth another Jesus. Here the Holy
Spirit of God identifies the enemys messengers of another
Jesus, another spirit, and another gospel who corrupt the
image of Christ in us. May the LORD bless us to possess the
purity of Christ.
Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my

folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over
you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to
one husband, that I may present you as a chaste vir-
gin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the
serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your
minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that
is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another
Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive
another spirit, which ye have not received, or anoth-
er gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well
bear with him. 2 Corinthians 11:1-4
Are We Being Bewitched?
No true believer in Jesus Christ would think of going to a s-

ance or Wicca conference, yet witches and warlocks have infil-
trated or crept in the church world through TV, radio, books
and various other media. These false teachers hold positions of
leadership in the church world and dress and look like true be-
36
lievers, yet they are the prophesied ravening wolves who
have come to devour the sheep of the LORDs pasture (Matt.
7:15; Acts 20:29-30). These deceivers are presenting a counter-
feit gospel or view of the divine through their false teachings
which are not according to the biblical revelation of the LORD
(Isa. 8:20).
O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that

ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Je-
sus Christ hath been evidently (clearly) set forth,
crucified among you? Galatians 3:1
When Christ has been revealed to our hearts and we then do

not obey the truth, we are said here to be bewitched.
The Leaders
Since the Bible tells us that there is no new thing under the
sun and that the father of all lies uses the same trickery that
has been common to man from the beginning, we can clear-
ly conclude that he still uses this same deception (re-packaged)
in our day (Eccl. 1:9; Jn. 8:44; 1 Cor. 10:13). His purpose is to
bring men down and he is accomplishing this through the most
subtle medium our own leaders.
For the leaders of this people cause them to err;

and they that are led of them are destroyed. Isaiah
9:16
Perhaps the great beguiler whispers to men individually and

then scores the knock-out punch when those people are told by
their own Christian leaders, inside their church walls, or via
some other medium, that they are unconditionally eternally se-
cure, whether they obey or disobey the One who made them. In
our day Satan is affirming the perverted grace lie through many
Christian leaders. It is the enemys same Garden lie, where
men are told they have a diversity of ways they can choose to
live, its all up to them, and whatever way they choose still
leads to Heaven as long as they made a decision for Christ
as some point in their lives. They are made to believe that there
will be no punishment for living unholy lives, only rewards for
the good things they do. Such teaching will be tested against
Gods Word throughout this writing.
They (false teachers) preached pardon for sin but not
37
Lie of Ages
the imperative of holiness. Donald Stamps
Nicholas, the Apostate Deceiver
Historians say that Nicholas (Acts 6:5), a deacon in the first

century church, backslid and led his followers to believe that
living in sin would not effect ones relationship with Christ. The
term Nicolaitans is said to come from those who followed Nich-
olas. Nico-laitans is a compound Greek word. Nico means to
conquer and laitans means the laity. Satan used Nicholas to
conquer his followers through the lie of lawlessness. The evil
spirit of Nicholas lives on today through many lawless leaders
who operate in the church world in this late hour.
Nicholas taught free love. He and his followers taught that the
deeds of believers could not affect their relationship with God.
This is antinomianism, which means lawlessness. The Bible
clearly refutes such a lie as we will witness in our walk through
the Holy Scriptures.
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure,

having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are
his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of
Christ depart from iniquity. 2 Timothy 2:19
They profess that they know God; but in works they

deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and
unto every good work reprobate. Titus 1:16
The Bible states here that those who profess that they know
God and yet deny himin works are abominable, and
disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
By this lie of lawlessness, the enemy of souls conquered the

people.
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of

the Nicolaitanes (means conquer the laity), which I
also hateSo hast thou also them that hold the doc-
trine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. Reve-
lation 2:6, 15
Here is some of the modern terminology for this age old doc-
trine:
Once Saved, Always Saved
38
Eternal security (unconditional)
Calvinism
In Revelation 2 Jesus Christ tells us that He hates two things

the deeds and doctrine of the Nicolaitanes. The Son of
God despises the doctrine that teaches that the deeds of men
have no effect upon their relationship with Him.
The Scriptures continuously reveal the divine hatred for the ac-
ceptance and even doctrinal authorization for living in the sins
which the LORD tells us violate His holiness, reveal a wicked
heart, and will prevent one from entering into the kingdom of
God (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 21:8, 27).
The word lasciviousness appears 6 times in the Bible and

means lack of restraint (from sinning); license for sin; licentious-
ness.
To underscore the utter, divine hatred against this lie of law-

lessness, it should be noted that this is the only place in Scrip-
ture where Jesus Christ Himself states that He hates some-
thing.
Though they may vary in packaging, these are all kin to the
same lawless ye shall not surely die lie, which is the lie of
the ages.
Does the LORD Keep His Word?
We must ask: Did God keep His Word to Adam and Eve? Did
they die (become separated from Him) as He promised?
Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the

garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he
was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed
at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a
flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the
way of the tree of life. Genesis 3:23-24
Notice what the Word of God tells us here: Therefore

(because of sin) the LORD God sent him forth from the gar-
den of EdenSo he drove out the man
Adam and Eve were ushered out of the holy divine presence for
their sin. The unchanging LORD of all creation and Judge of
39
Lie of Ages
all, is by nature holy. Satan is the one who works so hard to

get mankind to forget this all-important truth and to pervert
the image of God by getting us to live in sin against His divine
attribute of holiness.
How many sins did it take to ruin the precious fellowship the
LORD and His first people were experiencing? Just one, right?
Satans 3-Point Deception
The 3 things the subtle serpent did to derail Adam and Eve in
the Garden:
1) Attempted to get them to doubt God and His Word

sought to foster unbelief in the man and woman, by
casting doubt upon the character of the LORD. He want-
ed them to doubt that the LORD was going to do what
He told them He would do if they sinned against Him
(3:1-3). The first thing Satan did was to cast doubt upon
the Source God. This deception set up the man and
woman to be deceived with the lie that led to their fall
into sin and consequential curses upon all of mankind
to come (Genesis 3:1-3).
2) The enemy subtly inferred to the first family that God

didnt really mean what He said and that they were
eternally secure no matter what they chose to do
obey or disobey Him (Genesis 3:4).
3) The adversary told the man and woman they could be

as gods that is, in control of their own lives and desti-
ny after all, he had just told them that the LORD was-
nt going to judge them for their sin (Genesis 3:5).
Death by addition: One word added to Gods Word to the first

man and woman led to the fall of mankind. One little 3-letter
word perverted the truth of God and altered the course of his-
tory. Could it be that this one little word and what it conveys to
mens hearts is altering the eternal destiny of millions who
dont even realize it?
This truth should be sobering to our hearts. Adding to or omit-

ting from the words of the Almighty carries with it a severe
curse (Prov. 30:5-6; Rev. 22:18-19).
40
Holy Fear Robbed
Though one may not know it from what he hears in most

teaching going on in Christendom, fearing God is ultra im-
portant in the divine economy, especially in light of the Judg-
ment we will all stand in.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat

of Christ; that every one may receive the things
done in his body, according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the
terror of the Lord, we persuade men 2 Corinthi-
ans 5:10-11
When a person believes that he is unconditionally secure in re-

lation to the holy God of all, the restraint from sin is removed.
Where the lie of the ages reigns, the fear of God is stolen from
the hearts of men. This was the enemys goal in sowing this lie
into the first man and woman. Nothing has changed as far as
what he intends upon those alive today. The enemy of all souls
knows that when the fear of the LORD is absent, sin and spir-
itual separation are inevitable (James 1:14-15).
by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

Proverbs 16:6
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart

from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:27
Of sinful men who are not possessed and moved with the fear
of the LORD, but rather living after their depraved nature, the
Bible says:
There is no fear of God before their eyes. Romans

3:18
Serpents in the Pulpits
Eternal Security is surely Satans masterpiece. This

doctrine that claims that one can be in Christ, while
willingly dead in trespasses and sins, is pure heresy.
The doctrine is rooted in unbelief, seeing that they deny
that Christ has any power to deliver the believer here
and now. The Bible tells us that Jesus came to destroy
the work of the devil, and that Jesus came to save His
people from their sins, not in their sins. A Savior who
41
Lie of Ages
cannot live up to his promises to deliver us from our

sins in this life cannot be depended upon to deliver us
after our death! I am uncomfortably confident that at
the consummation of time, it will be revealed that this
sole doctrine alone will have populated the regions of
hell far more than all other false teachings put together.
Those that teach this heresy have exchanged light for
darkness, truth for lies, and called it the Gospel! - Jeff
Paton
The enemy went from using a serpent to using men. Satans lie
led to Adam and Eves sin which caused their fall and separat-
ed them from God. This no-consequence-to-face-for-sin lie re-
moved all restraint from sinning and the man and woman en-
tered into that which God promised would cause them to
die (spiritual death-separation; see Rom. 8:13; James 1:13-
15). This same lie is being boldly preached today through the
most subtle means - our very church leaders!
It is regretful that the fear of the LORD is rarely mentioned,

much less thoroughly dealt with in the modern church world.
The lie of the ages has so permeated the thinking of our insti-
tutions and leaders that there seems to be very little fear of
God among those claiming to know the LORD Jesus Christ. In
the absence of such a pillar doctrine of the Word, restraint is
greatly weakened in the hearts of individuals.
Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon

you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity
with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor
taking of gifts. 2 Chronicles 19:7
The same most insidious serpent who intruded into the Gar-
den, has slivered his way onto center stage in the modern
church. While the LORD tells us that He desires to teach us
the fear of the LORD, such is seldom instilled in those today
who claim to be believers in Jesus Christ.
Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach

you the fear of the LORD. Psalms 34:11
Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for
fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.
Isaiah 2:10
42
Spiritual Death
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the

world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all
men, for that all have sinned. Romans 5:12
Is spiritual death the result of sin? Is the wages of sin still

death? (Rom. 6:23) Has the Almighty changed since the Garden
of Eden? Is He still holy? What happens when we blatantly dis-
obey the unchanging God like the first man and woman? Spir-
itual death is the result of sin as it was with Adam and Eve
they died spiritually, which means they were separated from
the holy LORD by the sin they committed.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath

sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
Exodus 32:33
Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father,

so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sin-
neth, it shall die. Ezekiel 18:4
Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his

righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a
stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because
thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his
sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall
not be remembered; but his blood will I require at
thine hand. Ezekiel 3:20
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die Romans

8:13
But when the righteous turneth away from his

righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth
according to all the abominations that the wicked
man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that
he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass
that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath
sinned, in them shall he dieWhen a righteous man
turneth away from his righteousness, and com-
mitteth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity
that he hath done shall he die. Ezekiel 18:24, 26
The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver
43
Lie of Ages
him in the day of his transgression neither shall

the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in
the day that he sinneth. When I shall say to the
righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his
own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his
righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his
iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.
Ezekiel 33:12-13
Judas by transgression fell Acts 1:25
For the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23
O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou

hast fallen by thine iniquity. Hosea 14:1
Any person not saved and delivered from living in sin, is not
truly saved. He is facing the penalty of sin eternal death.
Genuine justification always bears the fruit of a sanctified life.
Such involves the volitional will of the recipient of the grace of
God.
Beware of any leader claiming to be a representative of Jesus

Christ who does not teach the fear of the LORD and the abso-
lute necessity to utterly trust God in all things and live obedi-
ent to His righteous commands. Selah.
PRAYER: Jesus, I love You. Imbue my heart with Your holy

truth. Please keep me in Your loving care and safely from the
schemes and snares of Satan which he would use to cause me
to offend You with sinful thinking and living. Cleanse, heal,
bless, and deliver me from all evil LORD Jesus! Amen.
44
45
Lie of Ages
CHAPTER FIVE
TROJAN HORSE
HERETICS and HERESIES
for thy breach is great like the sea: who can heal
thee? Thy prophets (leaders) have seen vain and fool-
ish things for thee: and they have not discovered
thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have
seen for thee false burdens and causes of banish-
ment. Lamentations 2:13-14
The LORD is holy and the result of our sins is separation Him
(Isa. 59:2; Rom. 6:23). Here the Holy Spirit inspires the prophet
Jeremiah to pen these telling words. Israels breach or sepa-
ration from her Redeemer was great (wide) and her leaders
were not revealing or uncovering her sins so that she could be
cleared and delivered of them before a holy God.
they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn

away thy captivity Lamentations 2:14
Of this verse, the Life in the Spirit Study Bible notes the follow-
ing:
THEY HAVE NOT DISCOVERED THINE INIQUITY.

One mark of a false prophet was that his words and vi-
46
sions did not expose sin among the people. Those in the
church who do not rebuke sin, thereby releasing the
convicting work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8-11), prove
that they are false ministers. Conversely, those who lives
and sincerely cry out against worldliness and sin in the
congregation, just as Christ did (Rev. 2-3), prove them-
selves to be faithful ministers of their Lord. P. 1167
Instead of following the LORD and speaking His truth to honor

Him supremely and blessing the people to repent, the men in
positions of leadership were pillow prophets, leading the people
to believe that all was well. Refusing to define and point out sin
as described in Gods Word, is treason. Her leaders were like so
many leaders today. They wanted things to run smoothly so
that they could build their own kingdoms while pretending to
build Gods while the LORDs people stood unrighteous and
undone with His impending judgment looming over them.
If we are compelled, therefore, to yield ourselves serv-

ants to sin, and be subject to Satans power, insomuch
that we cannot help but obey him, and really have no
choice in the matter, then our free agency, our volition,
is destroyed; and to make matters worse, the devil has
more power than God. Satan can make us disobey God,
but alas, God cannot make us disobey Satan. The devil
compels us to be sinners, but God cannot compel us to
be righteous. What kind of doctrine is this? -Howard
W. Sweeten
When one is not being called to repentance for his sins and
learning to live a life accountable to the LORD for every thought
and action, that person will lose the fear of God.
There is a great breach today. The enemy is running rampant

in the lives of many who claim to know the LORD. This he is
accomplishing due to the widespread lack of the teaching of the
fear of the LORD which is an open door through which he has
gained entrance. Access into the gates of the city of the LORD
has opened wide through the false teaching of
lasciviousness license to sin (Jude 3-4). This falsehood ei-
ther replaces the true fear of the LORD or vice versa. When
there is the absence of the fear of the LORD, the walls of re-
straint are broken down in the hearts and lives of many who
claim to be saved. They live in sin and justify it due to the fact
that their leaders have told them that they are once saved
47
Lie of Ages
and always saved a mere clich which appears nowhere in

the Bible in word nor in concept.
Someone might say Well the word trinity never appears in the
Bible but it is still true. To this I would reason that the divine
trinity is clearly shown in concept throughout Scripture (Gen.
1:26, 28; Eph. 1:3, 7, 13; 1 John 5:7; etc.). OSAS is never
shown in word or concept the Bible other than to be identi-
fied as the message of deceived men (Jude 3-5). In fact, the
myriad of warnings to remain in the will of God completely in-
valid such a notion. See Hebrews.
When a person believes the unbiblical doctrine of once saved

always saved, he then possesses no reason to literally adhere
to the teachings of the one he claims as Savior. He then finds
no reason to repent of his sins and stay in fellowship with the
LORD Jesus. In some cases no sense of responsibility to obey
the LORD is found in the hearts of those who have bought this
lie. In fact, to those deluded by this lawless lie, the obedient are
viewed as legalistic. How perverse! The Word tells us that peo-
ple who do not obey their Maker will not enter into Heaven (Tit.
1:16; James 2:14-20; 1 Jn. 2:3-5).
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. Matthew
7:21
Trojan Horse Infiltration
Throughout history, cities were fortified with thick walls in or-

der to partition and protect those who inhabited them from
their enemies. Whenever the enemy army without could find a
breach (break) in the wall, he would attack and seek to pene-
trate those city walls. In the case of the city of Troy, when the
adversary could not find an opening in the walls that sur-
rounded the ancient city, they sent a gift, a large wooden Tro-
jan horse. Hidden inside that large wooden creation were ene-
my troops. The Trojan horse was received with glee by the in-
habitants of Troy and rolled into the gates of the city. After en-
tering the city those warriors hiding inside the large wooden
horse, came out of that wooden horse and invaded the people
from within. It is particularly interesting to note that the Trojan
horse was presented with a smile and to the inhabitants of
Troy as a gift. These maneuvers enabled the emissary to creep
48
in unawares (unnoticed) and sneak right past any defenses and
conquer the city of Troy.
Isnt this how viruses destroy computers? They come with a

subject line that invites the recipient to open the file and when
they do, the virus invades and destroys data within that com-
puter.
Like the original lie in the Garden, the deadly message of the
serpent that we can sin without consequence, has penetrated
the walls of the church world. This lie has gained full access
into the hearts of many of those who claim to know the LORD.
This heresy of sin without consequence has reached the center
of the city of God disguised with and hidden inside Trojan
horse ministers who come with a smile and with the promise of
a gift of salvation that requires little or nothing from the recipi-
ent. The Holy Spirit specifically warned us of these ungodly
men who are crept in unawares. Like the wooden Trojan
horse that rolled unhindered into the city of Troy, these myth-
propagating men have rolled in smoothly and reached center
stage in much of Christendom. Their higher learning degrees
and standing among men in the evangelical community have
blinded the eyes of those who may otherwise be more discern-
ing. These leaders hold positions of great influence, deceiving
the hearts of the simple with their good words and fair
speeches. (Rom. 16:17-18) These men are the wolves Jesus
warned us about, who wear sheeps clothing and have been ac-
cepted with open arms by the evangelical church world. They
are utilizing various media vehicles such as books, pulpits,
CDs, DVDs, and commentaries, to spread their lies. This they
have done using the name of the LORD (in vain) but yet not
communicating according to His clear teachings. The Son of
God warned: Beware of false prophets, which come to you
in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravening
wolves. (Matt. 7:15)
Jude writes:
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you

of the common salvation, it was needful for me to
write unto you, and exhort you that ye should ear-
nestly contend for the faith which was once deliv-
ered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept
in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this
condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of
49
Lie of Ages
our God into lasciviousness (license to sin), and

denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus
Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance,
though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having
saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward
destroyed them that believed not. And the angels
which kept not their first estate, but left their own
habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains
under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Jude 3-6
In this key warning passage which we will visit more than once
in this volume, under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit of
the living God, Jude warns all New Testament believers to con-
tend diligently for the faith of the Gospel once delivered to the
saints and contained in the Holy Scriptures. He then brings
into the remembrance of all believers under the New Testa-
ment, the historical record of some of the created beings of the
past who were once right with the LORD, then departed from
Him into sin. He starts off with the exhortation to earnestly
contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the
saints and then identifies the doctrine of lasciviousness as
one that is taught by ungodly men. To the honest disciple of
Christ, this passage will strike his heart with a healthy fear of
the LORD. These divinely-inspired words, spoken by Jude,
make it difficult for the Gospel-hardened Calvinist to hurdle.
Through His servant Jude, the Holy Ghost here cites two clas-
ses of created beings destroyed by the Almighty after being in
His saving grace:
1) Some of the covenant Israelites He delivered out of Egyp-

tian bondage who then rebelled against Him and were
consequently destroyed (Jude 5).
2) The fallen angels Lucifer and those angels who rebelled

with him and their eternal state of condemnation (Jude
6).
These two classes, who fell from saving grace after possessing
it, stand as an eternal memorial of Gods wrath upon all who
would backslide and not return to Him in repentance to be re-
stored. Romans 11:22 is a key verse in recognizing this divine
truth:
50
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God:
on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, good-
ness, IF thou continue in his goodness: otherwise
thou also shalt be cut off. Romans 11:22
For some readers, the scriptural truth in this book will be a

stark reminder of the truth that the LORD is holy and will
judge sin. Note carefully the phrase Jude uses in this all-
important exhortation: I will therefore put you in remem-
brance, though ye once knew this (Jude 5) It is obvious
from his words that the believers he was writing to here at one
time knew and believed that the LORD has and will judge those
who go back into sinful living after knowing Him. There is no
shadow of turning in the Father of lights. (James 1:17)
For I am the LORD, I change not Malachi 3:6
In this warning, the LORD Himself through His servant Jude,

clearly and plainly identifies the false doctrine of
lasciviousness which is that error which grants license for
sin. He also identifies those who teach this falsehood as
ungodly men. (Jude 4)
Those who teach that believers may live immoral and

unrighteous lives without jeopardizing their eternal sal-
vation will themselves face the severe judgment of God.
Donald Stamps
In many cases, the premise for belief in a falsehood is the fear

and idolatry of mere men. If and when a person retains an af-
finity for historical and even present-day men and sediment for
their teachings, he will find a way to justify them (Mk. 7:6-9).
The very Word of God is made of none effect to that person.
When a person genuinely fears the LORD, Gods Word will hold
the place of final and highest authority in that persons heart.
For what if some did not believe? shall their unbe-

lief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid:
yea, let God be true, but every man a liar Romans
3:3-4
We should always remember that Jesus Himself didn't get

through to the vast majority of religionists of His day. He
was rejected of His own people. This was obviously not due
to His insufficiency in expounding the truth He is the
51
Lie of Ages
Truth (Jn. 14:6). He was unsuccessful because of their un-

belief, hardened hearts, and how they made God's Word of
none effect by their zeal to keep their own religious tradi-
tions (Mk. 7:6-9). Paul warned the people of God of this very
evil and how it can ruin or spoil the one who once be-
lieved and was saved, robbing him of Christ, who is eternal
life (Col. 2:4-9; 1 Jn. 5:20-21).
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them

that put their trust in him. Proverbs 30:5
Knowing and obeying divine truth is the only shield of protec-

tion against the fatal error which brings corruption to the hu-
man soul. When there is no wall of truth surrounding our
hearts, it will be vulnerable to be penetrated by a wolf in sheeps
clothing who will bring in damnable heresies and doctrines
of devils. (2 Pet. 2:1-3) The city of our mind must be fortified
with divine truth that the enemy cannot penetrate its walls
through his false prophets and false teachers who operate
in the midst of the evangelical world (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Pet. 2:1).
After warning the Church with tears of the grievous wolves

which he promised would enter in among you, Paul com-
mitted believers to the Word of God, the only purifying protec-
tor of hearts (Acts 20:20, 27-32).
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to

the word of his grace, which is able to build you up,
and to give you an inheritance among all them which
are sanctified. Acts 20:32
According to the Holy Spirit, not only does the word of his
grace protect, it will also build you up and secure for the
receiver an inheritance among all them which are sancti-
fied.
Gods Word is the firewall of protection against falsehood and

only protects or shields the heart that is full with and nour-
ished by it.
Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore

I hate every false way. Psalms 119:104
Being rich in the Word is ultra important to our maturity, spir-

itual health and the ability to discern between truth and error
52
(Heb. 5:11-14). There can be no occupation more valuable to
the saint than the memorization of Holy Scripture (Josh. 1:8;
Prov. 4:4).
PRAYER: Precious Master Jesus, I am asking You right this mo-

ment to probe the very depth of my being and root out any iniqui-
ty and/or falsehood that remains! Cleanse me LORD and make
me new. Protect me and help me to discern deeper every day. I
love You supremely. Cover my life in Thy holy truth and preserve
me unto the day of Your soon return for which I look expectantly.
Glory to Your holy name! Use me to help others in the same!
Amen Jesus!
53
Lie of Ages
CHAPTER SIX
THE EVIL SHALL NOT

OVERTAKE NOR PREVENT US
AMOS 9:10
Evil Attitude of Some Who

Claim to Know Christ
All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword,

which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent
us. Amos 9:10
Note here in this very important verse that the LORD points
out an inner attitude among His very own people (of all genera-
tions) that has and is leading to their undoing and ultimately
the eternal damnation of many. Should we hearken to this
warning and learn from history? It is incumbent upon us that
we understand and carefully and conscientiously heed this
warning before it is too late.
The covenant Jews of Amos day said in their hearts that The
evil shall not overtake nor prevent us. This reveals the in-
solent attitude possessed by these backslidden Jews. In their
hearts they imagined The evil we are now committing is not
going to prevent us from the blessings of God, including eternal
54
life. These people, like many today, were self-deceived into
thinking they would not receive a just recompense for their sin-
fulness. Their whole attitude is one of lightness toward the
things of God and a crass disdaining of His holiness and com-
mand to be holy.
All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword,

which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent
us. Amos 9:10
Of this Amos 9 text, the Life in the Spirit Study Bible denotes:
I SAW THE LORD. In this fifth vision, Amos saw the

LORD beside the altar in His sanctuary, ready to destroy
all the worshipers by bringing the sanctuary down upon
their heads. Those who escaped would be killed by the
sword; all the sinners among the people would die (v10).
Likewise, when Christ returns, He will severely judge all
within His churches who are living a sinful lifestyle;
none of them will escape Gods wrath.
Lets look close at what the LORD is saying to us individually

here in Amos 9:10. Please mark this verse in your Bible and
make it a matter of personal study and focus. The Almighty
identifies here an attitude among many who claim to know Him
and He hates it. The first thing the LORD identifies is the
sinners among His own people (not the lost) whom He
guarantees will die by the sword which means to be eternal-
ly judged if they dont repent. Why? Because they say (in
their hearts) that The evil shall not overtake nor prevent
us. In other words they vainly imagine in their darkened, de-
ceived hearts that the sin of worldliness they are living in will
not prevent them from going to Gods holy Heaven because
they have been made to believe that they are eternally secure
no matter what they do or do not do. Saints, this is the mani-
fest fruit of this deadly lie of the ages and how it plays itself out
in the hearts and lives of men who have been poisoned by this
arsenic satanic seed of the serpent.
Isnt this the same darkened hearted attitude we see from

Gods apostate people throughout the history of Israel?
For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have

dealt very treacherously against me, saith the LORD.
They have belied the LORD, and said, It is not he;
55
Lie of Ages
neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see

sword nor famine: Jeremiah 5:11-12
The false prophets of Jeremiahs day were telling Gods cove-

nant people that No evil would come upon them even
though they were living in sin against the Almighty. The delud-
ed leaders of that hour as well as this one belied the LORD
by telling His people, while they were living in sin, that they
would not experience His holy wrath. Like many today, these
deceivers in leadership positions told those who despised the
LORD in the way they lived that Ye shall have peace with
God and not be judged by Him for your sins:
They say still unto them that despise me, The

LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say
unto every one that walketh after the imagination of
his own heart, No evil shall come upon you. Jeremi-
ah 23:17
This sums up the message of false teachers they assure peo-

ple of peace with God without declaring that ongoing love, re-
pentance from sin, an ongoing relationship of love, faith, and
holiness are a must.
The no-condition-for-salvation message (OSAS) is found in the

Bible its the message of deceived men. Those who teach it
are identified as ungodly men, turning the grace of our God
into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and
our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 4)
Those who follow such a falsehood, believing they will be going

with Jesus when the last trump sounds, will be shocked when
He comes and goes without them (Matt. 7:21-23; 24-25; Lk
21:34-36; 1 Thess. 4:14-18). There are conditions to being
ready for the return of Christ (Matt. 25:1-13).
We all fail God - we have all sinned against Him (Rom. 3:10,
23; 1 Jn. 1:8,10) and yet we are required to confess and repent
of those offences in order to remain in fellowship with Christ (1
Jn. 1:7,9, etc.). God is Holy, holy, holy and sin separates us
from Him if we do not repent of it (Isa. 6:3; 59:2; Acts 1:25;
Rom. 6:23; Rev. 4:8). The truth/fact that the LORD is Holy,
holy, holy is so often forgotten in the pursuit of preserving
our own lives in this fleeting world. The desire of sinful men is
to justify themselves, not realizing that the Great and Terrible
56
Day of Judgment lies ahead (Eccl. 8:11). It's like we have our-
selves as the object of worship and not the LORD Almighty.
This is having another god before Him which means we break
the very first commandment and should be convicted of idola-
try (Exod. 20:3-4). In doing this we have fashioned a god in our
own image to satisfy ourselves and justify living in a way com-
fortable to us instead of getting base level honest and humbled
before Him and fearing Him and taking Him at His Word and
obeying Him. Many have made up their own theology to suit
their own carnal appetites (Phil. 3:17-20). When we do truly lay
down our lives and commend our spirits into His perfect
hands, His grace immediately fills and undertakes our lives,
enabling us to please Him fully and repent when we sin (Jn.
1:17; Rom. 5:17; 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 12:9, etc.).
The LORD commands His people to be holy as He is holy and

promises that no unholy person will enter His eternal glory, re-
gardless of any past relationship they may have had with Him
(2 Chron. 15:2; Ps. 73:27; Isa. 1:18-20; Ezek. 33:12-13; 2 Tim.
2:12; Hebrews; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; 2 Pet. 2:20-22; Rev. 3:5;
21:8,27, etc.). What is taught in Scripture is to dig deep and get
rid of all the mud of dishonesty that exists between the LORD
and our hearts (Jer. 1:10; Hos. 10:12; Lk. 6:46-49; 2 Cor. 2:17;
4:2-3). This is the only way Christ prescribed for us to lay the
foundation of our lives upon the only rock that will sustain and
uphold us in eternity with the LORD. All those who cover their
sins with an unbiblical teaching that enables sinfulness, prove
that they arent accountable to the LORD (Prov. 28:13). They
are not submitted under His lordship (Matt. 7:21-23; Lk. 6:46).
The LORD who is holy holds us accountable to love and serve
Him, confessing and repenting of our sins. He will not bless us
if we don't (Prov. 28:13; Jer. 5:25; Rom. 2:1-7, etc.). Like David
we must cry out to the LORD and be zealous to repent. (Ps
51; Rev. 3:19)
There is no getting around the truth that sin separates men

from God and no one who persists in sin will be in His holy
Heaven/presence (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:5-9; Heb.
12:14; Rev. 21:8, 27). Peace is only in Jesus and in remaining
in Him (Jn. 15:6). Jesus is the Vine and promised to cast into
the fire any person in him who does not remain in Him (John
15:2, 6).
God sovereignly created man with free will and He will not drag
57
Lie of Ages
any person (against his individual will) into His holy Heaven.
The idea that God is somehow bound and forced to keep the
person who though once His, has since departed into a life of
sin and unbelief finds no biblical reconciliation whatsoever.
Such an erroneous notion is no where found in Holy Scripture.
Were we not warned that we shall not escape the judgment of

God if we slip and slide backwards and if we neglect to
obey His Word of salvation?
Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed

to the things which we have heard, lest at any time
we should let them slipHow shall we escape, if we
neglect so great salvation. Hebrews 2:1, 3
The most insidious aspect of this whole deadly deception that

is transpiring in our midst is that smiling, comforting men who
in many cases are very sincere (yet sincerely deceived), are
teaching this lethal lie utilizing selected and out of context
Scripture texts to communicate it and make it palatable
(acceptable). This they do in the face of Scripture like 1 Peter
4:17-18, which reveals that only a portion of those made right-
eous will escape eternal judgment.
For the time is come that judgment must begin at

the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what
shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of
God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where
shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 1 Peter
4:17-18
Who is the Almighty going to judge? He is starting at the

house of God and promises that the righteous scarcely be
saved.
Though many in leadership today deny Christ by making a

wide gate to Heaven, according to the Son of God, only a
few who profess to know Him will enter into the splendid
gates (Matt. 7:13-14; 21-23).
The heads (leaders) thereof judge for reward

(personal gain), and the priests thereof teach for hire
(money), and the prophets thereof divine for money:
yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the
LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.
58
Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a
field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the
mountain of the house as the high places of the for-
est. Micah 3:11-12
Several hundred years before the Messiah was born into the
earth, the covenant people of God were departed from the
LORD. Their day was no different than ours. An epidemic of
false leadership identified by false teaching plagued the pro-
fessing church world. Here in Micahs day, while Israel was liv-
ing in sin, the leaders were teaching Gods people that none
evil can come upon us. They supposed that they were insu-
lated from any judgment that they were eternally secure.
God promised to judge His people Therefore shall Zion for
your (the leaders) sake be plowed as a field (v12)
For the leaders of this people cause them to err;

and they that are led of them are destroyed. Isaiah
9:16
For from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness

gone forth into all the land. Jeremiah 23:15
OSAS is no new doctrine. It is not a new thing taught by those

in leadership, guiding many into delusion and ultimately de-
struction (2 Thess. 2:10-12). As we have seen, this teaching
started in the Garden of Eden, was first taught by Satan, and
is now being perpetrated by wolves in sheeps clothing in our
midst (Gen. 2:17; 3:4; Matt. 7:13-20; 2 Cor. 11:13-15).
These who teach and those who buy into the lie of lascivious-
ness vainly imagine that there will be no judgment to come up-
on them for their sins. Though some live in sin, they fully be-
lieve that they are eternally secure. But what does the LORD
say?
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the
Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his
mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on
them that know not God, and that obey not the gos-
pel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished
with everlasting destruction from the presence of
the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he
shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be ad-
mired in all them that believe (because our testimo-
59
Lie of Ages
ny among you was believed) in that day. 2 Thessalo-

nians 1:7-10
According to 2 Thessalonians 1, the two classes of people to be

punished with everlasting destruction are:
1) Them that know not God and
2) Those that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus

Christ
This passage in 2 Thessalonians 1 reveals that those who pro-

fess and yet do not possess obedience to the Gospel of Jesus
Christ will be punished with everlasting destruction.
Those who know Christ have the fruit of good works they will-
ingly obey the Gospel of our LORD Jesus Christ. Ones works
reveal his inner heart and faith or lack thereof (Tit. 1:16;
James 2; 1 Jn. 2:3-5).
Any person who is not living in genuine obedience to the Gos-

pel of Christ, will be damned eternally unless he repents and
turns back to Christ before it is too late (Matt. 7:21; Jn. 5:29; 1
Jn. 2:3-5).
My People Know Not the Judgment of the Lord
Moreover thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the

LORD; Shall they fall, and not arise? shall he turn
away, and not return? Why then is this people of Je-
rusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding?
they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return (repent). I
hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no
man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What
have I done? every one turned to his course, as the
horse rusheth into the battle. Yea, the stork in the
heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle
and the crane and the swallow observe the time of
their coming; but my people know not the judgment
of the LORD. How do ye say, We are wise, and the
law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain
made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain. The
wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken:
lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and
what wisdom is in them? Jeremiah 8:4-9
60
Many of Gods people whose hearts have been hardened
through sin (Heb. 3:12-15) say with insolence and impudence,
What have I done that would require me to repent!? Or,
What did I do to need to repent!? Can you feel this attitude
they exhibit? His people have been blinded and hardened
through the deceitfulness of sin. (Heb. 3:13) They are no
longer in touch with the holiness and resulting judgment of the
God who once saved them. but my people know not the
judgment of the LORD. (Jer. 8:7)
The LORD instructed us to be zealous therefore, and re-

pent. (Rev. 3:19) This crass attitude toward the holiness of
the LORD and sin is exhibited by some today who claim to be
saved. The lawless myth from those who are turning the
grace of our God into lasciviousness has fruit (Jude 4). It
shows up in the lives of those who believe they are saved and
yet not living in holy communion with the LORD Jesus Christ,
but Jesus asked this rhetorical question And why call ye me,
Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Lk. 6:46)
The OSAS message ye shall not surely die insulates peo-

ple from their need to be holy (Gen. 3:4). Isnt this what it did
to Adam and Eve? Didnt this lie and the way it affected them
lead to the very fall of man? The same falsehood is being perpe-
trated upon the church world today and having the same affect
on the hearts and destinies of people.
You may wish to diligently study this passage in Jeremiah 8.

There is much to behold here. We see that Jeremiahs day is
the same as our day. Though they had many seemingly wise
men who supposedly knew the Word of God and were scribes
(wrote books), they were totally deluded and unable to discern
that the wrath of God was getting ready to fall upon them for
their unbelief and rebellion against Him who is holy. See also
Romans 1:18.
Concerning this text (in Jeremiah 8:7), Donald Stamps, in the

Life in the Spirit Study Bible, writes:
MY PEOPLE KNOW NOT THE JUDGMENT OF THE

LORD. The people were ignorant of Gods law. Moreo-
ver, their leaders so distorted the Word of God and falsi-
fied its message that the people were assured they could
sin without condemnation (v.8). In a similar manner,
the apostle Peter speaks of those who twist the word of
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Lie of Ages
God to their own destruction and to the destruction of

others (cf. 2 Pet. 3:16). We must beware of any minis-
ters who teach that those who willfully continue in sin
and rebellion against God will still inherit salvation and
the kingdom of God (see 1 Cor. 6:9-10).
As was the case in the Garden, the occasion the devil chose to
first issue forth this ye shall not surely die lie, was in the
sanctuary of God. So it is today right in our midst! Beloved,
be discerning! Beware! Be biblical!
In his book The Great Gospel Deception, David Servant writes:
False teachers are very deceptive. They have some exte-

rior indications of being genuine. They may call Jesus
their Lord, prophesy, cast out demons and perform mir-
acles. But the sheeps clothing only hides the ravenous
wolf. They arent of the true sheep. How can it be known
if they are true or false? Their true character can be
known by examining their fruits.
What are the fruit of which Jesus was speaking? They

are the fruits of obedience to all He has taught. Those
who are true, teach and do the will of the Father. Those
who are false, teach what is not true and practice law-
lessness (7:23). Our responsibility, then, is to compare
their teaching and lives with what Jesus taught and
commanded.
False teachers abound today in the church, and we

should not be surprised, because both Jesus and Paul
forewarned us that, as the end approaches, we should
expect nothing less (see Matt. 24:11; 2 Tim. 4:3-4). The
most prevalent false prophets of our day are those who
teach that heaven awaits the unholy. They are responsi-
ble for the eternal damnation of millions of people. Of
them, John Wesley wrote,
How terrible is this!-when the ambassadors of God turn

agents for the devil! when they who are commissioned
to teach men the way to heaven do in fact teach them
the way to hellIf it be asked, Why, who ever didthis?
I answer, Ten thousand wise and honourable men;
even all those, of whatever denomination, who encour-
age the proud, the trifler, the passionate, the lover of the
62
world, the man of pleasure, the unjust or unkind, the
easy, careless, harmless, useless creatures, the man
who suffers no reproach for righteousness sake, to im-
agine he is in the way to heaven. These are false proph-
ets in the highest sense of the word. These are traitors
both to God and manThey are continually peopling the
realms of the night; and whenever they follow the poor
souls they have destroyed, hell shall be moved from be-
neath to meet them at their coming! p. 164, 165
One of the clearest indications that a leader is false is that he

conveys or teaches the notion that unholy men will go to Gods
holy Heaven when they die. This same fatal falsehood that has
echoed through the corridors of history is alive and well in our
day, propagated by those claiming to be the representatives of
the Son of God, who never hinted nor taught such a doctrine.
No, Jesus warned His very own to endure to the end to be
saved and that in your patience (perseverance) possess
ye your souls. (Matt. 10:22; 24:13; Lk. 21:19) When asked to
quantify how many would be saved in the end, Jesus told His
own to agonize to enter:
Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be
saved? And he said unto them, STRIVE (agonize) to
enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you,
will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Luke
13:23-24
To equate this lie of the ages, sin-justifying heresy to the grace

and Gospel of Jesus Christ is nothing less than blasphemous!
The words of Christ paint no such picture. The historical rec-
orded words of Jesus Christ reveal in crystal clear language
that He came to take away sin and save His people from not in
their sin. Any person who believes he is saved and yet is living
in sin, is under the judgment of the Almighty (Rom. 8:1, 13
KJV). Any person teaching that one who was once saved is al-
ways going to be saved no matter how he chooses to exercise
his will after salvation, is teaching a false gospel and
deceiving the hearts of the simple. (Rom. 16:17-18) Be-
ware!
If Jesus Christ came to die and take away our sins, how is it
that we justify remaining in them? See Matthew 1:21; John
1:29 and Titus 2:11-14. The one who would believe such an
atrocity hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath
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Lie of Ages
counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanc-

tified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the
Spirit of grace. (Heb. 10:29)
We must look at Gods grace as something that we do not de-

serve, receiving it soberly and never taking advantage of His
goodness lest in the end we be found to be those who have
trodden under foot the Son of God.
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the

knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more
sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of
judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour
the adversaries. Hebrews 10:26-27
Did the eternal, self-existent and Almighty God cease to be

Holy, holy, holy just because He saved me? What evil pride
to imagine such! How self-centered a notion! How haughty a
thought! LORD Jesus please forgive our wickedness, change our
hearts to truly know You! Destroy in us any such wicked belief
about You!
Be not highminded, but fear. Romans 11:20
When one refuses to acknowledge and uphold the holy nature

of the one, true and living God, he denies Him and will be de-
luded in his belief. In fact, anyone who does such has es-
poused the image of a false god in his heart and is destined for
delusion and destruction (2 Thess. 2:10-12).
Creating a god in their own image, some vainly imagine that

the LORD in not going to judge them for living in sin and that
He somehow understands and accepts them in their sins. Per-
haps the world of sin-justifying psychology has corrupted their
minds. The Word of God is the cure.
While speaking about obeying and abiding in Him, Christ stat-

ed:
If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had

not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their
sin. John 15:22
There is no excuse for living in sin after Christ shed His blood
to be the propitiation for our sins and gave us the Word of His
Gospel and the requirements for being with Him eternally.
64
The original life is embodied in the notion or idea that man can
live in disobedience to his Maker and still remain in His grace.
We must deny emotions and sentiments and lock into and
wholly embrace Gods written revelation of Himself. If not, we
will be at risk of being separated from His presence as the first
man and woman and millions upon millions throughout history
have been.
Why Some Believe OSAS
In the absence of even one definitive statement of Scripture tell-

ing us we are unconditionally, eternally saved and secure, and
with a myriad of warnings about losing out, we should ask a
few questions:
Why do some draw such a conclusion?
Why do some draw the conclusion that once a man is

truly saved, he cannot forfeit his salvation, no matter
what sin he continues to commit and rebellion he
chooses to live in?
How is it that an utterly holy God would keep some-

one who decides to be unholy?
Three Reasons OSAS is believed:
1) Ignorance
2) Justification of sinful living
3) People are being taught this heresy by deceived men
It is my opinion that there are perhaps three general classes of

people who believe that once a person is truly saved, he abso-
lutely cannot forfeit his salvation for any reason, no matter
what his conduct or attitude toward God:
1. New believers who are not personally grounded in the

written Word of God and are being taught this hereti-
cal doctrine in their local church and/or through ra-
dio ministries, books, friends, etc.
2. Those who are born again people and love the LORD,
yet have been taught OSAS (once saved always
saved) from the beginning of their walk with God
65
Lie of Ages
and still embrace it due to their lack of exposure to

the preponderance of Scriptural evidence which re-
futes such a teaching.
3. Those who have been exposed to large amounts of

information for each position and yet choose to be-
lieve OSAS due to their refusal to repent and live holy
before God. They are only deceiving themselves and
will unfortunately regret such a decision for eternity
if they do not turn to God before it is too late. This
person uses this teaching as a license to live as he
wishes, instead of truly seeking how God requires
him to live and instead of obedience to Christ (Jude 3
-4; Heb. 12:14). These hide behind this teaching so
as not to disturb their artificial sense of security. Be-
lieving this teaching allows them to live as they de-
sire instead of under the Lordship of Christ who paid
for their sins with His own blood on the cross of Cal-
vary (Heb. 10:26-39, etc.).
In their flawed unbiblical logic some say that Gods salvation is

so great and glorious that He ceases to be holy and punish sin.
Is that what the LORD has told us in His Word? How does that
make sense or reconcile with the whole of Scripture? It simply
doesnt. Then they turn around and tout their errant version of
a grace not found in the Bible as being that which magnifies
the holiness of God, all this while saying sin cannot separate
the saved soul from a holy God! Recently while listening to
Christian radio I heard a local pastor of a very large (more than
20,000 members) say what sin or sins can do away with this
so great salvation? Surely this man has read Galatians 5:19-
21 and Revelation 21:8 and 27, right? Yet, the doctrine men
have taught him early on in his life wins out and takes prece-
dence.
After listening to this man speak to thousands over the air

waves, the leader of a very large Christian congregation, it oc-
curred to me why so many believe this teaching. It has been
passed down from generation to generation from pulpits across
American and sold to the people. Many of those people who
have bought this bill of goods have been taught this perversion
of grace and have not yet tested it against Gods Word, so there
is much opportunity to help them realize the error of this grace
-corrupting teaching. Perhaps this writing could be utilized to
66
challenge such a thought that one can after being saved live in
sin and yet his salvation not be threatened (Rom. 6:1-2, 15).
Jesus said that there are those which for a while BELIEVE,
and in time of temptation FALL AWAY. (Lk. 8:13) Would
anyone like to argue with the Almighty? The kingdom of Heav-
en (not hell) was likened to how many virgins? Go see what
Christ told us in Matthew 25:1-13. Only 5 of the 10 made it.
Warning! Beware! If one is living in sin instead of faith, he has
no eternal security promise from God. Dare we call the Son of
God a lunatic and liar for warning all of the danger of missing
out? See Mark 9:42-49.
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things

before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the
error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
2 Peter 3:17
Some of what we are calling the hard truths of the Bible in-
clude:
1. The utter necessity of personal holiness
2. Judgment to come
3. Denial of the self-life

4. Eternal damnation
Many claiming to be Christians, do not want their false security

zone threatened so they shut out people who dare to talk about
the hard truths of Gods Word (Isa. 30:9-10; 2 Tim. 4:3-4). This
they do while giving token lip service to Gods Word they
claim to believe that the Bible is Gods Word and yet are actual-
ly making the Word of God of none affect (not effectual to them-
selves) by their own rejection of it to keep their traditions (Mk.
7:6-9). Those who do not believe that sin can separate a person
once truly saved do not believe the Bible which tells us that God
is Holy, holy, holy and that without holiness no man
shall see the Lord. (Isa. 6:3; Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:9-10;
Heb. 12:14; Rev. 4:8; 21:7, 27)
For sure, to find out from Scripture that only a few among all
those who profess to know the LORD are going to enter Heaven
is shocking yet nevertheless a Bible truth (Matt. 7:13-14; 1 Pet.
67
Lie of Ages
4:18). Honestly, the truth is at times incriminating, intense,

intrusive, and trying to discover and embrace. The few who
will enter have one thing in common they love the LORD who
is the Truth and will not sacrifice it for their own convenience
and comfort (Matt. 22:37:37; Jn. 14:6). The way we respond to
the truth locates where we truly are spiritually (Lk. 8:18). If one
is not willing to die to the self-life but rather shuns divine truth
in order to preserve his sense or feeling of security, God Him-
self will turn him over to be deceived and ultimately damned if
he doesnt repent (2 Thess. 2:10-12; 2 Tim. 4:3-4). Such a per-
son has placed his own self (his own feelings and well being)
above the LORD whose name is Jealous (Exod. 20:3-4; 34:14).
Anyone or anything placed above the LORD is idolatry.
Those who claim to be of God and refuse to heareth Gods

words are not of God according to Jesus (Jn. 8:47). The
prophet Jeremiah records the truth about these people who
were at one time the very covenant people of God - they are
not valiant for the truth. (Jer. 9:3)
Where are the men of valor who will stand unceasingly

valiant for His truth and earnestly contend for the sacred
contents of Holy Writ in a day when so many leaders have
abandoned God, sacrificing the truth on the altar of popularity
and personal gain? Where are those abandoned to the LORD
and His original kingdom plan who have therefore lost any ves-
tige of their own agenda? Those who wage the war for the
truth, fighting the good fight of faith, who weather the storms
of persecutions that come against the truth they ardently em-
brace, will become seasoned in the faith once delivered to the
saints and be entrusted by the LORD with kingdom authority
and eternally rewarded.
Living in the presence of His holiness and maintaining correct

doctrine is essential to final salvation (2 Jn. 9).
There are those who want to make up their own way and still
believe they are going to the Heaven inhabited by the One
whose Words they thumb their noses at (Prov. 14:12). But Je-
sus informed us that in eternity He will be ashamed of all those
who are ashamed of His words (Mk. 8:38).
Speaking about the antichrist and his worldwide system, the

Word foretells that in the final days of this age, only those who
love and obey the truth will escape the wrath of God.
68
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in
them that perish; because they received not the love
of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this
cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they
should believe a lie: That they all might be damned
who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in un-
righteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
Those who receive and obey and love the truth will be eternally
saved. Those who prefer their own temporal pleasure to the
truth of God will be sent strong delusion, that they should
believe a lie and be damned. This is a divine promise and
guarantee.
Tucked Under His Holy Wing
The biblical version of salvation is one of initial faith to be justi-

fied and to continue in that faith, accessing Christs grace while
abiding in Him and His teachings. In that place of divine grace
is the most precious and protected place on earth, securing
that true believer forevermore.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most

High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalms 91:1
Those who abide in His presence are tucked securely under the
shadow of His wings of protection. They have nothing to fear.
No devil or otherwise can touch them. Their God is mighty and
infinitely wise and powerful and no being can penetrate Him to
get to His beloved.
Those who elect to abide in Him are protected from the accusa-
tions of the enemy and those who would rise up against them.
The LORD Himself knows them and how He sees them is all
that is important in the final analysis. He alone is and will be
their Judge on that great Day.
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods

elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that con-
demneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is
risen again, who is even at the right hand of God,
who also maketh intercession for us. Romans 8:33-
34
69
Lie of Ages
PRAYER: LORD Almighty, You told us in Your Word that You

are going to judge Your own people and that those who justify
sinning will be eternally doomed. In any way my thinking has
been contaminated by the lie that justifies sin, please do Your
transforming work. Forgive and cleanse me Jesus and grant me
a heart of flesh. LORD please purify my heart, thoughts, actions
and life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and Your truth. I love You
Holy Father and look forward with fervency to being with You
forever. Amen
70
71
Lie of Ages
CHAPTER SEVEN
THE GOODNESS
AND SEVERITY OF GOD
Honestly Beholding the
LORDs Goodness and Severity
Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off,

that I might be grafted in. Well; because of unbelief
they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be
not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the
natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not
thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of
God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee,
goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: other-
wise thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they
abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God
is able to graft them in again. Romans 11:19-23
God is love and full of goodness and those who rebel against
Him will be dealt with according to His severity. Here we
have the Holy Spirit reminding all blood-bought New Testament
believers of what God did in judging His own covenant people
(the Israelites) when they sinned and refused to return to Him
in repentance. He is specifically speaking to Gentile Christians
72
here and warning that just as He cut off His covenant people
for their sins, so He will not hesitate to do to us if we live in sin
without returning to Him in repentance.
Particularly, I want us to make Romans 11:22 our focal point

here:

on them which fell, severity; but toward thee good-
ness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise
Commenting on Romans 11:22, one writer states:
It is not hypothetical, its a threat!
Would the LORD threaten His people? The word if always in-
dicates and denotes the possibility and potential of some re-
ward or consequence if the condition is not met. After He saved
His people with the spectacular miracle of the Red Sea, the
LORD warned His people to remain in Him, their only hope of
salvation. To His very own covenant people, the LORD prom-
ised that if they were to forget Him that He would cause
them to surely perish.
And it shall be, IF thou do at all forget the LORD

thy God, and walk after other gods (idolatry; spiritual
adultery), and serve them, and worship them, I testi-
fy against you this day that ye shall surely perish. As
the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your
face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obe-
dient unto the voice of the LORD your God. Deuter-
onomy 8:19-20
Lets consider the threat and pronouncement of the LORD in

Jeremiah 6:
Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul de-

part from thee; lest I make thee desolate, a land not
inhabited Reprobate silver shall men call them, be-
cause the LORD hath rejected them. Jeremiah 6:8,
30
Here the LORD calls His own covenant people to be

instructedlest my soul depart from thee. Then He says
He has rejected them.
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Lie of Ages
The following passage illustrates the way the LORD deals with
His people if they rebel against Him:
But Jeshurun (Israel) waxed fat, and kicked: thou

art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered
with fatness; then he forsook God which made him,
and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation. They
provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with
abominations provoked they him to anger. They sac-
rificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they
knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom
your fathers feared not. Of the Rock that begat thee
thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that
formed thee. And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred
them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of
his daughters. And he said, I will hide my face from
them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are
a very froward generation, children in whom is no
faith. They have moved me to jealousy with that
which is not God; they have provoked me to anger
with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy
with those which are not a people; I will provoke
them to anger with a foolish nation. For a fire is kin-
dled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest
hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase,
and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. I
will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine ar-
rows upon them. They shall be burnt with hunger,
and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter de-
struction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon
them, with the poison of serpents of the dust. The
sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both
the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with
the man of gray hairs. Deuteronomy 32:15-25
As the Creator of all has seen fit, the relationship between

Himself and men involves the exercise of the individuals free
will. God deals with men as they choose to exercise their free
will in response to His blessed salvation (Num. 13-14; Deut.
30:19; 2 Chron. 15:2; Isa. 1:19-20; Gal. 6:7-9; 2 Tim. 2:12).
For them that honour me I will honour, and they

that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 1 Samuel
2:30
74
Friend, do we desire to acknowledge more than just one divine
attribute of God or only His goodness? What about the
severity of His holy wrath upon those who sin? Do we desire
to obey Gods Word that we witness with our very own eyes
here in Romans 11? If so, we must begin immediately to em-
brace not only His goodness but also His severity. We are
warned in this passage and many others that severe judgment
will be upon those who were once His and then go back into
sin.
Two truths concerning the nature of God run parallel through-

out the whole Bible:
1) The sovereignty and grace of God
2) The God-given free will of men
Whenever either of these truths is violated, neglected, or not

considered with full weight, falsehood is a sure thing. This is
why the apostle Paul instructs us to behold both the
goodness and the severity of God (Rom. 11:22).
As a matter of honesty and personal safety, we should begin to

view the LORD from both of these divine attributes revealed in
Holy Writ. This will not be a popular stance. Seldom do we hear
the judgment of God spoken about in the church world today,
yet this makes no less severe and true His promise to condemn
all who live in sin and dont repent.
In Romans 11, while speaking of Gentile believers (v11), the

Holy Spirit issues a sober warning specifically to all Gentile be-
lievers of the New Testament period. Romans 11:22 is an im-
portant verse to memorize for all honest, full-counsel, truth-
seekers. Lets read it again.

on them which fell, severity; but toward thee good-
ness, IF thou continue in his goodness: otherwise
As we see here, the born again Bible student should study the
revealed fullness of the divine nature and attributes of the
LORD, including His goodness and severity. Jesus Christ,
the Almighty God, who was and is and is to come, is shown in
the book of Revelation to be the Lamb and the Lion. The Lamb
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Lie of Ages
represents His loving nature and reflects the great love He

showed to us by coming to be our propitiation or sinless, aton-
ing sacrifice. The Lion nature of Christ relates to His attribute
of holy wrath against sin and how He will soon return to bring
untold and horrid judgment upon all who have not repented
and been washed in His blood and all backsliders (2 Pet. 2:20-
22).
Saints, lets ask ourselves a simple question: why would God

here use the term cut off if such were not possible? The
term cut off or some form of it, appears 215 times in Holy
Scripture. Doesnt this theme appear throughout Gods Word?
If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a

branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and
cast them into the fire, and they are burned. John
15:6
If such a truth shocks us, perhaps we do not have a proper

revelation of the severe judgment of a holy God upon sinners
and transgressors. If we do not acknowledge the severity of His
judgment, we possess an impartial image of the divine in our
minds and hearts and do err, not knowing the scrip-
tures. (Matt. 22:29) Are we not warned that His very own peo-
ple will be destroyed for lack of knowledge? (Hosea 4:6)
Concerning the important passage in Romans 11, Donald

Stamps, as seen in the Life in the Spirit Study Bible, states:
THOU ALSO SHALT BE CUT OFF. Paul directs a

grave warning to all Gentile believers, i.e., to all Chris-
tian churches, denominations, or fellowships.
(1) The terrible possibility exists that God will cast away
or cut off any individual, ministry, church, or group of
churches if they do not continue in his goodness and in
the N.T. apostolic faith and standards of righteousness
(v.20).
(2) If God did not spare Israel, neither will He spare any
particular church or fellowship (v.21) if it rejects Gods
ways and conforms to the ways of this world (see 12:2).
Therefore all Christian churches are to fear (v.20),
keeping in mind both the goodness and severity of God
and making every effort to continue in the apostolic faith
76
and practice of the N.T. No Christian church or ministry
may presume with confidence that it will never fall un-
der the judgment of God. With churches as with individ-
uals, there is no respect of persons with God (2:11).
In other words, if the LORD divorced His own covenant people

(Israel), non-Jewish believers are to fear lest they also be
cut off. Many do not want to accept the Bible reality that we
must fear God in truth and obedience or we will be cut off.
Such a truth does not pander to their idolatrous desire to feel
secure in their salvation, while living life on their own terms.
According to the Bible, if we refuse to fear God and remain obe-
dient to the end of our lives, we will forfeit our place in His
kingdom. What could be clearer in this Scripture text?
This is one of the warnings given to New Testament believers in

light of the unchanging Gods retribution upon His people when
they sinned against Him who is holy and refused to repent.
This is a severe warning to all of His people. According to Ro-

mans 11:22 it is indisputable that all who are born again and
yet do not continue in his goodness, living in faithful obedi-
ence to Him, will be cut off from His kingdom and suffer
eternal damnation in the lake of fire.
What exact judgments upon the Jews are referred to here?

Would you like to know one specific incident of Gods judgment
upon those who brazenly sinned among His very covenant peo-
ple? Check out this account in Numbers 16:
And it came to pass, as he had made an end of

speaking all these words, that the ground clave asun-
der that was under them: And the earth opened her
mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses,
and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all
their goods. They, and all that appertained to them,
went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed
upon them: and they perished from among the con-
gregation. And all Israel that were round about them
fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth
swallow us up also. Numbers 16:31-34
The Bible tells us that hell, prepared for the devil and his
angels, is in the heart of the earth. (Matt. 25:41; 12:40)
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Lie of Ages
In this landmark judgment found in Numbers 16, we see that

the LORD Almighty caused the earth to open up under the feet
of the violators and they were dropped down into the horrible
fires of eternal damnation. And these men are still there today,
with no reprieve from the excruciating torment they are suffer-
ing. Here is a sample of what these people, once the very cove-
nant people of God, are this moment suffering, and so will all
those who depart from Christ under the New Covenant:
Unquenchable fire. Mark 9:45

Eternal damnation. Mark 3:29
Everlasting punishment. Matthew 25:46
A place of everlasting burnings. Isaiah 33:14
Torment with fire and brimstone. Revelation 14:10
A lake (ocean) of fire. Revelation 20:15
No 2nd chance to escape (utter hopelessness). Luke
16:26
Weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 8:12
A place of eternal remorse (regret). Luke 16:19-31
A place of complete consciousness. Luke 16:25
A furnace of fire with wailing. Matthew 13:42
No rest day or night forever (eternal misery). Revela-
tion 14:11
Outer darkness. Matthew 8:12; 22:13
A place of sorrows (seething remorse and despair).
Psalms 18:5
A place of everlasting destruction. 2 Thessalonians
1:9
A place of torments. Luke 16:23
The LORD Nearly Killed Moses
And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the

LORD met him, and sought to kill him. Then Zippo-
rah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of
her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a
bloody husband art thou to me. So he let him go:
then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of
the circumcision. Exodus 4:24-26
78
Concerning this text (in Exodus 4), Donald Stamps, in the Life
in the Spirit Study Bible, writes:
THE LORDSOUGHT TO KILL HIM. Moses had neglected

to perform the covenant sign of circumcision in the case of his
own son. This was seen as a clear sign of disobedience on the
part of Moses and his wife (vv. 24-25; see Gen. 17:11, note).
Evidently God afflicted Moses with a potentially fatal illness un-
til he had his son circumcised. This incident demonstrates that
Gods election of an individual continues only as long as he or
she remains obedient (see 2 Pet. 1:10, note).
If we are going to live outside of an intimate, abiding, relation-

ship with Jesus Christ and with sins not confessed in the sight
of a holy God, we should get ready to experience the lake of
fire, regardless of any previous and genuine relationship we
had with Christ (John 15:1-6). It is undeniable that all those
who leave this earth in sin will ultimately be cast into the lake
of fire (Rev. 20:14-15, 27; 22:11). Jesus taught us to fear Him
who is able to cast both our souls and bodies into hell and that
it would be better to cut off our own hand or pluck out our eye,
than to allow that sinning member to cause our whole body to
be cast forever into damnation (Matt. 10:28; Mk. 9:43-49; Lk.
12:5).
Like the man who cultivated and had a heart after the LORD,
we should openly and swiftly confess any sin we commit For
I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. (Ps.
38:18)
Sowing and Reaping
What ever happened to Galatians 6:7-9?
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever

a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that
soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption;
but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit
reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well
doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint
not. Galatians 6:7-9
In His unfathomable wisdom, the Ancient of Days set up the

law of sowing and reaping which we all live under. Those who
obey Him by sowing to the Holy Spirit, reap blessings now and
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Lie of Ages
forever, while the person who lives in sin soweth to his

flesh will reap eternal corruption.
Paul wrote this letter to the churches of Galatia. (Gal. 1:2)

So, the apostle, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is ad-
dressing here the Galatian believers, not unsaved people. From
this foundation we conclude then in this passage that the per-
son who is truly saved never then loses the ability to sow to the
flesh and reap corruption. From this we can clearly understand
that the born again person can and will reap eternal corruption
of soul if he sows to the flesh (lives in sin). And the Bible as-
sures us that such a person will reap corruption which in-
cludes eternal damnation. Such a truth is further made obvi-
ous in that the text says that those who sow to the Holy Spirit
will reap life everlasting. Also, Galatians 6:9 concludes that
one who does not grow weary in well doingshall reap, IF
he faint(s) not. Again this is a conditional promise. Reaping
life everlasting is conditional upon the persevering faith of
the individual believer who has received initial salvation. The
LORD requires a living faith in Him, initial and ongoing to re-
ceive final salvation (Matt. 10:22; Col. 1:22-23; Heb. 3:6, 12-
14; 10:36-39).
Have you ever cried out to the LORD in desperation saying

something like Jesus save me from myself! I certainly have on
many an occasion and He heard me and delivered me as He
promised He would (2 Chron. 7:14; Ps. 34:4). As we have all
experienced, at times the intense strength of the sin nature
rages in us and when not kept mortified, will wreak havoc.
Have you noticed? His grace is sufficient for us in all things but
only as we cling to Him in utter desperation of heart and soul!
PRAYER: Jesus, take my life. I desire nothing more than You.

Cleanse me of any notion or thinking that is contrary to Your
Word and help me to understand Your goodness and severity.
Deeply impact my conscience and heart with Your holy convic-
tion. I beg You to multiply the precious and glorious grace You
died to provide. LORD, according to Pauls prayer, I ask You to
strengthen me with the might of Your Spirit in my inner man in
order that I might more fully please You. I love You, LORD Jesus.
Amen!
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER EIGHT
QUOTES FROM OSAS TEACHERS

And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Son of man, say unto her, Thou art the land (people)
that is not cleansed, nor rained upon (shown mercy)
in the day of indignation. There is a conspiracy of
her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion
ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they
have taken the treasure and precious things; they
have made her many widows in the midst thereof.
Her priests (leaders) have violated my law (Word),
and have profaned mine holy things: they have put
no difference between the holy and profane, neither
have they showed difference between the unclean
and the clean Ezekiel 22:23-26
Jude and 2 Peter 2-3 feature lists of historical accounts where

the LORD Almighty severely judged those of and among His
own covenant people who made the choice to live in sin after
knowing Him. There are angels, nations, peoples and individu-
als included in the list of those damned to hell for their disobe-
dience to the LORD who is holy. In the face of such clear
knowledge concerning the unchanging God, some still dare
teach the eternal security heresy.
Today there are frightening scores of leaders who are teaching

82
this license for sin doctrine. Some of the most popular teachers
today are believers in the heresy of OSAS (once saved always
saved). Perhaps they have been made popular by the demand
of the populace to hear ear tickling messages which deal only
with surface issues and never probe and penetrate to the
depths of the heart. Though posing as Christians, these delud-
ed leaders are ignorant of an intimate and personal knowledge
of the LORD who is holy. They are violating the Word of God by
not recognizing that the LORD is Holy, holy, holy and mak-
ing a clear division between the holy and profane and show-
ing the difference between the unclean and the clean. See
also Psalms 51:10; 139:23-24, Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8.
Sin had separated mankind from his Creator (Gen. 2-3). Our
LORD Jesus came to this earth because God is holy! Yes,
Christ came to the world because God is holy and cannot fel-
lowship with sin (Gen. 6:5; Isa. 59:2; 64:6; Rom. 3:23; 6:23;
Eph. 2:1-7). Without Christ man was helpless to regain his
place of relationship with His Maker (Tit. 3:4-7).
The LORD is Holy, holy, holy and man is sinful. Any man in
leadership who does not hold this cardinal truth (mans utter
depravity and Gods absolute holiness) in utmost importance
and prominence is thoroughly deceived at best. According to
the whole record of Holy Writ, the whole reason Jesus Christ
came was that we might know God and be washed from that
which separated us from Him sin. He left the glory of His Fa-
ther and came In the body of his flesh through death, to
present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his
sight. (Col. 1:22)
Making the holiness of the LORD a light thing and therefore the
sins that violate His holiness, is an extremely fatal endeavor
and being perpetrated by the blind leaders who are leading
many astray in this late hour (Matt. 15:14).
To illustrate the prevalence of the lie of lawlessness, one need

only observe that most Bible commentaries come from propo-
nents of this antinomian heresy and are therefore skewed
across the board in their doctrines. Beware!
Personally, when I am checking out a ministry, there are a cou-

ple of initial things I look for in discerning where they are com-
ing from. One of those things is whether or not there is an un-
derlying belief in OSAS. If so, all their other doctrine will be
83
Lie of Ages
amiss. Specifically concerning doctrine, the apostle Paul said

A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. (Gal. 5:9) When
someone has embraced a falsehood, their whole body of belief
will be permeated with that error. The Bible imagery using
leaven and bread is that it takes but a sprinkle of leaven to in-
fuse, pervade, affect, and expand the whole loaf of bread. So, it
takes but a sprinkle of falsehood to tilt or skew a persons
whole belief system.
As we see in Ezekiel 22, with all errant camps, their leaders

build upon one anothers false doctrines and gain momentum
doing so There is a conspiracy of her prophets. (Ezek.
22:25) The conspiracy of these false prophets is against the
LORD and such is discerned by what they teach which is con-
trary to the biblical revelation.
Micah 3
As we see in Micah 3, so many leaders today are leading people

into destruction by misrepresenting the LORD. Concerning
the prophets that make my people err the LORD says they
hate the good, and love the evilthat abhor judgment,
and pervert all equity. They build up Zion with blood, and
Jerusalem with iniquity. (Micah 3:2, 5, 9, 10)
Note that these false prophets who make the people err by lov-
ing evil and hating His holiness build upJerusalem with
iniquity. In other words they infuse the people of God with
the justification of sin and iniquity and then even have the
audacity to lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD
among us? none evil can come upon us. (Micah 3:11)
There is a conspiracy of her prophets. (Ezek. 22:25) - False

teachers and prophets are self-driven and directed (Phil. 3:17-19).
They are doing their own thing and have a natural affinity with oth-
ers in their profession who are building their own kingdoms in lieu
of the kingdom of God. True servants of Jesus Christ are all His
they are not purpose-driven or self-driven, but rather Holy Spirit led
and obedient to the eternal Word above all else. These who live in
the fear of God resolutely recognize that they have nothing good in
themselves but all holy good is in Christ Jesus and His Word (Jn.
3:30; Acts 20:24; 2 Cor. 3:5; 4:5). These men, of whom the world is
not worthy, are agents of the King and declare His truth relentless-
ly, leaving nothing out which might make them unpopular. In the
fear of the LORD they have died to their own reputation among
84
men. True men of God uncompromisingly esteem Christ as
their sole and ultimate riches (Heb. 11:26). As He did with His
prophet Ezekiel, the LORD is able to instruct those leaders who tru-
ly know Him as He fills their mouths with His truth (Ezek. 3:4).
Take note to what the LORD says to Ezekiel:
And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the
house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the
bloody city? yea, thou shalt show her all her abomina-
tions Ezekiel 3:4; 22:1-2
As all of the LORDs prophets and apostles do, so Ezekiel ex-

posed the sins of Gods people in obedience to Him. The people
were consequently able to know where they really stood with
the LORD and were given the opportunity to repent (Isa. 1:18-
20; Rev. 2-3).
Those true to the LORD show difference between the un-

clean and the clean (Ezek. 22:26) Consider the message of
Ezekiel and compare it to those who lead your life. Such will
reveal whether you are being led into the true way of the LORD
or into the ditch of darkness by a blind leader.
Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith

the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from
your idols; and turn away your faces from all your
abominations. Ezekiel 14:6
Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every

one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Re-
pent, and turn yourselves from all your transgres-
sions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away
from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have
transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new
spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I
have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth,
saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and
live ye. Ezekiel 18:30-32
The LORD is holy and is going to judge His own people for their
sins. Those true to Him warn men unceasingly to repent and be
cleansed (1 Cor. 11:31-32). Those in the house of the LORD who
die in sin will suffer eternal ruin.
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Lie of Ages
Of the false shepherds of His day Jeremiah said For ye have

perverted the words of the living God. (Jer. 23:36)
While those leaders who remain true to the LORD call men to
repent, counterfeit leaders refuse to. God-fearing leaders com-
municate His sin-exposing truth unceasingly, false teachers
embrace and espouse doctrines that justify sin and downplay
the holiness of the living God while claiming to glorify Him.
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of

God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of
God speak we in Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:17
As the biblical revelation makes plain, Satan is very subtle. He

is evil and insidious. Those who teach people the unconditional
eternal security lie (OSAS), do it subtly in most cases. To come
out too quickly with something so contrary to the Scriptures,
would set off an alarm in the minds of those who read their Bi-
bles. So, such a teaching is usually rolled out gradually, per-
haps in a sequence. Lets look at this a little further.
In his booklet entitled The Eternal Security Teaching, J. L.

Stauffer shows the steps utilized by the eternal security teach-
ers to entice people to embrace this falsehood:
Three Steps in the Eternal Security Doctrine: The

eternal security teaching is presented in about three
steps, occurring in logical sequence. No one who accepts
the first step or presentation of the issue can avoid the
other two that follow, unless he is awakened to its error.
For the believer who has been reading his Bible and yet
has not heard of the eternal security claims, to be ap-
proached with the full eternal security teaching at once,
would be a shock that would result in their rejection. Evi-
dently for this reason, the eternal security teaching is un-
folded a step at a time. The three steps in their order of
presentation to a convert to eternal security are as fol-
lows:
1. If a person is truly born again by the Spirit of God,

he will not want to go out into sin. He is kept by God
and is eternally secure.
2. If a person is truly born again by the Spirit of God,

he may go out into sin, but since he is born again, God
86
will certainly bring him to repentance again before He

allows him to die.
3. If a person is truly born again by the Spirit of God, he

is saved eternally, no matter how he lives and how he
dies.
Christian people who are satisfied to abide by the Word

of God will have very little criticism for the first step as
stated above. The man who does not want to sin and
trusts in the keeping power of Christ is certainly secure.
The weakness in the first step is the fact that no condi-
tions are admitted in connection with our keeping.
The second step is unscriptural because it throws the

responsibility of the sinning saints recovery on the Lord.
Incidents will be given later on to show that mans free
will enters in, and that God will do nothing in the salva-
tion of sinners and the recovery of sinning saints that
violates this God-bestowed attribute of personality.
The last step is the ultimate one that believers in eternal

security will hold, if they are consistent with their
avowed principles. Newly won converts do not get the
third step teaching in the beginning. The very thought
that a saved man is secure in sin would be repelling to a
new disciple. As one grows in knowledge concerning the
favorite arguments of the eternal security teachers and
their mode of Biblical interpretation, he becomes recon-
ciled to the third and final form in which this doctrine
manifests itself. The Eternal Security Teaching by J. L.
Stauffer, copyright 1933 by J. L. Stauffer, second edition
(revised).
Quotes from some who Teach OSAS
Might the LORD be asking the following question to many to-

day who recognize this unconditional security teaching for
what it is?
Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or

who will stand up for me against the workers of iniq-
uity? Psalms 94:16
To illustrate just how widespread this unconditional eternal
87
Lie of Ages
security teaching is, lets look at some quotes from leaders who
have influence over millions of souls.
Charles Stanley:
As we begin our study of eternal security, we must keep two

definitions very clearly in mind: SalvationDeliverance from
eternal death, and possession of eternal life. Eternal Security
That work of God, which guarantees Gods gift of salvation,
once received, is possessed forever and can never be lost.
What you believe and know about these two terms is vital to
your hope and confidence as a Christian, as well as to your wit-
ness for Christ. Confusion about how you were saved leads to
confusion about how a person might remain saved.
www.Intouch.org
With no biblical authority whatsoever, Charles Stanley says

that salvation, once received, is possessed forever and can
never be lost. So he begins with an unbiblical and therefore
false premise that one can never forfeit the gift of salvation
once he has truly received it. This he says in utter contradic-
tion to the Word of God. Then Stanley says that what a person
believes about his (Stanleys) version of unconditional eternal
security is vital to your hope and confidence as a Christian, as
well as your witness for Christ. In actuality the once saved
always saved message clearly robs the fear of God from the
hearts of men, as it did with the first man and woman, so it is
error to suppose that such a security is built on a false idea.
This lie led to their sin and fall. The Word says In the fear of
the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have
a place of refuge. (Prov. 14:26) So Charles Stanley opposes
the clear message of the Bible which states that when we fear
the LORD instead of living on the false presumption that we
are eternally secure, we have strong confidence. Strong
confidence or assurance and deep peace come from fearing
God and not from adopting a doctrine that gives ones heart a
false hope and false sense of security.
Stanley also writes:
If you believe that your salvation came about by any-

thing other than simply believing in what Jesus Christ
did for you on the cross, then you believe that your sal-
88
vation was in some way related to your own will and to
your own works. If you believe that your salvation is re-
lated to your will and your works, then you will believe
that your will and your works can in some way undo or
negate your salvation.
On the other hand, if you believe that your salvation was

based solely on what Jesus did for you and what the Holy
Spirit has done in you, then you believe that your salva-
tion was a sovereign work of God. Your part was simply to
believe and receive what God provided and what God
promised. The person who believes this must therefore
conclude that since he did absolutely nothing to trans-
form his old sin nature into a new spiritual nature, he
cannot do anything to cause his new spiritual nature to
revert to his old nature. www.Intouch.org
Charles Stanley, in a classic Calvinistic way, supposes that one

gets saved without his own will involved. This is in blatant con-
tradiction to volumes of Scripture. He also attempts to
smokescreen his false grace message by insinuating that one
who believes he has the choice automatically seeks to gain sal-
vation by his own works. Then he says that nothing one can do
after being truly saved can negate his salvation. Jesus said
sin will lead one to hell no matter what his previous experi-
ence with God (Mk. 9:43-49). Who shall we believe, Jesus
Christ or Stanley (a mere man)? Paul the apostle of Christ told
us that any one of 17 specific works of the flesh would pre-
empt one from entering the kingdom of God. In fact, he was
speaking to the Galatian believers, not unsaved people, when
he told them that they which do such things shall not in-
herit the kingdom of God. (Gal. 5:19-21)
On his website, Charles Stanley further states: since he (the

saved person) did absolutely nothing to transform his old sin
nature into a new spiritual nature, he cannot do anything to
cause his new spiritual nature to revert to his old nature. In
stark contrast, the LORD Jesus tells us that the fearful, and
unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars,
shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire
and brimstone: which is the second death. (Rev. 21:8) Paul
told us that For there is no respect of persons with
God. (Rom. 2:11)
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Lie of Ages
Also, in this excerpt from his website, Stanley continues to in-

sert his false assumptions by speaking of what God prom-
ised. In this he is speaking of unconditional eternal security
as if God ever promised that a person can live in sin, depart
from Him, and still remain in His grace and be promised to go
to His holy Heaven. An absurd and unscriptural insinuation at
best!
It is NOT lying, cheating, stealing, RAPING, murdering,

or BEING UNFAITHFUL that sends people to
hell. [emphasis ours] Charles Stanley, Eternal Security:
Can You Be Sure? Oliver-Nelson Books, 1990, p. 70.
Neither do we become unsaved by acting unsaved.

Ibid., p. 71. Charles Stanley
John MacArthur:
The point is not that God guarantees security to every-

one who will say he accepts Christ, but rather that
those whose faith is genuine will prove their salva-
tion is secure by persevering to the end in the way of
righteousness (italics his). The Gospel According to Je-
sus, by John MacArthur, 1988, (Chap. 8, p. 97)
Yes, someone says, but cant Christians put themselves

outside Gods grace? What about those who commit
ABOMINABLE SINS? Dont they nullify the work of re-
demption in themselves? Dont they forfeit the love of
God? CERTAINLY NOT ... its preposterous to think that
we can forfeit it [salvation] BY ANYTHING WE
DO. [emphasis ours] John MacArthur, The Love of God,
Word Publishing, 1996, p. 159
True believers will persevere. If a person turns against

Christ, it is proof that person was never saved. The Gos-
pel According to Jesus, by John MacArthur, 1988, p. 98
MacArthur here says that a Christian can never do anything

that would put him outside Gods grace. What saith Gods
Word?
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever

of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from
grace. Galatians 5:4
90
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without
which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently
lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of
bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby
many be defiled. Hebrews 12:14-15
Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that

watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk na-
ked, and they see his shame. Revelation 16:15
John MacArthur here shows his brazen disregard for the holi-
ness and full-counsel of the LORD. We have already addressed
how that the Word tells us plainly that sin does separate us
from the LORD God, who is Holy, holy, holy and how that
sin not repented of is still on the record (testifies against) of
that person who refused to acknowledge and turn from sin (Isa.
6:3; 55:6-7; Heb. 2:1-3). The LORD will by no means clear
the guilty. (Exod. 34:7) He says here that He will not clear the
guilty without that person touching the blood of the only sacri-
fice He granted us of His beloved and only begotten Son (1
John 1:9). The LORD delights to show mercy yet will only do
such as there is the fear of God and authentic repentance
(Exod. 34:7; Ps. 103:11).
John Ankerberg:
But CHRISTIANS may still lose rewards in heaven. In-

deed, we can only wonder what some Christians will feel
like and experience on that day when they lose those
heavenly rewards because of the spiritually numbing
and other consequences of FORNICATION or ADULTERY
while on earth. It will certainly be an infinitely poor ex-
change -- losing eternal rewards in heaven for a few
fleeting moments of sexual pleasure on
earth. [emphasis ours] The Ankerberg Theological Re-
search Institute, News Magazine (Vol. 2, No. 6), June
1995, p. 4.
What does Gods Word state?
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit

the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither forni-
cators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate
(feminine men), nor abusers of themselves with man-
kind (homosexuals), Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor
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Lie of Ages
drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inher-

it the kingdom of God. And such were some of you:
but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are
justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the
Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Erwin W. Lutzer:
Recently I spoke to a HOMOSEXUAL who believes he

accepted Christ at the age of twenty, only to plunge into
a life of WANTON IMMORALITY .... Whether or not he
was a child of God during those days of heedless carnal-
ity (who of us knows for sure?), he lost fellowship with
his Father. [emphasis ours] Erwin W. Lutzer, How You
Can Be Sure That You Will Spend Eternity With God,
Moody Press, 1996, pp. 131, 132
See 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 above.
But Im convinced that those who have trusted Christ

are in heaven today even if they die with the sin of mur-
der on their conscience. (How You Can Be Sure That
You Will Spend Eternity With God, Chicago: Moody Press,
1996, p. 101)
God says:
We know that we have passed from death unto life, be-

cause we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother
abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a mur-
derer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abid-
ing in him. 1 John 3:14-15
John R. Rice:
David committed sins of murder and ADULTERY. We

must condemn his sins. They were bad. But Davids sins
were under the blood of Christ, and in the fifty-first
Psalm, the prayer of David shows that HE HAD NOT
LOST HIS SALVATION, BUT THE JOY OF SALVA-
TION. [emphasis ours]. John R. Rice, Can a Saved Per-
son Ever Be Lost?, Sword of the Lord Publishers, 1943,
p. 16
Will we believe Rice or the Almighty?
92
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are
these; Adultery, fornicationof the which I tell you
before, as I have also told you in time past, that they
which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom
of God. Galatians 5:19-21
Of Rices assertion of Psalm 51, Alan Burns writes:
This author (White) is not reading and quoting this pas-

sage found in Ps. 51:10-12, in its entire context. A text
of scripture taken out of context is a pre-text and is no
text at all! He only quotes verse 12 and builds a theologi-
cal pre-supposition on one verse alone, and is breaking
a very important rule of interpreting Holy Scripture. I
believe it is to justify this false concept of eternal securi-
ty. In my opinion and in all reality, he left out the two
most important verses in this chapter, which incidental-
ly are the two previous verses--verses 10 and 11.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right

spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence;
and take not thy holy spirit from me. V 10, 11
Why would David pray something this radical unless he

knew he could very well lose his salvation as a result of
committing his gross sins of murder and adul-
tery? Furthermore, he knows that if God doesn't give
him a stedfast and faithful spirit; he would continue to
go morally astray and then be eternally lost. (if indeed he
died in that sinful condition). It just shows you that Da-
vid knew and understood enough of the holiness and
character of God that he feared this very thing could
happen. Pastor Alan Burns
Charles Ryrie:
...sin does not cause us to lose our salvation. Charles

Ryrie, So Great Salvation, Victor Books, 1989, p. 143
The LORD says:

Exodus 32:33
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Lie of Ages
Arthur Pink
Eternal Security is the teaching that God shall with no

uncertainty bring into their eternal inheritance those
who are actually justifieddelivered from the curse of
the law and have the righteousness of Christ reckoned
to their accountand who have been begotten by the
Spirit of God. And further it is the teaching that God
shall do this in a way glorifying to Himself, in harmony
with His nature and consistent with the teaching of
Scripture concerning the nature of those who are called
saints. Why is this important? Why is it important for
every Christian to know that once God has taken him for
His own, He will never let him go? Arthur W. Pink gives
many reasons for this in this book on Eternal Security.
For one thing, it is necessary in order to strengthen
young and fearful Christians in their faithby safe-
guarding the honor and integrity of God and His Word.
And it is also necessary in order to preserve one of the
grand and distinctive blessings of the Gospel, which to
deny is to attack the very foundations of the believers
comfort and assurance. From the Foreword in the book
entitled Eternal Security, by Arthur W. Pink
The theme of this present series of articles is far more

than a theological dogma or sectarian tenet: it is an es-
sential portion of that Faith once for all delivered to the
saints, concerning which we are exhorted to contend
earnestly. In it is displayed, respectively, the honor and
glory of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and therefore they who repudiate this truth cast a most
horrible aspersion upon the character of the triune Je-
hovah. The final perseverance of the saints is one of the
grand and distinctive blessings proclaimed by the Gos-
pel, being an integral part of salvation itself, and there-
fore any outcry against this doctrine is an attack upon
the very foundations of the believers comfort and assur-
ance. How can I go on my way rejoicing if there be
doubts in my mind whether God will continue to deal
graciously with me and complete that work which He
has begun in my soul? How can I sincerely thank God
for having delivered me from the wrath to come if it is
quite possible I may yet be cast into Hell? Eternal Secu-
rity, Chapter 2, Arthur W. Pink
94
Did you note that Pink never once mentions the holiness of
God, sin, the utter depravity of men, the cross, the necessity of
initial and ongoing repentance, the fear of the LORD or the
need to trust God fully in all things? His words are very insidi-
ously arranged and not reconcilable with the words of our
LORD and His apostles. His framing of words fits what Paul
said of those who are to be marked by good words and fair
speeches (they) deceive the hearts of the simple. (Rom.
16:17-18) In looking at Pinks words, I scratch my head at the
deceitful and superfluous polemics he uses with very little
Scripture included. Pinks words seem to be an attempt to uti-
lize flowery speech in order to lure people into the intoxicating
lie of the ages.
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. 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. 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.
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 deliv-
ered unto them. 2 Peter 2:18-21
The Holy Spirit inspired Jude to write concerning those false

teachers who mock at the holiness of God and are turning
the grace of our God into lasciviousness. (Jude 3-4) He
cites these wolves in sheeps clothing for using great swelling
words to allure and deceive their hearers with a message of
grace that promises a home in Heaven no matter what vile-
ness and depravity one practices after being saved. Jude also
warns us what to watch for:
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after

their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great
swelling words, having mens persons in admiration
because of advantage (self-gain). But, beloved, re-
member ye the words which were spoken before of
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Lie of Ages
the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they

told you there should be mockers in the last time,
who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. Jude
16-18
In the next chapter we will review some of the most popular ar-
guments offered by the OSAS teachers and proponents.
PRAYER: Jesus please grant me ears to hear what Your pre-

cious Holy Spirit is saying to Your Church. Grant Your holy fear
and grace to my heart to live a life void of offense toward You
and others. Bless my life to bring forth fruit to Your eternal glory.
Amen.
96
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER NINE
PROOF TEXTS AND

SCRIPTURE TWISTING
Popular Verses Used by Ungodly Men
Who Are Turning the Grace of our God
into Lasciviousness (Jude 4)
our beloved brother Paul also according to the

wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As
also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these
things; in which are some things hard to be under-
stood, which they that are unlearned and unstable
wrest (pervert), as they do also the other scriptures,
unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved,
seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye
also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall
from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and
in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever.
Amen. 2 Peter 3:15-18
Peter says here that some of the apostle Pauls writings are
hard to be understood.
98
Perverting the Scriptures is here called the error of the wick-
ed which can cause the believer to fall.
Did you notice here that the twisting of Scripture leads to

destruction? Perverting the clear Word of God is punishable
by death or eternal damnation even when the one perverting
the Word of God prophesies and it comes to pass (Deut. 13).
Then there is the warning to all saints: beloved, seeing ye
know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led
away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own sted-
fastness.
Paul told us that in his day there were already many, not a
few, who were corrupting the word of God.

Should we be surprised that there are those in this late hour

who are bent upon twisting the Words of God to fit their own
doctrine, to justify sinful tendencies and practices, and for
their own agenda?
Ye have perverted the words of the living God. Jer-

emiah 23:36
According to 2 Timothy 4:2-3 and Hebrews 4:12 sound doc-

trine cuts to the heart and some do not want to endure it
for that very reason, so they migrate to one of the many false
teachers who will tickle their ears with false doctrine. Sound
doctrine calls for men to change and change is hard and it
hurts. The Word of God, in raw form, is alive and piercing. It
sheds light on the darkness in our hearts and we either repent
or rebel. Jesus said that He rebukes and chastens those He
loves and that He desires that we repent and be blessed by
His transforming grace (Rev. 3:19).
Men in leadership who are not truly rooted in the Word of God
and in the fear of the LORD, seek to please men and become
popular among the people. So, they seek to create their own
brand of Christianity in order to circumvent the cross the
need to die to the self-life and obey the Word as it is clearly
written. This is what occurs when men twist and pervert the
truth of God in order to accomplish their personal agenda of
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Lie of Ages
building their own ministry enterprise.
Paul addressed those who sought to present a twisted message

by adopting false teachings in order to circumvent the offence
of the cross and escape the promised persecution that would
come upon them for teaching the whole truth (Lk. 6:26; Gal.
5:11-12; 6:12).
Satan is the author of the confusion of twisting Gods Word

and seeking to use it to accomplish his own agenda. He is also
the master of all who do it. Remember the lie in the Garden
and how he added but one word and caused the fall of man-
kind into sin and separation from the LORD? (Gen. 2:17; 3:4)
This was the very first distortion of Gods words and the result-
ing sin and separation have been devastating.
Those who will stay faithful to the LORD must endure sound
doctrine, allowing the LORD to circumcise their hearts more
and more. Though it hurts at times, we must receive with
meekness the engrafted word which is able to save our
souls. (James 1:21)
Saints, let us with all diligence stay with and earnestly con-
tend for the faith given us in the original Gospel in written
form (Jude 3-4). In the Galatian church there were those lead-
ers Paul addressed who sought to adopt false teachings in or-
der to circumvent the offence of the cross and escape the
promised persecution that they knew would come upon them
for preaching the real Gospel (Matt. 5:10-12; 10:22; Lk. 6:26;
Gal. 5:11-12; 6:12).
One earnest, truth-seeking Christian recently emailed us the

following:
Ive struggled for a while now with the idea

of the security of the believer. I grew up in a Baptist
church, learning Baptist doctrine of course. I personally
feel eternally secure in my faith, but I also believe that I
will never completely turn my back on the Savior. How-
ever, I see some that have strayed from the faith. After
reading certain Scriptures in Hebrews and other books, I
fear for their eternal destinationMost people in sup-
port of eternal security rest their case on just 1 or 2
verses, which in my opinion is not a right dividing
of Scripture.
100
Those who dont learn and know Gods Word for themselves,
through rigorous, daily study, are vulnerable to being led
around by the nose by the false teachers telling them what the
Bible says using selected and out of context verses to the ex-
clusion of the whole of Holy Scripture.
The remainder of this chapter will feature themes and verses

utilized and distorted by the many leaders who corrupt the
Word of God with the doctrine of lawlessness which they
blasphemously claim is part of the Gospel (2 Cor. 2:17). This
chapter is not an attempt to present an exhaustive study of
how the prophesied grace-perverters corrupt Gods truth, yet it
examines some of the more popular verses and passages used
to justify this lie of lasciviousness. We are going to assess and
confront these texts and notions directly and do a deeper, more
thorough scriptural investigation in order to apprehend the di-
vine truth intended (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16).
Note that this chapter can also be used as a reference guide for
the future when communicating with those who have received
and embraced the lie of the ages.
Predestined, Sealed
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus

Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual bless-
ings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he
hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the
world, that we should be holy and without blame be-
fore him in love: Having predestinated us unto the
adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, ac-
cording to the good pleasure of his will Ephesians
1:3-5
The saints of the Most High God are blessed ... with all spir-
itual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. We also read
here that He hath chosen, not forced, us that we should
be holy and without blame before him. Those who are
chosen and choose to live unto the LORD are made holy
by Him. If one is not being made holy, it is clear that he has no
part with Christ (Jn. 13:8; 2 Tim. 2:19; Tit. 2:11-14; Heb.
12:14; Rev. 21:8, 27). Gods choosing of us who have trusted in
Christ does not automatically determine that the individual be-
liever will answer His call to continue to trust Him. According
to Revelation 17:14, Christ will soon return with those who are
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Lie of Ages
called, and chosen, and faithful. God unfailingly does His

part and the individual must do his part in which he will al-
ways be granted the enabling grace of God to perform (Phil.
2:12-13). The human will must never be factored out of the pic-
ture or there will be misunderstanding. Jesus told us that
many are called yet few chosen due to the fact that on-
ly a few choose to be faithful to the LORD (Matt. 7:13-14;
20:16). Without faith it is impossible to please him and
those who draw back unto perdition (destruction), not
choosing to believe to the saving of the soul, will lose out
eternally (Heb. 10:26-39; 11:6).
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, be-

ing predestinated according to the purpose of him
who worketh all things after the counsel of his own
will: That we should be to the praise of his glory,
who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted,
after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of
your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed,
ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the re-
demption of the purchased possession, unto the
praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:11-14
One will find that the sealed teaching is prevalent among

those who seek to justify the perversion of the grace of God us-
ing His very words. Their teaching on being sealed is quite
the occasion to privately interpret, twist and misuse the Scrip-
tures. Those who are turning the grace of our God into las-
civiousness find much opportunity to exaggerate what the
Bible states and does not state about being sealed with that
Holy Spirit. Upon a closer, more thorough and sober look at
the word sealed and in the context it is written, and of the
whole of the Word of God, a quite different perspective should
emerge.
Note here in Ephesians 1 that the Holy Spirit is speaking of

those who have obtained an inheritance, being predestinat-
ed according to the purpose of him who worketh all things
after the counsel of his own will or word. His Word is His
will and the fullness of His recorded Counsel reveals that the
Almighty before destined (predestined) that all be saved and
live according to His truth and holiness. Yet, He never forces
any person to believe or obey Him. Is it not the purpose of
102
God and the way that has been predestined and not the person?
The LORD told us clearly that He wills all to be saved and come
to repentance and that none (not one) should perish in hell (1
Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9). In light of this fact of Scripture, we know
the LORD would not choose some to be saved and some to be
lost. According to His own Word, He clearly has not predestined
some to go to Heaven and some to hell. God so loved the
whole world that He gave His only begotten Son to pay the
full price for the sins of all of mankind not just some (Jn.
3:16; 1 Jn. 2:2). Only those who appropriate His gift of eternal
life through Jesus Christ, by meeting the conditions He set
forth, will spend eternity with Him and His family in Heaven
(Isa. 1:19-20; Jn. 1:12; Col. 1:23; Heb. 3:12-15; 10:26-39; Rev.
2-3).
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath

appeared to ALL men. Titus 2:11
Sealed comes from the Greek word sphragizo which is de-

fined this way: to stamp with a signet or private mark for secu-
rity or preservation. (Lit. or fig.) by implication. To keep secret,
to attest: - seal up, stop.
A seal can be broken. A sealed envelope can be opened. It is

conditionally sealed. This Greek word, sphragizo, is the same
word translated sealing concerning the tomb in which Christ
was laid after He died on the cross for the sins of the world.
So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, SEAL-

ING the stone, and setting a watch. Matthew 27:66
Christs tomb was sealed and we all know that the seal of Je-
sus tomb was broken, and He rose again. It was not a perma-
nent bond that could not be broken just as the sealing work of
the Spirit of God in the believer is not necessarily a permanent
bond. The LORD wants it to be, yet will not force any saved
person to continue to meet the conditions to be ultimately
saved into His holy presence.
As it is that the Father in Heaven alone could have broken the

seal and raised Christ from the dead, so only God can break
the seal He has formed. From His Word we learn that He will
break the seal and loose the person who was once saved from
His kingdom, if that person departs from the faith (Ezek. 33:12
-13; Acts 1:25; Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 2:5; 3:16).
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Lie of Ages
From the whole of Scripture, we can conclude that it is the di-

vine intention that the subject be sealed all the way until the
day of redemption and yet no individuals free will has been re-
moved or diminished. If one begins to rebel, the seal is in jeop-
ardy.
Every believer is sealed when they initially get saved yet this
does not prevent that believer from sinning which grieves the
Holy Spirit of God who is their seal and brings forth spiritual
death (Ezek. 18:4, 30; 33:13; Rom. 6:23; 8:13; Eph. 1:13; 4:30;
Rev. 21:8, 27).
The person who believes in once saved always saved will say
When one is saved he is sealed by the Holy Spirit and no pow-
er in Heaven or earth can break Gods seal!
To this position, Jeff Paton writes:
There is no Scripture verse in Heaven or Earth that

says that we cannot break Gods seal! Must they prey on
the ignorance of their readers to get them to believe
something the Scriptures never say in order to prove
their point? Ephesians 4:30 warns us not to grieve the
Holy Spirit, the very One who is our Seal. A warning that
serves no purpose if there is no danger! Maybe they
should take off their theological glasses long enough so
they can stop seeing things that are just not there!
It should be remembered that the Greek definition, no matter

the scholar rendering it, is never more authoritative than col-
lating the Scriptures in English on any particular subject mat-
ter (Isa. 28:9-10; 1 Cor. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:16). This must be real-
ized or there is the distinct vulnerability to deception by lead-
ers who use Greek ad Hebrew to their own advantage.
Concerning this text (Ephesians 1:13-14), Donald Stamps, in

the Life in the Spirit Study Bible, writes:
Holy Spiritthe earnest. The Holy Spirit is an

earnest, i.e., a first installment or down payment, guar-
anteeing our inheritance. In this age the Holy Spirit is
given to believers as a down payment of what we are go-
ing to have in great fullness in the future. His presence
and work in our lives is a pledge of our future inher-
itance (cf. Rom. 8:23; 2 Cor. 1:22; 5:5).
104
Lets look at the last part of this text, verses 12 through 14.
who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trust-

ed, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel
of your salvation: in whom also after that ye be-
lieved, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of prom-
ise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the
redemption of the purchased possession, unto the
praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:12-14
Here we observe that in this context, the writer of Ephesians

speaks of those who first trusted Christ and this they chose
to do after they heard the word of truth. Trusting Jesus
and His full payment for our sins is volitional (left as a choice
to each individual). Those who believe, trusting Christ, are then
said to be sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. The
whole context here is that these who are sealed are trusting
in the LORD. The text says nothing of those who depart from
the LORD which is a clear possibility according to the Word
(Heb. 3:12-14). The Bible has much to say of this and how all
who leave the LORD by not continuing to follow and obey Him
to the end of their earthly lives, will perish. Those who depart
from Christ after knowing Him will have a worse time in hell
than if they had never believed and been saved in the first
place (2 Pet. 2:20-22). In this text, the sealing is clearly connect-
ed to ones trust or trusting in the LORD. Carefully notice that the
word trusted appears ahead of (prior to in sequence) the word
sealed. In the divine economy, trusting Christ fully precedes
and is a prerequisite to the sealing of the Holy Spirit. The
Scriptures teach that a believer can stop believing, that sin can
separate him from God, and that he can fall from grace (Isa.
59:2; Lk. 8:13; Gal. 5:4; 19-21; Heb. 12:14-15; Rev. 21:8, 21).
According to Ephesians, the presence of the Holy Spirit is the

earnest, down payment or deposit guaranteeing our inheritance
until the redemption of those who are Gods possession. This
however does not promise or automatically conclude that the
one blessed to be chosen and redeemed will continue in the
grace of the LORD and be ultimately saved. The individuals
ongoing choice to love and serve God are controlled by himself
and no one else. God will not force the free will of men (Gen.
6:3; Deut. 30:19; Isa. 1:19-20; Gal. 6:7-9; Rev. 2-3).
Lets look at an equally divinely inspired passage of Scripture

equal in divine authority as Ephesians 1. And we know that the
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Lie of Ages
divine Person of the Holy Spirit would never contradict Himself

in His Word. This will also help to balance and account for the
whole divine counsel that we might apprehend the mind of
Christ in this matter. To see that departing from Christ after
trusting Him is possible, lets look at Hebrews 3:6, 12-15:
But Christ as a son over his own house; whose

house are we, IF we hold fast the confidence and the
rejoicing of the hope firm unto the endTake heed,
brethren, lest there be in any of you (brethren) an
evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living
God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called
To day; lest any of you be hardened through the de-
ceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of
Christ, IF we hold the beginning of our confidence
stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye
will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the
provocation. Hebrews 3:6, 12-15
Being sealed in no way exempts the one who has first

trusted in Christ from obedient faith. He must hold his
confidence (in Jesus) stedfast unto the end and not
depart from the living God. The one who endures to the
end must remain in the grace of God, not possessing an evil
heart of unbelief, and becoming a castaway. A
castaway is a biblical word for one who is cast away from
God after being with Him. The very apostle who wrote these
words in Ephesians did not believe that he was indelibly sealed
into salvation with no possibility of departing from the LORD (1
Cor. 9:27; Heb. 3:6, 12-15).
Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth

deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver
us. 2 Corinthians 1:10
No Scripture states that the child of God is locked into salva-

tion. Paul says here in 2 Corinthians 1:10 that the great LORD
has delivered usdoth (presently) deliver us and will yet
deliver us. Those born again are presently saved, are being
saved, and as we continue in His grace will be saved. This
verse 10 must be taken in context with the text, including the
words which precede this verse. Here this apostle of Christ is
speaking of those whose lives are truly in Christ. The words of
verse 9 are the following - But we had the sentence of death
106
in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in
God which raiseth the dead. (2 Cor. 1:9) Those who are
saved, must continue in grace and if they do they will ultimate-
ly be saved into eternity with the Alpha and Omega (Rev. 21:6-
8; 22:13). According to Gods Word Christ must reign in the
lives of those who will be His now and forever (also see Rom. 6;
Gal. 5:24). In relationship with Christ and by His grace and our
own free will, we must sentence to death the deeds of the body
that the resurrection life of Jesus might dwell in our mortal
bodies (Rom. 6; 2 Cor. 4:10-12).
And they that are Christs have crucified the flesh

with the affections and lusts. Galatians 5:24
In Ephesians 4:30 we are instructed to grieve not the holy

Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of re-
demption. The whole verse says:
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye

are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians
4:30
Grieving the Holy Spirit is obviously possible or such a warning

would not appear in Gods Word. In no place does the Bible
hint that the seal cannot be broken. The grace-corrupters as-
sume such with no Scriptural authority.
The Bible truth that one can depart from Christ after believing
makes it self-evident that Gods sealing does not mean that one
who initially believes is automatically locked into or forced to
remain a child of God and go to Heaven. This truth must su-
persede the conclusion drawn by those who insist upon a once
saved always saved theology and therefore seek to make the
sealing of the Holy Spirit a permanent thing without the con-
sent of the individual.
There are those who vainly believe they are sealed in such a
way as to exempt them from personal accountability or responsi-
bility for their sins. This many times leads to gross irresponsibil-
ity. What the Word of God is communicating here in Ephesians
1 concerning sealing is that the Holy Spirits presence is in the
one who has trusted and is trusting Christ. The presence of the
Holy Spirit in the believer is the earnest or divinely-given
down payment until final salvation has occurred when that per-
son is in Heaven (Eph. 1:13-14). One must believe to the sav-
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Lie of Ages
ing of the soul and be kept by the power of God through

faith unto salvation to be an overcomer and receive the heav-
enly crown (Heb. 10:39; 1 Pet. 1:5; Rev. 2-3). There is no hint of
an unconditional eternal security in this Ephesians 1 text where
the Bible uses the word sealed, yet when dishonest men are
bent upon convincing themselves and others of something, they
will twist and spin Scripture until they accomplish this. While
violating the text and intentionally excluding the whole Counsel
of the Word of God, these men make up their own doctrine and
are leading many astray. These who corrupt the grace of God for
their own purposes, vainly imagine that they are sealed in a
way the Bible never describes or validates. The sealing they
speak of is a sham a sin-justifying lie, placing their souls in
danger and at ease in Zion Woe unto them. (Amos 6:1)
The OSAS proponents are assuming something without proper

biblical authority. They run with the sealing doctrine and yet
cannot prove what they teach Beware!
Be not deceived when men attempt to hold the Greek over you
as if they have some superior position of understanding with
the LORD. This is where they supposedly prove their error from
the Greek. God gave us His Word in our own language as He
promised (Ps. 12:6-7). Knowing the Greek and Hebrew is far
inferior to knowing the full spectrum of Scriptures in our own
language. Collating the Word in our own language line upon
line is said to determine the divine verdict on any given sub-
ject (Isa. 28:9-10; 1 Cor. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:16). The LORD Himself
clearly breathed His Word to us and had it transmitted to us in
our own language from Genesis to Revelation. Numerous clear-
ly revealed truths in the Bible overwhelmingly nullify the mis-
use of the sealed doctrine peddled among the deluded. In
utter defiance of volumes of scriptural warnings, some convey
by what they teach and do not teach that there should be no
thought of eternal danger for the believer who strays into rebel-
lion.
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which

hath begun a good work in you will perform it until
the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
Some believe that this verse proves an unconditional eternal

security. The promise to be kept and that God will continue to
108
perform His good work in us does not negate the conditions
cited in the New Testament to remain in His holy grace. One
must walk out his love for the LORD by abiding in Him and His
Word and walking in His light (Jn. 15:1-7; 1 Jn. 1:6-10; Jude
21; Rev. 3:15-16). The Word tells us that if one sows to the
flesh (sins) he will reap corruption (Gal. 6:7-8).
Philippians 1:6 must be observed in the context of the whole

book of Philippians and all of Holy Writ. In Philippians 2:12 we
discover that these believers are those who have always
obeyed. The promise of 1:6 that the LORD will continue doing
His good work in these true believers was written to obedient
disciples and not to the lukewarm who will be rejected by
Christ in the end if they do not open the door to a real rela-
tionship and repent before it is too late (Rev. 3:15-16, 19-
20). This glorious promise of the keeping power of Jesus was
being made to these true believers at Philippi who had actually
obeyed God to the point of suffering for Christ (Phil. 1:29-30).
This reveals to us why Paul was so confident that God was
going to continue to perform His good work in these be-
loved saints.
Paul possessed confidence in these disciples due to their lives

which bore witness to the possession of saving faith. These
saints at Philippi were bringing forth fruits meet for repent-
ance. Their works proved or were consistent with real change
of life genuine repentance and saving faith (Matt. 3:7-8; Acts
20:21). These believers who were promised that Christ would
keep them were not some group who had embraced some easy-
believism, thinking in vain that they were eternally secure.
Jesus taught that men are known by the fruits of their lives
(Matt. 7:15-23). The apostle Paul said that these authentic dis-
ciples at Philippi were the only ones who financially supported
his ministry at that time! (Phil. 4:10-19) We know from the his-
torical data given in this record that their actions were congru-
ent with their profession. These believers at Philippi whom the
Holy Spirit gave this promise to in 1:6 actually lived the Gospel,
unlike so many today who have made a profession of faith and
yet have no visible fruit in their daily lives which is the result of
obedient faith. There is no biblical promise of security given to
those who are not rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ (Jn.
15:1-6).
Okay, as should be our custom, lets look at more of the imme-
109
Lie of Ages
diate context of this verse (1:6). This is essential to gaining a

full understanding of the promise of verse 6 of chapter 1. We
are going to now read Philippians 1:4-6:
Always in every prayer of mine for you all making

request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel
from the first day until now; Being confident of this
very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in
you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:4-6
Notice here that Paul says he prays for these believers who are
actually in fellowship or partnership in the Gospel with him
from the first day until now. Note the words until now.
Their partaking of the Gospel with Paul was current. They were
presently living by faith. These people were authentic disciples,
continuing to believe and even to suffer for the Gospel of Jesus
which he promised would be the result of truly following Him
(Jn. 15:20; Phil. 1:29-30; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 4:12-14). They
were the real deal and it is to them that the divine promise is
given that God will continue to perform it (His saving work)
until the day of Jesus Christ.
It is only the person that possesses a preconceived notion

about an unconditional eternal security who could manipulate
Philippians 1:6. This they do while isolating it from the very
text it is divinely set in.
Romans 8:29
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate

to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he
might be the firstborn among many brethren. Ro-
mans 8:29
Those who choose to believe are predestined to be conformed to

Christs image. Romans 8:29 says NOTHING about anyone be-
ing predestined (pre-selected, before determined) to salvation.
God so loved the whole world and He intends for all to come
to salvation and not just a select few (Jn. 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:4; 2
Pet. 3:9; 1 Jn. 2:2). The Almighty loves all men. Jesus died for
all men, not just some men. The Bible says that Christ died
for the sins of the whole world. (1 Jn. 2:2) Any godless
teaching that even hints of the erroneous notion of Christ dy-
ing for a certain few is false and should be blatantly exposed as
110
such. When taken synthetically as a whole, Romans 8:29 re-
veals that the way is predestined and not the person. The LORD
has predestined all who would repent and believe upon Christ
to be conformed to His holy image while on earth and spend
eternity with Him. Repentance and faith in Jesus Christ brings
salvation to all who believe upon Him (Jn. 1:12; 3:16; Acts
3:19; 20:21; Rom. 10:9-13). Those who will be with Jesus
Christ in eternity are called, and chosen, and faithful. (Rev.
17:14) God does the calling and choosing and when men are
faithful to His plan they appropriate all of His rich blessings. He
calls all men to be saved yet only those who answer His call will
be saved (1 Tim. 2:4). Those who will be with Christ in eternity
are said to be called, and chosen, and faithful. Revelation
17:14 reveals the consistent pattern to be observed throughout
Gods Word. God made man with the ability of choice. Through-
out Holy Scripture we see the initiating grace of God and the
need for the one who will be saved to repent and believe upon
the Savior and then to continue to be faithful to Him alone
who is worthy of all praise. The LORD calls but each person
exercises choice in response. In order to be eternally saved men
are required to receive Christ as LORD and then be faithful
to the end, in order to partake of the salvation of the LORD.
Romans 9-11
Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the

same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and an-
other unto dishonour? What if God, willing to show
his wrath, and to make his power known, endured
with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted
to destruction: And that he might make known the
riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he
had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he
hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the
Gentiles? Romans 9:20-24
The OSAS proponents would have us believe that this passage

proves what John Calvin taught that some people are pre-
selected to go to Heaven and some to go to hell. They make the
elementary mistake of excluding free will and choice from the
equation. Yet the whole text is never observed or considered in
their conclusion. Nothing in this passage above negates the
God-given, biblically revealed truth of the free will of each indi-
vidual. According to His Word, the LORD will reward each and
111
Lie of Ages
every individual according to his own choices and works (Matt.

16:27; 2 Tim. 4:14; Rev. 2:23). Romans chapters 9-11 con-
trasts the Jews and Gentiles. In chapter 11 the Word states:
Thou wilt say then, The branches (Jews) were bro-

ken off, that (the Gentiles) might be grafted in. Well;
because of unbelief they (the Jews) were broken off,
and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but
fear: For if God spared not the natural branches,
take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold there-
fore the goodness and severity of God: on them
which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if
thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also
shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still
in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to
graft them in again. Romans 11:19-23
This is a clear warning to fear God and beware lest as He did

with His own covenant people He cut off those who rebel.
John 1:11-13
He came unto his own, and his own received him

not. But as many as received him, to them gave he
power to become the sons of God, even to them that
believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood,
nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man,
but of God. John 1:11-13
The clear indication and inference here is that those who

received him not did not become sons of God and those
who received him did. Did God give man a choice? This pas-
sage should make this clear. The eternal security proponent is
taught by his mentors to recognize and overemphasize verse 13
here without considering the very words leading up to verse 13.
He therefore errs in his conclusion. You see, those who insist
that man has no choice and that salvation is all of grace and
does not involve the one being saved only acknowledge the
verses which speak of the initiating grace of God Which
were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of
the will of man, but of God. (Jn. 1:13) It is true that no man
can come to God without being drawn nor can he will himself
into salvation (Jn. 1:13; 6:37). It is also true that when men are
drawn of the LORD to salvation, repentance, faith, and obedi-
ence, they have a choice in their response as many as re-
112
ceived him, to them gave he power to become the sons of
God, even to them that believe on his name. (Jn. 1:12) Ac-
cording to verse 12 here, when drawn one must receive Jesus
and His propitiation and teachings in order to become a son of
God. After one is saved, the choice to continue to abide in
Christs grace is an ongoing choice of faith.
Lets look at what 2 Peter states:
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make

your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things,
ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be minis-
tered unto you abundantly into the everlasting king-
dom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter
1:10-11
Those who give diligence and dont fall away but rather
endure to the end, are promised an abundant entrance
into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ. (Matt. 10:22; 2 Pet. 1:10-11) Salvation was and is
100% the initiation of the LORD but He also gave men the op-
tion to receive Him or reject His salvation and blessings (Deut.
30:19-20; Isa. 1:18-20).
One cannot endure to the end out of sheer self-effort and if

he could God would not be glorified in such will worship
(will worship is worship out of the human will apart from
the LORD and self-effort apart from Him Col. 2:23). Enduring
to the end is a volitional, joint relational venture. It really does
take two to tango and we see this dance of love throughout Ho-
ly Writ between the LORD and His people (Deut. 30:19-20; Jos.
24:15; Isa. 1:18; Rom. 8:13; 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 2:12-13; 1 Pet.
1:5). There are two parts to be played, not one. Persevering to
the end is not automatic it involves volition and choice. It
simply means continuing to love God above self and remaining
in intimate relationship with Him who is our first love and
not allowing our love for Him to wax cold (Matt. 24:10-13; Rev.
2:4). We are kept by His power as we continue in faith
to choose relationship with Him over all else (Exod. 20:3; Matt.
22:37; 1 Pet. 1:5). When we love Him supremely we will be
blessed not to deny Him even unto death (Rev. 12:11). Divine
grace coupled with mans faith equal total victory (Rom. 4:16;
5:1-2, 17).
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Lie of Ages
PRAYER: LORD Jesus, sanctify my life in You. Set me apart to

love and serve You supremely. Grant the eyes of my heart to
know the difference between the holy and the profane. Open the
eyes of my understanding to know You and Your truth more inti-
mately. I love You my LORD Jesus! Thank You for finding and
saving me! Amen.
114
115
Lie of Ages
CHAPTER TEN
MORE PROOF TEXTS AND

SCRIPTURE TWISTING
More Popular Verses Used by Ungodly Men Who Are

Turning the Grace of our God into Lasciviousness
2 Timothy 2:9, 10
A favorite passage of the Five-Point Calvinist is 2 Timothy 2:9

-10:
Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto

bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I
endure all things for the elects sakes, that they may
also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus
with eternal glory.
Of this verse, they would say, You see, mans salvation is ac-
cording to election. The Calvinist will further go on to explain,
I preach the Gospel, not to win men to Christ, but because I
know the elect out there will respond! But if that is the case,
the elect will respond whether he preaches the Gospel, recites
passages from the Koran, or goes fishing! Right?
In truth, we can see that this passage is teaching the exact op-
116
posite of unconditional election. Why would Paul endure all
things if the elect would be saved anyway? No, Paul was say-
ing that he must endure those things in order that the elect
might be saved! If he did not suffer according to the description
of his sufferings as he outlined them in 2 Corinthians 11:16-
33, then some would not be elected, he felt. His enduring was
that others might obtain the salvation which is in Christ
Jesus with eternal glory.
2 Timothy 2:11-13
It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him,

we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also
reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot
deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:11-13
The person seeking to convince others of once saved always

saved will misquote this text by saying that because he (God)
abideth faithful He would never deny us. This is a distor-
tion. Lets read the verse again okay. The passage states that
if we deny him, he also will deny US. The Word here tells
us that if we deny him, he also will deny US. Does it get
any clearer than this? Being honest with what the Bible says is
essential to a clear conscience and to possessing the mind of
Christ and true doctrine. Again, those who seek to make palat-
able the unconditional security teaching can be heard misquot-
ing this text saying He cannot deny us. Is that what verse 13
says? No. It says He cannot deny HIMSELF. This passage
tells us that He will deny us if we deny him and that He
cannot deny Himself, not us. In this Bible passage we see
that the LORD abideth faithful to Himself and to those who
do not deny Him. Didnt Jesus tell us to deny ourselves and
that if we were ashamed of Him or His words He would be
ashamed of us? See Luke 9:23-24 and Mark 8:34-38.
Below is a classic perversion of this very passage of Scripture. I

read this on the internet. The persuasion intended by the per-
son who wrote this is to convince people of something the Bible
simply never puts forth.
If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot

deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:13 God wants you to
know for sure that you cannot lose it (salvation) under
any circumstance whatsoever, even in the worse scenar-
117
Lie of Ages
io. The first part of the verse above says that we can
come to a state of mind that we do not believe in God
anymore. But, the second says that He will remain faith-
ful if that happensGod cannot deny what He said, be-
cause God cannot lie! (Hebrews 6:18 KJV AV1611) He
promised to keep us eternally secure and He will remain
faithful in that promise even if we believe not. Another
possible way of looking at he cannot deny himself is
that we are one in Him. If He was not faithful in His
promise, He would be denying himself of eternal securi-
ty, that is, He would be casting part of himself in eternal
damnation in the lake of fire. J. A.
First off, if in fact as J.A. supposes, God wants you to know

for sure that you cannot lose it (salvation) under any circum-
stance whatsoever, even in the worse scenario, then why did
God Himself warn His very own people throughout His Word
concerning the danger of:
Departing from the living God (Heb. 3:12-15)

Losing the reward of Heaven for turning back into sin
after being saved (Ezek. 33:12-13; 2 Pet. 2:20-21)
Falling away (Lk. 8:13; 2 Thes. 2:3)
Having damnation, because they have cast off
their first faith (1 Tim. 5:12)
Being cut off (Rom. 11:19-23)
Being forsaken of Him (2 Chron. 15:2; Ezra 8:22; 2
Tim. 2:12)
Being blotted out of the book of life (Exod. 32:33; Ps.
69:32; Rev. 3:5; 22:18-19)
The fact that God remains faithful in no way predicts or deter-

mines whether individuals will partake of His plan of salvation.
His faithfulness in no way forces men to remain faithful
(abide), nor does it disable the Almighty from rendering a due
reward of eternal judgment upon those who do not meet His
requirements/conditions. This is a truth completely ignored by
those who embrace the un-scriptural notion of an uncondition-
al eternal security.
For what if some did not believe? shall their unbe-

118
lief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid:
yea, let God be true, but every man a liar Romans
3:3-4
All sin will be accounted for one way or the other, and this is
the reason for the Judgment Thrones to come (Exod. 34:7;
Rom. 14:12-14; Rev. 20:11-15). This should shine yet a bright-
er light upon the glorious Gospel salvation Jesus Christ
wrought for His people and how we can come boldly with
our sins to His holy throne of grace to receive grace and mercy
in time of need (Heb. 4:14-16).
It seems to me, after listening to hundreds of those who believe

in an unconditional eternal security, that some people believe
that their theology is going to change the unchanging, immuta-
ble God (Rom. 3:3-4; James 1:17). The twisting of Scripture,
instead of rightly dividing the word of truth is done to
ones own destruction. (2 Cor. 2:17; 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet. 3:16-
17) The disciple of Jesus Christ must be intent upon studying
to show himself approved unto God, not men, and therefore
be able to rightly divide the word of truth. (2 Tim. 2:15)
The person who does not diligently study and know Gods
Word, stands to be deluded by the many false teachings circu-
lated in the church world.
What happens if a saved person does not obey and remain

faithful to God? Those who do not choose to persevere in saving
faith:
Possess an evil heart of unbelief (Heb. 3:12)

Depart from the living God (Heb. 3:12)
Cannot and do not please God (Heb. 11)
Depart from the faith through doctrines of dev-
ils (1 Tim. 4:1-6)
Turn away their ears from the truth and are
turned unto fables (2 Tim. 4:4)
Cannot enter into His rest or presence (Heb. 3:19;
4:6, 11)
Are broken off from the LORD (Heb. 11:20)
The unbelievingshall have their part in the lake
which burneth with fire and brimstone (Rev.
21:8)
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Lie of Ages
1 John 2:19
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for
if they had been of us, they would no doubt have
continued with us: but they went out, that they
might be made manifest that they were not all of
us. 1 John 2:19
Numerous clear Bible truths reveal that a saved person can

turn away from the LORD, so we know that the apostle John
could not possibly be saying that a saved person could never
depart from the LORD. In my opinion, this verse is the best ar-
gument the eternal security proponent has, yet its not enough.
There must be two or three witnesses and not just one (2 Cor.
13:1). After a closer examination of this text, one will find that
verse 19 does not teach or justify once saved always saved.
When any one verse is taken to the exclusion of the whole
Word of God, one will certainly misunderstand the doctrine of
the LORD which can only be apprehended by study. (2 Tim.
2:15) This verse is like any other verse of Scripture it must be
taken in light of the entire Counsel of God. The context to be
considered is 1 John 2:18-29).
In examining the context in which 1 John 2:19 is set, we see

that false teachers whom John calls many antichrists, had
come and were telling these believers that Jesus was not the
Christ (v22).
Lets look at verses 18 and 19 together:
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have

heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there
many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the
last time. They went out from us, but they were not
of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt
have continued with us: but they went out, that they
might be made manifest that they were not all of
us. 1 John 2:18-19
Note here that it is specifically of these antichrists that John

speaks and says that if they had been of us, they would no
doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they
might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
Concerning 1 John 2:19, Donald Stamps, in the Life in the Spir-
120
it Study Bible, writes:
THEY WENT OUT FROM US. When the antichrists

departed from their fellowship with true believers, they
were not in a saving relationship with Christ. This allows
for two possibilities: (1) They were never true believers to
begin with, or (2) they had once been in a saving rela-
tionship with Christ but afterward abandoned their faith
in Christ.
Right here in verse 24 of this passage we see the doctrine of

personal responsibility to remain in faithful obedience to the
LORD or lose ones place with God (1 Cor. 15:2; Gal. 6:9; Col.
1:23). This is a teaching found throughout Holy Writ the di-
vine requirement to stay saved or lose all in eternity,
suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 7)
Let that therefore abide (remain) in you, which ye

have heard from the beginning. IF (denotes condi-
tion) that which ye have heard from the beginning
shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the
Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that
he hath promised us, even eternal life. 1 John 2:24-
25
Verse 24 alone tells us that we cannot think that verse 19

means that someone who is at some point in right standing
with God can never depart from Him and lose out. Also, verse
25 tells us that eternal life (not just rewards) is at stake and
the promise contingent upon the believer abiding or remaining
in that which ye have heard from the beginning which is
the Gospel. Eternal life is assured as long as one is remain-
ing rooted in Jesus Christ. This is the overwhelmingly con-
sistent message of Gods Word.
In verse 26 John says These things have I written unto you

concerning them that seduce you. Verse 19 is written about
the deceivers who sought to seduce these disciples John was
addressing and not of true believers.
With all of Scripture in consideration, we can conclude that 1

John 2:19 is a specific example and not a rule of doctrine.
If you truly wish to search out this matter, let me encourage

you to closely examine, break down and study this entire text
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Lie of Ages
(1 Jn. 2:18-29). In order to ascertain truth, one must compare

the verse in question with all other related Scriptures, begin-
ning with the context in which the verse is set (Isa. 28:9-10; 1
Cor. 2:13).
1 John 5:12-13
He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not
the Son of God hath not life. These things have I writ-
ten unto you that believe on the name of the Son of
God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and
that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 1
John 5:12-13
According to verse 12 here, only those who hath the Son

hath (eternal) life. Nothing here hints of a guarantee that
those who have eternal life will automatically possess it to the
end of their lives. Assurance that one is saved does not mean
he can live with un-confessed sin an still be in the grace of
God. Those who are presently abiding in Jesus, according to
His Word (and not their own way), know that they have
eternal life. Eternal life is a possession yet not un-
forfeitable as some suppose.
1 John 3:9 and 5:18
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for

his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, be-
cause he is born of GodWe know that whosoever is
born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of
God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth
him not. 1 John 3:9; 5:18
The terms doth not sin and sinneth not must of necessi-
ty mean that the person who is born of God and presently
abiding in Christ walking in the light, does not perpetually
sin. No, rather he acknowledges, confesses, repents and for-
sakes sin and is cleansed afresh (Prov. 28:13; Ezek. 18:30; 1
Jn. 1:6-10). When taken in context with the whole of Scripture,
this verse cannot possibly be saying that once one is born of
God he will automatically not sin and remain true to God.
Mans ability to choose never ceases while he is on earth. It is
the born again Christians individual, God-given choice to en-
dure or not to endure to the end of his life in the grace of God.
Falling from grace is a biblical possibility and something to be
122
warned about (Gal. 5:4; Heb. 12:14-15).
Lets look at the surrounding text of this passage. Just following

these words found in 5:18 are the words of warning found in verse
21, which state: Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
Amen. (1 Jn. 5:21) Where do all who die in idolatry spend eterni-
ty? The book of Ephesians is written to believers and in chapter 5
the Holy Spirit through Paul says: For this ye know, that no
whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is
an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ
and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for be-
cause of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the chil-
dren of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with
them. (Eph. 5:5-7)
According to Jesus in John 15, If a man abide (remain) not

in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and
men gather them, and cast them into the fire (hell), and
they are burned. (Jn. 15:6)
In order to receive final salvation, one must abide or remain in

Christ (Jn. 15:5-6). There is no guarantee that Gods seed will
remain in the person who is born again and later departs
from the LORD.
If 1 John 3:9 really meant what the eternal security crowd tries
to make it mean, such would make volumes of Scripture mean-
ingless (Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 21:8, 27). God is holy and He will
punish all sin that is not repented of. Destruction is coming to
all who die in sin, regardless of their previous relationship with
the LORD (Exod. 34:7; Ezek. 18:30; 33:12-13; 2 Thess. 1:7-10;
Heb. 14:12).
John 10:27-29
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they

follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and
they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck
them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them
me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck
them out of my Fathers hand. John 10:27-29
First off, in this passage Jesus identifies those sheep whom He

makes the security promise to. He says My sheep hear my
voice, and I know them, and they follow me. In this we see
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one part divine and two parts the responsibility of the individu-
al.
I know them the divine part (v27)

Those who are His sheep hear His voice and
follow Him the individuals responsibility (v27)
Those who seek to spread the once saved always saved here-
sy use John 10:28-29 to their advantage and conveniently ig-
nore the preceding words of Christ in verse 27. Verses 28-29
are promises of security to those who are currently hearing His
voice and following Him. Many ignore the previous qualifying
words (v27) of Jesus where Christ tells us that only those who
are hearing His voice and following Him are promised that they
are secure and will never perish. There is a condition to being
secure in Christ knowing Him which requires continuing to
abide in Him, hear His voice and follow Him (see also John 15).
In this John 10 passage used by the unconditional eternal se-
curity crew to peddle their wares, some neglect to look closely
at verse 27 to see who Jesus was specifically speaking to when
He promised they shall never perish. They refers to
those who hear my voice and follow me. According to
verse 27 the promise of eternal security is conditional. Assur-
ance of salvation is only to those who are presently following
Christ. In verse 27 we learn that protection from judgment to
come is only to those who are currently 1) hearing His voice, 2)
known by Him, and 3) following Him. This is consistent with
the message seen in the whole of Holy Writ.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they

follow me. John 10:27
According to these words of Christ, those who know Jesus

and follow Him are given the promise that they will never
perish. As long as the follower hears His voice and follows
Him, they are assured eternal life. This is exactly what the
Son of God taught just a few chapters later in John 15 where
He says that if a branch that is in Him does not remain or
abide in Him, that person will be cut off and cast into the fire
(of hell ultimately).
Those who abide or remain under the shadow of His holy and
protective wing shall remain secure in Him (Ps. 91:1). The
Good Shepherd here said neither shall any man pluck them
out of my hand. No man can pluck us out of His protection
124
except ourselves by our own decisions. We who are abiding are
protected from the snare of other men drawing us away as we
remain walking with the Son of God. If youre tucked you wont
get plucked. If youre not tucked under the wing of intimacy
with Jesus, you will, can, and are likely to be plucked out of
His holy hand by your own sinful unbelief. The LORD told us
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast,
that no man take thy crown. (Rev. 3:11)
Jesus taught repeatedly that some would not continue to follow

Him and hear His voice and would consequently fall away.
There is record of some who once believed and then stopped
believing (Lk. 8:13; 13:23-30; Jn. 6:66; Acts 8:14-23).
Hebrews 5:9 Eternal Salvation
And being made perfect, he became the author of

eternal salvation unto all them that obey him. He-
brews 5:9
The proponent of once truly saved always saved surmises

that eternal salvation means that the salvation God grants
the recipient an eternally fixed state of justification. Yet, this
violates other known truths and so cannot be concluded by the
honest student of Scripture. There is no argument that salva-
tion is eternal, but is it a possession that can be forfeited?
What condition does God put upon men to receive and keep
His so great salvation? (Heb. 2:3) Did you notice in Hebrews
5:9 that it is unto all them that obey him that He grants
eternal salvation? Salvation is eternal, yet not an un-
forfeitable possession. Eternal salvation is only promised to
them that obey him. This would include faith and obedi-
ence to the end of ones life (Matt. 7:21, 10:22; Heb. 3:6, 12-14;
10:26-39).
Some believe that because Jesus died once for man, offering
Himself as the perfect sacrifice, that this automatically cements
the saved person into a state of irrevocable grace and salvation.
Paul destroys this argument in Romans 11:19-23 when he tells
us that the Jews who were chosen and made Gods covenant
people, were cut off from Him. The LORD told us in Jeremi-
ah 3:8 that God divorced His own people for their sin.
The inspired writer of Hebrews said more about the finished

and completely sufficient work of Christ to redeem men than
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Lie of Ages
any other Bible writer, yet this same book contains numerous
warnings concerning slipping, falling away and losing out on
eternity in Heaven with Christ for departing from the LORD
(Heb. 2:2-3; 3:6, 12-15; 6:4-6; 10:26-39; 12:14-15). So,
Christs finished, perfect work of salvation for mankind does
not automatically mean that one who initially partakes of this
gift of salvation is forced to remain in it nor that God is forced
to keep the person who sins and does not return to Him in re-
pentance (1 John 1:9). In the face of volumes of scriptural
truth, the once saved always saved proponent and Calvinist
ardently seek to force mans will out of the picture, yet in Gods
economy men have the ongoing choice to love and serve Him,
or not to. The personal decision of the individual is pivotal and
will determine his eternal home (Rom. 6:16).
The finished work of Christ is a foundational truth of Christi-

anity, but His accomplishment does not arbitrarily guarantee
the final salvation of the individual believer. Christs perfect
and completed work to save mankind does not change the God
-given free will of each human being, nor does it alter the di-
vine conditions to receive final salvation and to be with Him
eternally.
My Sin Cannot Separate me from God!
First of all, this statement is a brazen and blatant attack

against the one true God who is Holy, holy, holy. (Isa. 6:3)
How audaciously pompous to imagine that He who is holy is
going to receive and keep one who retains the stain of sin after
all Christ did to remove it all!
The LORD told His own covenant people:
But your iniquities have separated between you and

your God, and your sins have hid his face from you,
that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:2
Sin separates man from God and must be repented of for fel-
lowship to be restored, otherwise that person who sinned re-
mains separated from God (Rom. 6:23; 1 Jn. 1:6-10). This is
the most basic fact of Scripture. To ignore such is to deny the
mission and need for Jesus Christ to come to the earth (Matt.
1:21; Jn. 1:29).
Did Adam and Eve have perfect fellowship with God before the
126
fall? Obviously. What broke that fellowship? Sin. Were they au-
tomatically forgiven and restored? No. They had to receive the
redemption that the LORD provided as a prefiguring of the
blood of Christ to be shed (Gen. 3:21). Without the shedding of
life blood can be no forgiveness or protection from the wrath of
God and without repentance there is no contact with the divine
blood and grace (Lev. 17:11; Rom. 5:9; Heb. 9:22).
Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God
make coats of skins, and clothed them. Genesis
3:21
The eternal security proponent will say Everlasting life is ever-

lasting eternal life is eternal eternal life can never end. It
is everlasting regardless of the believers behavior.
Is this biblical?
In response to this position, Jeff Paton says: Regardless of be-

havior? This is rank antinomianism! (lawlessness) It renders all
exhortations to holiness in the Scriptures to be absolutely use-
less.
The unconditional eternal security proponent will also suppose

that according to 1 Peter 1:4 that Salvation (the inheritance of
it) is incorruptibleNo one can corrupt something God has
made incorruptible. But they dont seem to acknowledge the
very next words in the next verse. Lets take a look at both
verses together:
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and

that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Pe-
ter 1:4-5
What is the prerequisite for receiving this inheritance incor-

ruptible and being kept to receive it? Who are kept by
the power of God through faith unto salvation We are
kept through faith which is volitional and never forced upon
any soul. Those who endure in faithfulness to the LORD will
receive this glorious inheritance incorruptible.
Of this topic, Jeff Paton says Thank God that the inheritance
is imperishable! We know that it will be there for genuine be-
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Lie of Ages
lievers! But dont miss it! It is there through faith, (v.5) not un-
belief! The inheritance is incorruptible, not our possession of
it!
Did Jesus come to save us in or from our sins?
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call
his name JESUS: for he shall save his people FROM
their sins. Matthew 1:21
Why do lists of soul-damning sins appear in the New Testa-

ment canon? If ones eternal life were not in jeopardy if he were
to live in sin, why were these sins cited to believers? Why do
these passages end with the warning that no one living in these
sins will inherit eternal life? See Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthi-
ans 6:9-10; Revelation 21:8, 27.
Romans 8:35-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? As it

is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day
long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that
neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,
nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall
be able to separate us from the love of God, which is
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39
All Scripture must be understood in light of the whole of the

Word of God. Being separated from the love of God is different
than being separated from God. Of his very own free will, the
prodigal son was separated from his father yet not from His fa-
thers love (Lk. 15). When in rebellion the prodigal son was not
secure in his fathers care he was not eternally secure. He
had to repent to be restored or he would have died outside of
fellowship with his father. This is a clear picture of the believer
departing from the LORD. If he returns in repentance he will be
fully restored, but if he refuses to return, he will perish in hell
forever.
For this my son was dead, and is alive AGAIN; he

was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry
for this thy brother was dead, and is alive AGAIN;
128
and was lost, and is found. Luke 15:24, 32
Note here in this Romans 8 passage that the Bible never guar-
antees anyone that they are unconditionally eternally secure,
but that those who are truly in the LORD are loved by Him and
nothing can separate them (those who truly know and love
Him) from His love. As we back up in Romans 8 we see exactly
whom this promise is written to. The promise in Romans 8:35-
39 of not being separated from Gods love is not without qualifi-
cation or condition. It is promised to those who:
Are living according to the Holy Spirit and not after

the fleshly sinful nature (Rom. 8:1)
Mortify the deeds of the body (Rom. 8:13)
Are led by the Spirit of God (Rom. 8:14)
We may be unconditionally loved but not unconditionally
saved. As we see throughout Scripture in Gods dealings with
His covenant people Israel, He will unconditionally love us and
even draw us, but He will not unconditionally save us from His
judgment if we persist in sinning against Him. His Word told us
that He will cut off the Gentiles just as He did the Jews if
they do not continue in his goodness. (Rom. 11:19-23) The
LORD will love us all the way into hell, just as He depicted
Himself in the parable of the prodigal son as the father who
longed for his son to return yet never left his property to go
force him to return from his rebellion. See Luke 15. A Jesus
who doesnt punish sin is simply a false Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11

the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither forni-
cators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate,
nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor
thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers,
nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but
ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of
the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Co-
rinthians 6:9-11
When verses 9 and 10 are quoted to the OSAS proponent, he

has been trained to spout off verse 11 as if it negates the in-
spired words of the previous two verses. Verse 11 does not un-
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Lie of Ages
do the fact that all these classes of sinners are going to hell if
they dont repent, even if they had once been saved. The grace-
corrupters seek to make the word were the pivot. Yet, when
the whole passage is read and taken as a whole, one will note
that what is clearly inferred is that the Corinthian believers
were once lost and are now saved. Such a truth in no way pre-
cludes the possibility of going back to sin. The truth here is
that those who are washed and also sanctified and
justified do not live in the sins listed here which Paul states
will of a surety pre-empt one from inheriting the kingdom of
God. If a saved person commits any one of these sins, he is ful-
ly and personally responsible to repent and stop doing that sin
or he will no longer be washedsanctified and justified.
Nothing in this passage even slightly hints that it is impossible
for the one who is currently in right standing with the LORD to
depart from the LORD (1 Tim. 4:1-6; Heb. 3:6; 12-15).
Hebrews 13:4-5
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled:

but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Let
your conversation be without covetousness; and be
content with such things as ye have: for he hath
said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. He-
brews 13:4-5
When looking at the fullness of the Word, one will understand

this promise that he will never leave to be like all divine
benefits a conditional blessing. In light of the whole counsel
of Scripture, this couldnt possibly mean that there is no way
to depart(ing) from the living God. (Heb. 3:12) The same
inspired writer of Hebrews renders these words of warning
among others:
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an

Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence
stedfast unto the end. Hebrews 3:12-14
In order to understand and possess the mind of Christ on any

given topic, all individual verses of Scripture must be taken in
light of the whole of the Word. 2 Chronicles 15:2 is exactly as
130
divinely inspired as Hebrews 13:4-5:
And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him,

Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The
LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye
seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake
him, he will forsake you. 2 Chronicles 15:2
It seems inherent in sinful human nature to believe that some-

how the LORD overlooks our sin because we are his pet child,
but the Bible says The LORD is with you, while ye be with
him and if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.
2 Timothy 2:12 is also equally as God-breathed as is Hebrews

13:4-5:
if we deny him, he also will deny us 2 Timothy

2:12
Arneomai is the Greek word which was accurately translated by

the King James committee as deny. According to the
Strongs Concordance Arneomai means to contradict, disavow,
reject, deny, refuse. So, to deny Christ means to contradict
His word, reject Him, deny Him and/or refuse to love and obey
Him (Mk. 8:34-38).
The question the OSAS proponent cannot answer is: Why

would the Holy Spirit of God have ever mentioned that believers
can deny him if such were not possible? And what did He say
happens when a believer denies Christ? he (the LORD) also
will deny us.
Jesus stated:
Whosoever (means ANY person whether once saved

or not) therefore shall confess me before men, him
will I confess also before my Father which is in heav-
en. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him
will I also deny before my Father which is in heav-
en. Matthew 10:32-33
Do these words of the LORD need explanation?
John 6:37-39
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and
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Lie of Ages
him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For

I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will,
but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Fa-
thers will which hath sent me, that of all which he
hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise
it up again at the last day. John 6:37-39
Verse 37 here says that those who come to Jesus He will not
cast out. In v38 we conclude that those who come to Je-
sus follow Him and do not do their own will but His. These are
qualifiers for the promise of verse 39 which says that it is the
Fathers willthat of all which he hath given me I should
lose nothing. Gods will is that no human being should die
and go to eternal hell which He created for the devil and his
angels and not men yet more go to hell than Heaven accord-
ing to Jesus (Matt. 7:13-14; 25:41). Gods ultimate desired will
does not force the individual to adhere to and receive His
blessed promises. Such is left up to the individual (Deut. 4:9-
10; 28:1-68). Those who please Him are given grace to obey
and serve Him (Jn. 14:21-23; Phil. 2:12-13; Tit. 2:11-13).
We know from 2 Peter 3:9 that it is Gods will that none should
perish in hell. He is not willing that any should perish, but
that all should come to repentance. (2 Pet. 3:9) God draws
men and yet He leaves the final decision up to the individual to
choose or reject Him and to continue to choose life or turn
back to disobedience and death after being saved (Deut. 30:19-
20; Rom. 6:16; 8:13).
According to the LORD Jesus and His holy apostles, it is a full

possibility for the believer to become an unbeliever (Lk. 8:13; 1
Tim. 1:19, 20; 2 Tim. 2:18; Rom. 11:19-23; Heb. 3:6, 12-14;
10:26-39).
The Word of God unmistakably reveals to us that people who

are saved can depart from the faith, cast off their faith, and
that it were better for them not to have known the LORD and
the way of righteousness than after they have known it, to turn
away and back to sin (1 Tim. 4:1; 5:11-12; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them

which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh,
but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1
132
First off, the new versions chop this verse in half which is an
atrocity. As usual the King James honestly renders this verse.
There are two conditions given here, not one. The pre-requisite
for being under the blessed grace of God and not under His ho-
ly wrath or condemnation, is to be in Christ (born again) and
to live in the Spirit not the flesh. Here are the two condi-
tions essential to being under divine grace and not under di-
vine wrath:
Being in Christ Jesus

Walking not after the flesh, but after the Spirit
Those who suppose that they are eternally secure by being in
Christ or initially saved, may want to look a little closer at what
the whole Word of God says.
If one is in Christ and living after the Spirit, he is as-

sured that no condemnation is upon him. If a person is liv-
ing after the flesh he is under the wrath or
condemnation of the LORD.
John 17:12
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in

thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept,
and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition
(Judas); that the scripture might be fulfilled. John
17:12
The fact that one of Christs very own disciples was lost (Judas)
shows that others can and have been lost. The fact that Judas
was lost means that he was previously found (saved). Judas
was promised by Jesus Himself an eternal throne yet by
transgression fell. (Matt. 19:28; Acts 1:25)
Jesus only keeps and promises security to those who continue

with Him and keep His Word to the end of their lives (Matt. 7:21;
10:22; 24:13; Jn. 10:27-29; 14:15, 21; 15:1-6; 1 Pet. 1:5; 2 Pet.
2:20-22). The fact that Jesus prays for His own does not mean
that all of His own are automatically going to make it to Heaven
(Matt. 25:1-13; Jn. 17:12; Heb. 7:24-25). Judas was one of His
own and didnt make it (Acts 1:25). The Son of God Himself gave
us a kingdom parable which taught that some who truly begin
with Him and are likened unto the kingdom of heaven (not
hell) will not be in Heaven because they choose not to remain
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Lie of Ages
or abide in communion with Him on His terms (Matt. 25:1-13).
The OSAS proponent will argue that It is Gods will that Christ
lose none of those who come to Him. Of this notion, Jeff Paton
states Dont confuse Gods will with Gods decree. God is not
willing that ANY should perish, but some will. Jesus said that
it was not Gods will for Him to lose any; but yet, He admits to
losing Judas (Jn. 17:12). Keep in mind, one must have some-
thing in order to lose it!
PRAYER: Holy Father, please grant me Your discernment

through Your Word and Spirit. Increase the hunger in my heart
to know You and Your Word more thoroughly. I choose to count
the study of Your Word as top priority. Open the eyes of my un-
derstanding and teach me to discern between truth and error.
Amen.
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Lie of Ages
Chapter Eleven
PEACE, PEACE;
WHEN THERE IS NO PEACE
JEREMIAH 6:14
The Message of False Prophets
Beloved (Christians), when I gave all diligence to

write unto you of the common salvation, it was
needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you
that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which
was once delivered unto the saints. For there are
certain men crept in unawares (secretly), who were
before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly
men, turning the grace of our God into lascivious-
ness (a license for sin), and denying the only Lord
God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put
you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how
that the Lord, having SAVED the people (His people)
out of the land of Egypt, afterward (after He saved
them) destroyed them that believed not. And the an-
gels which kept not their first estate (no one is
forced), but left their own habitation, he hath re-
served in everlasting chains under darkness unto the
judgment of the great day. Jude 3-6
136
These ungodly men Jude warns of here, prevalent in our
day, are those who brazenly deny the multiplicity of historical
accounts which reveal that the eternal God judges His own
people and will send to hell all who do not remain rooted in
Him (Num. 16, 25; 2 Pet. 2:20-22). Jude specifically brings New
Testament believers into remembrance of how the unchang-
ing God judged His own covenant people who sinned against
Him I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye
once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people
(His people) out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed
them that believed not. (Jude 5) He will do the same in the
future.
Note here that he specifically points out that these believers he

was writing to once knew this truth. There was obviously a
reason that the Holy Spirit was re-addressing this doctrine.
Some had forgotten this truth that God is holy and will judge
all sin and had to be brought back into remembrance of it.
In the wake of these false teachers who were turning the
grace of our God into lasciviousness, Jude seeks to re-
ascertain the truth in them and exhort these believers to
earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered
unto the saints.
It is this writers opinion that many have been weakened in

their stand on the biblical truth of a conditional eternal securi-
ty that one must abide in Jesus to the end of his earthly life
to be saved. This slippage has in part happened due to the
many corrupting false teachers so prevalent in the church
world in this late hour and perhaps because some in leadership
are more interested in pleasing men than the God they claim to
serve. Please allow me to exhort you to embrace and dili-
gently contend for the truth found in the original Gospel. It
is significant to heed the words of Jude here in this vitally im-
portant Bible warning.
Notice here in this passage in Jude that according to the

LORD, it takes an ungodly person to deny the words of Je-
sus Christ and His holy apostles while turning His precious
grace into a license to sin (lasciviousness). All believers are
exhorted by the LORD here to earnestly contend for the
faith once delivered to the saints. The faith includes a
conditional eternal security. An unconditional eternal security
is exactly what is being addressed and exposed by the Holy
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Lie of Ages
Ghost here in this passage.
To underscore the epidemic deception that is being taught to

so many, allow me to relate to you a story that transpired when
I was in Bible College. Once in the mens dorm a telling debate
broke out which lasted for hours, till 2 A.M.. The topic of dis-
cussion was the matter of eternal security. Regrettably only
two of the eight men involved knew the Bible truth of a condi-
tional eternal security. This is a clear example of the wide-
spread culture of the teaching of an unbiblical eternal security
and how it is assumed by many to be a doctrine of the Chris-
tian faith. Here were six men that had come to Bible College to
learn and yet each of them had previously been taught by their
leaders a doctrine that is not borne out in Scripture (OSAS).
The only sense that OSAS is found in the Bible is as the very
first doctrine of the enemy set forth to deceive and damn the
souls of men. How sad! God help us! Well, my friend Stephen
and I patiently and with volumes of Scripture communicated
the biblical truth of a conditional eternal security (2 Tim. 4:2-
4). Our hearts desire was to help these men see the divinely
recorded truth in this important matter so that they would go
forth teaching it instead of the very first and deadly lie of the
enemy of all souls. I sure hope Gods Word was fully received
and considered in the hearts of those men, that they go not
forth to deceive others with such a teaching (2 Tim. 3:13). Je-
sus we beg You to give us hearts that are noble like those
Berean believers in Acts 17!
(Acts 17:10-11) Grant us to love Your truth with no respect to

where it leads, knowing it will bring us closer to You the
Truth! (Jn. 14:6)
This same lone disciple and brother who stood in the truth that
night, later told me that the previous year at that Same Bible
College, a few of the older students actually prayed over him to
cast out a deceiving demon. There misguided and delusional
belief was that because Steven believed in a conditional eternal
security, that he had a devil and needed to delivered.
My friend Donnie says: Satan has removed the fear factor from
people who claim to be Christians. The enemy has removed the
fear of God from the hearts of people through the false teaching
of this original lie. The very father of all lies (Satan) tells us that
there are no conditions for getting right and staying right with
138
God.
There are Many Deceivers
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who

confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.
This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to your-
selves, that we lose not those things which we have
wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoev-
er transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of
Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine
of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If
there come any unto you, and bring not this doc-
trine, receive him not into your house, neither bid
him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is
partaker of his evil deeds. 2 John 7-11
First we are warned here of many deceivers who are en-

tered into the world and to lose not those things which
we have. We are then warned not to join affinity with those
who bring not this doctrine which is that Whosoever
transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ,
hath not God. According to 2 John 9, lets ask, Who does not
have a relationship with God? Whosoever transgresseth, and
abideth (remains) not in the doctrine of Christ
This is yet another concrete statement of Scripture guarantee-

ing that whoever among the people of God does not abide
(continue, remain) in the doctrine of the LORD, hath not
God is lost. When is the last time your pastor preached this
verse just as it reads and without twisting or denying the plain
truth of it? See John 15 where Jesus taught the essential na-
ture of abiding in Him or being cast into the fire.
Concerning contemporary false teachers, David Servant writes:
The most prevalent false prophets of our day are those

who teach that heaven awaits the unholy. They are re-
sponsible for the eternal damnation of millions of peo-
ple. David Servant, The Great Gospel Deception, p. 164
John Fletcher spoke of the prevailing justification of sin from

church pulpits:
How few of our celebrated pulpits are there, where more
139
Lie of Ages
has not been said at times for sin than against it?
John Fletcher
In some cases, the false grace teachers prostitute the very

grace of God in order to build their own kingdoms. They use a
false grace doctrine and system which leads to lawlessness to
secure new members for their local church businesses. These
who corrupt the grace of God are leading many to live unholy
lives when the Bible guarantees that no person who dies in a
sinful state will enter through the gates of Heaven. Eternal per-
dition lies ahead for every such teacher. See Jude and 2 Peter.
What does the LORD think of these false teachers?
A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the

land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests
bear rule by their means; and my people love to have
it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? Jere-
miah 5:30-31
Notice the clear inference to self-serving leaders among the na-

tion of Israel here the priests bear rule by their means;
and my people love to have it so Also, false teachers
among Gods people and those who hear them are warned here
in Jeremiah 5:31 to consider what the end product will be
for their rebellion. Judgment Day is on the way.
For the day of the LORD is great and very terrible;

and who can abide it? Joel 2:11
Concerning the false prophets of his day who were deceiving

Gods people, Jeremiah the prophet is led to pose the question,
what will ye do in the end thereof? What will we do or say
on Judgment Day if we deny the clear truth of the LORD given
us in His Word? It is too late for those who originally heard
these inspired words spoken by this prophet, but its not too
late for those who are reading this message to Seek ye the
LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is
near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous
man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and
he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will
abundantly pardon. (Isa. 55:6-7)
What is at the heart of the defense of OSAS? Could it be that

those who defend this teaching are really seeking to protect
140
their right to live an irresponsible life? This teaching of lasciv-
iousness pardon from restraining oneself from sinning sup-
posedly frees them up to live life unto themselves (on their own
terms) and be relieved from daily taking up the cross and fol-
lowing Jesus. But what will they do in the end thereof when
we stand before a holy God to be judged for every thought,
word, and deed of our whole earthly life?
The lie of lasciviousness (license to sin) is not new. This lawless

lie pretends to free people up to live life unto themselves (on
their own terms) and be relieved from daily taking up their
cross and following Jesus in a real way. This is that lie that
started in the very cradle of creation. There are several warn-
ings in Scripture to those who would teach this destructive
doctrine.
Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for

thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to
turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false
burdens and causes of banishment. Lamentations
2:14
False prophets refuse to preach on sin and reconciliation, so

those who hear them are not getting set free, but rather (like
their leaders) Ever learning, and never able to come to the
knowledge of the truth. (2 Tim. 3:7)
For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth

them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.
Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and
tail, branch and rush, in one day. The ancient and
honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that
teacheth lies, he is the tail. For the leaders of this
people cause them to err; and they that are led of
them are destroyed. Therefore the Lord shall have
no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy
on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an
hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh
folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but
his hand is stretched out still. For wickedness bur-
neth as the fire: it shall devour the briers and
thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest,
and they shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke.
Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land
darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the
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Lie of Ages
fire: no man shall spare his brother. Isaiah 9:13-19
Lets look at the elements of the previous passage from Isaiah

9. First we see that the people do not want to turn to or listen
to those who smite them with the truth (compare Ps. 141:5).
These are like those Paul says will not endure sound doc-
trine. (2 Tim. 4:3) No, instead they will reject truth speakers
and not tolerate sound doctrine but rather intentionally place
themselves under the leadership of those who tell them what
their impenitent sinful nature wants to hear (Rom. 2:1-7; 2
Tim. 4:2-4).
So, like all false teaching, this once saved always saved lie is
bought into by those who profit from teaching it and those who
want to hear it in order to justify living life on their own terms.
Instead of Gods grace being a license for sin, it is actually the

divine enablement to overcome sin and be fully victorious in
this life! It is by the workings of His grace in our lives that we
are able to overcome in all things and become more than
conquerors through him that loved us. (Rom 6:14; 8:13, 37;
1 Cor. 15:10, 57; 2 Cor. 12:9-10)
Donald Stamps, in Life in the Spirit Study Bible notes:
CONCERNING THE PROPHETS. God longed to lead

His people back to the paths of righteousness and truth,
yet the false prophets cared for none of this. They made
the people feel comfortable in their sinful lifestyles by
proclaiming a false hope and security. Instead of taking
an uncompromising stand against sin among Gods peo-
ple, they actually encouraged it. Because of their refusal
to lead the people back to Gods ways, the false prophets
would be abandoned by God. Life in the Spirit Study Bi-
ble, p. 1335
God sends the judgment of leanness of soul into those who do

not posses the love of His truth (Ps. 106:15; 2 Thess. 2:10-12).
Note closely in the following passages how that the LORD is
going to judge both the false prophets and those who follow
and support them:
Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely thou hast greatly

deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall
have peace; whereas the sword (divine judgment)
142
reacheth unto the soul. Jeremiah 4:10
Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the

prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them
not, yet they say, Sword and famine (judgment) shall
not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those
prophets be consumed. And the people to whom they
prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusa-
lem because of the famine and the sword; and they
shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor
their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their
wickedness upon them. Jeremiah 14:15-16
Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning

the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with worm-
wood, and make them drink the water of gall: for
from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone
forth into all the land. Thus saith the LORD of hosts,
Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that
prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak
a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth
of the LORD. They say still unto them that despise
me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and
they say unto every one that walketh after the imag-
ination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon
you. Jeremiah 23:15-17
Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that

make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and
cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their
mouths, they even prepare war against him (God).
Therefore night (spiritual darkness) shall be unto
you, that ye shall not have a vision (blinded); and it
shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and
the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day
shall be dark over them. Then shall the seers
(prophets) be ashamed, and the diviners confounded:
yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no an-
swer of God. Micah 3:5-7
They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of

my people slightly (superficially), saying, Peace,
peace; when there is no peace. Were they ashamed
when they had committed abomination? nay, they
were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush:
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Lie of Ages
therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the

time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith
the LORD. Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the
ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is
the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find
rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk
therein. Also I set watchmen over you, saying,
Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said,
We will not hearken. Jeremiah 6:14-17
Like they did in Jeremiahs day, false prophets today promise a

peace with God to those among His people who are living in
sin. This is a false peace and results in the inability to be con-
victed or ashamed Were they ashamed when they had
committed abomination? nay, they were not at all
ashamed, neither could they blush. (Jer. 6:15) The LORD
promises that they shall fall and be cast down. The Holy
Spirit then exhorts the people of God to stand and to ask
for the old paths of truth which bring a true rest to those
who walk therein. Finally, he says that he has raised up
watchmen to sound the trumpet and give warning before
it is too late.
Can you see a pattern here? The unchanging LORD and lover
of His beloved people seeks to lead them out of the sin that is
separating them from Him (because He is holy) and the false
leaders are telling the people by their false teachings that they
are okay in their sins and need not worry about repenting. The
LORD gave us the prescription for healing which includes turn-
ing away from our sins in repentance (2 Chron. 7:14). These
leaders are saying Peace, peace; when there is no
peace. (Jer. 6:14) When they should be warning they are in-
stead giving false assurance to people living in sin. The LORDs
impending judgment looms over these false shepherds (Jer. 23;
Ezek. 34; Matt. 23; 2 Pet. 2-3).
Here is the LORDs unchanging message to His people today:
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the

LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be
as white as snow; though they be red like crimson,
they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient,
ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and
rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the
144
mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. Isaiah 1:18-20
Gods people are invited to come and reason and if

willing and obedient they will be made white as snow
from their many sins. If they refuse and rebel they will be
devoured by the sword of His holy wrath.
He that covereth (hides) his sins shall not prosper:

but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have
mercy. Proverbs 28:13
Leaders who are true to the LORD are actually empowered by

His Holy Spirit to uncover the sins of the people so that they
might be brought to repentance by Him and restored to full and
blessed fellowship. The prophet Micah told us that he (as all
godly servants are) was divinely empowered/anointed to show
Gods people their sins.
See, I have this day set thee over the nations and
over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down,
and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to
plant. Jeremiah 1:10
But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the

LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare un-
to Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin. Mi-
cah 3:8
The LORD told the prophet Isaiah to:
Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trum-

pet, and show my people their transgression, and the
house of Jacob their sins. Isaiah 58:1
There is no mystery that we are all daily striving against sin

and will struggle with it until we get to Heaven (Rom. 6-7; Gal.
5:17; Heb. 12:4). This is why Jesus told us to take up the cross
and follow Him daily (Lk. 9:23). Yet, when false leaders refuse to
obey the LORD by openly identifying the sins of His people, they
cheat the Almighty out of the blessing of granting repentance,
forgiving, washing and restoring those precious souls so that
they can receive the full present and eternal benefits of the sal-
vation Christ died to grant. The LORD takes this personally and
will severely judge these leaders who misrepresent Him by re-
fusing to deal with sin as the LORD gave us in His holy Word
145
Lie of Ages
(Isa. 9:16). It simply does not matter what excuse the leader
makes for not talking about sin just the way the Bible does, he
is false for making the pre-meditated decision to disobey the
LORD by withholding His holy truth (Amos 8:11).
I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have

not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. But if they
had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people
to hear my words, then they should have turned
them from their evil way, and from the evil of their
doings. Jeremiah 23:21-22
Its real simple: True prophets turn people from their sins to
repentance and complete trust in the Savior (Mk. 1:15; Acts
20:21). Leaders who refuse to preach biblical repentance iden-
tify themselves as false (Lk. 13:3, 5; 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19).
In the Absence of Sin Preaching
In those days there was no king in Israel, but every

man did that which was right in his own eyes.
Judges 17:6
When sin is not dealt with by leadership according to the pat-

tern of Scripture (not according to the doctrines of mere men),
people cloak themselves behind false doctrine that allows for
the sins that a holy God said He will judge us for. As it was in
the days of Israel, so men make their doctrine fit your own life-
style when true doctrine is not openly offered. They create a
god in their own image, fashioning in their minds the image of
a god who does not require personal holiness (Heb. 12:14).
When the minds of men are not reminded continually by lead-
ership of the utter holiness of the Almighty they will turn(ed)
the truth of God into a lie. (Rom. 1:25) When leaders refuse
to speak of the wrath of God is revealed from heaven
against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, a vac-
uum is created and men change the truth of god into a
lie. (Rom. 1:18, 25)
The Word tells us: He that ruleth over men must be just,
ruling in the fear of God. (2 Sam. 23:3) In the absence of au-
thentic God-fearing leadership who preach in the fear of God,
men create a false god in their own image while rejecting the
God who gave us His Word to reveal His true holy image and
nature and ways to us. When leaders do not preach on sin
146
from the Scriptures, those who listen will not aggrandize the
holiness of God and flee sin and the wrath to come upon all
who die in sin (Ezek. 33:12-13; Eph. 5:5-9; Heb. 10:26-39).
Warning and Refreshing Gods People
Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man.

Ezekiel 3:21
It should be noted and embraced that the vast majority of

warnings found in Scripture are to the righteous not the wick-
ed. Gods servant Ezekiel was instructed to warn both the wick-
ed and the righteous. The LORD told him:
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die;

and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to
warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his
life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity;
but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou
warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wicked-
ness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his in-
iquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again, When
a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness,
and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock be-
fore him, he shall die: because thou hast not given
him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his right-
eousness which he hath done shall not be remem-
bered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nev-
ertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the
righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall sure-
ly live, because he is warned; also thou hast deliv-
ered thy soul. Ezekiel 3:18-21
Concerning this text, namely Ezekiel 3:18, Donald Stamps, in

THE WICKED, THOU SHALT SURELY DIE. Ezekiel

was to be a watchman, warning his countrymen that
those who persisted in sin and rejection of God would be
punished with death. If Ezekiel failed to warn the wick-
ed, he would be held accountable for their death. (1) Un-
der the new covenant, the faithful minister of God must
likewise warn those in his congregation who are living
unrighteous lives that they will be excluded from the
kingdom of God and salvation if they do not repent (see
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Lie of Ages
1 Cor. 6:9, note; Gal. 5:21, note; Eph. 5:5, note). Those
who teach that believers may live immoral and unright-
eous lives without jeopardizing their eternal salvation
will themselves face the severe judgment of God. (2) We
must always remember that God has given us the com-
mission to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel
(Matt. 28:18-20); Acts 1:8), which includes the warning
of eternal death for all who refuse to repent and believe
in Christ (cf. Acts 17:22-31). God has thus made the
church a watchman (see Matt. 18:15, note).
All disciples of Christ are to warn their fellow righteous com-

panions concerning sinning. See also Hebrews 10:24-39.
Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that

the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall
surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast de-
livered thy soul. Ezekiel 3:21
We see in this verse that warning the righteous can lead to

them not sinning and continuing to possess and live in the
state of spiritual life instead of death (Rom. 8:13; James 1:14-
15; 5:20-21).
From this passage we learn that warning can prevent sinning

and also relieves the faithful messenger of judgment. If he is
warned and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because
he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul. (Ezek.
3:21)
The faithful messenger preaches the Word, warns, teaches, edi-

fies, admonishes, and exhorts the people of God (Col. 1:28;
3:16; 2 Tim. 4:1-2). As the cold of snow in the time of
harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him:
for he refresheth the soul of his masters. (Prov. 25:13) In
order to refresh the very soul of our LORD and Master, we
must be faithful messengers those faithful to communicate
the pure Gospel with all glory going to Christ and not self. It is
He alone ho died and rose again for us and who will judge us
before His holy Throne. We will soon give account to Him for
our faithfulness to Him in this life (Rom. 14:12; 2 Tim. 4:1-2).
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and

labour of love, which ye have showed toward his
name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and
148
do minister. Hebrews 6:10
An eternal reward will be given to those who edify, admonish,

and warn the saints of Christ (1 Cor. 15:58; Col. 1:28-29; 3:16;
Heb. 6:10). Beloved, we are running a race down the narrow
road that leads to life and it is a marathon (Matt. 7:13-14; 1
Cor. 9:24-27; Heb. 12:1-3). We all need to be refreshed and to
refresh fellow saints whom we run this race with. Jesus prom-
ised that those who refresh the bowels of the saints of Christ
will be rewarded for eternity! See also Philemon 1:7, 20.
And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these

little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a
disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise
lose his reward. Matthew 10:42
In Ezekiel 3:21 we read that the prophet Ezekiel was com-

manded to warn the righteous not to sin. This truth alone
should forever cement in our minds that sin has consequences
of which the LORD would not have us to suffer. Jesus and all
of His holy apostles and prophets warned Gods people not to
sin (Mk. 9:43-49; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; Col. 1:22, 27, etc.). When His
saints sin and suffer it causes His heart to grieve (Judges
10:16). So, while we still have time, let us go about to build up
Christs precious body in His love and truth. Your ministry to
the saints Jesus has placed within your reach offers the
blessed opportunity to strengthen the brethren and so much
the more as the day of His return hastens towards us (Lk.
22:31-32; Heb. 3:13; 10:24). Let us go about to bless His pre-
cious saints, following the example of Philemon, a first century
believer who is now with the LORD.
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love,

because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by
thee, brother. Philemon 7
The Holy Ghost through Jude exhorts all believers under the
New Testament era to Keep yourselves in the love of God,
looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal
life. (Jude 21)
Warning to Those Who Teach Unconditional Eternal Secu-

rity
Jude 3-7 and 11-13 tell us about the destiny of all false teach-
149
Lie of Ages
ers, especially those who teach lasciviousness (a license to sin)

once saved always saved. Lasciviousness (lawlessness) is
another term for the unconditional eternal security (no respon-
sibility to live holy) teaching:
Jude 3-7 and 11-13:
Beloved (Christians), when I gave all diligence to

write unto you of the common salvation, it was
needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you
that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which
was once delivered unto the saints. For there are
certain men crept in unawares (secretly), who were
before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly
men, turning the grace of our God into lascivious-
ness (a license for sin), and denying the only Lord
God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put
you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how
that the Lord, having saved the people (His people)
out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them
that believed not. And the angels which kept not
their first estate (no one is forced), but left their own
under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about
them in like manner, giving themselves over to for-
nication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth
for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal
fireWoe unto them! for they (false teachers) have
gone in the way of Cain (done things their own way,
not Gods), and ran greedily after the error of Balaam
for reward (tell smooth lies for self gain and ease of
receptiveness), and perished in the gainsaying of
Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when
they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear:
clouds they are without water (spiritual powder puffs
who possess no substance or power), carried about of
winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit,
twice dead, plucked up by the roots (had to first be
planted to be plucked up); Raging waves of the sea,
foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to
whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever
(eternal damnation). Jude 3-7, 11-13
150
Simply look at the beginning of any given book in the Bible and
you will see exactly who the inspired writer is addressing (this
is true in most cases). One will discover that the Bible is espe-
cially written to Gods people, not the unsaved. With this in
mind, have you ever read the New Testament Scriptures for
yourself and noted all of Gods warnings to His very own people
to:
Give diligence to make your calling and election

sure. (2 Pet. 1:10)
Take heed that no man deceive you. (Matt. 24:4)
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye
may be accounted worthy to escape all these
things that shall come to pass, and to stand be-
fore the Son of man. (Lk. 21:36)
Therefore we ought to give the more earnest
heed to the things which we have heard, lest at
any time we should let them slip. (Heb. 2:1)
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth
take heed lest he fall. (1 Cor. 10:12)
The warning texts are numerous. Why would our loving Heav-
enly Father forewarn us to continue to seek His face, trust Him
fully, walk in obedience to His Word, keep ourselves pure, and
endure to the end and be holy, if there were no danger of being
ensnared and overtaken by sin and losing our eternal reward -
eternal life in Heaven? Why? Why? Why? Is He a deceiver?
Wouldnt it be deception to warn someone of something know-
ing it would/could never happen? Certainly.
In light of the numerous warnings in the Bible to get right and

stay right with God, we must conclude that any leader not warn-
ing people of impending doom upon the wicked (anyone living in
sin) is a false prophet. Any person who leads people to believe
that Christ is coming back for them in their sins and that they
will meet Him who is holy in the air, is blind and a counterfeit. It
is to these that Jude writes to whom is reserved the black-
ness of darkness for ever (eternal damnation). (Jude 13)
It is the false teacher who leads people to believe that he is

eternally secure while living in sin and that they are judgment
proof. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Because with lies ye (Israels leaders) have

151
Lie of Ages
strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should

not return from his wicked way (repent), by promising
him life (eternal life). Ezekiel 13:22
These men in leadership positions were promising eternal life

to those among Gods covenant people who were living in sin
the wicked. The prophet Ezekiel wrote to Gods people not
the lost souls of the heathen nations or peoples. Here in the
13th chapter he addresses the ungodly leaders who held posi-
tions of leadership over Gods covenant people. The Holy Spirit
here cites the false doctrine of unconditional eternal security
(OSAS) that we see so prevalently throughout history and on
the increase in our day. The deceived, false leaders of Ezekiels
day were doing the same thing so many today do when they
promise people unconditional eternal salvation without the
necessary condition of living in pure and holy faith toward the
LORD Jesus all the way to the end of their lives.
Make no mistake: Only the LORD can make a man holy and He
only makes holy (sets apart) those who truly trust in Him and
obey Him. All others do not possess saving faith (1 Jn. 2:3-5;
James 2; Heb. 12:14).
The Bible clearly tells us that the LORD Jesus is coming back
for His little flock, a pure and spotless bride, one washed in
His holy blood and Word (Lk. 12:32; Eph. 5:25-27; Tit. 2:13-
14; 1 Jn. 3:3; Rev, 2-3).
Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for

it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the
washing of water by the word, That he might present
it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or
wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy
and without blemish. Ephesians 5:25-27
Any honest Bible student knows that washings, holiness, and

purification is of the utmost importance in the divine economy
and all those who will be with Him eternally must be made holy
by His grace and their own faithful obedience (Num. 19; Matt.
5:8; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 5:26-27; Tit. 1:15; Rev. 6:11; 7:9, 13).
The message of the many wolves who occupy leadership posi-

tions is that their false Christ is coming back to accept a
people who are spotted by the world (Matt. 24:24; James 1:27).
They are teaching people that the LORD doesnt require them
152
to be wholly set apart but that He will accept them as they are,
even if they are living in sin. According to 1 John 2:24-3:3, the
remnant disciple who knows and truly loves the LORD Jesus,
purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Why did Jesus come to the earth? Why did the Son of God give
Himself on the cross? Who is He going to soon return for?
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious ap-

pearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus
Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might re-
deem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a
peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things
speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let
no man despise thee. Titus 2:13-15
The Savior came to purify unto himself a peculiar (special)

people, zealous of good works and will soon appear for those
who are allowing Him to purify their lives. The backslider simp-
ly will not be ready when Jesus returns (Matt. 25:1-13; Lk.
21:34-36). If one refuses to repent and keep his relationship
with the LORD current, God will not bring him to His holy
Heaven at the rapture nor in the end of his life (whichever
comes first). He warns His people concerning being ready to en-
ter His eternal abode?
If Heaven were a sure thing for all believers no matter what

they chose to do after being saved, why would the Holy Spirit of
God have inspired Peter to warn His people concerning the
eternal kingdom?
Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day

of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be
dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent
heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise,
look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein
dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing
that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may
be found of him in peace, without spot, and blame-
less. 2 Peter 3:12-14
It is not Gods will for even one of His children to go astray

(Luke 15). The Bible poses this question to holy brethren
How shall we escape (Gods judgment), IF we neglect so
great salvation? (Heb. 3:1; 2:3) By this verse alone, we know
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Lie of Ages
that it is possible for those once saved to neglect Gods sal-

vation and be heading for the wrath of the Almighty. IF we
neglect His great salvation, we shall not escape His
judgment. God is not going to force anyone into Heaven against
their own will and HE will certainly not violate His eternal, holy
standard. What OSAS teachers refuse to acknowledge is that
God is holy. In fact they defy Him by minimizing or even com-
pletely ignoring His holiness. They will acknowledge this if
asked, but not in doctrine. The OSAS teaching they propagate
is an utter contradiction and mockery of the holiness of God.
See Hebrews 2:1-4; 10:26-39. Personal holiness is a divine pre-
requisite for eternal life - without it, no man shall see the
LORD (Matt. 5:8; Heb. 12:14).
Many of those who espouse this OSAS teaching dont want the
responsibility of personal holiness which is a divine require-
ment for final salvation (Lk. 14:33; Heb. 12:14, etc.). They
would rather hear a smooth message in order that they may
have a life of ease without the responsibility to overcome sin
(Jer. 5:30-31; 2 Tim. 4:2-4). These who love their ears tickled
would rather heap to themselves false teachers who tell them
what they want to hear instead of sitting under sober, honest,
full-counsel Bible teachers who consider and communicate the
whole of Gods Word and declare it as the final authority in the
power of the Holy Ghost.
If one is not preaching the full-counsel of God he is guilty as

one who taketh away from the Word and under the curse
pronounced in Revelation 22:18-19.
Many of those who teach this OSAS doctrine dont want the re-
sponsibility of declaring the whole truth to others because it
will not be well received and therefore cause them (the leader)
trouble and to lose people and money and accolades (2 Tim.
4:2-5). Deceivers would rather teach a smooth message in or-
der that they may win friends to themselves while they rebel
against God in building their own kingdom instead of His (Lk.
6:26; Gal. 6:11-12). These are not following Christ - they are
men pleasers (Gal. 1:10).
Of those false teachers who mock at the holiness of God and

are turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness,
Jude writes:
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after

154
their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swell-
ing words, having mens persons in admiration be-
cause of advantage (self-gain). But, beloved, remember
ye the words which were spoken before of the apos-
tles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you
there should be u in the last time, who should walk
after their own ungodly lusts. Jude 16-18
Those who will be pleasing to the LORD must seek Him for to-
tal and complete cleansing of every trace of this antinomian
false teaching of lawlessness (Matt. 7:21-23; 2 Cor. 7:1; 2 Tim.
1:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1). Our hearts must be purified from this lie of
lasciviousness in order to escape being deceived by the many
who teach it.
Our LORD Jesus told us:
Blessed are the pure in heart: for THEY shall see

God. Matthew 5:8
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please circumcise my heart. Teach

me Thy Word that I might learn Thy ways O LORD. Convict me of
sin and grant the eyes of my heart to understand and discern,
distinguishing between that which holy and that which is pro-
fane. Jesus I know You are coming soon. Unite my heart to fear
You LORD. I love You heavenly Father and praise and thank You
this moment for every blessing You have bestowed upon my life.
Now I ask You to use me to build up Your people and win lost
souls to Your kingdom. Amen.
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Lie of Ages
Chapter Twelve
IS YOUR SIN REALLY WORTH

GOING TO HELL FOR?
Only You Can Decide
Is the sinful pleasure you now enjoy worth spending forever in

hell for? Jesus Christ made it crystal clear to both saint and
sinner alike that any person who chooses even one sin to be
more important to them than Him, will be doomed to the place
He described as a dwelling place of gruesome, ceaseless tor-
ment:
And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones

that believe in me, it is better for him that a mill-
stone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast
into the sea. And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off:
it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than
having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that
never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth
not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot of-
fend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt
into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell,
156
into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where
their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better
for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one
eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
Where their worm dieth not (denotes complete con-
sciousness), and the fire is not quenched. For every
one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall
be salted with salt. Salt is good: but if the salt have
lost his saltiness, wherewith will ye season it? Have
salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
Mark 9:42-50
In light of these penetrating words of the LORD Jesus, think

ahead for a moment with me: Lets imagine that you died in sin
and it was 100 years into the future. There you are, in hell -
experiencing excruciating pain and isolation (outer darkness -
you can see nothing). You are fully conscious, and reeling in
the agonizing remorse of the decision you made in your brief
earthly life to retain your sin instead of repenting and forsaking
it. During your short life on earth God granted several opportu-
nities for you to turn fully to Him, but you chose to ride the
popular, modern church wave of easy believism and eternal se-
curity, thinking everything was going to be fine because you
said the sinners prayer and attended church services. Yet you
retained a sin you knew God said would endanger your eternal
soul (Gal. 5:19-21). You freely refused to cut off the hand and
pluck out the eye of your sin and now you are trapped forever
in incarceration - where the fire is not quenched. Is your
sin really worth spending eternity in hell for? Is the sin you
have chosen to continue in (retain instead of rejecting) really
worth the everlasting pain of damnation in hell, while the right-
eous rejoice in sublime, unimaginable pleasure, joy, and bliss in
Heaven with Jesus?
Fellow citizen of this world, if you have not been born again
and your life is not currently laid down flat before the LORD
Jesus Christ in utter humility and brokenness for the immeas-
urable wickedness and depravity you have committed in the
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Lie of Ages
full and plain site of the omnipresent eyes of His holiness, you
have no eternal security with Him. The flames of eternal dam-
nation which will forever feed upon your separated soul await
your arrival.
Description of the Eternal Home of All Who are not Pres-

ently Living in the Fear of God and in Faithful Obedience
to Christ
Violent flames rage like endless waves that roar in a fierce

ocean tossed to and fro by hurricane winds. Deafening voices
shriek, hopelessly tormented in the turbulent fire that domi-
nates their defenseless souls. One million years have passed
and yet there is not a trace of relief from the horrifying torment
that has enveloped their helpless souls. Vivid memories of their
earthly life, when they had precious opportunity to escape this
horrible fate, torment their bitter and remorseful beings. Wel-
come to the world of departed souls who died after refusing to
apply the only cure to their deadly disease. Behind the thin veil
of life on earth lies a real world a forever world. Welcome to a
profile of the after life.
There is no pain in this life so cruel nor permanent that can

possibly be compared to what the Son of God described and
warned of when he spoke of hell that dreaded place of Gods
holy wrath. And hell is going to be cast into the lake of fire or
engulfed in the ocean of eternal fire (Rev. 20:14). This is the
horrid reality of what lies ahead for all who die outside the
real Lordship of Jesus Christ.
All is recorded in Heaven (Heb. 4:13). God sees ALL your sins
and will pull the curtains back and roll the tape of your life on
Judgment Day. Every single thought and deed of your life is on
file with God. He made provision to remove and desires to for-
give all. If you die without His forgiveness, you will face the Al-
mighty on Judgment Day in the Supreme Court of the Universe
as a guilty sinner who refused to repent and be pardoned. In
trembling ruins you will stand shameful and without excuse be-
fore a holy God.
158
Your Sins Include:
Cursing, Lying, Adultery, Hatred, Cheating, Slander, Strife, Idol-

atry, Dishonor, Murder, Stealing, Fornication, Unforgiveness, Not
putting Him First, Taking Gods Name In Vain, Etc.
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding

the evil and the good... Proverbs 15:3
And whosoever was not found written in the book of

life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15
Obedience or Hatred?
Saving faith is always active and obedient. Of every one of

those who claim to know Him and do not practically and daily
deny themselves, take up their crosses of crucifying their
earthly lusts, and perform His will, He foretells their destiny:
the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will
say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not proph-
esied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out
devils? and in thy name done many wonderful
works? And then will I profess unto them, I never
knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 7:21-23
Make no mistake: Hell awaits all who were once right with God
and are now living outside of His complete Lordship over their
personal lives:
Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children

of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous
shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression:
as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall
thereby in the day that he turneth from his wicked-
ness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for
his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. When I
shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if
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Lie of Ages
he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniq-

uity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remem-
bered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed,
he shall die for it. Ezekiel 33:12-13
As we see clearly in the above text, the Almighty judges your life
by your current state of heart and all, yes all, of your past right-
eousnesses are not remembered if you are not completely bowed
down under His holiness and Lordship at this moment.
Do we still wish to define truth based on how it fits our own

lifestyle instead of how our eternal Judge gave it to us in His
Word? What position is best for the long run?
We all know and can attest to the Bible truth that there is op-
portunity to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season and
yet she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she
liveth. (Heb. 11:25; 1 Tim. 5:6) Sin brings spiritual death and
righteousness by the blood of Christ and enabling power of the
Holy Spirit brings life and blessings untold now and forever
(Rom. 5:17; 6:23; 8:13-14).
Security Check Point
Still not sure where you currently are with the LORD? Want to
know? The Word says that Without faith it is impossible to
please him. (Heb. 11:6) Heart faith that saves the soul is obe-
dient to the One in whom its trust fully rests. If you are right
with God, you are literally active and fruitful in the following
things He commanded:
Boldly communicating His salvation to others, calling

them to repent and believe upon Him or perish in
hell because you love Him and them more than self
(Mk. 16:15-20; Phil. 2:3-5).
You are showing charity and love to all of the LORDs
children (Jn. 13:34-35; Gal. 6:10; 1 Jn. 4).
You assist others in any way possible (1 Cor. 10:24;
13:1-8).
160
You are abstaining from all appearances of evil or

temptation to sin (Rom. 13:14).
You are living a life of godly repentance and the for-
saking of any thought, word or deed that offends His
holiness (Ps. 51; Mk. 9:43-49; 1 Jn. 1:6-10; Rev.
3:19).
You are fasting, praying and studying His Word (Isa.

58; 2 Tim. 2:15).
You are crying out to Him for brokenness and a clean
heart (Ps. 51; 139:23-24; Matt. 5:6, 8; 1 Tim. 1:5).
You give all within your means to further the cause of
the Gospel (Prov. 11:25-26; Phil. 4:15-16).
You are abolishing and staying clear of any idol of the
heart as you burn with flaming love for Jesus Christ
(Eph. 5:5-9; 1 Jn. 5:21; Rev. 2:4-5).
You are currently crying out and looking for the soon
return of the Savior for His few who are on the nar-
row road that leads to life (Matt. 24-25; Tit. 2:13-14;
James 5:5-7; 1 Jn. 3:1-3; Rev. 22:20-21).
The absence of these things from ones life testifies to the back-
slidden state of the heart (Prov. 14:14). Such a person is under
the judgment of a holy God who will soon return In flaming
fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that
obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be
punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of
the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall
come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all
them that believe (because our testimony among you was
believed) in that day. (2 Thess. 1:6-9)
They profess that they know God; but in works they deny
him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every
good work reprobate. Titus 1:16
According to Gods Word, judgment is always based on a per-
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Lie of Ages
sons works because a persons works are a clear manifestation

of his inner heart and faith. No person will be judged on his
mere profession of Christ but on the life he lived (Matt. 12:36-
37; Jn. 5:29; Rom. 2:1-7, 13; 14:12; 1 Cor. 3:13-15; 2 Cor.
5:10; Eph. 6:7-8; Col. 3:25; Tit. 1:16; Rev. 2:23; 20:12; 22:12).
Who are We Lying to Except Ourselves?
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we

keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him,
and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and
the truth is not in him. 1 John 2:3-4
Only a Few Will Make It
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction,
and many there be which go in thereat: Because
strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which
leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Mat-
thew 7:13-14
Friend, How many times have you been warned? How long will
you harden your heart? How long will you deny Jesus Christ
while embellishing yourself with temporal pleasure and com-
forts which have lulled you into a deadly stupor and sleep? Hell
awaits. LORD draw us to You and grant holy repentance!
Woe to them that are at ease in Zion. Amos 6:1
In the divine economy blessings are conditional. Every bless-

ing, including everlasting life in Heaven and missing hell, hing-
es upon the obedient faith (the only kind of authentic saving
faith) of the recipient of the message.
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wa-
vereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and
tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any
thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all
his ways. James 1:6-8
162
If one is not this moment crucified with Christ, he has denied
Him and is serving the false god of self which indisputably in-
criminates one as an idolater, worthy of eternal damnation in
His holy site. Those who do not surrender their will to Christ in
whole hearted, first love devotion are not His and are divinely
decreed as unworthy of His holy Heaven:
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetous-

ness, let it not be once named among you, as be-
cometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking,
nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giv-
ing of thanks. For this ye know, that no whore-
monger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who
is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom
of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with
vain words: for because of these things cometh the
wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be
not ye therefore partakers with them. Galatians 5:5-
7
The dismal punishment for choosing the selfish sinful pleas-

ures in this fleeting life will never end.

No Man
No man can serve two masters: for either he will

hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold
to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve
God and mammon. Matthew 6:24
Regardless of his past fellowship with Christ, the one who de-
parts from the LORD, loses out.
Friend, are you serving Christ or self? According to Jesus, the

answer is either one or the other it is an impossibility to serve
more than one master. Is it really worth it to despise Jesus
Christ while serving self interests? To refuse outright and bla-
tant obedience to Him is to deny Him and forsake all divine mer-
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Lie of Ages
cy.
They that observe lying vanities forsake their own

mercy. Jonah 2:8
To observe a teaching which supposes that one can live outside

of the will of the One who is Salvation and still go to His holy
Heaven is absurd at best.
Friend, are you going to cover, or confess your sins? Will

you forsake, and flee from sin that which displeases the
LORD Almighty?
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but

whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have
Like the man who possessed a heart after the LORD, we should
quickly confess any sin we might commit - For I will declare
(confess) mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. (Ps.
38:18)
Be not deceived: If experiencing the things of this fleeting world

is more important to you than literally fellowshipping with and
performing the will of God, you have denied and defied Him
and are in love with the world and are the enemy of God (1 Jn.
2:15-17). If one loves this present world and the things in it, he
is living in a state of death the state of spiritual adultery.
Such a person will go to the eternal dwelling place of all those
who make themselves the enemy of God regardless of what
one professes with his mouth:
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that

the friendship of the world is enmity with God? who-
soever therefore will be a friend of the world is the
enemy of God. James 4:4
Love not the world, neither the things that are in

the world. If any man love the world, the love of the
Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15
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Will You Obey The Truth?
One might say Hey I made peace with God long ago. I am se-
cure and safe, based on that one confession and act of faith to-
ward Christ. Nonsense! Once saved always saved is a sinful
cop-out for moral cowards! If you will miss hell and be in Heav-
en, you must trash this lie like the cancerous plague that it is
and march forth unreservedly in obedience to the soon to re-
turn LORD of all lords, whom out of his mouth goeth a
sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and
he shall Rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the
winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty
God. (Rev. 19:15) Neither Jesus Christ nor His holy apostles
taught such a license to sin doctrine. In Holy Scripture, such a
teaching is associated specifically with ungodly men who are
turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness and
Christ. (Jude 4) The Son of God told His own 12: He that
endureth to the end shall be saved. (Matt. 10:22) What ex-
planation does this statement from the Almighty God need?
(Rev. 1:8) I suppose none to the honest hearted. Any attempt to
explain away or around such would be subversive, sinfully
wicked and evil manipulation.
Listen to what Jesus tells the saints at Smyrna:
And unto the angel of the church (not the lost) in

Smyrna writeFear none of those things which thou
shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you
into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have
tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and
I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear,
let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;
He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second
death. Revelation 2:10-11
Our LORDs words here are of course consistent with all of Ho-
ly Writ. Also consistent is the complete and purposed ignorance
of so many who have to ignore volumes of texts like this to
make their false grace message palatable. Here are two phrases
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Lie of Ages
that especially stand out in His message of warning to these

believers in Smyrna and also His disciples today. When you
read these see if you see conditions here. See if His blessing of
eternal life has conditions attached:
be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a

crown of life. (v 10)
He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second
death. (v 11)
Why would very believers be warned here by Christ if there
were no possibility of them losing out? Is Jesus a lunatic or did
He place conditions upon the final reception of His salvation?
We must choose to endure sound doctrine and not turn

aside to fables if we are going to be with the Truth Himself in
eternity (Jn. 14:6; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 4:1-4). I know that
these truths are hard and yet they are the very truths of the
One we will be judged by on that Day (Isa. 30:10; Jn. 12:48;
Rom. 2:16; 3:4). So, we all make the choice to ignore or wax
over these Bible truths, or face them and fall flat upon the mer-
cy of the LORD we so desperately are in perpetual need of.
Ready or Not Jesus is Coming
Did the very Son of Man not indiscriminately level a severe

warning concerning readiness for His return? Jesus fore-
warned that all those who were at one time in His kingdom
would not make it to eternal glory:
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your

hearts be overcharged (weighted down) with surfeit-
ing (over indulgence), and drunkenness, and cares of
this life, and so that day come upon you unawares
(suddenly, without warning). For as a snare (trap)
shall it come on ALL them that dwell on the face of
the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray al-
ways, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all
these things that shall come to pass, and to stand
before the Son of man. Luke 21:34-36
166
Was the LORD Jesus just filling pages with these words? Why
such severe warning if there were no impending danger of soul
for those who do not take refuge under the shadow of His holy
wing by foregoing these things He warns us of?
If Jesus here warns believers to be ready or miss out, it is more

than obvious that those who are not ready when He returns
suddenly like a thief in the night, will have forfeited being with
Him because of their sin. Isnt this consistent with all of what
we learn in Gods Word? (Matt. 25:1-13; Mk. 9:42-49; Gal. 5:19
-21; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 10:1-12; Rev. 21:8, 27)
Will you be accounted worthy to escape all these things

that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of
man? How can you know if you are ready?
Here are the main elements of this all-important passage in

Luke 21:
Take heed to yourselves take personal respon-

sibility for your life and all that you think and do.
Lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with
surfeiting (over indulgence) avoid overeating,
overindulgence, and reveling in this fleeting world;
fast and pray often. Keep a lose hold on the things of
this world in order to lay hold on eternal life. (1
Tim. 6:12)
Do not live in drunkenness - be sober and do not
become intoxicated with wine, strong drink, or spir-
itual deception.
Do not be caught up in the cares of this life
count Christ the supreme Prize of your whole exist-
ence and sever yourself from anything in this world
that does not contribute to the all-consuming pursuit
of knowing and pleasing Him.
Watch never allow yourself to doze off or fall
asleep. Do not become at ease in Zion. (Amos 6:1)
Remain on your post and on guard at all times and
let not any sinful thinking have dominion over your
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Lie of Ages
life (Ps. 19:14; 2 Cor. 10:5; Phil. 4:8; 1 Pet. 1:13).

Pray always ceaselessly commune with the Sav-
ior (Matt. 26:41). Live moment to moment in fellow-
ship with Him.
Denying any thought or activity that doesnt draw us closer to
Christ is essential in preparedness for His glorious return.
Gods grace is actually the divine enablement to overcome sin

and be fully victorious in this life! ...much more they
which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of right-
eousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. (Rom.
5:17) It is by the workings of His grace in our lives that we are
able to overcome in all things and become more than con-
querors through him that loved us. (Rom 6:14; 8:13, 37; 1
Cor. 15:10, 57; 2 Cor. 12:9-10)
That overcoming believer who endures to the end of his trial

will receive the blessed crown of His righteousness (James
1:12). Now is the hour. Today is the day to throw back the
veil that blinds us and binds us to that chain of darkness! Je-
sus is coming!
Jesus told us that He came 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. (Acts 26:18)
Jesus Christ came to grant us redemption and complete for-

giveness, delivering us from all the power of darkness.
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear
Son: In whom we have redemption through his
blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-
14
Make no mistake: If we do not draw nigh to Him in repentance

of life and cultivate a heart after Him, darkness will inevitably
overtake our lives.
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Be deceived no longer friend, if your life is not laid down before
Christ, your eternity is sealed by your self-serving idolatrous
decision to deny the nail-scarred Savior. If He is truly LORD of
your life, He is reigning supreme in all you think, say and do.
He is risen! Rejoice and give glory to the One who bled for your
sins on Calvarys cross and rose from the dead.

soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption
(eternal damnation) Galatians 6:7-8
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves serv-

ants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey;
whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto
righteousness? Romans 6:16
If you havent heard this type Gospel communication, it may be

time to flee for your life and from the wolf in charge of your cur-
rent local church and find a true servant of Christ who preaches
the Word! We must bathe and gird ourselves in His holy truth
and become surrounded with those who are fervently seeking
His face. There will be no excuse in that Great and Terrible Day.
Most churches today are mere playhouses for the leaders and
those who attend (2 Tim. 4:1-5). Entertainment is the order of
the day, not true biblical Christianity which seeks to glorify
God exactly the way He told us to in His precious Word.
According to Gods Word to us (Ezek. 33:12-13), all of your past

fruit or relationship with Christ is null and void (forgotten by
God) if you are not submitted fully to His glorious Lordship at
this moment. If you refuse to lay it all down and follow Jesus in
truth, on that Great Day of Judgment He will grant you what
you chose on earth to live separated from Him. The one who
lives his earthly life outside of an intimate abiding in Christ,
can expect to be separated from Him for eternity in the lake of
fire where the dense, horrid and ferocious flames of the literal
ocean of fire will torment his helpless, conscious soul forever.
Hell is for keeps. This eternal prison of fire is the point of no
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Lie of Ages
return and we should all consider that damnation is the eter-

nal home of all who are not fully submitted to Christ, the only
One who can rescue the depraved soul from the flames of the
domain of the damned.
If one reading these words is now ready to be fully right with

God, he should bow his head and heart and cry out to the One
who loves him and was crucified to save and bless him. Never
mind the slightest questioning or excuse ARE YOU READY
TO LAY IT ALL DOWN? OR, will you turn away and forsake
what is perhaps your last call and opportunity to make things
right with your Maker and Judge? To refuse to fully come to
repentance upon reading these words, is to kiss the gates of
Heaven and turn and militantly march through the gates of
hell.
Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye

upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake
his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and
let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mer-
cy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly
pardon. Isaiah 55:6-7
Your Prayer of Complete Surrender and Repentance:
Father in Heaven, I have sinned against You grossly and have

no one to blame except myself. I have rebelled and done things
my way and not Yours. Holy Father, I hasten to repent. I now
beg You in this very instant to forgive me and cleanse my soul of
all the iniquity and sin I have committed. Wash me with Your
sinless, holy blood Jesus and make me a new creature in Christ.
From this moment forward I will follow You to the end of my life!
I am ready to suffer persecution for Your precious Name Jesus,
my LORD and my God. I lay my life in Your hands, never to take
it up again unto myself. Father, into Thine hands I commend/
commit my spirit. From this moment forward I will never be
ashamed of You again but will proclaim Your salvation to others
as I eagerly look for Your soon return. Amen.
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Lie of Ages
Chapter Thirteen
SOUL-DAMMING SINS
Are there Sins that will Damn the Soul?
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are

THESE; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lascivi-
ousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emu-
lations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings,
murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of
the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in
time past, that they which do such things SHALL
NOT inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
If there were a list of deadly sins, which are sure to damn your
soul to eternal hell, would you want to know about that list?
Because of His abundant mercy, lists of specific sins that pro-

voke the LORD to anger are listed in Holy Writ. This is in order
to warn men and bless them to escape His sure judgment to
come on those who walk in such rebellion.
Lets observe a brief definition of the 17 manifestations of the

sinful nature listed here in Galatians 5:19-21 a much ne-
glected text:
Adultery looking on another to lust (in person or via tech-
172
nology); unlawful relations involving a married person. Adultery
is defined in Scripture as any sex involving the heart and/or
body that is outside of holy matrimony where God designed it
to be enjoyed between one man and one woman (Matt. 5:28;
Heb. 13:4).
Fornication every and all forms of illicit sexual activity,

whether in thought or deed. Any sexual activity outside of holy
matrimony.
Uncleanness anything opposite of purity; all forms of sexu-

al impurity.
Lasciviousness licentiousness, lust, lewdness, unchastity.

Anything promoting or inciting sexual lust; lack of restraint.
Idolatry image worship. This includes anything other than

the LORD upon which the affections are passionately set.
Witchcraft sorcery. The practice of dealing with evil spirits,

magical incantations, casting spells or charms by means of
drugs or potions to inflict harm on another. Witchcraft includes
the evil manipulation or control of others by any means.
Hatred enmity, bitter dislike, malice, abhorrence; tendency

to hold grudges against or be angry with another.
Variance discord, dissentions, quarrelling, debating and

disputes.
Emulations striving to excel at the expense of another per-

son; seeking to surpass or outdo another.
Wrath rage; determined enduring anger; fierce indignation

with turbulent passions.
Strife disputations, strife about words, angry contentions;

vindictive endeavor to repay another evil for evil.
Seditions parties, factions; stirring up strife among people.
Heresies the rejection of truth for fallacy; departure from

divinely revealed truth.
Envyings ill will toward anothers good fortune.
Murders to kill or mar the happiness of another.
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Lie of Ages
Drunkenness intoxication from the overuse of alcohol.
Revellings rioting; lascivious and boisterous feastings in-

cluding obscene music and other sinful activities; carousing.
These are the exact soul-damning works of the flesh the

apostle Paul speaks of in this same passage when he declares
that they that are Christs have crucified the flesh with
the affections and lusts. (Gal. 5:19, 24)
Regretfully, in this hour of great apostasy, scarcely do we hear

leaders tend to this divinely inspired biblical doctrine. Why is
this vital part of the Bible intentionally avoided by so many?
Has your pastor taken you through these lists of defiling sins
in Galatians 5 and Matthew 15? Why would any truth-seeking
servant of Christ want to purposely evade such an important
portion of Bible truth? Why would any true under-shepherd
not want to prepare and warn those he speaks to concerning
the judgment of the Almighty upon all who do not repent of
sin?
As a result of such empty leadership, so many today who fully

believe in their own minds that they are saved, will not be in
Heaven (Matt. 7:21-23; 25:1-3; Lk. 6:46). They want to make
up their own rules partly due to the epidemic of false leader-
ship that refuses to acknowledge this text. Yet, it is interesting
because most men in leadership tend to the very verses follow-
ing this Galatians 5 passage but refuse to delve into the divine-
ly inspired contents of verses 19-21 of Galatians 5. Most men
will read or preach and acknowledge the nine dimensions of
the fruit of the Spirit and yet refuse to deal honestly and
openly with the LORD by tending equally to the works of the
flesh in this same exact passage (Gal. 5:19-23). This is tragic
and yet the LORD holds each of us personally responsible to
know and obey the contents of His Word (Hos. 4:6; Jn. 5:39; 2
Tim. 2:15; Heb. 5:11-14; 1 Pet. 2:2).
If Gods very Word clearly tells us in this Galatians 5 Bible pas-

sage that any person who partakes of any one of these seven-
teen sins SHALL NOT inherit the kingdom of God, should
we dare question it? Alternatively, should we simply believe,
embrace, and declare this Bible truth? It is moral cowardess to
do anything but receive, believe, and resolutely communicate
this truth - Preach the word; be instant in season, out of
season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and
174
doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure
sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to
themselves teachers, having itching ears. (2 Tim. 4:2-3)
It is not fair that this generation be left without the plain truth
of the holiness of the Almighty who they will soon stand before
to be judged. Isnt it only equitable that those who are at vari-
ance with the LORD and going to hell know so? Did He not give
us the commission to warn them? (Ps. 9:17; Matt. 3:7-8; Acts
2:40; 2 Cor. 5:11)
Perhaps so many leaders limit themselves to the scant volume

of verses they learned in their so-called higher learning institu-
tions. Alternatively, many do not want to deal with this truth
because it is not all about Christ but rather about growing
their own name and church business. Therefore, they deal with
self-serving surface issues instead of mans core dilemma for
which Jesus came to die (solve) sin.
There are many Calvinists today who will dare you to come up
with any sin that can undo the great salvation of God and tie
this together with Christs perfect work of redemption on the
cross. This is misguided thinking at best. This reveals com-
plete denial of biblical truth and intellectual dishonesty. Jesus
sacrifice and redemptive work is a perfect work and yet the
choice is left up to the individual to receive and abide in His
salvation. Did we not just read in Galatians 5:19-21 of seven-
teen specific sins that defile and disqualify one from Gods
kingdom?
Did Christ Teach that Sin Defiles and Disqualifies?
Jesus and His apostles told us that sin defileth men and
even named those sins which defile out of His love for us so
we would specifically know what offends His holiness and re-
veals a backslidden heart (Matt. 15:19-20; Gal. 5:19-21). He
has disclosed to us His holy will in intricate detail and we are
therefore without excuse and will be without excuse on that
Great and Terrible Day of Judgment that hastens toward us.
Does sin separate us from the one, true holy God? (Isa. 59:2;
Rom. 6:23; Acts 1:25; Gal. 5:17-19; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Rev. 21:8,
27) If sin does not separate men from God then why in the world
did Jesus come and do all that He did? Are men now free to sin
because they at one point repented and received Christ? No!
(Rom. 6:1-2, 15, etc.). Did the LORD not tell His very own cove-
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Lie of Ages
nant people that their sins had separated them from Him? (Isa.
59:2) What has changed in that regard? Nothing! The wages of
sin is still death and those who die in sin will spend eternity
separated from He who is Holy, holy, holy. (Isa. 6:3; Rom.
6:23; Rev. 4:8; 21:8, 27) Did the unchanging God of perfection
somehow lose His unchanging divine attribute of holiness at
the moment He saved me? If not, why would I vainly believe
that my sins could not separate me from Him?
Are we so blinded and deluded that we vainly believe that there

is some other way outside what He told us in His holy Word?
The way of holiness is the only way (Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 1:15-
16).
Let us never forget or lose track of the truth that the LORD
looketh on the heart. (1 Sam. 16:7) The LORD taught that
sin that defiles comes out of the heart of man. Of this truth Je-
sus said Hear, and understand.
And he called the multitude, and said unto them,

Hear, and understand...And Jesus said, Are ye also
yet without understanding? Do not ye yet under-
stand that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth
goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the
draught? However, those things, which proceed out
of the mouth, come forth from the heart; and they
defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil
thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts,
false witness, blasphemies: These are the things
which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands
defileth not a man. Matthew 15:10, 16-20
Christ informs us here of seven specific sins that violate divine

holiness. After listing them, He says, These are the things
which defile a man. The word defile simply means to
make unholy or unfit to be in Gods holy presence. Here in
Matthew 15 Christ informs us all that the sins that might pro-
ceed from ones life come forth out of the heart and defile
the man. Jesus lists seven specific sins that He says defile
the man or make him unholy in the eyes of the Almighty:
evil thoughts
murders
176
adulteries
fornications
thefts
false witness
blasphemies
Now if the very Son of God says these sins defile the man,
do you honestly think a person manifesting these sins from a
defiled heart is prepared to meet Him who is Holy, holy, ho-
ly? (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8) Anyone want to argue with the Alpha
and Omega Himself? Of these sins the LORD says These are
the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen
hands defileth not a man. (Matt. 15:20) In rightly dividing
the word of truth, we observe that some things defile and some
do not. We see here that there are things that do not defile a
man, outward things like not washing the hands or other man
made religious ordinances that do not pertain to godliness as
the LORD defines it in His Word (Matt. 23). And yet, Jesus
Christ here names seven sins that proceed from alienated
hearts and defile men so that they cannot be in His presence or
grace unless they return to Him in repentance (Heb. 4:14-16;
8:12; 1 Jn. 1:9).

Exodus 32:33
Below is an unfortunate quote from a modern ministry that has

worldwide influence:
When we do sin, God does not reject us or disown us. Our fel-
lowship with Him may be broken, but our relationship is not;
we are still members of His family if we have truly committed
our lives to Christ. (BGEA Salvation Q and A Index #9, Fre-
quently Asked Questions, Internet)
Today it seems that the pulpits and Christian media venues

are filled with those who psychoanalyze, water-down, and psy-
chologize everything while avoiding Bible words and themes
like identifying and calling sin - sin, the necessity of personal
holiness, eternal judgment, and being ready for the soon return
of Jesus. When one is in the ministry to please himself instead
of Jesus, he will choose those things he wishes to reveal to peo-
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Lie of Ages
ple in light of how it will affect or influence his audience, in-

stead of pleasing God by declaring His full-counsel.
The hireling wolf makes himself known by his refusal to lead

by openly acknowledging and declaring the full-counsel of the
LORD (2 Tim. 3:10, 13). Such a person is a deceiver who inten-
tionally dodges doctrines and passages that have a negative
nature to the one who is living in darkness (Jn. 3:19-21). The
deceiver identifies himself by not uncovering the sins of Gods
people (Lam. 2:14). Full-counsel Gospel truth (includes endur-
ing to the end to be saved Matt. 10:22; 1 Cor. 15:2) will not
help self-serving leaders win friends and influence people to
their own selfish purposes. By withholding they lead people
away from Christ (Hos. 4:6; Matt. 22:29). It certainly will not
draw the masses of self-serving counterfeits and fill their hous-
es of entertainment. Have you seen this pattern and tendency
among those in leadership in the church world in this late
hour?
For more information on the antichrist purpose-driven, ecu-

menical, seeker-friendly agenda, see the ministry site and sign
up to receive regular emails. SafeGuardYourSoul.com
False prophets, whom Christ warned us to avoid, will not

preach on sin, righteousness, and judgment (Jn. 16:7-8; Acts
24:25). We must beware of the numerous warnings in Scrip-
ture of false prophets among us (Matt. 24:4-5, 11, 24; 1 Tim.
4:1-6; 2 Tim. 3:1-7, 13; 2 Pet. 2-3; Jude 1). Can we not also
acknowledge and agree that each individual believer is entirely
personally responsible to the LORD to acknowledge and obey
the divine fullness of His Counsel given us in His Word? He
gave to His Church His written Word that we might always
know when and if we are not aligned with His truth and be ful-
ly pleasing to Him (Jn. 20:31; 1 Cor. 10:11). This passage in
Galatians 5 that we are examining in this chapter which details
what fruit pleases and displeases Him, is certainly one of those
definitive and important truth texts He gave to His people (Gal.
5:19-23). The works of the flesh are spelled out so that
those who are doing these things can definitively understand
that they are not pleasing the LORD and in danger of hellfire.
When is the last time your pastor taught through Galatians

5:19-24?
178
Why did the Almighty choose to specifically list out these sev-
enteen sins (violations of His holiness)? Was He merely filling
space? What was His purpose? Is it because He is out to get
us? Alternatively, is it rather that He is holy and He so loves
us? It is clear that the LORD wanted His children to know
when they were not aligned with Him. Perhaps He desires us to
be so close to Him that if our hearts drift, we can know it by
seeing ourselves in these sins of the flesh and repent and re-
turn to Him.
Beloved, lest anyone think that this needy person possesses an

undue view of himself, please know that this writer is a mere
man who like Elijah and Paul is a man subject to like pas-
sions and fully and personally understands the gravitational
pull of evil (Rom. 6-7; James 5:17). Temptation to sin is a daily
reality (Gal. 5:16-17). That we all sin is no mystery, but to deny
truth and make up our own doctrines and false god to justify
our sins, is treason! The LORD is calling us to be honest-
hearted disciples who love Him supremely more than sin and
ourselves!
Should we consider the Almighty harsh for giving us these lists

of sins that violate Him? Alternatively, do we consider Him to
be as He told us He is holy? Did He not give us ample fair
warning that all sin will be judged, either by repentance now or
when it is too late - when one stands before His holy throne in
trembling ruins?
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: That the righteousness of the law might
be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but
after the Spirit. Romans 8:3-4
Jesus came, not to grant free license to sin, but to the contrary,
to forever judge sin in the flesh, by the sacrifice of His own
body and to grant the blessed power to live in the Spirit and
not live in sin. Because Jesus forever judged sin in the flesh by
His perfect sacrifice, He defeated all notions and excuses for
sin. There will be no defense when we stand before Him naked
on Judgment Day. Why then would any person claiming to
know Christ teach anything that justifies the sins that violate
His holiness?
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Lie of Ages
What does the Holy Spirit promise will happen to any person
who has the fruit of any of these works of the flesh mani-
festing in his life?
of the which I tell you before, as I have also told

you in time past, that they which do such things
SHALL NOT inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians
5:19-21
If committed without repentance, any one of these sins listed in

Galatians 5 will damn the soul or there would be no reason
for the divinely inspired transmission of this text. The seven-
teen sins listed in this Bible passage reveal that the LORD is
holy and is warning us of exactly what offends Him. The fact of
the existence of this important passage reveals that God loves
His people. Anyone committing these sins can plainly know he
is out of a pleasing relationship with Jesus and choose to re-
pent and turn back to the LORD. When the heart is in true fel-
lowship with Christ, the fruit of the Spirit will be produced
as listed in Galatians 5:22-23.
Like Esau, Judas, and many others throughout history, sin

can and will harden the heart and if not repented of, will result
in unalterable apostasy (Heb. 3:12-15; 6:4-6; 12:14-15).
It is the dishonest heart that can look dead at a Holy Spirit-

inspired Scripture and diminish ought from it (Deut. 4:2).
How prideful we are! How arrogant! What audacity! Taking
away from Gods Word brings a curse (Prov. 30:5-6; Rev. 22:18
-19).
Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes

and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do
them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the
land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.
Ye shall not add unto the word which I command
you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye
may keep the commandments of the LORD your God
which I command you. Your eyes have seen what
(judgment) the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all
the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God
hath destroyed them from among you. But ye that
did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every
one of you this day. Behold, I have taught you stat-
utes and judgments (gave you my written Word),
180
even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye
should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.
Keep therefore and do them (the words of God)
Deuteronomy 4:1-6
Here Gods covenant people are specifically reminded by the

LORD of His fierce anger when Israel sinned against Him
because of Baalpeor. See Numbers 25. Remember the
24,000 Israelites who were killed for idolatry, spiritual adultery
and fornication? (Num. 25) Here in Deuteronomy Gods cove-
nant people are reminded of the holy wrath of the God who
saved them and are exhorted to take heed and not diminish
ought from His Word by distorting His clear truth and making
up false doctrines to justify living in sin. The Almighty is un-
changing. He will judge His people for their sins if they choose
not to return to Him fully repentance (Ezek. 18:30; 33:12-13; 1
Pet. 4:17-18; Rev. 3:19).
In verse 4 here of Deuteronomy chapter 4 we are reminded of

the glorious promise of the keeping grace and power of our
great God who preserves His own who remain in fellowship
with Him But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God
are alive every one of you this day.
Saints, do we believe the Word of God? If so, we are obligated

by a holy conviction to embrace all of it because ALL scrip-
ture is given by inspiration of God. (2 Tim. 3:16)
There are those who would pose the question: At what point
does the LORD cut a person off? It is wise to allow Him to an-
swer this question for Himself by observing what He told us in
His Word. All human reasoning must be crucified and the Word
of God honored as full and final authority concerning this mat-
ter. Let God be true and every man a liar. (Rom. 3:4)
Remember that divine truth is never based upon what a sinful

man or men wish it to be. Instead, divine truth is immutable,
unchanging, binding, and before determined by the Judge of
all.
God has magnified His Word above even His very name! Those
who truly serve Him in truth, magnify His Words and not those
of mere men or contrary doctrines. The mark of a true disciple
will be that he searches out and magnifies Gods written Word
above all else and allows it to supersede the voice, notion or
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Lie of Ages
teachings of all that does not align (Ps. 138:2; Jn. 5:39; 8:47;
Acts 17:11).
The Bible clearly tells us that if one is not in the state of holi-
ness through intimate relationship with Christ (abiding), that
person simply will not go to Gods holy Heaven when he leaves
the earth, whether that be in the catching away or upon death.
Many ask a valid question that the Scripture answers and here
it is - Are there certain sins, which disqualify a person from
Heaven? If so, which ones and says who?

the kingdom of God? BE NOT DECEIVED: neither
fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effemi-
nate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind
(homosexuals), Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunk-
ards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the
kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Did you see the 10 sins listed here which will exclude any per-
son living in them from inherit(ing) the kingdom of God?
According to 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, here are those souls who

the eternal Judge and LORD says will not inherit the king-
dom of God:
Fornicators
Idolaters
Adulterers
Effeminate
Abusers of themselves with man-
kind (homosexuals)
Thieves
Covetous
Drunkards
Revilers
Extortioners
Overcoming these sins cannot be internally accomplished by
self-effort and soul power.
182
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not
fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16
Again, the question: Do certain sins (sins unto death - Rom.

6:16; 1 Jn. 5:16) disqualify a person who was once in grace,
from Heaven/eternal life, if he doesnt repent?
But the fearful (spiritual cowards, men pleasers),

and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers,
and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and
all liars, shall have their part in the lake which bur-
neth with fire and brimstone: which is the second
death. Revelation 21:8
Here is another list of those the LORD tells us shall have

their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brim-
stone:
Fearful (spiritual cowards, men pleasers)

Unbelieving
Abominable
Murderers
Whoremongers
Sorcerers
Idolaters
All liars
Revelation 21:8 lists eight soul-damning sins. These divinely
inspired laborious lists beg the following question: Why does
God take so much time and effort to give a detailed list of these
sins to His very own people? If it only required one to believe
and be saved at one moment in ones life and he was eternally
secure regardless of what he did after that one magic moment of
faith, then why the specific list?

house we are, IF WE HOLD FAST THE CONFIDENCE
and the rejoicing of the hope FIRM UNTO THE END.
Hebrews 3:6
Five sins kept Israel (Gods covenant people) out of their prom-
ise land of blessings and will keep us out if we choose to live
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Lie of Ages
separated from the presence of God in sin.
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjec-

tion: lest that by any means, when I have preached
to others, I myself should be a castaway. Moreover,
brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant,
how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all
passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto
Moses in the cloud and in the sea; (represents salva-
tion) And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did
all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of
that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that
Rock was Christ. However, with many of them God
was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in
the wilderness. Now these things were our examples,
to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as
they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were
some of them; as it is written, The people sat down
to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us
commit fornication, as some of them committed,
and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Nei-
ther let us tempt Christ, as some of them also
tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither
murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and
were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things
happened unto them for ensamples: and they are
written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of
the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh
he standeth take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians
9:27; 10:1-12
Here are the five sins that kept Gods people out of His bless-
ings:
Lust
Idolatry
Fornication
Tempting Christ
Murmuring
For the sake of remembrance, let us use the acronym
L.I.F.T.M. here. Each letter corresponds to one of these five
deadly sins, which disqualify the people of the LORD from en-
184
tering into His resting place ultimately Heaven.
We all need to L.I.F.T.M. up (these sins) to the LORD in repent-

ance and for His perfect forgiveness and cleansing. God the Ho-
ly Spirit warns us here through Pauls pen, that Israel and
these sins are examples. (1 Cor. 10:6, 11) to all New Testa-
ment believers. The clear message here is that God is a holy
Judge and destroys those of his who depart from His presence
and go back into sinfulness (transgressors Ps. 68:21; 73:28;
125:5, etc.). If not ridded out of our lives, any one of these five
sins WILL keep us out of our promised land. God is holy.
This simple acronym should help us to remember these sins

and remain separate from these things, which displease our
Savior. May He bless and quicken our hearts today to cry out
to Him to increase as we decrease and to grant us the spirit
of holiness. (Rom. 1:4)
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things
of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the
things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is
death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Romans 8:5-6
Just after he detailed the 17 works of the flesh, the Holy Spirit
gives us the nine dimensions of the evidence of the LORDs
workings in that person who is truly abiding in Him.
But the fruit (evidence) of the Spirit is love, joy,

peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no
law. Galatians 5:22-23
Based on whom a person is serving, the fruit or evidence of

that entity will be manifested in his life. Consider the following
words from Romans 8:
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the

flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the
flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do
mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as
many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the
sons of God. Romans 8:12-14
Can you identify the divine promise in the following verse of
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Lie of Ages
Scripture?
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and

that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man
defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for
the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1
Corinthians 3:16-17
The following is a divine command:
Keep thyself pure. 1 Timothy 5:22
L.I.F.T.M. up to Christ the Redeemer and Forgiver of the sins of

His people upon repentance.
When we see sinful manifestations of the fallen nature in our

lives, we should recognize that this reveals that our hearts are
not right with God. This is a blessing to us from our LORD in
that He gave us exact knowledge of what He considers to be
sin, so that we never need to wonder, but can always have a
measurement of where we are in Him.
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not

fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth
against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh:
and these are contrary the one to the other: so that
ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be
led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Galatians
5:16-18
More Sin Lists
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the

earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection,
evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idol-
atry: For which things sake the wrath of God
cometh on the children of disobedience: In the
which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in
them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath,
malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your
mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have
put off the old man with his deeds; Colossians 3:5-9
Here in Colossians 3, the Word informs us that there are six

sins For which things sake the wrath of God cometh on
the children of disobedience.
186
Fornication
Uncleanness
Inordinate affection (exceeding reasonable limits,
excessive)
Evil concupiscence (secret desire for that which is
forbidden, i.e., fantasies, fantasizing of sinful activi-
ties)
Covetousness
Idolatry
Ephesians 5:
For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor un-

clean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater,
hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of
God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for be-
cause of these things cometh the wrath of God upon
the children of disobedience. Ephesians 5:5-6
Notice that after the Holy Spirit here lists four violations
against the holiness of God (sins), He says: Let no man de-
ceive you with vain words: for because of these things
cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedi-
ence. (Eph. 5:6)
Whoremonger
Unclean person
Covetous man
Idolater
He tells us here that no person who is living outside of fellow-
ship with the LORD and therefore committing these sins, hath
any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God and
to Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of
these things (these sins named) cometh the wrath of God
upon the children of disobedience. (Eph. 5:5-6)
He is here telling believers to never be deceived into thinking

that any person practicing these sins has an inheritance in the
eternal kingdom of God. Saint of the LORD, here in this pas-
sage, the Holy Spirit instructs us to never allow any leader to
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Lie of Ages
seduce our hearts and convince our minds that sin does not
endanger the eternal soul.
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pil-

grims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against
the soul. 1 Peter 2:11
Living in temporal sin endangers the eternal soul.
Here are seven the deadly sins of Proverbs 6:
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven

are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying
tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An
heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be
swift in running to mischief, A false witness that
speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among
brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19
A proud look
A lying tongue
Hands that shed innocent blood
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations
Feet that be swift in running to mischief
A false witness that speaketh lies
He that soweth discord among brethren
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let
us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh
and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2
Corinthians 7:1

188
That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that
thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the
LORD thy God giveth thee. Deuteronomy 16:20
The LORD told us that there would be those who professed to

know Him and yet by their works they deny Him. These works
of the flesh which we have studied here are not according to
Christ. They are not the character of Jesus and reveal a life
that is not conformed to His holy image (Rom. 8:29). These
characteristics should never be manifesting in the life of the
disciple of Jesus.

The danger of losing out with God may harsh reality to you. It
is nonetheless biblically true. We must crucify emotions and
live by divine truth; letting God be true and any other teaching
or emotional feeling to be the liar (Rom. 3:3-4).
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not
unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways
acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
The LORD told us to watch and pray that ye enter not into
temptation and to exhort one another daily, while it is
called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the de-
ceitfulness of sin. (Matt. 26:41; Heb. 3:13) Also: But ex-
horting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the
day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have
received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no
more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of
judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the ad-
versaries. (Heb. 10:25-27)
Do we not rather desire to abide in the place of blessing with

our LORD? Do we not long to experience His hand of blessing
upon our lives as we live in harmony with Him?
If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their

days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. Job
36:11
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Lie of Ages
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh

reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit
shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us
not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall
reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:8-9
When and if we see any of these sins manifesting in our lives,

we can be sure that there is the sin of unbelief, spiritual adul-
tery, and idolatry causing a strained connection between the
LORD and ourselves. Such a breach can be remedied by godly
repentance, which re-establishes the Lordship of Christ and a
fresh drawing near to the Savior, releasing our whole lives to
Him alone who is worthy.
Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my

feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou
hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him,
Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my
head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth
not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit:
and ye are clean, but not all. John 13:8-10
The LORD would have us to learn how to receive a fresh

cleansing and start that we might serve Him with clear con-
science. Contacting the blood of Christ makes such possible!
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through
the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God,
purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living
God? (Heb. 9:14) He desires to separate us from the stain of
past sins that we might serve Him in the fullness of His love
and Spirit. Brethren, I count not myself to have appre-
hended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things
which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things
which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 3:13-14) Note
here that in order to be able to reach forward unto those di-
vinely ordained things, which lie before us and press toward
the mark of knowing Christ more, we must first deliberately
choose to forget those sins, which He has forgiven upon our
confession.
May our precious LORD help us to learn to be blessed with His

holy grace in washings on an ongoing basis as we confess and
forsake our sins and are cleansed afresh by His blood.
190
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto
you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and
truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his
Son Jesus ChristBut if we walk in the light, as he
is in the light, we have fellowship one with another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us
from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we de-
ceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we con-
fess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If
we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar,
and his word is not in us. 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: And he is the propitiation for
our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins
of the whole world. 1 John 1:3, 7-10; 2:2
The Place of Blessedness
Quoting Davids words in Psalm 32, the apostle Paul writes:
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the

man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness with-
out works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities
are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is
the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Ro-
mans 4:6-8
The blessed place is in a real walk with God, one that is faith
-filled, accountable, repentant, full of trust, teachable, and obe-
dient. As we walk in His holy light, the blood of Jesus Christ
His Son cleanses us from all sin!
PRAYER: LORD Jesus, bless me to abide in You to please You in

all my ways, bringing forth fruit unto eternal life while eagerly
looking for Your soon return. Give me the spirit of holiness.
I now commend my spirit into Your holy care. I lay my life in
Your hands Jesus. I love You Master. Holy Father, let Your grace
flood my being and I will guard my heart against any seducing
spirit. Thank You Father in Jesus name!
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Lie of Ages
Chapter Fourteen
ARTIFICIAL ASSURANCE
Message of the False Prophets
ye shall even warn them that they trespass not

against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and
upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not tres-
pass. 2 Chronicles 19:10
In 2 Chronicles 19:10 the LORD instructed king Jehoshaphat

to warn His people not to trespass against Him so that
wrath would not come upon them. By this and the whole of
Holy Scripture, we know He gave us His Word to protect us
from the wrath sure to come upon all those who violate His ho-
liness and refuse to return to Him.
It is the belief of this writer that throughout the 6,000 years of

history leading up to this present hour, millions upon millions
of souls have been claimed for hells kingdom via this lie of the
ages which disregards numerous biblical doctrines including
the necessity of a living and sincere, obedient faith, real repent-
ance, the holiness of God, and the fear of the LORD.
According to this passage (2 Chron. 19:10) and the whole

counsel of God, we observe that the enemy of all souls seeks to
devour the souls of men from strategic angles. His wicked aim
192
is:
To get Gods people to sin against the LORD that they

might receive His judgment, and,
To make Gods people believe that they have security
and assurance in their relationship with the LORD
even if they choose to live in sin.
The devil has cleverly lied to man from the beginning, convinc-
ing him that he would not surely die or incur divine judg-
ment if he disobeyed. Look at 2 Chronicles 19:10 again:

against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you 2
Chronicles 19:10
The evil one knows that God keeps His Word and that those of
His covenant people who return to sinning trespass, will
receive His holy wrath. Satan knows that Gods people are
not secure while living in sin. Remember, this is the former Lu-
cifer, the anointed cherub, who received the judgment of the
Almighty for his own iniquity (Ezek. 28).
Are you beginning to see this picture? And how the evil one
works from both sides of the relationship between God and His
people and through many in leadership?
False assurance is deadly. Many today believe and teach that

those Christians who are living in sin are still going to Gods
holy Heaven. The inferred message that any person living out-
side of holiness is going to Heaven is lethal.
The false gospel of OSAS (once saved always saved) does not
demand a changed life, instead it says that there is no need for
a changed life which is contrary to the true Gospel (Matt. 3:7-
8). Wrong beliefs provide a comfortable place for the deceitful
heart to flourish and go unchecked. The false teaching of OSAS
cloaks the sinful heart behind a veil of deception and false as-
surance. Any person in leadership who does not preach the
original Gospel, calling for repentance and a holy life, is perpe-
trating a false gospel. The true Gospel calls for repentance and
complete change. The LORD calls for fruit that proves there is
holiness and a changed life (Matt. 3:7-8; 2 Cor. 5:17-18).
In his book entitled The Disciple-Making Minister, David Servant
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Lie of Ages
writes:
When ministers assure people of their congregations

who act like goats that they are saved, they are telling
them the exact opposite of what God wants them to be
told. That minister is working against Christ. He is taking
sides against what Jesus wants such people to be told
according to what he said in Matthew 25:31-46. The en-
tire point of what Jesus said there was to warn the
goats. He doesnt want them to think they are going to
heaven. p. 5
It is no new thing that deceivers today preach a judgment-proof

message to those who have been saved. This message lands on
the hearts of those who are living in holiness as well as those
who are living in sin. Look closely at what the LORD cited the
false prophets of Jeremiahs day for. They gave assurance to
those who were not living fully sanctified to the LORD.
Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have

they loved to wander, they have not refrained their
feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them; he
will now remember their iniquity, and visit their
sins. Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this
people for their good. When they fast, I will not hear
their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an
oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume
them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the
pestilence. Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the
prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword
(judgment), neither shall ye have famine; but I will
give you assured peace in this place. Then the LORD
said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my
name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded
them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto
you a false vision and divination, and a thing of
nought, and the deceit of their heart. Jeremiah
14:10-14
Though they had the outward appearance or form of godliness,

these people were living in sin and the false prophets among
Gods covenant people were teaching them that they shall not
see the sword of divine judgment, even though they were liv-
ing unholy lives. This was the same lie told to Adam and Eve in
194
the Garden Ye shall not surely die. (Gen. 3:4) Satan told
the woman that she would not be separated from the LORD if
she disobeyed Him. We all know what happened and that God
kept His Word and cut man off, ushering him out of His holy
presence (Gen. 3).
In Jeremiah 14:10-14 the Bible says that the false prophets

were promising life and peace to those who:
Loved to wander (v10)

They have not refrained their feet (v10)
The LORD doth not accept them (v10)
He (the LORD) will now remember their iniquity,
and visit their sins (v10)
Instead of these leaders warning these sinning people of certain
judgment, they promised them assured peace. (Jer. 14:13)
How tragic that some people do not love and seek out divine
truth for themselves and are therefore misled by false leader-
ship (2 Thess. 2:10-12; 2 Tim. 4:3-4). This is the false vision
given by deceived leaders (Jer. 14:14).
They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of

my people slightly (superficially), saying, Peace,
peace; when there is no peace. Jeremiah 6:14
Liars
Testifying concerning his walk with the LORD and how he was
initially misled by his then leaders, Brian Ivey writes:
I was saved in my home church at the age of 12. I

knew then God had been speaking to my heart and went
down the aisle and said the prayer and repented and re-
ceived Jesus. My life was clearly changed as I had been
born again. Then, after being saved, I was immediately
told by those same pastors that I was once saved always
saved. I believed this and though knowing I had been
saved, I went right out and continued living a sinful life-
style. Since I was once saved always saved I reasoned
why should I change my ways? Well, being a brand new
believer in Christ, I took these leaders and their teaching
literally. Following this I grew older and was faced with
many temptations and I followed those temptations and
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Lie of Ages
did not resist them, thinking I was once saved always

saved. While living in sin I knew full well I was in the
wrong. I remembered what I was told, once saved al-
ways saved, and continued believing this for about 7
years. Then, I went to a friends church one night and
the leader was talking about salvation and that once
saved always saved was a lie from the devil. At the hear-
ing of this truth my heart was convicted again of my sins
and I repented afresh and went thru a discipleship pro-
gram on how to walk with God. Since then I have often
wondered how many people have been led astray to be-
lieve once saved always saved who really think that
they are eternally secure no matter how they live. This is
very disturbing. I was headed for destruction and didnt
know it, but God intervened and saved me again. My
prayer is that people will have the chance to know the
whole truth about salvation before its too late.
Was Brian offered biblically blessed assurance or blessed pre-

sumption? Brian was told that God loved Him yet there was no
hint to what the LORD required of him (Micah 6:8; 1 Pet. 1:15-
16). Brian was never told that the LORD wanted him to choose
to love God with all of his heart, mind and strength (Matt.
22:37-39; Jn. 14:21). Was this new believer (babe in Christ) led
to believe he could presume upon and take advantage of Gods
grace? (see Rom. 6:1-2, 15; 2 Cor. 6:1). Was Brian told about
denying the self-life and lifting up Jesus in all things, fearing
God, the essential of personal holiness, living his life by faith,
the danger of falling away, trusting and fully obeying the LORD
in all things He commanded, etc.? Was Brian instructed to
desire the sincere (pure) milk of the word to grow as a be-
liever and that Gods Word is final authority and to be studied
and obeyed? (Ps. 119; Lk. 4:4; 1 Pet. 2:2) Was this new believer
informed about nurturing intimacy in his new relationship with
Jesus? Was there any hint of personal responsibility and ac-
countability communicated to this new saint in order to help
him to walk at peace with the LORD? Or, was Brian given
mans blessing to be presumptuous upon the grace of God and
a license to be as irresponsible as he wished?
Brian is like millions today who have been lied to by their very
leaders to believe something the Bible never teaches an un-
conditional eternal security (Isa. 9:16).
196
Of the deluded religious leaders of his day, the prophet Ezekiel
says:
Because with lies ye have made the heart of the

righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and
strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he
should not return from his wicked way, by promising
him life. Ezekiel 13:22
Ezekiel the prophet cites the false teachers of his day for doing
two evil things:
1) With lies ye have made the heart of the right-

eous sad
2) Strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he
should not return from his wicked way, by prom-
ising him life
The Holy Spirit reveals here that the heart of the righteous
remnant is made sad by the false prophets who with lies
strengthen the position of those who while claiming to be fol-
lowers of Christ, live in unrepentant sin.
Those who teach unconditional eternal security lie against the

truth (James 3:14). In the LORDs eyes, they are liars.
Only a deceiver would give hope to a Christian who is living in

sin. It doesnt matter if one believes he is a deceiver or not, if
the Word of God reveals that we are teaching falsehood, such is
obvious (2 Tim. 3:7, 13; Tit. 1:10-12, 15-16).
Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye

say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say,
Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the
LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the
God of judgment? Malachi 2:17
How had Gods people wearied the LORD? When they said
that Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the
LORD, and he delighteth in them. Did you catch this? The
LORD said that it wearied Him when His people that were sin-
ning people (in the church) were said to be good in the sight
of the LORD and that He (the LORD) delighted in them.
God is holy and unchanging and does not see sinning people as
good or delightful, regardless of whether or not that person
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Lie of Ages
served the LORD in the past. The Word instructs The Lord
knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that
nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2 Tim.
2:19)
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that con-

demneth the just, even they both are abomination
to the LORD. Proverbs 17:15
Did you note here that those who justify the wicked are an
abomination to the LORD? The word abomination is one
of the strongest words of detestation in the Bible.
It is utterly presumptuous for men to promise to others an

eternal security that God Himself never promised to any person
who does not continue in obedience to Him. Perhaps this is
Satans most effective tool in rendering powerless those whom
the LORD saved. Immediately upon receiving Christ, they are
told to take it easy and enjoy your salvation. Kick back for you
are eternally secure no matter what you do or dont do, be-
cause your salvation is all, 100% of Gods grace. You have no
part in it!
After going to the altar, those who made a confession of faith

are then given a false security - one we never find on the pages
of Scripture. These men are offering a guarantee and assur-
ance that the Bible simply never offers or promises, especially
not to anyone who does not endure or continue in the faith to
the end of their earthly lives. As we see in the tragic testimony
of Brian Ivey, after going up to get saved the new convert is ba-
sically told Youre now eternally secure no matter what you
choose to do with your life because once you are saved you are
always saved, so all you need to be concerned about is just be-
ing a good church member and everything will be okay. This is
a clear example of the men the Bible warns us are turning
the grace of our God into lasciviousness and by good
words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the sim-
ple. (Rom. 16:17-18; Jude 3-4)
What deception! What a lie! This is the same message Satan

himself gave the first man and woman in the Garden. He told
them they had no need to obey God, because they would not
endanger their relationship with Him if they didnt obey Him.
The first man and woman believed the lie and soon found out
that the LORD kept His Word He removed them from His
198
presence and they had to choose to be reconciled to Him before
their relationship was restored.
Oh the blessed privilege of knowing Him! Those who truly love

Him abide in Him, and are secure.
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath be-

stowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of
God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it
knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God,
and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we
know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like
him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man
that hath this hope (of His return) in him purifieth
himself, even as he is pure. 1 John 3:1-3
A False Vision
The picture we get through the preponderance of Scripture is

that in His infinite wisdom, the Almighty lays life and death,
Himself and Satan, before all who dwell upon the earth.
As we see in Jeremiah 14, the message of the false prophets

then and now, whom the LORD has not sent and who
prophesy lies in my name, is that Ye shall not see the
sword (judgment), neither shall ye have famine; but I will
give you assured peace in this place.
In Jeremiah 14, listen to what the LORD says of false prophets

who give false assurance and security to those living in sin:
Prophesy lies in my name

I sent them not
Neither have I commanded them
Neither spake unto them
They prophesy unto you a false vision and divi-
nation, and a thing of nought
They prophesythe deceit of their heart
Under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Jeremiah says
that this false assurance was a false vision. It was then, and
it is now. In the economy of the unchanging God, living in sin
disqualifies any subject of His kingdom, causing them to forfeit
their place with Him until restored (if they choose to be). Mil-
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Lie of Ages
lions today have been and are being given this exact same
false vision. Like the people of God in Jeremiahs day, mil-
lions today are being assured peace no matter how they
choose to live their lives. These prophets whom he said
prophesy lies gave little or no warning to Gods covenant
people to live holy and yet they sought to assure them of an
eternal security the LORD Himself never promises to any per-
son who is not clearly set apart to the LORD. The LORD tells
us here that this is a false vision or false doctrine, and is
the message of false teachers who are turning the grace of
our God into lasciviousness. (Jude 4) Jude foretold of this
same lie emanating through ungodly men in the very last
days.
The Holy Spirit foretold that there would be those in the last
hour, who would heap to themselves false teachers, in or-
der to confirm them in their sins (2 Tim. 4:2-4). These deceiv-
ers use the holy name of the LORD in vain by putting His ap-
proval upon that which He condemns. In doing this they are
turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (license
to sin). (Jude 3-4) Compromisers seek to create a false securi-
ty zone for themselves so they can continue to soothe their
consciences while living in sin hence the once saved always
saved fable And he (Christ) said unto them, Ye are they
which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your
hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is
abomination in the sight of God. (Lk. 16:15)
I have personally discussed this subject with hundreds of peo-

ple who claim to be Christians and maintain that they love God
and His Word. I am not necessarily doubting each one of these
individuals sincerity, yet one can be sincere and at the same
time, be sincerely deceived (Prov. 14:12). Yet, when shown,
through volumes of Scripture that the Bible continually warns
of Gods judgment upon His very own people who depart from
Him to live in sin, and that the Scriptures nowhere teach or
hint of an unconditional eternal security, they push away.
Many of these people are so taken back and offended by the
divine truth they now have seen with their own eyes, that they
do not want to hear it again and will even avoid the messenger
who brought the truth to their attention (Amos 5:10). Many
simply do not want to endure sound doctrine. (2 Tim. 4:3)
After looking Gods holy Word straight in the face, they still re-
fuse to change what they believe, even when they have now
200
witnessed firsthand that it does not align or agree with divinely
-given truth.
Unfortunately, most people who believe in the unscriptural

teaching of once saved always saved do not have a compre-
hensive knowledge of Gods Word. They themselves certainly
didnt find such a teaching in the Bible, because it is not there
to be found. No, instead, they were taught this doctrine by men
and therefore have tainted glasses on when they read Scrip-
ture, forcing Gods Word to say what it simply does not say.
One must realize what is at stake in order to understand why

many believe the myth of once saved always saved. What is at
stake is those souls that are deluded with the message of a
false assurance that leads them to believe they are in right
standing with the LORD while living outside His will. That
Great and terrible Day of Judgment is coming. Many are intoxi-
cated with the wine of the fornication of this false assurance
teaching. The same people who have taught them this myth are
rarely heard teaching the biblical doctrine of personal responsi-
bility (Lk. 21:34-36; Heb. 12:14-15; Rev. 2-3). Many of those
deceived by this myth, do not want their false security zone
threatened and therefore do not want to hear any truth from
Scripture that demands real holiness, without which no
man shall see the LORD. (Heb. 12:14)
As is abundantly clear in Jeremiah 14, it is the message of de-

ceived men to teach a false assurance to those of Gods people
who are living in sin, or to teach it at all due to its ability to
lead to sin and apostasy as with the first man and woman.
Leaders who truly know the LORD warn their listeners of His
wrath to come upon all sin:
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we per-

suade men. 2 Corinthians 5:11
Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach,

warning every man, and teaching every man in all
wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in
Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving ac-
cording to his working, which worketh in me mighti-
ly. Colossians 1:27-29
In the absence of doctrines like the holiness and fear of the

LORD, naming and defining what sin is, and divine judgment
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Lie of Ages
to come, spiritually blind leaders give a false sense of security

in their messages, whether blatantly or subtly.
The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and

taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD;
and what wisdom is in them?...for every one from
the least even unto the greatest is given to covetous-
ness (greedy for self-gain), from the prophet even un-
to the priest every one dealeth falsely. For they have
healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slight-
ly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace
(false assurance). Were they ashamed when they had
committed abomination? nay, they were not at all
ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall
they fall among them that fall: in the time of their
visitation (Judgment Day) they shall be cast down,
saith the LORD. Jeremiah 8:9-12
Of the false prophets, the LORD said: For they have healed
the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying,
Peace, peace; when there is no peace (false assur-
ance). (v11) Here we see that the false teachers had convinced
the people of God that they could have peace and not fret
the judgment of God for their sins. Essentially, they were
taught an artificial assurance or security. This is what Satan
himself taught the first man and woman and it led directly to
their fall from grace.
True Assurance
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for

you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comfort-
er will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send
him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove
the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judg-
ment. John 16:7-8
Jesus assures us here in the John 16 passage above that the

Comforter or divine Person of the Holy Ghost, will come
unto you and reprove or convince the saint of
righteousness. That is, He, the Person of the Holy Spirit, liv-
ing inside of the person who is currently trusting fully in Je-
sus, will give confirmation of righteousness and son ship to
that believer.
202
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,
that we are the children of God. Romans 8:16
In contrast to mans futile attempt to give assurance to those

who listen to their fabrications and distortions, the abiding Ho-
ly Spirit alone can give assurance and confirmation of son ship
in the heart of the child of God.
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nev-

ertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have
believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep
that which I have committed unto him against that
day. 2 Timothy 1:12
True assurance of salvation only comes from the Holy Spirit as

the individual chooses to abide in Jesus. If a person freely
chooses to cease from living in the light with Christ, the assur-
ance will depart. And this is where the grace corrupters come
in to subvert the truth and teach their artificial brand of assur-
ance. No mere man can give assurance to his own heart much
less another mans heart. Leaders can seek to deceive the
minds of their hearers with false teaching, but divine peace on-
ly accompanies obedience to divine truth in the hearts of Gods
people (Ps. 119:165; Jn. 14:21, 23; Rom. 8:13-16).
Concerning His people and sinning, the LORD says: Were

they ashamed when they had committed abomination?
nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they
blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the
time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the
LORD. (v12) Here we see that the people didnt blush when
they sinned because they had bought into the lie of a false
peace, which brought an artificial assurance. Because of the
deceptive message of their leaders, the people believed they
were judgment proof.
Were they going to escape the judgment of the LORD?

Therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time
of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the
LORD. (Jer. 8:12) Damnation awaited those who did not re-
pent from this crass attitude toward the holiness of the LORD.
Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say

unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall
ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in
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Lie of Ages
this place. Then the LORD said unto me, The proph-
ets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, nei-
ther have I commanded them, neither spake unto
them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and div-
ination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of
their heart. Jeremiah 14:13-14
The message of false teachers is the same as their father the

devil. From the Garden till now there message is You are judg-
ment proof Ye shall not surely die. (Gen. 3:4) False
prophets teach sinning people they are safe and secure (Lam.
2:14). The hirelings of today refuse to inform people that their
inheritance can be discontinued and will be if they rebel.
And thou (Gods covenant people), even thyself,

shalt discontinue from thine heritage (inheritance)
that I gave theefor ye have kindled a fire in mine
anger, which shall burn for ever. Thus saith the
LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and
maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth
from the LORDO LORD, the hope of Israel, all that
forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart
from me shall be written in the earth, because they
have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living wa-
ters. Jeremiah 17:4-5, 13
Refusing to warn believers to beware lest they be spoiled

(ruined; shipwrecked) is equivalent to blatantly teaching a
falsehood. Warning saints not to depart from the LORD and
thereby be in danger of losing the inheritance God gave, is the
divine mandate placed upon all under-shepherds (Col. 1:18;
2:8). Any man who does not warn believers to Save your-
selves from this untoward generation is not being true to
Christ and should immediately be left unsupported by the rem-
nant of Gods people (Acts 2:40).
Always remember that its not only what a man teaches, but
also what truth he chooses to leave out of his messages. When
a leader intentionally leaves out essential Bible doctrines, he is
not a servant of Christ (Prov. 30:5-6; Acts 20:20, 27; 2 Tim.
3:16-17; 4:1-5; Rev. 22:18-19). Deceivers purposely omit to
preach doctrines like the fear of the LORD, the holiness of God,
judgment to come for all unrepentant sinners, the necessity of
personal sanctification, the depravity of man, the soon return
204
of Christ, eternal hell, etc.
Godly Leaders Uncover Sin and Call People to Repentance

2:14
As we witness here in Lamentations 2:14, one of the earmarks

of a false leader is that he teaches on vain and foolish
things while refusing to preach the full-counsel of Gods
Word, which includes specifically identifying what God calls sin
and the need for repentance for the remission of sins (see Lk.
24:47; Acts 3:19; 1 Jn. 1:7-9). In doing this, the beguiler keeps
Gods people in bondage to their sins (2 Pet. 2:19). The LORD
says of deceivers that they have not discovered (openly ex-
posed) thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity
(bondage). (Lam. 2:14)
Virtually all modern day limelight leaders do not mention sin

(Lk. 6:26). To do so would cause them to lose their audiences
which give them affluence and dollars. These hireling deceivers
account for some of the false prophets foretold in the last days
and certainly are a fulfillment of the great falling away we know
is occurring in this late hour (Matt. 24:3-5; 2 Thess. 2; 2 Tim.
4:2-4).
Those who do not preach on sin, by name, do not serve Christ

at all. They refuse to discover or uncover the sins of Gods peo-
ple and help them turn from iniquity and be delivered from the
judgment of God. Ezekiel the prophet warned: Repent, and
turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity
shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your trans-
gressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a
new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of
Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that di-
eth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and
live ye. (Ezek. 18:30-32)
Like today, in Jeremiahs day (the writer of Lamentations),

there was no warning from the leaders of judgment to come up-
on all who didnt truly worship the LORD supremely. Those
who had heart idols were heading straight for eternal damna-
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Lie of Ages
tion and their leaders could care less because they were more
interested in their little religious programs and business. In-
stead, these leaders of Israel were teaching the people that they
had nothing to fear since they were covenant children. The idea
conveyed was that same notion communicated by many today
that there is no divinely-given requirement to live holy. A big
surprise laid ahead for those in Israel who did not repent be-
fore it was too late, and the same eternal terror lies ahead for
all those alive today who have left their first love and are living
in sin. True godly leaders openly warn of the terror of the
LORD. (2 Cor. 5:11; Col. 1:28; 2:8).
There was no warning of danger and judgment concerning

turning back to sin (Lam. 2:14). There was no voice of truth
among these leaders of Gods covenant people. Gods Word is
replete with warnings about the peril of returning to sin after
being made righteous.
For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish:
thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from
thee. Psalms 73:27
The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and

if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye for-
sake him, he will forsake you. 2 Chronicles 15:2
Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art

gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand
against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with re-
penting. And I will fan them with a fan in the gates
of the land; I will bereave them of children, I will de-
stroy my people, since they return not from their
ways. Jeremiah 15:6-7
The hand of our God is upon all them for good that
seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all
them that forsake him. Ezra 8:22
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. 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 command-
206
ment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto
them according to the true proverb, The dog is
turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was
washed to her wallowing in the mire. 2 Peter 2:20-
22
I will destroy my people, since they return not from

their ways. Jeremiah 15:7
Here was the teaching of the false prophets in Jeremiahs day.

They gave a false vision of assurance of peace between the
people and God, even though these people were living in sin.
Like many today, these false teachers were painting a picture
on the hearts of their hearers of a false god. They were using
the age old message that subverts the truth of the holiness of
the one true God revealed in Holy Writ. These false prophets
eliminated the fact that God is a holy Judge and will punish all
sin. They fancied themselves in the concoction of a god who
would allow his people to do as they will because they were
his covenant children. In their message there was therefore no
need of ongoing repentance and obedient faith. This is contrary
to the divinely-given revelation of who the LORD is and what
His requirements are for His people. Make no mistake: This
message of false assurance is not new. It started in the Garden
of creation and is the exact same eternal security or once in
grace always in grace message of many of those in leadership
today and of most Bible commentaries in print. It may dawn a
new veneer, but it is the same diabolical and deadly lie as was
in the Garden. Beware! It is extremely unfortunate and regret-
ful that most of those leaders who have been made popular by
todays media technology have bought into, espouse and teach
this same unfounded myth.
When these fraudulent leaders were assuring sinning people of

eternal security, the Holy Spirit breathed this rebuke concern-
ing them:
Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have

they loved to wander, they have not refrained their
feet (from sinning), therefore the LORD doth not ac-
cept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and
visit their sins. Jeremiah 14:10
All sins not repented of, will be visited by the judgment of the
Most High.
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Lie of Ages
As we see in this verse, the false prophets were promising as-

surance to the same people the LORD said that He doth not
accept them and will now remember their iniquity and
visit their sins. The LORD is holy and was getting ready to
judge those who sinned among His people, while their leaders
were assuring them that they were secure and possessed im-
munity from divine retribution.
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not

according to this word, it is because there is no light
in them. Isaiah 8:20
One of the traits that define a false teacher is that He doesnt

speak what the unchanging God has told us in His Word. In-
stead, many evil workers who occupy leadership platforms to-
day contradict the Almighty. Here in our central text from Jere-
miah 14, we see that the LORD said He did not accept those
among His covenant people who were living in sin, and yet
their leaders were saying there was no coming sword of judg-
ment to fear from the LORD.
Has anything changed? No. Deceived men today teach this

same message, and in some cases are so deeply deluded, that
they attempt to make it a doctrine of the Christian faith.
Leaders Who Fear God, Uncompromisingly Teach His

Word
In contrast with the message of the false teachers, the message

of the true servant-leader of Christ is this:

Corinthians 7:1
What then? shall we sin, because we are not under

the law, but under grace? God forbid. Romans 6:15
Like Jesus apostle Paul, all genuine servants of Christ who

lead, seek to prepare His people in holiness to meet Him. Listen
to the divine truth, the heart of Paul, and observe the goal of
this true servant of Jesus:

WARNING every man, and teaching every man in all
208
Why did Paul tell us he preached, warned, and taught Gods

people? that we may present every man perfect in Christ
Jesus.
In stark contrast with the methods and message of the false

prophets, Paul labored with deep conviction to present every
man perfect in Christ Jesus. We see here in Colossians 1,
that this apostle of Jesus didnt labor to give assurance to
Gods people, but rather as he stated to present you holy
and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye con-
tinue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved
away from the hope of the gospel... (Col. 1:22-23)
The LORDs Word never speaks of an assurance apart from

present abiding in Christ.
In contrast to false teachers today, the holy prophets, Christ,

and His apostles gave no assurance to any person who was not
wholly sanctified to the LORD. Listen to the words of the apos-
tle John:
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when

he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be
ashamed before him at his comingMy little chil-
dren, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but
in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we
are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before
him. 1 John 2:28; 3:18-19
When the born again believer loves in word and deed, in seek-
ing God and doing good to all men, he reaps a clear conscience
and assurance in his heart (1 Tim. 1:5; 1 Jn. 3:18-21). Divinely
granted assurance and security comes from authentically walk-
ing with God being a doer of His Word. The conscience is
thereby blessed and assured. All other promised assurance is
artificial and cannot fill the heart but only deceive the mind.
Forsaking all voices that attempt to give an assurance apart
from holy living in the Holy Spirit, is the first step in severing
ourselves from this delusion.
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Lie of Ages
PRAYER: Jesus, sanctify my life in You. Strip me of all false

doctrine and false security and strike my heart with the fear of
God. Cause me to discern the false from the true and to remove
my life from those men and teachings which would seduce my
soul to live in sin. Probe the depths of my being and root out all
that doesnt align with Your holy Word. Plant and build into my
heart Your eternal truth and keep me in the way everlasting. I
love You Jesus, my LORD and Savior. Amen.
210
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Lie of Ages
Chapter Fifteen
WHAT ABOUT JUDAS?

The Son of Perdition Exposed
If once saved always saved is true, then what about Judas?
That he may take part of this ministry and

apostleship, from which Judas BY TRANSGRESSION
FELL, that he might go to his own place (hell). Acts
1:25
How did Judas fall away from the LORD? Can we let the One
he fell away from answer that important question? Judas BY
TRANSGRESSION FELL. (Acts 1:25) Note here that Judas did
not fall because he was predestined to fall by some divine pre-
selection, but because he made the deliberate and ongoing per-
sonal decision to live in sin against a holy God. The idea, as
supposed by the Calvinistic mindset, that the Almighty chose
Judas to transgress and betray the Son of God is obliterated by
numerous Scriptures, including James 1.
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted

of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither
tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted,
when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:
212
and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
James 1:13-15
This statement of divine authority clearly and forever establish-

es that the LORD never leads a person to sin. The LORD may
turn the unrepentant transgressor over to be deluded, but that
is only after that hardened offender has intentionally lived in
contempt against His holiness (2 Thess. 2:10-12). The glorious
grace of God, provided through Christs costly sacrifice, is not a
license for sin. Divine grace is rather the blessing of God for His
people to enable them to fellowship with Him and to please Him
fully and be fruitful in His holy kingdom. The Saviors grace is
supplied in ample and sufficient supply to those who truly
choose to love and serve Him.
First and foremost, Judas was not chosen beforetime to betray

the Son of God, but rather was one of Christs twelve, chosen to
love and to serve Him. The LORD did not foreordain that Judas
would fall but rather He simply foreknew that Judas would fall.
Judas was selected to be one of only twelve men Christ would
pour His life into (during His 3.5 year ministry on earth) in or-
der to lay the foundation of the New Testament Church. I be-
lieve that it is highly offensive to a holy God for any person
claiming to be His to indict Christ for purposefully bringing into
His ministry a man who was a devil (originally, when chosen).
The fact that Jesus knew from the beginning whoshould
betray him in no way alleviates God-given free will. Judas
never lost the divinely-given freedom of choice to choose and
to continue to decide whom he would serve.
But there are some of you that believe not. For Je-
sus knew from the beginning who they were that be-
lieved not, and who should betray him. John 6:64
Jesus knewwho should betray him. Such divine fore-

knowledge does not affect the moral choice He granted to every
man to exercise himself for or against the LORD (Rom. 6:16).
Faith is always a choice and a privilege. There are those who
believe and those who believe not. Believing and rebelling in
unbelief is a divinely-granted choice and each brings its own
reward from the One who made man with the ability to choose.
Those who exercise their faith toward the LORD please Him
and those who dont, displease Him (Rom. 1:16-18; Heb. 3:12-
15; 10:34-39; 11:6). In the case of Christs original twelve, elev-
en chose to initially and continually trust Christ through much
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Lie of Ages
tribulation and one freely chose to betray Him.
Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you

twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas
Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should
betray him, being one of the twelve. John 6:70-71
Of Judas, Christ told His twelve: One of you is a devil. Was

Judas a devil because God created him to be a devil or because
he by transgression fell from grace and became a devil? No-
where does the Word tell us that Judas was from the beginning
a devil but rather that Christ knew from the beginning (in His
divine foreknowledge) that Judas would betray Him. Jesus says
here that one of you is a devil. At the time of this state-
ment, Judas had already betrayed Christ in his heart and was
therefore a devil. The fact that he was a devil at that point
does not mean he was always a devil.
The Almighty inhabiteth eternity and therefore knows all

past, present and future (Isa. 57:15). Such divine fore-
knowledge (all-knowing) does not affect the free will He granted
to every man to exercise either for or against Him.
How could Judas always have been a devil if he was Jesus

own familiar friend and sent forth by Jesus Himself to rep-
resent Him in ministry? Satan entered Judas at the end of
Christs ministry which proves he was not always an agent of
the devil or a devil from the beginning but rather that he be-
came Christs enemy by his own deliberate choices.
Lets peek into the scenario on the very night before our Jesus
was crucified and observe how things unfolded:
Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which

is called the Passover. And the chief priests and
scribes sought how they might kill him; for they
feared the people. THEN entered Satan into Judas
surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the
twelve. And he went his way, and communed with
the chief priests and captains, how he might betray
him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted
to give him money. And he promised, and sought op-
portunity to betray him unto them in the absence of
the multitude. Luke 22:1-6
214
THEN entered Satan into Judas It was only then af-

ter the religious leaders sought to kill Jesus that Satan entered
into Judas. This proves that Judas was not always a devil or
traitor.
Heres the same account from the Gospel of John:
Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus

knew that his hour was come that he should depart
out of this world unto the Father, having loved his
own which were in the world, he loved them unto the
end. And supper being ended, the devil having now
put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simons son, to
betray him. John 13:1-2
Judas betrayal of the Son of God did not come in an instant.

His hardened heart of unbelief was a process (Heb. 3:12-15).
Judas backsliding and heart-hardening sin was of his own do-
ing. Like every individual, Judas made decisions in his brief
earthly life which had and have eternal consequences. His re-
fusal to believe and obey and continue to experience relation-
ship with Christ, came through hours, days and months of un-
belief which hardened his heart. Such unbelief gave way to the
infiltration of Satan (Jn. 6:70-71; 13:2; Heb. 3:12-15).
And supper being ended, the devil having now put

into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simons son, to be-
tray him. John 13:2
Please re-read the above verse and ask the essential question
who it was that put into Judas heart to betray Jesus. Was it
God or Satan? Note: the DEVIL (not the LORD) having
now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simons son, to
betray him.
God cannot be tempted with evil. James 1:13
The enemy was able to put into the heart of Judasto be-
tray Christ due to Judas choice to live contrary to Him. The
same potential remains true for all.
Like every believer in the Son of God, Judas was predestined to

be conformed to the image of Christ and to be glorified with
Him, yet his free will was never tampered with or removed
(Rom. 8:29-30). Many of those who have espoused an unbibli-
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Lie of Ages
cal grace do so because they have elevated certain Scriptures

above other Scriptures and yet All (not just some) scripture
is given by inspiration of God. (2 Tim. 3:16) One of the er-
roneous beliefs of Calvinism is that it elevates and aggrandizes
Romans 8:29 above Romans 8:13. This is the classic reason for
the belief of false doctrine conclusion of a matter without a
full investigation and faith in the full-counsel of Gods Word (2
Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17).
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye

through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body,
ye shall liveFor whom he did foreknow, he also did
predestinate to be conformed to the image of his
Son, that he might be the firstborn among many
brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them
he also called: and whom he called, them he also jus-
tified: and whom he justified, them he also glori-
fied. Romans 8:13, 29-30
God loves all people and has predestined each to be washed in

the blood of and conformed to the image of the Son of God and
to be glorified with Him eternally. Yet, He leaves that ultimate
choice up to the individual. The God who is love has provided
sufficient and glorious grace for each to love and obey Him and
to overcome. His grace truly is sufficient to those who exercise
their faith in Him. Every blessing of the saint was provided
through Christs one and perfect sacrifice on the cross (1 Cor.
1:30-31; 2 Cor. 1:20).
Just because a father desires and leads his son or daughter to

become a doctor, does not guarantee that such will happen.
The fact that the LORD, who is love, desires for all those creat-
ed in His image to be with Him eternally, does not guarantee
that will be the case (Matt. 7:13-14; 25:41).
choose you this day whom ye will serve. Joshua

24:15
The Reason Hell was Created
Those who choose to believe Him and are doers of His Word
will be with Him eternally in Heaven (Rev. 2-3). Each individual
is the servant of the one he chooses to serve self or Jesus
(Rom. 6:15-16). Those who freely choose to betray Christ as
Judas did by not loving and serving Him in deed and in truth,
216
will spend eternity with the rest of Gods enemies in a place
called hell which will ultimately be cast into the lake of fire
(Rev. 20:10-15).
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand,

Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, pre-
pared for the devil and his angels. Matthew 25:41
The original divine intent for this horrid place called hell was
the divine justice of everlasting punishment for the devil
and his angels (those who depart from the LORD due to their
iniquity Matt. 25:46). The purpose for hell did not include one
precious eternal human soul spending forever there. Yet, be-
cause men have free will and some will choose to live contrary
to the divine Judge, they must be imprisoned eternally as re-
bels (2 Thess. 1:5-10).
There are a few different schools of thought in the Calvinistic

camp. Some tout the teaching they call the perseverance of the
saints while others term their belief once saved always saved.
In each case those who have been taught these doctrines of
mere men violate the biblical truth that men have free will and
never lose the free will to choose while on earth. Any time one
removes the Bible truth that God never forces men to do His
will, they inevitably err.
All Scripture Must be Considered
All (not some) scripture is given by inspiration of

God and is profitable for doctrine 2 Timothy 3:16
The one who believes in and teaches a no-responsibility salva-

tion, does not adhere to All scripture, but rather isolates a
certain verse or two here and there to make his point. This is
the way heresy and false doctrine is propagated in the church
world. All Scripture must be taken in context with the whole
of the Word of God in order to apprehend the mind of Christ (2
Tim. 3:16; Isa. 28:10; 1 Cor. 2:13). Error is inevitable when
clear Bible truths are excluded (Hos. 4:6; Matt. 22:29; 1 Cor.
2:13). Precept upon precept; line upon line learning is es-
sential to sound biblical doctrine (Isa. 28:10).
Judas, a man selected by the very Son of God to hold the high-
est office in the Church (Apostle), and promised an eternal
throne, by transgression FELL. See Matthew 19:28. The Bi-
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Lie of Ages
ble tells us that Judas was a man who was Christ's own fa-
miliar friend, in whom I (Jesus) trusted. (Ps. 41:9) Jesus
not only chose Judas as one of His twelve, but trusted him
so much so that He made Judas the treasurer of His ministry.
Dare we insinuate that Jesus Christ, the very Righteousness of
God, chose a devil or an evil man to be part of His ministry?
Judas was originally fit for the ministry and friend of Christs,
before He chose to turn from Christ. Judas Iscariot is now in
his own place (hell) because he refused to endure to the end
or continue abiding in relationship with Christ. This very disci-
ple of Jesus neglected to cultivate the soil of his heart and
chose to live in disobedience to the clearly known will of God.
Judas, like all believers, never lost his ability to choose life or
death (Josh. 24:15; Deut. 30:19; Isa. 1:19-20, etc.).
The life of Judas is a nemesis to those who pervert, twist, and

maul the true grace of God revealed in Holy Scripture. The
grace corrupters are forced to downplay the apostleship of Ju-
das and his relationship with Jesus in order to make their un-
conditional eternal security teaching palatable. For this same
reason, they must overplay the prophetic fulfillment of the son
of perdition, not acknowledging that such a divine fore-
knowledge did nothing to remove Judas free will. Concerning
this, Wayne Jackson writes:
Another important fact that must be recognized is that

foreknowledge does not demand predetermination. God
foreknew that Judas, exercising his own freewill, would
betray his Son. These passages, therefore, reflect
Heavens foreknowledge, but not a predetermined action
over which the betrayer had no control. Even Presbyteri-
an scholar Albert Barnes, in commenting on John
13:18, wrote: It does not mean that Judas was com-
pelled to this course in order that the Scriptures might
be fulfilled...
A further illustration of this principle is seen in the fact

that Christ was delivered up to death by the determinate
counsel and the foreknowledge of God (Acts 2:23), and
yet the ones who were involved in the Saviors crucifix-
ion were held accountable for their evil deed (23b; cf. 36-
38).
The frequent rationalization, I cant help what I do; I
218
was predestined to do it, is a false notion, but one that
finds ready acceptance in a modern world that seeks to
escape from personal responsibility. The Scriptures
teach that men will give an account on the day of Judg-
ment for their own conduct (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10) -
not for actions thrust upon them by God. The very idea
of such is an affront to the Almighty. (Notes on Luke
and John, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1954 Edition, p. 320).
Judas made volitional decisions. The LORD sovereignly created

man with free will the ability to choose the way he will go. Ju-
das made choices to deny Christ and betray the Son of God.
There was no divine influence whatsoever upon Judas to make
him sin. We know this because God cannot be tempted with
evil, neither tempteth he any man.
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted

of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither
tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted,
when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:
and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
James 1:13-15
The unchanging, eternal God had nothing to do with Judas

turning away from Him and to sin. God is love and God is holy
and He leads no man into sin and to imagine such is to lie
against the truth (James 3:14). The Almighty told us that He is
not willing that any should perish, but that all should
come to repentance. (2 Pet. 3:9)
Of God the Word tells us:
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto

the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4

12 Not 11
It is undeniably on record that Jesus Christ promised Judas an

eternal throne in Heaven.
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you,

That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration
219
Lie of Ages
when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his

glory, ye also shall sit upon TWELVE (not 11)
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Mat-
thew 19:28
Was Judas one of the twelve original apostles of Jesus Christ?

It is irrefutable that the Son of God promised his twelve, not
eleven, eternal thrones in His heavenly kingdom. Judas, who
was one of the twelve, was promised an eternal throne, yet
by transgression fell and went to hell. Judas kissed the very
Gate of Heaven, and turned and went to hell, given over to and
driven by demons he ended his own life.
Judas was chosen by Christ Himself as one of His very twelve,

yet Judas wasnt hell-proof. Judas wasnt once saved always
saved. Judas was not given a spiritual asbestos suit.
Judas is now in hell and yet was once a disciple of Christ

promised by the Son of God an ETERNAL throne in Heaven
(Matt. 19:28). Judas was once in grace but not always in grace.
In Matthew 10 the very Son of God sends Judas and the other
eleven forth to cast out devils and do ministry, then He tells
them that only those who endure to the end (remain faithful to
Him) will be saved (Matt. 10:1-22). Jesus sent Judas to cast
out devils which can only be done by the Holy Spirit of God in-
dwelling a person further proving Judas Iscariot was right with
God till he turned away (Matt. 10:1-8; 12:22-29).
As we see in the life of Judas, there is a qualification to the

promise of God, initial and continual faith to the end.
Did Christ pray all night and knowingly bring an evil man
(Judas) into His ministry? Or, did Judas become evil by choos-
ing not to love and obey Christ and to rebel and live in sin? The
answer is obvious to the honest and noble student of Holy
Scripture. As is the obvious case with all human beings, Judas
retained the choice to go on serving or not serving God with his
whole heart (Deut. 30:19-20; Joshua 24:15; Isa. 1:18-20).
Ye Are Clean, But Not All
In John 13, we are given insight into the differences between

Peter and Judas. Such is a fascinating study and lesson. The
differentiation between what both of these men chose to do
220
holds eternal consequences. We must not miss this eternal dis-
tinction! Though both were equally divinely chosen as part of
the original twelve, Peter chose to be humble, teachable and obe-
dient while Judas chose to be prideful, unteachable and disobe-
dient. Peter wisely elected to answer the call of Christ to be ini-
tially and perpetually washed of his sins which sustained His
relationship with Jesus Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord,
not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Peter
possessed genuine saving faith which manifested in obedience
to Christ. Unlike Judas, the one Christ refers to here when He
asserts but not all (are washed), Peter answered the LORDs
call to be washed initially and continually. Could this not be
said to be the difference between Peter and Judas? Is this not
the reason that only one of these two men is in Heaven and the
other is in eternal damnation?
Not all (are washed) as it was among the original twelve,

so it is today in the church. Some have been initially washed
and remain washed to this hour, yet some who were initially
washed are not submitting to the Lordship of Jesus and are not
receiving His ongoing washings from their sins. Do you wash
your clothes only one time? No, you buy that article of clothing
and then you wash it. You then wash it repeatedly after wear-
ing it to keep it clean and ready for use. Right?

Why did Jesus give His very life for His Bride? That he might
present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot
(stains of sin)but that it should be holy and without blem-
ish.
God wants His children without blemish and such is only

possible by humbly submitting our lives to the LORD to be
cleansed.
Through the preponderance of data available to us in Holy

Writ, it must be concluded that this villainous character named
Judas, was chosen and chose to be initially elected and initially
washed by Christ, yet did not (like Peter) choose to be perpetu-
221
Lie of Ages
ally washed and cleansed by Jesus.
He (Christ) riseth from supper, and laid aside his

garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After
that he poureth water into a basin, and began to
wash the disciples feet, and to wipe them with the
towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to
Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost
thou wash (clean) my feet? Jesus answered and said
unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou
shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou
shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I
wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Pe-
ter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also
my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that
is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is
clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. John
13:4-10
If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Did you
hear the definitive nature of Jesus words here? Christ speaks
of initial and perpetual washings. Peter is no different than
each and every child of God we need to be initially and con-
tinually cleansed of our sins. This cleansing must be willingly
submitted to and is not an automatic process as we see here
with the reference to Judas ye are clean, but not all. Elev-
en of the twelve original apostles of Christ elected to be initially
and perpetually washed by the Master sin cleanser. One didnt.
By nature a bride prepares herself for her bridegroom. As we

behold in this very important passage in John 13, Jesus Christ
is the initial and perpetual cleanser of our hearts, hands and
feet. In Scripture, clean hands and feet speak of asking and re-
ceiving washings from the sins we commit with the members of
our bodies (transgressions). See Psalms 24 and Romans 6.
First and foremost, we must be apprehended by Him, receiving
the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy
Ghost. (Titus 3:4-7) As Peter learned and we are taught here,
in John 13, every child who is initially washed, must then sub-
mit to the Lordship of the Washer in order to abide in rela-
tionship with Him (Jn. 15). As Peter learned, so the Bride of
Christ must learn to rejoice in and be perpetually washed by
Christs precious and holy blood and the washing of water
by the word. (Eph. 5:26)
222
According to 1 John 1:7, we can know when we are walking in
His light as we are being honest towards Him who sees all, and
humbly acknowledging (not hiding in darkness) our sins and
experiencing the ongoing cleansing of His precious blood. By
this unspeakable gift we have clear conscience and are enabled
by His grace to serve Him with no consciousness of sin! See He-
brews 9:14 and rejoice! What a gift the divine blood has pro-
cured for all New Covenant saints! Dare we not appropriate
such blessed benefits? forget not all his benefits. (Ps.
103:2)
Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou know-

est not now (do not yet understand); but thou shalt know
hereafter. (Jn. 13:7) Hereafter or here forward and after
you have walked in (been obedient to) what I am showing you
here, you will understand. Those who choose to live in obedi-
ence to Christ are the ones He chooses to give understanding.
In the divine economy, we must first obey in order to be grant-
ed understanding. Jesus answered them, and said, My doc-
trine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do
his will, he shall know of the doctrine (Jn. 7:16-17)
Lucifer and the Angels Chose their Own Path
And the angels which kept not their first estate, but
left their own habitation, he hath reserved in ever-
lasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of
the great day. Jude 6
Lucifer and a third of the angels of God became the very first
apostates those who were once with God then departed (1
Tim. 4:1-3). The angels were not kept against their own
agreement or will. The same is true for humans God saves.
They are never forced to remain in relationship with the LORD
and if they depart (apostatize), eternal damnation awaits.
It's an undeniable, historical, biblical fact that Lucifer and a

third of the angels that were previously of God and in His holy
Heaven, decided to rebel and were thrust out for good they
fell from grace.
Lucifer, like all the angels of God, was given a choice. If such
were not the case, how would one-third of the angels have de-
parted from the LORD and two-thirds freely chose not to be-
come apostate? From this we know the angels, a distinct class
223
Lie of Ages
of Gods creation, have free will also. See Revelation 12:7-12.

Lucifer was in the grace of God, holding one of the higher offic-
es in Heaven, until he volitionally chose to sin. Jude even
warns us human beings using the fall or apostasy of the
angels in Heaven, warning us not to do as they did. They are
eternally lost after having been in the grace and Heavenly
abode of the Almighty.
Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that

thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.
Ezekiel 28:15
Judas, chosen by the LORD and promised an eternal throne in

Heaven (Matt. 19:28), wasnt faithful to the end, so he fell away
into sin and is now in hell (Acts 1:25). Judas, like Lucifer, was
clearly (at the time Jesus chose him as one of His very twelve)
in right standing with Jesus till iniquity was found in him
(Ezek. 28:15). Recall that like the arch enemy of mankind, Ju-
das fell by his very own transgression which is always the re-
sult of choosing to be out of fellowship with the LORD of all
creation (Acts 1:25). Beloved, any time we have fallen from the
grace of God, it has been the direct result of our own transgres-
sion. May God be praised that He is ready (postured) to for-
give as we turn to Him in repentance (Ps. 86:5, 15).
Any mere man who teaches that a saved person cannot fall
from saving grace and be lost again, is simply a false teacher.
Beware!
Sin Separates God Is Holy

FELL, that he might go to his own place (eternal
hell). Acts 1:25
The wages of sin is still death (separation from the Lord - Rom.
6:23). Even before Adam and Eve fell by their own transgres-
sion, the angel Lucifer, who apparently held the highest office
in Heaven among His angels, was cast down for his sin of pride
(Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-19; Luke 10:18).
Was Judas without free will? Was he helpless? Was Judas sin
forced upon him by the foreknowledge of God? Or was it voli-
tional? Did Judas make a choice to betray Christ? Was Judas,
224
as the Calvinist asserts, a pawn of the evil dealings of a wicked
deity? What god does the Calvinist serve since he refuses to
gain his theology from the one true God who gave us His pre-
cious Word?
Then Judas, which had betrayed himSaying, I

have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent
blood...went and hanged himself. Matthew 27:3-5
Judas chose to sin and therefore fell from grace. Concerning

this matter, Wayne Jackson writes:
Some would suggest that Judas was but a helpless

pawn, unable to resist the invasion of Satan into his life.
That certainly is not the case, as even Judas himself
conceded. He never pled: I could not help myself; Satan
made me do it! Rather, he confessed: I have sinned in
that I have betrayed innocent blood (Mt. 27:4). It is a
remarkable oddity when modern man, twenty centuries
removed from the event, can profess to know more about
the situation than the culprit himself!
SIN SEPARATES God told His own covenant people: But

YOUR INIQUITIES HAVE SEPARATED between you and
your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he
will not hear. (Isa. 59:2)
Of His own people who had gone back into sin after being
brought out of Egypt (type of salvation through Christ), the
LORD said: And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever
hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my
book. (Exod. 32:33)
Not only is divine grace not a license to sin, New Testament be-
lievers are under greater responsibility to live unto the LORD
than Old Testament saints were (see Heb. 10:26-29). This is
such an elementary truth of Scripture that it boggles this be-
lievers mind that there would be those who call themselves
Christian teachers and theologians who will not teach this
truth and give notion that unholy living will enter the gates of
His holy Heaven! What treason is this!
Like Lucifer, Judas is a prime example in all of history that the

all-knowing God forces no one of His children to continue to
serve Him. Judas betrayed Christ and never repented so went
225
Lie of Ages
to his own place the place justly and divinely reserved for
all who turn back from following the LORD and do not return
in repentance. In contrast, Peter betrayed Christ and returned
and is now in eternal glory where he will forever reign with His
LORD and Savior.
Judas kissed the Gate of Heaven, the very Son of God, then
turned and marched deliberately into eternal hell, where he will
forever be.
Perhaps Judas expected the Messiah to come the first time as

a conquering King. Like many of the Jews, he had misguided
expectations, which caused his heart to misfire as the Savior
came the first time as the suffering servant and sacrificial
Lamb (Isa. 52:13-53:12). Christ will return the second time as
the conquering Warrior and KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF
LORDS. (Rev. 19) Judas failed to discern the difference be-
tween the first and second coming of the Messiah as many in
Israel did. This led to unfulfilled expectations. Like all false
teaching and believing, this may have had a profound and neg-
ative effect on Judas. Jesus came as a suffering Servant the
first time but will come as the conquering King the second
time.
The LORD is a merciful and loving Savior (Ps. 86:5, 15). Jesus
wanted to restore Judas to a right relationship with God.
Christ even called Judas His friend in the Garden of Geth-
semane all the way at the point of being taken to be crucified
having been betrayed by the son of perdition (Matt. 26:49-50).
Having been betrayed by Judas for a small amount of money,
Christ still held out hope of redemption for him, but Judas re-
fused the divinely-extended grace and betrayed Heavens King
for a small amount of earthly money.
Now he (Judas) that betrayed him (Jesus) gave them

a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is
he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus,
and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus
said unto him, Friend, wherefore (why) art thou
come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus,
and took him. Matthew 26:48-50
Jesus called Judas Friend all the way to the end. There is a
significant truth here. In this perhaps we see that Gods love
will pursue us all the way to hell if we choose, after knowing
226
Him to betray Him and refuse to turn back to Him in repent-
ance. Might this indicate that one is not separated from Gods
love and the opportunity to repent until he leaves the earth?
Romans 8:38-39 is written to those who are truly sons of
God and are living according to the Holy Spirit and not the
deeds of the flesh (Rom. 8:1, 5; 13-14). It is when one is abid-
ing in the presence of the LORD that he has assurance and is
secure in the love of God and not separated from Him who is
love.
Matthew 10:1-5 THE ORIGINAL TWELVE OF JESUS
All John Calvins 5-point TULIP teaching stands or falls on Ju-

das. The Calvinist loses his whole argument if Judas was saved
as the Bible clearly shows he was.
Lets look a little deeper into Holy Writ to find out what real-
ly happened with this most dastardly character named Judas
Iscariot.
And when he had called unto him his twelve disci-

ples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to
cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness
and all manner of disease. Now the names of the
twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is
called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son
of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bar-
tholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican;
James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose sur-
name was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and JU-
DAS ISCARIOT, who also betrayed him. These
TWELVE (not eleven) Jesus sent forth, and com-
manded them, saying, Go Matthew 10:1-5
According to the Holy Bible here in this passage found in the

Gospel of Matthew, who were the original twelve disciples or
apostles of the very Son of God elected and chosen and sent
forth to represent Him and do His work, spreading His Gospel
to the world? Lets enumerate who these twelve special men of
God were whom the infinite and eternal and Almighty God
Jesus Christ of Nazareth specifically chose to represent Him:
1) Peter
2) Andrew
227
Lie of Ages
3) James
4) John
5) Philip
6) Bartholomew
7) Thomas
8) Matthew
9) James
10) Labbaeus
11) Simon
12) Judas Iscariot
These twelve men were elected and answered the call to the
highest office of the church apostleship. Can there remain
any doubt whatsoever that according to the historically accu-
rate record and documented account of the life of Jesus Christ
that Judas Iscariot was one of His twelve chosen original disci-
ples and that He sent Judas and the other eleven forth to
preach His Gospel and do His ministry?
He (Judas) Was Numbered With Us
And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of

the disciples, and said, (the number of names togeth-
er were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and
brethren, this scripture must needs have been ful-
filled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David
spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to
them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us,
and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man
purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and
falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and
all his bowels gushed out. Acts 1:15-18
Jesus Christ had died and rose again completely propitiating

for mans sins. He had instructed His apostles not to go forth
yet but to wait in Jerusalem until they receive the fullness of
the Holy Ghost which they would need to do His work (Lk.
24:49; Jn. 16:7; Acts 1:4-8). This would be the actual birth of
the New Testament Church! Here they are, gathered together
waiting for the promise of their Savior (Acts 1:4-8). Wow! While
the 120 disciples gathered to await the promised Holy Spirit,
228
the apostle Peter stands in the midst and of all things, is Spirit-
led to speak of this prophecy found in the Old Testament that
Judas would betray the Son of God. He says that such a
prophecy must needs have been fulfilled. It had to be ful-
filled, not because God foreordained and wanted Judas in hell or
because the God of Heaven needed a pawn to use then destroy,
but rather because the LORD Almighty cannot lie and knows the
end from the beginning (because He alone is all-knowing). He
knows all things past, present and future, yet such infinite
knowledge does nothing to influence or alter the God-given
moral and volitional nature and decision-making process of
any individual. Such a notion paints the picture of an evil be-
ing, which must be Satan and not God who is love. (1 Jn.
4:8) To attribute such evil and iniquitous intent to the Almighty
is a blasphemous atrocity at best. To claim that He would cre-
ate any person just for the purpose of exploiting and then
damning that person to an eternity of conscious torment,
would be completely unbiblical and a wicked accusation to
make against the LORD who cannot be tempted with evil,
neither tempteth he any man. (James 1:13) Of Him the
Word says Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and
canst not look on iniquity... (Hab. 1:13). Such is the doc-
trine of the devil and his agent John Calvin and many today
who mislead others to worship at the alter of a false god (2 Tim.
3:13).
Forget John Calvin and any other heretic in church history -

What does the Holy Bible say concerning this matter of Judas
Iscariot?
Note here in Acts 1 (shown above) that the apostle Peter says
that the Holy Ghost through king David had hundreds of
years before foretold the betrayal of Christ Yea, mine own
familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my
bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. (Ps. 41:9) This
was going to be fulfilled, not because God is ruthless or had it
in for Judas No! But rather because His foreknowledge and
understanding is perfect and infinite. (Ps. 147:5) Now thats
a case for the sovereignty of God and not (the very opposite)
that He would create a human being, a man in His own image
Judas or any other person just to mislead, relegate and damn
him to eternal suffering. How erroneous, ludicrous and evil a
thought!
229
Lie of Ages
Take close notice of verse 17 here in Acts 1 he (Judas) was

numbered with us (the original twelve), and had obtained
part of this ministry.
Judas:
was numbered with us He was chose by Christ to be

one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
had obtained part of this ministry all twelve (not just

eleven) were appointed and sent forth by Christ to represent
Him and do His ministry work.
Another of the original twelve is speaking here Peter. Peter

was a firsthand eyewitness. He was present with Judas and the
other ten when his very ears heard and eyes beheld the Son of
God promise an eternal everlasting throne in Heaven to each
of the twelve of them, which includes Judas Iscariot And
Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which
have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of
man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit up-
on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Isra-
el. (Matt. 19:28)
At the time of this divinely-given promise, it is more than abun-

dantly clear that Judas was eternally secure, otherwise Christ
would have never given this promise to the twelve which
includes Judas Iscariot. It is only after this that Judas allowed
iniquity in his heart and by his own deliberate will fell by his
own iniquity (Acts 1:25; Heb. 3:12-15).
If Judas Iscariot, one of Christs very twelve, was not uncondi-

tionally eternally secure, then why would anyone else be since
there is no respecter of persons with God. (Rom. 2:11) Did
Judas not lose out? Yes! Its too late for Judas but not for us (1
Cor. 9:27).
Now lets look at Acts 1:18 in this revealing and detailed pas-
sage about the apostle Judas - Now this man purchased a
field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he
burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
How did Judas fall from grace after being chosen by Jesus
Christ as one of His very twelve original apostles and sent forth
to heal sick people, cast out devils and preach His eternal Gos-
pel? The Bible tells us here that Judas purchased his own
230
destiny which means he deliberately brought it into his own
bosom by his own resolve to reject (after possessing) and live
outside of a relationship with the LORD. This word purchase
here is strong and even more clear evidence that Judas made
full provision for and utilized his full faculties and expended
the energies he was given to do what he did in betraying the
Son of God. The wages of sin is still death and Judas reaped
spiritual and eternal death (separation from God in hell) for his
sinful betrayal of the Messiah and refusal to turn back to the
LORD before it was too late, which he was free to do even to the
end.
If someone jumps off a building, was that what was supposed

to happen? Was that Gods will? No, it was the will of the one
who chose to jump. Judas went to hell because he rebelled
against the only Savior, not because God wanted him there.
Judas refused to repent and turn back to the LORD after being
given ample opportunity to do such.
We have record that Judas was quite right with God but was in
the end left out of the eternal blessing of Heaven. Of the apostle
Judas, the Word says For he was numbered with us, and
had obtained part of this ministry. (Acts 1:17) This forever
settles the issue and silences the critics who argue (without ba-
sis) that Judas was never right with the LORD. Judas Iscariot
certainly was chosen to the highest office in the Church and as
an integral part of the very ministry of the Son of God and yet
turned against Him, betraying Him to death for a small sum
and forfeiting his place in the eternal kingdom of God after be-
ing promised it (Matt. 19:28). Such a clear example alone
makes it more than abundantly clear that falling from grace is
utterly possible as the remainder of Holy Scripture unmistaka-
bly testifies to.
Holy Father please grant our hearts grace to be convicted and

repentant that we be never hardened through the deceitfulness
of sin! (Heb. 3:12-15)
Judas End

FELL, that he might go to his own place (eternal
hell). Acts 1:25
231
Lie of Ages
In the booklet The Eternal Security Teaching, J. L. Stauffer of-

fers these thought-provoking words concerning Judas Iscariot:
It should be noted that the statements that our Lord

made about Judas being a devil, were made toward the
close of His ministry. Note some Biblical facts:
1. Christ chose twelve apostles, including Ju-

das Iscariot. No intimations are made at the time
of choosing the twelve that Judas was not a true
believer the same as the others. See Matt. 10;
Mark 3; Luke 6. Reference to Judas Iscariot as
the traitor is made by several writers of Scripture,
long years after the incident of his death to distin-
guish him from the other Judas. It is a mark of
identification and in itself throws no light upon
the character of Judas Iscariot when he was cho-
sen by our Lord. We have a similar designation
regarding Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, which
made Israel to sin, which throws no light upon
Jeroboams character at the time the prophet
Ahijah brought him the message from the Lord. (I
Kings 11:26:40.)
2. If Judas was a devil from the beginning as

some claim, then you have the startling fact to
face that our Lord chose a devil as an apostle.
3. Our Lord foreknew who should betray Him

from the beginning, but Judas had the same
teaching, call, environment, and opportunity to
make good as did the others. Divine fore-
knowledge does not interfere with the free will God
gave every man.
4. If Judas was a devil from the beginning,

then such terms as were prophesied of him are
hard to reconcile with the other teachings and
principles of the Master. Yea, mine own familiar
friend in whom I trusted, which did eat of my
bread, hath lifted up his heel against me (Psa.
41:9). Would Jesus, knowing Judas was a devil,
trust in him or call him His own familiar friend? A
devil is an adversary and enemy; but if, as some
eternal security teachers think, Psalm 55 is a pro-
232
phetic Messianic psalm of which Ahithophel turn-
ing traitor to David was a type of Judas turning
against the Lord, then we have a second witness
from the Psalms that it was not an enemy that
reproached me. It was a man mine equal, my
guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet
counsel together, and walked unto the house of
God in company (Psa. 55:13-14). Certainly this
language does not describe one who was a devil
from the beginning, as eternal security teachers
affirm.
5. If Judas was a devil, while the other eleven

were ordinary men, then you have another con-
tradiction; viz., Satan casting out Satan, because
the apostles (Judas included) were sent out two
by two to heal the sick, cast out devils, and
preach the Gospel. There is no intimation in the
Gospel records that Judas was a misfit on this
missionary journey. Other emissaries of Satan,
when they tried to cast out a demon by the use of
the name of Jesus, were not at all successful. (See
Acts 19:13-17.) Christ made it clear that Satan
does not cast out demons. See Matt. 12:2526;
Luke 11:15-18.
6. It was not until at the last feast that the

devil entered into Judas, although Christ towards
the close of His Galilean ministry (John 6:70-71)
announced that one of the twelve would betray
Him. Christ was omniscient and knew all events
that would be connected with His life here on
earth. Covetousness, greed, love of money, were
doubtless the besetting sins of Judas and despite
the warnings of our Lord against covetousness
and the deceitfulness of riches, these sins got the
upper hand of Judas and he finally went to the
chief priests, and of his own free will bargained
about the sale of our Lord for silver.
7. John 17 does not say that Christ only re-

ceived eleven apostles from the Father. He chose
twelve at the beginning of His ministry that they
might be with Him, and Christ was unable to
233
Lie of Ages
keep one. Not because of a lack of power on

Christs part, but because Judas was unwilling
and this limited Christs keeping power. Those
that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of
them (that thou gavest me) is lost, but the son of
perdition; that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
The literal Greek of part of John 17:12 is and
none of them is lost, but the son of perdition that
the Scripture might be fulfilled. This implies that
Judas was once saved with the rest, but not ful-
filling the conditions for Christs keeping perished
spiritually. The Scriptures prophesied that there
should be a betrayer and God foreknew that Ju-
das would be he, but God did not foreordain Ju-
das to be the betrayer of his Lord. If Judas,
against his own will, was foreordained to be the
betrayer, then the one who foreordained Judas
would be responsible because Judas could not
have helped it.
8. Last, Judas by transgression fell (Acts

1:16, 17, 25). Judas was a man into whom Satan
entered. He was no demon incarnate. If there
were no erroneous doctrine to defend, the various
references about Judas Iscariot would present no
difficulty at all to the eternal security teachers.
The Judas episode would be simply a clear case
of apostasy from the truth.
11 Kept 1 Lost
...that he should give eternal life to as many as

thou hast given himWhile I was with them in the
world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gav-
est me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the
son of perdition John 17:2, 12
The Father gave eternal life to the twelve whom He had given to
Christ. Jesus kept them and they were safe except one who
chose not to be kept. The fact that twelve were given Him of the
Father and only eleven made it to Heaven is telling.
It is abundantly clear in Scripture that Judas was given to Je-

sus by the Father (as one of His very own) and then lost due to
his own decision to sin in his heart and betray the Son of God
234
(Acts 1:25). Jesus said He kept all except one Judas. The fact
that Judas was one of His and yet was not kept tells us that
the LORD doesnt keep everyone who is at one point His own
child. Judas was the LORDs friend. (Ps. 41:9) We are kept
by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to
be revealed in the last time. (1 Pet. 1:5) Man has his God-
given personal responsibility to continue in faith in order to be
kept by Him.
Saint of the LORD, a study of the life of Judas is a lesson for

each of us. We are all predestined to be conformed to Christs
image and to be with Him eternally and do His work, but the
LORD leaves it up to the individual as to whom he will choose
to serve. Such will determine the eternal destination of each
person.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please bless my heart to be like Da-

vid and Peter repentant and after Your heart. Stir my heart to
hunger and thirst after You as I continually take personal re-
sponsibility for my own thoughts and actions confessing and
forsaking my sins daily. I love You Jesus! Please bless me with
more of Your perfect grace today my LORD. Glory to Your holy
name LORD Jesus. I desire more and more of You as I look for
Your soon return. Amen.
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Lie of Ages
Chapter Sixteen
JUSTIFIED AND CRUCIFIED

Notice the definitive nature of this statement that those who

are Christs are those who have crucified the flesh with the
affections and lusts. One day a friend spoke this verse out of
his memory and my heart was stricken with the fear of God.
Personally, this truth has done wonders to my life. It has cut
off any and all excuses in my heart for compromising with sin.
The word have which is past tense, struck me deeply. This
truth lays an axe to the root concerning self-deception. It levels
the justification of sin and the use of an unbiblical grace as a
license to live in sin. According to this Holy Spirit inspired reve-
lation, if we are Christs, which is an ongoing choice, we must
crucify the desires of the sinful nature in us. Yes, instead of
hiding behind or creating any teaching to justify our sinful-
ness, we are to crucify our sinful nature by His grace, counting
our relationship with Christ more important than that which
He specifically told us offends Him.
Would you mind if I insert one more element of where this

follower believes this all starts? The following is one of the
most profound prayers I believe our LORD has ever
breathed into my heart into thy hands I commend my
236
spirit. Here is one of the seven things Jesus prayed on the
cross while shedding His sinless blood for our sins:
And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he

said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit:
and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Luke
23:46
This is divinely breathed Holy Writ (recorded in the Bible), and

O what enormous benefit there is in praying Gods Word! Into
thine hands I commend my spirit is what our LORD cried
on the cross, as He gave up the ghost and went back to be with
His Father.
Notice that Jesus cried with a loud voice. Have you ever
noticed that there just seems to be something powerful about
externalizing praise or a desperate prayer to God? In this ear-
nest prayer of commending our spirits to our LORD in Heaven,
do we not release our whole life force spirit into the hands
and care of the Father of spirits? (Heb. 12:9) Personally, I
have never prayed this prayer, releasing my heart to the One
who made and redeemed me, without an immediate lifting of
any and all burdens I was currently carrying. Most importantly,
when we cry out to the LORD, issuing into His perfect hands
our lives, we release control to Him who is our Comforter and
His Holy Spirit fills us so that we no longer live but He lives in
us (Gal. 2:20).
It is through the initiating and enabling power of the Holy

Ghost and the grace of God that the believer lives fully pleasing
in the sight of the LORD (Rom. 6:14; 8:13-14). Like John the
Baptist we should cultivate in ourselves the deep desire for Je-
sus to increase and ourselves to decrease (Jn. 3:30).
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57
Gods enabling grace blesses the saint to overcome sin, be fruit-

ful, and fully victorious in this life! Those who seek His holy
face are filled with His Spirit of grace and overcome the things
which violate His holiness and produce kingdom fruit for His
glory - ...much more they which receive abundance of
grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by
one, Jesus Christ. (Rom. 5:17) It is by the workings of His
holy grace in our lives that we are able to overcome in all things
237
Lie of Ages
and become more than conquerors through him that loved

us. (Rom 6:14; 8:13, 37; 1 Cor. 15:10, 57; 2 Cor. 12:9-10) His
grace is only accessed by faith (Rom. 5:1-2).
There is no mystery that each of us struggle daily with tempta-

tion and sin (Gal. 5:17; Heb. 12:4). Yet, when one is dead and
buried, Christ lives His life in and through that person in res-
urrection power to bring about the fruit and works of God
(Rom. 6). In the long run, we each choose to do something
about our sinful nature and the temptation we are now sub-
jected to. Either we:
1) Deny ourselves, striving against sin, crucifying the

flesh in fasting and prayer and thought life, or we:
2) Adopt pet doctrines like once saved always saved to

justify our sins, so we no longer have to battle fiercely
and daily with the lusts of the flesh.
In the direction we go, we reveal that we are either victorious

overcomers in Christ, or those who faint due to choosing a lack
of communion with Christ (Matt. 26:41; Lk. 18:1).
Modern psychology is the futile attempt of sinful man to

build up self and aggrandize that which the LORD says is
deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. (Jer.
17:9) There is even the unbiblical industry of Christian psy-
chology (no such thing in Gods economy) that has crept in
unawares and positioned itself as having the diagnosis and
answers for men while shunning and replacing the very Word
of God which He told us contains all things that pertain
unto life and godliness. (2 Pet. 1:3-4) According to the
Word, those who trust in man, including self, are cursed.
Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that
trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and
whose heart departeth from the LORDThe heart
is deceitful above all things, and desperately wick-
ed: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:5, 9
Though I be justified by His blood, I also must, of necessity,

be crucified by Him.
We must learn to fear our own wisdom. Trust in the

LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own
238
understanding. (Proverbs 3:5) Paul says to believers: If
any man among you seemeth to be wise...let him become
a fool, that he may be wise. (1 Corinthians 3:18) When
Scripture tells us that they that are Christs have cruci-
fied the flesh (Galatians 5:24), this includes the under-
standing of the flesh, the fleshly mind of what Scripture
speaks. In the crucifixion of self, I give up my own good-
ness, my own strength, my own will because there is no
good in it. I look to Christ by the power of His life to give
me the goodness, the strength, and the will which is
pleasing to God. Andrew Murray, Power for Your Life, p.
185
Overcoming sin is an ongoing toil (Gal. 5:17). At the core of our

daily struggle is the sin of self-idolatry which equals spiritual
adultery (alienating our affections from Christ to ourselves).
This battle rages as we fight the good fight to remain cruci-
fied to the sinful nature and to keep Jesus as our first
love. (1 Tim. 6:12; Rev. 2:4-5) So the true disciple of Christ
must commend his spirit into the hands of God daily and never
allow the ye shall not surely die lie to fester its arsenic de-
ceit in his thinking.
Cloaking our sinfulness behind the thin veneer of a doctrine

that is contrary to the Word and holiness of God is not wise.
Does the Almighty not see the innermost thoughts and motives
of our hearts? The Son of God commanded that we love the
LORD our God with all of our hearts, minds and strength
(Matt. 22:37). An all-consuming passion for Christ Jesus, our
first love, should kindle and burn deep within (Rev. 2:4-5).
Due to the epidemic plague and teaching of this lie of the ages,
to many who claim to be Christians today Jesus is more like a
fringe benefit to them than their all-consuming first love.
Many who have been schooled into this deception in vain be-
lieve they can have Jesus as their Savior when they have re-
fused His Lordship (Matt. 7:21-23; Lk. 6:46; Tit. 1:16).
Millions today vainly believe they are eternally secure while

living in sin the sin of self-idolatry and therefore the denial
of the Lordship of Jesus. What could be further from the
whole and plain truth of the eternal Word? Doesnt the Bible
tell us that Jesus came to the earth to taketh away the
sins of the world and save his people from their sins?
239
Lie of Ages
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call
his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from
(not in) their sins. Matthew 1:21
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the

sin of the world. John 1:29
The Word tells us that the Son of God came to save his people
from their sins and take away the sins of those who, moved
upon by His grace, repent and receive Him as LORD and Sav-
ior. The words from and taketh away are especially im-
portant to observe here. The Bible didnt say that Christ came
to save us in our sins but rather from our sins, which
means when we get right with God we are separated from living
in sin.
Justifying instead of crucifying the deeds of the sin nature is the

exact result intended by the enemy using his original lie. It
worked with the first man and woman and it works today. The
enemy of all souls desires Gods people to believe they are eter-
nally secure, judgment-proof, while living in sin, and that it is
not essential to continue to be cleansed of sin by the blood of
Christ. Read 1 John 1:6; 2:2 for the truth of this matter and im-
portance of receiving perpetual washing in the blood of Christ,
our Propitiation.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we

have fellowship one with another, and the blood of
Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1
John 1:7
Our fellowship with the LORD is volitional (a choice). The

actual appropriation of the continual cleansing of our sins is
contingent upon our obedience to Him in living in the light with
Him. As we walk in the lightthe blood of Jesus Christ his
Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Jesus warned:

watcheth, and KEEPETH his garments (clean and
washed), lest he walk naked, and they see his
shame. Revelation 16:15
According to His very own Word, the LORD sees us as washed
240
in the holy blood only as we choose to be in His light. Those

who remain in the darkness of their sins have forfeited the
cleansing river of His precious blood, a clear conscience, pro-
tection from His wrath, and all the other blessings of the blood
(Jn. 3:19-21; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 1 Jn. 1:6-2:2).
Gods rescuing power is only promised to the godly (presently

living holy). 2 Peter 2:9 says: The Lord knoweth how to de-
liver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the un-
just unto the day of judgment to be punished.
Jesus Is Coming Ready or Not
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such

things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in
peace, without spot, and blamelessWherefore, be-
loved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent
that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot,
and blameless. 2 Peter 3:12-14
The LORD told us that He will soon return for a people who are
in communion with Him, and being washed by His Word and
cleansed - That he might present it to himself a glorious
church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but
that it should be holy and without blemish. (Eph. 5:27)
This means that those who are ready are those who are prepar-
ing for the Bridegroom (Jesus) by dealing with anything in their
lives that does not align with His holy nature and His holy
Word. This is the remnant Church Christ will return for. All
others will forfeit their place in His kingdom unless afforded
another opportunity in the Great Tribulation (as some see the
end time events).

Jesus is going to return for a people who are looking for

Him and looking to Him as their LORD, in faithful obedi-
ence and as the first and foremost love of their lives. Noth-
ing else is more important than the very divine Person of
Jesus to this special people. They are consumed with Him
241
Lie of Ages
and His precious love, joy and peace fills their hearts and
lives.
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many;

and unto them that look for him shall he appear the
second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews
9:28
Do you know what the Bible says will happen to those who cov-
er or try to hide their sins?

The Psalmist was open and transparent in his relationship with

the LORD. He said For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be
sorry for my sin. (Ps. 38:18) King David chose to have a
heart after God. Like David, we should speedily confess any sin
we might commit.
The one who will be preserved in Christ should never buy into
the temptation of thought to adopt any teaching that violates
or contradicts Gods Word which reveals His demand for holi-
ness. The believer in Jesus Christ must allow the law of truth
to slay him as unholy, that he might fall upon divine mercy
and receive His compassions, which fail not to those who fear
Him (Lam. 3:19-22; Ps. 103:11).
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on
the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live un-
to righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
1 Peter 2:24
Those justified by Christs perfect sacrifice are mandated to be

crucified with Christ. Those who have corrupted the truth about
Gods grace, speak only of the justification, never the essential
of sanctification and crucifixion of the deeds of the sin nature
(Rom. 6-8).
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in

the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same
mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath
ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the
rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but
242
to the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2
Do you know what the Word of God tells us concerning those

who do not love the truth?
Those who deny Gods Word will be turned over by God Himself
to believe a lie, all the while believing they are serving Him.
Now thats scary! Look closely at this:
God (not Satan) shall send them strong delusion, that

they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned
who believed not the truth 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
Any notion, mindset or teaching, which seduces our minds to di-

minish ought from the holiness and judgment of God, is of dia-
bolical origin. The eternal security teaching we hear so much
about today has been repackaged and perpetuated by a whole
new army of leaders, but it is the same satanic lie told by the
serpent in the Garden. The thinking of whole denominations
has been imbued with this doctrine.
As we observe in Jeremiah 14:13-14, there is no assurance of

eternal salvation to any person living in sin, even though he
may have previously been a covenant son (Ezek. 33:12-13). In
fact, we see that this is the very message of the false prophets
of Jeremiahs day and our day.
Any teaching which leads the believer in Jesus Christ to view

the LORD in a light other than that He is Holy, holy, holy,
should be avoided at all cost (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8). This deceit of
thought, if discovered to be in our thinking, is to be rooted out
and over-ridden with Gods Word. Strongholds like this cause
Gods people to forget His name and His ways and those who
lead others to believe them are under the judgment of God as
false shepherds (Jer. 23:27).
Are we so deluded as to so vainly imagine that the eternal and

Almighty God ceased to be Holy, holy, holy just because He
saved us? Think about this! Is He not a God who is holy and
will judge His own people? Yes and Yes. How absurd and wick-
ed a notion! How pride-centered!
To refuse to fully believe and embrace the holy nature of the

one, true LORD and God, is to deny Him. Anyone who does
such has espoused the image of a false god in his heart and is
243
Lie of Ages
destined for delusion and destruction. This is exactly what the

Holy Spirit was revealing about those ungodly men who
teach the lawless lie of lasciviousness. He says that they are
Christ. (Jude 3-5)
Creating a god in their own image, some vainly imagine that

the LORD in not going to judge them for living in sin and that
He somehow understands and accepts them in their sins. Per-
haps the world of sin-justifying psychology has corrupted their
minds.
Is your heart and mind infected with the lie of the ages? Are
you truly Christs? If so, it is on His terms and not your own.
So many today have deluded themselves, largely due to the
OSAS teaching, into believing that they are safe and secure
and yet there is no evidence (fruit) in their lives that witnesses
to an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. In this they
have vainly set the condition for being with the Almighty upon
their own terms. Absurd! Delusional!
Are you Christs? Lets look afresh:

Note the past tense here of have. If you have crucified the
life of the flesh which is at enmity with God, you are His.
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for

it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed
can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot
please God. Romans 8:7-8
Complete joy and the restoration of all things await those who
freely choose to love and serve the LORD Jesus. There is no
fathoming the blessedness of what He has prepared for those
who love Him. He is going to heal all, right all wrong, make
whole, and eternally reward those who truly know and love
Him in truth.
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear

heard, neither have entered into the heart of man,
the things which God hath prepared for them that
love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9
244
PRAYER: Father fill me with Your grace and Spirit afresh.

Thank You for justifying me from all of my offenses by the blood
of my LORD Jesus Christ a gift that I do not merit nor deserve.
Into Thine holy hands I this moment commend and release my
spirit. I lay my life in Your hands my LORD Jesus. You are the
Almighty God! Consume me with Your holy presence, granting
me the spirit of holiness to please You in every way. Teach my
heart to love Your truth and to violently forsake and expose all
that contradicts it. Live through me Jesus. Amen.
245
Lie of Ages
Chapter Seventeen
CALVINISTS ARE DECEIVING

THE HEARTS OF THE SIMPLE
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which
cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine
which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they
that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but
their own belly (selfish desires/appetites); and by
good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of
the simple. Romans 16:17-18
In the Greek the term fair speeches here in Romans 16:18

means fine style of utterance giving the appearance of reason-
ableness.
Gods true representatives are known by their purity of doc-

trine and character and will not use their words as tools to ma-
nipulate others for their own selfish purposes, but rather have
circumcised hearts and utter only the things consistent with
Gods precious Word of truth (2 Cor. 2:17; 4:2; 2 Tim. 3:16-4:4;
Titus 2:1, 7, 8, 10-14; 1 Pet. 4:11). These men genuinely honor
the LORD. They exhibit meticulous attendance and diligence to
know and communicate His truth (Titus 2:1). This is the fruit
of their love for Him (Job 23:12; Ps. 119; Jer. 15:16; Mk. 8:38).
Beware of the many who are perverting the Word of God for
their own self-serving purposes:
246
Note this phrase contrary to the doctrine which ye have

learned. (Rom. 16:17) Paul is saying here that all teaching
that does not find its root in the doctrine of the LORD Jesus
and that of His apostles and prophets (which makes up the
canon of Scripture), is to be marked as false and so are those
who teach it. False teachings are shown here to be something
emanating from the belly or carnal minds of men who have
(using falsehood) created a god in their own image, after their
own likeness and due to their un-crucified sinful nature.
Specifically speaking of false prophets and false teachers

among the people, Peter writes that While they promise
them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corrup-
tion. (2 Pet. 2:19)
These are wells without water (empty, void of

truth), clouds that are carried with a tempest; to
whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever
(eternal damnation). For when they speak great
swelling words of vanity, they allure (seduce)
through the lusts of the flesh, through much wan-
tonness, those that were clean escaped from them
who live in error. 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. For if after they have escaped
the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of
the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again en-
tangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is
worse with them than the beginning. For it had been
better for them not to have known the way of right-
eousness, than, after they have known it, to turn
from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
2 Peter 2:17-21
In response to an article we posted on the topic of eternal secu-

rity, a former Calvinist, eternal securist writes:
Amen, Amen, Amen! I believe that the OSAS doctrine is

what is spoken about in Jude 1:4 That there will be
those who change the grace of God into lasciviousness.
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Lie of Ages
In every institution I attended that taught this doctrine

of devils, the people lived like heathens. John Calvin
died an unrepentant murderer....enough said! Now all
you proud Calvinist keep all your well trained argu-
ments I don't buy it anymore. Signed former Calvin-
ist.
Using the ministry as a means to personal gain is the menac-

ing curse of the modern church. Ministry positions across the
western world have been hi-jacked by seminary-trained, pro-
fessional, self-serving marketers who do not possess the heart
or mind of Christ as is clear when comparing their lives to His
and those of His holy apostles (2 Cor. 2:17; Phil. 3:17-19; 2
Tim. 3:10). Many of these men today who occupy positions of
influence possess little or no passion for the relational holiness
of God which flows out of the broken-hearted who fear God and
trust fully in Jesus Christ. Many in leadership today are in the
professional ministry industry (a business to them hirelings)
attempting to perpetuate their own career and build their own
empire and local church business.
The unbiblical unconditional eternal security teaching is a cen-

tral and profitable doctrine among the hoards of deceivers who
plague the church world in this late hour. They define sin and
righteousness on their own terms, instead of honestly and so-
berly believing what God said in His holy Word. This no-
responsibility teaching attracts the masses and draws people
with the lifestyles of modern Laodicean Christians. Such peo-
ple are never shown the essential nature of the crucified life in
modern church houses. So many who do not authentically fol-
low Christ, migrate to teachers who tell them what they wish to
hear, that which feeds the carnal nature (2 Tim. 4:2-4). The
false shepherd reciprocates by tickling ears in order to help
him build up his local ministry business. A Christian life of
ease and once saved always saved is a large, lucrative lure.
But there were false prophets also among the peo-

ple, even as there shall be false teachers among you,
who privily (secretly; stealthily) shall bring in dam-
nable heresies (lies that damn souls), even denying
the Lord that bought them, and bring upon them-
selves swift destruction. And many shall follow their
pernicious (destructive) ways; by reason of whom the
way of truth (Gods Word) shall be evil spoken of.
248
And through covetousness (greed for self-gain) shall
they with feigned (fictitious) words make merchan-
dise of you (exploit you for your money)For when
they speak great swelling words of vanity, they al-
lure through the lusts of the flesh, through much
wantonness, those that were clean escaped from
them who live in error. While they promise them lib-
erty, they themselves are the servants of corruption:
for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he
brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped
the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of
the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again en-
tangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is
worse with them than the beginning. For it had been
better for them not to have known the way of right-
eousness, than, after they have known it, to turn
from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
2 Peter 2:1-3; 18-21
Wow! There are so many things to discover in this passage in 2

Peter! Make this a matter of personal study. Dig into the treas-
ure chest of Gods precious Word. Here is one nugget in this
passage in 2 Peter: by reason of whom the way of truth
(Gods Word) shall be evil spoken of. The testimony of Jesus
Christ is being poisoned in the minds of many of the unsaved
masses due to the damnable heresies of those who are
denying the LORD with false teachings such as once in
grace, always in grace which teaches people to live in sin. This
teaching removes the fear of God from the hearts of those who
embrace it and makes holiness of life optional and not a neces-
sity. Look at what Paul says concerning our preserving of the
good testimony of the Gospel of Jesus and those who know
Him:
Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be

not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as
the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflic-
tions, in necessities, in distresses 2 Corinthians
6:3-4
Always remember that a doctrine is not true because of how

smoothly it is presented, but rather by what the Bible says from
Genesis to Revelation. There are many educated, convincing and
charismatic speakers today who by good words and fair
249
Lie of Ages
speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. This they do by

teaching an unbiblical view of salvation (Calvins five points and
unconditional security). These deceivers would include numer-
ous mainstream media personalities, pastors of large congrega-
tions, and authors of books that have sold in the millions. Gods
Word is the final authority for all matters of true Christian doc-
trine and practice and any persons doctrines which do not align
are to be identified and marked as heresy by the true church of
Jesus Christ (Rom. 16:17-18; Gal. 1:6-9).
Once saved always saved, irresistible grace, and every other

aspect of an unconditional eternal security is contrary to the
doctrine which ye have learned. If you have studied and
embraced the Word of God you know this to be completely
false. We must then obey the divine mandate here to mark
them who teach such.
Take note again of this phrase in Romans 16:17 contrary to

the doctrine which ye have learned. The doctrine the Holy
Ghost is speaking of here is that doctrine which came through
Jesus Christ, His apostles and prophets and is recorded in the
Bible. Anything that doesnt align is contrary to the doctrine
which ye have learned or can learn in Gods Word and is to
be marked and exposed as false. This begs the question as to
where Jesus or His holy apostles ever even hinted that the tru-
ly saved person is automatically (whether he wants to or not)
going to Heaven even if he walks away from God. Is this a doc-
trine of the Holy Word? After all, there are 27 books which
comprise the New Testament canon, so if God wanted us to be-
lieve we are once saved always saved, why didnt He just
come out and tell us so?
If Christ didnt simply and plainly tell us we are unconditional-

ly (no matter what we choose to do) bound for His holy Heaven,
then how in the world can people teach this as if it were divine-
ly authoritative? How brazen!
One has to be taught by men Calvinism, an unconditional

election, and unconditional eternal security because it is
nowhere to be found in Holy Scripture as a doctrine of the
Christian faith. It is the job of the false teacher to prove
his false teaching and he is only able to deceive those who
are not grounded in the truth (Gods Word). And he will
even use some out-of-context Scripture to prove such. In
250
three decades of ministry to people who have been taught
this unconditional eternal security lie, I have found not one
who personally discovered this doctrine in the Word of God.
Rather they have been taught by men, without sound and
contextually true Bible revelation, that unconditional eter-
nal security is a doctrine of the Christian faith. Any honest
student of the Word who diligently searches the Scriptures,
can testify that such a doctrine does not exist in the Bible
other than as being cited as a teaching that is an abomina-
tion to the LORD in that it leads His people to violate His
holiness and become separated from Him who is holy.
There never was or ever can be a born Securest. You

reader, or any other truly born again Christian, cannot
read Eternal Security verses and get Eternal Security
out of them. The only way that Eternal Security can be
attached to these verses is to read it into them. This
proves that Eternal Security is an extra-Biblical, exter-
nal philosophy, seeking Biblical sanction. People are
educated into Eternal Security, just as truly as atheists
are educated into atheism. Henry Schilling
Concerning the matter of being tarnished with the lies of Satan

and Calvin, in his book entitled The Disciple-Making Minister,
David Servant writes:
Near the end of his booklet, Piper quotes legendary

Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon, who said that he
began as an Arminian (Arminians disagree with all five
points of Calvinism), like everyone else. This is a telling
remark because it is so true. No one begins as a Calvin-
ist. They only become Calvinists as they are taught Cal-
vinism. Pipers own testimony is no different. He admits
many years of struggle (p. 1, Para. 4) before he was able
to accept Calvinism. Perhaps even more difficult than
the struggle to accept Calvinism is the struggle to reject
it after one has struggled so hard to accept it. But it can,
and has, been done. See www.ShepherdServe.org.
Though commanded by God and recorded in His Word, today

the whole notion conveyed by some is that obedience is optional
to anyone who has genuinely been made a new creature
through the divinely granted miracle of being born again. Wow,
what unabashed mockery! What a travesty these men are per-
petrating against the Most High! The LORD told us to mark
251
Lie of Ages
these men, For they that are such serve not our Lord Je-
sus Christ, but their own belly (selfish desires); and by good
words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the sim-
ple. (Rom. 16:17-18)
The apostle Peter warned sternly of going back into sin and of
the end being worse than it would have been if that person had
never known the way of righteousness (2 Pet. 2:20-21). Under
the Spirits direction, Peter also commanded: Dearly beloved,
I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from flesh-
ly lusts, which war against the soul. (1 Pet. 2:11) Note the
resolute and potent divinely-inspired words of Peter here. There
leaves no room to wonder when we read these precious and di-
vinely-breathed words of Holy Writ. In this late hour so many
who have been elevated to the status of Christian celebrity,
deceive the hearts of the simple with their flowery and de-
ceptive doctrines and language. No such evil persuasion came
from the mouths or pens of the apostles of Christ.
In the complete absence of even one example of the God of

the Bible ever forcing any person to serve Him, these false
teachers forge ahead with their good words and fair
speeches deceiving the hearts of the simple. (Rom.
16:17-18) They convey the notion and even blatantly teach
that those who are born again will automatically persevere
in obedience and fellowship with Christ. But the Word of
God always presents the choice to Gods people to contin-
ue to walk with Him or to turn from Him in rebellion.
Choose you this day whom ye will serve. (Josh. 24:15)
Serving God is a blessed and daily decision (Deut. 30:19;
Isa. 1:18-20; Lk. 9:23). A cursory look at Israel in the Old
Testament Scriptures reveals this as clear as the light shin-
ing as the noon day sun. In their own self-will, those who
teach this no-personal-responsibility heresy, ignore clearly
revealed divine truth, giving preference to their doctrine of
devils, and in so doing, serve their own belly and carnal
desires. See also Philippians 3:17-21.
And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with
enticing wordsBeware lest any man spoil you
through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradi-
tion of men, after the rudiments of the world, and
not after Christ. Colossians 2:4, 8
252
Beware of the modern day deceiver who works to cleverly artic-
ulate his Calvinistic and poisonous points of theology, using
myth and human reasoning while violating revealed divine
truth in the very Word of God. This is a grave evil being perpe-
trated from pulpits, books and other media across the world,
leading millions to the worship of a false god. These are deceiv-
ers. They do not honor God and His Word.

In light of the numerous passages which clearly demonstrate

that salvation can and will be forfeited by any born again per-
son not remaining in faithful obedience to Christ, it is clear
that many have misunderstood the message of Gods Word on
how Christ and His glorious salvation must be abided in (Jn.
15). Some fail to understand that salvation must be maintained
by an ongoing faith in Christ alone and that is a choice, never
forced. This one fact alone that God never forces man to do
anything causes the intertwined 5 points of Calvinism to
crumble. The notion that one is automatically going to perse-
vere to the end if he is truly saved, is completely unfounded
no where to be found in Holy Scripture. Like much of John
Calvins heretical teachings, this doctrine of deceit violates vol-
umes of known truth and does not take into account the whole
of the LOGOS (written Word). Regrettably, many today hold
Calvins teachings as their final authority and dont even realize
it. They bend even the Bible to fit Calvins heresies, instead of
discarding these lethal lies when they realize how they grossly
contradict Gods Word. Many a person who is deluded by this
irresistible grace heresy seems to be inoculated from scriptur-
al truth. Even after being shown numerous Bible texts which
clearly reveal Calvins teachings to be erroneous, some of these
people crassly dismiss the divine truth they read with their very
own eyes, vainly believing that somehow God didnt really mean
what He plainly stated. Like all cults, it seems like these lies
inoculated them from truth. Yet, when asked, these men claim
to follow Christ and honor Gods Word. In reality they are fol-
lowing the doctrines of mere men and devils and in most cases
have no clue they are doing so. Should we be surprised in light
of what our LORD said concerning this to the religionists of His
day? (Mk. 7:6-9)
253
Lie of Ages
John Calvins 5 points are a masterminded diabolic system to

pervert the grace of our God and to defy the holiness of the
LORD, justify sin, and bring Gods people into the depth of de-
pravity and ultimately damnation all the while thinking they
are once saved always saved. Those who have embraced
these blatant and biblically defying lies have no idea who is be-
hind this system of deceit. They think this is the truth of Jesus
Christ and yet it is actually the lies of the dark lord of damna-
tion who has come to steal, kill and destroy (Jn. 10:10).
Annihilating one of Calvins 5 points, Robert Shank says:
But we must protest that a god who, while rescuing

some, simply passes by others in the same lost circum-
stance is so little like the Good Samaritan in our Lords
parable and so much like the priest and the Levite that
he cannot be the God who desires to have all men saved
and none to perish. Such a god constitutes a total con-
tradiction to the spirit of the words of James, To him
who knows to do good and does it not, to him it is
sin (4:17) ... A god so heartless and so arbitrary cannot
be the God who so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son to exile, sorrow, suffering, shame and
death. He cannot be the God who cries with sorrowing
heart and infinite compassion, Look unto me and be ye
saved, all the ends of the earth, for I am God, and there
is none other (Isa. 45:22). He cannot be the God whose
grace has appeared for the salvation of all men (Tit.
2:11). Such an arbitrary god is not the God we worship
and adore, the God in whom we trust. (Robert Shank,
Elect in the Son, p.193)
Friends, in this writers opinion and that of many others, John

Calvin was the worst heretic in church history. He picked up
and re-launched the very original lie Satan told the woman in
the Garden. He grossly corrupted the holy image of the one
true God with his evil and blasphemous teachings. Calvin set
forth heresies that live on today in the minds of many deceived
people, some who are well-meaning. LORD, bless us to love and
embrace Thy truth, which establishes who You truly are and re-
veals the doctrines of men and devils to be evil tools to lure
away the righteous to perdition. Amen.
Below are shown the Five Points of Calvinism which are used
254
in an acrostic T-U-L-I-P. As one should notice, these doc-
trines clearly twist and grossly distort the divine attributes of
God, the true nature of man, and the Holy Scriptures.
The Five Basic Tenets of Calvinism
The five basic doctrines of Calvinism are represented by the ac-

ronym T-U-L-I-P. As you read through these, weigh them
against the whole of Holy Scripture to test their validity. Here is
the doctrinal grid of Calvinisms / Reformed Theology):
T = TOTAL DEPRAVITY: This one could be called total ina-

bility. Reformed Theology teaches that at birth all men are
depraved wholly and totally. They are in this sinful condi-
tion because they have inherited it from their parents and in
this condition they have no ability to choose to do right or to
obey God by repenting and placing their faith in Jesus Christ
as God has specifically commanded them to. In other words,
according to the Calvinist, the LORD has instructed man to
do something he cant do and yet will punish men if they
dont do what He said. According to the Calvinist, man has
no say in the matter of salvation since he has no free will.
Calvinism teaches that salvation is only possible if God wills
it and causes it through the work of the Holy Spirit and that
man has no say in the matter. The Bible tells us that
God ... commandeth all men every where to re-
pent. (Acts 17:30) Why would God command man to do
something he can't do? Absurd!
U = UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION: Calvinists believe that

God, before the foundation of the world, arbitrarily chose to
save some people and to destroy all others and nothing can
be done to change Gods sovereign decree. In this false
teaching, Reformed Theology says that since man can do
nothing but evil on his own, Gods unconditional election is
required to save him. Consequently, one needs to do noth-
ing to remain saved. If ones salvation depended on himself
in any way, the miraculous work of God in saving him
would be overthrown.
L = LIMITED ATONEMENT: The Calvinists believes that

Christ died only for the ones God had unconditionally cho-
sen to save. (Isnt it amazing that all who believe in limited
atonement just happen to personally be a part of the spe-
255
Lie of Ages
cial, privileged, elite ones to whom God has limited His sal-
vation to? How convenient and amazing!!! How telling! How
incriminating!) Gods Word says that Jesus died for the sins
of the WHOLE world. (1 Jn. 2:2) Jesus Christ died to pay
the price for all the sins of every man (Jn. 12:32). In this
truth alone Calvinism is found to be completely false.
I = IRRISISTABLE GRACE: Calvinism teaches that an un-

regenerate person cannot voluntarily believe in God. But
once God determines to save him, that same individual can-
not overcome or resist the power of God no matter what he
may desire personally. Human will is denied.
P = PERSEVERENCE OF THE SAINTS: In the beliefs of

Calvinism, the unconditionally elected person will of a cer-
tainty endure to the end of his life walking with God. If he
falls away, the excuse is that he was never really elected by
God in the first place.
As I review these profane points, it is almost comical and yet

seriously alarming to think that some are so gullible and bibli-
cally illiterate and defiant as to actually believe these rank her-
esies. Any time one reads Calvins five false points, Scripture
upon Scripture should come to mind that plainly refute these
diabolical lies. It is an absolute impossibility to believe Gods
Word and John Calvins doctrines simultaneously.
The one who concocted these doctrinal points and those who
embrace them create a god in their own image a cruel god
who would choose one to be saved and another to be damned.
The god of these teachings came all the way to earth from the
glory and infinite riches of Heaven to die and pardon only some
and leave the rest to suffer eternal ruin because he is just for
some reason against them. The truth clearly reveals the doc-
trines of Calvinism/Reformed Theology to be from a false god (1
Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9). The false god of this system of theology
possesses a grace which goes far beyond that of the God of
the Bible who requires men to fear and love Him supremely
and live in faith and obedience to Him or lose out eternally
(Exod. 20:2-4; Matt. 7:21; 10:28; Tit. 2:11-12; James 1:22; 1
Jn. 2:3-6; Rev. 2-3). The false grace system of Calvins cultish
culture is a belief system that grants license for the special
elect to live in the sin Jesus Christ came to earth to die and set
men free from.
256
In a written response to a Calvinist concerning the belief in an
unconditional election, Jeff Paton writes:
So why do you recoil from God knowing whom He

would elect from before the foundation of the world? I
dont, I believe it! God only has one Church, one Bride
who is elect before the foundation of the world, not mil-
lions of individuals mysteriously elected before the foun-
dation of the world! Ephesians 1:4, According as he
hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the
world, that we should be holy and without blame before
him in love: notice who is US in the passageit refers
to BELIEVERS, the Church. Who has God chosen? Be-
lievers. How? In Christ (the Gospel). That was and has
always been Gods plan. No election from eternity here
for a single individual to salvation. Revelation 17:8, The
beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend
out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they
that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were
not written in the book of life from the foundation of the
world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not,
and yet is. - Once again, the passage says NOTHING of
election to salvation BEFORE or AT the foundation of
the world! It says in English FROM the foundation of
the world. The Greek does not, and cannot mean AT or
BEFORE and therefore gives no support to the notion
that God has chosen or elected anyone by anything oth-
er than faith in Christ. You can create difficulties that
are just not there. There is not one passage that sug-
gests or states that any individual is elected to salvation
from eternity, or any other time.
Lots of questions, but answering one or all of them will

not substitute Scripture, and especially your lack of any
Scripture that asserts your assumed theology. All too
many are willing to be led around by the nose by philos-
ophy and sophistry, but I find it quite unconvincing un-
til I have a reason from Scripture to believe it. The obvi-
ous fact is, you have no Scripture, just arguments and
leading questions designed to arrive at your presupposi-
tions.
The Calvinist has been taught a system of theology that is for-

eign to Holy Writ. To illustrate just how unscriptural and de-
257
Lie of Ages
ceptive Calvinistic teachings can be, lets look at what seems to

be the center point belief of the Calvinist the theology of what
they call the sovereignty of God. It is disturbing to observe
that in the theology of Calvinists they have nearly deified the
sovereignty of God when the words sovereign or
sovereignty never appear in Holy Scripture. Due to the fact
that the word sovereign appears no where in His Word, we
can unmistakably conclude that the LORD obviously did not
want His people being preoccupied with this. These masters of
manipulation completely ignore the holiness of the LORD when
the word holy and holiness appear nearly 600 times in
the Bible. Numbers dont lie. Those who will be in relationship
with the Almighty are commanded and required to be ye ho-
ly; for I am holy. (Lev. 20:7; 1 Pet. 1:15-16) Are the people of
God commanded to believe that He is sovereign? No. We do
know from His Word that experiencing His real holiness is a
prerequisite for Heaven (Matt. 5:8; Heb. 12:14; Rev. 21:8, 27).
Now this complete over-emphasis of a non-essential and bra-
zen ignoring of an essential truth about the very core nature of
the one true God is an evil tragedy which is deluding and
damning millions today. This is a classic case of deceivers
working within Christendom teaching perverse things
which are contrary to the doctrine of the Bible and are
turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and
Christ. (Acts 20:29-31; Rom. 16:17-18; Jude 3-4) In denying
His attributes and grossly over-emphasizing a characteristic
His Word never does, these false teachers clearly deny the
LORD.
There is a cleverly crafted premise and sequential order here.

In this system we witness a layered order of beliefs. Each layer
is carefully built one upon another. One point has to be em-
braced before a person can be deluded into believing the next
ones. Each of Calvins five points are interconnected and inter-
dependent. In order to convince one that he is without condi-
tion absolutely eternally secure regardless of any choice he
may make, requires that the person believe that God sovereign-
ly saved him and will sovereignly keep him with no responsibil-
ity on the recipients part. The false god of Calvinism says the
individual has no say-so and that he is forced to go to Heaven
or hell. His destiny is predetermined according to this diaboli-
cal system of lies. In this system of theology the LORD pre-
selects some to be saved and some to be lost and no one has a
258
choice. This is an evil set of beliefs that defy the Word of the
living God, inevitably deluding those who embrace them.
If a person does not purposely develop the love of the truth

he will absolutely be turned over to deceiving spirits to be de-
luded and ultimately damned (2 Thess. 2:10-12).
Surely the LORD is sovereign, yet it is deception to divorce

such a divine attribute from the wholeness of His Person and
attributes. He who magnified His wordabove His own
name sovereignly chose to tell His people in His written
Counsel that holiness is indigenous of who He is and a require-
ment for those who will know and be with Him (Lev. 19:2; Ps.
33:11; 138:2; Heb. 12:14).
The Cult of Calvin
In my personal opinion and from decades of observation, it ap-

pears to be evident that those in ministry who teach Calvins
doctrines were subverted by those who taught them before they
ever personally learned Gods Word themselves. They were
taught this lie growing up and/or in the seminaries they at-
tended before they had studied unto the LORD and gained a
foundation in His Word (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17). Like most false
doctrines, Calvinistic teachings have an inoculating effect upon
those who have been deceived by this teaching.
Beholding John Calvins abominable heresies should come as

no surprise to the Bible student who has studied Calvins per-
sonal life. By many documented facts surrounding his life,
John Calvin was a very arrogant man who reigned as a king
over the city of Geneva Switzerland and did not honor Gods
Word. His English Geneva Bible, created between (1560-1611)
featured extensive commentary notes in the margins which
clearly disregarded and superseded the very Scriptures, instead
of simply rendering a literal explanation of the Bible text.
Calvins notes were full of his own twisted philosophies about
God. The Scriptures warn specifically about this evil and the
deceivers who propagate such (Col. 2:4, 8; 18-19; Jude 3-4;
Rev. 22:18-19). Also incriminating upon Calvin and his Bible,
was that his brother-in-law, William Whittingham, assisted in
the translation of John Calvins Geneva Bible and is said to
have possessed a theological bias which caused him to make
changes in the text.
259
Lie of Ages
There was a reason that Calvin invented his own Bible. Those
who read John Calvins Institutes (his own distorted religious
commentaries) could not reconcile his teachings with Holy
Scripture, so Calvin cleverly created his own English Bible
translation with notes in the margin in order to be able to twist
and manipulate the clear and literal meaning of the Word of
God. In this evil endeavor, Calvin fits the description of those
false prophets who deceive the hearts of the simple with
their good words and fair speeches. (Rom. 16:17-18) Ac-
cording to the Holy Spirit, men like John Calvin and those who
teach his heresies today are to be marked as false teachers.
Mind if we review the passage this chapter began with?
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which

cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine
which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they
that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but
their own belly (selfish desires); and by good words
and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Romans 16:17-18
The historical information being discussed here played out in

the 16th and 17th centuries and has had an enormous impact
on what we know as the church today. Of this historical sketch
and scenario, which was the formation of the cult of Calvin
prevalent in todays church world, Kent R. Rieske writes:
The Geneva Bible and the doctrines of John Calvin

spread across Europe as church leaders used the mar-
gin notes as the basis of their lectures and preaching.
King James I (1566-1625) was opposed to Calvinistic
Presbyterianism and some claim he was infuriated by
the Geneva Bible because the marginal notes allowed
disobedience to the King. This claim can be largely dis-
missed because Calvin ruled as King of Geneva and al-
lowed absolutely no disobedience. King James was re-
quested by Dr. John Reynolds of the Puritans in the fa-
mous Hampton Court Conference to authorize the print-
ing of a new Bible without the marginal notes. King
James agreed. He authorized work to begin on the new
Bible in 1604 with a team of fifty-four theologians and
scholars, and it was printed in 1611. The Bible was to
be a new translation from the Greek. The King James
260
Version of the Bible was prepared from the Textus Recep-

tus as well as many of the other 5,000 Greek manu-
scripts. It is known as the 1611 Authorized King James
Version and held by many as the only Inspired Word of
God. Calvinism: False Doctrines of the Pope of Gene-
va, by Kent R. Rieske and Bible Life Ministries. See
http://www.biblelife.org/calvinism.htm
Among other items in the life of Calvin, it should be noted that

John Calvin had Michael Servitus murdered because Servitus
did not agree with Calvins heresies and vigorously opposed
them.
John Calvins modern-day disciples are false teachers. To

propagate the very original lie of the enemy of the Almighty is
to identify ones self as one of Satans ministers and be
placed in the category of a wolf in sheeps clothing (Matt. 7:15
-20; 2 Cor. 11:13-15). It doesnt matter how sincere or charis-
matic or educated a leader may seem. It doesnt even matter
whether or not a leader realizes that he is teaching what Cal-
vin taught. Any person teaching that there is no possible way
to lose salvation after truly receiving it, is in defiance of the
Counsel of God, a heretic and to be rejected (if he refuses
to repent after being confronted with the Word) as such ac-
cording to Titus 3:10-11. These men who teach Calvins here-
sies are teaching doctrines which are clearly contrary to the
Word and deceiving the hearts of the simple. (Rom.
16:17-18) The truth is to be earnestly contended for, specifi-
cally when this lie of lasciviousness is being taught (Jude 3-
4).
If there come any unto you, and bring not this

doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither
bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God
speed is partaker of his evil deeds. 2 John 10-11
Helping a false teacher is a serious offense against a holy God.

Grave consequences are attached. Those who do anything to
further the ministries of false prophets or false teachers be-
come equally guilty before the LORD (Judges 5:23; 2 Chron.
19:2; Prov. 17:15; 24:24; Isa. 5:20-24, etc.). Helping the cause
of a wolf is a deadly undertaking. Any person who does such
makes himself the enemy of God (Matt. 12:30). The LORD
clearly showed us in His Word that He will have no mercy upon
false prophets if they choose not to repent before it is too late
261
Lie of Ages
(Jer. 48:10; Acts 1:25; 2 Pet. 2-3; Jude; Rev. 18:4, etc.). Those
who in any way help deceivers bring harm to Christs body are
accessories to the fact and will suffer the same judgment as the
wolf himself. For he that biddeth him God speed is par-
taker of his evil deeds. (2 Jn. 11)
Below are resources for further study into the life of one of the
most (if not the most) prolific false teachers in New Testament
church history, whose evil doctrines against the LORD are still
being spread by modern day deceivers. (Please know that we
cannot validate or endorse the entire scope of what these min-
istries may be teaching, yet thought it profitable to include
their resources concerning Calvinism. As usual, we should al-
ways be discerning like the Bereans Acts 17:11.)
www.wholesomewords.org/etexts/freeman/
pfcalvin.html
www.biblelife.org/calvinism.htm
www.biblebelievers.net/Calvinism/kjcalvn4.htm
www.thesoulwinner.org/calvinism.htm
Of the feedback received concerning his expose of John Calvin,

Kent R. Rieske of Bible Life Ministries, reports:
Many pastors have written directly from their church

website with insulting, hate mail after reading the truths
presented here. These pastors are obviously not born-
again, Spirit filled Christians. They are fake Christians.
Calvinistic preachers are our modern day Pharisees that
put Jesus on the cross. They are wolves in sheeps cloth-
ing preaching another gospel that the Apostle Paul
warned us about. They are in the ministry for power,
control and money. They are certainly destined to spend
eternity in hell. Their letters have revealed their corrupt
hearts to the Holy Spirit. Kent R. Rieske or Bible Life
Ministries, http://www.biblelife.org/calvinism.htm
PRAYER: Holy Father, I praise You for Your goodness this mo-
ment! I repent of ever believing any doctrine contrary to Your Ho-
ly Word and/or promoting any person who teaches such. Please
purge every false notion from my heart and mind and clearly il-
262
luminate Your Holy Truth in my heart that I might know You and
Your true attributes and not be misled to the worship of a false
god. I seek to know You through the purity of Your Holy Word.
Grant me Your wisdom, teaching me to discern keenly, and keep
me from being deluded as I with thanksgiving set my affection
upon You and not on the things on the earth. Your Word is final
authority and I choose to embrace Your full-counsel Jesus.
Amen.
263
Lie of Ages
Chapter Eighteen
DID JESUS DIE FOR ALL MEN

OR JUST SOME MEN?
Who will have ALL men to be saved, and to come
unto the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4
Are you able to see that this unconditional eternal security

teaching is the reason why we have an American people, the
vast majority of which when surveyed claim to be saved
(according to the Gallup Poll, etc.), who do not make it a priori-
ty in their lives to spread the true Gospel to others in our
streets and our church houses? Have not our institutions and
apostate local church organization not long ago been hijacked
by self-serving hirelings? Is this why countries like England,
Scotland, and other lands once knew and experienced the Gos-
pel of Jesus in a sweeping and powerful way and today are
apostate? Was the fear of God lost in the hearts of the people
due to the poisonous leaven of this false teaching of uncondi-
tional eternal security that John Calvin and the reformers
spread? An objective historical sketch may be in order. For six
thousand years of history this Lie of the Ages has been robbing
the fear of God from the hearts of men and causing them to
fall, just as it did the first man and woman. If one accepts Cal-
vinism, then why preach to all men if Christ only died for
some? Do you see the diabolical effect Calvinism has on the
264
true Gospel of Christ and the Great Commission He gave? Je-
sus said:
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost
his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thence-
forth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be
trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the
world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Nei-
ther do men light a candle, and put it under a bush-
el, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all
that are in the house. Let your light so shine before
men, that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16
It utterly amazes me how some can so crassly ignore the myri-

ad of warnings issued forth in the Word of God to remain or
abide in fellowship with Christ or be lost. The numerous warn-
ings to remain in the fear of God alone prove that an uncondi-
tional eternal security is an impossibility and a farce.
Recently I was blessed to be engaged in a conversation with two

lovely Christian ladies who believed in OSAS. Their icons and
authority for this teaching came from the likes of John Calvin
and John MacArthur. John Calvin can be credited as the man
who did more to make the Lie of the Ages popular than any
other man in New Testament history. John MacArthur is a
modern wolf who teaches this same lie with no contextually
sound biblical authority (there is none). I encouraged both of
these Christian ladies to go to the Word alone and forsake men
(Isa. 2:22). John Calvin and MacArthur have no authority at all
in the kingdom of God. All kingdom authority comes from the
King of the kingdom and through those holy apostles He or-
dained to pen His precious Word as we have in the New Testa-
ment (Jn. 5:39; 10:35; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21).
In our conversation one of the ladies cited John 10:28 where

Jesus gives this promise to those who are truly His sheep:
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never
perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my
hand. I asked this precious lady if any of the leaders like
MacArthur or anyone else had ever bothered to point out
verse 27, the preceding words of the LORD. She had no idea
what verse 27 contained since these men conveniently avoid-
ed these words of our Savior because they dont play into
their private interpretation and desire to create a god in their
265
Lie of Ages
own image and likeness. Yet when we look at the complete

text in John 10 it places a whole new light and more com-
plete picture of divine truth. In verse 27 our LORD qualifies
exactly whom the promise of verse 28 is for My sheep
hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (v
27) So, who is this promise to be kept eternally given to here?
My sheep Jesus says and they are those who hear my
voice and He says I know them, and they follow me.
The Master clearly qualifies who it is who will be kept from
another man plucking them out of His hand here. The prom-
ises of God are conditional upon the recipients faithful obedi-
ence to the LORD, the Giver of the promises (Deut. 30:19-20;
Josh. 24:16; Matt. 10:22; Lk. 21:34-36; Rom. 8:1, 13-14;
11:19-22; Heb. 3:6, 12-15; 11:6-7; Rev. 2-3). Such is a foun-
dation and self-evident biblical truth.
Beloved, be not deceived: Any person not following Christ

presently does not have the promise of being kept from any
man plucking them out of Jesus hand. Such a promise was
given by the Master to those He qualified and identified as
His true sheep who are presently following HimI know
them, and they follow me. (Jn. 10:27)
The conversation with these two ladies continued..
As we talked I shared with these ladies that one basic Bible

truth alone completely annihilates most or all of John
Calvins teachings in one swoop. Here is that truth:
God so loved the whole world that He gave His only begot-
ten Son! (Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 2:2) This simply means that God
gave His Son as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of all men
and not just some!
And he is the propitiation (atoning sacrifice) for

our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the
sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2
Jesus Christ died for the sins of the WHOLE world. (1 Jn.
2:2) Calvins whole false gospel and all of its associated here-
sies are slain in this one biblical phrase of divine truth!
Only an evil pagan deity would be so ruthless and cruel as to

not include all who will and leave some out which is the lim-
ited and damning scope of Calvinisms false gospel. Make no
266
mistake that such a theology does not emanate from the
one true God who has no respecter of persons (Rom. 2:11).
The eternal and immutable God of all that is does not cease
to be Holy, holy, holy just because He was merciful
enough to reach down and redeem a depraved and sin-sick
soul! What hideous arrogance and pomp to think such a vain
and evil thought! Who did the Son of God come and die for?
God our Saviour; Who will have ALL men to be

saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the
truth. For there is one God, and one mediator be-
tween God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who
gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due
time. 1 Timothy 2:3-6
V3 Jesus Christ who is God is our Saviour the only

Savior!
V4 His desire is that ALL MEN be saved from eternal

damnation and into His holy Heaven.
V5-6 There is only ONE MEDIATOR between God and

men and His name is Jesus and He gave himself a ran-
som for all, to be testified about to all men that they
might be saved. Jesus included all men in His precious
and unspeakable sacrifice on that cruel wooden cross! Christ
bled for all men, not just some men.
Also, 2 Peter 3:9 drives another death nail into the coffin of
John Calvins diabolical heresies:
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as

some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us
-ward, not willing that ANY should perish, but that
ALL should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
God is not willing! Did you catch what the Holy Ghost told
us here? Is the Word of God the highest authority of your life?
Or are the teachings of mere sinful men? Watch this The
LORD isnot willing that any should perish, but that all
should come to repentance. Does this Bible statement need
any explanation?
In Titus 2:11, who does Gods Word tell us Jesus Christ died
for? Some men or all men?
267
Lie of Ages

As we see here in Titus 2, the verse we began this chapter with

also told us plainly that the Son of God came and died for all
men and not just some men.
Who will have ALL men to be saved, and to come

unto the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4
Who is John Calvin or Charles Spurgeon? These men and all

other leaders in history have absolutely no authority in the di-
vine kingdom! What utter fools we have been to give them or
any other mere man such an unfitting place! Only Christ does
All power in Heaven and earth is given to Him alone! (Matt.
28:18) Jesus told us that the scripture cannot be bro-
ken. (Jn. 10:35) The highest authority is in the very words of
God given us through the prophets and apostles of Jesus
Christ Himself which means that all other writings and teach-
ings of men must be closely scrutinized against the holy Stand-
ard which has be lifted up and magnified above even the name
of the LORD (Ps. 138:2). To the true disciple of Jesus, all extra-
biblical writings must become subservient to the Holy Scrip-
tures.
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel

against (above) the LORD. Proverbs 21:30
Do these foundational Bible truths not make it crystal clear

that Jesus Christ came and died for the sins of ALL men
and not just some men? What a God! What a Savior! What a
glorious Gospel of peace! Thank You Jesus!
Saint of God, when we begin to love the truth, we will despise

lies and give no credence to mere men, no matter how much
others may aggrandize them! Isnt it time we got excited about
the Word that was given to us by the living LORD and God of
all that is?! If we do not become righteously indignant against
that which does not align with divinely revealed truth, it is only
because we do not yet possess the love of the truth. (2
Thess. 2:10; Ps. 119:104, 128)
O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the

dayThrough thy precepts I get understanding:
therefore I hate every false way Therefore I esteem
268
all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and
I hate every false way. Psalms 119:97, 104, 128
The Psalmist and Job esteemed the recorded words of the

LORD above their necessary physical food and to be their high-
est authority and therefore hated every false way.
I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than

my necessary food. Job 23:12
PRAYER: Holy Father thank You so much for sending Your

only begotten Son to die for the sins of the whole world every
single person - and to die for me! Stir and quicken my heart to
love You more and to serve You by obeying the Great Commis-
sion You gave me to help others come to know You. Open the
hearts of those whom Your body communicates Your Gospel to
and Jesus bless sinners the world over to repent and believe
as You blessed me to do! Thank You Jesus that the floodgates
of Your glorious salvation are wide open to all who will repent
and believe! You are love heavenly Father and with You is no
respecter of persons! Selah!
269
Lie of Ages
Chapter Nineteen
DONT YOU DARE DISTURB MY LITTLE

ETERNAL SECURITY PARTY!
Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it
in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ev-
er and ever: That this is a rebellious people, lying
children, children that will not hear the law (Word)
of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not; and to
the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things,
speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.
Isaiah 30:8-10
In this Isaiah 30 text we see a startling revelation of the Holy

Spirit of God. He has His prophet here record this warning, to
alert His people of the threat of smooth talking deceivers who
lead His people astray. This warning would cover the whole
span of the history of mankind, leading up to and including the
return and ultimate reign of Jesus Christ. The LORD told his
prophet Isaiah to write these things that it may be for the
time to come for ever and ever. By this alone we know that
the danger of these smooth talking counterfeits is for our day.
So let those who have ears to hear, hear what the Holy Spirit is
saying to our hearts in this late hour.
So many today, claiming to be Gods children, do not endure

sound doctrine when confronted with the authentic preach-
270
ing of the Word (2 Tim. 4:2-5). Instead of hearkening to the
truth their ears hear, they cry Prophesy not unto us right
things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.
To illustrate the point here, lets ask ourselves a few simple and
very important questions:
Do I love Gods Word and hunger and thirst for more

and more of it?
Am I in the Word daily?
Have I surrounded myself with those who love the Bible

and are consequently comfortable and desirous to talk
Scripture?
Am I involved in a group or local church that is merely

following the latest evangelical fad book or leader or
movement?
Do I migrate to leaders (Bible study or otherwise) who

truly honor and lead directly into and through the Holy
Scriptures?
Unfortunately there are a very minuscule few who truly preach

the Word in our day. Most preach the words of mere men
their own or others programs. But when Gods Word is
preached, men are warned to flee from the wrath to
come (Lk. 3:7). It seems that so many who are woefully at
ease in Zion flee the truth and instead, intentionally migrate
to one of the scores of smooth talking local church builders of
our day who preach the gospel of ease in order to draw in and
retain supporters (Amos 6:1). It is heart-rending that these
man-pleasing, smooth talking deceivers litter the landscape of
the church world in our day. Does this not reveal that every
man desires to do what is right in his own eyes and not die to
self and do the will of the Father in Heaven? See 1 Kings 17:6;
Matthew 7:21; 12:50; John 4:34; James 1:22; 4:4-10.
As foretold several times in the New Testament, very few people

love the truth in this late hour (1 Thess. 2:3; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2
Tim. 3:1-7). Regrettably, most would rather exalt mere men
and their teachings above God who has lifted His Word above
His own name (Ps. 138:2). In their hearts they say hurt not
the oil and the wine (pleasure and ease)! They say Dont
271
Lie of Ages
you dare mess with my Laodicean playhouse! (Rev. 3:14-19;

6:6) I want my cake and to eat it too! Like the Laodiceans who
were carnally fat and spiritually skinny, many in this last hour
want a life of ease, not realizing that in Gods eyes they are
wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.
These Laodiceans refused to endure sound doctrine, and those
whom Jesus warned would be spewed from Him (vomited out
of His mouth/body; rejected). Many today say in their hearts
We dont want to hear the hard truths of God! Dont you dare
interrupt the flow of ease and pleasure! Give us the promise of
eternal security without personal responsibility! If you do, we
will find one of the many leaders who will not teach on sin and
righteousness and the full-counsel of the Word! Entertain us or
we will pick up our toys and go play somewhere else!
Beloved, beware of community churches and the emergent

church movement which are sweeping the evangelical world
and littering the landscape of Laodicean America! Beware of
cotton candy pseudo Christian books and works that focus
on being purpose-driven instead of pure and Word and Holy
Spirit-led! Beware of writings that center on being wild of heart
and not holy in heart! Beware of wannabe local pastors who
dont have their own identity in Christ and their own life in the
Word of God and therefore follow sheep-clothed, wool-cloaked
wolves who have national influence! Rebuke them sharply and
expose them and depart unless they repent! (Rom. 16:17-18; 2
Tim. 4:2-5; Tit. 1:13)
Far more dangerous than the mass murderous ministries of

Jim Jones and David Koresh, are men today who are deceitful-
ly leading their flock into spiritual darkness and death with
their deadly and insidious lies. This is the epitome of what the
LORD Jesus described as the blind leading the blind into the
ditch of eternal destruction (Matt. 15:14). These leaders are do-
ing these things for 2 reasons:
1) They serve themselves and not Christ and therefore

refuse to instruct their people in the full-counsel of the
LORD (Acts 20:20, 27, 32; Phil. 3:17-21).
2) The people they lead, like so many among us, do not

personally study and know the Word of God, so cannot
discern these leaders as false. (The people who do not
know and obey Gods Word will be destroyed for lack of
272
knowledge (Hos. 4:6; Matt. 22:29; 2 Thess. 2:10-12).
False teachers reciprocate the sinful desires of unsaved, un-

sanctified men. Beguilers tell the people what their depraved
hearts wish to hear, instead of naming sin and calling them to
repentance before a holy God (2 Tim. 4:3). This is what Christ
and His apostles did (Matt. 4:17; Lk. 13:3, 5; Acts 3:19).
The landscape of the modern church world is littered with en-

trepreneurial CEO type moguls who use various marketing
schemes and entertainment gimmicks to farm their communi-
ties for unearned, un-cleansed souls whom they never call to
repent from living a life of rebellion. Below is a partial list of es-
sentials that govern and drive todays beguilers who seek to
grow their church businesses in our communities.
Every single mainstream evangelical leader who is teaching

OSAS is dead wrong. Many do such due to being taught of
mere men while rejecting the written counsel of the One they
claim to be representing.
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither

shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to
wrest (pervert) judgment. Exodus 23:3
It simply doesnt matter the size of their audience, opulent min-

istries, influence, or charisma, etc. Gods Word is final authori-
ty and never hints of an unconditional eternal security. Lets
take it one step further: Every leader not warning and exhort-
ing his audience of the essential of enduring to the end in obe-
dient faith toward Christ, is not fulfilling His calling and will
receive judgment for such (Col. 1:28; 2:8; 2 Tim. 4:1-2). The
only security Gods Word promises is in abiding or remaining in
full relational trust in Christ.
The Word of God annihilates any and all possibility of there ex-
isting an unconditional eternal security. If OSAS existed in the
mind of the Almighty He would have simply transparently come
out openly and told us in His Word (Ps. 33:11). The thoughts
of his heart have been transmitted through His holy apostles
and prophets and recorded to all generations in His Word and
there is no hint of an unconditional eternal security found
therein (Ps. 33:11).
ESSENTIAL COMMANDMENTS OF FALSE LEADERS
273
Lie of Ages
The Unspoken Creed of Modern Deceivers
Cardinal Rule #1:
Thou shalt not obey Jesus Christ and preach repentance. This
is what He prescribed in order that He might grow His true
Church as He wills. Ignore the severe truths of the Bible be-
cause it wont make you successful in mens eyes and maxim-
ize your monetary earning potential in this life. Instead, seek
out popular men who can tell you how to be a good church
growth student and farm your community to grow your church
business.
Cardinal Rule #2:
Thou shalt not teach people that God is holy, that sin sepa-
rates men from Him, and that without exception He requires all
who will be eternally saved to be ye holy for I am holy.
Cardinal Rule #3:
Thou shalt tend only to the light fanfare of fun and entertain-
ing things like coping, financial prosperity, physical healing,
getting blessed, pop psychology, and light things catering to
building up the self life which Jesus commanded men to
deny.
Cardinal Rule #4:
Thou shalt entertain sinful goats who think they are saved and
not feed sheep. Only say things that make the largest segment
of society feel comfortable at all costs. This is how you will be
able to build a large church business. Never ever, ever tell the
people that Jesus Christ requires them to deny themselves,
take up their cross daily and really and truly follow Him or
they are not His.
Cardinal Rule #5:
Thou shalt make people feel like they are a part of a communi-
ty. Make them feel like they belong and that they are accepted
without question or exception and that God okays them in
their sins whether they repent or not.
Cardinal Rule #6:
274
Thou shalt be friendly and sensitive to seekers while ignoring
the need to fear God and preach the undiluted full-counsel of
His Word. Oh, make sure you use one of the many artificial,
corrupt new versions of the Bible that are supposedly easier to
read and have removed and distorted the central doctrines of
the Christian faith. Beware because using the real English Bi-
ble (KJV) would convict people of sin and might actually cause
people to have to learn new English words, increasing their vo-
cabulary and making them smarter and wiser and able to dis-
cern who you really are (Ps. 19:7; 119:99-100).
Cardinal Rule #7:
Thou shalt not preach on the vivid reality of hell and eternal
judgment to come and how Jesus spoke more about hell than
Heaven. This might make people feel uncomfortable in their
sins and not patronize or pay you to continue to lead them
astray.
Cardinal Rule #8:
Thou shalt purposely ignore and dodge all the myriad of Scrip-
tures that deal with crucifying the self life, denying sinful
pleasure in this life and truly following Jesus. This would of-
fend and alienate people from your cause.
Cardinal Rule #9:
Thou shalt not preach any convicting word that brings shame
on sinful consciences. If so you would run some off and they
would no longer help you build your local church business.
Cardinal Rule #10:
Thou shalt act as if you believe the Bible is Gods Word and yet
dont really spend much time getting directly into it. Rather,
bring in fad books written by best selling authors who do not
exalt Jesus Christ by declaring His Word - undiluted. If you
want to grow your own financial portfolio, do not preach the
full-counsel of Gods Word - holiness, repentance, being born
again, hell, denial of self, judgment to come, etc. Make sure you
do not make one of Gods 66 glorious divinely-inspired books
the text book for smaller group studies. People might get con-
victed of their sins, repent, and begin to personally learn Gods
Word for themselves and wont allow you to continue to mislead
275
Lie of Ages
them and will not see the need for you (Pastor Wonderful) to
tell them what to believe.
Cardinal Rule #11:
Remember that your whole goal is to look successful in the

eyes of men and to grow your congregation numerically and
not spiritually. Thou shalt not specifically and by name preach
on sin and call men to repent of their life of iniquity. The
blessed and ancient altar call must be removed. Since you
wont be preaching repentance from sin before a just and holy
God and Judge, you will not need an altar call. Obeying Christ
by calling men to repent is not conducive to your own personal
cause and popularity among men and may cause people to get
truly saved and begin serving Christ and having an eternal per-
spective and not buying in to your selfish interests to build
your entertainment club disguised as a church. Be careful to
remember that people who truly know and fear God do not
support false prophets and if you truly preach the Word some
will repent and see who you really are and leave your circus
act.
Cardinal Rule #12:
Thou shalt completely ignore the New Testament book of Acts

and the baptism in the Holy Ghost which would empower and
make His disciples true witnesses of the KING of all kings and
draw their allegiance to Jesus and advancing His eternal king-
dom which would take away their heart affections and energies
from your own self-serving program and cause.
Cardinal Rule #13:
Thou shalt not truly and ceaselessly preach the Word of God
since that would make true disciples. If so they might realize
they really dont need you but rather the nail-scarred risen
Savior and LORD and go forth doing His bidding ministry -
building up the saints and winning the lost - which would less-
en your own importance and position.
Cardinal Rule #14:
Only deal with surface issues like self-esteem, relationships,

coping, and things pertaining to selfish interests. Make sure
those in your little bless me club are comforted in their sin and
276
believe they are eternally secure no matter what filth and wick-
edness they get into after their initial profession of faith. This
will tickle their ears and embolden them to continue to live in
sin and enjoy being led to believe that God will still accept them
into His holy Heaven. This is another good way to get people to
feel good and continue to come and give their money to your
little entertainment club. Do not preach Gods Word as Paul
told Timothy to do. Most people want to be told ear-tickling lies
and so in order to have a large following, you must be selective
about what you preach.
Cardinal Rule #15:
Jesus told you that you must lose your life in this world to gain
it. If you were to obey what He said, you would then lay it all
down and truly be Christs and serve Him and no longer be a
deceitful worker and pawn of Satan (2 Cor. 11:12-15; Phil.
3:17-19). Also, be aware that if you truly repent you will no
longer be a hireling wolf who preys upon people, using them as
a means to your own selfish end. If you were to really get right
with the LORD you may lose the riches of this fleeting world
and begin laying up eternal treasure.
You know when you have been to an entertainment house in-

stead of a New Testament church when you have heard no
heart-circumcising, convicting, word charged with the fear of
the LORD. Inherent in the very words of the original Gospel is
the fear and love of God. When it is communicated in the Holy
Spirit, hearts are changed. God-fearing men are infused with
and infuse those who hear their messages with the divine Per-
son of Christ who reverberates in their hearts through the
preached Word (Jn. 5:39; 2 Tim. 4:1-4). If one leaves a church
gathering having had nothing substantial deposited in his
heart, yet has been entertained, he can be sure that he was not
at a true New Testament gathering of faithful remnant saints
(Acts 2:42-47; 9:31; 20:27-32).
If one seeks to be entertained it is because he is bored due to

not having an authentic, living, breathing relationship with
His very Creator.
In a message titled That Dreadful Day No One Wants to Talk

About, the late David Wilkerson wrote:
"How is the body of Christ responding to these (last
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Lie of Ages
days) warnings? In many churches, there is no mention

of atrocities, of terrorism, of tragic pandemics. Instead,
the messages being brought forth from those pulpits are
comprised of motivational pep talks, jokes, entertain-
ment. It's all spiritual baby food, with no word spoken
about coming judgments." World Challenge Pulpit Series,
February 5, 2007
Dont Spoil My Little Party!
Some do not wish to endure sound doctrine but rather seek

ease of life and so migrate to those leaders who will tell them
what their un-purged hearts wish to hear instead of the hard
truths of Gods Word (Amos 6:1; 2 Tim. 4:2-4).
Whatever we sow we will reap and this includes what we

choose to hear and how we hear and process the words of our
LORD (Matt. 7:21-29; Mk. 4:24; Lk. 8:18; Gal. 6:7-9). Just as
falsehood robs the fear of God from the hearts of men, con-
versely the truth when fully embraced steals and dissolves
the excuses, self-deception and compromise right out of our
hearts! Lie not against the truth but rather receive with
meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your
souls. (James 1:21; 3:14)
Some see the crystal clear biblical doctrine of a conditional eter-

nal security as a threat to the sinful, worldly lifestyle they are
accustomed to living. When some who have been taught this lie
of the ages initially hear the piercing Word of God taught and
the Holy Spirit begins to convict their hearts, they react with:
Oh please dont spoil my little party! Dont ruin the god I have
created to suit my own whims and the lifestyle I wish to live! I
dont want to really have to die to myself and take up my cross
and genuinely walk with Jesus! Did He really mean we had to?
I just want to have a fire insurance policy please dont bother
me with Scripture that commands me to truly obey Christ!
It is a deadly occupation to determine truth by how it fits ones

lifestyle instead of by what God defined it as in His Word (Jn.
17:17; Rom. 3:3-4). Judgment Day is coming and it will be too
late to go back and relive this brief earthly life. We are only giv-
en one chance to live this life and yet how we choose to live it
will determine our eternity. Many who today claim to know Je-
sus Christ and even call Him Lord will be shocked to be ter-
minated by Him into the bowels of eternal fire on that Great
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and Terrible Day (Matt. 7:15-26; 25:40-46). Isnt it time to get
transparent and authentic?
They Claim That God Isnt Fair
Here is a very telling passage of divine truth where the hearts

of those who espouse this no-responsibility-for-sin teaching is
found:
Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the

Lord is not equal (fair): but as for them, their way is
not equal. When the righteous turneth from his
righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall
even die thereby. But if the wicked turn from his
wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he
shall live thereby. Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is
not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every
one after his ways. Ezekiel 33:17-20
Just like today, in Ezekiels day, many of the people were say-
ing that Gods way was not equal (fair) because He had told
them earlier on and here that those righteous people who turn
back to sin would perish and have no security. The people
simply didnt like that the LORD said that When the right-
eous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniq-
uity, he shall even die thereby. Like many today, these peo-
ple who were among the people of God, wanted to remain living
their lives as they wished and not truly submitted to the LORD.
They were living in a mythical fairytale like salvation plan
which required no change of life or their lifestyles of comfort.
And they wanted the comfort of knowing they were secure no
matter how they lived.
Think about this for a moment: Many today who balk in their
hearts at the requirements for salvation (real faith that is evi-
denced by good works), have expended much effort, time and
money to earn their educational degrees and other accomplish-
ments in this fleeting life. Many of these same people never
think twice about exerting whatever is required of them to ob-
tain their temporal prize, yet murmur at the thought of the di-
vinely-given conditions set forth to remain in fellowship with
Him (Matt. 10:22; 1 Jn. 1:7, etc.). Its like they dont want to be
bothered with any of the details of walking with the LORD and
yet want to believe they still have eternal life due to their one
little sinners prayer and church affiliation, etc.
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Lie of Ages
While being accused of being unfair, the LORD said to His peo-
ple in Ezekiels day that their way wasnt equal/right. The rea-
son some people then and now do not like the way of the LORD
is:
1) They are not submitted under the Lordship of Christ,

but while professing to know Him have a mere form of
godliness while denying the true surrender to His
Lordship (2 Tim. 3:5; Tit. 1:16).
2) These people do not want to believe there is any con-
sequence for their actions. They would rather follow a
false clich (OSAS) instead of truly dying to self that
Christ might live in and through them, making them ho-
ly and ready for His soon return (Lk. 21:34-36).
3) They dont want to acknowledge that their soul is in
the balance, hinging upon their obedience to the LORD,
and that they are not unconditionally eternally secure so
as to grant them assurance and comfort while living in
sin.
I have personally met and spoken with numerous people who

while claiming to be Christians, absolutely did not want to im-
agine that the life of a disciple of Christ can be treacherous and
painful at times. In hundreds of conversations with those who
want to feel eternally secure in their life of ease, most of these
people have revealed that they do not want to believe that by
divine mandate, they truly have to live holy and face, confess,
and forsake their sins or they will forfeit their place with the
LORD.
When the righteous turneth from his righteousness,

and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby.
Ezekiel 33:18
WARNING: ...Lay hold on eternal life... (1 Tim. 6:12) LAY

HOLD on eternal life or it may get away from you if you
leave your first love. Doesnt this all boil down to having or not
having Christ as first love the One we truly love the most? Je-
sus warned the Ephesian believers:
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, be-

cause thou hast left thy first love. Remember there-
fore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do
the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly,
and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, ex-
280
cept thou repent. Revelation 2:4-5
Jesus had somewhat against many of His very own people

at Ephesus. Friend, if the Son of man sat down with you this
day to discuss your relationship to Him, would Christ warn
that you have left your first love? Would He reveal that in reali-
ty He wasnt truly the One you loved the most above all oth-
ers and things, including yourself?
Each individual must choose. We all do choose. If Jesus is not

my first love, I have no one to blame but myself for making the
deliberate decision to place other things or people in front of
Him.
Jeremiah 7 Are We Truly

Delivered to do all these Abominations?
Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit.

Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and
swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk
after other gods whom ye know not; And come and
stand before me in this house, which is called by my
name, and say, We are delivered to do all these
abominations? Jeremiah 7:8-10
The LORD here tells His people that they trust in lying
words, that cannot profit. He cites them for the sins of steal-
ing, murder (hatred of any kind), adultery, lying, and idolatry.
Yet He says that while living in and justifying these offences to
His holiness, they come before Him as if all their sin doesnt
matter and that none of their sins can hinder their relationship
with Him who is holy - And come and stand before me in
this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are
delivered to do all these abominations?
Basically these people who once walked with the LORD claimed
immunity from divine judgment due to their embracing of the
lie of the ages. They vainly believed they were eternally secure
and yet were under the judgment of a holy God. Like many to-
day they deceived themselves into believing that God was love,
He would never condemn them for their sins. They refused to
behold His severity on those in the past who fell and
were cut off. (Rom. 11:19-22)
He cites them for the sins of stealing, murder (hatred of any
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Lie of Ages
kind), adultery, lying, and idolatry. Yet He says that while liv-
ing in and justifying these offences to His holiness, these peo-
ple come before Him as if all their sin doesnt matter and that
none of their sins can hinder their relationship with Him who
is holy. - And come and stand before me in this house,
which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to
do all these abominations?
Are we truly Delivered to do all these Abominations? In

other words, are we now free to sin because we are saved by
His grace? Isnt this exactly what the Holy Spirit warned and
answered once and for all times in Romans 6? What shall we
say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may
abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin,
live any longer therein? (v1-2) Okay, lets break this truth
down:
The Question: Shall we continue in sin, that

grace may abound?
The answer: God forbid.

Any person not saved and delivered from living in sin, is not
saved from the penalty of sin eternal death damnation.
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves

servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye
obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience un-
to righteousness? Romans 6:16
Those who yield themselves to obey God are His servants

and will reap righteousness. Those who obey the sinful na-
ture are sinning unto death or spiritual separation.
Are we reasoning and leaning to our own understanding by

thinking the Almighty doesnt see all of what we think upon
and do? Are we vainly believing He will automatically excuse
these sins? Is it time to find out what He has told us plainly
about un-confessed sin and the consequences? Are we diligent-
ly studying and listening to what the LORD told us in no un-
certain terms?
Like the people of Jeremiahs day, millions today are fulfilling

the last days prophecy found in 2 Timothy 3. Many today have
a form of godliness and yet are denying the power of
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Christs authority in their personal lives. Power here refers
to Lordship, rule and reign. Those who claim Christ as Savior
and have not submitted themselves under His rule and reign,
where He truly consumes their lives, have only an outward for-
mula of godliness and will be found wanting on Judgment Day,
void of the fruit without fail consistent with saving faith
(Matthew 7:15-23). Many have been led to believe that they can
mix a little easy believism and Sunday morning church service
into the activities of their lives and everything will be fine. If
ones supposed faith in Christ does not translate into a com-
plete life change from the inside out, he should fall afresh upon
the mercy of God in deep repentance and trust (Matt. 3:7-8; 2
Cor. 5:17-18). Masses have been taught that because they went
down to some church altar at some point, they are eternally
secure (OSAS) and yet are not living unto the LORD and are
therefore not ready to meet Him. If ones daily fruit or works
deny Christ, he is not of God (Matt. 3:8; Tit. 1:16). Also, once
one is saved, he is mandated to continue to seek God and be
transformed in his thinking and lifestyle or he will fall away
from the LORD (Lk. 8:13; Heb. 3:12-15; 10:26-39). One truly
may have confessed Jesus Christ as LORD and been saved, but
the recipient of salvation is required by the One who gave the
gift to continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be
not moved away from the hope of the gospel. (1 Cor. 15:2;
Col. 1:22-23; Heb. 3:6)
There is never the promise of an unconditional eternal security

not once. It was never a part of Gods agreement with man. In
fact, right in the midst of the clearest definition of the gospel
He told us that we must keep in memory what we have
learned and been blessed with in His salvation, or we will lose
out (1 Cor. 15:1-4).
When confronted with Bible passages which refute these hereti-

cal beliefs, some are faced with the reality of having to actually
crucify the deeds of their sinful nature. Sadly, many run in de-
fiance of this truth. They scurry and remain in hiding behind
the thin, temporal veneer and false comfort zone of a supposed
license to sin. Isnt this exactly what God said of the people of
the prophet Jeremiahs day? (Jer. 7:8-10) This is tragic and has
been established in the hearts of many by those who claim to
be Christian leaders who continually reinforce and foster such
a lie.
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Lie of Ages
Quite frankly, the Bible truth of a conditional eternal security

can be scary to some, especially at first, but the fruit of em-
bracing this divine truth will always ultimately yield the fear of
the LORD which is clean, and the fruit of holiness and clear a
conscience. Be sure of this: those who are the remnant of
Christ in our day are not afraid of what He plainly told us in
His Word. They face His truth with humble, honest and open
hearts and seek His face to change any and everything in their
lives which do not align with the Master of their souls Jesus
Christ, their first love.
Those who fear and obey the LORD are blessed with His com-
fort and not a counterfeit comfort which will ultimately lead to
eternal damnation. After obeying the LORD against much op-
position, the early Church was blessed:
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea

and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walk-
ing in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the
Holy Ghost, were multiplied. Acts 9:31
As we see in this insightful passage in Acts 9:31, the fear of

the LORD is a blessing and will always ultimately result in
the comfort of the Holy Ghost. It is ultra important for
those who will trust Jesus to the end, to remove from their
lives all false teachers who do not teach the fear of the LORD,
the need for personal holiness, and to believe to the end to be
saved. If one desires to truly follow Christ, he must dethrone
any and all of his favorite teachers idol Shepherds and
look fully and solely to the LORD Jesus Christ and His pre-
cious Word (Zech. 11:17).
Jesus wants to save us from the lie of the ages which says that
as Gods people, we are free to live in sin. Such is the first
falsehood told to man which led to the fall of man into sinful
separation from His Maker. Saints, the wages of sin is still
death in Gods unchanging economy and His people are never
to forget this (Romans 6:1-2, 15, 23).
Some who read this will feel hopeless to overcome certain

sins in their life which in part have been enabled by the its
-okay-to-live-in-sin lie. But please allow me to encourage
you to keep pressing toward the mark of knowing Jesus
more and more you are going to look back and be so eter-
nally glad you endured in His grace and overcome (Rev. 2-
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3). No sin or sins are any match for His infinite power and
grace! (Rom. 6:14) Get back under His glorious grace! Lay it
all down saint and watch the wonderful grace of God make
you free to love and serve Him in all your thoughts and
ways as you fervently await His soon return.
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pil-

grims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against
the soul. 1 Peter 2:11
A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for

his feet. Proverbs 29:5
Beloved of the LORD, do not buy into these lies which are of
the evil one. His plan is to seduce your soul into disobedience
as he did with Adam and Eve which will lead to the serving of
self-interests and lusts and cause you to fall away from the
LORD. Seduction is accomplished with flattery not rebuke. Re-
ject these lies and live a life of rejoicing, fasting, prayer, Bible
study and witnessing. Give thanks and declare the Good News
in light of the soon return of the Son of God.
PRAYER: Jesus fill me with Your love and grace and a deep
conviction for Your holy truth. I rejoice in You alone Jesus and
have no confidence in the flesh. Bless my heart to be honest and
obedient to You heavenly Father and never hide behind a lie that
justifies my sin. Strike my heart with the fear of the LORD and
grant me Your anointing to help others in the same. Amen.
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Lie of Ages
Chapter Twenty
GOD IS HOLY and TO BE FEARED

The Wages of Sin is Still Death
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye

holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is
written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on
the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth
according to every mans work, pass the time of your
sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that
ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as sil-
ver and gold, from your vain conversation received
by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious
blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and
without spot. 1 Peter 1:15-19
It is obvious that most of us do not live holy at all times in

thought, word, and deed, but why is it that some want to try to
pervert Gods holy Word to cover for or hide their sin that
which offends the one, true, and holy God? (1 John 1:8-10) This
perversion of truth is disturbing and He says it angers Him
(Rom. 1:18; James 3:14). Why would we attempt to alter the
standard instead of simply being honest about it and acknowl-
edging that we are falling short, then return to the LORD in re-
pentance, confession, and forsaking that sin? (Isa. 62:10; Prov.
28:13) When we begin with honesty, we can then be filled with
286
His Spirit and grace through intimate fellowship and fulfill His
will (Prov. 28:13; Lk. 8:15; Rom. 3:31; 8:3-4, 13-14; 2 Cor. 3:18;
Gal. 5:16).
It must be firmly instilled in our hearts that God is holy and that
our sin displaces our relationship with Him who is holy (Exod.
25:8; Jn. 17:3). He made us and we exist to get to know Him
and such a relationship as He desires cannot be experienced
outside of holiness, which requires initial and ongoing cleansing
of sin (1 Jn. 1:3-2:2). The LORD made complete provision for all
He desires and requires for His children through the blood of the
cross of Christ our LORD (Col. 1:14; 20; Heb. 4:14-16).
The LORD is Holy
Speak unto all the congregation of the children of

Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the
LORD your God am holy. Leviticus 19:2
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhab-
iteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the
high and holy place, with him also that is of a con-
trite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the
humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite
ones. Isaiah 57:15
Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light

which no man can approach unto; whom no man
hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and pow-
er everlasting. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:16
How can one honestly say that he loves God and live outside of
His will? How can we neglect to diligently remove any and all
barriers that stand between ourselves and the LORD we claim
to serve? The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let
every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from in-
iquity. (2 Tim. 2:19) Who would want to live in an offence
against the One they claim to love? Perhaps some today believe
they can use the LORD to go to Heaven, yet dont want a rela-
tionship with Him. Such cannot and will not happen (Matt.
7:21; Tit. 1:16). The LORD came to gain the affections of the
hearts of His people and not just be a convenience to save them
from hurt and hell (Isa. 64:7; Jer. 30:21; Matt. 22:37-39; Col.
3:1-3).
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Lie of Ages
Remember that no individuals personal moral performance is

the measure of doctrinal truth, although ultimately, what a
person believes, will predictably determine the conduct of his
personal life. What is first important is to establish the divine
standard so that we know what the LORD requires and desires
(Micah 6:8). We can then receive His abundant grace to fulfill
His will and be perfectly pleasing in His sight (1 Cor. 15:10; 2
Cor. 12:9-10).
And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness

to the LORD... Isaiah 23:18
Holiness to the LORD is the will of our Maker in the lives of

each of those who name His holy name.

What we can observe around us today and throughout history,

is how men so easily forget the all-important nature of the di-
vine holiness. God is holy. This is His divine nature and an
attribute never to be forgotten by His saints (Ps. 89:7). Whenev-
er His people forget (do not uphold) the attribute of His holi-
ness, the justification of sin will inevitably set in. It seems clear
that the lie of the ages, the unconditional eternal security
teaching, is the enemys tool to divorce men from the holiness
and the fear of God.
Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh

thine house, O LORD, for ever. Psalms 93:5
My sins testify to my great need for Gods perpetual mercy and

grace. Jesus precious blood provided the full and free access of
each of His saints to come boldly and be cleansed over
and over (Heb. 4:14-16). So, if I retain sin, it could only be be-
cause I have not come boldly and received of His precious
cleansing grace and mercy.
What offends Him who is holy is clearly spelled out in His Word
and when His holiness ceases to be heard and sin is not men-
tioned among His people, the divine standard is removed and
eventually so is His presence. I need Him! You need Him! He
gave me my existence and is my every breath, the very Sustain-
288
er of everything that He made alive in my spirit, soul, and body.
Stop for a moment to imagine if He had never chosen to create
you. You would not be but He did! He breathed into you the
breath of life and you exist and breath because of it!
I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and

of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy
servant. Genesis 32:10
Holiness is the command of God and what is found among the

true people of the LORD. We are promised that this life would
be difficult for those on the narrow road that leads to eternal
life (Matt. 7:13-14; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 12:4). The Bi-
ble truth is that Jesus came into the world to do something
about sin and therefore there is no justification for His children
living in it (Matt. 1:21; Jn. 1:29; Tit. 2:14; 1 Jn. 3:5). His blood,
mercy, and grace is our escape route.
In the face of a historical litany of examples of angels and men

who sinned against the LORD after being in relationship with
Him, some still have the gall to teach that first and diabolical
lie of the ages which the Almighty condemns. The books of
Jude and 2 Peter give specific examples of the judgment of God
which came upon those who were rooted and grounded in His
kingdom and then chose to transgress without repentance. I
want to strongly encourage anyone reading these words to take
a fresh look at the books of Jude and 2 Peter 2-3.
Due to this false teaching and the many who do not know the
Word for themselves, there will be millions in eternal hell with
no chance to escape who played upon (took lightly) the grace of
God. These are those who currently live their daily lives think-
ing in vain that the Judge of all is not going to punish their evil
doing. The Bible tells us that God has a cut off time the
door was shut. (Matt. 25:10; Gen. 19) According to the Bible,
millions who claim profusely to be saved will spend eternity in
the inescapable torment of hell (Matt. 7:15-23).
Holiness vs. Sovereignty
It is interesting to note that those who embrace the unconditional

eternal security or OSAS teaching seem to rarely make mention
of the holiness of God. Such an indispensable divine attribute is
cleverly and crassly overlooked. They speak often of the
sovereignty of God and even capitalize the S. The Calvinist
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Lie of Ages
grossly over-emphasizes, redefines and distorts the sovereignty

of God while completely ignoring that He is Holy, holy, ho-
ly. (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8). In doing this he fashions a god in his
own wicked image.
What about the holiness of God? Where is the essential Bible

doctrine of holiness to be found among those who are turning
the grace of our God into lasciviousness? (Jude 4) The
words holy and holiness appear 595 times in the Bible.
The words sovereign or sovereignty appear 0 times in the
Bible. Numbers dont lie. So in using the sovereignty of God
term and making far too much of an emphasis of it, we see that
many are perverting the nature of the Almighty. The remnant
believer who is to be preserved to the end, must of necessity
take Him at His Word which speaks of His holiness nearly 600
times.
Where did God command us to believe He is sovereign? But

does He command us concerning His holiness? Yes, on hun-
dreds of occasions in His Holy Word.

written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16
Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be

your fear, and let him be your dread. Isaiah 8:13
If any person (whether previously saved or not) dies outside

of a holy (set apart) relationship with the one true holy God,
hell awaits (Gal. 5:19-21; Heb. 12:14; Rev. 21:8, 27). Believ-
ing God is sovereign will not save one from hell. Such is not
an essential tenet of the Christian faith. Believing He is holy
and this is why Jesus came is an essential (1 Tim. 1:15). He
came to take away our sins to save us from them not in
them (Matt. 1:21; Jn. 1:29; Tit. 2:14). The LORD requires all
who will be eternally His to get and remain wholly washed in
the precious blood or He will not save them from eternal
damnation (1 Jn. 1:7).
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not
able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able
to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28
And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them
290
that kill the body, and after that have no more that
they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall
fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power
to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Luke
12:4-5
Only one of His divine attributes is listed with triplicate ra-

pidity in exalted praise, and that is Holy, holy, holy. His
people must never discount, but rather always dwell upon
the holiness of the LORD.
And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy,

holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of
his glory. Isaiah 6:3
Holiness is beautiful.
O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear

before him, all the earth. Psalms 96:9
Holiness is splendid and beautiful and not drudgery to the

one who has a living, breathing relationship with the Savior.
To that person who walks in communion with Him, holiness
is beautiful and accomplished by the grace of God laboring in
him and his own volitional submission to the fear and will of
God (Eccl. 12:13; 1 Cor. 15:10). Father in Heaven, grant us to
fear before You and bless us to experience Your precious
grace and to be possessed with the spirit of holi-
ness. (Rom. 1:4; Heb. 4:14-16)
It is manifestly improper to speak of a believer who sees

nothing desirable in holiness. A man who can say, I
have no desire to be holy, cannot be a true experimental
believer in Christ. Jesse T. Peck
The grace-perverters of our day work in league with the enemy

of souls to cause men to fall from grace, all the while believing
they are eternally secure. They cause Gods people to forget
His holy name and nature through their false teaching. This is
exactly what the prophet Jeremiah told us concerning the false
pastors who operate in the ministry (wolves in sheeps cloth-
ing). The Holy Spirit here cites these false shepherds as those
Which think to cause my people to forget my name by
their dreams (false vision and doctrines) which they tell
every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten
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Lie of Ages
my name for Baal. (Jer. 23:27)
What is the fruit of the lie of lasciviousness? Isnt it interesting

that through their false teachings these modern grace teach-
ers rob the fear of God from the hearts of those who buy into
their message and put them on the road to backsliding? While
to the contrary, the LORD tells us plainly that His Word teach-
es us to fear Him (Deut. 17:19).
Specially the day that thou stoodest before the

LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto
me, Gather me the people together, and I will make
them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me
all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and
that they may teach their children. Deuteronomy
4:10
It is amazing how anyone can read the Scriptures and teach

this unconditional security lie. False teachers have and are
leading millions astray by teaching them to trust in an eternal
security without condition, purposely rejecting the Bible doc-
trines of the holiness of God, fearing God, and the severity of
God. (Rom. 11:19-23)
Why do some insist upon rejecting truth while promoting and

defending this unfounded myth which is not only unscriptural
but rather refuted repeatedly by Gods Word?
For those who study to show themselves approved by learning

the full-counsel of God will be the reward of keen discernment.
The person who gains a comprehensive knowledge and under-
standing of the Word will not be blown about by a beguiler who
tries to sell him on the notion of Calvins lies. They simply do
not stand the acid test of Gods Word and should be diligently
opposed and exposed as being against the Almighty (Rom.
16:17; Jude 3-4).
These deceived men turn from the holy commandment to their

own way, any easier way, but a way with a different eternal
destination. They set aside the truth of God for their own doc-
trines. In the face of Gods Word, which clearly contradicts
their erroneous beliefs, they put aside the truth in order to
keep their doctrinal tradition and change the truth of God
into a lie. (Rom. 1:25) These men do the same things Christ
revealed that the Pharisees did. Of the religionists of His day,
292
Jesus stated:
This people honoureth me with their lips, but their

heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they wor-
ship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments
of men. For laying aside the commandment of God,
ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots
and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the com-
mandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradi-
tion. Mark 7:6-9
We must hearken to Gods Word over our own emotions, opin-

ion or preconceived beliefs or doctrines, and let Gods Word be
true final authority (Rom. 3:3-4). We must never lean to our
own understanding but in all our ways acknowledge the LORD
Almighty as true, and refuse to be intoxicated with lies which
make excuse for sin instead of dealing with them in transpar-
ent truth (2 Cor. 4:2-3).
True grace is not an excuse for sinning but rather an enable-

ment to resist and overcome that which displeases and offends
the LORD who is holy. Satan has set forth his emissaries to
teach this perverted grace message and lead the saints to be-
lieve it is okay to live in sin and that God will somehow over-
look it and not judge them for it (Jude 3-5).
Satan knows sin separates men from the holiness and presence
of the LORD, so temptation to sin is his tool to cause men to
stumble and fall out of the grace of God.
If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die. Romans 8:13
Has the Almighty changed? See Malachi 3:6. Has He ceased to

be holy? Does He now overlook our sins without our repent-
ance? Or, did He provide some better way for them to be forgiv-
en? Do we not have a complete salvation through a perfect Sav-
ior, accessed and appropriated through a living and obedient
faith? Somebody rejoice!
God is love and so that no reader gets the wrong idea, I

think it good to insert something here concerning the holiness
of God, written by a sister in Christ, who says:
What exactly does it mean to be HOLY? One thing it is
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not is to think of God as unapproachable, unreachable,

unloving, like someone uppity. We have to realize that
since He is holy, He is all of these things and more, lov-
ing, reachable, approachable.
Adam and Eve experienced the fellowship of the LORD and

died spiritually when they sinned. Once the believer sins, he is
ushered from the garden of the presence of God. Yes, the wages
of sin is still death and by transgression men still fall, and the
soul that sinneth, it shall die. (Rom. 6:23; Acts 1:25; Ezek.
18:4) Those who live after the fleshly nature are promised spir-
itual death (Rom. 8:13). The LORD immediately and completely
forgives all who repent and turn to Him (Isa. 44:22; Lam. 3:19-
22; Ezek. 33:12-13; 1 Jn. 1:9).
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see

God. Matthew 5:8
If we do not grasp this simple and eternally consequential truth

that sins contaminates and separates - we do not yet under-
stand the holiness of the LORD and that without His holiness
manifesting in our personal lives, we cannot see Him (1 Pet.
1:16; Heb. 12:14). Saints, this is no game. The eternal God will
judge all who die in an unholy state (Rev. 21:8, 27; 22:11).
When the righteous turneth from his righteousness,

and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby.
Ezekiel 33:18
Like the first man and woman, when men are taught they have
a license to sin without consequence, when they are weak (and
at some point we all are), there will be sinfulness the violation
of the holiness of God. The fear of God is hereby robbed out of
the hearts of those who believe this lie, leaving them to sin
when weak and then justify such with this false teaching. Yet,
the unchanging God states the following warning to His own
people:
For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy

camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies
before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that
he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from
thee. Deuteronomy 23:14
There is a great need for disciples of Jesus to gather in honesty
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and have a safe place of accountability to bring to the light the
sins that hide in the dark recesses of their hearts. The person
who deals honestly and transparently with sin, confessing and
forsaking them all, shall have mercy and grow in grace and
in truth (Prov. 28:13; 2 Pet. 1:3; 3:18). The godly will openly
confess and forsake their sins.
For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for

my sin. Psalms 38:18
Do we not realize that He knows all?
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:

Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is
the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every
work into judgment, with every secret thing, wheth-
er it be good, or whether it be evil. Ecclesiastes
12:13-14
Gods Word teaches us that He is all-seeing and that He com-

mands us to fear Him and keep all of His commandments
which are not grievous. (Eccl. 12:13-14; Jn. 14:15, 21; 1
Jn. 5:2-3)
When the child of God has un-relinquished sin, he is morally

weakened and will not be able to obey God and stand against
the devil and his relentless attack. When a man named Achan
partook of sin amidst the covenant children of Israel, here is
what the LORD said:
Therefore the children of Israel could not stand be-

fore their enemies, but turned their backs before
their enemies, because they were accursed: neither
will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the
accursed from among you. Joshua 7:12
Any notion or teaching which weakens this divine truth and

the resolve toward personal holiness in the hearts of His saints
is of diabolical origin and deadly.

the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sin-

cerity and in truth: and put away the gods which
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your fathers served on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. Joshua 24:14
But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear

him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast
into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Luke 12:5
We are to acknowledge our sin and not create or buy into any
teaching that justifies that which is not pure in the eyes of the
Savior who is holy and came to save us by His grace and
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good
works.

appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying un-
godliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly,
righteously, and godly, in this present world; Look-
ing for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing
of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who
gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all
iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people,
zealous of good works. Titus 2:11-14
Titus 2 is a Bible passage the OSAS grace-corrupters refuse to

acknowledge. If they do, they will find a way to Calvinize it, ex-
plaining away and perverting the plain truth revealed therein.
Yet this passage in Titus 2 is equally as divinely inspired as the
book of Ephesians or any other place divine grace is spoken of,
qualified and defined.
We have every one of us sinned after salvation, yet the LORD
calls us to be zealous to repent like David, the one who had a
heart after the LORD (Ps. 51; Acts 13:22; Rev. 3:19).
Gloria Rey makes a thought-provoking and important point

when she asks; If God understands and excuses our sin, why
did Jesus have to come and die on the cross for our sins?
How is the one who is taught OSAS to think it even important

(much less a necessity) to call upon the LORD to be holy, if he
is taught that such is not necessary? No, instead when tempt-
ed and weak, this person will give way to the sinful nature and
its relentless depravity. The one taught an unconditional eter-
nal security will then have reason or validation to live in sin,
justifying it in his mind. The man who is said to be a man after
Gods own heart cried out to the LORD to create in me a
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clean heart and take not thy holy spirit from me. (Ps.
51:10-11) David didnt take sin for granted. This man after the
LORDs heart cried out to Him in repentance for his sins.
Saint of the LORD, please allow me to encourage you to read

Psalms 51 before this day is over. In order to capture and fully
soak in what you are going to study and uncover in this im-
portant chapter, get out your pen, pencil, colored markers and
index cards. Mark the Word, cross-reference to other like Scrip-
tures, and write a few of the verses on index cards with refer-
ences in order to memorize and meditate upon (Prov. 4:4; Jer.
23:18). In this Psalm of repentance, you will behold that after
he sinned with Bathsheba, king David returned to the LORD,
calling upon Him for mercy, acknowledging his sins and asking
to be purged, cleansed, restored, and filled again with the oil
and joy of His salvation.
Keep thyself pure. 1 Timothy 5:22
The LORD loves His people and instructs His saints to be quick
and zealous to repent.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous

therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:19
We should wear out a path to the throne of grace that we might

perpetually receive grace and mercy, grow in Him, and be
washed continually by His holy and precious blood.
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness,

and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of
the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and
washed us from our sins in his own blood. Revela-
tion 1:5
PRAYER: LORD Jesus, please cleanse me afresh. Thank You for

loving me and coming to the earth to wash me in Your sinless
blood. I love You Jesus! At this moment, and if never before, I lay
my life in Your hands. My heart will pant after Thee my God.
Please purify my heart and mind afresh and with Your holy
blood. Take away all my sins and cleanse my iniquities. Amen.
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Chapter Twenty One
DOCTRINE OF BALAAM
Stumbling Blocks of Iniquity
But I have a few things against thee, because

thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of
Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling-
block before the children of Israel, to eat things
sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly,
and will fight against them with the sword of my
mouth. He that hath an ear, let him hear what
the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that
overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden man-
na, and will give him a white stone, and in the
stone a new name written, which no man
knoweth saving he that receiveth it. Revelation
2:14-17
Here the Son of God warns the church at Pergamos of the

doctrine of Balaam which is the casting forth or down of a
stumbling block before the people of God. Satan has no new
trick and Jesus here pulls from what and how the enemy of
souls operated in the days of His people Israel. The devil seeks
to trip up the LORDs people. The adversary can be counted on
to do the same things to Gods people in our day because
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there is no new thing under the sun and There hath no
temptation taken you but such as is common to
man. (Eccl. 1:9; 1 Cor. 10:13)
The enemy walketh about seeking whom he may devour

and yet finds no place in those who know how their LORD de-
fines what violates His holiness (sin). They love Him and walk
close with Him, casting all their cares upon Him in full reliance
(1 Pet. 5:7-8).
The way Satan accomplished the fall of Gods covenant people

was to get them to sin against the One true holy God (Num. 22-
25). His strategies have not changed and we are not to be igno-
rant of his devices (1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Cor. 2:11). Satan knows
God is holy and will not permit sin in His presence. He himself
was evicted from Heaven when he violated the holiness of God
(Lk. 10:18).
God made mankind alone in His holy image and Satan has
come to pervert that image by leading men into sinful thoughts
and activities (sin) that violate divine holiness and cause a
breach. This is what the evil one was able to do leading up to
the flood of Noah. Of the generations of men before the flood,
the Bible says:
And God saw that the wickedness of man was great

in the earth, and that every imagination of the
thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Genesis 6:5
From the beginning, the enemy of souls has known that in or-
der to bring separation between God and men, he need only
lure the man into that which violates the holy nature of the
Most High. After all, think about this: Satan was previously Lu-
cifer who violated the holiness of God and is forever vanquished
from being in relationship with Him. In 1 Timothy 3:6 we get a
little insight into the fixed state of the adversary of all that is
good and godly:
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall

into the condemnation of the devil. 1 Timothy 3:6
The elders of the entire New Testament era are being warned
here not to elevate a novice into a position of public leadership
in light of the potential and propensity toward pride that was
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found in Lucifer and resulted in his banishment from Heaven

and his eternal state called here the condemnation of the
devil.
The devil was the first to fall from grace and so he knows so
well what it takes to be ejected from the presence of the Most
High. He now leads all rebellion among men, ruling the unre-
deemed by fear and the legal ground of their iniquity.
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the

course of this world, according to the prince of the
power of the air (Satan), the spirit that now worketh
in the children of disobedience. Ephesians 2:2
He who has come to steal to kill and to destroy is able to work

in our lives if we disobey the One who is our only protection
(Ps. 91:1; Lk. 22:31-32; Jn. 10:10). Repentance and the conse-
quent fresh cleansing of the blood closes the door on the ene-
my.
Satan is in the eternal state of condemnation and seeks to

devour every soul he can by luring men into sin which
breaches their relationship with Christ (1 Pet. 5:8).
The Word reveals that the enemy can gain advantage on

Gods people if they live in un-confessed sin - Lest Satan
should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of
his devices. (2 Cor. 2:11) In 2 Corinthians 2 Paul the apostle
is speaking of forgiving the fornicator whom he dealt with in
his previous letter to the Corinthian believers (1 Cor. 5). He ex-
horted them to completely forgive that man because he had re-
pented and he warned them that if they didnt forgive him, they
would be in sin and Satan would gain an advantage into
their lives.
In the Garden of creation, the serpent, animated by Satan him-

self, was used as the instrument of temptation that led to the
fall of mankind and the righteous judgment of God on His crea-
tion. He blinds the minds of men through the lure and the
deceitfulness of sin and the stumblingblock of iniqui-
ty. (2 Cor. 4:4; Heb. 3:13; Rev. 2:14)
A stumbling block is simply a block to cause one to trip, stum-

ble and fall. The imagery given in Gods Word by the very na-
ture of this word stumblingblock is perhaps that of a
300
sporting event or gladiator battle, when one of the warriors,
sworn to fight to the death, would seek to trip up his rival, us-
ing a stumbling block thrown in his enemys path to make him
trip, stumble, fall, and lose his life.
Hunters have long laid snares for their prey. Laying a trap that
catches and traps the foot or hoof of their prey is a common
and painful trap of hunters to capture their prey.
We are in a real life or death war and our enemy seeks to cause
us to stumble, to trip up the saints of the Most High, disabling
them from fellowship with Him who is holy. What could we
name here as specific sins that are temptations and potential
stumbling blocks in this late hour when Satan is come down
unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he
hath but a short time? (Rev. 12:12):
Hatred (not loving ones neighbor)

Unforgiveness
The lure of lust as seen in modern media
Loving the things of this world
Pornography
Materialism
Deceitfulness of earthly riches
Cares of this world
Coveting what is anothers
As can be observed in the Bible, a stumblingblock is some-
thing that halts the progress of another Something thrown in
the way of another to trip them up and cause them to fall. Sin
besets believers and this is why the enemys work thrives upon
causing Gods people to stumble.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with

so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every
weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,
and let us run with patience the race that is set be-
fore us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher
of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him
endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set
down at the right hand of the throne of God. For
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consider him that endured such contradiction of sin-

ners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in
your minds. Hebrews 12:1-3
More on the Tripping Stone
Perhaps the following verses may give us a sense of under-

standing concerning the use of the term stumblingblock in
the Bible:
Do not cause the deaf or blind to stumble: Thou shalt not

curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind,
but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD. (Lev. 19:14)
Greed and covetousness are sinful stumbling blocks:
They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their

gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold
shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the
wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls,
neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumbling-
block of their iniquity. (Ezek. 7:19)
Specific warning: But take heed lest by any means this lib-
erty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are
weak. (1 Cor. 8:9)
Please allow me the liberty here to mention that in over two

decades of being privileged to be in the kingdom of God, I have
not even one time heard a message about the doctrine of Ba-
laam taught even though Balaam appears 60 times in the
Bible. If God has it in His Word, we need to discover why, cor-
rect? If a topic appears this many times in the Word, it obvi-
ously has significance to be learned and applied by believers
(Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:6, 11). If you wish to see the prophetic
reason why we hear little or nothing about this doctrine and
numerous other vital components of Holy Writ - read Isaiah
56:10-12 and Philippians 3:17-20 for starters.
To even the casual onlooker, it is abundantly obvious that

most men who hold ministry positions are in it for their own
good and not the LORDS. If a man truly lives to serve Christ,
he will preach the word and thoroughly dispense to His
sheep the full-counsel given us in His holy Word (2 Tim. 3:16-
4:4). Every leader will be brought before the Judgment Throne
302
of the Most High to be examined as to whether or not he did or
did not preach the full-counsel of God.
Balaam Taught Balak (same as Balac)
But I have a few things against thee, because thou

hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam,
who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the
children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols,
and to commit fornication. Revelation 2:14
Do you know about Balak and how he cast the stumbling block
of iniquity (sin) before Gods people, causing them to fall under
the judgment of the unchanging God? (Num. 25; 31:16; 2 Pet.
2:15; Jude 11)
New Testament believers are warned to live the right way

and to beware of following the way of Balaam. Notice the
contextual setting here as we read these following words about
this false prophet (Balaam) as the Holy Spirit breathed through
the apostle Peter:
Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone

astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor,
who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was re-
buked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with
mans voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
These are wells without water, clouds that are car-
ried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is
reserved for ever. 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. While
they promise them liberty, they themselves are the
servants of corruption: for of whom a man is over-
come, of the same is he brought in bondage. 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 over-
come, the latter end is worse with them than the be-
ginning. 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. But it is happened unto them
according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to
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Lie of Ages
his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to
her wallowing in the mire. 2 Peter 2:15-22
The way of Balaam is unrighteousness and is taught by

those who are described here as wells without water who
speak great swelling words of vanity, to allure through the
lust of the flesh. If you have ever wondered who the Holy
Spirit is here warning the Church against, wonder no more.
Look at how this passage concludes. It reveals the teaching of
Balaam and warns about those who would teach such false-
hood, promising liberty while they themselves are the serv-
ants of corruption.
Does it get any clearer than this? Notice verses 20 and 21:

ment delivered unto them. 2 Peter 2:20-21
I want to humbly suggest that each believer reading this book

would consider memorizing these two verses (2 Pet. 2:20-21).
Essentially, what we are being warned of in this important pas-

sage, is to beware of the message of Balaam which teaches
men they can sin and still remain in the grace of God (which is
essential for spending eternity in Heaven). Those who are en-
ticed back to living in sin and are AGAIN entangled therein,
and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the
beginning. 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. (2 Pet. 2:20-21)
Moses Infuriated
And Moses was wroth with the officers (leaders) of

the host, with the captains over thousands, and cap-
tains over hundreds, which came from the battle
Behold, these (leaders) caused the children of Israel,
through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass
304
against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there
was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.
Numbers 31:14-16
Moses was righteously indignant against these leaders who

were officers over the children of Israel, who caused the
children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to com-
mit trespass against the LORD. The result of Gods people
sinning was that there was a plague among the congrega-
tion of the LORD.
Like Moses, those who truly fear God in this late hour, must
cry out against the false teachers and teachings which are
leading the people of God astray and into sin for which they
will be judged. In 2 Peter, just a few verses beyond the ones we
just looked at, Peter writes:
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things

before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the
error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now
and for ever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:17-18
The spirit behind Balaam, who taught Balak (his student) to

lead others into sin and come under the judgment of God, was
obviously demonic. Jesus told us that the evil one has come to
steal, kill and to destroy (Jn. 10:10). So we know this doctrine
of Balaam which leads people to believe that it is okay to live in
sin is a doctrine of devils and causes people to depart
from the faith. (1 Tim. 4:1-3)
Just as Balaam taught Balak to lead Gods people into sin,

causing them to stumble, so today men and certain organiza-
tions teach their understudies to believe and teach the same
lie. Gazing over history, we find one man who has done more to
promote this license for sin doctrine than any other. This man
is none other than John Calvin. He championed Satans origi-
nal lie of the ages more than any other. John Calvins 5 points
are an insidious, cleverly crafted, diabolical, yet unbiblical sys-
tem to justify sin, bringing Gods people into the depth of de-
pravity and ultimately under the eternal judgment of God.
Calvins doctrines of devils are the doctrine of Balaam who
taught the children of God to sin. For this they would incur His
holy wrath there was a plague among the congregation of
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Lie of Ages
the LORD. (Num. 31:16)
Like Balaam, many of our so-called higher learning centers

(seminaries, Bible colleges, etc.) have been infiltrated and are
raising up and teaching young Balaks to cast a stumbling
block before Gods people by leading them into sin by teaching
that faithful obedience to the LORD is optional and not a ne-
cessity. See Matthew 7:21; 1 John 2:3-5.
Those who teach that believers may live immoral and

unrighteous lives without jeopardizing their eternal sal-
vation will themselves face the severe judgment of God.
Donald Stamps
Why do you personally believe America can have more than

eighty percent of its citizens claim to be Christian and yet there
are many of our neighborhoods that do not reflect this percent-
age? Could this be due to the death of personal responsibility
that comes with this teaching? Is the fear of God not robbed
from the hearts of those who believe that there is no further
condition or requirement to the one who has been at some
point saved?
The largest denomination in America is in the business of lead-

ing millions to believe that they are unconditionally eternally
secure once they make a simple profession of faith in Christ,
even if they do not abide in Christ and continue in the grace of
God. This is the doctrine of unconditional eternal security
which is the doctrine of Balaam. This false teaching robs the
fear of the LORD from the hearts of men, leading them into sin,
and causing them to frustrate the grace of God and be separat-
ed from Him (spiritual death). Remember, this is exactly what
transpired with the first man and woman in the Garden.
In this doctrine of Balaam taught by many well-known leaders

in our day, the holiness of God and the offence of sin are
mocked. These men speak eloquently. They paint this picture
of a god who does not exist in Holy Writ. He is a god who
does not require holiness from His own people. His grace co-
vers all their willful sinning, even though they dont bother to
confess and forsake it. Listen again to the words of Peter who
describes these men:
For when they speak great swelling words of vanity,

they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through
306
much wantonness, those that were clean escaped
from them who live in error. 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. 2 Peter 2:18-19
Among those who teach this once saved, always saved heresy,
personal repentance and holiness are positioned as optional,
rarely spoken of much less stressed, and therefore scorned as
out of date, instead of necessary for final salvation.
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous

there is favour. Proverbs 14:9
As is clear from our biblical look into the doctrine of Balaam,

when someone is justified by Christ, the enemys goal is to get
that person into the offence of sin, so that he will lose out with
the LORD - both now and forever. This is exactly how the Scrip-
tures define the doctrine of Balaam.

stumblingblock before him, he shall die. Ezekiel
3:20
Here we see that the LORD lays a stumbling block before those
who were previously righteous and then departed from Him
in their iniquity.
The LORD knew that this false teaching, propagated by false

teachers like Balaam, would be a threat to His people in these
last days and therefore warned us through Jesus, Peter, Jude,
John and others. This evil lascivious teaching which opens
wide the door for Gods people to sin, is alive in the Church
world today. It is placing a stumbling block in the path of the
LORDs people to cause them to violate His holiness. This de-
structive doctrine leads people to sin and incur the judgment of
a holy God. Beware!
Larceny at the Highest Level
Is hiding the truth about the biblically named sins paramount

to casting a stumbling block at the very feet of the children of
God?
Think about how rare it is today to hear the Bible message of

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Lie of Ages
repentance, confession of sins, and the literal naming, defin-

ing, and reviewing of the sins listed in Holy Scripture. In the
modern church world, it is becoming increasingly rare to hear
a message from a man who is possessed by the fear of the
LORD. One characteristic of a leader who is true to the LORD
is that he will Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a
trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the
house of Jacob their sins. (Isa. 58:1) Conversely, of false
prophets, the Word says: Thy prophets have seen vain and
foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered
thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen
for thee false burdens and causes of banishment. (Lam.
2:14)
The prevalent self-serving, self-help messages we hear today

are more about living your best life now. The goal of these pop-
ular and yet false messengers is not holiness but happiness.
The goal of the LORD is personal holiness for each believer
without which no man shall see the Lord. (2 Cor. 7:1; 1
Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 2:19; Heb. 12:14) These false teachers and
their teachings, largely identified by what is purposely left out,
are nothing new. They are not in line with Christs or His
apostles teachings which are about knowing and fearing God,
and living in holy obedience to Him. Christ taught His people to
lay the axe to the root of sin or lose ones soul (Mk. 9:43-49).
Most leaders today wont even name sins as the Word does re-
peatedly because it would hinder their own success by rid-
ding their gatherings of those who do not truly want to serve
the LORD. They dont teach on sin much less that one must
overcome living in sin through intimately abiding in Christ or
be disqualified from receiving the heavenly prize. Modern day
deceivers capitalize upon the insatiably sinful nature of unre-
generate and unsanctified men. They allure the fleshly nature,
enticing people to be ambitious in seeking out their own good
and not dying to self and all of its evil desires so that Christ
might reign supreme (Rom. 6-8). Instead of calling or labeling
sin the way the Almighty defines it repeatedly and specifically
in His Word, we hear a new theology the shaping and fash-
ioning of a god in the image of sinful men.
In the absence of clear biblical teaching, men are left to believe

that their sins do not affect their relationship with the LORD
who is holy.
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written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on
the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth
according to every mans work, pass the time of your
sojourning here in fear. 1 Peter 1:15-17
God is holy and sin must be defined exactly the way the LORD
identified it in His Word. We are told here that He will without
respect of persons judge us all before His holy Throne. The
Bible instructs leaders to lift up a standard for the peo-
ple. (Isa. 62:10) If the holy standard of Gods Word is not ele-
vated in detail for the people of the LORD to observe and un-
derstand what the divine requirement is, sinful living will al-
ways be the result. Remember Proverbs 29:18 which says
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that
keepeth the law, happy is he. Disclosing the full-counsel di-
vine vision from the Word is a mandate and duty essential to
faithful disciples of Jesus. In particular, what He told us dis-
pleases Him (sin) is to be tended to in detail (Gal. 5:19-21).
Poor lifestyle choices is a term I overheard a pastor use. Can

you believe this? When a married person has sex outside of
marriage, does the Bible identify such as an affair, or
adultery? Does the Bible say this is a poor lifestyle choice or
the sin of adultery in the eyes of a holy God?
The false prophet Balaam was predecessor to the army of hire-

ling deceivers we see today who refuse to call out sin by name
and let Gods Word identify what it is. In withholding these
truths, they withhold the divinely-ordained knowledge and
message that would otherwise bring conviction of sin. Such a
travesty consequently leaves people without the conviction of
sin and unhindered from continuing to justify themselves in
unholy living.
Balaam didnt preach on holiness and sin. No, instead he

taught that living in sin was okay for Gods covenant people.
The Bible identifies those who refuse to preach on holiness and
sin as false prophets:

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Lie of Ages
2:14
Like Gods prophet Isaiah, who was instructed to show my

people their transgression, andsins, true servant-leaders
are called to do such today. Men who are true to God an-
nounce the sins of their generation, especially among the pro-
fessing church. God commanded Isaiah:
Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trum-

pet, and show my people their transgression, and the
house of Jacob their sins. Isaiah 58:1
Crying out concerning that which offends the LORD is the op-
posite message of Balaam. Identifying what transgression is
prevents and inhibits the stumbling blocks of iniquity. Where
are the Isaiahs of our day who will cry out against sin and
obey the LORD when He commands show my people their
transgression, andtheir sins?
Balaam withheld the true divine message in order to obtain ill-

gotten gain. He, like all who are false, had a personal agenda.
Though hidden to the eyes of many people, this evil motive is
not hidden from the eyes of the LORD.
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. These are spots
in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you,
feeding themselves without fear Jude 11-12
Notice the key words here which identify the motive of false
prophets:
Ran greedily after the error of Balaam for

reward
Feeding themselves
Balaam is used in the New Testament to identify the self-
serving nature of those who have leadership positions and yet
are hirelings (those who are in leadership for their own selfish
purposes and not out of the pure motive of truly glorifying the
LORD).
Micah was anointed by the LORD to announce the sins of His

people (Micah 3:8). Today men claim to be anointed to do near-
310
ly any and everything in their ministries except unveil what sin
is and the sins of Gods people so that His people can be set
free. Isnt that interesting?
The person who has been saved and yet is living with un-
confessed sin, is little threat to Satan, so the devil has the vic-
tory in that persons life. Yet, in most cases in America, this
same person who is living in sin can attend fellowship gather-
ings week after month after year and never hear a convicting
word and call to repentance.
God is calling to repentance all who are misleading their audi-

ences by withholding the truth.
And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the

way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of
my people. Isaiah 57:14
If you are reading these words and have been in any way lead-
ing people to believe that they are eternally secure whether or
not they are living in sin, God is calling you to repentance. He
is calling you to forsake the way of Balaam and the false proph-
ets and join the ranks of the prophet Isaiah and the true rem-
nant of God-fearing leaders who preach the Word alone (2 Tim.
4:2-5).
The ultimate end of those who lead Gods people into sin is
judgment.
Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the

children of Israel slay with the sword (judgment)
among them that were slain by them. Joshua 13:22
Those who support such false teachers are equally guilty

before the LORD. The people who receive this teaching of
Balaam, instead of rejecting and refuting it, are just as
guilty as those who teach it. The un-purged lusts of men
cause them to heap to themselves those who will tell
them what their unholy hearts want to hear instead of what
the message of the eternal and divine Judge clearly states in
His unchanging Word.
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of

season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuf-
fering and doctrine. For the time will come when
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Lie of Ages
they will not endure sound doctrine; but after

their own lusts shall they heap to themselves
teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn
away their ears from the truth, and shall be
turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things,
endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist,
make full proof of thy ministry. 2 Timothy 4:2-5
The people of God are also to be continually warned to remain

faithful to the LORDs Word.

Any leader who is not with regularity warning the saints to

abide faithful in and to Christ is simply not following the Great
Shepherd and the apostolic faith given us in the original Gos-
pel. Paul did three things to prepare believers to meet the
LORD preach, warn, teach. See Colossians 1:27-2:8.
My People Love to Have it So
So many today who claim to be saved, place themselves under

the ministries of those who tell them what they want to hear,
instead of the divine truth and full-counsel of Holy Scripture.
These are they which have chosen to harbor their iniquities
and not to endure sound doctrine, but rather heap to
themselves those who teach things which scratch their itch-
ing ears. These false teachers feed their lusts instead of declar-
ing that the LORD is holy and that He insists that the sinful
deeds of the body be put to death (Rom. 6; Gal. 5; 2 Tim. 4:2-
4).
The prophets (leaders) prophesy falsely, and the

priests (pastors) bear rule by their means; and my
people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the
end thereof? Jeremiah 5:31
Note the reason deceivers are funded and effective My peo-

ple love to have it so. Those who will be preserved in the
312
truth and unto eternal life, must resolve to live a laid down life
of repentance, fully embracing and enduring sound doctrine in
the fear of God and never allowing anyone to lead them astray
from their God.
In Jeremiah 5:31, notice what the LORD asks us here as wit-

nessed in the words of this prophet of God what will ye do
in the end thereof? What will we do when we stand before
the throne of the Almighty to give account of our lives after we
went the way of ease and iniquity instead of treading upon the
difficult yet eternally rewarding narrow road?
They are all Estranged from Me

Through Their Idols
Son of man, these men have set up their idols in

their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniq-
uity before their face: should I be enquired of at all
by them? Ezekiel 14:3
Do we really expect the LORD to grant us His holy presence

and answer our prayers while we live in sin and justify such
with our eternal security lie? The covenant people who fol-
lowed this teaching through Balaam and Balak found out that
judgment is the result of living in sin, not blessing.
We just read Ezekiel 14:3. Lets look at the ensuing words from
the prophet Ezekiel where we see the LORD pronouncing a due
reward to both those who teach His people to sin and his peo-
ple who refuse to give up the iniquities of their hearts:
Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them,

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of
Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and
putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his
face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will an-
swer him that cometh according to the multitude of
his idols; That I may take the house of Israel in their
own heart, because they are all estranged from me
through their idols. Therefore say unto the house of
Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn
yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces
from all your abominations. For every one of the
house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in
Israel, which separateth himself from me, and
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Lie of Ages
setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the

stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and
cometh to a prophet to inquire of him concerning
me; I the LORD will answer him by myself: And I will
set my face against that man, and will make him a
sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the
midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am the
LORD. And if the prophet be deceived when he hath
spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that
prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him,
and will destroy him from the midst of my people
Israel. And they shall bear the punishment of their
iniquity: the punishment of the prophet shall be
even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto
him; That the house of Israel may go no more astray
from me, neither be polluted any more with all their
transgressions; but that they may be my people, and
I may be their God, saith the Lord GOD. Ezekiel
14:4-11
Those among the people of God who allow iniquity to remain in

their hearts by not enduring and obeying the sound doctrine of
the Word, will be turned over to a deluding spirit and if they are
not recovered before it is too late, will suffer eternal damnation
(2 Thess. 2:10-12).
Isnt our sin rooted in our idolatry of self? Wasnt the first sin,
found in Lucifer, rooted in self-idolatry? He wanted to be the
object of worship and so many today are willing to oblige false
teachers and to idolize those false prophets who feed their sin-
ful nature by telling them they are approved by God even while
living in sin against Him. In reality, those who have not laid
down their lives that Christ might take it up, are worshipping
at the altar of self and will migrate to leaders who tell them
what they want to hear that which feeds their sinful nature
instead of calling them to repentance before a holy God and
Judge before it is too late.
Balaam taught what Satan taught in the Garden. He taught

that God would not forsake one of His own if they went back
into sin. He was wrong. The very same ye shall not surely
die lie that Satan used in the Garden is being taught from
church, TV, and radio pulpits across America today. In the be-
ginning Satan used the most subtle messenger to do his bid-
314
ding - the serpent (Gen. 3:1). As he did in the Garden, the
sworn and evil adversary of God is still using the most subtle
messengers to teach the original lie the lie of the ages. He is
using ministers, many who are very popular, but dead
wrong. These are emissaries and pawns of the evil one and
identified by their refusal to truly preach the fullness of Gods
Word (2 Cor. 11:13-15). What makes these men and their poi-
sonous message so subtly deceptive and insidious is that much
of their overall teaching is biblically accurate, and people simp-
ly do not suspect that these men who come in the name of the
LORD would teach lies (Mat. 16:6, 12; Gal. 5:9). Many who lis-
ten to their teachings take everything they teach wholesale. In
other words, they do not test everything taught by these men
against Holy Scripture. The worst detriment though is that
many people who claim to be born again simply do not diligent-
ly study the Word of God and are therefore greatly lacking in
the personal knowledge of divine truth. They are consequently
left wide open to be deluded by falsehood (Heb. 5:11-14).
The message of ease is the message of deceivers (Amos 6:1;

Rev. 3:14-15). The message of the fear of the LORD is the mes-
sage of all true prophet leaders:
They say still unto them that despise me, The

LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say
unto every one that walketh after the imagination of
his own heart, No evil shall come upon you. For who
hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath per-
ceived and heard his word? who hath marked his
word, and heard it? Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD
is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it
shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.
The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he
have executed, and till he have performed the
thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall con-
sider it perfectly. Jeremiah 23:17-20
We have all been warned about the doctrine Satan and Balaam
taught. The wrath of God is coming in judgment. Beware of
those who say that there is peace between God and men in the
absence of holiness wrought by Christ in the surrendered life.
They (the false prophets) say still unto them that

despise me (people who live in sin), The LORD hath
said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every
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Lie of Ages
one that walketh after the imagination of his own

heart (lives in sin), No evil shall come upon you.
Jeremiah 23:17
PRAYER: Holy Father in Heaven, God of Abraham, Isaac and

Jacob, bless my heart to authentically know You. I this moment
repent of self-idolatry. Father I lay my life in Thine hands. Make
me holy as only You can. Search my heart and know my
thoughts Jesus. Purge all evil motives and iniquity. Make me
Your real disciple. Thank You for the keeping power of Your
blessed grace through faith. Help my unbelief. Purify my heart
and thoughts. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of
my heart be acceptable in Thy sight my precious LORD! Root out
any false teaching and forgive me for leading others astray. Glo-
ry to the name of Jesus Christ forevermore.
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
LICENSE FOR SIN

Turning the Grace of Our God into
Lasciviousness (License to Sin)
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto

you of the common salvation, it was needful for
me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye
should earnestly contend for the faith which was
once delivered unto the saints. For there are cer-
tain men crept in unawares (secretly), who were
before of old ordained to this condemnation, un-
godly men, turning the grace of our God into las-
civiousness (license to sin), and denying the only
Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude 3-4
How far-reaching is this prophetic revelation found in Jude?

Could the continuity of divine thought, seeded in Genesis (book
of origins), be here evidenced at the very end of the New Testa-
ment canon? Could the Holy Spirit have been warning the last
hour Church here through Jude of the severe danger of believ-
ing the deadly first lie ever told to mankind? Could He have
been warning His saints of the prevalent nature and looming
threat of this lie of the ages? We also see here in Judes words
the impending divine judgment to be meted out upon those
who teach this falsehood. Of this text, David Servant writes:
318
These false teachers literally deny (notice the titles Jude
used) the only Lord God (Jude 4). Because obedience is,
in their minds, optional for those on the way to heaven,
Jesus need not be ones Master and Lord. Thus they de-
ny that He is who He is by their teaching and lifestyles.
To the undiscerning, the slogans of the false grace

teachers sound scriptural, taken from Pauls own writ-
ings (and ripped from their biblical context): Were not
under law, but grace. Praise God for the liberty we have
in Christ! And, Even if we are faithless, He remains
faithful! Their twisting of Pauls words is as old as Pauls
letters The Great Gospel Deception, David Servant, P.
231
According to Jude 3 and 4, those who teach this lie of lascivi-

ousness fall into the category of ungodly men. Through
Jude the Holy Spirit here defines the deceiver by what he
teaches (license to sin). Some who now teach lies once held to
and taught the truth. Divine truth is an essential commodity
that must be continued in. What one chooses to believe
(doctrine) is very important to the LORD.
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth (remains) not

in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that
abideth (remains) in the doctrine of Christ, he hath
both the Father and the Son. 2 John 9
Here at the end of the New Covenant canon of Holy Scripture,

the divine Person of the Holy Spirit warns His beloved people of
the danger of those men who have crept in among us, unde-
tected to most and are teaching another gospel, in this case,
the false gospel of lasciviousness (license to sin). The Good
Shepherd, zealous to protect His sheep from the devouring
wolves among us, warns here that such a doctrine is being
taught right in our midst and must be earnestly contended
against because it does violence to that true Gospel once de-
livered unto the saints. (Jude 3-4) The true Gospel of Christ
has as a requirement, the denial of self in holiness to the nail-
scarred risen Savior. Jude warns of a false gospel, peddled by
ungodly men which is one of lasciviousness, supposing
to grant license for lawless living. Those whom the Holy Spirit
warns about here dont deal with the holiness and fear of God
and do not stress the importance of personal holiness.
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Lie of Ages
For from the prophets of Jerusalem (leaders within

the church world) is profaneness gone forth into all
the land. Jeremiah 23:15
The masses of people claiming to know the LORD who believe

this OSAS myth underscores the epidemic of false teachers
who have sown their heresy (Satan's Garden lie) in the hearts
of men. Here is but one example of someone who was saved,
then walked away from Jesus and then was blessed to be re-
stored. Karen Wegener relates the following:
I was saved and water baptized as a young lady and

then backslid after being told I was eternally secure or
once saved always saved in the Baptist church I grew
up in. The LORD blessed me to be restored and I never
again backslid after being brought back to Christ in a
Holy Spirit filled environment and began learning the
fear of the LORD.
As you discern the true and false leaders operating in the

midst, always remember that its not only what is being taught,
but that which is not being taught that can be most deadly.
What a leader is not teaching can be as deadly as that which
he is propagating.
Concerning Jude 4 which speaks of contending against those

false teachers who are turning the grace of our God into
lasciviousness, Donald Stamps, in the Life in the Spirit Study
Bible, writes:
GRACE OF OUR GOD INTO LASCIVIOUSNESS. Las-

civiousness means unrestrained vice or sexual freedom.
Jude denounces certain persons who teach that salva-
tion by grace allows professed believers to indulge in se-
rious sin and yet not be condemned by God. They may
have taught that God will freely forgive those who con-
tinually engage in sexual lust, or that those who pres-
ently live in moral filth are eternally secure if they have
trusted in Christ sometime in the past (cf. Rom. 5:20;
6:1-2). They preached pardon for sin but not the impera-
tive of holiness.
The LORD here warns that these men who teach this doctrine
(in our day) have crept in unawares. In other words, these
men come to us as men of God, some in long-established and
320
widely accepted pulpits and denominations and with all the
right credentials. Because of this most do not suspect them
to be deceivers. But the Holy Ghost says there are ungodly
men who are denying Christ and His teachings by teaching a
license for sin (lasciviousness). The specific reason cited
here that these deceivers are to be identified as false is their
lascivious teachings due to the fact that in their teaching they
are turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness. In
teaching this lawless falsehood, these men actually deny the
LORD God and LORD Jesus Christ, because they are teaching
contrary to His holy nature and teachings.
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please

God. Romans 8:8
The unconditional eternal security teaching appeals to the

fleshly nature of men which find pleasure in sin instead of dy-
ing to it that Christ Himself might be glorified in their lives (Jn.
3:30; Rom. 6; 8:1-14; Gal. 5:24; 2 Thess. 2:12; 1 Tim. 5:6; 2
Tim. 4:3). Men who shun the light will justify their sins and
even intentionally place themselves under the teaching of de-
ceivers who refuse to declare that God is holy and demands His
people be the same. This they do while ignoring the clear words
of Scripture. Some of these people were at some time in the
past genuinely born again.
Jesus Himself invented the term fall away. (Lk. 8:13) If such
were not possible, why would the Son of God use the term?
They on the rock are they, which, when they hear,

receive the word with joy; and these have no root,
which FOR A WHILE BELIEVE, and in time of temp-
tation FALL AWAY. Luke 8:13
Once saved always saved (OSAS) is a mere man-made, sin-

justifying clich and not a truth found in the Bible. Friends, is
our theology (knowledge of God) built on a clich or the Word of
God?
According to the Holy Scriptures, there is no security to those

who arent truly and completely following Christ in their per-
sonal life. Anyone who teaches that men are unconditionally
eternally secure is a false teacher and should be avoided.
Those who teach this OSAS error communicate that because of
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Lie of Ages
Gods grace we have a license to sin, or, we are not held respon-
sible as those under the Old Testament were. To the contrary,
the Bible teaches us that because of Gods grace manifested
through Jesus we are MORE responsible to the Lord than those
who lived under the Old Covenant Christ (Rom. 3:24-26). His
very blood has now been shed for us, which leaves those who
have been born again with no excuse to live in sin. Want to see
what Im talking about?
He that despised Moses law (under OT) died with-

out mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how
much SORER (worse; more severe) punishment, sup-
pose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trod-
den under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the
blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified,
an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the
Spirit of grace? Hebrews 10:28-29
Here Gods Word says that we have a better covenant, rati-

fied with the very blood of Jesus (Heb. 8:6). Greater judgment
will come upon those who despise the blood of Christ given to
us in this New Testament era. With His sinless blood has been
provided great grace to live in the holy presence and will of
our Savior (Acts 4:33).
Gods grace never enables or condones sinful living but rather

enables the recipient to live free from sin. A grace that would
forgive without demanding change would make God an accom-
plice to evil.
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for (consistent

with) repentance. Matthew 3:8
When one has truly repented and turned his whole life over to
the LORD, his life will bear fruits consistent with that re-
pentance.
In many evangelical circles, the "grace" of God supposedly frees

the one who has been granted salvation from his responsibili-
ties before God. Is that what Christ meant when He said the
truth would make men free? No! To those who have believed
Jesus says If ye continue in my word, then are ye my dis-
ciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth
shall make you free. (Jn. 8:31-32) The LORD frees people
from sin and to serve Him. In the false grace camp, obedience
322
becomes optional. The recipient of salvation has the choice to
obey or disobey the LORD and yet "eternal life" is retained no
matter how that person chooses to live. To the OSAS propo-
nent, the "grace" of God allows the "chosen" and elect the li-
cense to live any way they choose and still be saved to Heaven
at death, even if that person died in the depth of depravity and
sin. So this would mean that because of an authentic one-time
profession of faith, the town drunk or prostitute may be saved
and on their way to Heaven, even though they have no present
relationship with the LORD of Heaven.
To the honest-hearted Bible student, such a license to sin

grace is completely foreign (Rom. 6:1-2, 15). The grace of God
has made us free to serve Him, not free to be irresponsible or
sinful.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin,

that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we,
that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Ro-
mans 6:1-2
As is evident throughout Holy Scripture, the liberty granted

by God in salvation, is anything but a freedom to live in sin.
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you

also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2
Corinthians 6:1
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only

use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by
love serve one another. Galatians 5:13
As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of ma-

liciousness, but as the servants of God. 1 Peter 2:16
The working of the true grace of God is to bring the recipient

under the Lordship of Christ. Because of Gods grace, we are
now made free from sins power and made ready and able/
equipped to serve Him whose sinless blood bought our other-
wise wicked and hell-bound soul. We are not our own, but
bought by the price of the blood of Christ (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are
not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:14
According to Titus 3:7-8, by the grace of God, we are made

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Lie of Ages
heirs (inheritors) of eternal life, made ready for Heaven and to

do good works NOW on earth.
Gods grace actively works in the true believer:
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his

grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain;
but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet
not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1
Corinthians 15:10
The Lords Word doesnt reveal a human responsibility without

the accompaniment of His grace. In Scripture, there is always
Gods part and mans. Here is one such example:
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed,

not as in my presence only, but now much more in
my absence, work out your own salvation with fear
and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you
both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippi-
ans 2:12-13
Isn't it utterly amazing how clear a picture we see of the real

grace of God and our personal responsibilities, when simply
looking into God's Word for ourselves as Jesus intends for us to
do? We also begin to see how the false teachers, who turn the
grace of God into lasciviousness (a license to sin), have taught
a perverted grace that has no biblical reconciliation whatsoever
(Tit. 2:11-12; Jude 3-4). They teach a no-fear-of-God "grace"
which fosters irresponsibility and sinful living, instead of the
fear of the LORD. Holiness and circumspectness of life are not
tended to but rather a false grace in which volumes of Scrip-
ture is intentionally left out of the equation. These deceivers
are easy to detect once Gods holy Word begins to take root in
our hearts through personal study. Many of the false teachers
we hear go on and on and on and on with little Scripture,
much less in-depth and true contextual Bible exegesis
(expounding). They are clearly preaching another gospel and
according to the Holy Ghost, utterly accursed. (Gal. 1:6-9; 2
Cor. 11:1-3) These men so blatantly leave out certain Bible
texts and verses which paint a far different picture than they
wish to paint. For example, watch closely at how they purpose-
ly leave out verses like this:
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Corinthians 7:1
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Jude boldly cites such
who teach this lie of lasciviousness, as being false teachers who
are ungodly men. As you can see by now, this Jude passage
is the theme text of this writing. I suppose we all could use
some catching up. Dont you? We have heard all the other vers-
es on grace for so long at the expense of the whole of Gods
Word.

our God into lasciviousness (license to sin), and
Christ. Jude3-4
The phrase it was needful for me to write unto you clearly

reveals a real and present danger.
Satans Masterpiece!
Concerning what he termed The Fruits of Cheap Grace, John

Wesley wrote:
For wherever this doctrine of easy grace is received, it

leaves no place for holiness. It forbids all such exhorta-
tions as might excite a desire for holiness. Nay, it makes
men afraid of personal holiness, afraid of cherishing any
thought of it. For they fear that any step toward holiness
might be a denial of the faith, and a rejection of Christ
and His righteousness. So that, instead of being zealous
for good works, good works are a stench to their nos-
trils. In short, they are infinitely more afraid of the works
of God, than the works of the devil.
Here is Satans masterpiece! We are to believe that men

are holy, without a grain of holiness in them! Holy in
Christ, however unholy in themselves. They are suppos-
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Lie of Ages
edly in Christ, although they have not one jot of the

mind that was in Christ. They are complete in Him, alt-
hough they are as proud, as vain, as covetous, and as
lustful as ever. They think they can continue in unright-
eousness because Christ has fulfilled all righteousness.
O ye simple one, do not be deceived. For as surely as the

Lord lives, neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adul-
terers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor
covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners,
shall inherit the kingdom of God. Such indeed were
some of you. But you are washed, but you are sancti-
fied, as well as justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus,
and by the Spirit of our God (1 Cor. 6:9-11). You are re-
ally changed! You are not only accounted as righteous,
you are made righteous.
The inward power of the Spirit has made you free

really, actually freefrom the law or power of sin and
death (Rom. 8:2). This is liberty, true gospel liberty, ex-
perienced by every true believer. This is not freedom
from the law of God, or the works of God, but from the
law of sin and the works of the devil. See that you stand
fast in this real, not imaginary, liberty. Take heed that
you be not entangled again, by means of these vain
boasters, in the yoke of that vile bondage of sin, from
which you have cleanly escaped. (Gal. 5:1)
I testify unto you, that if you still continue in sin, Christ

shall profit you nothing. That Christ is no Savior to you,
unless He saves you from your sins. And that unless it
purifies your heart, faith shall profit you nothing. Oh,
when will you understand, that to oppose either inward
or outward holiness, under color of exalting Christ, is
directly to act the part of Judas, to betray the Son of
man with a kiss?
What? Make Christ destroy His own kingdom? Set Christ

against holiness? Talk of Christ as saving His people in
their sins? It is no better than to say, He saves them from
the guilt, but not from the power, of sin. Will you make
the righteousness of Christ a cover for the unrighteous-
ness of man? So that by this means, the unrighteous of
every kind shall inherit the kingdom of God! Stop! Con-
sider! What are you doing? Who has corrupted you from
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the simplicity of Christ, from the purity of the gospel?
You did know, He that believeth is born of God: And

whosoever is born of God sinneth not (1 John 3:9). O
come back to the true, the pure, the old gospel! That
which you received in the beginning. Come back to
Christ, who died to make you a holy people, zealous for
good works (Tit. 2:14). Remember from whence you are
fallen, and repent, and do the first works (Rev. 2:5). For
wilt thou know, O vain, O empty man, that faith with-
out works is dead (Jas. 2:17)?
Do not stupidly and senselessly call holiness legalisma

silly, meaningless word. Be not afraid of being under the
law of God. Rather, fear being under the law of
sin (Rom. 7:23). Love the strictest preaching best. That
which most searches the heart, and shows you wherein
you are unlike Christ. That which presses you most to
love Him with all your heart, and serve Him with all your
strength.
As Wesley so clearly refutes and contrary to the clear counsel

of God, these myth-propagators teach a grace without respon-
sibility - just as Satan did in the Garden. If we are going to go
by Gods Word, then we should conclude that their teachings
alone identify these men as Satans ministers. (2 Cor. 11:13-
15) Those who have bought this lie view the obedient as legalis-
tic. Wow! This is the lie of the ages and its evil fruit. There is
no new thing under the sun. (Eccl. 1:9) The enemy of our
souls is still successfully using the same lie to seduce souls,
causing some of those who are saved to stumble and lose out
on the blessings of living continually in faith (now and forever)
and obedience and unity with Christ and His saints (Heb. 6:11-
12; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
Grace does not facilitate sin. Divine grace has enabled the for-
giveness of our sins through Christs perfect sacrifice and teach-
es those who truly possess it to overcome sin, remaining pure in
preparation for the return of Jesus Christ the One who made
that grace a reality (Rom. 3:23-26; Tit. 2:11-14). Grace grants no
license for sin, but rather the ability to overcome it to become
completely victorious over it. Divine grace enables holiness of life
and for the saint to be abundantly fruitful to Gods glory. We are
instructed not to receive Gods grace in vain or in other words
take advantage of Him using the very grace He provided to save
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Lie of Ages
us and sanctify or whole lives (2 Cor. 6:1). By the grace of God

Jesus died to deliver us from all sin and not to sin (Matt. 1:21;
Jn. 1:29).
Make no mistake: When you hear the subtle no-human-

responsibility teaching, you have encountered a false teaching.
As we have seen in the Scriptures listed thus far, grace de-
mands and enables change and personal responsibility. The
LORD doesnt force this, it is volitional.
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you

also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2
Corinthians 6:1
If there were no possibility of receiving the grace of God in

vain, why would the Holy Spirit have inspired this Bible writ-
er to record such?
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, please cleanse my heart of all las-

civiousness (lack of restraint) and cultivate and bolster in my
heart humility and the fear of the LORD and a fearful reverence
of Your utter holiness. Multiply to me Your holy grace, that I
might be fully fruitful and pleasing to You as I fervently look for
Your soon return. Take away from my inner life, any notion that
You approve of any sinful thought, word or deed. Make me holy
as You are holy LORD Jesus. Please teach me about Your true
grace my LORD. Glory to Your precious name Jesus. Amen.
328
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
EZEKIEL 33
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have
no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the
wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye
from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of
Israel? Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the
children of thy people, The righteousness of the
righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his
transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked,
he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth
from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be
able to live for his righteousness in the day that he
sinneth. When I shall say to the righteous, that he
shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness,
and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall
not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath
committed, he shall die for it. Ezekiel 33:11-13
The LORD Most High instructed the first man:
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,

thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eat-
est thereof thou shalt surely die. Genesis 2:17
Satan added just one word to Gods Word in the Garden. He
330
told the woman that their would be no penalty for disobedi-
ence.
Ye shall not surely die. Genesis 3:4
With great success due to audiences of people who do not know

Gods Word for themselves, Satan has added and propagated
the unfounded doctrine of unconditional eternal security in the
church world. There is no sound biblical reconciliation to such
a teaching. Those who buy into it, do so in the absence of any
such teaching in Holy Writ. Amazingly, this unconditional eter-
nal security heresy has been made a cardinal doctrine among
many in the evangelical world, all who claim to be following
Gods Word. Astounding!
If the man and woman had fully embraced the promise of truth
their Maker gave them, there would have been a fortress of
grace to uphold and strengthen them under the duress of the
temptation. The same is true for us today. If we fully become
rooted and grounded in Gods Word, we will be strengthened
against the day or hour of temptation.
In his writing entitled The Eternal Security Teaching, J. L.

Stauffer offers these words concerning the meaning of the eter-
nal security teaching (which is OSAS and the perseverance of
the saints teachings):
What is meant by the eternal security teaching? Some

ministers and Christian workers speak against it, others
defend it. Those who hold it, claim for it a Biblical foun-
dation. Those who oppose it do so with the Word of God.
Is it a harmful or helpful doctrine? Will the acceptance of
this teaching by Christian people result in strengthening
or in weakening convictions on the all things of the
Word of God? Will it aid or hinder Christian people in
appreciating the so-called unpopular principles taught
by Christ and the apostles that are so generally ignored
by people professing godliness? Will sin look more hate-
ful or less so to the one who embraces the teaching of
eternal security? These thought-stimulating queries
should cause us to desire the truth on this live issue.
The Eternal Security Teaching Defined
There is perhaps no teaching that at first sight has a
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Lie of Ages
greater appeal to some than this doctrine. There are ex-

pressions of the greatest loyalty to the Word of God.
There is no teaching that apparently at first sight exalts
Jesus Christ more than this does. The thought that we
are eternally secure and as sure of heaven as if we were
already there is inspiring, to say the least.
In other words, the teaching may be summarized in the

following way: that eternal life once received can never
be forfeited by any act or determination of the human
will; that eternal life is a gift and cannot be withdrawn;
that if you deny eternal security, then you assert that
salvation is by works, by means of human merit, and
not by grace; that to deny eternal security is to belittle
the finished work of Christ; that since believers become
ministers of Christs body, if you deny eternal security,
then Christ will have a mutilated body throughout eter-
nity; that Christians may backslide, imperil their re-
ward, lose their fellowship with the Master, but can nev-
er lose their salvation or go into apostasy.
The true Christian is highly shocked when an obvious cult

teaches its followers that there is something else on the same
level of authority as the Holy Bible. The Catholic Church teach-
es that their tradition, hierarchy, and early church fathers are
on the same level of authority as the Bible when it is crystal
clear that they contradict Gods Word. The Mormons have add-
ed the Book of Mormon, a book that is elevated to the same
level of authority as Holy Scripture. True followers of Christ
know these things. The religion of Calvin is no different than
the Mormon or the Catholic religions in that it has elevated the
teachings of a mere man to the same level of authority or above
the very Word of God. The Calvinist has elevated the unscrip-
tural teachings of John Calvin, a mere sinful man, to a place of
equal authority as Holy Writ. Jesus Christ, and His holy and
Spirit-inspired apostles Peter, John, nor Paul used words like
Calvin did. Calvins teachings are clearly irreconcilable with the
Word of God.
The following is taken from Jeff Patons article entitled 200

Reasons Why You Should Not Believe in Eternal Security:
Seven Reasons Why Eternal Security Is False
It cheapens Gods estimate of sin

332
It is not taught in scripture

It renders all exhortations to holiness to be irrelevant
It must explain away the vast majority of scripture
It encourages sinful living and false assurance
It results in false conversions that weaken the true
church
It is the most destructive and deceptive lie of Satan
Twenty Lies Not Found In Scripture
1. Once saved always saved.

2. Christians are no different than other sinners, except they
are saved.
3. God cannot see the Christians sin because they are covered
by the blood of Christ.
4. We can be filthy as a barnyard in body and still be saved
and holy in spirit.
5. We all sin in word, thought and deed, every moment and
every day.
6. All who have ever fallen away were never saved in the first
place.
7. That when one comes to Christ, their sins are paid for past,
present and future.
8. You can only lose fellowship with God and not salvation.
9. God would never disown or damn one of His own children.
10. A sheep cannot become a goat.
11. If we sin we only lose fellowship and not relationship with
God.
12. Salvation is unconditional.
13. If salvation cannot be earned it cannot be lost.
14. God will not begin a work that he will not finish.
15. Repentance is not required for salvation.
16. Christians who say we must remain faithful to stay saved
preach a works salvation.
17. We can be Sinning Saints or Backslidden Christians and
still be saved.
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Lie of Ages
18. Only at death can we ultimately be saved from sin.

19. Christians are still sinners.
20. I am secure because Jesus paid my sin debt in full.
Always remember that a doctrine is not true simply because of
how articulately or smoothly it is presented or woven or how
true it may sound. It is also not true just because Scripture is
used to prove it. True, sound doctrine is built exclusively,
wholly, solely, and entirely out of Gods Word (2 Tim. 3:16).
Those who pervert the grace of God build their whole teachings
upon feeble and misdirected private interpretations misusing
doctrines such as adoption, son ship, sealing, grace, and pre-
destination. Certain parts of Gods Word are acknowledged to
the exclusion of the whole of the Scriptures, a practice which
always leads to errant conclusions.
In this clever adulteration of Gods truth, a god is made in the

image of those who craft this falsehood, giving license to live as
one wishes and still be saved, imagining that the Almighty will
somehow excuse this deceit on that Great Day of Judgment.
Unsubstantiated, endless and empty polemics, reasoning, sto-
ries, analogies, and self-willed interpretations are offered to
justify this teaching. This is done in lieu of simply and humbly
hearkening to the holy Word which deliberately informs us that
we do not have a license for sin and if we depart from faithful
obedience to the living God, we perish, regardless of any past
relationship we had with Him.
Lets look at this very important Ezekiel passage closer. The di-
vine truth revealed here is essential to balanced biblical theolo-
gy:
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have

no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the
wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye
from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of
Israel? Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the
children of thy people, The righteousness of the
righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his
transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked,
he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth
from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be
able to live for his righteousness in the day that he
334
sinneth. When I shall say to the righteous, that he
shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness,
and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall
not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath
committed, he shall die for it.If the wicked restore
the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in
the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he
shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his sins
that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto
him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he
shall surely live. Ezekiel 33:11-13, 15-16
First off, some will deceitfully and without validity, dismiss this
Ezekiel 33 passage of divine truth as not relevant because it is
found in the Old Testament Scriptures of Gods Word. Did the
LORD change? For I am the LORD, I change not. (Mal.
3:6) Under the New Covenant we are now on the other side of
Christs perfect sacrifice and nothing has changed concerning
the holiness of God and His requirement and condition for men
to be holy. As expressed in this above text and in the whole of
Gods Word, the Almighty judges people by their present state
with Him and not their past state.
Gods desire for our present, living, obedient, and saving faith
is key to observe in this Ezekiel 33 passage. In living such a
life, we are secure in Him. The LORD always emphasizes our
present relationship with Him and not the past Now faith
is (Heb. 11:1) When is saving faith effectual? Now!
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw
back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we
are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of
them that believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews
10:38-39
A life lived by faith is distinct from a faith that lasted for a time
then was put away by the recipient which led to them falling
away (1 Tim. 5:12; Lk. 8:13).
To His very own people the LORD warns and beckons repent-
ance so they will not perish: turn ye, turn ye from your evil
ways; for why will ye die (be separated from Me), O house
of Israel? (v11)
Here in this Ezekiel 33 text, we see that regardless of ones past
335
Lie of Ages
relationship with Christ, if he turns away from God and lives in

sin, he loses out on all of the covenant blessings. The right-
eousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day
of his transgressionWhen I shall say to the righteous,
that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteous-
ness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not
be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath commit-
ted, he shall die for it. (v12-13)
An honest reading of this text, with no preconceived notions,

reveals that the righteousness of the righteous shall not
deliver him in the day of his transgression. If a person who
was once made righteous begins to trust to his own right-
eousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses
shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath
committed, he shall die for it.
I Know You Not Whence (where) Ye Are
Consider the words of the LORD when asked if there are few
who will be saved:
Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be
saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at
the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to
enter in, and shall not be able. When once the mas-
ter of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the
door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at
the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he
shall answer and say unto you, I know you not
whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have
eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast
taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I
know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye
workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and
gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and
Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the king-
dom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. Luke
13:23-28
When asked are there few that be saved? Jesus answered

Strive (agonize) to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I
say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
It seems clear from these words that many who believe they are
going to Heaven will not be permitted to enter. When they in
336
shock begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy pres-
ence, and thou hast taught in our streets the LORD will an-
swer I know you not whence (where) ye are; depart from
me, all ye workers of iniquity.
Apparently these are people who ate and drank in Gods pres-
ence which dwells among His people. They communed and par-
took of Him and yet died outside of a relationship with Him due
to not continuing to agonize or strive to enter into His eternal
presence (and so they fell away). This should be considered
alongside the many Scriptures where Christ warns us to
watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation. (Matt.
26:41; Lk. 21:34-36) He warns that we will enter into tempta-
tion if we do not vigilantly and diligently watch and pray. The
neglect of our relational fellowship with the LORD can be eter-
nally fatal. See Luke 21:34-36.
Saints of the LORD, there is not one promise to be found in Ho-

ly Scripture assuring the salvation of any person who is not
currently living in communion and obedience to Christ.
All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated

them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive
them out of mine house, I will love them no more: all
their princes are revolters. Ephraim (Gods covenant
people) is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall
bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I
slay even the beloved fruit of their womb. My God
will cast them away, because they did not hearken
unto him: and they shall be wanderers among the na-
tions. Hosea 9:15-17
Unlike the prophets and apostles of our LORD, so many lead-

ers today want people to feel comfortable, even if it is in their
own sin and at the expense of their own eternal souls. These
men serve themselves and not Christ and therefore they do not
issue forth His clear truth and warning of judgment to come
upon all who do not obey Him regardless of any past relation-
ship (2 Cor. 5:11; Phil. 3:17-21). Deceivers who hold positions
in the church world do not want to suffer the persecution asso-
ciated with preaching the original Gospel, so they carefully
choose out the things which will not offend their hearers. Such
a posture is completely foreign from the Holy Spirit anointed
ministries of Christ, John the Baptist, and the original apostles
of our LORD.
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Lie of Ages
Everything in Gods kingdom economy works through His di-

vine mercy, grace and mans faith and obedience. When cou-
pled or enjoined with a mans unwavering faith, Gods grace
makes all things possible (Mk. 10:27).
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your keeping power,

as I am blessed and enabled to follow Your Word in truth while
being empowered by Your Holy Ghost. Fill me afresh LORD Je-
sus and live Your life in and through me. Amen.
338
339
Lie of Ages
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

provocation. Hebrews 3:12-15
This magnificently, divinely-inspired writing is clearly directed

to all believers under the New Covenant. In verse 1 and 12 of
chapter 3, Holy BRETHREN (not the unsaved) are addressed
and warned to beware of unbelief and un-confessed sin which
will harden the heart and prevent one from continuing
stedfast unto the end. The book of Hebrews reveals the
most vivid insight into the throne of grace and invites all believ-
ers to come and be washed continually in the precious blood of
the New Covenant due to the Great Intercessor who sits at the
right hand of the Father (Col. 3:1; Heb. 4:14-16; 7:24-26).
According to the Word here in this passage; can a believer de-

part from the LORD? Take heed, BRETHREN, lest there be
in any of YOU (brethren) an evil heart of unbelief, in DE-
340
PARTING from the living God. (Heb. 3:12)
In Hebrews 3:12-15, true, genuine believers are warned not to

depart from God and be lost again.
Speaking of the Messiah, Hebrews 1:9 says:
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniqui-

ty; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed
thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Hebrews 1:9
Our LORD is our ultimate example and the One we follow.

This prophetic Scripture, spoken by the Psalmist in 45:7,
foretold the character of the LORD:
loved righteousness
hated iniquity
Jesus loved righteousness and hated iniquity because

pleasing His Father was of supreme importance (Jn. 5:30). He
was therefore anointedwith the oil of gladness above
thy fellows.
An Insurmountable Hurdle
Hebrews is a book offering numerous warnings to Christians

concerning slipping, letting sin harden the heart, falling away,
and trampling under foot the blood of the Son of God after once
knowing Him. As we know, there are some who believe that
once saved, a person is in a fixed state of salvation and can
never go back (depart from the LORD) even if he wants to.
Against the full-counsel of Holy Writ, some vainly believe that a
saved person cannot return to his vomit (sin). Upon an honest
read and study of the book of Hebrews, these should be
ashamed of such a heresy and turn to the LORD in repentance
(1 Cor. 11:19; Gal. 5:20; 2 Pet. 2:21). Instead, many of these
theological circus actors are bent upon acrobatically proving
their perverted pet doctrine.
The one who has espoused the OSAS teaching believes that the
retreated person was never saved in the first place. The eternal
securest believes that if a person is living a life of blatant sin
after confessing Christ as LORD, it proves that such a person
was never saved in the first place. Nonsense! Hebrews alone
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Lie of Ages
annihilates such a position. The numerous warnings in the

book of Hebrews clearly extinguish the possibility of such a
falsehood.
Masses of people have naively believed what a man or men

have told them to believe, i.e., OSAS. This they have done with-
out personally and studiously studying and learning Gods
Word for themselves. So, when confronted they say Well I be-
lieve that once a person is saved they are always saved. This
they do with no scriptural authority whatsoever. Their belief is
not built by Scripture but rather upon the sinking sand of the
words, stories and clichs of mere men as we will once again
see as we review Hebrews. In the book of Hebrews is found the
largest concentration of divine truth to refute OSAS found any-
where in the Bible. It is the mother lode that when read by one
who currently espouses OSAS, either transforms a teachable
heart or launches the staunch eternal securest into the mode
of a private interpretation circus act conductor.
According to the Word, those who refuse to study to show

themselves approved unto God will inevitably be misled (Matt.
22:29; 2 Thess. 2:10-12; 2 Tim. 2:15). It is extremely costly to
refuse to have a deep love for divine truth destruction is
promised to all who are not possessed by a love for the truth
(Hos. 4:6; 2 Thess. 2:10-12).
One has to get extremely dishonest to deny the numerous

warnings and severe threats found in the book of Hebrews. In-
tellectual dishonesty is required in order to pervert the truth
found in these divinely-inspired passages.
As we are observing, this book of Hebrews contains warnings

galore:

we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by
angels was stedfast, and every transgression and dis-
obedience received a just recompense of reward;
How shall we escape (eternal judgment), if we neglect
so great salvation; which at the first began to be spo-
ken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them
that heard him. Hebrews 2:1-3
Since we know that Hebrews is written to all holy breth-
342
ren (3:1) of the entire New Testament era, we must
acknowledge that this book is not written or intended for the
unsaved.
The real live danger is identified in verse 1 here Therefore

we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things
which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them
slip. The threat of not giving earnest heed, full attention
and heart affection to the Gospel of the One who saved is iden-
tified here. The plain implication here and in this whole book of
Hebrews is that those who dont take full heed to the LORD
and continue to hear and obey His voice, will slip and fall.
Note verse 3 here in chapter 2: How shall we escape (eternal

judgment), if we neglect so great salvation. Obviously, a
saved person can neglect his responsibilities to the Lord and
come under His judgment or this warning would not have been
inspired by the divine Person of the Holy Ghost and would cer-
tainly not be found written in Gods Holy Word.
No one merits or can earn Gods grace and yet obedience to His
Word is the evidence that one possesses it (Tit. 2:11-12).
As are all divinely given promises, those made by the LORD

in the book of Hebrews are shown to be conditional upon
the continued faithful obedience of the individual recipient.
The picture of salvation as presented in Scripture is not a
one-time event but rather begins at one moment in time
(upon repentance) and is then a daily lifetime experience.

house are we, IF we hold fast the confidence and the
rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Hebrews
3:6
The word if found throughout Scripture is the undoing of the

theology that insists that once a person is genuinely saved, he
can never lose it.
For we are made partakers of Christ, IF we hold the

beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.
Hebrews 3:14
Christ said that He that endureth to the end shall be

saved. (Matt. 10:22; 24:13) So, the security promise is only to
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Lie of Ages
those who die in faith and not those who have initial faith and
then fall away in the sin of unbelief (Matt. 10:22; Lk. 8:13;
Heb. 3:6, 12-14). We are commanded to fear God and behold
His holiness and severity. (Matt. 10:28; Rom. 11:22) Divine
wrath will be severe upon all who die in sin - regardless of their
past relationship with Him (Ezek. 33:12-13; Rom. 1:18). Do not
the words of the apostle Peter concur with those of the inspired
writer of Hebrews?
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. For it had been BETTER
for them not to have known the way of righteous-
ness, than, after they have known it, to turn from
the holy commandment delivered unto them. 2 Pe-
ter 2:20-21
Hebrews 4
And to whom sware he that they should not enter into

his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that
they could not enter in because of unbelief. Let us
therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering
into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of
it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto
them: but the word preached did not profit them, not
being mixed with faith in them that heard itLet us la-
bour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall
after the same example of unbelief. Hebrews 3:18-4:1-
2, 11
Here are yet more warnings and exhortations. We are instruct-

ed to enter His rest and such takes labor on our part and
simply does not happen automatically or accidentally. Those
who refused to believe and walk with the LORD could not en-
ter in, instead they came short of it. Again this begs the
question: Why such warning if there were no possibility of los-
ing out?
Those at ease in Zion who are not fighting the good fight
of faith, keeping full their lamps, pressing into the kingdom
of Heaven and overcoming, will not make it (Amos 6:1; Matt.
11:12; 25::1-13; 1 Tim. 6:12; Rev. 2-3).
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Hebrews 6:4-6
For it is impossible for those who were once en-

lightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and
were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have
tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the
world to come, IF they shall FALL AWAY, to renew
them AGAIN unto repentance; seeing they crucify to
themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an
open shame. Hebrews 6:4-6
The words IF they shall FALL AWAY is found here in verse

6. The very fact that these words appear here assure us beyond
any doubt whatsoever that to fall away is possible. Dare we
call the Almighty a liar by claiming such cannot happen?
The grace-perverter is forced to become a very talented inter-

pretational acrobat in order to overcome the clear revelation of
this text. Among other things, let us review a few points in this
passage. This people who would end up crucifying the Son of
God afresh or again, are said to have been:
Once enlightened
Tasted of the heavenly gift (eternal life)
Were made partakers of the Holy Ghost
Have tasted the good word of God, and the pow-
ers of the world to come
The lie-embracing manipulator of truth must seek to twist this
Holy Spirit-inspired text because it annihilates the lies he es-
pouses. He has to try to make this look as if the anointed writer
of Hebrews is speaking to lost people, lest a death nail be driv-
en into his pet doctrine or theologian which he has enthroned
in his sin of idolatry. In this Bible passage, we see undeniably
that one who has tasted of the heavenly gift of salvation
can later fall away. The Greek word for tasted is geuomai
which means to experience, or to eat. When one tastes in their
mouth and eats of something, digesting it down into their bod-
ies, they have become a partaker of that food. That food is then
all the way inside them and part of them. This truth clearly re-
veals even more evidence that the LORD is speaking here of
someone who was truly saved by the blood of Christ and
threatens that such a person can fall way. Jesus said to the
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Lie of Ages
church (saints, not the lost) of Laodicea that He will spue or

vomit from His body those who backslide and do not hold Him
as their first love, but rather become lukewarm. (Rev. 2:4
-5; 3:14-22)
According to this text, it is obvious that a saved person can

leave the LORD and even become a reprobate and to the point
where he cannot be renewed again to repentance. This writer
suspects that this means that such a person has blasphemed
the Holy Ghost (Matt. 12:31-32).
To the honest student of Gods Word, these numerous warn-

ings found in Holy Scripture, and the truth that one can lose
his salvation, shine the light upon the dark twisting of Scrip-
ture done by the OSAS crowd. Why the warnings if losing out
were not a possibility? All the manipulating persuasions of the
eternal security crowd fall dead when heard by the one who is
enlightened by Gods truth alone.
It is interesting and undoing to take note that the word taste

or tasted is found 3 times in the book of Hebrews and in
each case originates from the exact same Greek word geu-
omai - which is defined in the Strongs Concordance this way
a primary verb; to taste; by impl. to eat; fig. to experience (good
or ill): - eat, taste.
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than

the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with
glory and honour; that he (Jesus) by the grace of God
should TASTE (experience) death for every man. He-
brews 2:9
For it is impossible for those who were once en-

lightened, and have TASTED (partaken) of the heav-
enly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy
Ghost, And have TASTED (experienced) the good
word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If
they shall fall away, to renew them again unto re-
pentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son
of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. He-
brews 6:4-6
There are some who try to make tasted to mean that the
person only tasted but didnt actually partake of the heavenly
gift of eternal life. But according to Hebrews 2:9, Jesus Christ
346
literally tasted or physically experienced death for every man
He died in our place. That was an actual experience, a real
death, a true crucifixion on a wooden cross on Mount Calvary.
It was not simulated or virtual it was actual and literal. The
hands and feet and side of the Son of God were pierced and His
life blood ran down. In the same way, the person or people who
have tasted (experienced; literally partaken of) of the
heavenly gift (eternal life), and were made partakers of the
Holy Ghost, And have tasted (experienced) the good word of
God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall
away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they
crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him
to an open shame. (Heb. 6:4-6)
Just as Jesus actually tasted death on that wooden cross for

us, so people who have once literally tasted of the salvation
of Christ can fall away and be lost again (Heb. 6:4-6).
If the tasted spoken of here in Hebrews 6:4-6 was not literal

and actual, neither was the death of Jesus who according to He-
brews 2:9 tasted death for our sins.
The people who have tasted of salvation in Christ and after-

ward turn away to sin are in danger of not being renewed
again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves
the Son of God afresh, and put him to and open
shame. (Heb. 6:6)
Commanded to Fear
Any teacher or teaching that does not promote the fear of God
(implicitly or explicitly) is simply not of Him.
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of

entering into his rest, any of you should seem to
come short of itLet us labour therefore to enter in-
to that rest, lest any man fall after the same example
of unbelief. Hebrews 4:1, 11
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not

seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the
saving of his house; by the which he condemned the
world, and became heir of the righteousness which is
by faith. Hebrews 11:7
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Lie of Ages
Hebrews 10
Please allow me to exhort you to honestly read this following

text from Hebrews 10 for all its worth, putting aside all precon-
ceived notions. These words should be self-explanatory.

the adversaries. He that despised Moses law died
without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how
much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be
thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the
Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the cove-
nant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing,
and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For
we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth
unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And
again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful
thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But call
to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye
were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflic-
tions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both
by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye
became companions of them that were so used. For
ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joy-
fully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in your-
selves that ye have in heaven a better and an endur-
ing substance. Cast not away therefore your confi-
dence, which hath great recompense of reward. For
ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done
the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For
yet a little while, and he that shall come will come,
and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith:
but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no
pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw
back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the
saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:26-39
Hebrews 12

348
lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of
bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby
many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or pro-
fane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat
sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward,
when he would have inherited the blessing, he was
rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though
he sought it carefully with tears. Hebrews 12:14-17
Is this Old Testament story found in the New Testament canon

by accident? Obviously not. Esau chose to rebel and was re-
jected: for he found no place of repentance, though he
sought it carefully with tears. How could the Almighty reject
a person who was not first in His family? Was not Esau also
the son of Isaac and heir to the promises of the everlasting
covenant? (Gen. 17) New Testament believers are warned
here of failing the grace of God by living in sin instead of holy
faith without which it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6).
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for

he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and
that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek
him. Hebrews 11:6
PRAYER: Heavenly Father I choose to exercise honesty in all

matters of my thinking and as I study Your holy Word. I repent
of all self-deception and justifying of my sins and espousing of
any false teaching. Please increase my faith and bless my con-
science to be extremely sensitive to Your every impression, prick-
ing, conviction and leading. Let not sin have dominion over me
lest my heart be deceived and hardened and unable to respond
to You in repentance and faith. Bless me to live unto You in faith
and patience, exhorting others as the coming of Christ nears.
Thank You for granting me to inherit all of Your precious promis-
es and especially Heaven. Amen.
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
GRACE AND FAITH

him. Hebrews 11:6
There is no possibility to please God except by faith. Anything

less is an indictment upon the perfection of His divine charac-
ter. Coming to the LORD in any sense, requires that the one
approaching believe that He (God) is the Provider of that which
is going to be requested by the saint.
The person who diligently seeks Him demonstrate real faith

and will always be rewarded with blessings. Blessed be the
Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of
our salvation. (Ps. 68:19)
Saving grace is only accessed by ones faith and that faith is

volitional (by choice). So, any teaching which does not allow for
and recognize that God gave men free will to choose to believe
or not to believe, is not based upon the bedrock of Bible truth.
But without faith it is impossible to please him. (Heb.

11:6) Could there be any other way to please God than by
faith? No. It begins with believing on Christ as LORD and Sav-
ior after one is brought to the place of realizing his own utter
350
depravity and helpless state as a sinner against the one true
and holy God.
Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said,

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be
saved, and thy house. Acts 16:30-31
Salvation is instantaneously born in the heart of the one who

wholly repents and places his faith in Jesus Christ, the One
whose redeeming sacrifice is honored as full payment for all
sins.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that

not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works,
lest any man should boast. For we are his workman-
ship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which
God hath before ordained that we should walk in
them. Ephesians 2:8-10
According to the record given us in Gods Word, after the

first sin committed in history, man became utterly and sin-
fully depraved in his now fallen state (Gen. 6:5; Jer. 17:9;
Rom. 1-3; 5:12). Before He destroyed all but eight souls
(Noah and his household), this is what the LORD said He
saw among mankind which led to His holy wrath being
poured out:
And God saw that the wickedness of man was great

in the earth, and that every imagination of the
thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Genesis 6:5
After the fall, the holy law was given to define what sin is. Re-
member the Ten Commandments?
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the

law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John
3:4
by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20
After the fall, the God of restoration immediately foretold of the

redemption He would accomplish in Christ, the eternal Word
who was slain before the foundation of the world (Gen. 3:15;
Rev. 13:8). He told us that the seed of the woman (Christ)
would crush the head of the serpent (Satan).
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Lie of Ages
But God commendeth (exhibited) his love toward

us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for
us. Romans 5:8
The salvation of mankind came through the love and mercy of

God who was made flesh in the Person of Jesus Christ to re-
deem mankind. He shed His sinless blood which completely
paid the price for our sins which separate us from His holiness
and life (John 19:30; 2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 3:23-26, etc.).
How can one escape from the wrath of the Almighty which in-
cludes the penalty and punishment of eternal damnation? How
does one appropriate such a saving blessing as the complete
forgiveness of all sins?
In His perfect wisdom, God has given man only one condition
to receive His pardon Faith (Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 4:4-5; 5:1-2).
Why? Because He is the only One who can justify the ungodly
(includes all of us). This He accomplished through the perfect,
completed, redemptive work of His Son (Jn. 19:30; 2 Cor.
5:21). Faith in Christ (includes full repentance) connects the
believer with the Father and births the believer into the body of
Christ (1 Cor. 12:13). Listen to this passage in Romans 4:
Now to him that worketh is the reward not reck-

oned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh
not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly,
his faith is counted for righteousness. Romans 4:4-
5
Genuine saving faith includes repentance from the life of sin

and total and complete trust in the divine Person of Jesus
Christ. Saving faith produces a life of seeking the Lord with
ones whole heart, thereby producing Christ-like holiness in
daily living (Acts 20:21; Lk. 13:3, 5; Phil. 2:12-13; Tit. 2:11-14).
The fruit of the Spirit is the earmark of all true Christians
Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,
faith, Meekness, temperance. (Gal. 5:22-23)
Divine Grace Only Accessed by Faith
The believer should become intimately familiar with what divine

wisdom has set forth concerning the accessing of grace. Accord-
ing to Holy Scripture, Gods grace and justification is accessed
by faith (Romans 5:1-2).
352
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom
also we have access by faith into this grace wherein
we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:1-2
Catch these two phrases here in Romans 5:1-2:
1. Therefore being justified by faith
2. We have access by faith into this grace
What grants the sinner access into the grace of God?

Faith.
For BY GRACE (Gods favor) are ye saved THROUGH

FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of
God: not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephe-
sians 2:8-9
Divine Grace to Obtain and Grace to Maintain
Although most Christian circles seem to stop right here at the

obtaining of initial salvation through repentance and faith, the
Bible certainly doesnt stop there. According to the faith once
delivered to the saints, the same faith that initially appropriated
Gods grace must be continued in to the end of ones life, or eter-
nal life will be forfeited. Though eternal life is eternal, the pos-
session of it is not necessarily.
By faith are we saved, and by faith we stay saved. E.M.

Bounds
Eternal life is eternal, yet the possession of it is not necessarily

eternal. Were there not ten virgins likened to the kingdom
Heaven (not hell) and only five of the ten made it into the mar-
riage with the Bridegroom? (Matt. 25:1-13) Eternal life must be
obtained by faith and maintained by ongoing faith or it will be
lost.
Concerning the argument that eternal life is eternal and so it

cannot be lost, Jeff Paton writes:
Eternal also means that it has no beginning! If you had

to gain it, you dont have eternal life according to this
argument! This argument ignores the conditions of pre-
353
Lie of Ages
sent tense belief (John 3:15) and present tense hearing

and following (John 10:25-28) in these verses. It fails to
understand that the life is eternal, and not our posses-
sion of it.
Yes one is absolutely saved when they repent and believe the
Gospel and as long as they believe they remain saved (in the
grace of God). To believe is to truly embrace the Person of Je-
sus Christ and all of His words fully in heart and in obedience,
rendering repentance initially and in an ongoing life of holiness
(1 Jn. 1:6-10; 2:3-6). Anything short of such is not saving faith.

Stauffer speaks about the overplaying of the word eternal in
the phrase eternal life.
Eternal security teachers play on the word eternal.

They say that which is eternal cannot cease to be. But
eternal life had a beginning in the believer. It is the life
of God. It is the result of union with Christ. Eternal life
adds nothing to the duration of the believers existence.
All men have eternal existence. Scofield says: Eternal life
is a phrase of quality of life, rather than of duration
merely. Can this quality of life end in the believer? Has
God given free moral agents something unconditionally
that He cannot withdraw? The eternal security teaching
so affirms. We believe the Scriptures state otherwise.
Saints are always dependent upon God, even after receiv-
ing eternal life.
One cannot please God without faith and faith is an ongoing

choice. When one ceases to believe (which will drive him to ho-
liness), he falls away and will lose the heavenly reward unless
he turns back to the LORD as his first love (Lk. 8:13; Heb.
10:36-39). We are saved, are being saved and will be eternally
safe if and as we live by faith, not wavering nor putting away
faith, departing from the LORD (1 Tim. 4:1; 5:12; Heb. 3:6, 12-
14; 10:26-39).
Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth

deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver
us. 2 Corinthians 1:10
It is a lie to believe that man can obtain or maintain his own

salvation without God. In fact, nothing could be more of a
354
falsehood (Rom. 4:4-5). It is of divine grace that we are saved
and kept through faith. The grace-giver requires our faith
involvement, initially and continually thereafter (Rom. 5:1-2;
Eph. 2:8-9; Col. 1:22-23; Heb. 3:6, 12-15; 1 Pet. 1:5).
Again, is this a works-salvation or is it the true and divinely

instituted salvation plan revealed in Scripture? The work of sal-
vation was accomplished by Christ Himself on the cross 2,000
years ago. All those who repent and believe receive eternal life
(Matt. 3:2; 4:17; Lk. 13:3, 5; Jn. 6:47).
This follower would challenge anyone who is reading this book

to demonstrate purely from Scripture that the saved person can
live any way he wishes after being genuinely saved and still go
to Heaven. The Bible will yield no hint of such a supposition. In
studying Scripture alone, one will find such a teaching to be an
unfounded myth. See Revelation 21:8; 27. According to the
whole of Scripture, the state of son ship is not necessarily a
forever fixed state in this earthly life. Without faith it is impos-
sible to please the LORD and no person is forced to continue
to believe (Lk. 8:13; Heb. 11:6). In His infinite wisdom the
LORD has chosen to give men free will (ability to make choic-
es) and made faith the essential requirement to obtain and
maintain ones place of relationship with Him. To abide in
Him is to remain in Christ and anyone who does not continue
in justifying faith in Jesus will ultimately be cast into the fires
of eternal damnation (Jn. 15:1-6). Faith is volitional and never
something forced upon any person by the LORD. Without it no
one can please Him. Faith worketh by love and love by its
very nature is volitional, never forced (Gal. 5:6).
Read what the unchanging God of salvation said to His very

own people in Isaiah 1:

rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword
(judgment): for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken
it. How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was
full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now
murderers. Isaiah 1:18-21
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Lie of Ages
As we just read, Gods people departed from serving Him and

were living in sin at this point in Israels history. The LORD
tells His own covenant people here through Isaiah that He de-
sires to reason with them and forgive their many sins and
rebellion against Him. The LORD loves and seeks to draw back
in the backslider. Note here in this exchange that there is the
complete absence here of the LORD saying that His people
were still going to be saved though living in sin, as some erro-
neously teach today. He sets the condition for their restoration
IF ye be willing and obedient. The word If denotes that
there is a condition for receiving their blessing in this case
pardon from their iniquities and restoration of relationship
with their Savior. In Gods economy, all blessings, including
Heaven, are conditional upon the faith and obedience, initially
and ongoing, of the recipient. In this Isaiah 1 text, the LORD
promises to judge (sword) His people if they refuse and re-
bel.
The IF condition is found throughout Scripture and is the 2-

letter nightmare of the unconditional eternal security message
because it reveals plainly that man has the ability to choose
and is never forced to have saving faith nor is he forced to con-
tinue to believe to the end of his earthly life.
The IF clearly denotes a condition that must be met in order

to receive the promised reward, otherwise it will be forfeited.
The LORD longs to and delights in blessing His people abun-

dantly (Ps. 35:27; 84:11). As He has seen fit, His blessings to
men are conditioned upon the willing obedience of His people.
Such a truth is seen from Genesis to Revelation and can be ob-
served by any honest-hearted student of Holy Scripture (Gen.
4:7; Deut. 30:19). Here is but another sample of how the LORD
has set before His people the ability to obey or rebel, the choice
of life and death, and blessing and cursing:
I call heaven and earth to record this day against

you, that I have set before you life and death, bless-
ing and cursing: therefore CHOOSE life, that both
thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love
the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his
voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he
is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou
mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto
356
thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to
give them. Deuteronomy 30:19-20
There will be some who may employ one of the typical

smokescreens by saying that this message is one that sets
forth a system of works to earn salvation. Nothing could be fur-
ther from the truth! The concept of a works salvation is never
used in such a fashion in this volume nor is any works-based
salvation plan to maintain salvation ever insinuated. The Word
clearly demonstrates that He saves men by His grace and that
mans requirement to obtain and maintain His saving grace is
faith (Rom. 5:1-2; Eph. 2:8-10; Col. 1:22-23; Heb. 3:6, 12-15;
10:34-39).
An OSAS respondent sent this to us:
Now what you are saying is, 'if I keep all these rules you
have stated, and all the other commands found in the
Bible then I will be right with God.' If I can do that then
why do I need Jesus? If I can keep all these command-
ments and be right before God, or Righteous then I don't
need a redeemer and Jesus' dying on the cross was in
vain. God murdered His Son for nothing, if my right-
eousness is based on my performance. O foolish Gala-
tians...This only would I learn of you, Received ye the
Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now
made perfect by the flesh? 'For as many as are of the
works of the law are under the curse: for it is written,
Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things
which are written in the book of the law to do them. But
that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it
is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is
not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in
them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the
law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed
is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of
Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus
Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit
through faith. Brethren, I speak after the manner of
men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be con-
firmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. Now to
Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith
not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy
357
Lie of Ages
seed, which is Christ.' So, Is Salvation by works, or by

faith? Is a work begun in faith made perfect by the
works of the flesh? And if one must be Born Again ac-
cording to Jesus Christ in order to see the kingdom of
God, how does one become un-born again? Does God
practice spiritual abortions? We are justified in Christ
Jesus because of HIS finished work of salvation and we
are declared righteous by God by grace through faith in
Christ alone. We are saved unto good works, not by good
works.
Our Reponse:
There is no argument against us being saved by His

grace through faith. You have correctly stated that We
are justified in Christ Jesus and yet we must remain in
Christ to continue to be justified by His grace (Jn. 15:6;
Col. 1:23; Heb. 2:1-3; 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 2 Jn. 9,
etc.). We are only saved by His grace and our faith is re-
quired to (Rom. 5:1-2; Eph. 2:8-10). You stated We are
saved unto good works, not by good works. This is truth
and yet those who are truly saved have the fruit of such
grace (Tit. 2:11-12). The fruits of their lives testify to
their possession of His saving grace (Matt. 7:16, 19-
20). The Son of God told us that those who do not bear
good fruit will be cut down and thrown out of His vine-
yard Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is
hewn down, and cast into the fire. (Matt. 7:19) Those
who truly have His justifying grace are His workmanship
and do not have a license for living in sin (Eph. 2:8-10;
Jude 3-4). Gods grace actually enables them to over-
come sin and to live fully pleasing to Him. To those who
truly possess it, His saving grace is Teaching us that,
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present
world. (Tit. 2:11-12) They are given over to Him and He
is fashioning them into His own image (Rom. 8:29). If
not, one does not possess the divine, saving grace (Tit.
2:11-12). We must not reason instead of being honest
about the Word of the God. We must refuse self-
willed arguments. They are human reasoning
and pander to the flesh, to justify living this life as we
wish instead of how God has commanded. The Bible
tells us we are not our own if we have been bought by
358
the blood of the LORD Jesus (1 Cor. 6:19-20). If we live
as WE wish instead of how the LORD commanded us to,
we are lawless and will be found on that Day to be
workers of iniquity (lawlessness) and told by Him to
Depart from me. The lawless will be cast into eternal
damnation with no second chance to escape (Matt. 7:21-
23). So, those who justify themselves through human
philosophy and the tradition of Calvinism, have been
spoiled or ruined and are in big trouble (Col. 2:8). Jesus
and His holy apostles told us that sin defiles men and
even named those sins which defile out of His love for us
- so we would specifically know what offends His holi-
ness (Matt. 15:19-20). He has disclosed to us His holy
will in intricate detail and we are therefore without ex-
cuse and will be without excuse on that Great and Terri-
ble Day of Judgment that we all hasten toward. Does sin
separate us from the one, true holy God? What does the
Word tell us? (Isa. 59:2; Matt. 15:19-20; Rom. 6:23; Acts
1:25; Gal. 5:17-19; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Rev. 21:8, 27) Jesus is
Coming, Todd www.SafeGuardYourSoul.com
Beloved, be sure that saving faith will produce good works in

all those who truly possess it (James 2).
We should also be sure from Gods own Word, that faith to the
end of ones life is a divinely instituted requirement for Heaven.
So many who believe the truth about initial salvation being re-
ceived through faith, do not realize what further truth the
Scriptures teach concerning the necessity to continue in that
saving faith.
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works un-

to the end, to him will I give power over the na-
tions. Revelation 2:26
Note the words of Christ keepeth my works unto the end.

The term unto the end appears throughout the Word of God
and not by accident.
The Bible model is for the believer in Christ to work out (not for)
his salvation with fear and trembling while God works in him to
will and do of His good pleasure. The unchanging God will al-
ways do His part. Men individually choose to obey or disobey.
See Philippians 2:12-13.
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Lie of Ages
In his book entitled Life in the Son, Dr. Robert Shank pens
these words:
John warns his dear children in the faith against the

efforts of apostates to lead them astray through false
doctrines, exhorting them to Let that therefore abide
(remain) in you, which ye have heard from the beginning
[the true Gospel]. If that which ye have heard from the
beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in
the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that
he hath promised us, even eternal life. (1 Jn. 2:24-25, II
Tim. 3:13-15, Col. 1:21-23).
It is the testimony of our Savior and the New Testament

writers that an initial reception of the word of the Gospel
must be followed by faithful retention, if men are to contin-
ue in the saving grace of Christ and the eternal life of
God. (Shank, Robert Lee, Life in the Son, Bethany House
Publishers, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1960. pp.33-34)
Note here in this 1 John 2 text that Dr. Shank notes the Bible
truth, that the continued possession of the promise of eternal
life is conditioned upon the recipient abiding in the true Gos-
pel. This once again reveals to us that eternal life is not neces-
sarily kept by all who initially receive it.
The enemy seeks to thwart this divinely instituted process with

the crippling lie of the ages. This lie of Satan convinces the be-
liever that after initial salvation, he has no required responsi-
bility to obey God, yet he still remains in the grace of God
which supposedly covers him no matter how vile his sinful-
ness. Somehow, in this scenario, the LORD ceases to be holy
and therefore overlooks the un-holiness of that person who has
once placed his faith in Christ for salvation. This perversion of
grace is perhaps the greatest hindrance to people truly fearing
and walking with the LORD in a sanctified relationship, daily
taking up the cross and following Him through good times and
bad. What utter robbery is transpiring in our churches! And
this is all happening at the hands of those who should be feed-
ing and protecting the sheep of the LORDs pasture with His
full-counsel, pure truth the counsel of His holy Word.
The LORD requires the free will offering of perseverance and

only those who do continue in saving faith to the end will ulti-
mately be with Him.
360
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which
hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need
of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God,
ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while,
and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw
back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we
are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of
them that believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews
10:35-39

soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption;
but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit
reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well
doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint
not. Galatians 6:7-9
Even when promising persecution in all who would truly follow

Him, the Son of God warned that only those who endure in
willing perseverance, abiding in Him and not denying Him,
would be in Heaven:
And ye shall be hated of all men for my names

sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be
saved. Matthew 10:22
Regardless of how this makes one feel, it is a divinely given

instruction and to be adhered to by that remnant of disci-
ples today who love Jesus in truth. Those who truly love
Him love the beauty of His holiness and deeply desire yet
more and more of it. Those who love Him are not looking for
an excuse to justify their sinfulness but rather are swift to
admit their sins and cry out to the LORD for forgiveness
(Rev. 3:19). In fact, Christ taught that those who obey Him
are the only ones who truly love Him (Jn. 14:21). Some pre-
tend to love Him and prove that they truly dont because
they do not love and do His words (Mk. 8:38; Jn. 8:47;
14:21).
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selvesBut whoso looketh into
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Lie of Ages
the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he

being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work,
this man shall be blessed in his deed. James 1:22,
25
Theres that word continueth again! How telling! How clear

is the Word of our God!
Any person who dies outside of the grace of God, which is only
appropriated by faith through an obedient, and real relation-
ship with Jesus, will not be in Heaven.
Those who live in faithful obedience to Him possess the price-

less gift of a clear conscience.
PRAYER: Holy Father, touch Your people with Your holiness.

Bless us to live in Your grace and to walk by faith. Amen.
362
363
Lie of Ages
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
GODS GRACE
IN THIS PRESENT WORLD
TITUS 2:12
righteously, and godly, in this present world. Titus
2:11-12
This so great salvation (Heb. 2:3) that hath appeared

to all men was wrought for us by the grace and life blood
of the Son of God (Lev. 17:11; Rom. 3:23-26). We were
down and out having no hope and when we were yet
without strength, in due time Christ died for the un-
godly. (Rom. 5:6; Eph. 2:12) We were without
strength! In other words we had no ability in and of
ourselves to get back to the one true God we were separat-
ed from due to our own sin (Isa. 59:1-2; Rom. 5:12). Yet,
while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom.
5:8) He saved us to be made progressively more free and to
please and serve Him with joy in the Holy Ghost. He is our
Salvation and enabler in all things. We truly CAN do all
things through Christ which strengtheneth us! (Phil.
4:13)
364
No gift could possibly be so great. See Hebrews 2:3. It is
to Jesus Christ the LORD of all lords that we as vile and
depraved sinners, owe all thanksgiving and have the im-
measurable, grand and blessed privilege to worship. There
is no fathoming the magnitude of the blessing, of the
grace and mercy of our God poured out to us through
the blood of his cross. (Rom. 11:33; 1 Cor. 2:9; Col.
1:20; Tit. 3:5-6) His grace truly is amazing and yet He is
holy and righteous and will not permit sin into His pres-
ence.
By him (Christ) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of

praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our
lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13:15
The apostle Paul, the divinely inspired grace teacher, stated

here in our theme verse (please re-read Titus 2:11-12 above)
that when Gods grace is genuinely at work in a person, that
person is being taught and learning certain things. Lets go to
the divine source, Gods Word, to discover what these things
are:
According to Titus 2:11-12, just what does Gods grace teach

one who possesses it?
To deny ungodliness...in this present world

To deny...worldly lusts...in this present world
To live soberly...in this present world
To live...righteously...in this present world
To live godly, in this present world
If a person claims to be saved (secure for Heaven) and yet is not
denying ungodliness and worldly lustsliving soberly,
righteously, and godly, in this present world, he is simply
deluded. See also Matthew 7:21; Titus 1:16; James 1:22; 4:4
and 1 John 2:3-6.
If you dont mind, I am nominating Titus 2:11-12 as that place

in Scripture believers think of when they think of the grace of
God. Do you think that saints and/or those who claim to be
saints might take on a whole new level of responsibility if such
were the case?
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Lie of Ages
The person who currently possesses and is living in the grace

of God can be assured of eternal life (Heb. 12:14). One can
know or verify whether or not he truly possesses the grace of
God by reading closely this enlightening theme passage of Titus
2:11-12. The authentically saved person I abiding in Christs
grace Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts and living
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world
(life).
If these things are not manifesting in our lives, be sure that we

are not presently living in the grace of God and should immedi-
ately repent before the LORD (James 4:6). In verse 11 of Titus 2,
the Word states that it is the grace of God that bringeth sal-
vation. And then Holy Writ reveals how those who truly and
currently possess this essential grace live their lives in this
present world.
For whom ye yield yourselves, servants to obey, his serv-

ants ye are to whom ye obey. (Rom. 6:16) If we are com-
pelled, therefore, to yield ourselves servants to sin, and
be subject to Satans power, insomuch that we cannot
help but obey him, and really have no choice in the mat-
ter, then our free agency, our volition, is destroyed; and
to make matters worse, the devil has more power than
God. Satan can make us disobey God, but alas, God can-
not make us disobey Satan. The devil compels us to be
sinners, but God cannot compel us to be righteous. What
kind of doctrine is this? -Howard W. Sweeten
In America, the vast majority of those who are called evangeli-

cals do not even realize that this Titus 2 text exists. The mass-
es have never had this text pointed out to them and expounded
upon by their leaders. What is it these leaders are afraid their
audiences will discover if they unveil this text? Some leaders
just simply do not teach the Word (2 Tim. 4:2-4). This alone
makes them false. For the Calvinistic leader I must ask: What
are they hiding? What are they afraid people might find out?
Why are other Bible passages on grace spotlighted and not Ti-
tus 2? Why is this Bible passage purposely neglected and
avoided? What are our leaders afraid will be revealed to the
people they communicate to? Do these leaders fear that the di-
vine truth revealed in Titus 2 will contradict what they are
teaching? Do they fear offending people by communicating
what the evidences (fruit) of true grace and salvation are?
366
Speaking of A Foreign Grace, David Servant, in his book The

Great Gospel Deception, says:
It is not only the fruit of peoples deeds that mark them

as false teachers, but also the fruit of their words. If they
teach what is contrary to essential New Testament doc-
trine, they are false teachers.
Of course, no teacher in the church is going to stand up

and declare that he is teaching what is contrary to the
New Testament. Rather, he will neglect certain important
scriptures and twist others to persuade his constituency
that he is teaching the truth. This is being done today by
many very popular and influential teachers who teach
about a grace that is foreign to the Bible. The grace they
proclaim is not the true grace that leads to holiness
How is it possible that people who denied the only Mas-

ter and Lord, Jesus Christ, could have crept in unno-
ticed? The answer is that they were not standing in
front of congregations declaring, I deny Jesus Christ.
Rather, they were denying Jesus Christ through their
false teaching about grace, turning it into licentiousness.
Their message could be summarized as follows: Isnt

Gods grace wonderful? Because our salvation stems
from His grace and not from our meritorious works, holi-
ness is not essential for salvation. Because of Gods
wonderful grace, all who believe in Jesus are saved, even
if they continue practicing sin. p. 230, 231
As David Servant points out, the false teacher is not going to

stand up and announce that he is a wolf. It is the individual
believers responsibility to discern leaders by the fruit of their
teaching. What is not taught (left out of the message) can be
more deadly than what is taught. What we dont know can kill
us. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. (Hos.
4:6) To be able to discern one must study the Word diligently
and be exercised therein (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16; Heb. 5:11-14).
This gross lack of knowledge among some who claim to know
the LORD is also an indication that many have not diligently
studied the Word of God for themselves, but rather have relied
upon their leaders to tell them what God has said. Consequent-
ly, so very many have been deluded with a false gospel.
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Lie of Ages
Saints of the LORD, let us allow Jesus Christ to become im-

portant enough to our hearts to learn for ourselves what He
has stated to us in His Word. Is the LORD truly your first love?
Are you actively and fervently memorizing Scripture His very
words? Let me encourage you to do so from the Authorized
Version (KJV). See Proverbs 4:4 and Psalms 119. Index cards
are a great way to do such.
In This Present World Holiness Now Or Then?
If we do not possess His grace in this present world, evi-

denced by our denial of ungodliness and holy living here and
now, then how can we deceive ourselves into thinking we are
truly His? If not now, the then (eternity) is surely eternal dam-
nation. According to Gods Word, without holiness, no person
will be with Jesus Christ in eternity (Matt. 5:8; Heb. 12:14;
Rev. 21:8, 27). Think with me for a moment of how many peo-
ple who are at this very instant, residents of the domain of the
damned hell. What is their unalterable and horrible future?
These eternal souls will shortly be cast into the lake or ocean of
fire (Rev. 20:11-15). Why? These people were given the choice
and willfully and deliberately chose in their brief earthly life to
make something else more important than the LORD and doing
His will (Exod. 20:3; Matt. 7:21; Eph. 5:3-6; 1 Jn. 5:21). Pretty
simple, yet the consequence is forever fixed They have
reached the point of no return. Hells eternal occupants who
have gone before us to damnation will, after a million years of
excruciating and conscious torment, have not one less second
to spend there.
Is it worth it? Is living apart from life-giving fellowship with Je-

sus in this short life worth eternity in torment? Is justifying in-
stead of crucifying the sins of the body worth spending eternity
in the prison of fire? Jesus told us we must abruptly cut off the
hand and pluck out the eye that causes us to offend the one
true and holy God with our sin, that we might be in Heaven
(Mk. 9:42-50). Ready or not Jesus is Coming!
The Fruit of True Grace: Grace that is not taught with responsi-
bility and the fear of the LORD is not Biblical grace at all. Be not
deceived! (Tit. 2:11-14) According to Titus 2:11-12, true grace
produces a specific fruit. Gods grace is active. When it truly
abides in a person, it has specific earmarks of its possession
while grace without this fruit is shown to be no saving grace
368
at all. This is a sham that so many believers today have been
taught. It is the bill of goods that is being sold from pulpits
across America every week. Comprehensive grace includes the
fear of God which alters the lifestyle and causes the recipient to
live a holy life. The adherent is led into intimate fellowship with
Christ and from living in habitual sin that would disqualify him
from the prize of eternal life. The good news is that there is the
precious blood of the Savior available at the throne of grace
to grant us all a fresh start! This believer, who is less than the
least of all saints, has had enormous reason to rejoice in that
he has fallen short so many times, only to be drawn back in by
the LORD to receive mercy and grace afresh! This priceless
grace, purchased with the blood of Christ, is available at all
times to those who are born again. We therefore have no ex-
cuse to have any sin remaining on our account (Heb. 4:14-16;
1 Jn. 1:7, 9). We are blessed to have EVERY sin washed away
in His holy blood as we simply go before His precious throne of
grace and cry out in repentance and receive His priceless mercy
which we do not deserve yet was merited by Christs blood.
This truth makes me want to shout for joy!
What a rich blessing it is that Gods grace empowers the believ-

er to fulfill what its Author demands. Through the apostle Paul
the Holy Ghost tells us that sin shall not have dominion
over you: for ye are not under the law, but under
grace. (Rom. 6:14)
PRAYER: LORD Jesus thank You for Your saving grace which
enables me to experience relationship with you and live com-
pletely pleasing in Your holy sight in all things. Right this mo-
ment I denounce all dissimulation and self-deception, lies and
excuses. LORD I beg You to make my heart pure Jesus! Thank
You that sin shall not have dominion over my life as I remain in
fellowship with You, forsaking all thoughts and deeds that of-
fend You. Amen.
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
DOCTRINE OF GRACE
righteously, and godly, in this present world. Titus
2:11-12
First off, we are told that Gods gracethat bringeth salva-

tion hath appeared to all men. The Gospel and His wonder-
ful salvation have been universally made available to every sin-
gle soul upon the earth. God so loved the whole world that
He gave us His only begotten Son who came not to condemn
but to save (rescue) those who would choose to believe (Jn.
1:12; 3:16-17; 1 Jn. 2:2). The Gospel is inclusive and not exclu-
sive. All who will are invited to Come. (Matt. 11:28; Rev.
22:17)
Charis is the Greek word for grace and is defined in the

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible as the divine in-
fluence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including
gratitude, joy, and liberality. But is this the most reliable defi-
nition of divine grace?
Those who pervert the precious divine grace of the nail-scarred

risen Savior have to somehow subtly divorce it (their version of
grace) from the Word of the very One from whom all grace origi-
370
nates. Or, they twist His words. Did He not tell us that only
those who do the will of His Father in Heaven will be in Heav-
en? (Matt. 7:21)
In one of the most chilling passages found in all of Scripture,

Matthew 7:15-23, Jesus Christ foretold of His future severe
judgment specifically upon leaders who operate among His peo-
ple and those who think they are His people. These are men
who did many wonderful (ministry) works in their earthly
life seemingly for Him and in His name. These men teach a dif-
ferent Jesus, one not found in the Bible - one who will not
someday punish those who live in sin after He came and shed
His precious blood to deliver them from it (Matt. 1:21; Jn. 1:29;
2 Cor. 11:1-4; Tit. 2:14). He is going to say to these wolves in
sheeps clothing on the Final Day: You did not truly know Me.
Rather, you knew and preached another Jesus and another
gospel and led many to eternal destruction by despising my
Word and leading them to believe they did not need my Lord-
ship in their personal lives. If you had truly known Me you
would have honored what I told you in my Word and taught it
to others! Depart from me into everlasting damnation I never
knew you! (Matt. 7:15-23)
These will be all those men who today are in positions of lead-
ership who do ministry and lead others to believe that they are
eternally secure while living in sin and dont charge them to
live holy and separated lives unto the LORD Jesus Christ.
It is not enough to simply say we have Him as our LORD and

Savior if His transforming life is not presently at work chang-
ing us and conforming us to His holy image, we simply do not
know Him. True Gospel grace actively works inside those who
possess it and the fruit of it is seen in the daily life (Rom. 6:14;
1 Cor. 15:10). The saved and eternally safe believer is known
by the fruit of love, joy and peace in His life because he abides
in a life of intimate daily communion with Christ (Jn. 15; Gal.
5:22-23).
Lets dethrone the false god of our hearts which has been con-
structed out of something other than Holy Scripture, and erect
the image of the one, true God with what He states about Him-
self in His Word.
The following is an excerpt from a book titled The Perversion of

Grace by Dr. Robert B. Thompson. This clearly identifies what
371
Lie of Ages
grace in many evangelical circles is defined as.
Grace, as Currently Defined by Many Believers:
The term grace is used in our day to represent a waiving

of Gods requirements concerning mans behavior, an
alternative to them. Christ is seen as coming to earth
primarily to forgive the moral shortcomings of the believ-
ers so they may go to Heaven when they die.
This grossly lacking definition of grace doesnt go beyond the

point of initial salvation and the forgiveness of sins. This cre-
ates a gross distortion and is leading millions into eternal dam-
nation (2 Pet. 2:1-3). This limiting and incomplete definition is
truly an epidemic plague upon the church world. A false bal-
ance is abomination to the LORD. (Prov. 11:1) Yet, this is
what grace is defined as by many today. Nothing is taught con-
cerning the enabling power of His grace as is clearly seen in
Romans 6:14, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 and Titus 2:11-12. These
passages are leaped over and completely ignored by those who
hasten to perpetrate lasciviousness upon the people of God
has Satan did in the Garden upon the first man and his wife
(Jude 3-4). God is holy and He gave us His grace to save and
grant power to influence the heart and cause the recipient to
overcome without which no man will see Him in His eternal
kingdom (Heb. 12:14; Rev. 2-3).
How does the Bible define grace? The question is not what have
men in leadership defined it as but rather what does a line up-
on line study of the Holy Scriptures reveal authentic grace to
be? Remember that mere men can stretch and manipulate
Scripture and their Greek definitions according to their own
whims, but the fervent Berean believer must allow the words of
Holy Writ to define what grace truly is (Acts 17:10-11).
One verse the corrupters of grace use is Romans 8:30:
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also

called: and whom he called, them he also justified:
and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Ro-
mans 8:30
Yet, they conveniently ignore the 17th verse in this chapter and
passage, which reads:
372
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-
heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him,
that we may be also glorified together. Romans 8:17
Did you catch the condition of receiving this blessing of eternal

glorification? IF so be that we suffer with him, that we
may be also glorified together. The death of the self-life is
what we suffer as we choose to make Jesus and His will the
first and foremost love of our lives.
Judas was justified and called into the ministry by Christ Him-
self. The very Son of God chose Judas Iscariot to do His Gospel
work. He was ordained into the ministry to cast out devils,
preach the Gospel and heal the sick, yet he fell by his own deci-
sion to depart from Christ, and is now in eternal hell where he
will spend eternity for the ongoing decision he freely chose to
make concerning his relationship with the Son of God (Matt.
10:1-8; Acts 1:25). Jesus promised Judas an eternal throne in
Heaven, yet he is now in hell (Matt. 19:28; Acts 1:25). So, this
would mean that the teaching which attempts to guarantee
ones eternal destiny based on Gods predestined will and plan
for every man, is false. The divine desire to see all men saved in
no way negates mans personal responsibility or free will to
choose. As biblical history (and otherwise) clearly reveals: just
because the LORD ordains or intends or desires something for
a man or mankind, doesnt necessarily mean it will come to
pass in every case because He sovereignly gave men free will
to choose or reject His will for their lives. Did God desire that
Saul rebel? What about Esau and Judas? Like Cain, did the
LORD not give these men ample opportunity to repent and do
things His way? (See Gen. 4:7)
The LORD from Heaven gave us His Word so that we could be

sheltered in His truth from the lies of these who have crept into
our midst and are turning divine grace into an authorization to
sin. Even though those who teach this myth usually dont read-
ily acknowledge that they are teaching this doctrine of lascivi-
ousness, these men are and such must be discerned. In the
divine economy, the true grace of God is dispensed into the
hearts of all His people as they are in obedience to Him, and in
order to empower them to live as He clearly instructs in His
Word. As the follower of Jesus lives in His presence, he will ex-
perience divine grace and not vainly imagine that he has per-
mission to remain in sin (Rom. 5:17; 6:14). So be it LORD Je-
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Lie of Ages
sus! Bless us to sit at Your feet and love You more!
According to the Bibles definition of grace, men who are born

again, have been given so great salvation which enables
them to live victoriously (Heb. 2:3). There is success over sin
when we truly abide in Christ.
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on

him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my dis-
ciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the
truth shall make you freeJesus answered them,
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth
sin is the servant of sinIf the Son therefore shall
make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:31-
32, 34, 36
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my be-
loved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye
know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1
Corinthians 15:57-58
There is no better definition of any given biblical truth than the

Holy Scriptures themselves. Through studying a preponder-
ance of Bible passages on any given subject, the reader gains
the mind of Christ concerning that specific topic and matter.
This truth applies to the study and proper understanding of
the grace of God. The Scriptures define and resolutely transmit
and communicate the doctrines of God and not scholars who
are mere men and in their very best state are altogether
vanity. (Ps. 39:5). There is a universal curse pronounced up-
on all who trust in men while simultaneously departing from
the LORD Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and
maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the
LORD. (Jer. 17:5)
Until we begin to make the important decision to genuinely

trust the LORD Himself who gave us His precious Precepts, re-
penting and dying to trusting the leading and notions of mere
men, we cannot understand the things of God (Jn. 5:41, 44;
7:17; 1 Cor. 2:13-14). Every saint should seriously consider
putting away every scholar or church father and begin lis-
tening intently (hearing) the voice of Jesus Christ speaking to
our hearts through His Word (Jn. 5:39; 10:35). He is calling
374
you and I to die and truly let Christ reign upon the throne of
our hearts denouncing the reliance upon and fear of man
which bringeth a snare. (Prov. 29:25) We should relinquish
the propensity to being prone to live in the idolatry of uphold-
ing and aggrandizing the teachings of mere men, some who are
doctors of deception and use the Greek to concoct a grace for-
eign to the Bible and therefore a false god in their own image.
Until we esteem the words of God more than our necessary

food, we cannot enjoy the full benefits and prosperity He longs
to grant us (Josh. 1:8; Job 23:12). To apprehend and benefit
from the full spectrum of divine truth given to us, we should
embark upon the diligent and rewarding study of the whole of
Scripture (Ps. 119:104, 128; Acts 20:20, 27, 32). A full-scale
investigation and study of the Scriptures will yield priceless
dividends of understanding and much more (Ps. 119:72, 162;
Jer. 15:16; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17). Through the desire of the
Word the babe in Christ grows into the full stature and meas-
ure of maturity intended by the Savior (Heb. 5:11-6:3; 1 Pet.
2:2).
The divine truth concerning the essential topic of the grace of

God can only be apprehended by the individual through a rig-
orous reading of the whole of what the LORD said about it in
His Word. The whole of Holy Writ must be considered concern-
ing any doctrine in question and not just a few isolated verses.
Error is inevitable when all Scripture is not considered be-
fore drawing a conclusion (Prov. 18:13; 2 Tim. 3:16).
When the individual believer begins to learn the Word for him-
self through daily study of Gods Word, he will not be left to fol-
low a mere mans line through Scripture, which many times
does not take into consideration all that the Word says about
the subject in question.
The most imperative method of biblical interpretation is not

Greek and Hebrew, but rather to study the Word diligently and
prayerfully and allow the Holy Ghost and God's Word to define
all things (Ps. 119; Isa. 28:10; 1 Cor. 2:13). God gave us His
Word in our own language, namely the Authorized Version
(KJV). The most reliable way to apprehend truth or understand
the mind of God is by collating Scripture upon Scripture and
not be delving into the Hebrew or Greek (Isa. 28:10; 1 Cor.
2:13). The Scriptures themselves must take full precedence and
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Lie of Ages
final authority over any individuals private interpretation us-

ing Greek, Hebrew or otherwise (2 Pet. 1:20-21). Has He not
magnified His Word above even His own name? (Ps. 138:2)
When collated line upon line and precept upon precept the
words of the LORD clearly define His mind in any given matter.
Upon reading a number of Scriptures on any given biblical top-
ic, the reader is able to be taught of the LORD Himself and
have that particular doctrine defined in his heart and mind
and thereby protected from the corrupt and deceptive twists
and teachings entrenched in the midst of the evangelical
church world today. With this understanding, what do you see
concerning grace when reading the Bible verses below? Do you
see a license to live in sin? Or, do you see the divine mandate
and individual responsibility of everyone who has initially be-
lieved unto salvation to continue to trust Christ fully and re-
ceive His enablement (grace) to live holy in this present world?
Romans 6:1-2, 14-15
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin,

that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we,
that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?For
sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not
under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we
sin, because we are not under the law, but under
grace? God forbid.
Rhetorical question: What shall we say then? Shall we con-

tinue in sin, that grace may abound? Answer: God for-
bid.
Enabling divine grace: For sin shall not have dominion over
you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Another rhetorical question and answer: What then? shall

we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace?
God forbid.
The ensuing words in this important Romans 6 passage read

this way:
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves

servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye
obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience un-
376
to righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were
the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the
heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Being then made free from sin, ye became the serv-
ants of righteousness. Romans 6:16-18
V16 Know ye not (do you not know), that to whom

ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye
are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or
of obedience unto righteousness?
According to the Word, any person not saved and delivered

from living in sin, is not saved from the penalty of sin eternal
death damnation.
The soul that sinneth, it shall die. Ezekiel 18:4
First off, we observe that the way one lives is left up to him
because in the divine economy Faith which worketh by
love (relationship). (Gal. 5:6) While the Spirit of God who
lives in every disciple will initiate and enable godly living,
the decision is left up to the individual to move in obedience
(Jn. 14:21; Heb. 11:7; James 1:22, 25; Rev. 2-3). Each saint
is a free moral agent, and yet, he will reap what he sows
and receive consequences for his decisions to either yield
himself to Christ or live in sin against His holiness (Gal. 6:7
-9). One who lives in unrepentant sin will be brought to
death which is spiritual separation from the LORD (Rom.
8:13). If a person chooses to live in violation to the holiness
of the Most High, he will ultimately descend into the bowels
of hell, that is, if he does not repent before it is too late
(Rom. 6:23; 8:13; Isa. 1:18-20; 55:6-7). While he is alive he
retains the blessed opportunity to freely receive full pardon
at the throne of His glorious grace (Heb. 4:14-16). So we ob-
serve in Gods Word that Christ has made us free to serve
Him and not free to live in sin. He came to redeem us, for-
giving all sins and empowering His children to live free from
the power and penalty of sin and yet He will not force one
against his free will to continue in such a blessed salvation.
Those who serve sin (live in sin) will receive death and
those who serve in obedience to the LORD receive
righteousness. (Rom. 6:16)
V17 But God be thanked, that ye were the serv-

ants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that
377
Lie of Ages
form of doctrine which was delivered you.
When embraced, the biblical doctrine of the grace of God pleas-

es Him who loves us and brings freedom from sin - freedom not
to sin.
V18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the

servants of righteousness.
Serving God in the blessing of His holy grace makes one free
from offending the holiness of the LORD and freed up to serve
Him fully and not be enslaved to sin and all of its horrid conse-
quences (now and later). Ready or not Jesus is coming!
Cowardly Cop-Out
Excuses, lies, and sin-justifying false teachings are crippling to

the spiritual life. Moral cowardice is rampant among those who
claim to be serving Christ. Many have been seduced by deceiv-
ing spirits and doctrines.
We who are His must flee from any person teaching a grace
that doesnt inspire, require and enable obedience and holi-
ness. God has identified this person as false (Jude 3-4).
If you have ever been out on the streets witnessing, you can
testify of how many saved people are out living just like the
world and yet in their minds they are once saved always
saved and eternally secure.
The son of a preacher recently told a friend of mine: I'm just

living by grace, I'm living by grace. A friend and another Chris-
tian were communicating the Gospel when he met this man
who said he was relying on Gods grace. This man in his early
20's was out getting drunk in a district dedicated to immoral
partying. The two believers present wisely and obediently quot-
ed to him Titus 2:11-12 and told him that he didn't currently
possess the grace of God. They shared with him that if he were
truly saved by grace, he would be living godly in this present
world and not out befriending and doing what the world does
(James 4:4; 1 Jn. 2:15-17). Obviously there is forgiveness for
all who confess and repent of sin (Heb. 8:12; 1 Jn. 1:9).
I must say that inevitably, while out ministering on the streets

in numerous cities in America, I have personally encountered
the same delusion. There has rarely been a time while com-
378
municating the Word on the streets that this believer has not
met those who claim to be saved by the grace of God and yet
have no intention to live a separated life (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1). Each
of these people claimed to be eternally secure. This lifestyle,
which lacks the fruit of a true believer, is the evidence of the
OSAS myth being taught from books and pulpits and various
media in our world. Numerous Christian witnesses concur with
this finding. The grace-corrupting message of unconditional
eternal security is bearing evil fruit and is tragically epidemic in
its reach.

There is no sin that cannot be overcome by drawing close to

God in prayer and fasting, that He might increase and the sin-
ful nature be subdued and crucified (Jn. 3:30; 1 Cor. 9:27).
There is a deliberate decision being made in the life of every
person who names Christ as their Savior. We are either loving
and obeying Him and denying the self life, or we are obeying
the dictates of the sinful nature. What a blessing it is that His
precious grace is far greater than any sin that may presently
have hold of our lives!
One concerned believer wrote to us saying:
Ive read with interest (your article on) once saved al-
ways saved? I must admit that I know of at least one
person in the small church I attend who claims to be
saved, but exhibits none of the fruit a Christian should
have (chronically late for work, inconsiderate, a people
user, irresponsible with her money and expecting oth-
ers to pay her way, greedy, wasteful, materialistic, self-
serving). I had understood that we cant judge a persons
heart, but I also knew that Gods Word says by their
fruit we shall know them. I guess I always figured that
she was put in my life as a challenge to keep mine on
the straight and narrow, but its really been a discour-
agement to me since I really want to serve the Lord. I
think you are the first Ive come across that dares to
question the doctrine of eternal security, and is brave
enough to stand in opposition to it. I really do believe it
needs such a look in this age where grace has effectively
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Lie of Ages
become cheap to most people who think they can con-

tinue in their old ways (sins). Thank you so much, and
may it be a wake-up call to the church!
We Were Forewarned About These Grace-perverters
The Holy Spirit through Jude levels a stern caution concerning

those who are come to pervert the doctrine of the grace of God
once delivered to the saints in the Bible:
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who

were before of old ordained to this condemnation,
ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into las-
civiousness (license to sin), and denying the only
Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude 4
Jude here warns and foretells us of those infiltrators who

would gradually permeate the Church world and teach people
that they can be saved (bound for Heaven) and yet at the same
time possess the freedom to live their lives as they wish, with
full personal autonomy and no personal responsibility to love
and obey Christ supremely. In this prophetic warning
lasciviousness means without restraint and this is the life-
style promoted by those who have seeped into our midst and
teach this once saved always saved heresy. The primary and
insidious objective of Satan through these deluded men and
their message of perverted grace, is to define grace as a li-
cense to live as they wish. Either blatantly or directly, their
teachings give authorization for sensual living instead of teach-
ing the biblical grace which grants the divine enablement to
live holy in all manner of life while denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts and living soberly, righteously, and godly, in
this present world. (Tit. 2:11-12)
Grace empowers us to do what truth demands! Jeff

Marshall
These grace-perverters of our day re-define grace as so all-

encompassing that it pre-empts the very holy nature of the Al-
mighty and any need for personal holiness in the individual be-
liever. The perversion of truth has blanketed the world of
Christendom and is causing the fall of many. The message is
justification to sin rather than justification from sin, and is not
only not a doctrine of the Christian faith (as they teach it is), it
is rather a direct affront to a holy God and Savior who came
380
and died to free us from sin, not to sin (Matt. 1:21; Jn. 1:29; 2
Tim. 2:19; Tit. 2:11-14; 1 Jn. 3:5). Beware: this false teaching
denies Christ and His demand for personal holiness in all His
people (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1). Perhaps those who teach otherwise
deny Christ in their own personal lives and ministries. It was
foretold that those who do such will be more prevalent in this
late hour than in any other time in human history (Matt.
24:11; 2 Tim. 3:13; 2 Pet. 2:17-21; 1 Jn. 4:1; Jude 3-4).
These ungodly men who have crept into our midst unno-
ticed by most, operate among us under the pretense of being
educated scholars, theologians, elders, and pastors. As the Ho-
ly Spirit foretold, some in this late hour stretch and manipulate
the basic definition of Gods grace and how He defines it in His
Word (Jude 3-4). They teach things about grace that the Holy
Scriptures simply do not intimate.
Sin as He defines it, will always be an offense to a holy God

(Rom. 7:7-25; 1 Jn. 3:4). He who is infinitely holy does not dis-
pense grace to cover unrepentant sin but rather to empower
the recipient to fully overcome as he fervently watches and
prays and awaits the soon return of His LORD and Savior
(Prov. 28:13; Lk. 21:34-36; Tit. 2:11-14; Heb. 9:28).
Grace is precious. Grace was costly. Christ shed His sinless

blood on a cross to obtain it for us (Rom. 3:24; Tit. 3:7; Heb.
2:9). In the biblical view, heavenly grace was given, not to
justify the sin but rather to justify and pardon the repent-
ant sinner from the wrath of a holy God, empowering him to
please the One who redeemed Him for good works. Those
who live in His holy presence are empowered by His grace to
be fruitful in His kingdom harvest of souls and the building
up of his saints.
Being justified freely by his grace through the re-

demption that is in Christ Jesus Much more then,
being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved
from wrath through him. Romans 3:24, 5:9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of

yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any
man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created
in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before
ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-
10
381
Lie of Ages
In the modern church, it is widely taught and believed that the

way one lives has no bearing on his present or eternal state and
place with God. See Romans 6:1-2, 15.
One disciple writes:
The topic of Christian freedom is one which every

Christian must know about. I fear that Christian free-
dom has been twisted today to become the exact oppo-
site of what it was meant to be. Christian freedom is not
freedom to sin, but it is freedom from sin. We need a
fresh revelation of the grace of God. The grace of God
does not enable us to sin. Rather the grace of God em-
powers us to live free from sin Heb 12:14 - Follow
peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man
shall see the Lord. Its a sad truth that the world is lost,
but even sadder is that many of those who sit in Church
are lost. Many preachers dont preach holiness as they
should. This generation is being cheated. We need to
wake up. Those who sit in our church buildings may be
going to hell and our preachers are driving the bus
there!
Friend, please allow me to encourage you to make Romans 6 a

place you regularly study, pouring over these God-breathed
words, soaking them into your heart and thinking.
This continual biblical teaching of personal holiness takes in so

much of the message of the New Testament. The early Church
was taught to look for the return of Christ. Look at this verse
specifically speaking of the return of Jesus and the consequent
life posture of the true disciple:
And every man that hath this hope in him (of the
return of Jesus) purifieth himself, even as he is
pure. 1 John 3:3
Concerning the deceivers which abound, especially in the late

hour in which we live, the Holy Spirit warns:
Let that therefore abide (remain) in you, which ye

have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have
heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye al-
so shall continue in the Son, and in the Father
These things have I written unto you concerning
382
them that seduce youAnd now, little children,
abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may
have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at
his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know
that every one that doeth righteousness is born of
him. 1 John 2:24, 26, 28-29
John the apostle here warns of those in his day that were se-
ducing believers in Christ to live at ease and as they wished
and not in the fear of God. The message of a grace that enables
living unto ones self is very seductive and yet it comes with an
eternal and horrible price tag because God is holy and the wag-
es of sin is still death and all souls who live in sin shall surely
perish in hell (Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 6:23). Johns response here in
1 John 3:3 was that believers who were truly walking with
Christ were purifying all sin from their lives in light of His emi-
nent return. These authentic disciples didnt want anything to
jeopardize their relationship and eternity with their first love
Jesus.
PRAYER: Jesus, my LORD, empower me by Your glorious grace

to live pleasing and evermore fruitful to You. Please reveal any
deception in my life, namely that which would exploit the pre-
cious grace You died to grant. Father in Heaven, never allow me
to be seduced by the lying spirit that seeks to lead Your people
to believe they have no responsibility to live in holy communion
with You after being saved. Purify my heart LORD and change
me from the inside out. I love You and into Your holy hands I
now commit my spirit afresh. Amen.
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
THE MANIFOLD GRACE OF GOD

1 PETER 4:10
As every man hath received the gift, even so minis-
ter the same one to another, as good stewards of the
manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10
There are many facets to Gods grace it is manifold. The

victory of Calvary is the greatest manifestation of divine grace
ever to be poured out upon mankind (Jn. 3:16). The cross is
the most popular and glorious aspects of His grace The truth
that while we were yet sinners the sinless Savior came and
died for us to take the blow of death in our place (Rom. 5:6, 8,
19; Heb. 2:9). We owe a debt we cannot pay and He paid the
debt He did not owe! With His one, perfect sacrifice, Christ by
himself paid for and fully expired the need for any more pay-
ment for sins (Mk. 15:38; Jn. 1:29; 19:30; Heb. 1:3; 10:12).
When He decreed It is finished on the cross, He was openly
declaring to the whole world that His sacrifice was the final
sacrifice to propitiate for the sins of all men and that it forever
ended the need for any more sacrifices (Jn. 19:30; Book of He-
brews; 1 Jn. 2:2). Christs perfect sacrifice supersedes all Old
Testament sacrificial offerings which were a mere shadow of
what He became the substance of (Col. 2:14-17; Heb. 6-9).
What profound and immeasurable grace!
384
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the
world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses
unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of
reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19
Before the foundation of the world the Lamb of God was slain
for us all (Rev. 13:8; 17:8). While we were yet sin-
ners (Rom. 5:6, 8). By the blood of his cross we were all
granted grace beyond measure and yet there are prerequisites
set up by the God of all grace. (Col. 1:20; 1 Pet. 5:10) The
grace of Calvary was done deliberately with no guarantee to
Him that even one person would believe to eternal life. Yet He
did it! It is finished! (Jn. 19:30)
To satisfy the claims of His holy Justice, God the Father poured
out upon His only begotten Son the sins of the then present
world and the entire population to come (Isa. 53; 1 Jn. 4:9, 19).
He who is Holy, holy, holy and cannot fellowship with sin,
personally came to pay the entire price for the sins we have
committed against Himself (Jn. 3:10, 23; 5:6, 8; 1 Tim. 1:15).
Jesus came to satisfy the sin debt and settle the issue of salva-
tion and complete forgiveness (Col. 1:14). This is the unfathom-
able wonder of the grace of His salvation and the granting of
free pardon and eternal life. In this free gift of His grace we wit-
ness that He who is holy hath reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 5:18) On the cross He redeemed or
bought back His fallen creation. The first man Adam, had
sinned and by His sin death passed upon all men and yet
Christ came and single-handedly bought us back with the price
of His own blood (Matt. 26:28; Rom. 5:12, 19). Yes, the LORD
be praised that God was in Christ, reconciling the world
unto himself. (2 Cor. 5:19) He has by His glorious grace
granted full pardon by purchasing us back from sin unto Him-
self In whom we have redemption through his blood,
even the forgiveness of sins. (Col. 1:14)
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us

meet (able) to be partakers of the inheritance of the
saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power
of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom
of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption
through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Co-
lossians 1:12-14 (it should be noted that the new ver-
sions of the Bible, which are taken from corrupted man-
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Lie of Ages
uscripts, have removed through his blood from this

verse 14 and are thereby should be condemned as an
abomination Rev. 22:18-19)
This following passage paints the picture of our sinfulness and

His grace:
But after that the kindness and love of God our Sav-
iour toward man appeared, Not by works of right-
eousness which we have done, but according to his
mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration,
and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on
us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
That being justified by his grace, we should be made
heirs (inheritors) according to the hope of eternal
life. Titus 3:4-7
What sin we have committed! What blood He has shed! What

forgiveness! What a Savior! What a salvation! This is the One
Jesus Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though
now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy un-
speakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith,
even the salvation of your souls. (1 Pet. 1:8-9)
There is more than one aspect to divine grace it is

manifold and Gods people should seek to behold a fuller
spectrum of it revealed in His Word (Acts 20:32). Gods grace
goes far beyond initial salvation deep into the life of every one
of His saints. Initial salvation is merely the beginning of His
specific, personal work in ones life. Salvation grace is to fuel
and consume the life experience of the saint.
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the

knowledge of God, and of Jesus our LordBut grow
in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Sav-
iour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for
ever. Amen. 2 Peter 1:2; 3:18
For it is a good thing that the heart be established with

grace (Heb. 13:9) We are to grow in grace and also in
the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2
Pet. 3:18) Such grace is revealed in the word of his grace
and as we walk with the LORD in the power of His Holy Spirit
(Lk. 4:14; Acts 20:32; Rom. 8:14; 15:19).
386
We should endeavor to search out, survey, embrace, and speak
out the truth of His grace in more aspects than its initial role in
the life of the found sinner. The initiating grace of God that
found and saved us is essential in the daily life of the believer.
Gods grace is to be multiplied to the believer (2 Pet. 1:2; 3:18).
Such a multiplication should be sought by every believer.
Saints should pray daily for His grace to be increased in their
lives. What a distinct and substantial privilege given us! - Ask,
and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (Jn. 16:24)
Ye have not, because ye ask not. (James 4:2) Also, the
Word says that we must (in our walk with Jesus) through
much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts
14:22) His grace is more than sufficient to bring us victoriously
through all persecutions, tribulations, trials, and toils in this
life - But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his
eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a
while, make you perfect (mature), stablish, strengthen, set-
tle you. (1 Pet. 5:10)
Among other things that it is to New Testament believers, Gods

grace:
Grants justification to eternal life (Rom. 3:24; Tit.

3:7).
Is bountiful and abundant and through Christs
blood grants forgiveness of sins, according to the
riches (abundance) of his grace (Eph. 1:7).
Grants great power to bear witness of the resur-
rection of the Lord Jesus (Acts 4:33).
Grants enabling divine power through sufferings (1
Pet. 5:10).
Grants power to overcome sin and live pleasing to
God in this earthly life and be ready for Christs soon
return (Rom. 6:14; Tit. 2:11-14).
Causes the saint to abound and have all suffi-
ciency in all things (2 Cor. 9:8).
Grants empowerment to operate in the giftings He
has placed in our lives (Eph. 3:7; 4:7; 1 Pet. 4:10).
Has made saints fit to be made heirs according to
the hope of eternal life (Tit. 3:7).
Enables the believer to minister grace as he
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Lie of Ages
speaks the truth in love (Eph. 4:15, 29; Col. 4:6).

Grants open access to the throne of His grace to
receive blessings untold through the blood of Jesus
(Heb. 4:14-16).
Enables ones heart to be established (Heb. 13:9).
Grants power to wax strong in spirit and be filled
with divine wisdom (Lk. 2:40).
Blesses believers to sing with grace in their hearts to
the LORD (Col. 3:16).
Grants everlasting consolation and good hope (2
Thess. 2:16).
Enables the disciple to receive grace upon grace (Jn.
1:16).
Teaches those who posses it to deny ungodliness
and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteous-
ly, and godly, in this present world; Looking for
that blessed hope (Tit. 2:11-14).
Enables us to reign in life by one, Jesus Christ
as we have received abundance of grace and of the
gift of righteousness (Rom. 5:17).
Grants one the ability to serve God acceptably
with reverence and godly fear (Heb. 12:28).
Given freely to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5).
Is where all saints stand (1 Pet. 5:12)
Will be multiplied to saints as they seek and serve
Him (2 Pet. 1:2).
Will be brought to remnant saints when Jesus ap-
pears (1 Pet. 1:13).
Is to be grown in (2 Pet. 3:18).
Labors in the life of the one who is serving God (1
Cor. 15:10).
Is sufficient to bless, deliver, help, and grant favor
to the believer in times of trouble (2 Cor. 12:9-10)
Gods grace permeates the life of the believer who seeks Him. It
is multi-faceted or manifold, having many features and
forms. This volume has been written to point each believer to
the whole of what the LORD communicated to us regarding His
388
grace (Acts 14:3; 20:32). In order to learn the truth about God,
we should look exclusively to His Precepts which are contained
in His written Word. This is where we discover the the true
grace of God. (1 Pet. 5:12) As we search the scriptures
daily, we will not be misled to believe things that go contrary to,
or beyond the parameters of what the LORD has given to us in
His Word (Jn. 5:39; Acts 17:11). There is a written will. It is the
Bible, Gods Holy Word. Its contents define the inheritance
we have received by virtue of Christs sacrifice and resurrection
(Acts 20:32). We are called to study and to rightly divide the
Word of His truth and to thereby be good stewards of the
manifold grace of God. (2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Pet. 4:10)
When we begin to unearth the golden nuggets of His truth, we

will discover that there is the other side of grace, the side we
seldom if ever hear mentioned or preached about. I am talking
about the full-counsel word of his grace and not the limited
version and skewed or grossly exaggerated version we see de-
picted in books, preaching, and other media venues (Acts 14:3;
20:32). Gods grace can reach to the lowest place of degradation
to find us and yet, He says it can be frustrated, fallen from, re-
ceived in vain, done despite to, and failed (2 Cor. 6:2; Gal. 2:21;
5:4; Heb. 10:29; 12:15). Have you ever heard that part of grace
in your local church or from your favorite author or radio com-
municator?
In some circles it seems that grace is depicted as something

lavished upon us from a god who has as his ultimate goal to
just bless us no matter what our hearts and actions and who
forces his love on us as if he is needy and created us solely be-
cause he was bored and needed someone to love. Nonsense!
That is the image of a false god being etched upon the minds of
the masses by the psycho-babblers and grace corrupters of our
day (Jude 3-4). This is all the more reason to run to His truth
and to let our heart be established with grace directly from
the word of his grace. (Acts 14:3; 20:32; Heb. 13:9)
We are justified freely by his grace through the redemp-

tion that is in Christ Jesus and yet the Word of God also
tells us that His glorious grace does not automatically or indis-
criminately remain in the life of one who has at some point re-
ceived it. We access and are kept by the power of His
grace through our faith (Rom. 5:1-2; Eph. 2:8-9; 1 Pet. 1:5). In
Gods economy, faith opens the door to divine grace It is of
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faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise

might be sure to all the seed (Rom. 4:16) The promise of
eternal life is made sure as the recipient of salvation continues
to access the grace of God that initially saved him (Rom. 5:1-2).
Though we have been justified freely by his grace, we see

also throughout Scripture that saving grace is not an un-
forfeitable possession. Once in grace, always in grace is a
farce. Its not that Jesus did an imperfect work on the cross,
but rather that man has been given by Him free will and is
therefore not forced to remain in relationship with Him (Deut.
30:19; Isa. 1:18-20; Ps. 73:27; Ezek. 33:12-13; Jn. 15:5; 2 Pet.
2:20-21). The holiness of the Almighty is never lessened or di-
minished due to His grace (Rom. 11:19-23). He came to save us
by grace because He is holy and loving. There are no contra-
dicting attributes in His eternal and infinitely perfect divine na-
ture. There is integral, immutable perfection of fidelity and
soundness in God. Contrary to what some would have us be-
lieve, Gods grace cannot be divorced from His other attributes.
Those who persist in violating His holiness are not covered by
His grace.
He had a deeper purpose in redeeming us and this is the joy

that was set before him that caused Him to triumph as He
endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down
at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb. 12:2-3) In
light of this, we are instructed to look unto Jesus the author
and finisher of our faith. (Heb. 12:2) He risked that we
would love Him in return of His initiating love (Jer. 31:3; 1 Jn.
4:9-10; 16, 19). He came and died to supply us all the enabling
grace we would ever need in this life with no guarantee that
any one of us would love Him supremely.
He has informed us that His spirit shall not always strive

with man. (Gen. 6:3) He will not force any man to love Him
and to serve Him. The kingdom of God is based upon love and
relationship and that is by nature always volitional faith
worketh by love. (Gal. 5:6) Trusting the LORD is due to our
love for Him. Our faith in Him is based on His love in us and
our love for Him (1 Jn. 4:9-10, 16, 19).
Gods grace actually enables us to love and please Him in holi-

ness and receive His forgiveness as we seek Him in repentance
and faith in fervent expectancy of the soon return of the One
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we have a relationship with - Christ the LORD (Tit. 2:11-14).
God has seen fit that divine grace is only imparted as one be-
lieves. It is not indiscriminately granted. The same requirement
for initial salvation remains throughout the life of the one who
has at some point in the past repented and believed. When
faith ceases, so does grace. Therefore being justified by
faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this
grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of
God. (Rom. 5:1-2)
This truth of the enabling grace of God is ignored and left out
of the message of a false grace propagated by many today (Jude
3-4). Grace simply doesnt grant license to sin but rather victory
over it! Study closely Romans 6:14 and Titus 2:11-12.
His grace is sufficient for those who fear and seek Him and not
to those who dont. The life of David illustrates the grace of God
which worked in this man after Gods own heart (2 Chron. 11-
12; Ps. 51; Acts 13:22). After being saved, this believer has per-
sonally been rescued by the LORDs grace numerous times and
can only give thanks to Him for such. His grace surely is
sufficient to find and rescue us as He did the prodigal son
(Lk. 15; 2 Cor. 12:9-10). LORD, thank You for Your great love
and grace toward us! Without You we have and are nothing!
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of

God; Being justified freely by his grace through the
redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath
set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his
blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission
of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that
he might be just, and the justifier of him which be-
lieveth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is ex-
cluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law
of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justi-
fied by faith without the deeds of the law. Romans
3:23-28
No man can possibly understand the depths of the manifold

fullness of the abundance of grace bestowed upon mankind
by Christs perfect sacrifice and yet, His Word has much to say
concerning His grace. The believer should learn and remain
within the parameters and bounds of His written revelation to
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Lie of Ages
us and not inflate His grace into something not made evident
in Holy Writ. We must beware of the good words and fair
speeches of leaders and authors who are painting a picture of
grace that is not according to the fullness of what Scripture re-
veals (Rom. 16:17-18). These are they that we are warned
about who are turning the grace of our God into lascivious-
ness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus
Christ. (Jude 3-4) Those who paint a false picture of Gods
grace deny the LORD Jesus (Isa. 8:20; Tit. 2:11-12).
Be not carried about with divers and strange doc-

trines. For it is a good thing that the heart be estab-
lished with grace Hebrews 13:9
Here we read of the doctrine of grace and are warned not to be

carried about or deluded by the strange doctrine of false grace.
A strange doctrine is one that is foreign to or not derived
from the very Word of God. We must ask the LORD to establish
our hearts with the true, original version of His holy grace and
not be carried about with strange doctrines which paint the
picture of a false grace that somehow doesnt teach us personal
holiness and claims to cover the sins of the unrepentant (Tit.
2:11-12; Heb. 10:16-39; 12:14-15; 13:9). When we learn the
word of his grace we will know the true grace of God
wherein ye stand and not be misled by the grace corrupters
(Acts 20:32; 1 Pet. 5:12; Jude 3-4).
This grace was provided by and is continually dispensed by

Christ. What He died to provide He lives to freely dispense and
bestow upon the lives of His saints on earth.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the utter-

most that come unto God by him, seeing he ever
liveth to make intercession for them. For such an
high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, unde-
filed, separate from sinners, and made higher than
the heavens; Hebrew 7:25-26
PRAYER: Thank You Father for sending Jesus to die and shed
His blood to grant Your undeserved grace to all of mankind and
to me. Establish my heart in Your grace and teach me. Grant to
my heart the understanding and full experience of Your grace in
truth as You have ordained under the New Covenant. Strike my
heart to fear Your name and to know You LORD. Amen.
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CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
CAN A BELIEVER STOP BELIEVING?

Is Faith a Choice?

RECEIVE THE WORD with joy; and these have no
root, which for a while BELIEVE, and in time of
temptation FALL AWAY. Luke 8:13
Can a person who is born again, that is, they have believed up-
on the LORD Jesus Christ and been saved, stop believing?
WHAT DID JESUS TEACH? They on the rock are they,
which, when they hear, RECEIVE THE WORD with joy; and
these have no root, which for a while BELIEVE, and in time
of temptation FALL AWAY. (Lk. 8:13)
Do we have the slightest record in all of history of God forcing

any person to repent and place their trust in Him? The answer
would be a resounding No. If not, then why would He force
any person to continue to believe in Him? Many in leadership
today have painted a picture of grace that is simply not found
in Holy Scripture.
Some vainly suppose that the believer is forced to remain in

the state of faith toward God once he has been brought to re-
pentance and has initially believed upon Christ. Does the be-
liever lose his ability to choose once he has at one point placed
394
his trust in Christ? If so, where might we find this in Gods
Word?
According to the Son of God, there are those who believe and
are saved, yet when times and trials get tough, they fall
away.
Many who believe and therefore come to a saving faith in Je-

sus Christ, do not continue to trust Him due to persecutions,
trials, love for the things of this world, greed, idolatry, etc., and
consequently will not be eternally saved, because they have
fall[en] away. (Lk. 8:13) Notice here that Jesus Christ, the
very Author of salvation, is the One who first used the term
fall away. Why would the very Son of God use this language
if such were not possible?
Dare we indict the LORD and Savior Himself as a liar, by deny-

ing the possibility of falling away? If the Master Himself used
the term fall away, dare we argue with Him or question
whether such is possible?
While many only acknowledge 3, Jesus spoke of 4 types of

heart soil in the parable of the sower. It is intellectual dishon-
esty to deny such. Study Luke 8:12-15 and count the 4 heart
soils Christ spoke of. Find where you are and change to the 4th.
The 2nd heart type is the one who believes for a while then falls
away (Lk. 8:13).
Is Jesus Christ a deceiver? Why then would He warn us of fall-

ing away from the faith if such were not possible? He simply
wouldnt. In John 6 Christ said:
From that time many of his DISCIPLES went back,

and walked no more with him. John 6:66
The prodigal son rebelled against his father. After long being in
his fathers house, he went into a life of sin. When the prodigal
son repented and came back, his father, who represents the
Heavenly Father, said:
For this my son was dead, and is alive AGAIN; he

was lost, and is found. And they began to be mer-
ryIt was meet that we should make merry, and be
glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive
AGAIN; and was lost, and is found. Luke 15:24, 32
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Lie of Ages
The son who left his father stopped believing and being in his
fathers care. One may argue that he was still a son, but an-
other may rightfully argue that he lost all of the benefits of
being a son while he was in unbelief and would have per-
ished if he had not returned to his father. Please look at the
above Bible text again and note some basic things that are
irrefutable:
my son son ship (represents a saved person; a

person who has a father/son relationship with the
heavenly Father)
was dead as Jude speaks of, a person can be
twice dead, plucked up by the roots. (Jude 12)
Twice dead simply refers to the apostate person
who was initially born dead (separated) in sin
(Rom. 5:12) then got saved and fell away again.
How could a person be plucked up by the roots
from a place he wasnt already planted? Impossible.
alive AGAIN need we explain that again means
for a second time?
my sonwas lost after being a son of his fa-
ther, he become lost again.
thy brother this is yet another clear reference
to son ship. One could not possibly be a brother
if he is not first a son.
Faith is all about relationship and this son freely chose to
loose himself or distance himself from his relationship with
his father. He then returned to his father of his own free will.
Some never do.
The son who left his father stopped believing. One may argue
that he was still a son, but another may rightfully argue that
he lost all of the benefits of being a son while he was in unbe-
lief and would have perished if he had not returned to his fa-
ther.
There is no valid assurance of election and final salva-

tion for any man, apart from deliberate perseverance in
faith. Robert Shank, Life in the Son (Springfield, MO:
Westcott Pubs., 1960), pg. 293.
In Romans 11, why would the apostle Paul dare to use the cov-
396
enant relationship between the LORD and His covenant people
Israel as an example and warning to the SAVED Gentiles (us) if
such were not applicable? Ludicrous thought! Is our relation-
ship with the LORD not based upon a covenant? (Matt. 26:28;
Heb. 8:6-13) Are there not binding laws of responsibility gov-
erning every covenant? Are not both parties responsible to act
within the laws of agreement set forth in the covenant they
agreed upon? Cannot those laws be broken if one of the parties
so chooses? Of course.
And say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD God
of Israel; Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the
words of this covenant. Jeremiah 11:3
In a response to SafeGuardYourSoul concerning the Bible posi-

tion of a conditional eternal security, one man defending uncon-
ditional eternal security stated: I am talking as one who was
dead and is now alive unto Christ. I'm not talking about a Sun-
day church-goer, I'm talking about a Redeemed, Born Again,
heir and joint heir with Christ. Our Response: Where did you
get the term heir from? You got it from the book of Romans,
right? Yes, the word heir(s) appears in Romans 4:13-14;
8:17. Which was written to the VERY EXACT heirs of salva-
tion the Holy Spirit is specifically warning (in Romans) to
Fear lest they also be cut off as the covenant Jews were
(Rom. 11:19-23). You asked Show me in the Scriptures where
a son is cut off from the Father. Ready? Here we go For this
MY SON son was dead (separated by sin), and is ALIVE
AGAIN; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be
merry. It was meet (good) that we should make merry, and
be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive AGAIN;
and was lost, and is found. (Lk. 15:24, 32) The son who left
his father stopped believing, ceased relationship with, and de-
parted from his fathers care. One may argue that he was still a
son, but another may rightfully argue that he lost all of the
benefits of being a son while he was in unbelief and would have
perished if he had not returned to his father. Like Israel and
the prodigal (wayward) son, all blessings will be lost in the lives
of those who do not return home to the Father in repentance
including the reward of Heaven. Twice dead (Jude 12) is the
state of alienation from God and not one soul who dies outside
of fellowship with He who is the very Gate of Heaven, will enter
therein and there is no respect of persons with God. (Rom.
2:11; Rev. 21:8, 27; 22:11). The loss of full inheritance is a real
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Lie of Ages
possibility according to the Holy Word of God. It is an undenia-

ble biblical fact that Israel was put away and given a bill of
divorce by their Maker and Redeemer (Jer. 3:8). Gods cove-
nant people were cut off. (Rom. 11:19-22) The individual
Jew and Gentile believer loses all inheritance that was part of
that covenantal union and agreement if he violates that agree-
ment, unless he repents and returns home (Rom. 11:23).
And they also (backslidden Jews), if they abide

(remain) not still in unbelief (sin), shall be grafted in:
for God is able to graft them in AGAIN. Romans
11:23
Upon repentance and re-placing ones trust or faith in Christ,

the LORD grafts that person back into the vine of His eternal
family again. The LORD is a God of restoration and the pos-
sibility of the wayward being restored is just as real as the pos-
sibility of being cut off if one chooses not to remain in rela-
tionship with Christ. In fact, coming home is a celebration the
likes of which we cannot comprehend. In the very presence of
the holy angels of the Almighty is great rejoicing which means
its the LORD Himself celebrating the return of one of His own
(Lk. 15 this chapter is all about Gods restorative love).
According to 1 Timothy 5:12, saving faith can be disposed of by

its possessor:
Having damnation, because they have cast off their

first faith. 1 Timothy 5:12
Eternal damnation will be the result of all who cast off

their first faith which initially facilitated the saving of their
souls (Rom. 10:9-10, 13). The New Testament record simply
never hints that those who are born again can live in sin while
maintaining a security for Heaven. No spotted garments of un-
holiness will enter Gods holy Heaven and those who choose
their sin over Christ have ceased having saving faith and
demonstrate their idolatry disqualifying themselves from eter-
nal life (Rev. 21:8, 27; Gal. 5:19-21; Heb. 12:14). Seeing ye
put it (the Word of God) from you, and judge yourselves un-
worthy of everlasting life. (Acts 13:46) Those who do not
make their calling and election sure will neglect the great
salvation Christ purchased and suffer eternal fire (Heb. 2:3; 2
Pet. 1:10). Those who put away the Word of God dont mix it
with faith and endure to the end toss eternal life to the wind
398
(Heb. 4:1-2).
How Shall We Escape?

3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salva-
tion; which at the first began to be spoken by the

Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard
him. Hebrews 2:1-3
LESTWE SHOULD LET THEM SLIP. One reason

the writer of Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of
Gods Son and His revelation over that of prophets and
angels is to stress to those who have experienced salva-
tion that they must take with intense seriousness the
original witness and doctrine of Christ and the apostles.
Therefore, we must give close attention to Gods Word,
our relation to Christ, and the leading of the Holy Spirit
(Gal. 5:16-25). (1) Neglect, carelessness, or unconcern is
fatal. A believer who because of negligence, allows the
truth and teachings of the gospel to slip, is in great peril
of being swept along downstream past a fixed landing
place and of failing to gain its security. (2) Like the recip-
ients of this letter, all Christians are tempted to become
indifferent to Gods Word. Because of carelessness and
unconcern, we may easily begin to pay less attention to
Gods warnings (v. 2), cease to persevere in our struggle
against sin (Heb. 12:4; 1 Pet. 2:11), and slowly drift
away from Gods Son, Jesus Christ (Heb. 12:1-3; 6:4-8;
10:31-32; see Rom. 8:13, note). Life in the Spirit Study
Bible, p. 1942
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?

This is a question posed to His own people by the LORD. The
LORD has done His part He made the ultimate sacrifice and
he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come
unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make interces-
sion for them. (Heb. 7:25) The key is in coming in true faith
and continuing to come before Him in saving faith. His salva-
tion plan is perfect and accomplished through His sinless blood
Now what remains to be seen is who will appropriate so
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Lie of Ages
great salvation. At this point one might say But this sounds
like a works salvation. Does it? Does the LORD Jesus and His
holy apostles not tell us that only those who obey Him will be
in Heaven? (Matt. 7:21; 1 Jn. 2:3-5) Didnt He warn us to
Strive (agonize) to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I
say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able
But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are;
depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be
weeping and gnashing of teeth (Lk. 13:24, 27, 28)
In Matthew 25 we read the words of Jesus in His parable of the

ten virgins. The 5 wise virgins continued steadfastly in relation-
ship with the bridegroom while the foolish virgins simply ne-
glected their relationship with the bridegroom to be and missed
out the door was shut and they were left outside (Matt. 25:1-
13). Grave eternal consequence lies ahead of all who become
born again and do not make their calling and election sure.
In another place the Son of God taught that it was the cares
of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts
of other things that disqualify one from being fruitful and
entering His eternal kingdom (Mk. 4:19).
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to

make your calling and election sure: for if ye do
these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance
shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the ev-
erlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
ChristLooking for and hasting unto the coming of
the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire
shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with
fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his
promise, look for new heavens and a new earth,
wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved,
seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that
ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and
blameless. 2 Peter 1:10; 3:12-14
Denial or Endurance?
Disobedience is denial, and IF we deny him, he also will de-

ny us. (2 Tim. 2:12)
Notice that the Bible tells us here that IF we deny him, he

also will deny us. (2 Tim. 2:12) What could be plainer? This
is a good verse to memorize.
400
Guy Duty stated:
We have seen that Gods salvation covenant is a contin-

uing covenant. And it is a monstrous deception to teach
that the continual sinner will be saved by a continued
covenant that demands his continued obedience. Guy
Duty, If Ye Continue (Minneapolis: Bethany, 1966), 65,
169.
According to the Bible record, final salvation is conditional up-

on the continued obedience of the recipient. Salvation is re-
ceived initially by obedient faith and also maintained by an on-
going trust in Christ.
One is saved when he places his full trust in Jesus Christ and
remains justified as long as he continues to believe.
Do you know what Hebrews 5:9 says of eternal salvation?

Lets look:

brews 5:9
Did you notice that eternal salvation is only for them that
obey Him?
An integral part of the Gospel is obedience and so is suffering.

The two will always be interrelated. The one who truly loves
and obeys the LORD Jesus Christ will always encounter perse-
cutions and sufferings as our LORD did (Jn. 15:20; Acts 14:22;
2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 2:20-23; 4:1, 12-14).
Some read only part of Romans 8 without acknowledging the

whole chapter. Every word in Gods Word is as inspired as
the next (Prov. 30:5; Lk. 4:4). In Romans 8, some take verses
37-39 concerning the truth that the LORD will never take away
His love from those who are His. And yet, in this very chapter
and throughout Scripture, we learn that there are conditions to
remaining in Christ and those who walk away from Him are no
longer His.
Romans 8:1 says:
There is therefore now no condemnation to them

which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the
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Lie of Ages
flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1
Romans 8:12-14 tells us:
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the

flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the
flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do
mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as
many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the
sons of God. Romans 8:12-14
Note here in this passage that if we, the saint of God, lives in
the sins of the flesh, he will die or be separated from God by
his sin. Also, it is those who are currently led of the Holy Spirit
who are the sons of God.

heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him,
To one writer who espoused the misconception that Romans

8:38-39 is dealing with salvation, Jeff Paton writes:
Your conclusion that Pauls statement that he wished

to be accursed was somehow an affirmation that a be-
liever cannot fall away is to say, absurd! It is ASSUMP-
TION to say that Romans 8:38-39 asserts that a believer
cannot fall away or lose their salvation. Salvation is not
even the object of the passage! People have read salva-
tion into it so much that somehow they see something
that is not even there! One cannot make Pauls state-
ment of desiring to save people by being accursed to be
an affirmation of the impossibility of departing from sal-
vation, especially when it is hinged upon a verse that
has nothing to do with salvation, but Gods love in times
of persecution! You said, As Scripture confirms, this re-
lationship is not one that can be broken. Scripture
NEVER states, affirms, suggests, implies or even
confirms this! We would never be in the predicament
that we are in if this were true, for Adam and Eve would
not have been separated from God and the Garden.
While your argument is more subtle than ours, it is no
less dogmatic! Those passages that talk about falling
away either refer to those who did not truly accept the
entire message, thus were not truly rooted in Christ,
402
While this may be true in SOME cases, it is certainly not
in ALL cases. The dogmatic assertion or implication that
ALL these verses must be seen with the view that these
are not true believers is a mere ASSUMPTION! Reading
such an assumption into Scripture verses only makes
most of these passages to speak of absurdities. One can-
not fall away from that which they were never part of!
Yet you convolute the issue even further by claiming
that falling away can be described as stumbling. It
seems that in those passages where you cannot dismiss
the subjects of the warning by saying that they were al-
ways unbelievers, you must read stumbling into the
passage so it does not look like Christians can fall away.
Without an ASSUMED doctrine that a believer cannot
leave the faith, there is no reason to minimize the gravity
of Gods warnings, or to read things into Scripture that
way. Whole religions are erected on this flawed method
of eisegesis; look at Universalism. Upon the thesis, God
is love, and therefore He would never send anybody to
hell, people develop all kinds of tactics just as yours to
avoid accepting what Scripture has to say (at face value).
Ask a true Universalist! They will explain away every
Scripture that you can come up with as either not apply-
ing to people, or reinterpreting the words to soften the
horrendous danger that awaits the unrepentant! Wheth-
er one runs with the idea of Gods love, Gods sovereign-
ty, or even free will at the expense of whatever else is re-
vealed in Scripture, it will inevitably lead them to imbal-
anced and false doctrines.
Christ warned us that there is going to be a great trying of the

faith of His people, especially in the last hour of this age in
which we live. He also gave His people the condition for making
it to Heaven. See if you can find it in His words:
And then shall many be offended, and shall betray

one another, and shall hate one another. And many
false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many
shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the
end, the same shall be saved. Matthew 24:10-13
So if Jesus said to us that we must endure or persevere to

the end to be ultimately saved, this means there is an indi-
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Lie of Ages
vidual choice and decision to be made. So from this alone

we can conclude that the believer, who was initially and is
now not forced to continue to believe, can stop believing. If
the believer must continue in obedient faith to the end of
his life to be saved, it is obvious that he also can choose not
to endure or believe to the end. According to the whole
counsel of the Word of God, if the individual believer once
engrafted into the vine doesnt continue to choose to have a
living faith in Jesus Christ, continuing to the end, he will
not be in Heaven.
The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful

thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But
call to remembrance the former days, in which,
after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great
fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a
gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions;
and partly, whilst ye became companions of them
that were so used. For ye had compassion of me
in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of
your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in
heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast
not away therefore your confidence, which hath
great recompense of reward. For ye have need of
patience, that, after ye have done the will of God,
ye might receive the promise. For yet a little
while, and he that shall come will come, and will
not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if
any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleas-
ure in him. But we are not of them who draw back
unto perdition; but of them that believe to the
saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:30-39
Personally, I cannot understand why the above text would need

any explanation to the honest heart, unless that person had
been taught to twist what the Word plainly states.
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall

the ungodly and the sinner appear? 1 Peter 4:18
If the RIGHTEOUS will scarcely be saved then we know

that there is the possibility of being made right with God (made
righteous) and then not making it in the end due to being
disqualified by sin. Amongst those who had once been made
404
righteous, only a few will be saved into eternal glory.
Note the verse below and especially that which is underlined,

which is the divinely-given condition for remaining in the grace
of God:
..to present you holy and unblameable and unre-

proveable in his sight: IF ye continue in the faith
grounded and settled, and be not moved away from
the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and
which was preached to every creature which is under
heaven Colossians 1:22-23
No believer is forced to continue to believe. Such saving faith is

the choice of the recipient and not forced upon any man by a
God who is love. One must choose to persevere in Gods grace
to the end to receive final salvation upon death or at the return
of Jesus Christ.

house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the
rejoicing of the hope firm unto the endTake heed,
brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of
unbelief, in departing from the living God. But ex-
hort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest
any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of
sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold
the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the
end. Hebrews 3:6, 12-14
The Bible clearly reveals to us that people who are saved can
cast off their faith, depart from the faith and that it were better
for them not to have known the LORD and the way of righteous-
ness than after they have known it, to turn away and back to sin
(1 Tim. 4:1; 5:11-12; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
With volumes of Holy Scripture clearly revealing the essential

nature of continuing in faithful obedience and enduring to the
end of ones life, we can resolutely conclude that such is the
mind of the Savior concerning the reception of final salvation (1
Pet. 1:5; 2 Pet. 1:5-11).
Remaining in the Blessed State of Faith and Forgiveness
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of
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Lie of Ages
the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness

without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose in-
iquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not im-
pute sin. Romans 4:6-8
This passage in Romans 4 reveals the blessed state of life to

be experienced by every saint and yet this isnt the only verse
in the Bible and all Scripture is to be taken in context with
the whole of the Word of God. The Word also tells us that we
are to experience an ongoing and increasing relationship
walk in the light as the LORD is in the light and have fellow-
ship with Him in order to continue to receive the washing of
our sins in His precious blood (1 Jn. 1:3-2:2). Such a life of
ongoing and obedient faith is a requirement for final salva-
tion and entrance into His eternal kingdom. Anyone in lead-
ership not teaching this Bible truth does a disservice to the
LORD Almighty (see 2 Pet. 2:20-22 and Jude).
The Bible tells us in Romans 2 that those who are

impenitent (unrepentant) treasure up divine wrath against
themselves condemnation to come on Judgment Day. And
yet in this same passage the Holy Spirit tells us that there
will be glory and honour and immortality, eternal life to
those who by patient continuance in well doing seek
first the LORDs kingdom.
And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them

which do such things, and doest the same, that
thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despis-
est thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance
and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness
of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy
hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto
thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revela-
tion of the righteous judgment of God; Who will
render to every man according to his deeds: To
them who by patient continuance in well doing
seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal
life: But unto them that are contentious, and do
not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, in-
dignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon
every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first,
and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and
406
peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew
first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no re-
spect of persons with God. Romans 2:3-11
The fact that He ends this particular passage with the truth
that there is no respect of persons with God further
proves that the Almighty will not automatically dismiss the
sins of those who were at some previous point in their lives
truly born again and forgiven of their sins. The condition giv-
en here for obtaining everlasting glory and honour and im-
mortality, eternal life is the same one given throughout
His Word to persevere in patient continuance. Treasur-
ing up wrath against Judgment Day requires the refusal and
despising of the goodness of God by not living by faith
and repenting on an ongoing basis for all that does not please
Him in our lives. Crying out to the LORD like the Psalmist is
a sure way to maintain a tender heart of flesh and ward off a
stony heart. We must ever believe and realize our utter need
for the LORDs continuing grace and forgiveness. Here is just
one of Davids prayers:
Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me

from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from
presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over
me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent
from the great transgression. Let the words of my
mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be accepta-
ble in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my re-
deemer. Psalms 19:12-14
Saints, let me encourage you to locate and memorize those key

prayers of the man who had a heart after God and make them
an integral part of your own life and thinking. See Psalms 51
and 139:23-24.
PRAYER: Jesus, thank You for Your grace to please You fully,
endure to the end and spend forever with You. Make my heart to
simply adhere to and obey Your truth and not buy into any lie
which would weaken my resolve to keep You as my first love. I
love you my precious Savior and LORD. Amen.
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CHAPTER THIRTY
THE EXCEEDING RICHES

OF HIS GRACE
Ephesians 2:7
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love

wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in
sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by
grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up togeth-
er, and made us sit together in heavenly places in
Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might
show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kind-
ness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace
are ye saved through faith; and that not of your-
selves: it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:4-8
Here are a few phrases from Scripture concerning the beauti-

ful grace wrought by Jesus Christ for all who will come and
take of the water of life freely:
the glory of his grace (Eph. 1:6)

the exceeding riches of his grace (Eph. 2:7)
the inheritance of the saints in light (Col.
1:12)
408
Do you realize what you have?
Oh My! What unfathomable riches have we been given in this

so GREAT salvation? (Heb. 2:3) Do we even begin to real-
ize that in Christ ALL of our sins and iniquities have been
and are forgiven as we have and do come before His holy
throne of grace!?
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made

us meet (fit) to be partakers of the inheritance of
the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the
power of darkness, and hath translated us into the
kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemp-
tion through his blood, even the forgiveness of
sins. Colossians 1:12-14
In Gods Word and eternal kingdom economy, the forgiveness

of sins is always accompanied and surrounded by divine ini-
tiating grace and the personal responsibility of each person to
appropriate the salvation provided for us in Jesus Christ.
Of Gods grace, the Bible says that it:
Came through Jesus Christ (Jn. 1:17)

Brings salvation (Tit. 2:11)
Is abundant (Acts 4:33)
Is rich (Eph. 1:7)
Is glorious (Eph. 1:6)
Establishes the heart (Heb. 13:9)
Is manifold (1 Pet. 4:10)
Is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9)
Is to be multiplied in believers (Jn. 1:16; 2 Pet. 1:2;
3:18)
Is a teacher and enabler (Eph. 3:7; 4:7; Tit. 2:11-
12; 1 Pet. 4:10)
Labors in us (1 Cor. 15:10)
The servant of Christ and student of Holy Scripture should
pray for and search out balance (Prov. 11:1; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Sound doctrine is something to attain to and be nourished
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Lie of Ages
up in (1 Tim. 4:6, 13). That one who hungers and thirsts for
His righteousness should not exercise his heart in such a
way as to shun or neglect the severe verses of the Bible lest
he be imbalanced in his doctrine (perspective/view of God).
We should let the LORD speak for Himself and honestly and
objectively observe and embrace all of His counsel with im-
partiality (Acts 20:20, 27). We should endeavor to rightly di-
vide the Word of truth and behold both the goodness and
severity of God toward men and not just focus on His grace
and goodness. This is the tendency of some theology camps
that have spread an imbalance in the hearts and minds of
men who do not have a life in the Word for themselves (Rom.
11:19-23; 2 Tim. 2:15). By refusing to behold the full-counsel
of God one creates the image of a false god in his own heart
and those he instructs (Ps. 33:11; 119:104, 128; Hos. 4:1, 6;
Mal. 2:9; Matt. 22:29; Rom. 11:22; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). The offer-
ing of polluted bread upon Gods altar is paramount to
being partial in the law and is the work of false leadership
(Mal. 1:7; 2:9).
The LORD is a God full of compassion, and gracious,

longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth and yet
He is terrible out of thy holy places and greatly to be
feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in rev-
erence of all them that are about him. (Ps. 86:15; 68:35;
89:7)
In His plan of redemption for mankind, He who is perfect and

initiated our restoration has also instituted certain prerequi-
sites for the appropriation of His salvation (Isa. 1:18-20; Jn.
1:12; 3:15-16; Acts 3:19). If such were not the case all would
be saved automatically and we know that isnt truth
(universalism heresy). Though He desires all to repent and be
saved, out of His sovereign nature the LORD told us that he
has allowed men to make the choice (Deut. 30:19; Josh.
24:15; Isa. 1:18-20; Gal. 6:7-8; Rev. 22:17).
But as many as received him, to them gave he

power to become the sons of God, even to them
that believe on his name: Which were born, not of
blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of
man, but of God. John 1:12-13
Note in this vital passage in John 1 that those who make the
410
choice to receive Jesus as the Messiah He grants them the
right (power) to become His sons. At that point of repentance
and trust in Christ, the LORD causes that individual to be
born of Him.
GODS PART
He initiates a relationship with and causes the one

who receives Him to be born of God (Jn. 12-13;
Rom. 5:6, 8; 1 Jn. 4:9, 19; 5:1).
The purchase of His Church through the redemp-

tion that is in Christs divine, shed, and sinless
blood (Matt. 26:28; Col. 1:14; Heb. 7:26; 1 Jn. 2:1-
2).
The glorious provision of the riches of His precious

grace (Rom. 3:24-25; Eph. 1:7; 2:7; Tit. 3:4-7)
G.R.A.C.E. = Gods Riches At Christs Expense.
The good pleasure of God and his goodness

toward mankind (Ps. 86:5, 15; Lk. 2:14; 12:32;
Eph. 1:5-14; 2 Thess. 1:11).
The provision and invitation to come to the holy

throne of His grace to receive abundance of mercy
and grace in times of need initially and continual-
ly (Heb. 4:14-16; 7:25).
MANS PART
Repentance toward God, and faith toward our

LORD Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19-21; 20:21).
Fearing God (Ps. 2:11; 103:11; Prov. 14:26-27;

Matt. 10:28; Lk. 12:5-6; Acts 9:31; Rom. 11:20).
Beholding the goodness and severity of

God (Rom. 11:19-23).
Transparency the act of openly admitting and

confessing sin out of a humble and broken heart
and the outright refusal to deny that which we have
done which violates the one, true and holy God (Ps.
32:5; 38:18; 69:5; 51; Prov. 28:13; 1 Jn. 1:9).
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Lie of Ages
Obedience to the faith - Willingness and literal

unashamed obedience to the Word (Isa. 1:19-20;
Mk. 8:38; Rom. 1:5, 16; James 1:22).
Specific confession and accounting of our sins (Ps.

32:1-5; Heb. 2:1-3; 1 Jn. 1:9).
Engaging in fellowship/relationship with the LORD

(Jer. 30:21 Jn. 17:3; Phil. 3:10; 1 Jn.1:3-2:2).
Being justified freely by his grace through the re-

demption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath
set forth to be a propitiation (atoning sacrifice)
through faith in his blood, to declare his righteous-
ness for the remission of sins that are past,
through the forbearance of God. Romans 3:24-25
Have we not all had the everyone else is doing it notion and
believed that somehow the holy LORD and Judge was going
to somehow overlook our sins when all is said and done?
Well, be sure He will not pardon those who do not fall upon
His mercy before it is too late (Exod. 34:7; Isa. 55:6-7; Ezek.
33:12-13; Lk. 13:3,5; Acts 2:37-40; 2 Cor. 5:11; Rev. 21:8,
27). Yet, all sins are washed away completely in the very in-
stant the believer confesses and forsakes them (Ps. 103:2-3;
Prov. 28:13; Isa. 44:22; Micah 7:19; 1 Jn. 1:9; 2:1-2).
What we must realize is that all things work according to His

divine wisdom and on His terms and not our terms. Neglect-
ing or refusing to know, understand, and embrace His Word
(terms of the covenant) will result in shunning the grace and
salvation of Christ and the loss of ones soul (Heb. 2:1-3). Al-
tering or ignoring His clear terms, revealed in His Holy Word,
is the beginning of the creation of a false god in our hearts.
Separation, despair, delusion, and damnation will always be
the result of disobeying the One who is worthy of all our
praise (Deut. 28). We should decide not to live dishonestly
but rather live a life fully open, honest, truthful, and trans-
parent in His holy site (2 Cor. 4:2-3).
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to

the word of his grace, which is able to build you
up, and to give you an inheritance among all them
which are sanctified. Acts 20:32
412
The inheritance of our so great salvation and the ex-
ceeding riches of his grace is discovered in the word of
his grace. We see in this blessed passage that the disciple
of Jesus Christ is introduced to, strengthened, and matured
in the divine inheritance of His salvation as he desires and
devours the word of his grace.
The terms and conditions of the covenant inheritance pur-

chased by the very blood of our Savior are contained in the
canon of Holy Scripture the Holy Bible. Saint of Christ, have
you embarked upon the rewarding task of mining the golden
truths out of the word of his grace? (Acts 20:32) If not,
how can you know His nature and covenant blessings and
the terms of agreement? How shall we appropriate the myriad
of rich benefits which include the exceeding riches of his
grace, if we do not open the treasure chest of His precepts?
(Ps. 119; Eph. 2:7) LORD Jesus, please bless us with an ever-
deepening hunger and thirst to know You more and to unearth
the golden nuggets You have given us in Your Word! Amen.
As remarkable and unfathomable the sacrifice of Jesus is,

and the exceeding rich grace that was provided through it for
us, He has left the appropriation of His blessings up to the
individual. An initial one-time reception of His grace does not
forever seal the individual indelibly (Lk. 8:13). Initial and on-
going obedient faith is required to receive and remain in His
salvation (Jn. 15:1-6; Rom. 5:1-2; Eph. 2:8-9; Col. 1:22-23;
Heb. 3:6, 12-15; 10:36-39).
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The false security gospel that seeks to exploit the LORD by
over-emphasizing and redefining His grace, has blanketed
our land through misled men. This is a lucrative message to
them because it gives the people what they want and yet is
not the truth (2 Tim. 4:2-4). This insulating and inoculating
message is readily received by those who do not know Gods
Word for themselves and/or those who are not willing to lay
down their own lives to serve Jesus (Lk. 9:23-24).
Loving God is commanded and yet it is also left up to the in-

dividual to engage in a relationship with Him (Matt. 22:37-
39). If one is to do so, it must be under His non-negotiable
conditions and not on ones own terms.
It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with

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Lie of Ages
him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we

shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he al-
so will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth
faithful: he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy
2:11-13
Note here what Gods Word tells us. It is only IF we choose

to be dead with him that we shall also live with him.
It is only IF we suffer with Him and for His holy name and
Gospels sake that we shall also reign with him. And per-
haps this following portion of the Bible text is a real clincher
if we deny him, he also WILL deny us.
Some tout the last part of this text while ignoring the whole
passage. They will say yet he abideth faithful: he cannot
deny himself. Ah lets talk about this. The LORD says he
cannot deny himself but He doesnt anywhere tell us that
He cannot deny us! In fact this very passage says if we deny
him, he also WILL deny us. Could the Almighty have said
it plainer? This passage alone crushes the ancient and popu-
lar unconditional eternal security teaching.
The individual disciple must enjoin the LORD in His desire

and will and choose to abide in Christ and be conformed to
His holy image in vital relational union (Rom. 8:29). We know
the LORD will do His part He is working in us both to will
and to do of His good pleasure (Isa. 59:1-2; Phil. 2:12-13).
What remains to be seen is whether the individual believer
will do his part. Choose ye (you choose) this day whom
you will serve (Jos. 24:15) He has called His people to
keep the white garments of His righteousness spotless and to
do such one must choose to remain in a faith-filled, obedient
relationship with Him (2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 5:25-27; Rev. 2:4-5;
3:5, 18). The fear of the LORD is necessary (Ps. 2:11; Prov.
14:27; Eccl. 12:13; Rom. 11:19-23).
It is important to seize the opportunity to fear God, deny self,

repent, and live holy before it is too late lest we miss the hour
of our visitation (Isa. 55:6-7; Lk. 19:44).
Have you ever contrasted people in the Bible who feared God
and those who didnt? Such a study is telling. For example,
Cain, Esau, king Saul, and Judas chose not to repent when
each of them was given by God the same ability and privilege
as their counter parts. The fact that the LORD granted each
414
of the eight persons in question the exact same opportunity is
best summed up in Genesis 4:7 when the LORD spoke to
Cain:
And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth
(mad)? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou
doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou
doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee
shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
Genesis 4:6-7
Why get mad? Why not do things Gods way and get glad? Why
get bitter instead of better? You have a choice. The LORD said
to Cain If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? In
other words the LORD said to Cain: Will I not accept you fully
if you will do things my way? Cain, My desire is to bless you
and not hurt you and I will accept you just as I accepted your
brother Abel, if you will simply forsake your own way and do
things My way as he does.
Cain had the exact same opportunity as Abel to get right and
stay right with the LORD. This Bible fact alone disproves
Calvins false presumptions and premise. Each of these broth-
ers made a choice. Abel joyfully served His Creator and rejoiced
to do things just as He asked him to. Cain refused to turn to
the LORD from a humble heart and do things on His terms. He
then slew his brother Abel. See Genesis 4.
David and Abel and Peter and Jacob all had many struggles
with the sinful nature just as we do daily. Yet each of these
men chose to continue coming before the Savior, approaching
boldly to His holy throne of grace (not condemnation) for help
and forgiveness (Matt. 11:28-30; Heb. 4:14-16). These God-
fearing men chose to have hearts after the LORD of love. They
each continued to make the decision to seek His holy face and
not allow anything to derail them from intimacy with the
LORD. Precious Jesus bless us to keep You as the first and
foremost love of our lives!
God never intended for any person to rebel and go to hell and
yet He is holy and just in all of His dealings with men. If He
sends someone to hell it is because that person freely chose to
not believe and obey Him. Unfortunately the majority of people
will end up in the unalterable and conscious state of eternal
damnation (Matt. 7:13-14). Its a choice made by each individu-
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Lie of Ages
al human by how they live their earthly life. Remember that the
LORD never separates what we do from what we believe (Prov.
20:11; Matt. 7:21-23; 25:40-46; Jn. 14:21; James 1:22-25; 1
Jn. 2:3-5). There will be no second chance to do things Gods
way and not our own. You my reader friend, will never be
granted a second opportunity to obey God - And as it is ap-
pointed unto men once to die, but after this the judg-
ment. (Heb. 9:27) As we die so shall we remain throughout
eternity (Eccl. 11:3; Rev. 21:8, 27; 22:11). If you choose not to
literally love Him supremely and place your full trust in Him
and perform His holy will in this life, His divinely-executed and
just punishment will be the result.
Should this truth cause us to do a serious self-examination to

find out where we really stand with the LORD and not where
we think we stand? (2 Cor. 13:5) Doesnt the Bible warn us
that it is entirely possible that we can be and that many are
presently self-deceived? (Matt. 7:21-23; James 1:22) Make no
mistake: Those who genuinely fear the Most High trust and
obey Him in their daily lives. Didnt He forewarn us all that
what we do and do not do to His people is the way we are actu-
ally treating Him? In this we can see a crystal clear and true
picture of our literal spiritual state. See Matthew 25:40-46. What
is the revelation and end of those who do not bless Gods peo-
ple? What is the clear state of those who do bless His people?
Go see for yourself in this Matthew 25 passage.
Friend, since you and I can read these very words we know we
have the privilege to make the needed adjustments and be for-
given - which is Gods will for us. We all have equal opportunity
to love and serve God and such is proven by how we treat His
people. Consider this:
Cain had the same opportunity as Abel.
Esau had the same opportunity as Jacob.
Saul had the same opportunity as David.
Judas had the exact same opportunity as Peter.
Cains love of self and hatred for God was manifested in the
way he treated his brother Abel (he killed him). The same is
true for how Saul treated righteous David (he attempted to kill
David 21 times). What did Judas neglect to do for the other
416
eleven? Think with me for a moment - Each of these four men
who chose to rebel instead of repent have been in the excruciat-
ing, conscious torment of hell for thousands of earthly years
while their counterparts are in the bliss and glory of Heaven
with the One they chose to trust and obey in their brief earthly
life.
Remember the story Jesus told about the certain rich man
and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31? Didnt their state flip flop in
eternity? What do we know about the earthly life of these two
men and what led to their eternal placement? Investigate Luke
16:19-31.
The Bible tells us that the LORD is holy, and just, and good
and His desire and ability to redeem and bless have not dimin-
ished (Rom. 7:12; 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9). Jesus Christ came to
the earth to set men free and yet if we continue to live in sin it
will cause us to be alienated from Him and deprived of His de-
livering power (Lk. 4:18; Jn. 8:31-32, 36; Isa. 59:1-2).
Choosing the Greater Riches of Christ
(Moses) Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the

people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for
a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater
riches than the treasures in Egypt (the world): for he
had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By
faith he forsook Egypt (the worlds ways), not fearing
the wrath of the king (mere men): for he endured, as
seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept
the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he
that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. He-
brews 11:25-28
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the peo-

ple of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a
season Moses counted the affliction associated
with serving the LORD a light thing in light of the
One he loved supremely and therefore sought to
please above all others including self. V25
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches

than the treasures in Egypt (the world) This
man of God made a decision to esteem (count more
important) Jesus as his greater riches. He there-
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Lie of Ages
fore forsook the treasures of Egypt (this worlds

lures, pleasures, and trinkets). v26
By faith he forsook Egypt (the worlds ways), not

fearing the wrath of the king (mere men): for he
endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Forsak-
ing the world while fearing God above all and endur-
ing to the end is the life of the true wise virgin believ-
er (Matt. 25:1-13). v27
he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of

blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should
touch them Moses kept being sprinkled or
washed by the blood let destruction come upon Him.
v28
His Wife Hath Made Herself Ready Revelation 19:7

Willing Participants
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him:

for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and HIS WIFE
HATH MADE HERSELF READY. Revelation 19:7
Those who appear at the marriage of the Lamb will be

those who make themselves ready by becoming and remaining
in relationship with the Bridegroom and cleansed by His blood
and Word (1 Jn. 1:7, 9; Eph. 5:25-27). The true Bride of Christ
identifies herself by her willing obedience to sit at His holy feet
and work in cooperation with her Bridegroom. See also Matthew
25:1-13.
According to the whole counsel of Scripture the LORD initiates

the relationship with the individual and the individual chooses
to or not to respond affirmatively to His grace (divine influence
upon the heart). See John 1:12. He left the final choosing up to
the individual. Contrary to false teaching today, no unwilling
participant is in or will be in the kingdom of Christ. Every sin-
gle individual who is in and will be in the eternal kingdom, has
and will have chosen to willingly and freely agree with and obey
the Truth Himself (Jn. 14:6; 15, 21). Everyone else has or will
have chosen the path of unbelief and denial of Christ the
Truth.
For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose

the fear of the LORD: Proverbs 1:29
418
Sin separates men from the LORD even those who have been
His covenant people (Isa. 59:1-2). God is holy and only those
who choose to allow Him to forgive and wash away their sins
are fit for His family. There of necessity must be a mutual
agreement and alignment in any good relationship. There is the
sense that the LORD initiates and man responds. This contin-
ues to hold true throughout the life of the one who has been
initially saved freedom to choose does not end when one is
saved (1 Cor. 9:27). Jesus told us plainly that only those who
are converted (born again) and become humble and dependent
upon Him like little children, will enter His eternal kingdom
(Matt. 18:3).
Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith

the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6
The saint has no chance of pleasing the Savior outside of the

initiating and essential work of the Holy Spirit of God. The
spirit of grace endeavors to work His perfect will in the lives
of all who have been brought to salvation and yet He will never
force one to participate (Zech 12:10; Heb. 10:29).
Pleasing God can never come by self-effort (will worship)

alone but only by the all-sufficient grace of our God working in
the abiding saint (Col. 2:23; Gal. 2:21; Phil. 2:12-13; 1 Cor.
15:10; 2 Cor. 12:9-10).
Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not

one. Job 14:4
Make no mistake, the individual believer is not fit to cleanse

himself initially nor ongoing. He has no ability to change his
filthy rags to righteous garments (Job 14:4; Isa. 64:6; Rom. 3).
No, such is a miracle only possible by the Almighty. The sinner
must fall upon and continue to collapse upon the mercy of the
LORD to be continually cleansed (Heb. 4:14-16; 1 Jn. 1:7, 9).
Coming continually to His throne of grace is essential to re-
maining in Christ He is ever interceding and willing are we
willing?
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the utter-

most that come unto God by him, seeing he ever
liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25
Jesus ever liveth to make intercession for us because ini-
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Lie of Ages
tial and continual cleansing from sin are essential (Heb. 7:25).
Perpetual cleansing from sin is a kingdom reality something
essential to final salvation according to the Word Himself. Je-
sus Christ warned us:

watcheth, and KEEPETH his garments (clean and
washed), lest he walk naked, and they see his
shame. Revelation 16:15
We are to walk in the light in order to have fellowship

one with another with Him and as we do, the blood of Je-
sus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 Jn. 1:7) The
blood is initially applied when the LORD births a sinner into
His kingdom. His blood that is initially applied must be contin-
ually applied (Rev. 16:15). As mud soils our clothes, so sin
stains the garments once made white by the blood of Jesus.
This is the imagery given in Scripture. Lets peek into what Je-
sus told the church (saved people) at the city of Sardis:
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have

not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with
me in white: for they are worthy. He that over-
cometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment;
and I will not blot out his name out of the book of
life, but I will confess his name before my Father,
and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him
hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Reve-
lation 3:4-6
What we know from this passage (Rev. 3:1-6):
The people Jesus is addressing have been born again

the church in Sardis v1
Garments of righteousness can be stained and re-

main that way till washed afresh/again Thou hast
a few names even in Sardis which have not de-
filed their garments v4
Of the few whose garments were not defiled by

unrepentant sin He promised that they shall walk
with me in white v4
He told us that only those who continue to repent
420
and have their garments washed from the stain of sin
in the blood of Christ are worthy v4
Condition for Heaven given He that overcometh,

the same shall be clothed in white raiment v5
He gave a promise to all those once saved who keep

their garments washed in the blood of Jesus through
abiding in Him I will not blot out his name out
of the book of life v5
To those who overcome and are found washed in the

blood of Christ at the end of their lives I will con-
fess his name before my Father, and before his
angels v5
Warning to hear His voice and fear Him He

that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
saith unto the churches v6
The Son of God uses the word few here which means that
perhaps a majority of those who once had a walk with the
LORD had succumbed to the call of the world and were now
living in a cold state of heart (backslid Prov. 14:14). The word
few here is key. Doing a study on the word few in the New
Testament Scriptures can be very fruitful to ones understand-
ing of the divine economy and should promote the fear of the
LORD in the student of Scripture. Do you recall that when He
spoke about Heaven Christ said it was a narrow path that
leads there and that few there be that find it? (Matt. 7:13-
14) Conversely He told us all that wide is the gate, and
broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction (eternal hell),
and many there be which go in thereat. Why? Because He
created all men with the choice and foreknew that most will not
choose to fear and obey Him even though such is His desire
(Jer. 29:11).

To His very own people Jesus Christ warns here of the necessi-
ty of keeping ones garments, lest he walk naked. The
dreadful threat of walking naked or uncovered is clearly in-
ferred here. The fact that He spoke these words to His own peo-
421
Lie of Ages
ple (not the lost) makes it crystal clear that the possibility ex-
ists that one once washed has the personal responsibility to
keep(eth) his garments. And, the one who chooses not to
will be found naked and shamed before the LORD which
simply means he is not covered by the blood of Christ. The Al-
mighty set forth conditions which must be met in order for the
individual to be saved and remain saved. Initial and ongoing
faith (includes a contrite and penitent heart), willingness, and
obedience are the conditions (Ps. 34:18; 51:17; Isa. 1:19-20;
Jn. 1:12; 3:16; Rev. 2-3).
To the Corinthian Christians Paul wrote these telling words:
And lest, when I come again, my God will humble

me among you, and that I shall bewail many which
have sinned already, and have not repented of the
uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness
which they have committed. 2 Corinthians 12:21
The opposite of uncleanness is cleanness. One who is

cleansed is adorned with garments washed white in the pre-
cious blood of Jesus. Obviously there were those believers in
this assembly who had repented of their uncleanness and
sin they were washed fresh and clean! Yet regrettably the Ho-
ly Spirit had revealed to the apostle that many in that
church gathering at Corinth had not turned back to Christ
(repented of sins) and still retained their sins and were under
divine condemnation until they repented (see Romans 8:1 in
the King James Version this verse is astoundingly chopped in
half in the corrupted new versions).
I dont know about you, but this believer never ceases to be

grateful for the fount of His precious blood in Heaven which is
accessible to all of His people 24/7. I have worn a path to His
holy throne of grace, crying out again and again and afresh for
the cleansing of the blood of Jesus Christ. He has blessed me
to obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need
on innumerable occasions and for that I am eternally grateful!
See Hebrews 4:14-16. Come boldly and rejoice!
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him:

for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and HIS WIFE
HATH MADE HERSELF READY. Revelation 19:7
In case one is still not yet sure about whether mans will is in-
422
volved and remaining washed pure is essential, lets look at two
additional passages below. Friend, please read these words for
all they are worth and in the knowledge that these are Gods
words, not the words of men:
we know that, when he shall appear (Hes coming

soon), we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he
is. And every man that hath this hope (the return of
Jesus) in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
1 John 3:2-3
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbeliev-

ers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with un-
righteousness? and what communion hath light with
darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial?
or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
And what agreement hath the temple of God with
idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God
hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and
I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye
separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean
thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father un-
to you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith
the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises
(that God will punish all who are not separated in ho-
liness unto Him), dearly beloved, let us cleanse our-
selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, per-
fecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians
6:14-7:1
Willing and Obedient
IF ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good

of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be de-
voured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD
hath spoken it. Isaiah 1:19-20
If here denotes choice. Each of us continues to choose to be

either willing and obedient or to refuse and rebel. Notice
that God requires not only willingness, but also obedience. I
dont know about you, but this believer is ultra glad for the lov-
ingkindness of the LORD and how He is a God full of com-
passion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mer-
cy and truth. (Ps. 86:15)
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Lie of Ages
The Father in Heaven requires that men be willing participants

in His Gospel program in order to receive the benefits of the
salvation He freely provided through Christs blood (Deut.
30:18-20; Isa. 1:19-20; Jn. 3:16; Rev. 3:20; 19:7). All those
who believe and remain in Him, will receive the fullness of His
blessings and those who dont place themselves under His
judgment.
I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely

perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon
the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to
possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day
against you, that I have set before you life and
death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life,
that both thou and thy seed may live. Deuteronomy
30:18-19
PRAYER: Holy Father, thank You for sending Your only begotten
Son to die for my sins on the cross and for raising Him from the
dead. Cleanse afresh all my sins! Thank You for loving and find-
ing and saving me, an otherwise helpless and lost soul. Please
help me to understand Your plan and submit humbly to Your
Word whether my heart understands or not. I trust You Jesus
and ask You this moment to infuse my heart with Your holy fear
and bless me to love and trust You fully as I seek Your face this
hour. At this moment, I lay my whole being and future in Your
infinite hands and trust You fully resting the whole weight of
my existence and future upon You alone! Amen.
424
425
Lie of Ages
CHAPTER THIRTY ONE
HOLDING FAITH
1 Timothy 1:19
HOLDING faith, and a good conscience; which some

having put away (such is obviously possible) concern-
ing faith have made shipwreck (Greek: smash, crash,
be ruined). 1 Timothy 1:19
Many who teach unconditional eternal security state that there

is no reason for the believer to hold on to their first love or
walk in the fear of the LORD because God is holding on to the
believer and will never let go, regardless of what that individual
chooses to do. This essentially teaches that the believer has no
responsibility to trust and obey the Lord (compare Matt. 7:21).
Is this the Bible truth? Lets let the LORD answer this question
for Himself by looking again at His words in 1 Timothy:
HOLDING faith, and a good conscience; which some

having put away (such is obviously possible) concern-
ing faith have made shipwreck (Greek: smash, crash,
be ruined). 1 Timothy 1:19
Note in this verse that it is possible to put away faith. If

so, how can we be so naive as to believe that once one has ini-
tially believed and subsequently been born again, he is forced
to believe forever, remain in fellowship with the LORD, and re-
426
quired to go to Heaven? Will Heaven be filled with unwilling
participants? Did Jesus chase down or alter His message after
the rich young Ruler made the personal decision not to follow
Him? No. Did the LORD force His people Israel to serve Him?
Or, did He invite and call them to return to Him and leave it to
them to choose? Did the father of the prodigal son pursue his
wayward son or did he allow him to volitionally choose to re-
turn? These are but a few examples which plainly prove that
mans will is fully involved in his salvation. Though he cannot
initiate relationship or choose God before he is drawn by the
initiating grace of God, the LORD leaves the final decision to
the individual (Isa. 1:18-20; Jn. 1:12-13). Every person in
Heaven will have chosen to be there by counting the LORD Je-
sus Christ as their first love and relentlessly seeking Him and
not allowing the cares and riches and pleasures of this fleeting
world to draw him away. Through these tribulations, tempta-
tions and trials the disciples faith in and love for the Savior is
forged.
The theme verse of this chapter (1 Timothy 1:19) reveals also

that the believer can make shipwreck of his faith which
again reveals that one must first possess saving faith to be able
to cast it off. The imagery used here of making shipwreck of
ones faith means that the saved person who doesnt continue
in obedience to Christ, but rather puts away his faith, will have
his faith destroyed like a wooden ship slammed against the
rocky shoreline by violent winds and waves of a turbulent
ocean. How can one possibly be justified by the grace of God
without genuine saving faith? God requires mans faith in order
to access and continue to appropriate His saving grace (Rom.
5:1-2; Tit. 2:11-12).
In this same letter, the Holy Spirit instructs those with ears to
hear to: 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. (1 Tim. 6:12)
Notice that we are called to eternal life, yet must Fight

the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal
life (because if you dont it could get away from you). Why
must we lay hold on eternal life if there were no possibility
of it getting away from us if we return to our sinful life? Why
such a command? Was the LORD just filling space in His Book
here or was He lovingly warning us to beware of the eternal
427
Lie of Ages
danger of slipping away?

How shall we escape (eternal judgment), if we neglect
so great salvation; which at the first began to be spo-
ken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them
that heard him. Hebrews 2:1-3
The once saved always saved deception is an extremely dan-

gerous teaching that denies what Holy Scripture teaches about
being saved and remaining (abiding) in the saving grace of God.
Such a notion is totally foreign to Biblical theology. This author
believes that this false teaching has claimed the souls of mil-
lions who died believing they were eternally secure, yet went to
hell due to the un-confessed sin they were taught was auto-
matically forgiven. God is holy and un-confessed sin still sepa-
rates men from Him.
Hold On to your faith in Jesus! The biblical cure for this dia-
bolical, lascivious and insidious lie is to: Get a grip on Jesus!
And, Keep a grip on Jesus! Look unto Jesus unceasingly! He
alone is the very Author and Finisher of your faith which
means that as you lay aside your sins for the love of Him, He
will keep you! (Heb. 12:1-3; 1 Pet. 1:5)
This lie of the ages teaching robs the fear of the Lord from the
individual's heart. This is a very seductive falsehood and it
subtly dismisses the believer from the obedient faith required
for final salvation.
Paul exhorted believers with: If ye continue in the faith

grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the
hope of the gospel. The Holy Ghost then warns And this I
say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in
the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the sted-
fastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore re-
ceived Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted
and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have
been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware
lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit,
428
after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the
world, and not after Christ. (Col. 1:23; 2:4-8)
In stark contrast to those who teach a false grace today, in this

Bible text Paul says that those who are saved by Gods grace
must continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be
not moved away from the hope of the gospel and not be
beguiled with enticing words, but remain in the
stedfastness of your faith in Christ and walk ye in him:
Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith
and to Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy
and vain deceit.
The mind and heart can be seduced to partake of this, the orig-
inal lie, if not guarded by diligent attention and obedience to
divine truth. Saint, let me encourage you to beware, guard your
heart and mind, and be established in the truth. Get into the
Word of God for yourself so that you will be built up in the
faith which was once delivered to the saints and will not be
vulnerable to accept any doctrine you havent personally seen
on the pages of Scripture and been taught by the Holy Spirit
(John 8:31-32; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16). This is the way to remain in
the saving grace of the glorious Savior. The first battleground to
contend for the faith is ones own heart and mind.
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto

you of the common salvation, it was needful for me
to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should
earnestly contend for the faith which was once de-
livered unto the saints. For there are certain men
crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained
to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the
grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying
the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will
therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once
knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the
people out of the land of Egypt, afterward de-
stroyed them that believed not. And the angels
which kept not their first estate, but left their own
under darkness unto the judgment of the great
day. Jude 3-6
The Faith
429
Lie of Ages
The term the faith appears 44 times in the New Testament

Scriptures and refers to the faith that saves which is built up-
on the biblical record of what God has revealed to mankind in
His Word. So the basis of the faith is the Word.
At the very end of his life on earth, the apostle Paul said that
he kept the faith and that there was therefore laid up for
me a crown of righteousness. (2 Tim. 4:7-8). A crown of
righteousness awaits all who are saved and keep the faith to
the end.
Did you realize that saving faith which is the faith that
saves the soul, can be cast off?
Having damnation, because they have cast off their

first faith. 1 Timothy 5:12
The faith that saves works through divine grace. The

knowledge of the LORD through His Word and having His Spir-
it in us, makes us sound and sure in the faith. The roots of
the faith grow deep in the person who drinks in, believes,
embraces and obeys what He reads in the divinely inspired Ho-
ly Scriptures. Here are some of the things the Bible communi-
cates concerning the faith:
As the Word increases, the faith multiplies (Acts

6:7)
To be preached (Acts 24:24; Gal. 1:23)
To be held in a pure conscience (1 Tim. 3:9)
To be obeyed (Rom. 1:5)
Brings perfect soundness (Acts 3:16)
Non-negotiable, unalterable (Rom. 3:3-4)
Some are weak in the faith (Rom. 14:1)
To be preached (Gal. 1:23)
Grants divine justification (Gal. 2:16)
To be lived by (Gal. 2:20)
Grants boldness and access to God (Eph. 3:12)
To bring believers into unity (Eph. 4:13)
430
To be strove together for by believers (Phil. 1:27)

Brings the divine imputation of righteousness (Phil.
3:9)
Must be continued in to the end (Col. 1:23)
To be established in (Col. 2:7)
To be stood strong in (1 Cor. 16:13)
Brings Gods grace, mercy and peace (1 Tim. 1:2)
Can be departed from (1 Tim. 4:1)
Can be denied (1 Tim. 5:8)
Can be erred from (1 Tim. 6:10, 21)
Can be overthrown (2 Tim. 2:18)
People can become reprobate concerning (2 Tim. 3:8)
Is to be kept (2 Tim. 4:7)
Makes one Gods elect (Tit. 1:1)
To be sound in (Tit. 1:13)
Those in the faith are to be greeted in a special
way (Tit. 3:15)
Brings love for all those who have it (James 2:1)
Enables one to resist the devil and overcome him (1
Pet. 5:8-9)
To be earnestly contended for by all of its adherents
(Jude 3)
When coupled with patience (especially in the last
days) will bring eternal blessings (Rev. 13:10; 14:12)
The Forward Motion of Faith
Listen to these words of Holy Scripture:
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all,

but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may ob-
tain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is
temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a
corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I there-
fore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one
431
Lie of Ages
that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and

bring it into subjection: lest that by any means,
when I have preached to others, I myself should be a
castaway. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my

course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth
(consequently) there is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge,
shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but
unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timo-
thy 4:7-8
By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of

the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisi-
ble. Hebrews 11:27
let us run with patience (endurance) the race that

is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and
finisher of our faith Hebrews 12:1-2
By faith let us fight the good fight of faith, forsake the lures of
this fleeting life, and run with endurance the race set before us
to obtain the prize of everlasting life.
As a matter of example, the apostle Paul was in an all-out

sprint when he crossed the finish line of his earthly life. Previ-
ously he said But I keep under my body, and bring it into
subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached
to others, I myself should be a castaway. (1 Cor. 9:27) At
the very end of his life he revealed that I have fought a good
fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteous-
ness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at
that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that
love his appearing. (2 Tim. 4:7-8)
The believer (one who is presently believing) is kept by

Gods power (1 Pet. 1:5). The individual exerts the faith
while the LORD Himself keeps Him. The LORD is perfecting
that which concerns His saints (Ps. 138:8). Those who are
living in genuine faith in God are His saints and abide un-
der His holy and infinitely secure wing and are the recipi-
ents of His grace and blessings which He loads them with
daily (Ps. 91; 68:11). He calls us his sons and we therefore
432
have so much to rejoice over!
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be

moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God
acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God
is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29

knew him not. 1 John 3:1
PRAYER: Father, thank You for bestowing upon me Your grace

through Your only begotten Son. Thank You kindly for blessing
Your people to be called Your very sons! Jesus, this moment, I
cling yet more and more to You. I love You. Into Thine hands I
commend my spirit and ask You to fill me with Your Holy Spirit
afresh and cause me to serve You acceptably and in godly fear.
Amen.
433
Lie of Ages
CHAPTER THIRTY TWO
CAN A TRUE BELIEVER DEPART FROM GOD?

provocation. For some, when they had heard, did
provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by
Moses. But with whom was he grieved forty years?
was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcas-
es fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that
they should not enter into his rest, but to them that
believed not? So we see that they could not enter in
because of unbelief. Hebrews 3:12-19
All New Testament brethren are warned here to harden not

your hearts which can be hardened through the deceitful-
ness of sin and that we are made partakers of Christ, if
we hold the beginning of our confidence (faith) stedfast un-
to the end. The word If denotes the condition of being an
eternal partaker with Christ.
434
Take heed, BRETHREN, lest there be IN ANY OF
YOU (brethren) an evil heart of unbelief, in DEPART-
ING FROM the living God. Hebrews 3:12
Here we see that it is possible for brethren to backslide and

have an evil heart of unbelief while departing from
(leaving) the living God. It is important that we ask that if it
were not possible for a brother to depart from God, why the
warning? In addition, how could a person depart from any-
one they were not already joined with? This would obviously
not be possible. Also, here the LORD is specifically addressing
holy brethren. (Heb. 3:1, 12)
Warning: Utilizing the example of those covenant Israelites who

were cut off, Hebrews 3 tells us that those whose carcases
fell in the wilderness did not enter into his rest because
they believed not and could not enter in because of un-
belief.
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly (clearly), that in

the latter times some shall depart from the faith,
giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of dev-
ils. 1 Timothy 4:1
Note here that the Bible states, some SHALL depart from
(leave) the faith. It did not say that some might depart but
that some SHALL depart from the faith. As foretold of the
final days, do we not see this happening around us? Depart
from would clearly mean to LEAVE the faith which means to
become an apostate (one who leaves what he once believed and
embraced). Departing from the faith would be impossible un-
less that person had saving faith to begin with. The same in-
spired book of the Bible goes on to say:
...Lay hold on eternal life... 1 Timothy 6:12
Regardless of the modern-day, smooth-talking corrupters of

Gods grace, the person who will be eternally with Christ and
not lose out, must heed the numerous warnings the Bride-
groom gave us. Laying hold upon the blessed Savior of our sal-
vation is essential to remaining a spotless bride, enduring to
the end, ready for His soon return (Jn. 15).
While growing up in church nobody was bold enough to

espouse and profess that someone could lose their salva-
435
Lie of Ages
tion. From a young boy, I knew in my heart that the

wages of sin is death. Sadly, I do not remember anyone
from the pulpit saying that you can lose your salvation.
Salvation is conditional. You have to finish the race. If
you lose your faith, you cannot rely on a confession you
made 15 years ago. As a young man, I sinned after being
saved. I lived in the sins that the lost live in. The only
thing that saved me was the prayers of my parents. God
heard those prayers, drew me back in, and rescued me
again. God was not obligated to keep me alive and save
me outside of the prayers of my parents and grandpar-
ents. Tim Hicks
If someone deliberately forsakes Jesus, abandons the faith,

speaks against Christ, and worships other gods, how can the
holy and perfectly pure God of the Universe possibly allow that
person into His sin-free presence - Heaven? Is this not a blas-
phemous notion or thought? The Almighty, who is eternally the
same, did not allow it with Lucifer (Ezek. 28; Lk. 10:17-20;
Rev. 12:9-12). He didnt allow sinfulness with His covenant
people Israel and warned New Covenant believers of also being
cut off if they did not fear and obey Him (Rom. 11:19-23).
The LORD did not overlook sin in the Old Testament or in the
New, and He will not allow it to occur without rendering retri-
bution in our day nor at any time in the future (Rom. 2:1-7;
Jude; 2 Pet. 2-3).

Stauffer spoke of the many warnings to Gods people in His
Word:
Reader, what about the many danger signals and Scrip-

tural warnings found in the Word of God and addressed
to believers? Does God warn where there is no danger? Is
God less consistent and reliable than our state highway
department? To accuse God of such folly is unthinkable.
It was written to Christians, if ye live after the flesh ye

shall die (Rom. 8:13). How can Christians continue to
live after the flesh and remain secure in their standing
before God?
But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord

that we should not be condemned with the world (I Cor.
11:32). Here the purpose of chastisement for sin is stat-
436
ed. The object is to keep believers from being condemned
with the world. If the chastened ones do not repent and
turn from their sins, they will be condemned with the
world. If eternal security was true then these believers
would be as sure of heaven in their sin as if they were
already there, whether they repented or not.
That ye receive not the grace of God in vain (II Cor. 6:1).
Here lies a possibility. Here is a warning to believers.
Eternal security virtually denies that a believer can re-
ceive the grace of God in vain. Was Paul wrong?
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil

heart of unbelief in DEPARTING from the living
God (Heb. 3:12). Is this an empty warning? Is there no
possibility of departure here? Certainly one, who knows
not God, could not depart from the living God through
an evil heart of unbelief. A sinner with an evil heart
knows not God and is already far from God by nature.
This warning was addressed to holy brethren, partakers
of the heavenly calling (Heb. 3:1).
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the be-

ginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end (Heb.
3:14). Then follows an actual historical incident that is
held up to us as a warning, Heb. 3:15-19, cf. I Cor. 10:1-
12.
The excommunication of the sinning believer in I Corin-

thians 5 was designed for his repentance and restora-
tion. Eternal security teachers declare this man would
have remained saved, even though he would not have
confessed his sin and forsaken it. Then we are face to
face with the words that follow in the sixth chapter,
verses 9 and 10. (1) If this man had been saved without
repenting of his fornication, then God would have had a
fornicator in glory despite the testimony of about a doz-
en Scriptures to the contrary. (2) Or we will have to de-
cide that fornication is no longer fornication when com-
mitted by a saint, and then Paul was wrong in so desig-
nating it. (3) Or we are faced with the fact that this man
needed to confess and disown his sin or be condemned.
We are thankful he did the latter, according to II Cor. 2:3
-10, and again came into fellowship with his Lord.
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Lie of Ages
If Once Saved Always Saved Is True, What About Eli?
Eli was promised an eternal place with God, and then this
blessing was revoked due to his continual sin (omission).
Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said in-

deed that thy house, and the house of thy father,
should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD
saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I
will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly
esteemed. Behold, the days come, that I will cut off
thine arm, and the arm of thy fathers house, that
there shall not be an old man in thine house. And
thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the
wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall
not be an old man in thine house for ever. 1 Samuel
2:30-32
Like the Laodiceans Christ addressed in Revelation 3, Eli is

told that in the midst of prosperity (wealth), an enemy
would be in his habitation. In the modern church world,
there is the wealth of more commentaries, technology, media
venues, and books than in any other time in history, yet there
is also the gross lack of Bible substance and therefore fatal de-
ception lurking within. Throughout history, whenever Gods
people forsook His Word (law), destruction followed and some-
times it was in the midst of material prosperity.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: be-

cause thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject
thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou
hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget
thy children. Hosea 4:6
As we see here in 1 Samuel 2, Eli departed from the faith by

his sin as he refused to fully obey the LORD. After being given
a divine promise of walking before me for ever (assurance,
security), the LORD said Be it far from me and cut off
Eli, revoking this promise.
The nature of God must be honestly observed from His Word

and fearfully respected. Listen to this:
Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and

transgression and sin, and that will by no means
438
clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers
upon the children, and upon the childrens children,
unto the third and to the fourth generation. Exodus
34:7
The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, for-

giving iniquity and transgression, and by no means
clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fa-
thers upon the children unto the third and fourth
generation. Numbers 14:18
In both these verses, we see the LORD speaking to His own

covenant people. He uses the phrase will by no means clear
the guilty. Frightening isnt it? In context with the whole of
Scripture, we know this means that God simply will not clear
or forgive the sins of those who do not return to Him in true
repentance, forsaking that which displeases Him.
Cut Off
Still not sure someone grafted into the LORD can be severed
from Him or cut off as the Bible puts it?
It is utterly amazing that without any real and contextually

true biblical proof, some die-hard Calvinists will cling to the
false teaching that a person once genuinely saved can never be
lost. For those reading this who fit into this category, let me
once again introduce you to a Bible phrase your favorite OSAS
teacher must have somehow forgotten to tell you about Cut
off. (Jn. 15:5-6; Rom. 11:19-22)

on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, good-
ness, IF thou continue in his goodness (a must for
eternal salvation): otherwise thou also shalt be CUT
OFF. Romans 11:22
If (daily decision) a man abide (remain) not in me,

he is cast forth as a branch (cut off and throw away
from the Vine), and is withered; and men gather
them, and cast them into the fire, and they are
burned. John 15:6
Note here that Jesus, the Vine, tells us that when a person who
knows Him does not abide or remain in relational obedience
439
Lie of Ages
to Him, the LORD will cast him forth as a branch or in oth-

er words cut him off and throw him away from Him. Then the
LORD promises that that backslider will be castinto the
fire, andburned. What could be plainer?
According to Jesus, people who choose an idol over Him as

their first love, will die in sin and go to hell to be eternally
burned. Past relationship with Christ will profit zilch if one
dies outside of a relationship with Him strong enough to be re-
pentant and not justifying of sin (Ezek. 33:12-13; Heb. 12:14).
God forgets all previous righteousness when one of His people
departs from Him in rebellion and unbelief (Ezek. 33:12-13).
What about Demas?
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this pre-

sent world, and is departed unto Thessalonica 2
Timothy 4:10
Demas forsook the LORD and therefore the ministry, because

he chose to turn away from Christ and love this present world
more than God which made him the enemy of the LORD
(James 4:4; 1 Jn. 2:15).
Concerning Demas: Dare we foolishly accuse the apostle Paul

of bringing a lost man into his ministry? Did Paul the apostle of
Jesus join himself with an unsaved man to do the ministry of
Christ the LORD after instructing believers to: Be ye not une-
qually yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship
hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what com-
munion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath
Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth
with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of
God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as
God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I
will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore
come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the
Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive
you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons
and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty? (2 Cor. 6:14-18)
Such a thought that this great apostle of Christ would bring an

unredeemed man into his ministry would be utterly absurd to
insinuate. It would be as ridiculous as accusing the very Son of
God of bringing a devil (Judas) into the highest office in the
440
Church as one of the twelve original apostles! Like Judas, De-
mas became a devil by his decisions to depart from Christ as
first love and love this temporal world.
Concerning sovereignty of God and irrevocable salvation, Jeff

Paton responds:
I believe the point being made is not that God is not

sovereign, but that some worship Sovereignty with a
capital S. It is that many set out to define sovereignty,
and then force everything into submission to the defini-
tion of God they have created. Sovereignty is not re-
vealed as Gods primary attribute, or something in which
we can make God the Divine puppeteer. The Scriptures
do not make sovereignty the focal point by which every-
thing Scriptural must bow to or hinge upon. So many,
without a single passage to prove or assert it, ASSUME
that since God is (S)overeign, He always gets His way,
and therefore we have no part in anything. This notion
assumes that God has no interest in man being free to
love or worship Him; therefore, if you are saved it is be-
cause God has determined it to be that way, and nothing
else. This results in ignoring many passages that show
that God does not operate that way, and that it forces
meaning upon passages to make them say something
they do not say. Irrevocable salvation is just one exam-
ple of this assumption. Something must be in Scripture
in order to be Scripture; not what one reads into Scrip-
ture.
No redeemed man is forced to continue with Jesus and if he

does not abide, he will ultimately be cast into hell.

branch, and withered; and men gather them, and
15:6
Beloved, I pray that you read all of the Scriptures carefully,

that you really take each of them seriously, and rely on what
the Word states. Ask the Holy Ghost for guidance to under-
stand this message.
In the body of his flesh through death, to present

you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his
441
Lie of Ages
sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and set-

tled, and be not moved away from the hope of the
gospel, which ye have heardChrist in you, the hope
of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and
teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may pre-
sent every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I
also labour, striving according to his working, which
worketh in me mightilyAs ye have therefore re-
ceived Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the
faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein
with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you
through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradi-
tion of men, after the rudiments of the world, and
not after Christ. Colossians 1:22-23; 27-29; 2:6-8
Paul is again indiscriminately warning every man to

continue in the faith and to be grounded and settled
and not moved away from the hope of the gospel. He then
states that it is possible to be spoiled by being lured away by
false teachers and their philosophy which is not after
(according to) Christ, the living Word and Head of His one
true Church (Col. 2:18-19).
The apostle Paul was intense about teaching the whole Word
and guarding the flock of the LORD from being spoiled by
the lies of the enemy.
For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the

counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves,
and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost
hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God,
which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I
know this, that after my departing shall grievous
wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking
perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of
three years I ceased not to warn every one night and
day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you
to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to
build you up, and to give you an inheritance among
all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:27-32
442
This passage in Acts clearly reveals that the sheep of Gods
pasture can be lost to grievous wolves who teach falsehood.
If there were no danger of the sheep of the LORDs pasture be-
ing lost, then why would the apostle Paul have ceased not to
warn every one night and day with tears about those whom
he foresaw would arise, speaking perverse things? Paul
shed tears in deep concern for these believers at Ephesus
whom he knew would be infiltrated with false teachers.
Regrettably, some people in leadership take the little they learn

at seminary or Bible College and go to seed with it. Many of
them buy into the whole package given them and do not con-
tinue in the diligent study of the Word and into the fullness of
the kingdom and Spirit (Jn. 8:31-32; Rom. 15:29; 2 Tim. 2:15;
James 1:25). Pray for those you know like this, that Jesus will
open up their hearts to His whole counsel. Get them a copy of
this book and give it to them. I have done this and seen leaders
changed. Others are doing the same thing. One man I know
goes to a First Baptist church in his city and showed a copy of
this book to his pastors and they immediately hearkened to the
biblical truth and even had a meeting to make sure no one was
teaching the lie of the ages in their midst.
Like many in leadership, these men just needed a concentrated

dose of the truth on this important subject to enlighten the
eyes of their hearts. Because of them getting a copy of this writ-
ing, they are now making a potent impact on many with the
divine truth contained herein.
When the LORD starts to open up our eyes with His truth we
sometimes become frustrated that our leaders are not walking
in the full-counsel of the Word (3 Jn. 4). Saint of the LORD,
don't give up. Labor in Christ's love (2 Tim. 4:1-5). Be encour-
aged. One particular pastor whom I gave the Deceivers and
False Prophets book read it and Gods Word contained in it has
changed his life and ministry. He started preaching the Scrip-
tures in it! Recently I gave the same man this Lie of the Ages
book and he is reading it. Soon after, the scriptural truth con-
tained in this volume has begun to come out of his mouth. Do
you know a leader that could benefit from this truth? May God
be praised forevermore His truth is marching on!
It is not enough to only believe Jesus died and rose again to

justify us. The LORD told us much more in His Word. The be-
443
Lie of Ages
lief that Jesus Christ is the nail-scarred risen Savior is the be-
ginning and nothing else happens until we are born again by
Him. Yet, check out the passage of Holy Writ that actually de-
fines the Gospel and notice verse 2 - right smack in the center
of the definition of the true Gospel is the warning to keep
in memory or lose out. Initial saving faith in Jesus Christ is
in vain if one departs and becomes unbelieving (1 Cor. 15:2;
Heb. 3:12-15; 4:1-11; 2 Pet. 2:20-21). See 1 Corinthians 15:1-
5.
IS A PERSON ETERNALLY SECURE BECAUSE OF HIS PRE-

VIOUS SAVING FAITH IN JESUS?
Let us labour therefore to enter into that

rest, lest any man FALL AFTER THE SAME EX-
AMPLE OF UNBELIEF. Hebrews 4:11
This is a clear warning not to fall. How could one fall from
something he was not on/in?
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take

heed lest he FALL. 1 Corinthians 10:12
Again, why all the warnings to Christians not to FALL if

such were not possible?
BRETHREN, if any of YOU (brethren) do err FROM

the truth, and one CONVERT him (bring him back to
God); Let him know, that he which CONVERTETH
THE SINNER from the error of his way shall SAVE a
soul from death (eternal separation from God).
James 5:19-20
The righteousness of the righteous shall not de-

liver him in the day of his transgression ... neither
shall the righteous be able to live for his righteous-
ness in the day that he sinneth. When I shall say to
the righteous, that he shall surely live; IF he trust to
his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his
righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his
iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die (be
separated from God) for it. Ezekiel 33:12, 13
Obedience is always the evidence that one currently possesses

saving faith (James 2:14-26). Anything short of continuing faith
444
that renders obedience to God and produces personal holiness is

damnable unbelief and rebellion (Matt. 10:22; 24:13; Lk. 6:26;
8:13; 9:62; Matt. 7:21; Tit. 1:16; Heb. 4:1, 11; 10:26-39; James
1:22; 1 Jn. 1:7; 2:3-5).
Ongoing saving faith produces a life of holiness without which

NO man shall enter Heaven, regardless of his past relationship
with God (Ezek. 33:12-13; Heb. 12:14; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
Think about this: According to Gods Word, without holiness,

there can be no entrance into Heaven and without repentance,
there can be no holiness.
According to the New Testament record, authentic saving faith

is not un-forfeitable, but rather can be:
Cast off But the younger widows refuse: for

when they have begun to wax wanton against
Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, be-
cause they have cast off their first faith. 1 Timo-
thy 5:11-12
Put away and Made shipwreck of Holding
faith, and a good conscience; which some having
put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.
1 Timothy 1:19
Denied I know thy works and where thou
dwellest, even where Satans seat is: and thou
holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my
faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my
faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where
Satan dwelleth. Revelation 2:13
Denied But if any provide not for his own,
and specially for those of his own house, he hath
denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 1
Timothy 5:8
Departed from Now the Spirit speaketh express-
ly (clearly), that in the latter times some shall de-
part from the faith, giving heed to seducing spir-
its, and doctrines of devils; 1 Timothy 4:1
Failed But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith
fail not (if this was not possible, why would Jesus
have prayed?): and when thou art converted,
445
Lie of Ages
strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:32

Overthrown Who concerning the truth have
erred, saying that the resurrection is past al-
ready; and overthrow the faith of some. 2 Timo-
thy 2:18
Erred from 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. 1 Timothy 6:10
Erred from Which some professing have erred
concerning the faith 1 Timothy 6:21
Fallen Away from: One can fall away from his be-
lieving/saving faith They on the rock are they,
which, when they hear, receive the word with joy;
and these have no root, which for a while believe,
and in time of temptation fall away. Luke 8:13
PRAYER: LORD Jesus I know You love me. I love You. Strike my
heart with Your holy fear. Root and ground me in Your grace and
truth. Establish my heart in a state of sound faith in You and
help me to walk closer to You this day while making me fully
pleasing in Thy sight. Thank You for Your Word to build up, di-
rect, and protect Your true Church. Amen.
446
447
Lie of Ages
CHAPTER THIRTY THREE
FALLING FROM GRACE;

IS IT POSSIBLE?
civiousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our
Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remem-
brance, though ye once knew this, how that the
Lord, having saved the people out of the land of
Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
Jude 4-5
These promised certain men who have crept in unawares

are in our midst and here cited as ungodly men who are
turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness. In re-
sponse to their teachings which seek to grant license to sin
among Gods people, Jude reminds us of how the LORD, the
Great Judge of the earth, saved the people (His covenant
people) out of the land of Egypt and then afterward de-
stroyed them that believed not. They believed not means
that they did not continue to believe or fully trust in the LORD.
The LORD had previously saved these covenant people out
of the land of Egypt, which represents the lost condition of
mankind (slavery to sin). He brought them through the Red
448
Sea with His mighty hand, washing them and delivering them
from the bondage of Egypt.
This passage alone should forever instruct us that His salva-

tion is conditional upon the recipients choice to continue to
believe, and that initial saving faith (belief) does not force the
believer to continue to live in a state of saving faith. The Holy
Spirit then speaks through Jude using the example of how an-
other class of created beings kept not their first estate.
the great day. Jude 6
The phrase kept not their first estate simply means that some
of the angels of God did not remain in the grace of God, but ra-
ther, like Lucifer, iniquity was found in them (Ezek. 28:15). These
angelic beings did not keep in memory the goodness and un-
changing holiness of God and therefore their previous state in His
grace was in vain, or no longer valid (1 Cor. 15:2). It was re-
voked.
Remember that Lucifer and two-thirds of the angels in Heaven

were thrust out for their rebellion. Were they not previously in
right standing in the grace of God? Of course they were (Ezek.
28).
Falling from Grace
What did the true grace teacher, the apostle Paul, have to say
concerning falling from Gods grace? Through Paul, the Holy
Spirit told the believers at Galatia: Christ is become of no
effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law;
YE ARE FALLEN FROM GRACE. (Gal. 5:4) Beloved, how
could someone possibly fall from something they werent al-
ready on/in? This would obviously be impossible. Is All scrip-
ture given by inspiration of God? If so, why in the world would
the Almighty tell these Christians that they had fallen from
grace if such could not happen? After reading this verse
alone, it would be utter unbelief and defiance to say that one
cannot fall from grace.
Speaking to believers holy brethren (Heb. 3:1) - the writer

of Hebrews says; Looking diligently lest ANY MAN FAIL OF
449
Lie of Ages
THE GRACE OF GOD... (Heb. 12:15)

receive the word with joy; and these have no root,
which for a while believe, and in time of temptation
fall away. Luke 8:13
Why would there ever exist the mention of falling from grace in
Holy Writ if such was not a distinct possibility?
So far we have witnessed that JESUS Christ used the words

Fall away (Lk. 8:13) and the great apostle used the term
fallen from grace. (Gal. 5:4) The divinely inspired writer of
Hebrews, when speaking to brethren, used the term Fail of
the grace of God. Please tell me why this phrase would be
used by the very Son of God and be found recorded in divinely
inspired New Testament Scripture, if such were not possible?
More on Falling:
For IT IS IMPOSSIBLE for those who WERE ONCE

ENLIGHTENED, and HAVE TASTED OF (experienced)
THE HEAVENLY GIFT (eternal life), and WERE MADE
PARTAKERS OF THE HOLY GHOST, And HAVE TAST-
ED OF THE GOOD WORD OF GOD AND THE POWERS
OF THE WORLD TO COME, IF (the if word denotes
that it is possible) they shall FALL AWAY, to renew
them AGAIN unto repentance; seeing they crucify to
themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an
open shame. Hebrews 6:4-6
Who are they who fall away in this passage? Lets back
up and let the Bible interpret itself:
A) Those who WERE ONCE ENLIGHTENED
B) Those who...HAVE TASTED OF (experienced) THE

HEAVENLY GIFT (eternal life)
C) Those who...WERE MADE PARTAKERS OF THE HO-

LY GHOST
D) Those who...HAVE TASTED OF THE GOOD WORD

OF GOD AND THE POWERS OF THE WORLD TO
COME
450
Like any person once in the grace of God, who then lived in sin
without returning to the LORD, we see also that Judas fell
from grace by choosing to sin and remain in that offence.
...Judas BY TRANSGRESSION FELL... Acts 1:25
Those who neglect - arent diligent in following Christ in their

daily lives - are going to fall. When we are not pursuing Him,
we are backsliding.
How shall we escape (eternal judgment), if we ne-

glect so great salvation (obviously, a saved person
can neglect his responsibilities to the Lord and
come under His judgment)... Hebrews 2:3
Did not Lucifer fall from grace - Heaven? The Son of God stat-
ed: I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. (Lk.
10:18)
Jesus told us here that Satan fell from heaven. This clear-
ly demonstrates that Lucifer, a created being, wasnt automati-
cally and eternally secure even though he was in Gods holy
Heaven and in fellowship with the Almighty. Just like we are,
Lucifer was a created being of God and in His family, yet he
chose to allow sin in his heart Thou wast perfect in thy
ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was
found in thee. (Ezek. 28:15) Though once and probably for
eons in the grace of God, at some point, Lucifer freely chose to
allow iniquity in his heart and was therefore violently removed
from the holy presence of God (Lk. 10:18).
Eli the priest of the LORD was promised by God to have an

eternal place with Him and yet this promise was revoked and
he was cut off by the LORD due to his sin (1 Sam. 2:30-32).
All divine promises are conditioned upon the continual obedi-
ence of the person the promise is given to (Matt. 10:22; Gal. 6:7
-9; Heb. 6:11-12).
According to Holy Scripture, Gods grace can be:
Received in vain 2 Cor. 6:1

Nullified Gal. 2:21
Quenched 1 Thess. 5:19
Fallen from Gal. 5:4
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Lie of Ages
Failed Heb. 12:15

Done despite unto Heb. 10:29
Resisted Heb. 12:15
Abandoned by the believer Gal. 5:4
Multiplied 2 Pet. 1:2
Grown in 2 Pet. 3:18
Kept by His Power
Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for ever-

more. For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh
not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the
seed of the wicked shall be cut off. Psalms 37:27-28
Typically, the eternal securist reads and embraces only part of

this Bible passage. In this divinely-inspired text, we see that
The LORD forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved
for ever, and yet, His true saints who are preserved are de-
fined here as those who Depart from evil, and do good. It is
because of this that His saints are blessed to dwell for ever-
more with Christ.
Christs saints are those who those who love Him supremely
and depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for ever-
more and are preserved for ever. The erroneous teaching
of OSAS and misuse of the doctrine and experience of salvation
does not invalidate the authentic version of salvation presented
to us in Gods Word. We should never abandon any divinely-
inspired truth to the abuse of some. Never abandon to abuse.
Never throw away the baby with the bath water as the saying
goes (Rom. 3:3-4; Phil. 1:15-20; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17).
Dare we throw away Gods truth because of the misuse of mere

men God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a
liar. (Rom. 3:4) LORD, please bless us to discern Your pure
truth and keep us from being tainted from the evil of leaders
who have used Your truths for their own self-serving purposes
(2 Cor. 2:17; 2 Pet. 2-3). Does the enemy not prosper to see
Gods people throw away His very truth because of false teach-
ings? There is a truth in our preservation by Him. We are kept
by His power as we volitionally through faith walk in rela-
tionship with Him (1 Pet. 1:5).
452
The soul of the righteous is to cry out to the LORD and remain
desperate for Him (Matt. 5:3, 6). Being preserved in the LORD
is something the righteous are to earnestly pray for. David
prayed for this very thing.
Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am

poor and needy. Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O
thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.
Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee dai-
ly. Psalms 86:1-3
The LORD protects and preserves His own. He blesses and

keeps those who abide or remain in Him and have set their love
upon Him (Ps. 91:14).
Concerning being kept and the condition for such, Jeff Paton
writes:
And I firmly believe Scripture which states a condition!

We are kept by the power of God THROUGH FAITH! (1
Pet.1:5) Now, show me where sinning is faith! The whole
of Scripture shows us consistently that sinning is the
absence of faith. You cant sin and believe God at the
same time! One must have faith in order to be saved.
Does not God expect us to be obedient to Him? Is that
not faith? If you contend for a faith that does not have to
be obedient, you have a devils faith, a faith that cannot
save (Rom. 2:5-9; 6:16). Even the Galatians were com-
manded to obey the truth(Gal. 3:1; 5:7; 2 Thes. 3:14;)
Salvation is connected to obedience; He became the au-
thor of eternal salvation unto all them that obey
him. (obey is in the present active participleobeying
- Heb. 5:9). I dont see how you can take the command of
God concerning obedience and made it a dirty word or
antithetical to the Gospel. The problem in Galatia was not
obedience! God certainly thinks that obedience is con-
sistent with saving faith! One who is trusting wholly up-
on Christ for their salvation, can at the same time obey
Him and not be guilty of the sin that is condemned in
the book of Galatians.
Gods Word tells us that we are kept by His power through

faith. (1 Pet. 1:5) He supplies the keeping as we render the
faith. We are blessed to abide in His presence and work out
(not for) our own salvation with fear and trembling as He works
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Lie of Ages
in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Phil. 2:12-13).

When we were drawn by Him and received him, He granted
us the power (right) to become the sons of God. (Jn. 1:12-
13) The LORD promised us a mansion in His Fathers house,
even though much tribulation may lie between here and there
(Matt. 10:22; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Jn. 3:13). For the
saints who are enduring to the end in grace, faith and pa-
tience, no matter how severe the promised sufferings in this
momentary life, the pain which is but for a moment is a
light affliction in comparison to the great and never-ending
reward that lies ahead (1 Cor. 2:9; 2 Cor. 4:16-18; Rev. 21:4).
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though

now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy
unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of
your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter
1:8-9
Here we read that the true saints love and are believing
toward the One they rejoice with joy unspeakable to see.
To these faithful ones, final salvation will soon and forever be a
consummated reality (1 Pet. 1:9). As it has been throughout
history, so it is today - It is their supreme love for the Savior
that enables the faithful saint to persevere through much
tribulation. (Acts 14:22; Heb. 12:1-4; 1 Pet. 1:8; Rev. 2:4-5;
12:11)
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God,

believe also in me. In my Fathers house are many
mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I
go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare
a place for you, I will come again, and receive you
unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
John 14:1-3
Tribulation lies between here and our Heavenly home and He

has promised to bless, keep, guide, mature, protect, and great-
ly reward us as we endure in these divers trials (James 1:2-4,
12). The remnant believer must be willing to endure suffering
(1 Pet. 2:21; 4:1; 1 Jn. 3:13). Whatever the pain we may suffer
here in this brief life, it is miniscule in comparison to the ever-
lasting horror to be experienced by all who deny Christ.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye

might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribula-
454
tion: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the
world. John 16:33
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for

when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life,
which the LORD hath promised to them that love
him. James 1:12
PRAYER: LORD, thank You for Your keeping grace and power. I
fear only Thee Father in Heaven and am grateful for the blessing
of Your grace working in my heart to cause me to pant after You!
Break me Jesus! Amen.
455
Lie of Ages
CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR
LATTER END WORSE

For if AFTER they have escaped the pollutions of
the world THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE of the Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ, they are AGAIN entangled
therein, and overcome, THE LATTER END IS WORSE
WITH THEM than the beginning. 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. 2 Peter 2:20-21
When writing to HOLY BRETHREN about the possibility

of a fall the Word of God warns: Let us labour there-
fore to enter into that rest, LEST ANY MAN FALL AF-
TER THE SAME EXAMPLE OF UNBELIEF. (Heb. 3:1;
4:11) This is a clear warning to labourto enter into that
rest and not to fall. How could one fall from some-
thing he wasn't already on?
...Judas BY TRANSGRESSION FELL... Acts 1:25
Note there that Judas didnt fall because he was predestined to

fall, but because he freely chose to live in sin which hardened
456
his heart and led to his falling away from faith in Christ.
Instead of salvation meaning we have a license to sin, we actu-

ally have no excuse whatsoever to live in sin now that Christ
came to deal with take away sin on the cross (Jn. 1:29;
Rom. 6). His spirit of holiness has now taken up residence
in every born again believer (Rom. 1:4). His holy grace is suffi-
cient for us to fully love and serve Him and now labors in us to
bring forth fruit unto Him (1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 12:9-10).
It was by iniquity that Gods covenant people had fallen.

hast fallen by thine iniquity. Hosea 14:1
Sin alienates men from the one holy God and LORD of all
that is (Hab. 1:13). In the divine economy, as communicated
throughout His Word, it would be better never to be saved
than to get genuinely saved and then drift away and depart
from fellowship with Christ (Heb. 3:12-15; 10:29; 2 Pet.
2:20-22).
For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in

that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon
ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but
alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let
not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye
should obey it in the lusts thereof. 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. For sin shall
not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the
law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, be-
cause we are not under the law, but under grace?
God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield your-
selves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom
ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience
unto righteousness? Romans 6:10-16
Believers are instructed and warned to take heed to them-

selves so that they dont fall.
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take

heed lest he FALL. 1 Corinthians 10:12
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Lie of Ages
Again, why all the warnings to Christians not to FALL if

such were not possible?
BRETHREN, if any of YOU (brethren) do err FROM

the truth, and one CONVERT him (bring him back to
God); Let him know, that he which CONVERTETH
THE SINNER from the error of his way shall SAVE a
soul from death (eternal separation from God).
James 5:19-20
By which also ye are saved IF ye keep in memory

what I preached unto you, UNLESS YE HAVE BE-
LIEVED IN VAIN. 1 Corinthians 15:2
Lets read this key Bible passage from 2 Peter. May the
LORD bless us to be honest about what He stated in His
holy Word.
For if AFTER they have escaped the pollutions of

the world THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE of the Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ, they are AGAIN entangled
therein, and overcome, THE LATTER END IS WORSE
WITH THEM than the beginning. 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. 2 Peter 2:20-21
The Bible here speaks of the beginning and the latter

end which clearly reveals that in our relationship to God,
there is a beginning where we are blessed to be born again.
There can be an end to our salvation which will mean
worse judgment for those who once knew Jesus then allowed
themselves to become overcome by sin (because they left
their first love). The clear warning of this passage is that for
those who allow themselves to become entangled and then
overcome by sin, they will suffer greater damnation than if
they had never been saved.
Consider what the unchanging LORD told His own covenant

people in Joshua 24:
If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods,

then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you,
after that he hath done you good. Joshua 24:20
458
The LORD reveals in His Word that His heart breaks when His
own people turn in spiritual adultery to other sources in place
of Him. This is idolatry and emanates from the prideful heart.
Look at what the Holy Spirit breathed in and through the
prophet Jeremiah for us to heed:
Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the LORD
hath spoken. Give glory to the LORD your God, be-
fore he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble
upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for
light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make
it gross darkness. But if ye will not hear it, my soul
shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine
eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, be-
cause the LORDS flock is carried away captive.
Jeremiah 13:15-17
This is why it is vitally important for believers to keep their

hearts before the LORD, moment by moment. Didnt our LORD
forewarn us? He warned us of allowing the cares of this
world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of oth-
er things which entering in, choke the word, and it be-
cometh unfruitful.
And these are they likewise which are sown on

stony ground; who, when they have heard the word,
immediately receive it with gladness; And have no
root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: af-
terward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for
the words sake, immediately they are offended. And
these are they which are sown among thorns; such
as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and
the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other
things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh
unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on
good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it,
and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty,
and some an hundred. Mark 4:16-20
The Master told us there are 3 things that will choke the Word
of God in us and cause us to lose out:
1. Cares of this world
2. The deceitfulness of riches
459
Lie of Ages
3. The lusts of other things
How does this happen?
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away

of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath
conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is
finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my be-
loved brethren. James 1:14-16
Thank God for the gift of repentance and how He so graciously

seeks to lead His children to return to Him.
Central to the biblical doctrine of repentance is Psalms 51

where the man after mine own heart cries out in utter des-
peration after sinning against the Almighty (Acts 13:22).
How many people do each of us know who once walked with

Jesus in a vibrant fellowship and yet today they no longer
walk with Him? Do you realize that restoring the backslider
will save the sinner from the error of his way and
shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude
of sins.
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and

one convert him; Let him know, that he which con-
verteth (restores) the sinner from the error of his
way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a
multitude of sins. James 5:19-20
There is much at stake. Did you realize that there will be worse
punishment in hell for the one who once knew Christ then
turned from Him?
And that servant, which knew his lords will, and

prepared not himself, neither did according to his
will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that
knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes,
shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoev-
er much is given, of him shall be much required: and
to whom men have committed much, of him they
will ask the more. Luke 12:47-48
460
PRAYER: LORD Jesus I love You supremely and do wish to nev-

er drift from Your holy presence. Fill me afresh with Your Holy
Spirit and strike my heart with Your holy fear. Cause my life to
be fruitful in Your kingdom as I am blessed to abide in You this
day. Bless me to be used by You to lead backsliders back home
to You! Amen.
461
Lie of Ages
CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE
ARE THE BELIEVERS PRESENT AND FUTURE

SINS AUTOMATICALLY FORGIVEN?
But IF we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we
Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we
say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and
the truth is not in us. IF we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:7-9
Wow, once again we witness that bone-crushing, lie-leveling,

Calvin-defying two-letter word which haunts every proponent
of the unconditional eternal security myth if. Read this
again if, if, if we confess then we are forgiven and
cleansed, but not until the sin is confessed. God is without fail
faithful to forgive if we will simply and sincerely confess our sins
in true repentance.
IF we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we

Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sinIF we
confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous-
ness. 1 John 1:7-9
462
The divine promise of ongoing forgiveness is conditional upon
the salvation recipient walking in the light of divine truth and
confessing his sins (1 Jn. 7, 9). This is saving faith in action
(Rom. 4-5). This is a manifestation in the life of every person
who possesses authentic saving faith (James 2). The if word
in this passage and many others should haunt any person who
still refuses to discard the OSAS heresy.
For IF we would judge ourselves, we should not be

judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of
the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the
world. 1 Corinthians 11:31-32
Only if we enjoin the LORD in fellowship, judging ourselves

and dealing with our sins and iniquitous tendencies, will we be
chastened of the Lord and not be condemned with the
world. Those who die outside of Gods grace will stand before
Him at the Great White Throne (Rev. 20:11-15). Here the Holy
Spirit blesses us to know exactly how to escape being
condemned with the world at the Great While Throne (Prov.
28:13; Rev. 20:11-15). One who stands before that Great White
Throne Judgment Seat is going to be issued a just sentence for
his termination into the bowels of hell which will be engulfed in
the lake of fire.
The OSAS proponents tout the unfounded myth that the truly
saved person is somehow mysteriously exonerated from all lia-
bility, penalty and responsibility of all sins, past, present and
FUTURE. Is this supposition biblically accurate? Where is this
found in the Bible? To the contrary, the Scripture states some-
thing much different:
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation

ness for the remission of sins that are PAST, through
the forbearance of God. Romans 3:25
Here the Lord had the perfect opportunity to tell us that all
sins, even future sins, were automatically forgiven regardless of
whether or not the transgressors heart was repentant or not.
The sins that are past are forgiven, thank God, but all fu-
ture sins will be forgiven when and if repentance is rendered
toward the Lord by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit (Rom.
8:13; 1 Jn. 1:7, 9). Actually the LORD had 27 books in the New
Testament canon alone to tell His people they are uncondition-
463
Lie of Ages
ally forgiven of all future sins no matter what they choose to

do, and He simply didnt. The absence of even the hint of such
should make it abundantly clear that the forgiveness of the fu-
ture sins of the individual believer is contingent upon his
choice to continue to walk with Christ's light (1 Jn. 1:7).
What the OSAS proponent doesnt acknowledge or understand

is that all sins, past, present, and future, have been paid for,
yet the forgiveness of them is only appropriated by and granted
to the individual when and as confession and repentance is
rendered (1 Jn. 1:7, 9). We have the Word of God on this truth!
As His Word clearly reveals, God set this system up and any
person who disagrees can argue with Him if they wish to. Any
person who doesnt acknowledge this plain Bible truth has
fashioned in his heart the image of a false god made in his own
sinful image and likeness. When we honestly observe His
Counsel, we witness that the LORD simply never indiscrimi-
nately washes away sins from anyone. There must be confes-
sion and repentance and faith.
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins
for ever, sat down on the right hand of God. (Heb. 10:12)
Salvation was paid for by Jesus once on the cross 2,000
years ago (Jn. 19:30; 1 Pet. 3:18). God dealt with all sins once
and for all on the cross in the sense of satisfying the claims of
His perfect justice (Rom. 3:24-25; 2 Cor. 5:19). The way that
applies to the individuals life is different. The same God who
dealt with sin on the cross also equally gave condition for men
to receive forgiveness initially and on an ongoing basis. The
LORD draws. No person can come to Him except drawn by Him
yet He leaves the final decision up to the individual (Jos.
24:15; Jn. 6:44). His desire is to save and not destroy, to res-
cue and not condemn (Lk. 9:56; Jn. 3:17). The one who will be
in right standing with the Almighty must get in and remain in
the relational will of God by repentance and faith in Christ
alone (Acts 3:19; 20:21). Peter was rescued again or re-
converted after sinning (Lk. 22:31-32). James 5:19-20 speaks
of restoring or rescuing a perishing brother who errs into sin
and spiritual death (James 5:19-20). Spiritual death is separa-
tion from God through sin and must be restored to re-establish
the relationship (1 Jn. 1:6-10).
In many cases, the false security gospel is a message re-

ceived by those who choose to deny Jesus rather than self
464
and still wish to be exonerated for living a life that the Al-
mighty sees as rebellion. In many cases these same people
maintain an outward form of godliness. (2 Tim. 3:1-5)
The Word here should be to them an awakening to the reali-
ty of getting and staying holy before the living God. The
keeping grace of the God and a life of repentance are essen-
tial to the righteous being preserved to the end (1 Pet. 1:5).
And others save with fear, pulling them out of

the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the
flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from
falling, and to present you faultless before the
presence of his glory with exceeding joy. Jude
23-24
Sin Breaches

Exodus 32:33
Why would any person who truly loves God want a license to
live in rebellion against Him by living in sin and not confessing
and repenting? Shouldnt believers fight the good fight of
faith and lay hold on eternal life, overcoming that which
offends the One they claim to love? The command to Fight
the good fight of faith is written to believers. Saints are to
violently fight the good fight of faith, laying hold on eternal life.
The divine call is not a call to engage in a physical war but ra-
ther one to conquer the flesh, enabling the saint to overcome
the enemies of his LORD and Savior (Isa. 58; Lk. 9:23-24; 1
Cor. 9:27; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Gal. 2:20; 1 Jn. 3:8). Will He not em-
power us as we live by faith and obey His Majesty? (2 Cor.
12:9; Phil. 2:12-13; 1 Tim. 6:12; 1 Pet. 1:5)
The Exodus of the Israelites under Moses leadership (a type of

Christ the Deliverer) represents being brought out of sin and
the world system by being birthed into the kingdom of light and
translated out of the kingdom of darkness (Col. 1:13-14). After
being brought out of Egypt and into the promise land, Gods
people were then to fight and overcome their enemies through
obedience to the One who is their Deliverer, the very Author
and Finisher of their faith (Heb. 12:1-3). Deuteronomy 20:1-4
speaks concerning the people of God fighting after they were
delivered from sin, Satan, and the world.
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Lie of Ages
Could it be that the person who seeks to justify sin doesnt tru-
ly love God but rather himself? (James 1:22; 1 Jn 2:4-5; 3:18)
Do they deny Christ or self in their daily lives? It seems that
some would rather live this earthly life in honor of themselves
and vainly believe that they are eternally secure or once
saved always saved.
Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and

canst not look on iniquity. Habakkuk 1:13
The absurdity and rebellion of believing that a holy God would

accept and bring to Heaven a vile sinner who walks away from
Him, is unholy, sac religious, unscriptural, and downright
blasphemous.
Did you realize that God broke His promise to His own covenant
people due to their rebellion? See Numbers 14.
ye shall know my breach of promise. Numbers 14:34
The LORD broke (breached) His promise to covenant Israel due

to their disobedience (sins against Him). All of Holy Scripture
testifies to the truth that His promises are conditional upon the
obedience of the recipient.
But your (Gods own people) iniquities have separat-

ed between you and your God, and your sins have
hid his face from you, that he will not hear. Isaiah
59:2
God is holy beloved, and sin separates people from Him. This is
a basic Bible reality and without the understanding of this sim-
ple truth, we are doomed to be deceived. For the human race, it
started with Adam and Eve, who were separated from the Lord
when they sinned against His clear command (Gen. 2:17; 3:24;
Rom. 5:12). Did Jesus shedding His blood somehow now excuse
New Testament believers from living holy? Are their blatant and
un-confessed sins not counted against them now? In the ab-
sence of any hint of such, the answer is obvious. There is no
mythical wand waved over Gods people since Jesus came and
died for our sins. There is no automatic covering of the willful
sins of saved people. Not one Scripture hints that we are some-
how excused from living lives separated unto Him.
466
Did the Almighty somehow cease to be holy? If so, when? If He

didnt, we deceive only ourselves to think He will ever accept sin
into His holy Heaven.
There has been no diminishing of the eternal attribute of divine

holiness (Lev. 19:2; Isa. 57:15; 1 Tim. 6:16). His attributes are
eternal as He is. In fact, because He is holy, He came to die for
our sins to make us holy as He is holy. All this He did to initially
make us clean and on an ongoing basis as we await our meeting
together with Him (Jn. 13:8; Eph. 5:25-27; 1 Thess. 1:10; 1 Jn.
1:3-2:2). This leaves us with no excuse for remaining in our sins.
The wages of sin is still death (separation from the

Lord). Romans 6:23
Didnt Jesus require Peter to repent and be converted or re-

stored, after he sinned? (Lk. 22:31-32) Repentance was a ne-
cessity as is the case for any saint who falls away in sin (James
5:19-20).
Sin must be diligently dealt with (Mk. 9:43-49; Rom. 6; Col. 3:5-
10; 1 Pet. 2:11). We are told that one must confess and forsake
them to receive His mercy afresh. Those who cover their sins
without divulging, confessing and forsaking them, will not pros-
per.

According to the Word, arent brethren who err in need of

being converted or brought back to repentance afresh? In such
a case, isnt ones soul saved again from death and the
multitude of sins forgiven?

verteth the sinner from the error of his way shall
save a soul from death (eternal separation), and shall
hide a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20
Again, Gods holiness is an eternal attribute of His. Holiness is
467
Lie of Ages
the essence of His nature. He is holiness Personified. He who

was holy, is holy, and will forever be holy. He cannot be other-
wise and demands the same of those who will be His, now and
forever.
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I

am the LORD your God. Leviticus 20:7
In order to remain in the state of holiness, the believer must

continue to humbly acknowledge his sins and obtain the for-
giveness of the LORD.
Genuine saving faith includes repentance from sin and total

trust in Jesus Christ, which produces a life of seeking the Lord
with ones whole heart, thereby producing Christ-like holiness
in daily living (Acts 20:21; Lk. 13:3, 5; Heb. 12:14; 1 Jn. 2:3-6).
The abandonment and refusal of so many of todays leaders to

declare repentance is a mockery of God and an utter affront to
His holiness. The modern false gospel peddled by the seeker-
sensitive and emergent church business entrepreneurs is com-
pletely foreign to the message of the New Testament which the
early Church continued steadfast in (Lk. 13:3, 5; 24:47; Acts
2:38, 42-47; 3:19; 20:21). Make no mistake: Only a counterfeit
leader would dare remove such an essential component as the
very holiness of God and the necessity of His people to fully and
continually repent before Him (Lam. 2:14).
Some people are so arrogant that they suppose the Almighty

God who is Holy, holy, holy somehow ceases to be holy and
would not cut them off for their sins due to the fact that He ini-
tially saved them (Isa. 1:18-20; 6:3; Amos 9:10; Rev. 4:8). Such
a notion reveals the height of blindness caused by pride, arro-
gance, and a self-serving heart (Isaiah 56:10-12).
Blatant and ongoing sin is the antithesis of divine holiness and

that which He ordained His people to experience and walk in (1
Pet. 1:15-16). How can sin and holiness co-exist? We should
pray and seek to more thoroughly understand the truth of His
holiness and that in lieu of His holiness sin separates people
from God and God from His people. To His own people, the Lord
said: Your iniquities have separated between you and your
God. (Isa. 59:2) In Heaven, from eternity past, and in eternity
future, the Almighty has and will be lauded and exalted with
this one word descriptive of His nature, thrice consecutively
468
holy:
And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy,

holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of
his glory. Isaiah 6:3
And the four beasts had each of them six wings

about him; and they were full of eyes within: and
they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to
come. Revelation 4:8
While God has revealed to us several aspects of His nature, it is

interesting to note that only the word holy is used three
times successively to solemnly praise Him and in revealing one
of the attributes of His nature.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was,

and is, and is to come. Revelation 4:8
Holiness is the enemy of sin and vice versa. It is the enemy of

the antichrist in our midst who hide behind their sham faade
teaching of once saved, always saved.
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on

him, IF ye continue in my word, then are ye my dis-
ciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the
truth shall make you free...Jesus answered them,
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth
sin is the servant of sin. And the servant (of sin)
abideth (remains) not in the house (Gods) for ever:
but the Son abideth ever. John 8:31-35
Whoso privily (secretly) slandereth his neighbour,

him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a
proud heart will not I suffer (to remain in His pres-
ence)...He that worketh deceit shall not dwell
(remain) within my house: he that telleth lies shall
not tarry (continue) in my sight. I will early destroy
all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off ALL
wicked doers from the city of the LORD. Psalms
101:5, 7-8
Four times the Bible states that names can be and are blotted
out of the book of life all because God is Holy, holy, holy.
469
Lie of Ages
How important is it to be made holy by Christs precious blood

and have ones name written and remaining in the book of life?
And whosoever was not found written in the book of

life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15
It is obvious that those names which are blotted OUT, had to

first have been written IN the book of life in order to be blotted
OUT of it (Exod. 32:32; Ps. 69:28; Rev. 3:5; 22:19).

which NO man shall see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14
Space does not permit listing the plethora of Scripture reveal-

ing that the Lord will not allow sin into His presence no mat-
ter what His previous relationship with a person was (have you
closely studied Joshua 6-7 and Ezekiel 33:12-13?).
But now being made free from sin, and become

servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness,
and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is
death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Je-
sus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:22-23
Holiness is the manifest fruit of eternal life. If one doesnt

possess the fruit of personal holiness a life separated unto
the LORD, it is because he does not possess eternal life. The
payment for living in sin is spiritual death. (Rom. 6:23; 8:13)
Those who are truly Christs are made free from sin and are
servants to God and have their fruit unto holiness, and
the end everlasting life. Did you note that in verse 22 there
is a clear correlation between holiness and everlasting
life?
Polycarp, an early church disciple who existed before Augus-

tine and Calvin, still held fast to, observed, and maintained the
original Gospel given to us by the LORD and His apostles.
Such is evidenced in this following statement of his to a fellow
saint of Christ:
Having obtained good proof that thy mind is fixed in

God as upon an immovable rock, I loudly glorify [His
name] that I have been thought worthy [to behold] thy
blameless face which may I ever enjoy in God! I entreat
thee, by the grace with which thou art clothed, to press
470
forward in thy course, and to exhort all that they may be
saved. Maintain thy position with all care, both in the
flesh and spirit. (The Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp 1:1)
Polycarp was one of the apostle Johns direct disciples who ex-
isted before most of the apostasy from truth occurred. Polycarp
still embraced and taught the original Gospel given Him by
John. As Christ and His apostles instructed, He taught that
maintaining ones place with God was essential to final salva-
tion and if one didnt hold his position, all would be lost.
A Special People
According to His Word, Jesus Christ gave Himself for us that

He might redeem and purify unto Himself a peculiar people em-
powered by His grace.
our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us,

that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify
unto himself a peculiar (special) people, zealous of
good works. Titus 2:13-14
Why did Jesus come to die for you? According to Titus 2 the
Bible says of Jesus Christ Who gave himself for us
that he might redeem us from all iniquity

that he mightpurify unto himself a peculiar
people, zealous of good works
Why would the divinely-breathed truth of this passage ever

need explanation? Explanation and defense of this truth is only
necessarily because there are those who are bent on proving an
erroneous, pre-conceived position that is contrary to whole of
the Word of God.
How many sins did it take for God who is holy to remove the
first man and woman from His presence? Just, one right? Was
their relationship with Him perfect before they sinned against
Him? Yes. Why did Jesus come? Was it not to restore that rela-
tionship Adam and Eve knew? (Rom.5) What separated them?
Sin, right? So, to believe that no sin can separate the saved
person from the LORD would be absurd, unfounded and bla-
tantly contrary to what is revealed in Scripture. Did the Al-
mighty cease to be HOLY all because He saved your wretched
soul? Do all things now revolve around high and mighty YOU
471
Lie of Ages
and your self-serving desire to be able to live in sin and still

feel secure? That is delusional moral cowardice at best. Hell
awaits.
To concoct in ones mind the image of a deity who grants his

people freedom to sin with no consequence is to worship at the
altar of a false god. Such is completely contrary to what the
God of Scripture told us of Himself. He came to die to forgive,
deliver and empower us to overcome sin so that we dont have
it in our lives (Matt. 1:21; Jn. 1:29; Tit. 2:13-14; 1 Jn. 3:5). He
did not come to free us to live in sin but rather that he might
redeem us from all iniquitythat he mightpurify unto
himself a peculiar people. (Rom. 6:1-2, 15; Tit. 2:11-14).
And ye know that he was manifested to TAKE AWAY

our sins; and in him is no sin. 1 John 3:5
The bottom line truth is that we all still sin against Him and
are required to ask the LORD for His forgiveness and stay
cleansed, especially in light of Christs soon return (Lk. 21:34-
36; 22:31-32; Heb. 4:14-16; 2 Pet. 3:10-14; 1 Jn. 1:7-2:2). We
have never been told by the LORD that we have a license to sin
with no need to confess and repent (Ps 32:5; 38:18; 51:1-17;
69:5; Prov. 28:13; James 5:19-20; 1 Jn. 1:9; 2:1-2).
The LORD granted us His grace not to live in sin but rather
to bless and empower us to please Him fully now in this pre-
sent world and as we eagerly await His glorious return for His
remnant body (Tit. 2:11-14).
Quoting Davids words in Psalms 32, the apostle Paul writes:
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of

the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness
without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniq-
uities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute
sin. Romans 4:6-8
The blessed place to be is where we have a real walk with

God, one that is accountable, repentant, and obedient. As we
do, we are in His holy light and the blood of Jesus Christ His
Son cleanses us from all sin!
Of the true follower of Christ, Andrew Murray wrote:
472
He (true believer) to be partaker, not only of the grace,
but also of the holiness of his Lord; or rather; he sees
that holiness is the chief beauty of grace. To live the
life of Christ means to him to be delivered from the life
of self; the will of Christ is to him the only path of lib-
erty from the slavery of his own evil self-will. p. 188
Abide In Christ
The LORD Almighty is a great God who has granted to us this

so great salvation which He wrought through Christ alone
(Jn. 19:30; 2 Cor. 5:19; Heb. 2:3). The LORD is a God of great
mercy and forgiveness and yet He requires the participation
of the one who is currently and desires to be continually for-
given.
PRAYER: Jesus please cleanse me afresh. I humble myself be-

fore You and acknowledge my sins and ask that You wash me
clean with Your sinless blood and strike the fear of the LORD in
my heart. Bless my inner man that I might never excuse my sins
but rather confess and forsake them in godly sorrow. Strengthen
my heart with Your Holy Spirit to glorify Your name in fruitful
living till the end. Amen.
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER THIRTY SIX
IS REPENTANCE NECESSARY
FOR BELIEVERS?
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all
likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the
tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that
they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jeru-
salem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall
all likewise perish. Luke 13:3-5
While preaching to several thousand people, the apostle Peter

declared:
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your

sins may be blotted out, when the times of refresh-
ing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts
3:19
Though false prophets selectively pick and choose what they

wish to deliver to their audiences to accomplish their own
agenda, the Holy Spirit will never change the original Gospel
message (Ps. 89:34; Jn. 10:35; Rom. 3:3-4). When giving the
Great Commission mandate to the New Testament Church, Je-
sus commanded that repentance and remission of sins be
preached to every generation:
474
And that repentance and remission of sins should
be preached in his name among all nations, begin-
ning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47
Jesus told the Ephesian believers that they had left loving Him
first place (as their first love) and that if they didnt repent,
He would remove His presence from them. This was a threat.
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen,

and repent, and do the first works; or else I will
come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candle-
stick out of his place, except thou repent. Revela-
tion 2:5
According to the revelation of the Holy Spirit given to the

prophet Jeremiah, false prophets do not uncover the sins of
Gods people and therefore have no need to preach repentance
for the remission of sins:

thee: and they have not discovered (exposed) thine
iniquity, to turn away thy captivity (bondage); but
have seen for thee false burdens and causes of ban-
ishment (non-essentials). Lamentations 2:14
Here the Holy Spirit reveals the tactic of the false prophets
among Gods people in Jeremiahs day they have not dis-
covered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity. The
leaders among Gods people did not want to lay bare the sins
they were all committing which were keeping them captive (in
captivity) to the enemy. Perhaps, like so many in leadership po-
sitions today, these men had their own agenda and it wasnt
Gods agenda, so they wanted to make the people feel good
about themselves (like the ultra popular self-love message
taught in our day) in order to seduce them to help build that
big church building and advance their own careers/agendas.
In order to accomplish their personal agenda to advance their
own careers they follow peers and make light of sin.
Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets

(leaders), saith the LORD, that steal my words every
one from his neighbour. Behold, I am against the
prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues,
and say, He saith. 32Behold, I am against them that
prophesy false dreams (visions), saith the LORD, and
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Lie of Ages
do tell them, and cause my people to err by their

lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor
commanded them: therefore they shall not profit
this people at all, saith the LORD. Jeremiah 23:30-
32
The LORD God is against leaders who do not teach His Word
by His Spirit. He says they cause my people to err by their
lies, and by their lightness.
Here are the 2 things the Holy Spirit identifies that misled lead-
ers do:
cause my people to err by their lies (Jer. 23:32)

cause my people to err by theirlightness (Jer.
23:32)
Taking a light view of the holiness of God and the sins that vio-
late His holiness, is a deadly and damning endeavor and being
perpetrated by the blind leaders who are leading many astray
in this late hour (Matt. 15:14).
False Burdens and Causes of Banishment
In chapter 8 Jeremiah also pens these inspired words concern-

ing what the false leaders of his day were doing. He said that
they have seen for thee false burdens and causes of ban-
ishment.
False Burdens Jeremiah reveals that instead of leading the

LORDs people into repentance from unholy things, those false
prophets have seen for thee false burdens and causes of
banishment. In other words, those leaders, like the false
teachers in our day, tended to the fanfare of lighter things like
the modern-day prosperity message, church growth, self-help
programs, how to cope with problems and various dainty non-
essentials taught by fad authors.
In the text below, let us look at what Jeremiah says further

concerning those who held positions of leadership among the
LORDs people in that day. Also, we should ask: Has anything
changed? Is this what the LORD sees among those in leader-
ship today who have come in His name but dont bear His fruit
and doctrine?
The wise men (leaders) are ashamed, they are dis-

476
mayed and taken (morally weakened through sin): lo,
they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what
wisdom is in them?...for every one from the least
even unto the greatest is given to covetousness,
from the prophet even unto the priest every one
dealeth falsely. For they have healed the hurt of the
daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace;
when there is no peace. Were they ashamed when
they had committed abomination? nay, they were
not at all ashamed, neither could they blush
(hardened hearts, seared consciences): therefore
shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of
their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the
LORD. Jeremiah 8:9-12
By removing repentance from their message, the false prophets

had healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly
(superficially), saying, Peace, peace; when there is no
peace. They removed the essential message of repentance
from sin before a holy, eternal God except ye repent, ye
shall all likewise perish. (Lk. 13:3) These men had rejected
the word of the LORD in their personal lives and therefore in
their service to the LORD. Though they once personally em-
braced and preached repentance, they now became wiser than
the Almighty and therefore leaned to their own darkened un-
derstanding, vainly believing they knew what their modern gen-
eration needed more than the LORD Professing themselves
to be wise, they became fools. (Rom. 1:22) After all, things
had changed right? They lived in a new age, more enlightened
than any previous time in history correct? Wrong. Since the
fall of man in the Garden, the heart of the human problem has
been sin and repentance from sin was and is mans only hope
in contacting His Makers grace and mercy. In order to be justi-
fied exonerated from the punishment and penalty of sin, one
must fall upon the divine mercy of the One who is full of
compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in
mercy and truth. (Ps. 86:15)
Why were Gods people not ashamed when they had com-
mitted abomination? Because the leaders dealt falsely.
There was no convicting teaching on sin and holiness and judg-
ment and repentance among them. Their leaders were betray-
ing the LORD and His people for their own self-gain
(covetousness). Nothing has changed in our day.
477
Lie of Ages
Jeremiah goes on to reveal:
The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we

are not saved. For the hurt of the daughter of my
people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath tak-
en hold on me. Is there no balm in Gilead; is there
no physician there? why then is not the health of
the daughter of my people recovered? Jeremiah
8:20-22
Is there no balm in Gilead This rhetorical question given

by the LORD here was whether or not there was still a healing
balm, blessed yoke-breaking anointing or Savior among the
people of the LORD. Yes there was but He was being kept at
bay by the sheer refusal of those in leadership to give the call
of repentance. The leaders refused to call Gods covenant peo-
ple from the sins that separated the people from Him who is
Holy, holy, holy. (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8)
The same exact scenario was a reality in the days of Isaiah the
prophet. It was not the LORD who abandoned His people but
rather His people abandoned Him and were suffering greatly
for it. Their sins were withholding the blessings He longed to
bestow upon them. His hand or ability to bless was not dimin-
ished. Not one bit! Yet, He wasnt delivering them due to their
rebellion against Him who is holy.
Behold, the LORDS hand is not shortened, that it

cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot
hear: But your iniquities have separated between you
and your God, and your sins have hid his face from
you, that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:1-2
In the 15th chapter, the prophet Jeremiah pens these words:

Does sin separate? Does sin disconnect the covenant recipient

from the God who made the covenant?
478
hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words,
and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all
iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render
the calves of our lips. Hosea 14:1-2
Return simply means to turn again re-turn. When Gods

people turn afresh to Him and away from the iniquities in their
lives and render their hearts and words of repentance to Him,
all sin is graciously washed away and innocence and relation-
ship restored.
But your iniquities have separated between you and

your God, and your sins have hid his face from you,
that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:2
Some mainline evangelical denominations are famous for

teaching that under the New Covenant, the believer cannot
jeopardize his place with God after once being genuinely saved,
no matter what sins he chooses to commit after being initially
justified. They teach both blatantly and subtlety, that repent-
ance for sins committed after being saved is optional and does
not endanger the soul of the sinning saint. This lie flies in the
face of volumes of warnings in the Old and New Testament
Scriptures written specifically to Gods covenant people. To the
avid student of Scripture who listens and hears the divine mes-
sage of Holy Writ, such a teaching is an insult to his faith-filled
and informed intelligence. The continuing need to stay in rela-
tionship with the LORD is a serious reality to the true disciple.
Such takes regular repentance from all that He told us offends
Him.

One has not yet understood the elementary truths of the Bible
if he does not have a fresh and ongoing revelation that God is
479
Lie of Ages
holy and therefore sin separates those made in His holy image
from Him. In the divine economy, repentance (a complete re-
turn to the LORD and relinquishing of all known sin) is neces-
sary to contact His mercy through Christs blood, which brings
cleansing and restoration.
Did Paul Believe Repentance from Sin was Important?
Notice these final words penned to the church at Corinth:
For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you

such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you
such as ye would not: lest there be debates, en-
vyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings,
swellings, tumults: And lest, when I come again, my
God will humble me among you, and that I shall be-
wail many which have sinned already, and have not
repented of the uncleanness and fornication and las-
civiousness which they have committed. 2 Corin-
thians 12:21
These are the very last words the apostle Paul wrote to the Co-
rinthian believers. If repentance from sins was not important to
the LORD, why would the Holy Spirit have inspired His apostle
to cite these believers for being unrepentant? Here Paul speaks
of bewailing many which have sinned already, and have
not repented. As an under-shepherd true to the Master
Shepherd, Paul knew these sins they had not relinquished en-
dangered the souls of these beloved people he was called to
oversee. Here are the sins the Holy Spirit cites some of the Co-
rinthians for committing without repenting:
Debates (contentious spirit bent upon strife)

Envyings
Wraths
Strifes
Backbitings
Whisperings (sowing discord)
Swellings (haughtiness)
Tumults (turmoil)
480
Uncleanness (fornication)
Fornication (includes any and all forms of sexual
immorality sex outside of marriage)
Lasciviousness (lack of restraint from sinning)
It is clear that these sins jeopardized the souls of these Corin-
thians, otherwise the Holy Ghost would not have had Paul pen
these words. It was essential that they repent, turning back to
the LORD with a whole heart (Hos. 14:1-3; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph.
5:5-7; Rev. 21:8, 21).
Many erroneously teach that if a person seems to walk away

from God after being in right standing with Him, they were not
saved to begin with. Those who espouse such a farce ignore the
fact that there are four, not three types of people who do any
one of four different things after hearing Gods Word (Lk. 8:12-
15). Again, there are four soils not three and anyone who ig-
nores any one of these hearers will have a skewed understand-
ing of the kingdom of God. It is also obvious from the words of
Christ here that people have free will and the choice to remain
or change the way they treat God and His Word in their lives.
Diligently study Luke 8:12-15 prayerfully, defining and medi-
tating upon the four heart-types Jesus taught.
While offering forgiveness, the LORD also promised to punish

all those who did not repent and those of His own people who
were transgressors and forsook the LORD. (Isa. 1:18-20,
28, 31) He also promised to abundantly bless those of His peo-
ple who returned to Him though your sins be as scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like
crimson, they shall be as woolye shall eat the good of the
land. (Isa. 1:18-20)
After being set apart to the LORD (made holy) the believer is
responsible to remain in that condition washed (1 Jn. 1:6-10;
2:1-6). Those in leadership who neglect to teach the necessity
of continuing repentance for committed or omitted sins, err as
they paint to their hearers a flawed picture of the divine econo-
my. Such a gross omission is costly and teaches men that they
can have the benefits of Heaven without possessing the holi-
ness of the heavenly LORD.

481
Lie of Ages
lest any man fail of the grace of God Hebrews

12:14-15
Any person in a place of influence who leads people to believe

that there is no need to be made holy on an ongoing basis, is
not following the LORDs command to preach repentance
among all nations (peoples) as Jesus commanded.
And that repentance and remission of sins should

be preached in his name among all nations, begin-
ning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47
Friend, let me interject here that any person who does not
honor the words of Jesus, simply and unmistakably does not
honor Jesus (Mk. 8:34; Jn. 8:47; 14:15, 21). Holiness and
repentance go hand in hand. Any person who will be made
holy as only the LORD can do, must repent from that which
He calls sin (Ps. 4:3; 51:1-19). If you are going to be pre-
served to the end in the truth, you must run from any per-
son in leadership who does not regularly teach Gods people
the absolute necessity of divine grace and repentance for
the essential of holiness unto the LORD. (Zech. 14:20-
21) Such a person has no business in leadership and re-
grettably, this description fits the majority of those who lead
or communicate in the modern church world via pulpits,
Sunday school, books and various media.
The Evidence of True Repentance

with) repentance...And now also the axe is laid unto
the root of the trees: therefore every tree which
bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast
into the fire. Matthew 3:8-10
God loves and requires fruit (Jn. 15:1-6, 16). According to the
LORD Jesus, all who are not truly rooted in Christ at death will
be hewn down, and cast into the fire of eternal damnation
(Matt. 3:10; Mk. 9:43-49; Lk. 13:3, 5). Christ taught that all
those in Him who do not remain intimate with Him (abide) will
cease bearing good fruit and He will cast them into the fire,
and they are burned. He casts them into the fire to be
burned. (Jn. 15:1-6) Hell awaits all who once in Him fall
away and do not return to an intimate relationship with the
only Way of Salvation (Jn. 14:6; 2 Pet. 2:20-21). This is a basic
482
Bible truth. Such a fundamental truth of Scripture has been
utterly covered up and hidden by the enemy of all souls
through a counterfeit priesthood of leaders who have offered
the polluted bread of a false security and lead millions to
worship at the altar of an unholy god who guarantees eternal
life without holiness to those living in sin (Mal. 1:7; Matt. 5:8;
Heb. 12:14).
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is

hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their
fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:19-20
Jesus Christ taught us that the fruit of every persons life

testifies to the reality of who that person truly is by their
fruits ye shall know them. (Matt. 7:16, 19). Fruit is always
the evidence of what is actually in a persons heart (Matt.
12:34; Gal. 5:22-23). The fruit is always determined by the root
which is decided by the volitional decisions made by the indi-
vidual (Matt. 7:21-29; Lk. 6:46-49; Rom. 11:16). When we walk
by a tree we cannot see the root system because it is not visi-
ble, but we can see the health and fruit of the tree which is
above ground and visible. Jesus told us that people are known
or discerned by their fruit (Matt. 7:15-21). In this the Son of
God teaches His people how to discern by their fruits ye
shall know (discern) them.
Jesus did not say we would know who is true and who is false
by their mere profession of faith or position or by their miracles
or good works. Of the many of those who hold positions of
leadership and use His name to cast out devils, prophesy and
do miracles, He told us that they will not make it to Heaven.
Jesus said Many (who use His holy name and dont know
Him) will say to me (Christ) in that day, Lord, Lord (Matt.
7:22-23) They call Him Lord, Lord today and will also be
forced to bow confess Him as LORD just before they are sent to
eternal fire (Phil. 2:10-11). The many He speaks of are those
who operate ministries today calling Jesus their LORD and per-
forming works using His name and yet do not bear the earmark
spiritual fruit of knowing Him, hence His horrible words of eter-
nal termination And then will I profess unto them, I never
knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matt.
7:23)
The good news is that if we are false today there still remains
the grace and space to repent and turn our lives over afresh to
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Lie of Ages
the One we either have never met or once knew and departed
from (to serve our own self-interests). As His grace enables,
godly repentance is a product of the holy fear of the LORD and
an essential component to the divinely-given equation of resto-
ration (2 Cor. 7:9-10).
Christ obviously wanted us to divide between those who are

true and those who are false, so He instructed His people to be
fruit inspectors Beloved, believe NOT every spirit, but try
(test) the spirits whether they are of God: because MANY
(not a few) false prophets are gone out into the world. (1
Jn. 4:1) Christ would never have told us to know or discern
people by the fruits of their lives if He didnt fully intend for
us to inspect the fruit of peoples lives to get a read on who
they really are. In this vitally important Matthew 7 passage, the
Son of God spoke specifically in respect to distinguishing the
many false leaders or false prophets in sheeps clothing.
Inspecting fruit involves looking for the fruit of the Spirit
and not the spiritual gifts (Gal. 5:22-23; 1 Cor. 12:1). The
nine dimensional fruit or evidence of the Holy Spirits work can
only come to fruition in the abiding disciple But the fruit of
the Spirit is love, joy, peace (Gal. 5:22-23) People can fake
or actually operate in the spiritual gifts while being out of
fellowship with the LORD, and so gifts are no indication of
knowing the LORD (Matt. 7:21-23). Though there are good
works to do in His name and power and for His glory, these
works do not guarantee one is true to God (Matt. 7:22-23).
Casting out devils, winning souls, performing miracles, prophe-
sying, writing books, doing TV or radio programs, singing for
the LORD, or teaching Sunday school are good works to do and
yet there is no guarantee the person doing them is rooted and
grounded in the divine Person of Jesus Christ who is the abso-
lute identity of every true believer (see Matt. 7:19-23; 1 Cor.
2:2; Gal. 6:14). Only the grace of God and the believers contin-
ual abiding in Christ with obedience and regular repentance
from sin assures the good fruit of the Spirit that God alone can
produce.
Also, an essential earmark of all who are true to the LORD is

that they are students and communicators of His Word alone
and do not operate according to any other agenda except His
(Isa. 8:20; Jn. 8:47; 2 Tim. 3:15-17). The leader or person who
is not preaching the Word out of a broken and contrite spirit
according to the full-counsel of the Scriptures, but rather some
484
other doctrine or persuasion for any other purpose than to glo-
rify God, must repent (2 Cor. 2:17; 4:2; Tit. 3:10; 1 Pet. 4:11).
Paul commanded us to Teach no other doctrine and to
Preach the word. (1 Tim. 1:3; 2 Tim. 4:2)
Knowing people by their fruits does not involve condemning an-

other person or possessing an evil critical spirit, but it does in-
volve discerning who they really are in order for the believer to
be able to determine his involvement with that person. The
LORD doesnt intend for His people to be nave or blind to reali-
ty and so instructs us to know people by the fruit seen in their
lives (Prov. 14:15; 1 Jn. 4:1).
When a person repents, he will despise and be ashamed of the

sinful things he did before turning to Christ or back to Christ
again (Lk. 22:31-32; Rom. 6:21). Repentance involves laying an
axe to the root of any sinning member of ones life (Matt. 3:10;
Mk. 9:43-39).
And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the
trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth
good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Mat-
thew 3:10
And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better

for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two
hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be
quenched. Mark 9:43
True repentance always brings proof. The evidence that one

has truly repented will be seen in the fruits produced and
deeds lived out by that person (Gal. 5:22-23; 1 Jn. 3:8-10). The
one who has turned completely to the righteous LORD and
Savior will bring forth the fruit of holiness and love.
repent and turn to God, and do works meet for

(consistent with) repentance. Acts 26:20
True repentance always yields good fruit Bring forth there-

fore fruits meet for repentance. (Matt. 3:8) In Luke 19 we
see an example of true repentance, bore out by the good fruit
and works of Zacchaeus who resolutely turned from his own
way to the LORD Jesus. Zacchaeus was a little man in physical
stature but large when it comes to blessedness in the kingdom
of God.
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Lie of Ages
And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.

And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus,
which was the chief among the publicans, and he
was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was;
and could not for the press, because he was little of
stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a
sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that
way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked
up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus,
make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide
at thy house. And he made haste, and came down,
and received him joyfully 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. And Jesus said unto him, This day is
salvation come to this house Luke19:1-9
Like David, Zacchaeus knew how to repent when he was con-

victed and drawn by the LORD (Ps. 51). Salvation which in-
cludes all the blessings of the LORD, came to Zacchaeus when
he repented. This quality of returning quickly to the LORD -
is essential to maintaining a relationship with the one true God
who is Holy, holy, holy. (Isa. 6:3) I fully believe that Jesus
loves it when His people are fervent and swift to repent when
they err.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous

therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:19
Repentance is a gift from God and out of His love for us, the
LORD motivates His people to repent by rebuking and chas-
tening us when needed (Prov. 3:12; Rev. 3:19; 2 Tim. 2:24-26;
Heb. 12:1-17). Gods initiating and heart-influencing grace and
our willingness and obedience to repent restores relationship
and refreshes the saint, blessing him afresh to sup or dine
and fellowship with Jesus (Acts 3:19; Rev. 3:19-20). The LORD
delights to restore broken fellowship and will seek to draw to
Himself those who once knew Him and have since slipped
backward by their sin.
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying,

Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love:
therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
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Jeremiah 31:3
The Lie Travels Through the Centuries
The insidious and diabolical nature of Calvinism is that man

has absolutely no responsibility to obey a holy God and even in
total rebellion and sinfulness, the LORD will bring him to His
holy Heaven as long as that man has at one point in his life,
truly believed upon Jesus. In contrast the Word of God tells us
that only those who remain in holiness before the LORD are
going to see Him (Matt. 5:8; Heb. 12:14). This happens by the
initiating grace of God and the response of the individual to
obey that compelling To day if ye will hear his voice, hard-
en not your hearts, as in the provocation. (Heb. 3:15)
The Bible teaches us that the perpetual forgiveness of the be-

lievers sins is contingent upon his personal repentance in con-
tinuing to return to Christ as first love.

Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we
say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and
the truth is not in us. IF we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:7-9
The sovereign and holy God of Heaven has limited the grace of
His forgiveness to those who confess and repent of their sins
initially and ongoing.
He (anyone once saved or not) that covereth

(hides does not confess) his sins shall not prosper:
but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have
Only those who acknowledge, confess and forsake sin as God

defines sin in His Word shall have mercy and all who dont
wont. To the contrary of the truth and among many other
atrocities, the grace-perverting teaching of once saved always
saved thumbs a nose at the unalterable divine attribute of ho-
liness and grants a license to sin to those who are ensnared in
its clutches (Rom. 6:16). Titus 2:11-14 and volumes of other
Bible passages are a literal nightmare to grace-perverting,
Scripture-twisting, truth-dodging modern beguilers who seek to
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Lie of Ages
perpetrate a grace and salvation plan that is completely foreign

to what the LORD has given us in His Holy Word. Hard-hearted
and self-driven leaders refuse to acknowledge numerous Bible
passages which do not pander to their own personal agenda to
position their audiences just where they want them for their
own purpose and agenda. All scripture is given by inspira-
tion of God, not just some of the Scripture in the Bible, but
rather All. See 2 Timothy 3:16. By withholding Titus 2 from
the ears of their audiences, grace-corrupting leaders are able to
create a god in their own image and concoct a false picture of
the LORD by their impartiality in the law/Word (Mal. 2:9).
1 John 3:14-15 says We know that we have passed from

death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that
loveth not his brother abideth (remains) in death (spiritual
separation). Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer:
and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding
(remaining) sin him.
This Bible passage is written to believers. Loving the brothers

in Christ is tangible proof that one has and is remaining
passed from death unto life. Those who hate in their
hearts are murderers and no murderer hath eternal life
abiding (remaining) in him. In the eyes of the Almighty, it
doesnt take physically killing someone to be a murderer. If
there is hatred in ones heart there is murder in Gods eyes.
This is an example of such a sin that must be repented of to
prevent eternal separation.
Murder, whether actually physically carried out or hatred re-

tained in the heart, is grave sin and carries with it the reward
of eternal damnation. Suicide is murder and carries with it the
death penalty. If suicide is instant, there is obviously no time
to repent before entering eternity. In such a case the damnable
sin of murder is on the account the one who murdered himself.
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abomina-

ble, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcer-
ers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part
in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:
which is the second death. Revelation 21:8
Who does the Bible tell us shall have their part in the
lake which burneth with fire and brimstone?
488
the fearful
unbelieving
the abominable
murderers
whoremongers
sorcerers
Idolaters
all liars
A Tragic Story
A number of years ago I had a very close friend who ultimately

committed suicide. He was taught and believed in OSAS which
removed the fear of God and barrier of truth that would have
otherwise prevented him from making such a sinful decision.
Yet before he killed himself, Bill and I were brought together
due to our common love for and faith in Jesus Christ. Bill was
clearly born again. For several years Bill and I witnessed to-
gether and conversed daily at length about the beauty of the
LORD's salvation. We prayed often together and sought to help
others to be saved. Bill did evangelism faithfully and daily. I
have personally been blessed to have numerous Christian rela-
tionships and this one ranks among the most sincere. The fruit
of Christian love and obedience of His life clearly testified to
Bill's clear knowledge and love for Jesus. After relocating from
that city and losing contact with Bill for several years, I called
and received the tragic news from his widowed wife. Apparent-
ly, it was an instant death which would mea n Bill had no time
to repent. Obviously and regrettably Bill did not remain in fel-
lowship with the LORD Jesus and upon drifting from the Good
Shepherd was deceived by the evil hoards of hell into taking his
own life (Jn. 10:10).
Some would say Bill was never initially saved in the first place,
yet the facts and the fruit clearly tell a different story. How
could Bill be talking about Jesus Christ, living the Christian
life, witnessing and loving the saints, if the Holy Spirit didn't
live inside of him? How could Bill have been so fruitful in the
LORD if he wasn't saved with the Holy Spirit of God living in-
side of him? The fact is that this man was saved and bore the
fruit that proved such as he remained in Christ and yet later
became unfruitful due to his heart's departure from Jesus as
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Lie of Ages
his first love. Such a state of apostasy led to his demise. See
John 15.
The truth is that Bill obviously backslid and died in sin

(separated from the LORD). He plainly didnt continue to walk
with the LORD, nurturing that all-important relationship, and
became cold, hardened and slid backward, otherwise he would
have never taken his own life.
The common excuse and erroneous idea used is that those who
live in sin after apparently being saved, never were saved to
begin with. Yet there are more than a few Holy Scriptures
which reveal that one can forfeit salvation after having it. In the
kingdom parable of the sower and the seed, our LORD Jesus
taught that there would be both false converts, and also those
who believed for a while (were saved) then fell away (Lk. 8:12-
13). Jesus invented the term fall away, so any person who
doubts or says it cannot happen, is lying against the Truth
Himself (James 3:14). Why would the very Alpha and Omega
have used such a term as fall away if falling away from sal-
vation after being saved were not possible? Who will we believe,
the eternal Judge or mere men? What authority has John Cal-
vin or any of his beguiled followers? None! Zilch!
There are 4 types of heart soil according to Jesus, not 3. See

the parable of the sower and the Word (Luke 8:12-15). If we are
going to be full-counsel believers, it is high time we acknowl-
edged and embraced all that is written and go beyond what
mere men in leadership choose to espouse and reveal.

Jesus Christ, they are AGAIN entangled therein, and
have KNOWN the way of righteousness, than, after
22
Living in open rebellion - not repenting of sin - reveals that one

has departed from the LORD and is now living after the works
490
of the flesh which is spiritual death and will prevent one from
entering the eternal kingdom of God if he chooses not to return
to the LORD in genuine repentance before passing into eternity
(see Gal. 5:19-21; Rom. 8:13; Heb. 3:12-15; Rev. 21:8, 27;
22:11). Such backsliding can happen even while we are contin-
uing to go about in a form of godliness while denying the
power or reign/authority of Christ in our personal lives (Prov.
14:14; Lk. 9:23-24; 2 Tim. 3:5). Every person ever saved has
sinned many times after being saved, yet individually one
chooses to either continue in that which displeases the LORD
or to return to Him in repentance. Cain, Esau, Saul and Judas
all remained in their sins returned to their own vomit and
never came back to the LORD. In contrast, Abel, Jacob, David
and Peter were men after the heart of the LORD who chose to
diligently seek His face (1 Chron. 22:19; 2 Chron. 15:2). These
God-fearing men openly and perpetually repented and cried out
in sincere and utter desperation to the LORD. Each of these
men after Gods heart were restored to fellowship with Him and
are now in His heavenly presence (Ps. 86:5, 15).
Continuing to seek His face is vital to our lives with the won-
derful Savior:
Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face con-
tinually. Remember his marvellous works that he
hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his
mouth Now set your heart and your soul to seek
the LORD your God. 1 Chronicles 16:11-12; 22:19
David sought God with His whole heart and so should we. Here
are the words David brought before the LORD in His repent-
ance:
Have mercy upon me Wash me thoroughly from

mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sinFor I
acknowledge my transgressions Against thee, thee
only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me,
and I shall be whiter than snowHide thy face from
my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in
me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit
within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and
take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me
the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free
spirit. Psalms 51
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Lie of Ages
When we continue in that which displeases the LORD (any sin)

our hearts are hardened and it will cause us to depart from
the Lord. The heart can turn to stone if the one who once be-
lieved ceases to abide in Jesus (Jn. 15; Heb. 3:12-15). When we
walk with the LORD and experience relationship with Him, re-
penting of all known sins, our heart remains as flesh, soft and
pliable. When we truly love and trust the LORD we will want
nothing in our lives that does not glorify Him.
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit

will I put within you: and I will take away the stony
heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart
of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and
cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep
my judgments, and do them. Ezekiel 36:26-27
Jesus is coming and God has called His remnant Bride to truly
fear Him and to purify our hearts as He is pure and holy (1 Jn
3:3). Those who fear the LORD and honor Him who is holy and
therefore purify their hearts, demonstrate that they are His
true Bride (Matt. 25:1-13; Eph. 5:25-27; Rev. 19:7).
It is unfathomable that we who have been the very reason for

the Savior shedding His precious blood would neglect so great
a salvation by not coming continually to receive grace and mer-
cy for our sins (Heb. 4:14-16; 7:25). This is how the Bride of
Christ makes herself ready (Eph. 5:25-27; Rev. 19:7).
Friend, few things could be as important to the believer as re-

ceiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit. If you have not yet re-
ceived the baptism in the Holy Ghost, let me encourage you to
seek it out. To learn more about being filled with the Holy Spir-
it, print out the topical study entitled Holy Ghost Baptism on
the STUDY GUIDES page of the ministry site at
www.SafeGuardYourSoul.com.
PRAYER: Jesus I love You. You are my first love LORD. Grant
my heart to be broken, pliable and soft. Give me a heart of flesh
and take away all stony places in my heart LORD. Right this
moment I release and commit my spirit afresh to Thee. I lay my
life in Your holy hands O Father. Grant to me the gift of repent-
ance that I might not retain anything that brings offense to Your
holiness. Amen.
492
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN
LORDSHIP SALVATION?
Is Obedience Essential to Final Salvation?
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the

things which I say? Luke 6:46
The Messiah asks a question here to those men He was speak-

ing to as well as all other men who were to be born into the
earth following. In light of the offering of this enormous ques-
tion by the Son of God, how can anyone dare claim Christ as
Savior if He is not LORD Master of that persons life?
Perhaps some have rightly stated that Jesus is either LORD of

all or not LORD at all.
In order for Him to become Savior, one must repent, then re-
ceive and confess Jesus Christ as LORD:
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord

Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath
raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Ro-
mans 10:9
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I

do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy
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house. Acts 16:30-31
There are those who dare mock the Bible doctrine of Lordship
salvation in defiance of the words of our LORD here and in
many other places. Jesus foretold that on that Great Day of
Judgment many who do ministry today will hear the follow-
ing words of justice and eternal horror:
the will of my Father which is in heavenAnd then
will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart
from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21, 23
Real saving faith, as James describes, can be clearly seen in

the fruit and works of the persons life who has chosen to pos-
sess such a precious commodity. As witnessed in the above
text, calling Jesus Lord is not enough He must be Master
in reality in the individuals life, or the proof is abundant that
salvation does not rest within the person, even though he may
be one of the many today who claim Him as Lord.
Whose servants we are is seen in who we serve:

Email response concerning OSAS:
Todd, You teach that a person can be right with GOD

only by their obedience to the commands of GOD. You
teach that a person once saved can be lost. You quote
verse after verse after verse to prove that a person must
obey the commands of GOD to be right with GOD. Are
you equating being right with GOD and being saved? Is
there no room for sin in GODs salvation? If there is no
room for sin in GODs salvation I am eternally lost and
without hope. I am glad there are teachers who see
GODs salvation differently. Captured by HIS grace,
Gene
Our Response:
Beloved Gene, I want to encourage you to look to the

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Lie of Ages
Teacher who gave us His holy Word so we dont have to

depend on sinful men (like myself), but rather have His
truth for our own selves. A life in the Word is the only
cure for confusion. GREAT PEACE have they that love
thy law (Word) and nothing shall offend them. (Ps.
119:165) Jesus told us that only those who DO the will
of His Father will be in Heaven - Matt 7:21. We are only
saved by the grace of God and yet that grace shows up
in the way we live if we really possess it, otherwise we
are deceived and headed for damnation. Salvation simp-
ly is not an unforfeitable possession (2 Pet. 2:20-22;
Ezek. 33:12-13). Did the Almighty somehow cease to be
holy, holy, holy now that He saved us!? How blind and
arrogant we have become! Now is it loving to hide this
Bible truth or to unveil and communicate it so people
can be warned and take shelter under the shadow of His
holy wing? Truth protects (Prov. 30:5). For the grace of
God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
TEACHING US that, DENYING UNGODLINESS AND
WORLDLY LUSTS, we should live soberly, righteously,
and godly, IN THIS PRESENT WORLD. (Titus 2:11-12)
The numerous Bible verses which show sin defiles and
will damn the soul if not repented of in the life of a per-
son who has once believed should deeply move us to the
fear of God and not to argue with the One we claim to be
serving who gave us these truths. And if the righteous
scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sin-
ner appear? (1 Pet. 4:18) Be warned: He that taketh
warning shall deliver his soul. (Ezek. 33:5) Jesus
warned us all: And take heed to yourselves (personal
responsibility), lest at any time your hearts be over-
charged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of
this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares. For
as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the
face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray al-
ways, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all
these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before
the Son of man. (Lk. 21:34-36) Ready or Not Jesus is
coming, and He's only going to justify those who are
looking for Him in the way they live by purifying their
hearts by authentic, saving faith (Heb. 9:27-28; Acts
15:9; 1 Jn. 3:1-3; Rev. 2-3, etc.). This important subject
is thoroughly address in the book titled Lie of the Ages
which can be obtained
496
at www.SafeGuardYourSoul.com God's blessings in Je-
sus, the Truth, Todd
It is regrettable that Gene says he is glad there are teachers

who tell him what he wishes to hear. There seems to be a disre-
gard for the LORD here and His Word and holiness, as if mere
men will judge him on that Final Day. Among the eternal se-
curists there seems to be a denial of truth to suit ones own
lifestyle. There appears to be a refusal to endure sound doc-
trine even after staring the Word in the face (2 Tim. 4:2-4).
For instructional purposes, lets break down Genes words and

see what is typical of the eternal securists:
You quote verse after verse after verse to prove that

a person must obey the commands of GOD to be
right with GOD. Here he admits that there is
verse after verse to prove that one must obey God
to be right with God and yet he denies this truth.
Is there no room for sin in GODs salvation? No

there isnt. Did the Almighty cease to be holy just
because He saved you? What brazen arrogance this
notion reveals! Though we have all sinned and still
do, we must stay before the LORD and wear out a
path to His throne room where we receive continually
cleansing of the blood of Christ (Heb. 4:14-16; 12:14;
1 Jn. 1:8-2:2). Sin-spotted garments are spoken of
many times in the Bible as defilement that prevents
entrance into Gods kingdom (Rev. 3:4-5; 16:15).
If there is no room for sin in GODs salvation I am

eternally lost and without hope. I am glad there are
teachers who see GODs salvation differently.
There is good news for you and for me and all of us:
Gods throne is a place to obtain mercy and find
grace to help in time of need. (Heb. 4:14-16) As
we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive
us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 Jn.
1:9). We have an Advocate with the Father to remain
cleansed (1 Jn. 2:1-2).
Captured by His grace. Gods grace is indescribable and

precious and is accessed through faith and obedience - By
whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedi-
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Lie of Ages
ence to the faith among all nations, for his name. (Rom.
1:5; 5:2)
In a writing entitled Holiness is not Legalism, John Wesley

wrote:
Permit me to warn you of another silly, meaningless

phrase: Do not say: I can do nothing. If so, then you know
nothing of Christ. Then you have no faith. For if you have
faith, if you believe, then you can do all things through
Christ who strengthens you (Phil. 4:13). You can love Him
and keep His commandments; and to you His
commandments are not grievous (1 John 5:3). Grievous to
them that believe? Far from it! They are the joy of your
heart.
Show then your love for Christ by keeping His com-

mandments, by blamelessly walking in all His ordinanc-
es. Honor Christ by obeying Him with all your might, by
serving Him with all your strength. Glorify Christ by imi-
tating Christ in all things, by walking as He walked.
Trust in Christ to live and reign in your heart. Have con-
fidence in Christ that He will fulfill in you all his great
and precious promises. That He will work in you all the
good pleasure of His goodness, and all the work of faith
with power. Cleave to Christ, until His blood has
cleansed you from all pride, all anger, all evil desire. Let
Christ do all. Let Him who has done all for you, do all in
you.
Exalt Christ as a Prince to give repentance. A Savior

both to give remission of sins, and to create in you a
new heart, to renew a right spirit within you. This is the
Gospel, the pure, genuine Gospel; glad tidings of great
salvation. Not the new, but the oldthe everlasting gos-
pel. John Wesley
The doctrine of repentance, essential to receiving eternal life,

means a complete surrender to the Lordship of Christ by falling
upon His mercy (Matt. 3:8; Lk. 13:3, 5). The fruit of such is ob-
vious in those who have come under the leadership of the
LORD of all creation by laying down their lives (Gal. 5:22-23).
Gods Holy Word is the measure and final authority of what is

truth (Jn. 10:35; 17:17; Rom. 3:3-4; 2 Tim. 3:16). And yet
498
there are so many today that base what they believe on person-
al sediment and feelings instead of truth. This is a deadly un-
dertaking. For example, they draw their conclusions based on
how it fits into their own lifestyle and/or how they wish to feel
about a dead relative (trying to make themselves feel better
about where their dead relative is Heaven or hell). In this
tragic scenario, what we see is that because these people have
denied Christ the place of LORD and Master of their personal
lives, they act as their own little god, thinking and dealing ac-
cording to what best suits their own self-serving agenda. Hell
awaits (Matt. 7:21; Lk. 6:46; James 1:22; 1 Jn. 2:4-5; Tit.
1:16).
This know also, that in the last days perilous times

shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own
selveslovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power
thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Should we be surprised? The Holy Ghost foretold of these days

where men would love themselves and hence their own person-
al pleasure and comforts above the LORD. So many today that
claim to be Christians walk in a mere formula of a pseudo god-
liness and yet openly deny Jesus instead of self in their daily
lives (Lk. 9:23-24). The authority or power of Christs reign is
missing from their personal lives (2 Tim. 3:5). These are people
who have chosen to determine what they believe based on how
it serves their own personal agenda and immediate comfort
with no fear of God or thought of what their eternal feelings are
going to consist of. This is due to the lack of truth in leadership
today (Isa. 56:10-12; Phil. 3:17-20; 2 Tim. 4:2-4).
We should at this time examine whether or not our own lives

are truly laid down and that we authentically worship God in
the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confi-
dence in the flesh. (Phil. 3:3)
Gods Word is harmonious and perfect. There are no contradic-

tions. While the Holy Ghost inspired His words in Paul to show
the New Covenant believers how to receive justification by faith
through the blood of Christ, James was equally inspired to pen
the following words which reveal what true saving faith looks
like in the life of those who have it:
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say
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Lie of Ages
he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save

him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of
daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in
peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye
give them not those things which are needful to the
body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath
not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say,
Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith
without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by
my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou
doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But
wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without
works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified
by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon
the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his
works, and by works was faith made perfect? And
the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham be-
lieved God, and it was imputed unto him for right-
eousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye
see then how that by works a man is justified, and
not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the
harlot justified by works, when she had received the
messengers, and had sent them out another way?
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith
without works is dead also. James 2:14-26
The unspeakably precious blood and grace of Christ alone jus-

tifies, yet the divinely-given requirement to receive such a gift
is complete faith in Him (Rom. 5:1-2). Such a genuine, saving
faith is evidenced in anyone who has it by their love for God
and their fellow man which are the fruits meet for, or con-
sistent with, their true repentance before a holy God (Matt.
22:37-39). When Zacchaeus repented, he immediately decided
to return what he had obtained wrongfully while in his sinful
condition. After Jesus came to abide at his house (live as LORD
of His life), Zacchaeus said joyfully 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. (Lk. 19:8)
Let us always remember that when a person truly comes to re-
pentance under the Lordship of Jesus, His whole life is
changed, made new regenerated (2 Cor. 5:17-18). Those who
know a truly saved person see the fruit of the presence of the
LORD in that persons life. Clear changes are obvious and no
one needs a high-powered microscope to see them.
500
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in
tongue; but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works un-

to the end, to him will I give power over the na-
tions. Revelation 2:26
According to the Word of God, complete life repentance and the

keeping of the faith of Christ to the end (enduring until Christ
returns or one dies) is essential to the obtaining of heavenly
glory (Heb. 10:34-39).
In some evangelical circles, what is called Lordship salvation

is mocked, even in light of the many Scriptures which testify of
such a divinely-given truth. In the Word, salvation is spoken of
in connection with possessing Jesus as LORD (1 Jn. 5:12).
Christ Himself asked Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do
not the things which I say? (Lk. 6:46) The LORD enters no
life that He doesnt wholly and significantly change.
The evangelical church today is plagued with what some call

easy believism, where people are told they can simply confess
Jesus as Savior with no need to lay down their lives and make
Him their LORD. People are taught this and then told they are
saved forever no matter what else they do in this life. In this
biblically illiterate day of apostasy, multitudes are being led to
believe that they can simply add Jesus to whatever they al-
ready are (depraved sinners) and that they are saved and un-
conditionally eternally secure no matter what else they choose
to do with their lives thereafter. This notion is completely for-
eign to biblical message of salvation.
It is interesting to note that the term LORD Jesus appears

115 times in the New Testament which alone testifies to the ne-
cessity of making Jesus the Master of ones life. The frequency
of such a term further reveals that if Jesus is not LORD, He is
not Savior. Christ saves no one outside of that person choosing
to be under His Lordship, which means that they have totally
believed upon Him, embracing His Person and words and are
not ashamed of either His name or words (Mk. 8:38).
Regrettably, among believers there seems to be little or no tak-

ing into account the works or fruit of those who are supposedly
saved. There appears to be little urgency toward the essential of
holiness. This seems to indicate that people are at ease in Zion
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Lie of Ages
Woe to them. (Amos 6:1) Such a salvation has no connec-

tion with that witnessed in Holy Scripture. The New Testament
message of salvation is that which bears clear fruit or evidence
of a completely changed life, one fully given over to Jesus
Christ.
Truly born again disciples of Christ must cease to believe in

vain that our friends who are believers (or supposedly) are re-
ceiving the message of the New Testament Scriptures because
they attend church meetings. We help no one by our silence
and withholding the truth. May our LORD bless each of us to
be His truth seekers and speakers, communicating His mes-
sage as given to us in His Word.
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we

keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him,
and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and
the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word,
in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby
know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth
in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he
walked. 1 John 2:3-6
In the following promise, the Son of God exhorted us to beware

of those who could if allowed, through their lies, steal the re-
ward of eternal life:
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou

hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that over-
cometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God,
and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon
him the name of my God, and the name of the city
of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh
down out of heaven from my God: and I will write up-
on him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him
hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Reve-
lation 3:11-13
Here, the living Word, Jesus Christ, warns of being deceived by

doctrines of men, losing our crown, and not overcoming. No
warning like this (nor the numerous others in the Word) would
exist if such were not possible (see also Col. 2:4, 8).
Is obedience necessary for salvation? Does the following pas-

sage sound like a suggestion (optional) or command?
502
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead in-
deed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your
mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts
thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instru-
ments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield your-
selves unto God, as those that are alive from the
dead, and your members as instruments of righteous-
ness unto God. Romans 6:11-13
In the Bible text you just read, does there seem to be any no-
tion or hint of the crucifying of the sinful nature being an op-
tional suggestion? In this very same book, what did he say
would happen if the believer doesnt mortify the deeds of the
body?

ye shall live. Romans 8:13
Perhaps the core reason the Almighty detests Satans first lie
(ye shall not surely die if you live in sin), propagated by de-
luded leaders today, is that the whole system of this unbiblical,
unconditional eternal security excuses men from their God-given,
personal responsibility to live holy or die spiritually.

thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father un-
to you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith
the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18
According to this Bible text, one must come out from among
those without Christs salvation to continue to be received by
the Father as a son or daughter.
Below is another Bible passage to observe. As you read this

text, ask these questions: What is the tone? What is the Holy
Ghost saying? Is obedience to God offered here as a suggestion
or command? Does adherence to this sound like it is optional
or essential?
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the

earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection,
evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idol-
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Lie of Ages
atry: For which things sake the wrath of God

cometh on the children of disobedience. Colossians
3:5-6
For the individual, conditional blessings are found throughout

Scripture, never unconditional. Read Deuteronomy 28 for
starters. In Deuteronomy 28, verses 1-14 pronounce the rich
blessings which will come upon those who obey the LORD and
verses 15-68 detail the utter curses which will come upon all
who are among the people of God and do not obey the Word.
All blessings from God to individuals are conditional they
must be received by faith and obedience to Him. One must
meet the conditions set forth by the LORD in order to receive
His blessings. The unconditional eternal security proponent
has to ignore or manipulate the volumes of Scripture which
show the personal responsibility of the individual in order to
make his twisted point.
Heed the plea of the Almighty to all, especially those who once
knew Him:

rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the
mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. Isaiah 1:18-20
John Wesley Stated:
Yes, professing Christians invariably invent one way or

another to get to heaven without holiness. In the place of
holiness, some have substituted penance, pilgrimages,
and praying to saints and angels. Thousands of profess-
ing Christians have no doubt but that, by a diligent use
of these thingswithout any holiness at allthey shall
see the Lord in glory.
However, Protestants will not be satisfied in that man-

ner. They are convinced that whoever leans on such
things leans on the staff of a broken reed. Yet, thou-
sands of such Protestants also think that they too will
see God without holiness. How? Why, by doing no harm,
generally doing good, going to churchAnd many thou-
504
sands are content with this, believing they are on the
high road to heaven. Yet, that is not much better than
the hopes of the first group.
However, other Protestants recognize that such nominal

Christianity is not sufficient. They correctly say that
such a religion does not stand on the right foundation.
However, they go on to say that Christ has already ac-
complished and suffered everything for us. They say that
His righteousness is imputed to us; therefore, we need
none of our own. Since there is so much righteousness
and holiness in Him, there needs to be none in us. In
fact, they claim, that to think we have any holiness, or to
desire to seek any holiness, is to renounce Christ. That
from the beginning to the end of salvation, all is in
Christ, nothing is in man. And that those who teach oth-
erwise are preachers of legalism, and know nothing of
the gospel.
What evasion! What has Satan done? He has persuaded

the very men who receive it to turn the grace of God into
licentiousness/lasciviousness (Jude 4). This is indeed a
blow at the root, the root of all holiness, all true religion.
The whole design of Christs death was to destroy the
works of the devil (I John 3:8). But now this is over-
thrown in one stroke.
There seems to be no end to the devices men invent to justify

their sinful living and to escape the reality of the denial and
crucifixion of the self-life which Christ utterly requires of all
who will be His.
If any man will come after me, let him deny him-
self, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For
whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whoso-
ever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall
save it. Luke 9:23-24
Hasnt such deceitful dissimulation, which dares to ignore the

words of Christ while believing that salvation is obtained, been
the case throughout the centuries? Did not Cain seek to escape
the need for willing repentance and obedience in approaching
the LORD the way He requires? Is this not rooted in rebellion,
and this we know because the person seeks to come to God his
own way and not the way the unchanging LORD plainly pre-
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Lie of Ages
scribed? Didnt Paul the apostle warn that there are many who
pervert the words of the LORD? (2 Cor. 2:17) Didnt Jeremiah
the prophet tell us that the deceivers perverted the words of
the living God? (Jer. 23:36)
Remember Lots wife Luke 17:32
What is Jesus conveying to our hearts by prompting us to

remember Lots wife? Why would the Son of God bring up
this ancient story when speaking of His eminent return and the
importance of being in a constant state of readiness? After be-
ing brought out of the city of Sodom (representing the life of
sin), Lots wife chose to look back to the sinful city and life she
was being delivered from and was turned into a pillar of salt
(judged). Salt is a preservative and the LORD used this pillar of
salt as an eternal memorial to illustrate that He will judge all
who turn back to sin after being delivered (saved). Lots wife
chose to depart from the faith and not to continue in the
path of righteousness and remain under the Lordship of the
One who delivered her (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Pet. 2:20-22). Again, salt
is a preserving agent and the LORD chose to turn her into a
pillar of salt in order to establish an eternal monument of
warning for all who would come thereafter and be tempted to
turn back to the life of sin, departing from the living
God. (Heb. 3:12)
It is those who are doers of His Word who have the assurance
of eternal salvation.

brews 5:9
Remember that Jesus instructed us to remain (abide) in

Him, lest we be thrown into the fire? See John 15:6.
Do you recall how God chose Saul and then when Saul chose
to cease rendering full obedience, the LORD rent the kingdom
from him? The LORD revoked His blessing from Saul. See 1
Samuel 15. He warned Gentile believers to Be not highmind-
ed, but fear Him or otherwise thou also shalt be cut
off. (Rom. 11:19-23) The LORD Almighty made all and set up
the rules as He so chose. Dare we be so shamelessly arrogant
to question these rules?
506
Is the Almighty still holy? Is He not a righteous Judge? Will He
not punish sin? Is the wages of sin still death? Doesnt sinful
living disqualify one from Heaven? Are we going to simply listen
and obey what He said or, are we going to make up our own
way and be sentenced to damnation in the end?
Following is a conversation between the changeless LORD and

His servant Moses:
Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not,

blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast
written. And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever
hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my
book. Exodus 32:32-33
Misusing Ephesians 1:13, there are those who vainly believe

they are sealed in such a way as to exempt them from any
accountability or responsibility for their sins. What the Word of
God is communicating here in Ephesians 1 is that the Holy
Spirits presence in the one who is currently believing, is the
earnest or divinely-given down payment until final salvation
has occurred when that person is in Heaven (Eph. 1:13-14).
One must believe to the saving of the soul and be kept
by the power of God through faith unto salvation to receive
that heavenly crown (Heb. 10:39; 1 Pet. 1:5). There are condi-
tions to be met here and there is also no hint of an uncondi-
tional eternal security in this Ephesians 1 text in which the Bi-
ble uses the word sealed. Yet when dishonest men are bent
upon convincing themselves and others of something, they will
twist and spin the truth until they accomplish it (Rom. 1:18-
25; 2 Cor. 2:17). While violating the text and intentionally ex-
cluding the whole of the Word of God, these men make up their
own doctrine and are leading many astray. These deluded men
are sporting themselves with their own deceivings and
mock in the face of a holy God who counted their depravity and
sins so vile that He came in person to live a perfect life and
pour out His own lifes blood to redeem them (Matt. 26:28; Jn.
19:30; 2 Pet. 2:1-22). They vainly imagine that they are
sealed in a way the Bible never describes or validates. The
sealing they speak of is a sham a sin-justifying lie, placing
their souls at ease in Zion and leading millions to damnation
Woe unto them. (Amos 6:1) Also, dont be deceived when
men attempt to utilize the Greek to supposedly prove their er-
ror (to prove their sealing doctrine, etc). God gave and pre-
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Lie of Ages
served His Word for us in our own language as He promised

(Ps. 12:6-7). Looking into the Greek is not nearly as important
nor authoritative as collating His Word in our own language -
line upon line - to determine the divine verdict on any given
subject (Isa. 28:9-10; 1 Cor. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:16). Regardless of
how sure of himself he may sound or what the so-called semi-
nary scholar seeks to propagate, the Greek is not going to
change what the LORD Himself clearly communicated to us in
our own language from Genesis to Revelation. Numerous clear
truths in Scripture completely invalidate the misuse of the
sealed doctrine among the deluded who seek to prove that
there is no eternal danger for the believer who strays into re-
bellion. Here are but a few:
Jesus told us that only those who obey His Word in a

practical and literal sense know Him and will be in
Heaven (Matthew 7:21; 25:1-46).
No person who dies outside of holiness with the

LORD can see Him in Heaven (Heb. 12:14; Rev. 21:8,
27).
Jesus promised the 7 churches of Asia that only

those who overcome sin, the world, and the devil
through a real relationship of obedience with Him,
will be clothed in white robes of His righteousness
and in Heaven (Rev. 2-3).
The names of those who do not overcome are blotted

out of (removed from) the book of life (Exodus 32:32-
33: Ps. 69:28; Rev. 3:5; 22:18-19). Note that
someones name has to be in the book of life in order
to be blotted out of it.
There are several lists of sins in the Bible with the warning that
anyone living in such sin reveals that they are not in right
standing with the LORD and will not enter the kingdom of
Heaven unless they repent and return to Him (Matt. 15:18-20;
1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-9; Rev. 21:8, 27).
While the Bible in no place assures that all who have truly been
born again will automatically persevere to the end, I fully believe
that the seal of the LORD includes His undying desire and His
work to restore a wayward, prodigal son.
508
More from John Wesley:
Without holiness no man shall see the Lord. Nothing

under heaven can be more sure than this; for the mouth
of the Lord hath spoken it. And though heaven and
earth pass away, yet His word shall not pass away. As
well therefore might God fall from heaven(Heb. 12:14;
Mic. 4:4; Matt. 5:18).
No one who is not saved from sin here can be saved from
hell hereafter. No one can see the kingdom of God above,
unless the kingdom of God be in him below. Whoever
will reign with Christ in heaven, must have Christ reign-
ing in him on earth. And yet as sure as this is, and as
clearly as it is taught in every part of the Holy Scripture,
among all the truths of God, there is probably none
which is less received by men.
Beloved, the fear of the LORD is clean and the great

peace of God given to those who love His Word is priceless. He
gifts those with His unspeakable blessings in acknowledging
things just the way the LORD has laid out to us in His Word
(Ps. 19:9; 119:105, 130, 165).

Christ. 2 Peter 1:10-11
PRAYER: LORD Jesus, right this moment, take fresh hold of my

life. Consume me and keep my heart from being led astray by
any false notion of men and devils. Fill me. Heavenly Father I
lay my life unreservedly into Thy holy hands afresh. You must
increase LORD Jesus and I must decrease. I am crucified with
Christ. I love You my Master and LORD Jesus. I this moment
choose to forget those things which are behind me and press to-
ward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ
Jesus! Amen.
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT
REJOICING FIRM UNTO THE END

house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the
rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Hebrews
3:6
In stark contrast to the deadly myth many in the modern

church perpetrate, soul-saving faith is never conveyed as a one
-time event on the pages of the 27 books which comprise the
canon of New Testament Scripture. The Old Testament is the
same Ezekiel 33:12-13. In Holy Writ, we observe that the
faith that pleases God begins with the born again experience
and then is an ongoing believing, overcoming, and enduring
experience and not just a one-time event. The individuals sal-
vation begins with a one-time experience upon repentance and
faith in Christ and that same volitional trust is to be main-
tained by the believer and is left up to his own volitional will.
The saint is enabled by the influencing and enabling grace of
God.
Everything in Gods kingdom economy works through His mercy,

grace and mans faith-filled obedience. Salvation is undeserved
not unconditional. The LORD requires initial saving faith and
that the recipient of His salvation continue in that saving faith
until the end of his life.
510
Concerning King Uzziah, in 2 Chronicles 26:4-5 we read:
And he did that which was right in the sight of the

LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did.
And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had
understanding in the visions of God: and as long as
he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.
It was only as long as King Uzziah sought the LORD that

God made him to prosper.
Those who teach the heretical once saved always

saved (OSAS) doctrine, consequently do not teach what Christ
and His apostles taught concerning continuing in the grace of
God during and to the end of ones life. Unfortunately, many
have bought into this myth not realizing that their eternal soul
could be in jeopardy. Those who believe and teach this doctrine
of men and devils divorce themselves from the full-counsel of
Gods Word and make a god in their own image. One of the bib-
lical doctrines ignored, neglected and rejected, is the absolute
necessity of enduring or continuing in faith to the end of ones
life (Matt. 10:22; 24:10-13; Acts 14:22-23; Col. 1:23; Heb. 3:6,
12-15; Rev. 2-3).
Didnt Jesus forewarn us that the love of many shall wax

cold?
And then shall many be offended, and shall betray

one another, and shall hate one another. And many
false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many
shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the
end, the same shall be saved. Matthew 24:10-13
The only way for love to wax cold is for it to first exist. A love
that does not first exist cannot possibly wax cold.
His joy is one of the dimensions of the fruit of the Spirit

and the strength of His people (Neh. 8:10; Gal. 5:22-23). The
LORD would have His people to be overcomers - those who
victoriously come over all trials and temptations through di-
vine grace and saving faith (1 Jn. 5:4-5).
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the

world: and this is the victory that overcometh the
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Lie of Ages
world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the

world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of
God? 1 John 5:4-5
Those who do not stay in close relationship with Christ, will

inevitably leave the faith for sin and will perish eternally if they
do not repent before it is too late.
But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and

the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his
trespasses. Psalms 68:21
thee. Psalms 73:27
And the destruction of the transgressors and of the

sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the
LORD shall be consumed. Isaiah 1:28

to others, I myself should be a castaway. Moreover,
brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant,
how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all
passed through the sea; And did all eat the same
spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual
drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that fol-
lowed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with
many of them God was not well pleased: for they
were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things
were our examples, to the intent we should not lust
after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye
idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The
people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to
play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of
them committed, and fell in one day three and twen-
ty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of
them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured,
and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these
things happened unto them for ensamples: and they
are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends
of the world are come. Wherefore let him that
thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 1 Corin-
512
thians 9:27-10:12
Here the Holy Spirit of God tells us that all these things hap-
pened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for
our admonition. He reminds believers of the entire New Tes-
tament era to behold the historical record of how His covenant
people defied Him, thinking He would automatically forgive
them without their personal repentance and trust in Him. Be-
loved, heed this warning. Not only did the LORD not forgive or
overlook their blatant and sinful rebellion, He judged them
harshly, sending 2,500 of His own covenant people directly and
literally into the fires of eternal damnation. Check out this vivid
and horrifying account in Numbers 16:
And it came to pass, as he had made an end of

speaking all these words, that the ground clave asun-
der that was under them: And the earth opened her
mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses,
and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all
their goods. They, and all that appertained to them,
went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed
upon them: and they perished from among the con-
gregation. And all Israel that were round about them
fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth
swallow us up also. And there came out a fire from
the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty
men that offered incense. Numbers 16:31-35
Jeff Marshall writes:
We need to look into the perfect law of liberty (Gods

Word), see ourselves in truth (as God sees us, as we re-
ally are), and repent and call on Him to wash our filth
away (just as He told Peter that if He didnt wash his
feet, he could have no part in Him. Peter said wash all of
me then, and Christ explained that he was already
clean, but his feet were dirty. In other words, you may
already be saved and baptized in the name of Jesus, for
the remission of sins, but if you walk through this world
in these bodies of flesh, then you will pick up some filth
along the way. If you dont come to Christ, humbly, and
have Him wash it away, then you have no part in Him
either.
Once saved, always saved, Calvinism, and cheap grace
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Lie of Ages
are just not found in Scripture. There are tons of Scrip-

ture to show that truth, not just the one or two, taken
out of full context to try to prove the opposite. This isnt
some minor point of doctrine that is inconsequential
and trivial/divisive, but this is truth that is missing and
is deceiving masses of people into religion without rela-
tionship to Christ. The lie we hear today is: Just say
this little prayer and youll get your get out of hell free
card, and nothing you do or dont do after that can
change it. When Christ Himself said, Not everyone who
says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the Kingdom of heav-
en, but only he who DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER
in Heaven. (Matt. 7:21) Also, read Jude 4-7; turning the
grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the
only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ, etc.)
Is that adding works to salvation? No, that is what Jesus

said, so who cares what that preacher on TV tells you?
Was he there when the earth was formed? Did he write
the Bible? Does he hold the keys to death and hell? Did
he die for your sin? Then you better listen to Jesus and
quit listening to his easy believism, we are all going to
heaven type preaching before its too late. The final end
of that is to cry out, Lord, Lord. and hear Depart
from me, you who practice lawlessness, I never knew
you. Nothing is more important than this.
Being prepared to meet Christ at all times should be a central

concern of every saint. Strong delusion has already been
released into the hearts of many because they received not
the love of the truth, that they might be saved. This is al-
so done That they all might be damned who believed not
the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thess.
2:10-12) The wrath of God will be soon poured out upon all
who suppress or hold His truth in unrighteousness (the diso-
bedient). See Romans 1:18.
Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O

nation not desired; Before the decree bring forth, be-
fore the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger
of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the
LORDS anger come upon you. Seek ye the LORD, all
ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judg-
ment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be
514
ye shall be hid in the day of the LORDS anger.
Zephaniah 2:1-3
Gods promises to man are conditional. Here in this Zephaniah

passage, the promise of being hid in the day of the LORDs
anger has requirements:
1. Gather yourselves
2. Seek ye the LORD
3. Seek righteousness
Gods covenant people are told they must meet these require-
ments in order to avert divine wrath. Here is the impending
threat: the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, be-
fore the day of the LORDS anger come upon you. (Zeph.
2:2)
Below is another exhortation for us to Seek ye the LORD

while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is
near. (Isa. 55:6)
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trem-

bling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish
from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Psalms 2:11-12
We are here instructed to place our full trust in the LORD and
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the
way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. (Ps. 2:11)
Must a Christian Continue in Obedient Faith

to the End of His Life to be Eternally Saved?
To His very own disciples, Jesus stated: And ye shall be hat-

ed of all men for my names sake: but he that endureth TO
THE END shall be saved. (Matt. 10:22) If you really want to
know exactly who the Savior was speaking to here, read Mat-
thew 10:1-22. Hint: He was speaking to His very own disciples.
See Matthew 10:1.
We must ask: Why would the Master warn His very own disci-
ples about something that wasnt possible? Dare one who
claims to know Christ impugn or call the very Son of God a lu-
natic and liar?
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Lie of Ages
Lets break down the conditional promise made by the LORD

Jesus to His own 12 in Matthew 10:22:
Ye shall be hatedfor my names sake perse-

cution
He that endureth to the end shall be saved
promise
Endureth to the end condition
Christ said told His twelve ye shall be hated and not ye
shall be honored. He never promised His people financial
prosperity but rather persecution (Matt. 10:25; Jn. 15:20). Je-
sus also never guaranteed that one once saved was eternally
secure no matter how he lives but rather that He (that has
once been saved) that endureth to the end shall be saved.
The Son of God had all the opportunity in the world here to tell
His very twelve that they were unconditionally, eternally secure
and didnt. No, instead He told them they would be hated of all
men and persecuted and that only those of them who endured
to the end of their lives would be ultimately saved. At the time
He spoke these words to them, all twelve were in right standing
with Him and yet one of the twelve ended up in hell (Acts 1:25).
Since we know He was speaking to His very own disciples, we
know that Jesus was speaking of the necessity of all who have
been made right with God to remain in fellowship with Him or
lose out. There is no legitimate, honest way to explain away the
fact that Jesus was talking specifically to His very disciples in
this passage. The LORD was not speaking to the lost or the
Jews and we know this because the first verse in this passage
reveals who Christ was addressing:
And when he had called unto him his twelve disci-

ples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to
cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness
and all manner of disease...And ye shall be hated of
all men for my names sake: but he that endureth to
the end shall be saved. Matthew 10:1, 22
Another view of this text:
...he had called unto him his twelve disciples...he

(among you) that endureth to the end shall be
saved. Matthew 10:1, 22
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What was Jesus getting at here when He stated he that en-
dureth to the end shall be saved?
If enduring to the end were automatic and didnt involve the

individuals personal will and obedience, why would Christ ever
have bothered to make this statement?
What was Jesus saying here if there were no possibility of His

disciples forfeiting their place in His eternal kingdom if they
didnt endure to the end? Was He simply filling space on the
pages of the New Testament Scriptures? Was He violating the
words He previously spoke in the Sermon He spoke from the
mountain?
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay:

for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
Matthew 5:37
Why would Jesus say He that endureth to the end shall be

saved if there were no possibility of one not enduring to the
end and therefore not being ultimately saved from eternal dam-
nation in the end?
If you are still supposing that the Lord is speaking to lost peo-
ple here, there is a question that begs to be answered: What is
it that a lost person should endure to the end about or in?
If he is not right with God in the first place, what is he going to
endure to the end of or in? If a person does not already
possess saving faith, how can he possibly be expected to en-
dure in that faith? Can you see the ridiculous nature of such a
notion? Would it not be dishonest, ridiculous, and groundless
at best to attempt to pawn Christs statement off on a group
that is not Gods people? Not only was Christ speaking to His
own people, these are the very twelve He prayed to select and
serve Him and have a special place in His eternal kingdom
(Matt. 19:28).
the will of my Father which is in heaven. Matthew
7:21
Are you beginning to see why only people who are taught OSAS
(by misled men) embrace the unconditional eternal security
teaching? I have yet to meet a person who studies the Bible for
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Lie of Ages
themselves, with no preconceived notions or taught doctrines

of men, who believes such a foreign doctrine. Paul never taught
such. Our LORD never taught such. John never taught such.
Peter never taught such. Jude never taught OSAS. Not one of
the prophets, apostles or Gospel writers taught an uncondi-
tional eternal security, but rather that those saved by His grace
must endure in faithful obedience to the end of their lives to be
eternally saved. Either the Bible is final authority or its not.
Heres Gods promise to those who endure to the end:
And he that overcometh (essential), and keepeth

my works UNTO THE END, to him will I give power
over the nations. Revelation 2:26
Whos going to be with Jesus when He defeats the rebellious?
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb
shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and
King of kings: and they that are with him are called,
and chosen, and faithful. Revelation 17:14
Those who will be in eternity with Christ are those whom He

has called, and chosen and who were in their earthly life
FAITHFUL. (Rev. 17:14) God does the calling and choosing
and men must be faithful to receive His eternal reward. We
see everywhere in Scripture, the initiating grace of God and the
condition given to men - to be faithful to God to the end of
this earthly life. Any person seeking to eliminate or deny the
involvement of the personal will of men is not dealing honestly
with the LORD and His Word.
Jesus Christ promised that only those who know and obey Him
will be with Him eternally (Matt. 7:21; Mk. 8:34-38; Lk. 6:46;
Rev. 2-3).
Power to Overcome
The divinely-given promise is to strengthen and bless each and

every believer with His Spirit in their inner man, empowering
them to be blessed and a blessing. Paul prayed:
That he would grant you, according to the riches of

his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit
in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your
hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded
518
in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints
what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and
height; And to know the love of Christ, which
passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all
the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do
exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him
be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all
ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:16-21
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy

Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses
unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 1:8
According to the biblical record of the early Church, receiving

the baptism in the Holy Ghost is the single most important ex-
perience after being born again. Jesus instructed His very own
disciples to tarry (wait) ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye
be endued with power from on high. (Lk. 24:49) Christ said
His followers would receive power, after that the Holy
Ghost is come upon them. Notice that the Son of God said it
would be after and not before the Holy Ghost came upon His
disciples that they would receive power and be witnesses
of His at home and abroad. (See Holy Ghost Baptism Study
Guide on ministry site: www.SafeGuardYourSoul.com)
The apostle Peter went from wavering to witnessing. After being

baptized in the Holy Spirit, just days after he had denied even
knowing Christ, Peter was bold and powerful in the LORD. Pe-
ter, empowered now by the Spirit, preached and 3,000 then
5,000 people got saved. This same baptism in the Spirit of God
is promised and available to all believers.
I (John the Baptist) indeed baptize you with water

unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is
mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to
bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and
with fire. Matthew 3:11
My own life was dramatically transformed after being baptized

in the Holy Spirit. The LORD saved me and I began to walk
with Him and was experiencing inconsistency in my walk, so I
cried out to Him to help me. Jesus heard this cry in Heaven.
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Lie of Ages
Shortly thereafter I met a godly pastor who began to take me

through the Scriptures concerning this New Testament experi-
ence of being baptized in the Holy Ghost. That beloved pastor
invited me to pray to receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit. We
prayed. I went home and began to commune with the LORD in
a way I hadnt previously know or experienced. He filled me
and His witness from then on emanated and the power of God
was there. The increase in boldness was tremendous and so
was the kingdom fruit that began to be produced. There is a
complete topical study on the ministry site on the STUDY
GUIDES page. See the Holy Ghost Baptism study guide. Safe-
GuardYourSoul.com
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink

(outward religion); but righteousness, and peace, and
joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 14:17
PRAYER: Father, cause my heart to be cleansed of all iniquity

and filled with Your Holy Spirit! Change my life Jesus! Thank
You for shedding Your precious blood for my many sins. This
very moment, I ask You to baptize me in the Holy Ghost and
take over my life completely. Embolden me to declare Your Word
in this late hour and to rejoice firm to the end. Amen.
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER THIRTY NINE
IF AND AGAIN
More Nails in the Coffin of Calvinism
By which also ye are saved, IF ye keep in memory

what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in
vain. 1 Corinthians 15:2
If, If, If?
Personally speaking, if I were somehow misled to believe in the

5 point heresy of John Calvin, this 2-letter word found
throughout Scripture if would greatly haunt and embar-
rass me hopefully to the point of repenting of my belief in a
myth (which is one of the works of the flesh heresies Gal.
5:19-21).
The true grace teacher, the apostle Paul, writing to Brethren

concerning the gospel states, By which also ye are saved
IF ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, UNLESS
YE HAVE BELIEVED IN VAIN. (1 Cor. 15:1-4) Believing in
vain is clearly possible or it would not have been mentioned
here. Believing in vain would mean that ones initial/
previous saving faith is useless if they do not keep in
memory the gospel which Paul preached to them and they
received. This verse clearly reveals that initial saving faith be-
522
comes useless (vain) if that person chooses to cease living in
faith and obeying the Lord.
True believers must make sure the Gospel once given to the
saints is diligently declared and defended (Jude 3-4; Phil 1:17).
This includes verse 2 of this passage which defines what the
true Gospel is and how it is maintained.
According to 1 Corinthians 15:2, IF ye keep in memory the

Gospel, including enduring to the end, ye are saved and
have not believed in vain.

house we are, IF WE HOLD FAST THE CONFIDENCE
and the rejoicing of the hope FIRM UNTO THE END.
Hebrews 3:6
Here we learn that we are members of Christs house IF

WE HOLD FAST THE CONFIDENCE and the rejoicing of the
hope FIRM UNTO THE END.
For we are made partakers of Christ, IF we hold the

beginning of our confidence (obedient faith) stedfast
UNTO THE END. Hebrews 3:14
And you...hath he reconciled (saved)...to present

you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his
sight: IF you continue in the faith grounded and set-
tled, and be not moved away from the hope of the
gospel... Colossians 1:21-23
We see here in Colossians 1 that it is possible for those who

have been reconciled to be moved away from eternal life,
which is the hope of the gospel.
In Romans 11 Paul warned non-Jewish believers to take heed

to what God did to His own covenant people who rebelled
against Him:
Be not highminded, but FEAR: For IF God spared

not the natural branches (Israel), take heed lest he
also spare not thee. Behold (take hold of) therefore
the goodness AND severity of God: on them which
fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, IF THOU
CONTINUE in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt
be CUT OFF. Romans 11:20-22
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Lie of Ages
The avid unconditional eternal security proponent must, of ne-

cessity, find a way to wax over or deceitfully manipulate the
numerous ifs of Scripture if he is going to make this doctrine
palatable to his own conscience and others. In doing this, one
continues to hide the truth from his own heart so that he can
continue to live the life he so desires and still possess eternal
life. (This teaching is designed by Satan to give license to es-
cape the Lordship of Jesus.) Did not the Holy Spirit foretell of
those in the last days who would do this after they departed
from the faith (apostatized)?

to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking
lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared
Especially in these final days, some have so denied the truth

that they have seared their own consciences (Romans 1:18-25).
The person who decides to deny truth must become skilled at
deceiving his own heart. The many ifs found in Scripture
clearly reveal a conditional security a security or assurance
only granted by God to the heart of the doer of truth (Romans
2:7-13; James 1:22; 1 Jn. 3:16-19). Like the Jehovah Witness-
es and Mormons, the cult of Calvin steeps its adherents in the
fine art of twisting Scripture to arrive at the enemys desired
erroneous outcome. If you have ever dealt with a staunch fol-
lower of Calvinism, then you are familiar with the way they
have mastered the evil art of Scripture twisting.
The word if found throughout Scripture plainly reveals that

there are divinely instituted conditions for getting saved and
remaining saved. There are those (namely new believers) who
honestly have never seen the volumes of Scripture texts which
plainly eradicate any possibility of there existing an uncondi-
tional, eternal security. And yet, there are those who, after see-
ing the Scriptures, which refute such a falsehood, choose to
cloak themselves in the garment of lascivious deceit. Instead of
owning up to the clear truth of Scripture, there are those who
would rather twist and deny Biblical truth that stares them in
the face, in order not to disturb their false sense of security,
which they have wrapped themselves in using this doctrine
which makes a mockery of sin and the holiness of God. Is there
anything new about this depraved state of heart? Did men of
524
old also cut the Bible up and discard those things they didnt
like?

Stauffer says that the Eternal security as a teaching is based
on partial Scriptures. Stauffer wrote:
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is prof-

itable. This teaching magnifies the verilies, but dis-
counts the ifs; yet both are given by God and are equal-
ly inspired. Conditions of salvation and conditions of
keeping are not named in every Scripture. Scriptures of
warning are addressed to such believers as may be care-
less, indifferent, trifling, boastful, or presumptuous. The
usual group of Scriptures quoted by the eternal security
believers are the kind that are needed to encourage and
sustain the fearful, trembling, and weak saints who ear-
nestly desire to do the will of their Lord, but are har-
assed by the devil and beset with doubts. Yet forty days
and Nineveh shall be destroyed, was a verily as far as
the statement was concerned, but there was an if im-
plied in one of the promises of God. (See Jer. 18:1-12.)
Such Scriptures as John. 10:27, 28; Col. 3:1-3;
John.3:36; 5:24; Jude 24; Rom. 8:34-39; Heb. 7:25, and
a lot of others that might be given are precious to every
believer. They make it clear that we are safe in Christ
Jesus. No outside power or influence, neither men, an-
gels, nor devils, can come between us and our Lord; but
there are conditions of salvation and there are condi-
tions that govern our keeping. We do not question Gods
sovereignty, His power, His omnipotence; we believe and
hold to all of them. On the other hand as honest people,
we dare not close our eyes to the fact that God has laid a
responsibility upon free moral agents that He does not
violate by His sovereignty, His omnipotence, His election,
or any other office or attribute belonging to Deity. The
condition that saves is the same condition that keeps.
Eternal security believers constantly underscore hath
in John 5:24 but overlook the condition, believeth. They
will take John 10:27-29 and underscore the never per-
ish and no man is able to pluck them out of my hand,
but ignore the fact that this promise is made to the
sheep that hear his voice and follow him. As long as
this condition continues, the keeping continues. No oth-
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Lie of Ages
er interpretation is consistent with free moral agency.
Of the sovereignty of God and the free will of men, one re-
sponder writes:
God is sovereign. God is God. He is all-knowing. He is

all-wise. He is eternal...No man can come to me, ex-
cept the Father which hath sent me draw him. Yes, He
draws us to Him. We choose to follow, to receive or re-
ject his sweet offer of forgiveness and life, to accept or
to put it off. There is a we side to the equation,
though, or all men would be saved, for He says that He
is not willing that any should perish, but that all
should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9. So you see,
some of it is up to our choosing.
One-Word Nightmare of OSAS Again
Again Here is yet another word that haunts those who em-
brace the lie of the ages which emanates from the serpent in
the Garden who came to steal, and to kill, and to de-
stroy. (Jn. 10:10)
The prodigal son was a son of his father then abandoned his
fathers house (God gives free will to all men). Of him Christ
said: For this my son was dead, and is alive AGAIN; he was
lost, and is found ... for this thy brother was dead, and is
alive AGAIN; and was lost, and is found. (Lk. 15:24, 32)
The prodigal son parable gives us more confirmation that a

person can be twice dead. (Jude 12) This term twice dead
means that one who is born dead, as all men are, is saved and
then falls away from God and is dead again. Lets look at
verse 32 of Luke 15 again:
It was meet that we should make merry, and be

glad: for this thy brother (part of the family) was
dead, and is alive AGAIN; and was lost, and is found.
Luke 15:32
To begin with, the prodigal son was clearly a member of the

family, otherwise he wouldnt be referred to as the brother of
the older son. He then departed from his fathers house in re-
bellion. He became dead and then alive AGAIN.
Lets consider Jude 12 in light of this truth:

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Twice dead, plucked up by the roots. Jude 12
Concerning this Bible passage, in her book Secure in Christ, Dr.

Cathy Burns states: (emphasis hers)
Notice that here were trees whose fruit withered so that

it was without fruit and it was TWICE DEAD. This would
refer to a person who was originally spiritually dead as
all are born in sin. This person then got saved, bore fruit
for awhile and then backslid. He is now unsaved, and
once again spiritually dead thus TWICE DEAD. p. 33
Is re-conversion Biblical? Must one who is saved be re-

converted when he falls away?
But I (Jesus) have prayed for thee (Peter, Christs

own apostle), that thy faith fail not: and when thou
art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:32
If one who is in right standing with God can fall like Peter,
and need to be converted, then he was obviously in danger
of eternal judgment.
Is re-conversion necessary for eternal life?
Brethren (who?), IF (denotes the possibility) any of

YOU do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let
him know, that he which converteth (again) the sin-
ner from the error of his way shall save a soul from
death (eternal damnation), and shall hide a multi-
tude of sins. James 5:19-20
More on Again
2 Peter 2:20-22
For IF after they have escaped the pollutions of the

Jesus Christ, they are AGAIN entangled therein, and
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Lie of Ages

22
First of all, according to this divinely breathed utterance, a per-

son can possess the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Je-
sus Christ having escaped the pollutions of the world
and can become AGAIN entangled therein, and overcome.
The text also reveals that this person in question had known
the way of righteousness yet did turn from the holy com-
mandment. If such a person does not repent before it is too
late, the latter end will be worse with them than the be-
ginning. In other words, his eternal torment in hell will be ut-
terly worse than if he had never tasted of and experienced the
heavenly gift of eternal life.
This 2 Peter 2 text alone completely removes the possibility of

an unconditional eternal security. This passage all by itself an-
nihilates the diabolical teachings of John Calvin and all mod-
ern strands of it. The bottom line is that a person who has
once been truly saved can lose His salvation! Any person who
reads these words and still denies such is not being honest
with Gods Word.
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of

God: on them which fell, severity; but toward
thee, goodness, IF thou continue (DENOTES A
CONTINUAL CHOICE) in his goodness: otherwise
Previous to these words Paul speaks about the fruit which is

determined by the root. In any tree or plant, the fruit reveals
the substance or nature of the root (Rom. 11:16). The root de-
termines the fruit. According to the Bible, fruit that once exist-
ed can wither and die. Those who have been saved are required
to abide or remain grounded and settled in the LORD
and through that relationship His fruit will be yielded in their
lives (Jn. 15; Col. 1:23).
Of those apostates (people who departed from the faith) who

operate in the midst of the people of God, the Word states:
These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they

feast with you, feeding themselves without fear:
clouds they are without water (these men do not
contain nor pour out true divine substance), carried
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about of winds; trees whose FRUIT WITHERETH,
without fruit, TWICE DEAD, PLUCKED UP BY THE
ROOTS. Jude 12
Note here that these apostates Jude addresses had previously

been saved and bore fruit which now withereth. An apos-
tate is one who leaves the faith he once knew and embraced (1
Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Pet. 2:20-22). Those who depart from Christ are
also said to be TWICE dead, plucked up by the roots. How
can one be plucked up by the roots if he were not first
planted in the ground the soil of the LORDs vineyard? The
biblical truth is that those planted in the house will be
plucked up by the roots if they do not continue to seek Him
and obey Him. Do you remember what 2 Chronicles 15:2 says?
The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if

ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye for-
PRAYER: Please grant my heart your grace holy Father, to live

in love with You and wholly pleasing in Thy sight. Cleanse from
my heart every distorted notion of who You are and what Your
will is. Help me to help others in Your truth and love. Make my
heart to be resolutely honest about what You told us in Your
Word. I love You LORD Jesus. Amen.
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER FORTY
PENKNIFE SACRILEGE
Forsaking the Full-Counsel of God
And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read

three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and
cast it into the fire (this is what is happening today
in our churches) that was on the hearth, until all the
roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth.
Yet they were not afraid (no fear of God), nor rent
their garments, neither the king, nor any of his serv-
ants that heard all these words. Jeremiah 36:23-24
At this dark time in the history of Israel, the Scriptures had

been lost and out of circulation among the people of God. Then
they were found and read before the king and his servants. As
a result conviction of sin came and certain parts of Gods Word
were rejected and thrown into the fire to be vanished out of
their presence. Read Jeremiah 36.
2 PARTIES GUILTY HERE: Just as it was in the days of the

prophet Jeremiah, so today, many kings, that is, those in
spiritual authority, and servants who claim to follow Christ,
are allowing the Word of God to be diminished, distorted, dam-
aged, denied, disdained, desecrated and dodged. Many of our
leaders and those they lead are spiritual swine who refuse to
530
rend their hearts in repentance of this travesty and tram-
pling of that which is holy (Joel 2:13; Matt. 7:6). Instead of ac-
knowledging and embracing the whole of the Word of God as
we have been so privileged to have received, like the king of Ju-
dah in Jeremiahs day, some are cutting out and denying those
parts of Scripture which dont line up with their denomination-
al tradition. These deceitful workers refuse to lay down their
lives and call upon the LORD to circumcise their hearts. They
refuse to mortify the sins of the flesh in the fear of God. Those
listening will never know what is being intentionally avoided
and left out of their messages unless they embark upon the
blessed adventure of learning and knowing intimately the Holy
Scriptures (Jer. 23:18; Jn. 5:39; 2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Pet. 2:2).
The tragedy is that many of those claiming to be the

servants of the LORD, namely those who are not in the pul-
pits, refuse to discern and raise the red flag in protest of
another gospel. (2 Cor. 11:1-4; Gal. 1:6-9) Not only do they
not object to falsehood by raising biblically-based questions,
they financially support and promote these false teachings and
teachers by attending churches that pick and choose what they
will and will not acknowledge from Gods Word. The LORD
holds us accountable for such (Isaiah 5:20-24). Believers are
never to bid god speed (endorse or condone in any way) to any
form of false gospel nor person peddling such (2 Jn. 10-11).
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doc-
trine, receive him not into your house, neither bid
him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is
partaker of his evil deeds. 2 John 10-11
As it was in Jeremiahs day, so it is today. There are those who

will stand against deception which is causing many to fall and
leading millions astray. There is no doubt that eternal hell is
full of those who were (like the kingdom of heaven which
Jesus likened to five wise and five foolish virgins - Matt. 25)
once truly saved and did not endure to the end of their lives
trusting and obeying the LORD with all their hearts, but rather
allowed their heart lamps to run low and ultimately leak out
the oil of His presence that was once there (Matt. 25:1-13). This
was a parable of warning from our LORD Jesus. These foolish
virgin believers did not pursue depth of relationship with Christ
they werent planted by the rivers of water. (Ps. 1:3) The
five foolish virgins had received Christ Jesus the LORD and
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Lie of Ages
yet did not continue to walk in Him nor did they choose to be-
come Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the
faith. (Col. 2:6-7) These who counted other things more im-
portant than their relationship with the Bridegroom, didnt
choose to endure persecutions and various sufferings associat-
ed with the true Christian life and allow Him to perfect
(mature), stablish, strengthen, settle them in His grace (1
Pet. 5:10). They didnt stay in intimate communion with the
LORD they were espoused to but rather took the path of least
resistance and lived according to the flesh, breaking their en-
gagement with the Bridegroom (Jer. 3:8; Amos 6:1, 9:10; Lk.
12:35-40; 21:34-36; Rev. 3:15-16, etc.).
Being Planted and Flourishing
Healthy fruitfulness is the sign of life and nourishment. As the

roots of a tree go down into the earth, absorbing vital nutrients
for healthy fruit-bearing and growth, so the believer who roots
himself in the King and His kingdom, receives nourishment
and grows and prospers. He grows and become stronger and
stronger (Ps. 84:7). The LORD promised us that we would
flourish in the courts of our God, bring forth fruit, and
not grow faint and weary if we remained in the heart posture of
hungering and thirsting after His righteousness and planted
in the house of the LORD. (92:13) See also Matt. 5:6; Lk.
18:1; Gal. 6:9 and Heb. 6:11-12.
Those that be planted in the house of the LORD

shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall
still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and
flourishing; To show that the LORD is upright: he is
my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
Psalms 92:13-15
May the Lord be praised for those who are calling leaders to
repentance for their doctrinal atrocities, for purposely avoiding
hard truths in order to grow their own church businesses. The
Almighty sees all and for this evil He will judge:
Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah

had made intercession to the king that he would not
burn the roll: but he would not hear them. Jeremiah
36:25
These men feared God (Elnathan, Delaiah, Gemariah). They
532
boldly beseeched the king not to cut out any part of the words
of God. Are we beseeching leaders not to ignore any part of
Gods Word? Are we cutting out, denying or dodging any truth
we read in the Scriptures? Are we willing to elevate the LORD
and His Word above all else and confront leaders for their re-
fusal to teach His full-counsel?
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and

Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went
into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more no-
ble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received
the word with all readiness of mind, and searched
the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Acts 17:10-11
Note here that these more noble disciples of Christ refused

to simply believe everything Paul the apostle stated before they
personally verified such in the Scriptures. They put everything
he said to the acid test of Holy Scripture they received the
word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scrip-
tures daily, whether those things were so. They were being
wise instead of naive like many today who are quite frankly
overtly gullible. These Berean believers took and compared
Pauls doctrine to the Scriptures to see if the apostles message
was from Gods Word.
I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise

thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth:
for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy
name. Psalms 138:2
No leader alive today possesses more kingdom authority than

the apostle Paul did. And yet, the Christians at Berea acid-
tested what Paul stated against Gods Word to see if it were
true or if it were false. They magnified the Word of God above
any mans teachings yea, let God be true, but every man a
liar. (Rom. 3:4)
The believers living in the city of Berea are a glorious example

of what the LORD desires in all of us a noble heart that be-
lieves nothing unless they dig it out of His Word for themselves!
Saint, consider making Acts 17:10-11 your focal text this week.
Memorize it. Meditate upon it. Highlight, underline, and cross-
reference this vital passage with other like verses. Pour over
this text until it begins to take root in your understanding.
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Lie of Ages
Some who claim Christ as Savior do no want all of Gods Word,

only those parts which coincide with the lifestyle they are liv-
ing. Many would rather buy into doctrines foreign to Scripture,
teachings which do not demand death to the self-life. They mi-
grate to teachings which place their lives at ease and do not
call for repentance from sin. These teachings pander and grant
license to those who do not possess the love of the truth. The
uncircumcised heart chooses to please its own evil desires in-
stead of honoring the LORD and His Word. We must delight in
and endure sound, full-counsel Bible doctrine and love the
change the Potter will bring as we allow Him to pour the water
of His Spirit upon our hearts, making them pliable putty in His
holy hands (Jer. 18:6).
Those who have been schooled in the once saved always

saved message will have a decision to make after reading the
myriad of irrefutable Scriptures in this volume. The OSAS ad-
herent will be faced with the decision of whom to trust - his fa-
vorite pastor, doctrine, denomination, or God. Divine wisdom
instructs us in this way:
Let God be true and every man a liar. Romans 3:4
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel

against (equal to) the Lord. Proverbs 21:30
For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.

Psalms 119:89
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not
unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways
acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
If you are ready and willing to embrace the purity and fullness
of Gods truth and relinquish this ungodly, anti-biblical, unho-
ly, license-to-sin teaching from your life, from a humble heart,
repeat the following prayer aloud and from your heart:
Dear Father in Heaven, I truly love You. Thank You for

finding and saving me through the blood of Your Son and
for continually leading me into all truth about Yourself.
Thank You kindly for all the grace and mercy you have
shown me. I hereby repent of and denounce the uncondi-
tional eternal security lie and all its effects upon my life
534
and those around me. Please forgive me for ever buying

into this lie. I begin now to embrace the truth of Your
Word, Your full-counsel. Please forgive me for believing
this falsehood which is not taught in Your Word. Help me
to discern truth from error. Restore to me the fear of the
LORD. Father, please teach me Your ways and Your wis-
dom in all things pertaining to Your kingdom as I seek
Your holy face and study Your words. In Jesus holy
name. Amen.
There is virtually no end to the Bible truth that can be un-

earthed and studied to expose this lie of the ages as diabolical
in origin and intent. Our Great Shepherd informed us that the
enemy, the father of lies, has come to steal, kill and to destroy
(Jn. 8:44; 10:10).
The Word of God is absent of any such teaching as an uncondi-

tional eternal security. This teaching is no where to be found in
Holy Writ except as the message of Satan and the false shep-
herds. In light of this, may God bless us to study what He has
given us in His Word and apprehend His mind. May He grant
us to have no other agenda but to know Him and His truth and
to forsake all we have previously espoused which does not align
with His Word.
Suggestions:
1. Get a King James Bible (accept no substitute see BI-

BLE VERSIONS button at
www.SafeGuardYourSoul.com).
2. Get up early and embark upon seeking the LORDs face

in Bible study, praise, and prayer communion.
3. Set apart a time to fast and pray regularly, pouring over

Isaiah 58.
PRAYER: LORD, please make my heart tender with Your grace.

I choose to magnify Your Word above the counsel of all others!
Forgive my sin of ever dodging or ignoring anything from Your
Word. From this moment forward, I count Your holy truth above
the words of any and all mere men. Cleanse me with Your blood
and Word, for my allegiance and loyalty is to You Jesus. I em-
brace the fullness of Thy counsel and despise all that does not
align. Amen.
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER FORTY ONE
ARE CHRISTIANS TO FEAR GOD?

Or Is That Only for the Lost?
bling. Psalms 2:11
Are Christians to fear God? What does fear mean? What
does it mean to fear God? What does the Bible say?
David prayed: Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in
thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. Psalms 86:11
Is this not the prayer of all those who truly seek Him in this
late hour? O LORDUnite my heart to fear thy name.
The Case of Matthew 10 and Luke 12:
In these chapters, Jesus is exclusively speaking to His very
own disciples. (Are you His disciple?):
The disciple is not above his master, nor the serv-

ant above his lord...And fear not them which kill the
body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear
him which is able to destroy both soul and body in
hell. Matthew 10:24, 28 What could be clearer?
Surely He was teaching us to fear God above man, but was

that it? The whole discourse recorded in Matthew 10 beginning
at verse 1 is speaking specifically to His disciples, which we are
also. In the preceding words Jesus stated What I tell you (My
536
disciples) in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye
hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. Then
He says to His very own And fear not them which kill the
body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him
which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Why
would the Son of God ever have warned them and us to fear
him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell if
there were no danger of backsliding and beginning to fear men
above God and be in danger of hellfire? Paul kept under his
body knowing he too after preaching to many could become
a castaway (one cast away from God). See 1 Corinthians 9:27.
In Luke 12:1, 4-5 the Son of God forewarned us:
...he began to say unto his disciples (not the lost)
first of all...And I say unto you my friends, Be not
afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have
no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you
whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath
killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto
you, Fear him.
Notice here that Jesus forewarned His very own disciples
and friends that it was possible for them to be killed by
the heavenly Father and cast into hell if they feared men
more than God. Where does that leave OSAS (once saved al-
ways saved)?
Did the Almighty not warn us not to forget Him and to fear
Him?
Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear
you in pieces, and there be none to deliver. Psalms
50:22
The LORD has from the beginning been intent upon His people
remembering Him not forgetting Him.
But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it
is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he
may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy
fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:18
The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the na-
tions that forget God. Psalms 9:17
If it were not possible to forget God, why would such a
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Lie of Ages
phrase appear in Gods Word? The fact is that one who once
knew the LORD can forget Him and be turned into hell.
when they knew God, they glorified him not as
God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their
imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Professing themselves to be wise, they became
fools Romans 1:21-22
Note that concerning those He addresses here, the Bible says
they knew God. Romans 1 is a divine discourse on apostasy
and reveals the very sins which lead to a departure from the
LORD. Here it says that those who once knew the LORD were
not thankful. Personally and openly showing gratitude to the
LORD is ultra important. We must incorporate praise and the
giving of thanks for all things beloved. If not, our hearts will
forget and not remember the LORD our God. May the LORD
bless each of us to cultivate a heart full of thanksgiving for all
He has done and is doing and will do!
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and
the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:20
If we do not fear and give abundant thanks to and remember
the LORD, we will forget Him.
The truth is, that if I am presently seeking after the LORDs
face, I am remembering Him and acknowledging Him in all my
ways. If I do not currently possess a thankful heart that hun-
gers and thirsts after His righteousness, I have clearly forgot-
ten Him (Prov. 3:5-6; Matt. 5:6).
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever:
the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous
altogether. Psalms 19:9
Let me stop here and ask you to examine whether or not you
truly believe the Bible? The question is not whether or not you
say you believe the Bible, but do you really believe it is Gods
inspired Word and final authority? Do you personally own the
truth in your heart? Do the affections of your heart hold His
Person and truth as the supreme, highest authority? Have you
placed yourself in obedience to and under His divine authority,
or, have you forgotten Him? Friend, if after reviewing a prepon-
derance of Scripture, you can still deny that God is holy, to be
538
feared, and requires holiness in all who will be in Heaven,
much is lost. Those who are born again have the blessed op-
portunity and responsibility to live holy before God and to fear
Him. Any person who does not believe this and live accordingly,
denies Christ and His Word. And, that person makes the Al-
mighty out to be a liar.
Consider what He says:
Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sin-
cerity and in truth: and put away the gods which
your fathers served on the other side of the flood,
and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. Joshua 24:14
God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the
saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that
are about him. Psalms 89:7
bling. Psalms 2:11 (Even while in rejoicing we are to
fear and tremble.)
Here in the following text, Romans chapter 11, Paul is talking
to the Gentile Christians about their position with God and us-
ing the originally chosen Jews as an example as covenant peo-
ple who had been cut off from relationship with God:
Thou (Gentiles) wilt say (boastfully) then, The
branches (Jews) were broken off, that I might be
grafted in. Well; because of unbelief they were bro-
ken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highmind-
ed, but fear: For if God spared not the natural
branches (the Jews), take heed lest he also spare not
thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of
God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee,
goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: other-
wise thou also shalt be cut off. Romans 11:19-22
What does the word fear mean?
What does it mean to fear God?
Here is Romans 11, phobeo is the Greek word for fear. Ac-
cording to the Strongs Concordance, this Greek word PHOBEO
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Lie of Ages
means to frighten, to be alarmed; to be in awe of, revere /

(+sore); afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence.
Any leader who does not teach the fear of the LORD is a wolf.
Run for your life beloved. The new wave of local churches litter-
ing communities across America are seeker-sensitive not God
fearing and God-sensitive. Their focus is the light fanfare that
draws crowds like family, relationships, and self-help pro-
grams. There is a complete absence of Bible doctrines like the
fear of God, the holiness of God, judgment to come, denial of
the self-life, the divinity, death, and resurrection of Jesus
Christ, etc. Any local church that is not built upon the founda-
tional doctrines of the LORD Jesus Christ and His holy apos-
tles is not a part of the New Testament Church (Acts 2:42; Eph.
2:20).
Some sound very pious when they say that love should be the
greatest motivator toward God. According to numerous Bible
verses, FEAR, like love, is indeed a legitimate motive or reason
for serving God (Jude 23). Jesus told His twelve when they
were about to go out: And fear not them which kill the
body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him
which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matt.
10:28) The apostle Paul wrote: Well; because of unbelief
they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not
highminded, but FEAR: For if God spared not the natural
branches (Jews), take heed lest he also spare not thee. Be-
hold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them
which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou con-
tinue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut
off. (Rom. 11:20-22).
The person who does not have a set apart life reveals clearly
that he does not fear God. The person who does not fear the
LORD is not afraid of nor in awe of His Majesty and will not ex-
perience His blessings.
12:13-14
The fear of the LORD is something that must be chosen by the
540
individual and will determine ones eternal destination. Fearing
God never happens by accident.
For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose
the fear of the LORD: They would none of my coun-
sel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall
they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled
with their own devices. For the turning away of the
simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools
shall destroy them. But whoso hearkeneth unto me
shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of
evil. Proverbs 1:29-33
Fearing God is a deliberate choice and there is great reward in
learning the fear of the LORD:
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches,
and honour, and life. Proverbs 22:4
David was devoted to the fear of the LORD:
Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted
to thy fear. Psalms 119:38
According to Proverbs 22:4, what are the resulting blessings of
fearing the LORD?
Riches
Honour
Life
Every genuine saint of the LORD should seek to be devoted to
the fear of Him. Praying daily for the fear of the LORD to pos-
sess your heart and life is wise.
PRAYER: Unite my heart to fear Thy holy name Jesus! Quicken

my spirit in Your holy fear. Fill me more and more with Your pre-
cious grace, which You provided through Jesus Christs perfect
sacrifice on the cross. Father in Heaven I so deeply thank You
this moment for the myriad of Your innumerable blessings to us!
Seizing this moment, I lay my life in Your hands afresh Jesus! I
know You are coming soon! I love You my LORD. Amen.
541
Lie of Ages
CHAPTER FORTY TWO
ESCAPE FOR THY LIFE;

LOOK NOT BEHIND THEE
Genesis 19:17
Remember Lots wife. Luke 17:32
What did the Son of God mean by warning His very own disci-
ples concerning His coming kingdom with this statement about
Lots wife? Is Jesus Christ just filling space here? What was He
conveying? What did He want us to understand here?
What did Jesus want us all to remember about Lots wife?

What did the wife of Lot do? Why does her name resurface in
history out of the mouth of the Messiah?
In Genesis 19 we have the record of the deliverance of Gods

remnant of righteous people (Lots family) out of Sodom, an evil
city the LORD was going to destroy for their gross rebellion
against Him. Jesus told us that the very last days of this age
leading up to His return, would resemble the epidemic ac-
ceptance of sinful rebellion that was in Sodom and Gomorrah
(Lk. 17:26-33). The warning message came loud and clear:
And it came to pass, when they had brought them

forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look
not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain;
542
escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
Genesis 19:17
The cup of His holy indignation was full and the Almighty was
getting ready to destroy the sinful inhabitants of Sodom, so
was first getting His people out of that place before His holy
wrath was to fall. As is always His pattern, the LORD was going
to send forth warning and preserve alive His remnant. Through
His angel He gave them clear warning to Escape for thy life;
look not behind thee. Unfortunately, Lots wife did not obey
the divine instruction and became an example to all who would
live thereafter.
But his wife looked back from behind him, and she
became a pillar of salt. Genesis 19:26
What does a pillar of salt represent? Why did God turn Lots
rebelling wife into a pillar of salt? What is the divine mes-
sage in this?
Universally, salt is known and used as a preservative. This pil-

lar of salt made out of Lots wife, is a memorial warning to all of
us today who claim to be His. The divine message in this warn-
ing is to never look back as Lots wife did, lest we be destroyed
and not make it out from among those whom the LORD will
soon destroy in His fierce end-time judgment. Also, if we look
backward and dont keep walking with the LORD, we will miss
eternity with the righteous and the Righteous One.
What does looking back to the place we were delivered from

truly represent principally? Lets peer into the surrounding
words of our LORD to see a fuller view. When specifically
speaking of the last days before His return, Christ tells us:
And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also

in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they
drank, they married wives, they were given in mar-
riage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise
also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they
drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they
builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sod-
om it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and de-
stroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day
when the Son of man is revealed. In that day, he
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Lie of Ages
which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in

the house, let him not come down to take it away:
and he that is in the field, let him likewise not re-
turn back. Remember Lots wife. Whosoever shall
seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall
lose his life shall preserve it. Luke 17:26-33
Jesus warned of the danger of not being in a state of perpetual

readiness for His return. Those who are His must warn also
(Rev. 22:17). Many precious souls will be in Heaven due to His
saints, who being true to their Master, warn in His love the
Spirit and the bride say, Come. (Rev. 22:17)

against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and
upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not tres-
pass. 2 Chronicles 19:10
So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman

unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear
the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.
Ezekiel 33:7
Warning of the fate of those who left the faith was a vital doctri-
nal component of Jesus and the early Church as it must be in
our day, especially in light of the impending return of our
LORD Jesus. Those who cease to live in fervent love for and
faith in Christ will not make it to Heaven (Matt. 25:1-13). After
calling thousands of lost souls to repentance and instructing
them to be water baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost, Peter
says Save yourselves from this untoward genera-
tion. (Acts 2:37-40).
Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day

of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be
dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent
heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise,
look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein
dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing
that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may
be found of him in peace, without spot, and blame-
lessYe therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these
things before, beware lest ye also, being led away
with the error of the wicked, fall from your own sted-
fastness. 2 Peter 3:12-14, 17
544
Does God Know I Love Him?
In the message of the modern gospel, we hear so much about

how much God loves us. When is the last time we have person-
ally pondered or heard the piercing questions:
How much do I love the LORD with all my heart,

soul, mind and strength? (Matt. 22:37-39)
Is Jesus Christ truly the first and foremost love of my life? (Rev.
2:4)
Jesus commanded all men to repent and to love God.
Lots wife erred to her own destruction in these ways:
She did not fear God, otherwise she would have obeyed Him
(Heb. 11:7).
Lots wife forgot God and was therefore turned into

hell. (Ps. 9:17)
She did not choose to love the LORD supremely, otherwise

she would have obeyed Him and been delivered (Jn. 14:21;
1 Jn. 2:3-5).
Lots wife loved herself (like Lucifer) and the temporal world
and will forever be punished for her sins and rebellion
against her holy Creator (2 Thess. 1:7-10; James 4:4; 1 Jn.
2:15-17).
The Word instructs believers to behold the full spectrum of

the attributes of the LORD. He told us to perceive, consider,
view and observe both the goodness (love) and severity of
God. (Rom. 11:22). There will be a balance in our belief sys-
tem and lives when we do this. We hear so much today about
how much God loves us, but what about how much we love
God? Man seems to look at how much the LORD loves him in
order to think God will love him in spite of his rebellion and
therefore still save him, but the Bible says:
They that observe lying vanities forsake their own

mercy. Jonah 2:8
Perhaps many who claim to be believers have become pre-

sumptuous due to not observing how much the Bible has to
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Lie of Ages
say about the big question and that is How much do I truly
love God?
The LORD is unfailing and perfect in His love, yet the question
remains: How perfect is my love for and to Him?
Jesus spoke in terms of how much God loved us (Jn. 3:16) and
also He had some things to say about how much men choose
to love God. Listen intently to these words from the LORD:
If ye love me, keep my commandments.He that

hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is
that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved
of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest
myself to him. John 14:15, 21
Christ commanded:
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. This is the first and great com-
mandment. Matthew 22:37-38
All men are commanded to fear and obey their Creator because
Judgment Day is on the way:

12:13-14
Even though this is right there in Gods Word, we seldom hear

such speech from OSAS misleaders. No, instead people are just
overly assured as to how much God loves them and seldom if
ever warned. Today, the messages from the pulpits and modern
media paint a far different picture than the words we have rec-
orded in the Bible. Jesus and all of the inspired writers of the
New Testament issued numerous warnings to all saints (Rom.
11:19-23; 2 Cor. 5:11; Col. 2:8; Heb. 3:6, 12-15; 10:26-39;
Jude 3-4). Gods people are to utterly fear Him and such fear
will yield faith and obedience:

546
Ever hear this verse from your pastor? Does he even know this
verse is in the Bible?
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil:

he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. Prov-
erbs 16:17
Lots wife did not fear God. She did not truly have Him as her
first love and therefore lost out with no second chance (Heb.
9:27; Rev. 2:4-5). Lots wife represents the many who having
once known the LORD in the process of their deliverance -
have grown cold and now love self and the world more than
God. According to Jesus these people are not fit for the king-
dom of God. (Lk. 9:62)
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his

hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the
kingdom of God. Luke 9:62
There are those who have grown hardened or cold in heart and
now have a mere form of godliness and yet deny the Rule or
power of God in their personal lives (Matt. 24:10-13; 2 Tim. 3:1
-5). In contrast, those who look not to the left hand nor to the
right continue to have a more brightly lit path. Momentum
builds as they continue to enjoy intimate communion with the
Savior and delight to do His will. They are blessed to wax bold-
er and bolder. These truly wise virgin believers have full lamps
of oil and go from strength to strength, from faith to
faith and from glory to glory. (Ps. 84:7; Rom. 1:17; 2 Cor.
3:18)
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that

shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Prov-
erbs 4:18
We have been given free will and personal responsibility in our

relationship with the LORD. His saints are instructed to
keep themselves in the love of God and to refuse to allow an-
ything to interrupt that vital relationship (Mk. 9:42-49; Lk.
21:34-36; Jude 3, 21). The remnant believer must keep himself
in that special place with the LORD. This is an individual deci-
sion. The LORD is there as we humble ourselves and draw
close to Him yet He wont force us to love Him (James 4:4-10).
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the
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Lie of Ages
mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Jude 21
License to Sin?
I have personally met and heard countless people who though

living in outright rebellion or lukewarm lives, truly believe they
are eternally saved and that nothing can prevent them from
entering Heaven. Their resolve seems to be that it is as if even
God Himself couldnt stop them from going to His holy Heaven.
I guess they think they are taking their sin to Heaven since it
seems they have no desire to repent of it and become set apart
to Christ for His holy purposes (Rom. 8:29). In most cases peo-
ple who believe this way have been taught a spiritually debili-
tating and soul-jeopardizing falsehood that has caused their
lives to be lukewarm, ineffective and unfruitful. These people
have no conviction. One will readily discover that the vast ma-
jority of people who have espoused this no-fear-of-judgment lie,
do not take divine justice and holiness to heart and are not
abiding in Christ in the biblical sense, but are rather living life
on their own terms while maintaining a form or resemblance of
a godly life by associating with a local church or even reading
the Bible and praying (Jn. 15; 2 Tim. 3:1-7).
Those who are truly ready for the return of Christ are not justi-
fying their sins but rather being delivered and purified from
them as they fervently expect the soon return of the LORD (Lk.
21:34-36).

knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God,
and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we
know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like
him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man
that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as
he is pure. 1 John 3:1-3
After warning of ravenous wolves who would turn the grace of

God into a license for sin, Jude warns of how God saved the
Israelites, then destroyed those who went back to live in sin.
I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye

once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the
548
people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed
them that believed not. Jude 5
Did you catch what the Word just said? Note what the Bible
says here. This servant of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit,
wants to put these believers he is writing to in remembrance
of the fact that the LORD saved the people out of Egypt (sin;
the world) and afterward destroyed them that believed
not. There will be many who were at some point in their lives
saved and yet did not continue to believe (fully trust in) the
LORD and will be destroyed.
Lets take a little closer look by reading this passage in tact.

Please read this text from Jude for all it is worth and for all the
understanding the Holy Spirit intended for us to gain from it:

our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only
Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore
put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this,
how that the Lord, having saved the people out of
the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that be-
lieved not. And the angels which kept not their first
estate, but left their own habitation, he hath re-
served in everlasting chains under darkness unto the
judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Go-
morrha, and the cities about them in like manner,
giving themselves over to fornication, and going af-
ter strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffer-
ing the vengeance of eternal fire. Jude 3-7
First we are instructed to earnestly contend for the faith

because certain men are crept in unawares (secretly)
turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (license to
sin). Immediately following this exhortation, the Holy Ghost
brings believers of the whole Church era into remembrance of
the holy wrath of the Almighty upon those of His own covenant
people who went back into sin after being saved. Because of
this, they were destroyed. This is yet another New Testa-
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Lie of Ages
ment Scripture text that undeniably reveals that these people

were once saved then destroyed. And this is a severe
warning to every person reading these words to endure in faith
and remain in the place of fully believing in Jesus Christ and
never draw back to perdition (Heb. 10:36-39). The final reward
of eternal life with Him belongs to all those who endure to
the end. It is they who shall be saved. (Matt. 10:22; 24:13)
In 1 Corinthians 10:1-14, the apostle Paul warns of the sins of

covenant Israel whose Rock was Christ and how their sins
of lust, idolatry, fornication, tempting Christ, and murmuring
led to their forfeiting the promised land. We are told that the
reason for bringing this to the attention of New Testament be-
lievers was for our example and admonition, upon whom
the ends of the world are come. The Holy Ghost specifically
tells us that these once covenant children were destroyed of
the destroyer due to their rebellion.
You will find much in this passage. Study 1 Corinthians 10:1-

14.
PRAYER: Holy Father I choose to be kept in fervent expectancy

of Your soon return as I learn to love and to serve You this day. I
love You Jesus! I will live by faith and thank You for keeping me
by Your power. Cause my life to bear the good fruit that You
have ordained it to. Expose any teaching or notion of justification
of evil in my heart. Teach me Your truth LORD and to love You
more sincerely this day. At this moment I release and submit my
whole being into Your holy hands! Amen.
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER FORTY THREE
THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST, HIS APOSTLES,

AND THE EARLY CHURCH
Then they that gladly received his word were bap-
tized: and the same day there were added unto them
about three thousand souls. And they continued
stedfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship
Acts 2:41-42
The soul who is subject to Christ should clearly desire to con-

tinue stedfastly in the apostles doctrine and in so doing
experience fellowship with His remnant the true body of
Christ.
The Message of Jesus Christ
And ye shall be hated of all men for my names

sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be
saved. Matthew 10:22
Here Jesus Christ, the Almighty God, tells His own twelve dis-
ciples that those among them who persevere to the end of their
lives, remaining and continuing in obedience to Him shall
be saved.
Notice here in Matthew 10, the utter difference between what
552
Jesus told His disciples and what so many leaders today lead
people to believe. First, realize that Christ hand picked these
twelve men and one of them didnt continue with him and went
to hell (Acts 1:25). There is the complete absence here and
throughout the New Testament Scriptures of words like:
You are eternally secure.

God is not an Indian giver.
No matter what you do, you are sure for Heaven.
You are guaranteed Heaven because God is not an
Indian giver.
Its eternal life not temporary life.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, how could Jesus ever
lose a sheep?
You cant obtain salvation by works, so you cant
loose it by bad works (sinning), it doesnt matter what
you do, you still have it.
Once in grace, always in grace.
Those are all clichs not Scripture and those clichs are con-
trary, blatantly opposite of what the Bible reveals.
Falling away and being lost again is a biblical reality and that
won't change. Jesus invented the term "fall away" and so that
means it's possible but Calvinists, in classic satanic style, have
to try to redefine terms and twist their plain meaning (Luke
8:13).
Concerning the last days, Jesus gives His disciples a vastly dif-
ferent message than what we hear today:
But before all these, they shall lay their hands on

you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the syn-
agogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings
and rulers for my names sake. And it shall turn to
you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your
hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all
your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor re-
sist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and
brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you
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Lie of Ages
shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be

hated of all men for my names sake. But there shall
not an hair of your head perish. In your patience
possess ye your souls. Luke 21:12-19
The message the Son of God gave His very own includes:
Persecutions from the religious (v12)

Prison (v12)
Giving answer to rulers (v13)
Divine inspiration in words (v15)
Betrayal by family and friends (v16)
Death for some (v16)
Hated for Jesus sake (v17)
Protection (v18)
The necessity of patience (endurance) to the end
(v19)
Then, in this discourse concerning the last days, Jesus warns
His very own:
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your

hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunken-
ness, and cares of this life, and so that day come up-
on you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all
them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be
accounted worthy to escape all these things that
shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of
man. Luke 21:34-36
As one can see from these passages, Christs message to His

own was anything but a promise of ease and comfort in this life
or automatic unconditional eternal security or some kind of
fixed guarantee of immunity from judgment. There is no such
language in the Word. All assurance is conditional upon the
present state of the individual.
Rather, Christs words were those of promise of great trials and

tribulations and even martyrdom for some, and yet eternal
bliss for those who endure.
554
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye
might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribula-
tion: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the
world. John 16:33
Jesus message was certainly no promise of tiptoeing through

the tulips with automatic and irrevocable eternal security if one
endures not to the end of his life in trust and obedience.
The Message of Paul, the Apostle of Christ

to others, I myself should be a castaway (reprobate).
1 Corinthians 9:27
Notice the word keep here which denotes the necessity of

staying in the will of God. Paul tells us here of the essential na-
ture of keeping the deeds of the flesh under subjection to the
Holy Spirit and Word of God. He reveals that even though he
himself was saved and preached to others, it was still a
possibility that he could become a castaway. This apostle
did not count himself exempt from becoming cast away from
Christ. His words here reveal the distinct possibility of becom-
ing reprobate. The apostle Paul would never have stated these
words if he believed the myth of once saved always saved.
This apostle did not consider himself unconditionally eternally
secure (immune from holy and divine judgment if he resorted
back to sin). The very phrase I myself should be a castaway
introduces the clear and present danger that after all the LORD
did to find and work in him, the apostle Paul could lose out if
he did not keep under his body, and bring it into subjec-
tion to the Lordship of Christ.
It is clear from these words that the apostle Paul never believed
he was UN-conditionally eternally secure. He divulges here that
there was still the potential of becoming one who is cast away
from God ultimately if he didn't keep under his body which
speaks of abiding in Christ, and when we are, the sinful man
and its deeds will be subdued by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:13-
14).
Now if he were here with us today, this world-changing, histor-

ic apostle of Christ would agree and resolutely affirm the dan-
ger of becoming a castaway after knowing and serving
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Lie of Ages
Christ. If such is not the case, then God has changed and we
know that cant happen. The Holy Spirit gave this truth to His
Church and God has not changed (Mal. 3:6). Yet as Jude fore-
told, today the landscape of the church world is littered with
ungodly men who are turning the grace of our God into
lasciviousness and would argue against the truth in the face
of volumes of Holy Scripture. They would argue with Paul that
once a person is saved they are always saved no matter what
(Jude 3-4). Such was never the message of Christ and His holy
apostles. When we look at the lie in the Garden and through-
out Scripture, we can clearly conclude that this falsehood is
the message of Satan and his emissaries and is unthinkably
being peddled today as a component of the Gospel or a Chris-
tian doctrine.
More from Paul:
For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be

clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
If so be that being clothed we shall not be found na-
ked. 2 Corinthians 5:2-3
This language is far different than that heard coming from

those who corrupt the message of Gods grace in our day. The
implication here is that even after being saved, one can be
found naked. Being found naked means that the person
in question is no longer clothed with the garment of Christs
righteousness. Was this not the case with those believers in the
church at Laodicea? See Revelation 3:14-20.
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be ab-

sent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or ab-
sent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all ap-
pear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every
one may receive the things done in his body, accord-
ing to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we per-
suade men 2 Corinthians 5:8-11
Under the Holy Spirits inspiration, here Paul says that to be

absent from the body is to be present with the LORD
and therefore in light of this we labour, that whether pre-
sent or absent, we may be accepted of him. As is plainly
witnessed here by every honest student of Scripture, Paul up-
556
held labour as a prerequisite of continuing in the grace of
God and being ready to meet Him. Labour here refers to
fighting the good fight of faith and laying hold on eternal life,
continuing in the faith and not sinking or drawing back to sin
and destruction (Col. 3:6, 14; 1 Tim. 6:12; Heb. 3:12-15, 10:34-
39).
In the face of so much divine truth, why, why, why do some in-
sist upon defending and promoting the unfounded once saved
always saved myth which is not only NOT taught in Scripture,
but is actually refuted repeatedly and identified as the first and
resounding lie of the enemy of God?
So far we have witnessed that Jesus never taught an abiding

grace without holiness. Paul didnt believe that he nor any be-
liever was once saved always saved.
After leading people to Christ in Antioch, the apostle Paul re-

turned to that city and notice here what his divinely inspired
message to them was:
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting

them to continue in the faith, and that we must
through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of
God. Acts 14:22
Today, in stark contrast to the original apostles of Christ, we

have people who have dedicated themselves to making those
around them to feel eternally secure or assured no matter
how they are living and without the need to truly serve the One
who bled to deliver them from all sin. What are these people
going to feel eternally in hell if they die in sin and stand before
a holy God and Judge?
The message of the apostles was not one of automatic security,

assurance and ease, but rather that we must through much
tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Those who know the LORD and will be preserved in Him in this
treacherous last hour, must be willing to endure trials and suf-
fering (Matt. 24:10-13). Whatever the loneliness, anguish, and
pain we may suffer here in this brief life, it is miniscule in com-
parison to the eternal terror to be experienced by all who deny
Christ.
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Lie of Ages
Mark This: Only a deceiver would neglect to preach the full-

counsel of the original Gospel and name sin by name as the
Bible does. Only a false teacher would promise eternal assur-
ance to any person living in rebellion against the LORD (Ezek.
33:12-13; Lam. 2:14; Amos 9:10).
As we just witnessed firsthand in the Holy Scriptures, the

LORD and His apostles admonished new converts to
endureth to the end and to continue in the faith, and
that we must through much tribulation enter into the
kingdom of God.
This view of an unconditionally guaranteed surety of salvation

that requires no diligence of active and ongoing faith, is foreign
to the authentic Christianity found throughout Holy Scripture,
and is therefore a false form of Christianity, facilitating a mere
form of godliness, denying the need for the power or reign of
Christ in the individual life. Such supposes that Christ will re-
main in the life of all who have been born again, no matter
what vile sins they may now be living in. Nonsense. Unbiblical.
Not true.
Beloved, the truth is, if we are not diligently seeking the LORD
this day, we are backsliding and in danger of becoming like one
of the foolish virgins to whom the door of entrance into the
kingdom of Heaven was shut (Matt. 25:1-13).
What exhortation did Paul give to these new believers in Acts

14?
Continue in the faith

We must through much tribulation enter into
the kingdom of God
Beloved, the Holy Spirit of God had all the opportunity in the
world here to tell these new converts to enjoy their salvation,
be nice little Christians, attend church services on Sundays,
build a denomination, give to the building funds, and live up-
standing lives in their community. He didnt! He could have
told them that they are unconditionally eternally secure, but
He didnt. No, instead, Paul gave the same message Christ gave
His twelve in Matthew 10:22 continue and endure to the end
and expect to be hated of all men for my names sake and
much tribulation between now and Heaven. Every leader
should be disclosing these things to those they oversee. Every
558
saint should acknowledge these truths.
Paul was inspired by the Holy Ghost to write much of the New
Testament canon, correct? Why didnt he guarantee Heaven to
everyone who was at one time born again? Why didnt the Son
of God do so?
In the message of the modern church, we are told that believers

will be rewarded for their good works, but are not in danger of
losing their souls if they dont obey God. Some misuse 1 Corin-
thians 3 to come to this conclusion. Such a conclusion does
not align with the whole of Scripture and therefore should not
be embraced.
The early Church apostles obeyed the Master and taught new
converts to continue in Gods grace, just as Jesus taught them
what they must do to ultimately inherit His eternal kingdom
(Matt. 10:22; 25:1-13; Acts 14:22; Rev. 2-3). Do we espouse
and teach what Christ and His apostles taught?
For more on what Paul was inspired to teach, see 1 Corinthians

9:27-10:12 and Romans 11:19-23. Any thought that this Holy
Spirit inspired, true grace teacher taught an unconditional
eternal security will be soundly silenced upon the honest read-
ing of these texts.
If OSAS was an original doctrine of the New Testament Church,

wouldnt the apostle Paul have included it in the books he con-
tributed to the canon of the New Testament Scriptures?
The Message of Peter the Apostle

22
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Lie of Ages
After Simon believed upon Christ, Peter told him:
Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was

baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered,
beholding the miracles and signs which were done
But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with
thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God
may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither
part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right
in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy
wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of
thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that
thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of
iniquity. Acts 8:13, 20-23
Did you notice that there is anything but eternal assurance in

this divinely inspired communication of the apostle Peter? Pe-
ter told Simon that he was going to perish after he was
saved (believed) and was baptized.
Of course we all hope Simon repented before it was too late, yet
all we know from this text is that he asked the apostle Peter to
pray that none of the judgments pronounced would come upon
him (v24). It is frightening to think of the millions of souls who
when living in sin like Simon was, after being saved, do not
have the voice of true, godly authority (like Peter) who follow
Christ authentically, warning them to repent or they will
perish. Simon got saved then turned to sin again and Peter
called him to repent or perish. Simon was blessed because
he had a man like Peter to rebuke the error of his way. Today,
it is regrettably all too rare to find those authentic New Testa-
ment Christians, who endeavor to live and declare the apostolic
faith once delivered to the saints. Beloved, are you willing to
answer the call of God to learn and live real New Testament
Christianity as we witness on the pages of New Testament
Scripture? This would include helping Christian people living
in sin by calling them to repent or they will perish. Living
like Jesus and His apostles means giving no hope of assurance
or eternal security to anyone living outside of obedience to
Christs Word/will, but rather calling people who are living in
rebellion and sin to repent or they will perish. This means
that they would ultimately go to eternal hell if they dont repent
and this is all regardless of any past relationship experience
they had with the LORD as is clear in this instance with Simon
560
(Ezek. 33:12-13; Acts 8:13, 20-23).
Those under-shepherds who truly fear the LORD, endeavor to

speak the truth in love to safeguard the precious souls of those
they oversee with divine truth (Eph. 4:15; Heb. 13:17).
The apostle Peter had all the opportunity in the world to over-
look this new converts sin. Peter had full and open occasion
here to assure Simon that he was eternally secure no matter
how he chose to live because he was now saved. But Peter
didnt. Why not? Because such would have been treason and
utterly in opposition to the truth of God.
Even a cursory look at the New Testament Scriptures reveal

that the LORD Jesus and His apostles had a completely differ-
ent approach and instructions than do many ministries today.
Unlike original and authentic Christianity found on the pages
of New Testament Scripture, most ministries today give no ad-
monition or warning to new converts to the Christian faith.
The Message of Jude, the Brother of Jesus

civiousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our
Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remem-
brance, though ye once knew this, how that the
Lord, having saved the people out of the land of
Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the
cities about them in like manner, giving themselves
over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are
set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of
eternal fireThese are spots in your feasts of chari-
ty, 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; Raging
waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wan-
dering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of
darkness for ever. Jude 4-7, 12-13
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Lie of Ages
By direct inspiration of the Holy Ghost, Jude says that

ungodly men who have crept in unawares (secretly) are
turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness and by
doing such are denying the only Lord God, and our Lord
Jesus Christ. Then he begins to innumerate how the Al-
mighty has destroyed those who were once in His kingdom
then departed. He brings New Testament believers into remem-
brance of the fact that the LORD, having saved the people
out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that be-
lieved not. Then he reminds us of how Lucifer and one-third
of the angels who once occupied Heaven are now fallen into the
eternally irrevocable state of condemnation: And the angels
which kept not their first estate, but left their own habita-
tion, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness
unto the judgment of the great day.
Not once do we see the Son of God, any of the apostles, or any
other believer, telling the newly saved that they are once saved
always saved or intimating that they are unconditionally
eternally secure. Such a message is completely foreign to gen-
uine and original New Testament Christianity. There is no hint
of teaching insinuating the diabolical lie that the believer has
no need to obey God in their daily life. Instead, there is abun-
dance of warning that if one goes back into sin, judgment
awaits that transgressor. The modern teaching of eternal secu-
rity is entirely alien to the teachings of Christ and His apostles
and is therefore another gospel. (2 Cor. 11:1-4; Gal. 1:6-9)
Please allow me to exhort true Bible believers to offer a chal-

lenge to any teacher or proponent of an unconditionally eter-
nally secure salvation. The challenge is this: To produce any
biblical record of such a teaching which would include a pre-
ponderance of Scripture in context with the passage it has
been placed in. If such evidence cannot be clearly demonstrat-
ed through the preponderance of Scripture, I hope and pray
that God will grant repentance to any who still believe such,
that they might turn to the truth and away from this deadly
fable (2 Tim. 2:2-5).
What one will find, in studying the New Testament Scriptures,

is that no such hint of the notion nor teaching of an uncondi-
tional eternal security is found among the early disciples of
Christ. The apostles of Jesus continued in His doctrines as He
instructed them to do and no such doctrine of an uncondition-
562
al eternal security is taught.
The Million Dollar Question: If God wanted His people to be-

lieve that once they believed unto salvation, there was no fur-
ther need to obey Him in faith, why didnt He simply come out
and tell us so in His Word?
Why in 66 books is there the deafening silence of such a teach-

ing and yet, so many today in the evangelical church world
teach and believe such?
Before leaving the earth and when sending forth His apostles,
the Son of God commanded:
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All

power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye
therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost: 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. Matthew 28:18-20
Notice in particular the command: Teaching them to observe

all things whatsoever I have commanded you. Jesus Christ
never taught that a person is without responsibility after he is
born again, but rather just the opposite. He commanded that
all those in Him must abide or remain in obedience to Him or
they will be thrown into the fire (Jn. 15:6). His many warnings
alone make the reality of the jeopardy of the soul clear to the
honest-hearted student of His Word (Matt. 24-25).
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot

bear fruit of itself, except it abide (remain) in the
vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in mefor
without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in
me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and
men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and
they are burned. John 15:4-6
We must ask ourselves: Why would the very Son of God ever so
much as mention abiding (continuing; persevering) in Him if
such were automatic or some kind of a fixed state of grace?
Was Jesus just filling pages with His words, or is this a divinely
-given mandate the personal responsibility of each and every
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Lie of Ages
born again believer?
Salvation is of the LORD said Jonah after he had repent-

ed from his rebellion and returned to the LORD (read Jonah 2).
Salvation surely is of the LORD and yet the LORD has made it
clear that He never forces any person to love and serve Him or
continue to remain in relationship with Him (Deut. 28; 30:19;
Josh. 24:15; Isa. 1:18-20; Jn. 1:12; 3:16, 36; 5:24; 15:1-6; Rev.
3:20). Remaining with Christ is volitional. The one who is
willing and obedient, and planted in the house of the
LORD will flourish in the courts of the LORD and be em-
bellished with the blessings of the LORD (Deut. 28:1-14; Ps.
92:13-14; Isa. 1:19-20).
Jonah had rebelled against God. He then cried out in distress

when the LORD blessed him to be swallowed up by a large fish
(Rom. 2:4). As we learn in the parable of the prodigal son, the
LORD will lead the wayward to repentance yet He will never
force Him to repent even though He is not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2
Pet. 3:9) The perfect will of God and the individual appropriation
of such are two different issues. From the belly of that fish the
prophet cried out to God in repentance and his prayer came
into the ears of the LORD in whom is all salvation. The LORD
heard, forgave, and restored Jonah. In his restored state Jonah
said that those who observe lying vanities forsake their
own mercies. As a direct result of his returning to the LORD,
the LORD then told that fish to spit His man out upon the
beach and it did. Read Jonah 2. It wasnt till he repented that
the LORD restored Jonah. When Jonah came to himself in the
presence of God, he realized that he had embraced lying van-
ities in thinking he could forsake the LORD and not be for-
saken by the LORD (2 Chron. 15:2).
If abiding in Him is a divine command, what is the conse-

quence for not staying with Him? What did Jesus say is going
to happen to all who do not remain in Him? Christ stated that
any person who is in Him and doesnt continue faithful in His
Word, will be cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and
men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are
burned. (Jn. 15:6)
So, to teach that after a believer is saved, he is going to auto-

matically go to Heaven, no matter what he does or does not do,
564
is clearly not a New Testament teaching. Only those who get
saved and continue to make the decision to abide in faith and
obedience to Him, will be eternally with Him all others will be
cast into eternal fire.
If unconditional eternal security was an original doctrine of

Christ and the New Testament apostles, we would find it in the
canon of New Testament Scripture.
Saint of the LORD, be exhorted to keep your soul diligently by

removing yourself from any leader who espouses such a dan-
gerous falsehood. Such a lie is a cancer to the soul, eating
away at fervency and crippling the necessity of diligent faith in
and obedience to Jesus.

ChristSeeing then that all these things shall be
dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in
all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and
hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein
the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the
elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless
we, according to his promise, look for new heavens
and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such
things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in
peace, without spot, and blameless. 2 Peter 1:10-11;
3:11-14
PRAYER: LORD Jesus, bless me to continue in the apostles doc-

trine once delivered to Your saints in Your Word. Quicken my
heart to a deeper relationship with You and fervency of spirit,
born out of the fear of the LORD. Make my conscience extremely
sensitive to Your conviction and grant repentance to my heart for
every depraved motive or action. Father, thank You so much for
the sacrifice and resurrection of Your only begotten Son. Amen.
565
Lie of Ages
CHAPTER FORTY FOUR
SPEAK UNTO US SMOOTH THINGS

Remnant Endurance
That this is a rebellious people, lying children, chil-

dren that will not hear the law (Word) of the LORD:
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets,
Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us
smooth things, prophesy deceits. Isaiah 30:9-10
Those living in darkness many times shun the light of truth

and therefore diligently avoid leaders who endeavor to speak
the whole of divine counsel. Instead, they heap to (set before)
themselves teachers who will tell them smooth things, never
confronting their sin while intentionally avoiding harder Bible
truths that might offend their listeners and hinder the cash
flow. Leaders who are self-serving in their positions know that
the masses want smooth things and therefore tailor their
messages to win friends and influence people and grow their
local church business. Self-ambitious leaders who are not dead
to self, intentionally remove the jagged rock biblical truths from
their messages, smoothing out the road and making it wider
and more accepting than the narrow road Christ spoke of
(Matt. 7:13-14). This is the new form of Christianity we see
today that is deceived on purpose. Masses are being deceived
on purpose, driven to deception because of their denial of the
566
fullness of divine truth revealed in the written Word (2 Thess.
2:10-12). The seeker-friendly or seekersensitive movement,
community churches, and otherwise are a part of this depart-
ing from the faith once delivered to the saints and given us in
Gods precious Word (1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 4:2-4; Jude 3-4).
The words of the LORD bring light which shines on darkened

hearts and the unrepentant are repelled because they choose
to remain in darkness. Remember what Jesus told us about
this?
And this is the condemnation, that light is come

into the world, and men loved darkness rather than
light, because their deeds were evil. For every one
that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to
the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he
that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds
may be made manifest, that they are wrought in
God. John 3:19-21
To accommodate those who wish to remain in darkness, enter-

prising leaders have tapped into the key to growing their con-
gregations numerically while withholding precious truth that
would lead their hearers to the Savior in repentance upon real-
izing their sinful state. The unconditional love and uncondi-
tional eternal security messages are two of the telltale messag-
es used by this type of leader, basically communicating to the
hearer that he has a free ride or carte blanche ticket to live as
he wishes and there will be no consequences to face.
The people whom the prophet Isaiah ministered to in his day

were no different than many people today who flock to hear
conviction-less, nice little sweet and smooth sermonettes from
smiling, positive, seeker-sensitive church liars who refuse to
tell the whole truth, but for their own agenda, cherry pick cer-
tain parts of the Bible to allure and entice the fleshly nature of
men (Phil. 3:17-21; 2 Pet. 2:18).
They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they

abhor him that speaketh uprightly. Amos 5:10
Many of those who are in darkness today, believing they are

secure due to a past experience with Christ, shun truth tellers.
They defy the LORD by shunning His truth while vainly believ-
ing they have the assurance of eternal life. This is what is con-
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Lie of Ages
veyed due to the absence of the harder truths of the Bible.
Like many today, the people in Isaiahs day didnt desire nor
search out truth but instead, wanted smooth things. In the
theme verse of this chapter from Isaiah 30, the people were de-
manding that their religious leaders tell them what they wanted
to hear so as not to inconvenience their personal lives. They
wanted salvation and security on their own terms. They wanted
to hear that they were okay, secure and assured eternal life in
their current sinful condition. These people didnt want to hear
about denying self, taking up the cross, being crucified to the
sins of the fleshly nature, serving God and others in a real way,
etc. Oh no, they wanted easy things and to feel good all the
time as they did their own thing in their earthly lives. Their
goal was to be happy in this life, not holy. The person who lives
with these erroneous ideas is self-deluded and self-idolatrous.
Today, a man whose stadium church tops 30,000 in weekly at-
tendance has built his lucrative enterprise on trying to make
people feel happy (instead of being holy), purposely refusing (as
he himself states) to preach on sin. This is a perfect example of
a false leader who comes in the name of the LORD but not with
the fruit and doctrine of the LORD Jesus and His apostles, who
offended many. Our LORD warned of many men speaking well
of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets. (2
Tim. 3:10; Lk. 6:26) Christ promised that His true followers
would uncompromisingly embrace and speak His Word and
would consequently be hated of all men. (Matt. 10:22)
Preaching the Word uncompromisingly will thin crowds or pre-

vent them from coming and salvation without sacrifice sells (2
Tim. 4:2-4). The false gospel of ease is the epitome of the at
ease in Zion lifestyle (Amos 6:1).
The word repent in its various forms appears 80 times in the

Bible. If there were no sin, there would be no reason for this
divinely inspired word and action. Yet, since sin occurred in
the Garden and has passed upon all men, repentance is a ne-
cessity (Rom. 5:12). When a leader chooses not to preach on
sin there is obviously no reason for his hearers to turn to the
LORD in godly sorrow (repent) there is nothing to repent from
in his false theology. He has created a god in his own image
his theology transmits the image of a false god a god who ac-
cepts people in their sins instead of the God of Scripture who
separates Himself from those who live in sin (Isa. 59:2). Those
568
who do not preach on sin identify themselves as false and com-
pletely contradictory to the message of Jesus and His holy
apostles and prophets (Lam. 2:14; Matt. 3:2; 4:17; Lk. 13:3;
Acts 2:38; 3:19; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 21:8, 27).
The happiness-instead-of-holiness syndrome is epidemic in this

late hour and is a trademark emphasis of seeker-friendly
churches which are drawing tens of thousands of goats who
believe they are truly right with God. While they do a good job
alluring and gathering the masses, these enterprising leaders
refuse to name and define sin as the Bible does. When men re-
fuse to preach on sin there becomes no reason to repent or call
men to repent before a holy God. How tragic!
The sinful masses are no different today than in Isaiahs day,

seeking to do what is right in their own eyes while receiving
justification from their leaders to live a self-serving life instead
of a Christ-serving life. Unrepentant, sinful man believes he
can live as he so chooses and still remain in Gods grace, vainly
believing he has divine approval in doing such. A rude awaken-
ing lies (Matt. 7:21-29).
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of

God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable
service. And be not conformed to this world: but be
ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that
ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2
The people of Isaiahs day cried, Prophesy not unto us right

things (truth), speak unto us smooth things, prophesy de-
ceits. (Isa. 30:9-10)
The Alignment
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear

rule by their means; and my people love to have it
so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? Jeremi-
ah 5:31
Notice the 3 classes of people involved here whom the LORD

indicts in Jeremiah 5:31:
Prophets
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Lie of Ages
Priests
People
And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will
punish them for their ways, and reward them their
doings. Hosea 4:9
When mass apostasy occurs, both classes are involved - leader

and listener. It takes both parties to complete the circle. Last
days mass apostasy was foretold (Matt. 24:10-13; 2 Thess. 2:3;
1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 3:1-7; 4:3-4). Epidemic departure from the
faith is a reality today as it has been throughout history, yet
there is a remnant, as has also been the case throughout his-
tory (1 Kings 18:4, 19). Those who make up the remnant are
those who know their God and are willing to suffer the loss of
all things and like Job to say Though he slay me, yet will I
trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before
him. He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall
not come before him. (Job 13:15-16) The word remnant is
found 92 times in the Bible and in this context is being used to
refer to the residue of people within the church world who truly
serve the LORD and have not forsaken the Ancient of Days for
the idolatry of selfish pleasures, personal gain, and religion
(Mk. 4:17-19; Lk. 17:26-33; 2 Tim. 3:1-7).
The individual who seeks to escape the essential of heart cir-

cumcision which leads to the denial of the self-life, will migrate
to the widespread false grace message that justifies sinful
hearts and sinful living. The one who will not open his heart
fully to Christ wants the heavenly crown without the daily
cross on earth. Even though Jesus died to give us relationship
with Himself and the Father, many who claim to know Him to-
day do not want to bare their hearts to Christ in a transparent
relationship, yet they want to reap eternal life, escaping the
fires of eternal damnation. This people draweth nigh unto
me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips;
but their heart is far from me. (Matt. 15:8)
Our God is so very merciful, His compassions fail not but are
rather new every morning, great is His faithfulness. He is ever
so tenderly merciful with those who will come to the light of His
truth. If we just come to Him in honest and sincere heart, con-
fessing our sins and asking Him to restore Himself as the first
love of our hearts. See Psalms 86:5, 15; Proverbs 28:13;
570
Lamentations 3:19-26; Revelation 2:4-5. God is continuing His
good work in all those who love Him in truth and are conform-
ing to His holy image (Phil. 1:6; Rom. 8:29).
Since the Son of God promised us that speaking His Word - in-
cluding the truth that one must endure to the end to be saved -
would bring persecution, some leaders have toned His message
down. Speaking the whole counsel of God would include the
hard truths of Scripture, and such teaching will not make one
popular or garner to ones local church masses of people. So, it
is natural for the leader who has as his driving goal to build a
large following, to teach OSAS or avoid this subject. The expose
of the myth of unconditional eternal security offends people
and such hinders the goal of the one who seeks to build his
own kingdom.

ah 5:31
Note that like today, the leaders of Jeremiahs day bear rule
by their means. In other words, they lead for their own good,
to accomplish their own agenda. Leaders like this prophesy
falsely by telling people what they want to hear and not what
God wants them to hear. These leaders do things their own way
and not Gods all this while they conduct themselves in min-
istry leadership positions, claiming to come in the name of the
LORD while denying His Word (Mk. 8:38).
Note the chilling question and implication at the end of this

verse:
What will ye do in the end thereof? Jeremiah

5:31b
Judgment is coming on all in the house of God who do not tru-

ly obey Him - according to the pattern of His immutable Word.
See 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 and 1 Peter 4:17-18.
For the time is come that judgment must begin at

the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what
shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of
God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where
shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore
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Lie of Ages
let them that suffer according to the will of God

commit the keeping of their souls to him in well do-
ing, as unto a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:17-19
In light of the fact that only a few of the righteous will be ul-
timately and eternally saved, they are exhorted here to
commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as
unto a faithful Creator. We serve a faithful Creator and
the remnant of the LORD are called to commit the keeping
of their souls to him in well doing. Those who do will pos-
sess true assurance in their hearts.
Lure of the Temporal
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of sea-

son; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering
and doctrine. For the time will come when they will
not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts
shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itch-
ing ears; And they shall turn away their ears from
the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timo-
thy 4:2-4
Esau didnt endure sound doctrine. Like Esau, who forfeit-

ed his very birthright for a fleeting fix (bowl of soup), the reli-
gious and yet sinful people of all ages want the temporal bless-
ings of ease and comfort instead of doing whatever it takes to
conform to Christs image, leading and Word. Our LORD calls
each of us that is to be His disciple, to walk through sufferings
in this life and it is through these times and seasons that He
works His character in us (Phil. 1:29, 2:12-13; 1 Pet. 4). We
must be willing to endure hardness, and all those who do, reap
the earthly and eternal rewards that only the LORD can give.
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto

his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have
suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish,
strengthen, settle you. 1 Peter 5:10
At times Gods way is rough isnt it? All who have ever walked
with Him have found that out, but they also discover that He
has His purposes for our suffering - to establish, root and
ground us in Him (1 Peter 5:10). The end of the LORDs way is
always a priceless peace and rich blessings. Job is one such
servant who was established more deeply in the LORD as he
572
obediently and patiently endured the trials that came upon
him.
Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken

in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering
affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them
happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience
of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the
Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James
5:10-11
Remember that those who endure the rough things now, walk-
ing with the LORD no matter what comes their way, will be
overcomers and eat of the fruit of the tree of life in the eternal
kingdom of the Savior they supremely loved and therefore re-
fused to deny in this life (2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 2-3).
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing your people

to be seated together in heavenly places in Christ and with all
spiritual blessings in Him. Please grant me the grace to grow in
knowing You and hearkening to Your voice at all times. I love
you my LORD Jesus. Help me to know You better this hour and
to treasure Your holy words, hearkening to the voice of Your Ho-
ly Spirit and what You are saying to the Church. Stir me up
LORD. I love You and praise You for all the blessings You have
bestowed upon this life you have given. Purge my heart and
strike it with Your fear my LORD. I choose to endure hardness
as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, to suffer, and become a
companion of all those who are genuinely true to Your Word. No
matter what comes my way, I know You are greater. Please
bless me to be rooted and grounded in Your love and fill me with
Your fullness LORD Jesus as You use me to be a blessing to oth-
ers this day. Amen.
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER FORTY FIVE
JESUS IS KNOCKING
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man
hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to
him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revela-
tion 3:20
Just before these words, Jesus told this church assembly in

Laodicea that they were lukewarm and ready to be
spewed or vomited from His holy mouth (removed from His
kingdom, v15-16). They were materially rich and prideful about
it, blinded and unable to see their real state In their hearts
they vainly supposed this: Because thou sayest, I am rich,
and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and
knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and
poor, and blind, and naked. I counsel thee to buy of me
gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white
raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame
of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with
eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke
and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I
stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice,
and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with
him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant
to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and
am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an
574
ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the church-
es. (Rev. 3:17-22)
Jesus Christ foreknows all (Isa. 46:9-10; Heb. 13:8). He saw

into the hour in which we now live, where material prosperity,
travel and luxury would abound (Dan. 12:4). These are the fi-
nal days leading up to His soon return and He desires that we
posses ears to hear what He is attempting to say to us to safe-
guard our souls in His hands.
His instructions to all who will be chastened and specially

loved and eternally secure with Him are as follows:
Buy of me gold tried in the fire.s (Rev. 3:18)
Obtain from Me the true riches of My righteousness

that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment,
that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame
of thy nakedness do not appear. (Rev. 3:18)
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zeal-

ous therefore, and repent. (Rev. 3:19)
The city of Laodicea possessed great material wealth. The peo-

ple here in Laodicea did not lie when they said they were much
increased in material goods thou sayest, I am rich, and in-
creased with goods, and have need of nothing. (v17) This
preoccupation with the things of this temporal world had blind-
ed them so that Jesus said that they knew not that thou art
wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.
In reality these precious souls were spiritually bankrupt and
needed the LORD and the gold that only He can give, tried by
fire. They were in need of receiving His rebuke and chastening
and to be zealous to repent (v19). I stand at the door and
knock (v20) Jesus was inviting these people to love Him
more than their material wealth and the things of this fleeting
life.
The pleasure-seeking and ease of their lifestyle left them un-

tried and weak and deceived into thinking that their spiritual
state was secure. In reality they were naked and undone,
weighed in the balance and found wanting. Jesus here tells the
supposed Christians at Laodicea that they needed the white
raiment that only He can give. Only the blood of the Savior
can purify sin from the saints of God.
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Lie of Ages
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in

white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out
of the book of life, but I will confess his name before
my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an
ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches. Revelation 3:5-6
The Laodiceans had sin in their lives. These people were world
renown for their medical facilities. This city produced eye salve
for the world to help people physically see, and yet spiritually
these same people were blind. Jesus knows where we all are
spiritually. Will we dare humble ourselves and ask Him to
show us where we really are with Him what our absolute true
spiritual state is? Christ is knocking on our door. Shall we an-
swer His call and allow Him to come in and sup with us
(fellowship; commune). Those who are honest before Him will
be blessed to see Him and His kingdom and their true state.
They will be zealous to repent.
Like the people at Laodicea, today many leaders and church

organizations relish their material wealth, vainly believing they
are being blessed by God and equating such to their spiritual
state. Nothing could be a more deadly measuring standard (1
Tim. 6:3-11). First of all, nearly every cult in the world today
prospers materially and yet they are dead wrong and hell
bound. So, material wealth is never a measure of godliness in
the divine economy. In fact, many of those who hold to the
LORD and the purity of His Word are despised and poor, hav-
ing nothing and destitute of even basic necessities (2 Cor. 6:10;
Heb. 11:37). Jesus told us that the rich already have their con-
solation (Lk. 6:24). James tells us that God has chosen those
who are poor in this world and yet rich in faith (James 2:5).
In order to grow his local church business, the ambitious, en-

trepreneurial leader must compromise truth and thereby rebel
against the One he claims to serve. This he must do if his inner
goal is to grow his church numerically instead of simply declar-
ing divine truth and letting the LORD Himself add to His body
as only He can do (Acts 2:47; 5:14). Even among those claiming
to be true believers today, it seems that many simply do not
want to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Christ.
They would rather have a soft, nerf-like cross of ease, without
repentance, change, and the denial of the self-life. The masses
do not wish to endure sound doctrine. Instead, they heap
576
to themselves teachers, having itching ears to hear and
confirm themselves in the message of ease (Amos 6:1; 2 Tim.
4:3).
The believer who will remain true to and in the grace of Christ,
must not allow the the cares of this world, and the deceit-
fulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in,
(to) choke the word, and (so) it becometh unfruitful. (Mk.
4:19) There are numerous warnings in the Bible directed spe-
cifically and strategically to Gods very own people to continue
to the end in obedient faith in Him, especially in light of the re-
turn of Christ. Space does not permit an exhaustive elaboration
on this important truth at this time, yet the intention of this
writing is to lay a foundation for the readers deeper personal
study of the warnings given by the LORD to us in His Word.
The Soul Must Be Kept
To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled...in

heaven... Who are KEPT (preserved for Heaven) by
the power of God THROUGH FAITH unto salva-
tion...Receiving the end of your faith, even the salva-
tion of your souls. 1 Peter 1:4-5, 9
Notice here that we are kept by the power of God THROUGH

FAITH UNTO salvation...Receiving the end of your faith,
even the salvation (final) of your souls.
He is able to keep that which I have committed un-

to Him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12
What is God able to keep? that which I have committed

unto Him against that day. The LORD will not keep that
which is not committed to Him.
Wherefore He is able also to save them to the utter-

most that come unto God by him. Hebrews 7:25
Who is Jesus the Great Intercessor able also to save?

themthat come unto God by him.
Some erroneously believe that they are somehow automatically

kept by the LORD and have no need to fear Him, live by faith,
or keep His Word. There is not the slightest hint in Holy Writ to
show such to be true. Divine keeping only happens in conjunc-
tion with mans free will and faith. Without faith it is impos-
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Lie of Ages
sible to please him. (Heb. 11:6)
Again, the only prerequisite for man to be saved is genuine

faith in God this saving faith must include repentance and
be continued in to the end of ones life or he forfeits eternal life.
God, who is our Keeper, requires our ongoing faith to the end.
See also 1 Peter 4:19. We are saved, being saved and to be
saved. There is not even one promise to be found in the Bible of
eternal life granted to any person who is saved and then turns
back to his sinful vomit (2 Pet. 2:20-22; Ezek. 33:12-13, etc.). At
the end of his life, the Apostle Paul stated ...I have KEPT the
faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of right-
eousness... (2 Tim. 4:7-8)
God has chosen to keep the soul in conjunction with the free
will obedience of the possessor of this great salvation (Heb.
2:3). Hebrews 10:26-39 says:

the adversaries. He that despised Moses law died
without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how
much sorer (worse than death under the OT) punish-
ment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who
hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath
counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he
was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done de-
spite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that
hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will rec-
ompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall
judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the
hands of the living God ... ye have in heaven a better
and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore
your confidence (must be possible), which hath great
recompense of reward. For ye have need (its a ne-
cessity) of patience, that, AFTER ye have done the
will of God (to the end of your life), ye might receive
the promise (eternal life). For yet a little while, and
he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now
the just shall live (their whole lives) by faith: but if
any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure
in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto
578
perdition (destruction); but of them that believe to
the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:26-39
Since when does man lose his ability to choose after he is

saved? This is a question that stumps all proponents of the un-
conditional eternal security myth. The apostle Peter was in-
spired to write the following frightful words of warning:

Of all those who have ever been born again into the kingdom of
God, scarcely will even these souls be saved.
God sets life and death, blessing and cursing before His
own people with the choice between the two (Deut. 30:19; Isa.
1:19, 20). Salvation is not merely a one-time experience, alt-
hough it starts that way. One must continue to choose God
and His Word - to the end of his life in order to be continuously
washed and saved eternally (1 John 1:7; John 8:31-32; 1 Pet.
1:4-5, 19; 2 Tim. 4:7-8). Jesus is knocking will we hear, open
the door of our heart to Him, repent, and be chastened and
made whole in Him?
The Son of God told us that the kingdom of Heaven (not hell)
was likened to ten virgins. All ten of these virgins were predes-
tined to go to and began on the path to Heaven, yet only five
made it. The wise virgins kept oil in their lamps and were pre-
served/kept by God. They nurtured their relationship with the
Bridegroom and kept Him as their first love. The wise received
final salvation. The foolish virgins, of whom the kingdom of
Heaven was also originally likened, were shut out of the king-
dom (Matt. 25:1-13).
More on Laodicea
Lets look at this vitally important passage again. These words

from Jesus Christ hold incredible, soul-saving truth to be pos-
sessed by all who will be Christs eternally. To His very own
people, not the unsaved, Jesus Christ stated:
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans

write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and
true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I
know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I
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Lie of Ages
would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou

art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue
(vomit, reject) thee out of my mouth (reject as part
of His body). Because thou sayest, I am rich, and in-
creased with goods, and have need of nothing; and
knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable,
and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy
of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich;
and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and
that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and
anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest
see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zeal-
ous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the
door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open
the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with
him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I
grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also
overcame, and am set down with my Father in his
throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 3:14-22
The Laodicean lie is the very falsehood that began in the Gar-
den of Eden the lie of the ages. The Son of God addresses
these who were in the Church who erroneously and boastfully
imagined that they were rich, and increased with goods,
and have need of nothing. To the contrary, Christ informs
them that they were wretched, and miserable, and poor,
and blind, and naked.
Why would God warn His own people to be diligent to obey Him
so that the shame of their nakedness would not appear
in His sight, if it were impossible for them to be uncovered after
they had been covered by Christs blood? This alone proves
that the blood does not indiscriminately cover every one who
has ever been born again at some point earlier in their lives.
One must continue to walk in the light to continue to be
cleansed, otherwise his sins will add up against him and be
counted against him in the final day (1 John 1:7; Rom. 2:5-11).

we should let them slip (Why the divine warning if
such were not possible?). For if the word spoken by
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obedience received a just recompense of reward; How
shall we escape (eternal judgment), if we neglect so
great salvation (obviously, a saved person can
neglect his responsibilities to the Lord and come
under His judgment)... Hebrews 2:1-3
Strive (agonize) to enter in at the strait gate: for

MANY (who vainly thought they were eternally se-
cure), I say unto you, will seek to enter in (thinking
they were immune from eternal judgment in hell be-
cause they were at one time saved), and shall not be
able. When once the master of the house is risen up,
and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand
without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord,
Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto
you, I know you not whence (where) ye are
(now)...But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not
whence ye are (the spiritual state you are in at
death); depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity
(hell). Luke 13:24-25, 27
Satan craftily convinced the woman (Eve) that she had irrevo-
cable security and assurance, no matter what her actions
against the clear command/Word of God might be. In other
words, she was told by Satan Himself that she had no further
responsibility to live in faithful obedience to her Maker. Since
we know the author of the lie of lasciviousness, what does this
say of those who teach this same unconditional eternal security
lie?
Consider a sampling of the necessity of enduring to the end of

ones life to be saved into Heaven:
thee. Psalms 73:27

inhabited. Jeremiah 6:8
Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the

LORD hath rejected them. Jeremiah 6:30
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Lie of Ages

them that forsake (leave, depart from) him. Ezra
8:22
Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy
statutes: for their deceit is falsehood. Psalms 119:118

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, preserve my soul in Thee. Thank

You for first loving me, finding me and saving me. I love You Je-
sus. Take over my life afresh. I lay my life in Thine hands. I
choose now to answer Your call to repent and realize I have no
riches outside of You LORD. Thank You for loving me enough to
chasten me and for continuing Your good pleasure in me and
perfecting that which concerns my life. Please multiply Your
grace in my heart and lead me according to Your perfect will.
Amen.
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER FORTY SIX
MY DOCTRINE
SHALL DROP AS THE RAIN
Deuteronomy 32:2
My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall
distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender
herb, and as the showers upon the grass. Deuteron-
omy 32:2
Four Similes of True Doctrine from Deuteronomy 32:2
1) Rain drop by drop, beginning slowly and increas-
ing more and more until the whole revelation is com-
plete.
2) Dew descends gently and silently and mysteri-
ously upon the heart and ear, moistening and bringing
refreshment.
3) Small Rain like sweeping showers and gusts of
wind.
4) Showers Upon the Grass continual rain neces-
sary for planting and harvesting of the crops.
Drop by drop, gently, in brief provisional gusts, and continually
does the Word of His grace influence the hearts of men
584
(Acts 20:32).
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from
heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the
earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may
give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So
shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:
it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accom-
plish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the
thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11
Gods Word is the source of all true doctrine and the
incorruptible seed by which we are born again. (1 Pet.
1:23)
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of in-
corruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and
abideth for ever. 1 Peter 1:23
The word doctrine appears 51 times in the Bible. It is utterly
important to diligently study, learn and be established in Bible
doctrine. Knowing what the LORD told us about Himself is es-
sential in discerning truth from falsehood. There are many
teachings which the enemy has spawned in order to derail the
children of God.
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the
doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth
(remains) in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the
Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and
bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your
house, neither bid him God speed: For he that bid-
deth him (anyone who espouses false teaching) God
speed is partaker of his evil deeds. 2 John 1:9-11
True believers are not to endorse in any sense those who teach
contrary to the Word of God. Yet, one cannot know what is of
God or what is not of God if he doesnt intimately know the
oracles of God himself (Hos. 4:6; Matt. 22:29; Jn. 8:47; Heb.
5:11-14).
Jesus told us that as we continue in His Word His truth will
make us free (Jn. 8:31-32). As we devour His words of life and
walk in them, we are blessed to live in His fullness, wholly
pleasing to Him, and be safeguarded against deception, and not
derailed by false teaching (Col. 2:8-9).
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Lie of Ages
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy

and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the
rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colos-
sians 2:8
The importance of doctrinal exactness cannot be over-estimated.
There are many false doctrines circulating in the church world
today which appear to be the truth and yet one can only rightly
divide the truth if he studies to show himself approved unto
God (Eph. 4:14; 2 Tim. 2:15). Friends, the human race became
separated from God due to one 3-letter word added to Gods
Word. In this hour, the same enemy is using the same serpen-
tine tricks successfully on those who do not know and fervently
hold to the doctrines the LORD gave us in His holy Word. For
example: Millions today have been deceived by false teaching
into believing that they are secure even though not in obedi-
ence to Christ (Matt. 7:21-23; 1 Jn. 2:3-6). This doctrine has
caused many to possess a false assurance.
Anyone who has ever witnessed on the streets, especially in a
bar district, knows how many saved people are out doing eve-
rything the devils children are doing and yet these same people
boldly claim to be once saved and always saved. A rude
awakening lies ahead if they do not repent before it is too late
(Isa. 55:6-7; Heb. 12:14; Rev. 21:8, 27).
True Doctrine is to be Received and Maintained
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may
be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
As we just read in 2 Timothy 3:16, the Word of God was
breathed into holy men for fourfold purpose:
doctrine
correction
reproof
instruction in righteousness
The Bible has been given to us that we might learn and pos-
sess proper doctrine and to thereby be made sound, deeply
586
rooted, and mature in the faith and able to help others in the
same (1 Tim. 4:6, 16; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Col. 2:6-7; Heb. 5:11-14).
Possessing sound doctrine is ultra important in the divine
economy. The phrase sound doctrine appears 4 times in the
Bible.
But speak thou the things which become sound doc-
trine Titus 2:1
Correct doctrine is vital to our present and future standing
with the LORD. Lets look at 2 John again:
doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in
the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and
the Son. 2 John 9
According to the Holy Spirits words here in 2 John 9, one who
is in the truth can err from His truth which makes him a trans-
gressor. In such a case that person ceases to abide or remain
in Christ.
Gods Word should be:
Loved (Jer. 15:16).

Honored above any revelation, prophecy, dream or
human philosophy (2 Pet. 1:12-21).
Spoken plainly and never veered from when minister-
ing (1 Pet. 4:10-11).
Esteemed to the highest level, even above the basic
necessities of life (Job. 23:12).
Written down (Deut. 17:18).
Kept always before the eyes and thereby kept in the
midst of the heart (Prov. 4:21).
Lived by (Lk. 4:4).
Meditated upon (Jos. 1:8; Ps. 1:2).
Delighted in (Ps. 1:2).
Heard with the heart and mind (Lk. 8:18; Jn. 8:47).
Never forgotten or forsaken (Prov. 3:1, 3).
Written upon the table of the heart (Prov. 3:3).
Search out diligently (Jn. 5:39; Acts 17:11).
Used to measure all by (Acts 17:11).
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Lie of Ages
Adhered to and used in doctrine, reproof, correction,

and instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16).
Retained (Prov. 4:4).
Bound continually upon the heart (Prov. 6:21).
Used (Heb. 5:11-14).
Obeyed (James 1:22).
Read (Rev. 1:3).
Memorized (Prov. 4:4).
The LORD told us that those who hear and obey His words
demonstrate that they truly know and love Him and those who
dont, prove they do not love Him.
He that is of God heareth Gods words: ye therefore
hear them not, because ye are not of God. John
8:47
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth
them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me
shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and
will manifest myself to him. John 14:21
In order to accommodate the unfounded unconditional eternal
security teaching, those men who teach it must of necessity
deliberately ignore volumes of Bible truth/doctrine. Those who
do not have a at least a foundational knowledge of Holy Scrip-
tures are vulnerable to deception (Prov. 14:15; Hos. 4:6; Matt.
22:29). In turning a blind eye to the myriad of Scriptures which
invalidate this lie of the ages, they create a god in their own im-
age, after their own likeness, in order to live as they desire and
do what is right in their own eyes, while rejecting the God they
claim to know and serve (Jude 4). This has always been how
men have rejected the authority or reign of the LORD and justi-
fied themselves in doing what is right in their own eyes (Judges
17:6).
In those days there was no king (authority) in Isra-
el, but every man did that which was right in his
own eyes (lawlessness). Judges 17:6
The attack on Gods Word abounds in the Christian commu-
nity. Our LORD Jesus told us that Satan has come to take
away His Word from the hearts of men causing them to be un-
fruitful and ultimately perish (Mk. 4:15). The ultimate rebel
588
himself is enjoined by lawless rebels in his attack upon the
Word. The denial of divine truth is done by those who do not
want to come to the light and therefore attack it and those who
are messengers of it (Mk. 4:17; Jn. 3:18-21).
Preparing For Departure
the will of my Father which is in heaven depart
from me, ye that work iniquity (lawlessness). Mat-
thew 7:21-23
Christ tells us here that in order to be in the kingdom of
heaven one must doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven. There will be no exceptions. Jesus had all the oppor-
tunity in the world here to tell us that those already saved had
no further responsibility to obey His Father. Yet, we see no
such clause. He was speaking to all namely those who claim
to be His own. In this Sermon on the Mount Christ is specifi-
cally addressing His own disciples. (Matt. 5:1).
The Son of God was specifically warning us in this passage of
counterfeit leaders who are identified by their false teachings
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheeps
clothing, but inwardly they are ravening (devouring)
wolves. (Matt. 7:15) False teachers downplay the necessity
and requirement the LORD Himself gave us here to go to Heav-
en doing the will of His Father in Heaven. Deceivers in
sheeps garb teach contrary to Jesus and this is exactly what
identifies them as false (Matt. 7:15-23).
The LORD instructed His prophet Ezekiel to speak with MY
words unto them. (Ezek. 3:4) Men of God are to diligently
learn, memorize, meditate upon and communicate the very
words of God. The one who will be true to the LORD must
soundly and deliberately resolve to speak only that which origi-
nates from the Words of Holy Writ (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:15-4:2).
1 Peter 4:11 states: If any man speak, let him speak as the
oracles of God. Instead of humbly allowing the LORD to
speak for Himself through His very own words, false teachers in
this late hour use carefully selected parts of Gods Word and
weave certain verses of Scripture into their own words and mes-
sage creating their own brand of false doctrine For they that
are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own bel-
589
Lie of Ages
ly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts
of the simple. (Rom. 16:18) This is how unlearned precious
souls are deceived. For example: A long time friend of mine be-
lieves in an unconditional eternal security. As you can imagine,
he and I have discussed this doctrine on several occasions. He
told me where he learned to believe this teaching. He told me
that he read a book by Arthur Pink when he is very young and
from then on was imbued with the unconditional eternal secu-
rity teaching. If you have ever read Pinks writings you know
how convincing he can sound and yet he uses very little Scrip-
ture and when he does it is many times misused.
It is the false teachers of our day which come to us in sheeps
clothing who are preparing masses of those who think they
are eternally secure to receive the most horrible sentence of
eternal consequence depart from me, ye that work iniqui-
ty (lawlessness). (Matt. 7:15; 21-23)
In this insightful and electrifying passage of the future scene at
the Judgment Throne of the Almighty, the Son of God foretells
us that those who did not literally and practically DO the will of
His Father in their earthly life will not enter into His eternal
kingdom. There will be no exceptions.
Jesus warns us to Beware of false prophets, which come to
you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravening
wolves. (Matt. 7:15) He is warning about false leadership and
their teachings here. It is these very false prophets He iden-
tifies who are leading millions to deny the Lordship of Christ in
living lives pleasing to themselves and not Him. The masses are
being led to believe that obedience to the LORD is not neces-
sary after they get saved. When He warned of the tragic end of
many who are currently performing many wonderful
works, Jesus was specifically speaking to His own people
here. (See Matthew 5:1 which is the beginning of the Sermon
on the Mount which spans through the end of chapter 7.)
In many cases this unconditional eternal security myth is in-
ferred more than blatantly declared, which makes this lie all
the more deceptive and insidious. Jesus tells us to Beware.
These whom Christ identifies as false prophets will along
with those who followed their lies, hear these horrid words of
permanent termination - I never knew you: depart from me,
ye that work iniquity (lawlessness). (Matt. 7:15; 21-23)
Those who teach that obedience to the LORD is optional for the
590
Heaven-bound believer are the very false prophets He ad-
dresses here. The Holy Spirit used Jude to address these same
ungodly men who taught this same license for sin doctrine
(Jude 3-4). These same false teachers pervert the grace of God
by claiming that divine grace indiscriminately and uncondition-
ally covers the sinful neglect and brazen disobedience of those
already saved. These deceivers, whom Jesus said were
many, are leading many to depart from the LORD in
their hearts (see also 1 Tim. 4:1-3; Heb. 3:12-14). All those who
name the name of Jesus as LORD, and are not literally obeying
Him are the many He spoke of here. They will ultimately
hear the Almighty declare to them depart from me.
We should all be forewarned that those who depart from the
faith in this life will be told by the LORD to depart from me
on that Great and Terrible Day of Judgment (Matt. 7:21-23; 1
Tim. 4:1). What a frightening picture! Didnt the Holy Spirit tell
us that in the very last days, men who claim to know Jesus
would possess a form or formula of godliness and yet deny
Christ and His teachings as the authority of their lives? Do
they not deny the LORD instead of self? (Lk. 9:23-24; 2 Tim.
3:5)
The Son of God told us that on that eternally consequential
Day of Judgment many who are living their earthly lives unto
themselves, as they have chosen, and in defiance of divinely
revealed truth, will be pronounced lawless (disobedient; with-
out Christs Lordship) and forever terminated into the bowels of
hell.
knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity
(lawlessness). Matthew 7:21-23
The Son of God promised that only those who did the will of
His Father (given in His Word) would be with Him and His peo-
ple in eternity (Matt. 7:21). Those who claim to be saved due to
even a genuine salvation experience earlier in their lives, and
yet die lawless, will hear the horrible and terminating words
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Lie of Ages
Depart from me. Many of these souls were and are today
active in ministry according to Jesus. The Bible tells us that
the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 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. (2 Pet.
2:20-22)
Lift Up a Standard for the People
Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the
way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway;
gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the peo-
ple. Isaiah 62:10
The leaders of Gods people were instructed to Lift up a
standard for the people. Those messengers who are true and
pleasing to the LORD uncompromisingly set forth His holy
standard before His people. By refusing to preach the full-
counsel of Gods Word including preaching on sin, righteous-
ness, repentance, holiness, and eternal judgment, false teach-
ers remove and denigrate the divinely-inspired message.
Not elevating the divine standard leads to lawlessness
among Gods people and will end in eternal damnation for
many. Remember that in this shocking Judgment Day pas-
sage (Matt. 7:21-23), Jesus foretold that only those who obey
His standard, His Word, in this life, will remain in His king-
dom and be in Heaven with Him and His beloved people. By
not teaching Gods Word, leaders today are leading millions to
live lawlessly, ushering them into the eternal prison of fire. By
not teaching the whole counsel of God and intentionally avoid-
ing hard truths, deceivers set up a counterfeit standard which
misleads people, diverting them down the path of the broad
way that leads to everlasting destruction (Matt. 7:13-14).
leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Be-
ware of false prophets, which come to you in sheeps
clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye
shall know them by their fruits. Matthew 7:13-16
When the standard revealed through the Word is withheld from
592
Gods people, they are not invigorated with His life and encour-
aged and perpetuated in the life of sin and made to feel that it
is ok (Ps. 17:4; 119:9, 11; Prov. 29:18; Matt. 4:4; Jn. 6:63).
Adam and Eve found out quickly that ignoring the divine
standard and disobeying their Maker (lawlessness) led to dis-
mal consequences. He removed them from His holy presence
which they once enjoyed. The lie of lasciviousness (lawlessness)
slivered into the sanctuary of their hearts, robbing the treas-
ured fear of the LORD and weakened their resolve to remain in
obedience to Him. They bought into and internalized the ene-
mys lie and said We can disobey God and still have His grace
cover us. How wrong they were and how wrong are all those
throughout history and today who believe they can live in sin
and still receive the grace of Him who is separate from sin-
ners. (Heb. 7:26)
In the face of volumes of historic instances found in the Bible,
so many people today erroneously believe God is going to hold
on to them no matter what they do.
Friend, this book is about being established in the LORD Him-
self according to what He has given us in His Word (Col. 2:6-
8). Truth protects, lies bring destruction (Prov. 30:5-6; Hos.
4:1, 6; Matt. 22:29; 2 Thess. 2:9-12).
If God wanted His people to believe that after they are in His
grace they have no more personal responsibility to obey Him,
why didnt He simply come out and tell us such in His Word?
After all, He had 66 books to tell us such. Why in the Bible is
there the complete absence of any eternal assurance given to
any person living in sin, regardless of any past experience with
the LORD? To the contrary, Gods very covenant people are
warned that all their righteousness will be forgotten if they go
back into sin (Ezek. 33:12-13). Why are there a myriad of bibli-
cal warnings about continuing to the end in watching, prayer
and holy living, and not allowing sin to snare the soul? Should
we rip the book of Hebrews out of the Bible since there are nu-
merous warnings in this God-breathed book alone?
After King David sinned, he cried out to God with these telling
words: Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not
thy holy spirit from me. (Ps. 51:11) If it were not possible for
a believer to be cast away from the LORD, why would David
have ever been inspired by the LORD Himself to pray such a
prayer? Why would this be included in Holy Writ? If the LORD
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Lie of Ages
would never take His Holy Spirit away from the person who
lives in deliberate rebellion/sin and without repentance, why
would David have been moved upon to pray take not thy ho-
ly spirit from me?
Daily study of Gods Word is the disciples only safeguard
against deception. As with the lie of the ages which originated in
the Garden, false doctrine is designed by the enemy of souls to
lead the believer away from the image, nature and instruction of
the One True God (Acts 20:28-32; 1 Tim. 4:1-5; 2 Peter 2:1-3;
John 10:10).
After shedding tears for three years, knowing that deceptive
wolves would enter in among Gods people and deceive and
spoil some, the apostle Paul committed the believers at the city
of Ephesus to the eternal Word which is the only safeguard:
And now (in light of false teaching and its ability to
draw one away from Christ), brethren, I commend
you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is
able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance
among all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:32
Obeying the word of his grace, which is able to build you
up gives us the assurance of our eternal inheritance among
all them which are sanctified.
Beloved, beware of seductive and unfounded deceptions which
are being peddled by the enemy of your soul in this late hour
through misled leaders (Isa. 9:16). Being true to God requires
that we walk in the Spirit and live by His written standard,
while rejecting satanic-inspired omissions, twisting, and addi-
tions. Also, allegiance to mans doctrines or personalities is
deadly! (1 Cor. 1:29, 31; 3:5, 21; Gal. 1:10) It doesnt matter
who is teaching the doctrine of lawlessness - once saved al-
ways saved, it is still a lie and always will be in Gods Book!
This includes John Calvin and his teachings and modern-day
followers, which have no authority in the eternal kingdom of
God.
At the heart of the Gospel this lie of the ages is refuted. Condi-
tional eternal security is present in the most definitive text of
what the Gospel consists of in all of Scripture. The gospel is
defined in 1 Corinthians 15 and by divine inspiration and ordi-
nation, the Bible doctrine of a conditional eternal security is on
record. Read this follow Bible passage closely:
594
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel
which I preached unto you, which also ye have re-
ceived, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are
saved, IF ye keep in memory what I preached unto
you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered
unto you first of all that which I also received, how
that Christ died for our sins according to the scrip-
tures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again
the third day according to the scriptures. 1 Corin-
thians 15:1-4
No honest-hearted, truth-seeking disciple of Jesus Christ can
believe this unfounded lie after he carefully and thoroughly
studies the full-counsel revelation of Gods Word. Uncondition-
al eternal security can clearly be identified as a doctrine of
devils, spawned by the devil himself in the Garden of creation
(1 Tim. 4:1). God will judge all who teach this doctrine, for it is
the first doctrine of His arch enemy - Satan (Genesis 2:17; 3:4;
1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Pet. 2:1-22; Jude 1:3-7, 12-13). On the authori-
ty of the full-counsel of Holy Writ, such a teaching is to be
openly exposed as diabolical and the message of false prophets
(Jer. 14:13-14; Ezek. 33:12-13; Jude 3-4).
Once saved always saved proponents take a very few biblical
texts and make all of the rest of Scripture subservient to their
very few and scant proof texts. They also purposely dodge vol-
umes of Bible truth which repeatedly and blatantly refutes this
error they have chosen to buy into. Perhaps they do this for
one or all of the following reasons:
1. They are willing to ignore and manipulate Scripture to
maintain a tradition of mere men, making the Word of
God without effect (Matt. 15:8-9).
2. They seek to cover their own sins with this teaching
while teaching a license for sin to the people they in-
struct (Prov. 28:13; Jude 4). This is a heart issue (Matt.
12:34). They do not wish to truly have to deal with their
sinfulness and so purposely adopt this doctrine. They
wish to override their own consciences while denying
Christs true reign in their lives. By doing this they are
in danger of searing their very conscience with a hot iron
(1 Tim. 4:2).
3. They seek to provide comfort to their hearers in a mis-
guided attempt to help them maintain a sense of assur-
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Lie of Ages
ance or security outside of divine truth that the Al-

mighty never gave in His Word nor grants (Jn. 8:31-32;
17:17).
4. They elevate the teachings of mere men (like John Cal-
vin) above the authority of the Holy Scriptures (Ps.
138:2; Rom. 3:3-4; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:12-21; Rev.
22:18-19).
In the face of the truth many who lead others into darkness
refuse to relinquish this lie that perpetuates their sense of false
security. The imaginary comfort zone that has been construct-
ed out of their adherence to falsehood justifies a lack of the es-
sential fear of the LORD and sinfulness. This doctrine of law-
lessness, which leads to eternal damnation, affords men a li-
cense to live in sin with no fear of retribution from the LORD.
Personal accountability and responsibility is taught throughout
Scripture:
Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul dili-
gently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes
have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all
the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and
thy sons sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest
before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD
said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I
will make them hear my words, that they may learn
to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the
earth, and that they may teach their children. Deu-
teronomy 4:9-10
The LORD told His covenant people here that He gave them His
Word in order that they would learn to fear me all the days
that they shall live upon the earth.
Regrettably and according the Jesus, many would rather re-
main in an unrepentant state. This is at the heart of the matter
as it was in the Garden personal responsibility. Some want to
believe they have the assurance of eternal safety, yet do not
want to be bothered with the conditions laid down in the Holy
Scriptures for entering into the eternal kingdom. In fact, they
resist the Holy Ghost and harden their necks at the biblical
notion of truth that threatens the thin veneer of false security
they hide behind (Isa. 30:9-10; Acts 7:51).
There are numerous warnings to Gods people in Scripture
596
about falling away and being lost again. To ignore this part of
Gods Word is to forsake ones mercy (Prov. 28:13; Jonah 2:8).
Its not just a cute clich, we truly will all reap what we choose
to sow.
But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest
up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and reve-
lation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render
to every man according to his deeds: To them who by
patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and
honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them
that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but
obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath. Romans
2:5-8
Though it contradicts the Bible, the unconditional eternal secu-
rity teaching is very attractive to the flesh. The requirement to
crucify our sinful desires is negated and denied with this teach-
ing. Is it worth it to adopt this lie, which contradicts all of Holy
Scripture? Who will we believe? Will we trust God or mere
men? What will be the end of those who do adopt this doctrine
that is the antithesis of the Counsel of the Most High? The pas-
sages we have visited answer these important questions clearly.
Like any teaching, the doctrine of once saved always saved
must be weighed in the balance of the whole of Holy Scripture.
When we do put it to the acid test, we find it to be completely
inconsistent and actually contrary to the teaching of Christ and
His apostles.
May our LORD bless us to continue stedfastly in the apos-
tles doctrine, watching and prayer, and the holy fear of God
(Acts 2:42).
PRAYER: Father in Heaven we love You supremely and beg You

to strike our hearts Your holy fear and a deep hunger to know
Your Word and measure every teaching we hear by that perfect
standard. In Jesus name, Amen.
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN
DOCTRINE: A MATTER OF THE HEART

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart
bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of
the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. Mat-
thew 12:35
What one believes is ultimately a choice and will affect the is-
sues of his life.
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are

the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23
Doctrine is ultimately a heart matter. Men make choice to be-

lieve what they believe and what one believes determines the
state of his heart (Rom. 1:16-2:7). As long as a person believes
they are truly unconditionally saved/eternally secure, they
have no reason to be circumcised in heart and therefore live as
others with their belief system would unto themselves. This
heart state is one of evil unbelief and leads people to deny
Christ instead of self (Heb. 3:12-15). After all, they are going to
Heaven either way right? Wrong!
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I have personally spoken to hundreds of OSAS proponents
about this unconditional eternal security matter. With those
who believe this myth, I have observed something very disturb-
ing in the majority of cases. Somewhere in the course of the
conversation, after they have been introduced to numerous
verses contradicting their false doctrine, there is a notable
change in their expression. At some point, after viewing with
their very own eyes volumes of Bible texts that sharply contra-
dict and blatantly refute unconditional eternal security, there
comes a visible change. Suddenly they are confronted with the
reality of what it would mean for them to embrace the biblical
truth that they are responsible before the LORD for the way
they live and will be in Heaven or hell depending upon which
master they serve.

What men do (not say) is really who they are (Prov. 20:11; 1 Jn.
3:18). Many profess to know Him but only a few possess the
life fruit that proves they do.

According to the eternal Word, judgment will be based on what

we do in this life and not just what we say or profess. Works
are the clear manifestation of ones inner heart and faith. No
person will be judged on his mere profession of Christ but on
the actual life he lived (Matt. 12:36-37; Jn. 5:29; Rom. 2:1-7,
13; 14:12; 1 Cor. 3:13-15; 2 Cor. 5:10; Eph. 6:7-8; Col. 3:25;
Tit. 1:16; Rev. 2:23; 20:12; 22:12).
Often our LORD Jesus used the contrasting words many and
few. According to the Son of God, only a few are on the
narrow road that leads to life. (Matt. 7:13-14) Many be
called but few chosen. (Matt. 20:16) The typical western
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Christian formula lifestyle without obedience to Christs com-

mands, is the clear evidence of evil unbelief and not saving
faith. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest
well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (James 2:19).
During the writing of this book, and throughout the years,

when discussing this topic of the biblical view of a conditional
salvation, I have witnessed numerous cords struck in people
who believe in OSAS. Some of them make panic statements
and give away their true position. When the truth pierces their
hearts some have an acidic reaction. Here is an example of the
many responses I have heard from people who believe they are
once saved always saved: How dare you tell me that Im actu-
ally responsible to truly obey and serve God by loving Him more
than myself and crucifying the deeds of my sinful nature! I just
want to go to Heaven! I dont want to be bothered with the de-
tails of literally living a set apart and holy life unto the LORD!
Please stop showing me these things in Scripture! Dont ruin my
comfort zone! Everything was fine until you introduced these Bi-
ble truths! The security of the believer is what I will embrace and
still go to Heaven.
Is this a new thing in our day? By no means is this new. Sinful

man has long imagined that he is free from moral accountabil-
ity and responsibility, not realizing that a horrible judgment
lies ahead where the terror of the LORD will be unleashed
upon all un-cleansed sin (Eccl. 8:11; 2 Cor. 5:11).
Since Adam and Eve, Satan has been using this lie of the ages
and people have been falling for it. They are destroyed for lack
of knowledge. This is because many refuse to search out, em-
brace and obey divine truth as it is plainly revealed in Holy
Scripture (2 Thess. 2:10-12). The love of the truth will be the
very reason Heavens children possess their eternal home with
the LORD. Those who count the things of this life more im-
portant that God do not search out His truth. They will go to
hell because they received not the love of the truth, that
they might be saved. (2 Thess. 2:10-12)
Jeremiah had this same finding when speaking/ministering
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the Word of the LORD to a covenant people whose hearts had
grown cold and backslidden (Prov. 14:14).
O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness,

that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain
thoughts lodge within thee? Jeremiah 4:14
It is a vain thought to believe one who is living in the filth of

sin is going to Gods holy Heaven (Matt. 5:8; Heb. 12:14).
And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they

swear falsely. O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the
truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not
grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have
refused to receive correction: they have made their
faces harder than a rock; they have refused to re-
turnNeither say they in their heart, Let us now fear
the LORD our God. Jeremiah 5:2-3, 24
These covenant people of the LORD swore falsely or lied by say-

ing they were of Him and yet their actions did not correspond
to His instructions. The Bible tells us that they refused to re-
ceive correction and refused to return (repent) from their
sinful ways.

ah 5:31
What happened in the day of the prophet Jeremiah is happen-

ing today. The people love to have it so. The people love
and therefore support those leaders who prophesy falsely
and bear rule by their (own) means. Concerning the judg-
ment to come upon those of His covenant people who were
backslidden (v6), the LORD asks the frightening question
What will ye do in the end thereof?
Notice that in his day as in ours, the spiritual leaders taught

by their means. In other words, their doctrines were crafted
by these prideful men in their own image and likeness. Yet, the
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prophet Jeremiah reveals that my people love to have it

so. Because their hearts were not truly in love with the God
that delivered their forefathers by parting the Red Sea, and
they simply did not fear Him, they heaped to themselves
teachers, having itching ears. (2 Tim. 4:3-4) Sound familiar?
That is a phrase found in the New Testament, where we see
sinful men, believing they are saved, deliberately sit under the
teachings of men who preach a message of success and pros-
perity and healing, with no naming of sin, repentance, judg-
ment, holiness or personal accountability.
Then, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the prophet says
and what will ye do in the end thereof? In other words,
the prophet posed the question: Judgment is coming and what
are you going to do when you stand before God? What are you
going to tell Him in that all-important moment of reckoning?
Some today, when they die are going to say Lord, I was told by
my favorite pastor that I was once saved always saved. These
are they who have built their theology upon myths, fables and
clichs, instead of what God clearly revealed to be His will in
His Word.
These are they who choose what they are going to believe,
based on how it affects their temporal lifestyle, instead of on
the eternal Word. The Bible is just another book to them, even
though they give lip service to it being the inspired Word of
God. It is not their final authority. Again, it is clear that this
whole belief system is a heart matter and arrived at out of the
lawless desire to justify sin.
For the time will come when they will not endure
sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they
heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth,
and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Notice the obvious nature of volitional human will in this Bible

text. Every individual makes choices to turn to or away from
the truth.
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Observe the definitive prophetic nature of a specific time
when many will turn away from the truth to lies. This prophetic
utterance is being fulfilled all around us today. Many refuse to
endure sound doctrine and heap to themselves teachers,
having itching ears and turn away their ears from the
truth to fables.
2 Peter 3:5 tells us that men who are deceived are willingly de-
ceived and Romans 1:20 tells us that all men upon earth are
without excuse.
Continuing in our observance that doctrine is a heart matter,

look here at 2 Thessalonians 2:
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day

shall not come, except there come a falling away
firstSatanAnd with all deceivableness of unright-
eousness in them that perish; because they received
not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delu-
sion, that they should believe a lie: That they all
might be damned who believed not the truth, but
had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians
2:3, 10-12
Concerning this epidemic falling away preceding the return

of the LORD, the Holy Spirit foretells us that Satan and his
emissaries are going to be able to deceive those who do not love
and obey the truth. Why does the Bible tell us that the vast
majority of people will be sent strong delusion and be
damned? because they received not the love of the
truth, that they might be saved.
Friend, so many who claim to be Christs, have no love for His

words which He told us are truth (Jn. 17:17). This is going to
be the noose that hangs millions eternally, sending them to the
fires of eternal damnation while they lived their earthly lives
completely convinced that they were safe and eternally secure.
Since they did not choose the fear of the LORD and to honor
and desire the sincere (pure) milk of the word, the masses
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will be deluded and damned. (2 Thess. 2:10-12; 1 Pet. 2:2)
What we believe determines how we live. The person who truly

trusts in the LORD Almighty diligently endeavors to love and
live out His Word by the Spirit (Jn. 14:15; 21).
Some reason that it is not worth bothering to crucify the deeds

of the body when such is optional and does not affect ones sal-
vation (Rom. 8:1, 13). This is what some are erroneously
taught, usually in a subtle fashion. The only thing to lose is
rewards, right? Wrong. What good is it to mortify the deeds of
the body? Why not indulge when there is no possibility of los-
ing the reward of eternal life in Heaven? Theres nothing I can
do to disconnect myself from God, right? Wrong. Theres no sin
that will cause me to be cut off or fall away, right? Wrong!
(Rom. 11:22; Luke 8:13; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 21:8,
27)
God is calling His people to authentically and literally make

things right with Him and to accept the biblical reality that
they are called by God to live a holy life (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1). The
LORDs children are to be distinct from those who are of the
world (not saved). Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I
am holy. (1 Pet. 1:16) We must refuse to possess the notion
that we have a license to sin. Let us cease to go on intoxicated
with the eternal-security-no-matter-what concept. This is root-
ed in the pride of life. Many would rather dismiss and wax over
divine truth, instead of facing up to it and dealing with their
personal sin. Some refuse to hear Scriptures that refute their
pet doctrine that justifies them to live in sin and believe they
are still saved.
LORD grant us pliable hearts of flesh and take away the stony
places of our hearts!
Be certain that according to Holy Scripture, no person who dies

living in blatant rebellion (backslidden condition) will be in
Heaven. Among numerous other Bible verses, here is one that
forever dismisses the lie that the backslidden will go to Heaven.
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And I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the
land; I will bereave them of children, I will destroy
my people, since they return not from their ways.
Jeremiah 15:7
Those who are backslidden among Gods covenant people and

return not from their ways will be destroyed because they
chose not to turn their hearts back to the LORD before it was
too late.
Beloved, remember that we need the LORD He doesnt need

us. He wants us and invites us.
Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye

upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake
his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and
let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mer-
cy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly
pardon. Isaiah 55:6-7
PRAYER: LORD of all, grant me to know You more and be con-

sumed with a deep hunger and thirst for Your glorious righteous-
ness and truth. Change my heart Jesus! I love You Holy Father
and ask You to fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit and with a
zeal to know and obey Your truth. Amen.
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CHAPTER FORTY EIGHT
RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH

2 TIMOTHY 2:15
How To Apprehend the Truth About
Eternal Security Every Time
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a work-
man that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly divid-
ing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
In the following pages we are going to visit a few Bible verses
and doctrines as examples of how we have the opportunity to
either rightly divide or to have a distorted understanding in the
things of God. The apprehension of truth is all-important to the
LORD (Prov. 2:1-22).
Many OSAS (once saved always saved) proponents seek to
isolate John 3:16 as if it were more inspired than the rest of
Scripture. This may be due to the fact that certain denomina-
tions have used it every Sunday morning for decades to win
souls. These OSAS defendants get shook up when other Bible
verses and texts are brought into the picture, because they
have never been introduced to the whole counsel of God by
their leaders. Their leaders simply do not truly embrace the
truth that All scripture (not just some) has been God-
breathed (2 Tim. 3:16). The apostle Paul was a complete full-
counsel teacher of Gods truth (Acts 20:20, 27). He held noth-
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ing back that was profitable for the LORDs people.
The Psalmist was a full-counsel believer. Are we?
Therefore I esteem ALL thy precepts concerning
ALL things to be right; and I hate every false way.
Psalms 119:128
Personally, I wonder why some people are so insecure about
what else Jesus stated about eternal life and the other things
the Holy Spirit intentionally had recorded and canonized as di-
vine and eternal truth in the Bible. Didnt He tell us that
Great peace accompanied the embracing of His Word?
Great peace have they which love thy law: and
nothing shall offend them. Psalms 119:165
Why would any true believer shun any part of Gods Word?
Great peace is the reward of the LORD reserved for the
hearts of those who love His Word. The deep and divine peace
of God rules in and anchors the hearts of all those who love His
law.
Could the fear of previously unknown Scripture stem from an
incomplete personal knowledge of the whole of the Word of
God? Have some stopped at John 3:16 and consequently pos-
sess a limiting and skewed view of the LORD and His truth due
to lack of knowledge of the Word? Could it be that many are
not being encouraged to study and know the whole of the writ-
ten Word?
Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one
of thy righteous Judgments endureth for ever.
Psalms 119:160
Why would any believer ever be resistant to any portion of Holy
Scripture? What would this indicate one is afraid of? Why
would any true disciple of Jesus ever be afraid of something
else from the Bible being revealed to their hearts, even if it vio-
lates what that person has previously been taught?
In many evangelical circles, verses like John 3:16 have been
presented to the exclusion of the whole counsel of Scripture.
Even when John 3:16 is broken down, it clearly proves that the
word believeth pertains to those who are presently trusting
in Christ and not just a one-time belief. To those who are cur-
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rently believing, eternal life is promised, and not to the one

who once believed and was saved and yet is not presently walk-
ing with God. 1 Corinthians 15:2 says:
Note the phrase unless ye have believed in vain. The Holy
Spirit is saying here that anyone who has believed and been
saved, yet is not keeping in memory the Gospel of Christ, is
not saved, but rather their initial saving faith is counted to be
vain. In vain means that it has no power to save them
now due to their own personal decision to rid their heart
memory of what they had previously believed. Initial sav-
ing faith has no effect on the present if one stops walking in
the obedient faith that initially accessed Gods grace (Rom. 5:1-
2). Saving faith must remain in ones heart in order for him to
continue to receive the saving grace of God and be wholly
cleansed by the blood of Christ, without which no man will see
God (1 Jn. 1:7-9; Heb. 12:14).
doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in
the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and
the Son. 2 John 9
Looking only at John 3:16, to the exclusion of the whole of
Scripture, in itself violates biblical interpretation laws (Isa. 28:9
-10, 13; 1 Cor. 2:13). The same God who spoke John 3:16
spoke all that is in Holy Scripture which when taken collective-
ly, clarifies itself. All Scripture has been given by the same
one LORD God and must be considered as a whole in order to
apprehend and rightly divide truth and avoid error (2 Tim.
2:15; 3:16).
The Words of Jesus
Here is a sampling of Scripture truth spoken by the Son of
God, which clearly reveals a conditional eternal security:
Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my

name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be
saved.
Revelation 2:10-11 Fear none of those things which
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thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of
you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have
tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I
will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let
him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He
that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be

clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his
name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name
before my Father, and before his angels. (written to the
Church)
Matthew 10:32-33 Whosoever therefore shall confess

me before men, him will I confess also before my Father
which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before
men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in
heaven.
Luke 8:12-13 Those by the way side are they that hear;
then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of
their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They
on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive
the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a
while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
Luke 13:24 Strive (Greek Agonize) to enter in at the

strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter
in, and shall not be able.
Building a thorough theological understanding cannot be done
with one or two verses, especially when all of the words of those
particular isolated texts are not considered, much less the
whole of Scripture. This is actually how cultic groups get start-
ed on a verse which is extracted and isolated from the whole
of the Word of God. The Bible is perfectly harmonious (in con-
cert) with no contradiction. Each verse must be taken in light
of its surrounding text and all of Holy Scripture. Prayerful
study of Gods Word that seeks to understand divine truth
must be done with the whole counsel of God being observed -
precept upon precept; line upon line. (Isa. 28:10; Acts
17:10-11, 20:20, 27)
Jesus spoke of those who have an honest and good heart
when it comes to hearing the Word of God (Lk. 8:15). Do you
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have an honest and good heart in your personal approach

toward God and His Word?
But that on the good ground are they, which in an
honest and good heart, having heard the word, KEEP
IT, and bring forth fruit WITH PATIENCE
(continuance). Luke 8:15
The God of order (1 Cor. 14:40), who is perfect and not the
author of confusion, has set up a simple system to protect
His people from being deceived (1 Cor. 14:33). If one verse or
text of Scripture seems to say one thing, yet violates other
clearly revealed Scriptural truth, it must be interpreted in light
of the clearly revealed Scriptural truth, as a whole. The LORD
God cannot contradict Himself.
ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is
profitable for doctrine... 2 Timothy 3:16
The Bible has built-in interpretation laws which must be fol-
lowed if one is to apprehend divine truth in the context the Au-
thor intended. It is important to hear and understand this.
First, one must know the Author of the Holy Scriptures to
properly understand them. Jesus stated:
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom
the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you
all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you...Howbeit when he,
the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all
truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatso-
ever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will
show you things to come. John 14:26; 16:13
Then, one must collate (compound, put together) Scripture
with Scripture in order to comprehend divine truth:
Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall
he make to understand doctrine? them that are
weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
For precept MUST be upon precept, precept upon
precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little,
and there a little. Isaiah 28:9-10
Which things also we speak, not in the words which
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mans wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost
teacheth; comparing (to compound; put together;
collate) spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians
2:13
Note the method that the Holy Spirit uses to teach us: the Ho-
ly Ghost teacheth; comparing (compounding; putting to-
gether) spiritual things with spiritual. This refers to collat-
ing Scripture upon Scripture, that is, the line upon line stack-
ing and learning of Holy Scripture. This method assures the
establishing and rightly dividing of truth.
All leaders who are truly following Christ teach their hearers to
discern. The Good Shepherd is all about protecting the sheep of
His pasture (Jer. 3:15; John 10).
And they (authentic, God-fearing servants) shall
teach my people the difference between the holy and
profane, and cause them to DISCERN between the
unclean and the clean. Ezekiel 44:23
The enemy of all souls always has a counterfeit in religion in
order to deceive. His agents lie in wait to deceive as he
walketh about seeking whom he may devour. (Eph. 4:14;
1 Pet. 5:8) Yet his devices are common to man. (1 Cor.
10:13; 2 Cor. 2:11) There is no new thing under the
sun. (Eccl. 1:9) Mixture is his most deceptive and effective tool
to draw even well-meaning believers into sin, bondage, and de-
lusion. Only those who love, study, and embrace Gods truth
will escape (2 Thess. 2:10-12). Satans tricks are age old and
must be observed through an historical biblical perspective and
by the Holy Ghost living inside each saint (Acts 17:11; 1 Cor.
12:10; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16; Heb. 5:11-14; 1 Jn. 2:20, 27; 4:1-3).
The person who believes every spirit or teaching is in direct dis-
obedience to the LORD. Testing every spirit and weighing all
teachings in the light of Holy Scripture is a divine mandate
(Jude 3-4; 1 Jn. 4:1-3). The LORD hates mixture and this is
why He has ordained that all who seek and serve Him learn
and teach my people the difference between the holy and
profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean
and the clean. (Ezek. 44:23)
Biblical truth must be placed upon biblical truth (collated line
upon line) in order to apprehend and understand the things of
God and to divide between truth and error. Truth must be com-
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Lie of Ages
pounded, that is, put together or compared with the whole. It is

all-important for the one who desires to guard his heart against
deception to cross-reference verses in his Bible. Both Jesus
and the apostle Paul gave us this key to knowing the truth:
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one
or two more, that in the mouth of two or three wit-
nesses every word may be established. Matthew
18:16
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the
mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be
established. 2 Corinthians 13:1
Each inspired Bible text is to be enjoined with the full-counsel
of Holy Writ. All individual scriptures must be interpreted in
light of the whole of the Word of God.
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. Matthew 4:4
Simply put, we should always interpret Scripture with Scrip-
ture.
Who is it that should not perish, but have everlasting life?
The ones who are believing presently. According to the whole
of Scripture, saving faith is not to be a one-time event. It must
be to the end of that saved person's life or he forfeits all. Ac-
cording to the Bible, to stop believing is to stop being justified.
Saving faith is not a one-time event but rather an ongoing, per-
petual experience with the LORD who said that without faith it
is impossible to please him (Heb. 11:6). The person who de-
parts from the faith - ceases to believe is not pleasing to God
and is no longer saved.
Can a true Christian stop believing? If he does stop believing,
is he still justified?
John 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went

back, and walked no more with him.
Luke 8:13 They on the rock are they, which, when

they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no
root, which for a while believe, and in time of tempta-
tion fall away.
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Ezekiel 33:12-13 Therefore, thou son of man, say unto

the children of thy people, The righteousness of the
righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his trans-
gression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall
not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his
wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live
for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. When I
shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he
trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all
his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his
iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.
Remember the Old and New Testament verses about the
just LIVING by faith? This truth is found in Habakkuk
2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11 and Hebrews 10:38.
Now the just shall live (continuously) by faith:
but if ANY man draw back (this is obviously possi-
ble), my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But
we are not of them who draw back unto perdition
(eternal destruction); but of them that believe to
the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:38-39
Here is yet another text which clearly reveals the need to keep
on believing to the end to keep on clinging to the Lord. Here
are more verses revealing this truth:
Matthew 24:13 But he that shall ENDURE unto the

end, the same shall be saved.
Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my

names sake: but he that shall ENDURE unto the end,
the same shall be saved.
Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house;

whose house are we, IF we hold fast the confidence and
the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, IF

we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto
the end;
Hebrews 6:11 And we desire that every one of you
do show the same diligence to the full assurance of
hope unto the end:
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Lie of Ages
Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keep-

eth my works unto the end, to him will I give power
over the nations.
A Peek Into Greek
Lets look at John 3:16 along with some other biblical texts.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting life. John
3:16
I am going to pull out my Textus Receptus Greek Interlinear
Bible (The Received Text is the real Word of God, from which
the King James Bible was translated). The literal Greek reads:
For God so loved the world that He gave His only-
begotten Son, that everyone believing into Him
should not perish, but have everlasting life. John
3:16
Note the phrase that everyone believing into Him should not
perish. The Greek word translated believing is a present par-
ticiple used as a verb; everyone believing (currently) in Him,
not everyone who has at one time in the past believed.
This is confirmed by many other clear texts. Here is but one:
In the literal Greek rendering above, notice the term believing
into. The Greek word for into is EIS (pronounced ice)
which is defined in the Strongs Concordance (1519) as such:
EIS to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of
place, time or (fig.) purpose (result, etc.); throughout, till, to
(be, the end, -ward), (here), until (to-)ward. Often used in com-
position with the same general import, but only with verbs
(etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
The John 3:16 promise (eternal life) is not made so much to the
one who has once believed, but to the ones who have and are
presently believing. Yes, eternal life is eternal, yet the posses-
sion of it can be forfeited if the person who once believed upon
Christ to salvation neglects His walk with God and then does
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cast off their first faith. (1 Tim. 5:12) See also Luke 8:13;
Col. 1:23; Heb. 2:3; 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39.
Fearing God
The fear of the Lord is clean. (Ps. 19:9) It is wisdom. It is

right. It is holy. It is just. It is fair. Fearing God to obedience is
the only thing that will bring divine peace. The fear of the
LORD will keep our feet held fast on the narrow road that leads
to life with the few.
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and
his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of
the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the
snares of death. Proverbs 14:26-27
Note here that strong confidence, a place of refuge, and
a fountain of life are exclusively promised to those who pos-
sess The fear of the Lord.
Again, here are the 3 things promised to those who fear God:
Strong confidence
A place of refuge
A fountain of life
What we choose to believe directly affects how we live. What we
belief determines our future our destiny.
Knowing God and rightly deciphering His truth is an all-
important undertaking in the keeping of ones soul before the
LORD. Lack of knowledge is a deliberate choice as is knowing
His Word. Misunderstanding God, by not choosing to fervently
gain the understanding of His Word, can have eternal conse-
quences. For example, the Scriptures above have revealed that
the ultra popular doctrine of once saved, always saved (OSAS)
is a lie at best. The myth of OSAS robs from the believer the
fear of God. This lie of lawlessness fosters rebellion and gives
way to sin, the enemy, delusion, and disobedience. This is ex-
actly what it did the first time it was told by Satan. Adam and
Eve proceeded to sin against God when they believed this lie of
the ages (Gen. 2:17; 3:4). It is the ye shall not surely die lie
(Gen. 3:4). Beloved, we must avoid this error at all cost. It
could cost one his eternal soul.
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Lie of Ages
Here is another verse the OSAS proponents have purposely ex-

cluded from their thinking: Jesus stated that In your pa-
tience (endurance) possess ye your souls. (Lk. 21:19) The
Greek word for patience is HUPOMONE which is defined in
the Strongs Concordance as cheerful (or hopeful) endurance,
constancy:-enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting).
The doctrinal examples used in this chapter reveal the danger
of not including the whole of Scripture when drawing conclu-
sion on any doctrine.
In summation, those who believe and teach OSAS fail to
acknowledge the plethora of Biblical texts which clearly state
mans responsibility before God and that He has designed that
the dispensing of His salvation grace is contingent upon such
(Rom. 4:16; 5:1-2). OSAS proponents seem only to
acknowledge Gods grace in saving men, but never the truth
that men have free will after they are authentically saved. The
Bible teaches us that the LORD made men with an individual
free will to exercise for or against the Him. God is perfect and
has done His part through Christ and left the appropriation of
His salvation up to the individual (Josh. 24:15; Deut. 30:19;
Isa. 1:19-20; Jn. 1:12; 3:16, 36; Rom. 11:19-23).
Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise,
and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a
pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they
shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may
be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day,
even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent
things in counsels and knowledge, That I might
make thee know the certainty of the words of truth;
that thou mightest answer the words of truth to
them that send unto thee? Proverbs 22:17-21
PRAYER: May the Holy Spirit of truth minister to each of us and
bless us to seek after the LORD and to understand His ways.
Teach me Jesus! Grant my heart Your wisdom. In the name of
Jesus! Amen.
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER FORTY NINE
REFUTING THE LIE OF THE AGES

Speaking the Truth in Love

write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should ear-
our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only
Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude 3-4
Note here in particular what falsehood the Holy Spirit targets

when mandating that all of Gods people earnestly contend
for the faith which was once delivered to the saints. It is
notable that the aim of his message is to make believers under
the New Covenant to beware of and refute this lie of lascivious-
ness. He specifically confronts the lie of the ages here and in-
structs Gods people to expose it. Remember beloved that the
works of darkness are not to be concealed but rather uncov-
618
ered for all to see. The light of truth, the Holy Lamp of Gods
Word, must be shone directly upon the darkness of our own
hearts and that which has crept in among the people who pro-
fess to know Jesus Christ.
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and
hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice
to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication,
and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be
once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither
filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are
not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this
ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person,
nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any in-
heritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let
no man deceive you with vain words: for because of
these things cometh the wrath of God upon the chil-
dren of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers
with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now
are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and
righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable
unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the un-
fruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove
(expose) them. Ephesians 5:1-11
According to the Holy Spirit, in this Ephesians 5 passage, the

darkness that is to be specifically exposed is that of teaching or
supposing that any person living in open sin will be admitted
into Gods holy Heaven. The apostle exhorts Let no man de-
ceive you with such a lie, but rather reprove (expose) this
deadly lie of darkness. This passage alone is the divine au-
thority to expose the lie of the ages which supposes God to ac-
cept man in a sinful condition.
Of all the falsehoods which He could have identified here to be

upbraided, uncovered, and overturned, the perfect wisdom of
God chose this one, the lie that has weaved its way through the
ages, deluding and bringing eternal damnation to those de-
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Lie of Ages
ceived by it. Such a reality should underscore in our minds the

divine anger for this teaching and the dangerous nature of this
falsehood. We should be hereby quickened to the need to refute
such a heresy and rebuke those who dare align with the enemy
of souls to teach such.
In this Ephesians 5 passage, the Holy Spirit makes it clear that

this doctrine of devils, no matter what package it comes in
(Calvinism or otherwise), rides on the wings of men in leader-
ship, polluting the minds of Gods people. These beguiled men
turn the grace of our God into lasciviousness, which is a
license for sin. The LORD identifies these men as ungodly
men under divine condemnation. Furthermore, He tells us
that by teaching this doctrine, these men are denying the on-
ly Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Never mind what you or I or any other mere man thinks about
those men who teach such. The Holy Ghost tells us specifically
here that God is angry with and will judge those who teach this
doctrine of devils. His fury will fall upon those who teach this
poisonous heretical doctrine if they do not return to the LORD
and His truth, repenting of peddling this lethal falsehood.
The fact that some of those who teach OSAS are eloquent of
speech and teach correctly in many ways, makes their whole
message and ministry all the more insidious and sinister.
While the bulk of what they teach about Christ and Christiani-
ty is sound, these men poison the heart pond of their hearers
with the age old lie of lasciviousness. Beware! Some slip it in
while others make it their forerunner doctrine.
It is frightening to think of how masses of souls have been

taught OSAS theology and as a direct result, do not lay hold
on eternal life, strive against sin, or fight the good fight of
faith. (1 Tim. 6:12; Heb. 12:4). This lie of the ages removes all
fear of God and the motivation to obey Him. Those who have
bought into this diabolical myth see no reason to obey Christ
by denying the self-life, enduring to the end, and taking the
kingdom by force (Matt. 10:22; 11:12; 24:13; 16:24-27).
620
Jesus told us what to do in light of His return which He told us
was going to catch many by surprise (Mat. 24-25; Lk. 12:40;
21:34-36). The LORD told us He is coming back for those who
are looking for Him and purifying their hearts and lives of all
that does not please Him (Heb. 9:28; 1 Jn. 3:1-3).
Discussing the License for Sin Teaching with Others
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be

ready always to give an answer to every man that
asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with
meekness and fear. 1 Peter 3:15
If one is not steeped in the Word, he will not be able to receive

the truth nor will he be able to communicate and defend it.
Those who do not know the Word are vulnerable to be deceived
by the more experienced eternal security proponent who knows
how to use Scripture to his advantage but to the exclusion of
the whole Counsel of God. Many who believe in OSAS know
how to weave their way through the Bible, carefully dodging out
and avoiding the volumes of verses which clearly reveal that
the security the true believer has is conditioned upon his con-
tinual saving faith in Christ.
Theres a lot at stake for the person who has cloaked himself
behind this teaching which he thinks grants him carte blanche
license to live in sin or to be casual about the way he deals
with his sin. This is why those who have embraced an OSAS
theology become so very defensive about it and even violently
defend such a mythical position. Beware and have fun with
these people. If OSAS is not true, their lifestyle and soul is at
stake. So, dont be surprised at some intense reactions. Those
who are willingly intoxicated with this falsehood are blinded
and dont even realize that their very soul could be hanging in
the balance.
After speaking to hundreds of people about this matter, I have

personally found the following points to be important when dis-
cussing this subject with the person who believes in an uncon-
ditional eternal security (salvation without personal responsi-
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Lie of Ages
bility and holiness):
Pray for those you minister to (1 Tim. 2:1).
Stay unwaveringly with the written Word (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Pray for those you minister to.
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with

salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every
man. (Col. 4:6)
Ask questions based on Scripture. Here are some penetrat-

ing sample questions that should be asked to those who
have embraced the deadly lie: If God wanted us to know
that once we are truly saved we have no further responsibil-
ity to walk obediently with Him in holiness, why didnt He
simply come out and tell us in His Word? After all, He had
66 books to do so. Also, the question should be posed:
What did Jesus mean when He told His own twelve disci-
ples that they must endure to the end to be saved? (Matt.
10:22) Also ask: Why did Jesus Christ, the Truth Himself,
give us a kingdom parable where only 5 of the 10 virgins
who began in His kingdom made it to Heaven? (Matt. 25:1-
13)
Personal Preparation: Begin to dig out, cross-reference and

memorize verses and their references in order that you
might let the Holy Scriptures establish truth and expose er-
ror and never depend upon your own wording or personal
reasoning (Rom. 3:3-4).
Never allow the conversation to veer into subjective scenari-

os (like the typical father and son relationship used by
those trying to make their doctrine palatable). Remember,
extra-biblical parables are subjective and can be manipulat-
ed in any direction the speaker wishes.
Lovingly, diligently, soundly, and persistently introduce

Scripture that reveals the Bible view of salvation which is a
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conditional eternal security based upon Gods grace and

mans continuance in it by real and obedient faith. This will
clearly refute once saved always saved. Again, you will
need to vigorously memorize the Word, equipping yourself
as a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth. (2 Tim. 2:15)
In your speech, always remain true to the LORD by not giv-

ing hope for Heaven to any person not presently seeking the
face of God while abiding in intimate fellowship with Christ
(John 15; Heb. 12:14-15).
Stick exclusively to Holy Scripture in discussing this matter

and kindly and yet firmly keep the conversation on the
Word nothing else is authoritative. When the person you
are speaking with veers, bring the conversation back to Bi-
ble truth alone. Diligently seek to keep the direction of the
conversation from being derailed.
Study and learn the 4 types of heart soils Jesus taught in

the parable of the sower and the Word which is indicative of
the persons/hearers heart (Luke 8:13-15). Memorize Luke
8:13.
Write on index cards and become intimately familiar with

and memorize the following Scriptures: Ezekiel 33:12-13;
Matthew 10:22; Romans 11:22; Hebrews 3:6, 12-15; 6:4-6;
10:26-39; 12:14-15; Revelation 3:5, 11.
Once again, as with any other ministry matter, pray for

those you are blessed to speak with about this important
subject.
Realize beforehand that some are not going to come to the

light of the truth but brazenly continue to embrace this lie
of lasciviousness. Let them go. Simply communicate the
truth in Christs love and pray for them.
When discussing this teaching, my goal is to plant numerous

seeds of Bible truth in the heart of the person I am speaking
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Lie of Ages
with. Our LORD told us that His Word never returns void and
that it always accomplishes that for which He sends it (Isaiah.
55:10-11). It should be our objective to plant as many seeds of
truth as possible, introducing the person to raw divine truth,
which in most cases their leaders have not shown them, but
rather hidden from them (otherwise they wouldnt believe this
lie). By introducing the hearer to Scripture they have never
considered or even heard, the foundation of the myth will be
shaken. Always remember that it is a good and godly thing to
use the truth to make people doubt the lies they believe. This
should be part of the goal - so that the foundation of falsehood
can be shaken and rooted out. This is what must take place in
order that the establishment of their belief system can be re-
constructed with Holy Scripture only.
See, I have this day set thee over the nations and
over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down,
and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to
plant. Jeremiah 1:10
As any honest student of the Bible can see, the once saved al-
ways saved teaching is a whole system of extra-biblical,
groundless reasoning which hold no reconciliation to the Word
of God. May God bless us to dismantle such a deception with
His truth in love (Eph. 4:15). Such a dangerous heresy has
been taught to millions who claim Christ as their Savior. Let
us, with the divine authority invested in the Holy Scriptures,
shake the faulty foundation fabricated with fables and false-
hood.
When you have diligently studied to show yourself approved

unto your LORD and been the messenger of His pure Word,
you can rest in peace with clear conscience, relying on His
promise that He will use His Word to accomplish His will (Isa.
55:10-11).
Beloved, please allow me to encourage you to lovingly and ear-

nestly expose and refute the lie of the ages every time you can.
To make the most of your ministry impact, leave people with
Bible-intensive resources on this matter (website or printed
624
materials) which establish what God told us in His Word. This
will allow the person to go home and begin to thoroughly re-
search what Scripture says.
The Marine Corps spends all of its time preparing for war. As a
Marine, all of the training I received was towards this end
readiness for war. Such is the job and occupation of the Marine
Corps and any military force. The Marines must be a force in
readiness ready to deploy and destroy. In the same way, are
we not the army of the LORD? Should we not be ready to com-
municate His truth? See 1 Peter 3:15 and 2 Timothy 2:3-4.
Should we not leave the house each morning prepared for min-
istry?
Saint of the LORD, please allow me to exhort you to become

armed. Become dangerous. Load your weapons with the Word.
Learn and let Gods Word speak. Let the LORD speak for Him-
self by resolutely quoting His holy words lovingly, unabashedly,
and in sound wisdom.
PRAYER: LORD, please teach me Your ways and bless my heart

to be sound in Thy holy truth, rejoicing in it and despising any
falsity that contradicts it. Holy is Your name Jesus. I love You.
Please open doors this day for the ministry of Your Word. Amen.
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER FIFTY
COMING TO THE LIGHT

Remaining in the Light
But the fearful (cowardly; timid), and unbelieving,

and the abominable, and murderers, and whore-
mongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars,
shall have their part in the lake which burneth with
fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Rev-
elation 21:8
Notice here that the very first of eight classes of sinners named
as those to spend eternity in the lake of fire are the fearful.
This word fearful comes from the Greek word DEILOS which
means cowardly; timid. The Word refers to those who freely
choose not to unashamedly root and ground their hearts and
lives in Jesus Christ and His eternal kingdom, but rather to
waver and doubt in unbelief (Col. 2:6-8; James 1:5-8). These
are those people who fear man and not God, although they
may indeed have the outward form of Christianity. Such a state
is a very dangerous proposition.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that

giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it
shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing
wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the
626
sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that
man think that he shall receive any thing of the
Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his
ways. James 1:5-8
Spiritual cowards waver. They are not really with Christ. Je-
sus was not ashamed to come and suffer a horrible death for
us and we should never be ashamed to confess and serve Him
even unto the death if necessary (Matt. 10:32-33; Rev. 12:11).
He that is not with me is against me; and he that

gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Matthew
12:30
Those who deny Christ in their daily lives are ashamed and will
not enter into the kingdom of God. Is this not consistent with
other places in Scripture? Heres one example:
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have

done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will
come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by
faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have
no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw
back unto perdition (destruction); but of them that
believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:36-39
The gospel adapted by spiritual cowards who refuse to press

into the kingdom of God by daily crucifying the deeds of the
sinful nature, is a false gospel which perverts the original
Gospel once delivered to the saints (Jude 3-4). Those who deny
Christ instead of their sin, are those who consequently migrate
to the unconditional eternal security teaching. A gospel of
ease that does not include the cross (crucifying all the sinful
deeds of the body and mind) is another gospel. (2 Cor. 11:4)

Unlike Christ Himself, the OSAS (once saved always saved)

gospel never demands that one deny self, take up his cross
daily and truly follow the Master (Lk. 9:23). It is the gospel
that allows one to have a form of godliness, yet denying
the power (authority; rule; Lordship) thereof. (2 Tim. 3:5)
(False prophets purposely dodge certain Biblical texts in the
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Lie of Ages
Bible. If they do review them, a spin is placed on the self-

interpretive plainness/exactness of these words of God.) This is
the happy times, cotton candy, feel-good gospel of ease and
pleasure (Amos 6:1; 1 Tim. 5:6). This is the gospel for those
who want their sin and Jesus too. Jesus made it clear though
that there are conditions for being His disciple and receiving
His kingdom.
And he said to them all, If any man will come after

me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross dai-
ly, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life
shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my
sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man ad-
vantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose him-
self, or be cast away? 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 Fathers, and of the holy an-
gels. Luke 9:23-26
Lets face it, as Christians we all have temptations and sins we

daily deal and struggle with; thats not the issue (1 Jn. 1:8, 10).
There should be no argument about the Biblical truth that
the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against
the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the oth-
er. (Gal. 5:17) There is an ongoing war between the sinful na-
ture in us and the Holy Spirit who lives in us along with our
desire to serve Him (Rom. 6:1-4; 8:1-14). The issue is that
some choose to be honest concerning the reality of, face, and
overcome those iniquities. Others deliberately decide to justify
their sins with so-called Christian doctrines that are not bib-
lical whatsoever and will ultimately seal their damnation if not
repented of. Still some simply decidedly ignore or dodge the
volumes of Scriptures that dont make for and easy path and
call for the mortification of the self-life so that the resurrected
Savior can reign supreme.
He that covereth (hides; does not repent of) his sins

shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and for-
saketh them shall have mercy. Proverbs 28:13
The problem starts when one ceases to fight the good fight,
ceasing to lay hold on eternal life. (1 Tim. 6:12) To fight
and lay hold are commands concerning eternal life. Je-
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sus told us that many who start out fighting the good fight of
faith, eventually allow their love for God to wax cold and
start justifying their sins instead of seeking the Almighty in fer-
vent repentance for the rooting out of that which defiles and is
unpleasing in His sight (Matt. 24:10-13; Lk. 8:13; Jn. 6:66).
Father we beg You to break every yoke in our lives in Jesus ho-
ly name and by His precious blood! Destroy the bands of wick-
edness LORD! (Isa. 58)
All those who are not diligently seeking the LORD, established
in a life of daily prayer and regular fasting, and a deep study of
His Word, are in jeopardy. These are those who are like the
foolish virgins who counted other things and the pursuit of
them, more important than getting intimate with the Bride-
groom (Matt. 25:1-13).
Study and be a doer of Isaiah 58. Contained in this glorious

chapter is the divine prescription for complete victory - to have
every yoke broken and to be made free by the LORD Jesus
Christ. Make it part of your life and you will experience bless-
ings untold.
Again, we must be aware that many today are finding a cloak

for their sinfulness through prevalent teachings within the
Church world. They are actually being emboldened by these
false teachings to live wantonly. Instead of pleasing God by liv-
ing a life of repentance and crucifying fleshly lusts, which
war against the soul, many justify their sins by hiding be-
hind a false gospel which purposely excludes much of what
Scripture states. This inoculating message is soothing and insid-
ious and lulls its victim into a spiritual sleep like the poison of a
deadly snakebite. The serpents venom will prove to be fatal in
the end if one is not recovered out of it (1 Cor. 11:19).
COMING TO THE LIGHT: Jesus made it clear that coming to

the light the first time, for initial salvation, was the beginning,
but not all that is required for final salvation:
And this is the condemnation, that light is come

into the world, and men loved darkness rather than
light, because their deeds were evil. For every one
that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to
the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he
that doeth truth cometh to the light (initially and
continually), that his deeds may be made manifest,
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Lie of Ages
that they are wrought in God. John 3:19-21
One who has been saved must continue to come to the light,
that is, live in faith and obedience to the LORD (Matt. 7:21;
James 1:22). It is not enough to have come to the light once, one
must continue to come to the light till the end of his life or his ini-
tial salvation is null and void (forfeited). See Ezekiel 33:12-13;
Matthew 10:22; Hebrews 2:1-3; 3:6, 14, 10:26-39; Col. 1:23;
Revelation 2:10-11, etc.

John 1:7
One who comes to the light gets saved must continue to

come to the light or he closes the door of forgiveness and the
blood of Christ no longer cleanses him. Read 1 John 1:7 again
(above). The perpetual cleansing of our sins is contingent upon
the obedience of the individual recipient of the grace of God (2
Cor. 6:1). The grace of God can be received in vain.
Notice in 1 John 1:7 that fellowship and the blood of Je-

sus Christ cleansing us from all sin is conditioned upon
our walking in the light if we walk in the light. Covering
our sins instead of openly confessing and forsaking them, is a
deadly and soul-jeopardizing occupation. Lets look again at
Proverbs 28:13:
He that covereth (does not repent of) his sins shall

not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh
them shall have mercy. Proverbs 28:13
CONCERNING SINS, Proverbs 28:13 REVEALS THAT:
He that covereth (his sins)...shall not prosper (make

spiritual progress)
He that...confesseth and forsaketh (his sins) shall have

mercy
God continues to extend to us His forgiveness based upon the

blood of the cross of Christ and our confessing and forsaking
our sins (Col. 1:14, 20; Heb. 4:14-16). The person who chooses
to cover his sins will not prosper. His spiritual growth is in re-
630
verse and his eternity at stake. Sin hardens the heart and
causes the one who does not get rid himself of his sin to depart
from the faith (Heb. 3:12-15). He must repent and establish
righteous paths as detailed in Scripture or God will not hear
his prayer (Psalms 18:20; 66:18). So great a salvation which
the propitiatory blood of the Savior accomplished provides for
total washing of record and conscience of all sin (Heb. 2:3;
9:14; 1 Jn. 1:9, 2:1-2).
Many of us are aware of the Calvinistic falsehoods in the

Church world that exclude repentance from the gospel and
avoid the conditions Holy Scripture details.
Biblical salvation requires that one repent to get saved and con-
tinue to repent of his sins. If one does not, he will be in denial of
Christ and cease to be cleansed by the blood of Christ (1 Jn. 1:7,
9; Lk. 13:3, 5).
IF we suffer, we shall also reign with him: IF we de-

ny him, he also will deny us. 2 Timothy 2:12
COULD IT BE PLAINER? IF we deny him, he also will deny

us. (2 Tim. 2:12)
To refuse to confess sin is to openly deny him.
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint

-heirs with Christ; IF so be that we suffer with him,
that we may be also glorified together. Romans
8:17
We are the temple of the living God and it should be noted

that Jesus cleansed the temple of extortion and the thieves in
the beginning and at the end of His ministry on earth (Jn.
2:13-17; Matt. 21:12-16). This He did to establish His zeal
and mandate for holiness upon all who will follow Him in
spirit and in truth (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; Heb. 12:14). He said ye
are the temple of the living God and those who harbor in-
stead of relinquishing sin will be destroyed (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1).
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and

that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man
defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for
the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1
Corinthians 3:16-17
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Lie of Ages
Think about this: According to Gods Word, without holiness

there can be no Heaven and without repentance there can be
no holiness (Heb. 12:14).
The unconditional eternal security proponents/leaders are livid

at the hearing of any doctrine (even from Scripture) that re-
quires personal responsibility. They blow grace up into some-
thing the Bible never even implies, much less, teaches. Regard-
less of how big an audience these leaders have or how popular
their name is, they are teaching false doctrine and turning
the grace of our God into lasciviousness (a license for
sin). (Jude 3-4) These falsehoods must be earnestly con-
tended against - souls are in the balance. Unconditional eter-
nal security is the very first thing Satan preached in the Gar-
den of Eden (Gen. 2:17; 3:4). Our unchanging Maker warned
the first man and woman that if they partook of a certain tree
they would surely die. Satan countered with ye shall not
surely die.
Friend, it is our divinely-given mandate to diligently and inten-

tionally defend the original Gospel once delivered to the Body of
Christ (Phil. 1:17; 2 Tim. 4:2-4; Jude 3-4).

our God into lasciviousness (a license for sin), and
Christ. Jude 3-4
Those who follow the coward gospel are those who deny
Christ instead of their sin, and will be denied by Him in that
final day (Matt. 10:32-33; 2 Tim. 2:12; Matt. 7:21). So, is it
hateful or loving to warn them before it is too late? (see Prov.
12:17; 27:5-6; Gal. 4:16)
There are many who vainly suppose that they will not be
judged for their doctrinal deceit and sins, but God says they
will be:
All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword
632
(judgment), which say (in their doctrine), The evil
shall not overtake nor prevent (stop) us (from going
to Heaven). Amos 9:10
Some say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent us.
That is, they imagine that they will not be judged nor prevented
from entering the eternal kingdom of God for their sins because
God sees them through the blood of Christ due to their initial
born-again experience. Does God indiscriminately cleanse the
sins of those who have been saved in the past? 1 John 1:7
states that only those who walk in Gods holy light are kept
(remain) in fellowship with Him and are continually cleansed by
the blood of Jesus. According to the Bible, we must repent to be
cleansed and cleared.
This doctrine (OSAS) completely destroys the distinction

between right and wrong, and removes all motives to ab-
stain from sin. ~ Daniel Steele
Many are taught and teach that they are not accountable for
their actions, heart motives, attitudes, thoughts, or words any-
more (since they got saved). They vainly believe that God does
not judge them for sin any longer because He sees them
through the blood of Christ. In other words:
(1) Their salvation changes the very nature of the eternal God -
God ceases to be holy just because He saved them. What arro-
gance!
(2) They have no responsibility to live holy (see Titus 2:11-12;

Rom. 6:1-2, 15).
The once saved always saved doctrine teaches that all sins,
past, present, and future are automatically forgiven regardless
of the life of the individual who initially received Christs salva-
tion. Let us ask ourselves, Is this what the Bible says? Check
this little nugget out:
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation

ness for the remission of sins that are PAST, through
the forbearance of God. Romans 3:25
Note the term sins that are past. Where is there any men-
tion here of future sins unconditionally or indiscriminately be-
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Lie of Ages
ing forgiven? This was the perfect place for the Holy Spirit to
reveal that all future sins are automatically and unconditional-
ly forgiven. It is clear from Scripture that all sins, past, present
and future, are already paid for by Christs blood, but that His
blood is only applied and re-applied where there is true repent-
ance. Scripture gives no assurance that any future sins are
without condition and automatically forgiven. The forgiveness
of future sins is conditional upon the continued obedient faith
of the individual. Such a faith always drives the one who pos-
sess it to come boldly before His throne of grace to receive
fresh cleansing, keeping a short list of sins with God (Heb. 4:14
-16).
Why would any God-fearing child of the LORD want to retain

any sin that which offends the holiness of the LORD?

John 1:7
When we choose the sins of the flesh over the blessed Lordship
of Jesus Christ, we forsake our own mercy (Prov. 28:13; Jonah
2:8). God forbid that we would rather wallow in that which dis-
pleases Him rather than to face the God we claim to serve! The
irresistible grace adherent is taught that he does not have to
repent of his wickedness (sins) all under the banner of being
eternally secure or once saved always saved. As for the prop-
agators of this myth:
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark

them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often,
and now tell you even weeping, that they are the
enemies of the cross of Christ (because they use it
to justify their sins): Whose end is destruction
(eternal damnation), whose God is their belly
(sinful appetites), and whose glory is in their
shame, who mind earthly things.). Philippians
3:17-19
Once saved always saved, like many false teachings through-

out the centuries, is merely a sin-justifying cloak for mans de-
praved nature which God commands to be crucified (Rom. 6).
This teaching justifies men in their iniquities whereas divine
634
truth calls and enables men to be purged and delivered from
the penalty, punishment, conscience, and burden of sins. This
is why Jesus came - to make captives free from sin and its
bondages and eternal result (Matt. 1:21; 11:28-30; Jn. 1:29;
3:17; 8:31-32; Rom. 6:22-23).
Here are instructions, conditions, and promises concerning be-

ing received of God as His children:
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbeliev-

ers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with un-
righteousness? and what communion hath light with
darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial?
or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
And what agreement hath the temple of God with
idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God
hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and
I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
thing; AND I will receive you, And will be a Father
unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters,
saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these
promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves
from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
Four INSTRUCTIONS Listed in 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1:
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers

Come out from among them
Be ye separate
Touch not the unclean thing
Five Conditional PROMISES Listed in 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1:
I will dwell in them, and walk in them

They shall be my people
I will receive you
And will be a Father unto you
Ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Al-
mighty
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Lie of Ages
Will we die or live?

Those who truly love Christ and His glorious appearing are
those who, at all costs, choose daily to please God by putting
away the deeds of the sinful nature and seeking to live holy in
His sight (Col. 3:1-13). Oh yes, when we fall, we are to continue
to get up and seek the face of the God who loves us and has
our ultimate good in mind. The person who has a heart that is
after God will fervently and constantly commune with Him. The
LORD is good to us and ready to forgive. He is so
gracious to us! Take a look:
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and

plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon
thee...But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compas-
sion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in
mercy and truth. Psalms 86:5, 15
PRAYER: Thank You for being so gracious, longsuffering and

merciful to me Father. Thank You for Your precious blood Jesus!
Rescue my heart! Let my affections be enraptured in Your love
this moment, hour, and day! Grant my heart grace to please You
in being conformed to Christs holy image. Glory be to Your holy
name Jesus!
636
637
Lie of Ages
CHAPTER FIFTY ONE
WHAT EARLY DISCIPLES SAID

CONCERNING ETERNAL SECURITY
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles doc-
trine Acts 2:42
The apostles doctrine is the compilation of the teachings of

Jesus Christ and His apostles who wrote the Holy Spirit in-
spired books which make up the canon of the New Testament.
Nothing could be nor ever will be more authoritatively divine
than Holy Scripture.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is

profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness: That the man of God
may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good
works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
This chapter will feature the intriguing and telling words of

some of the earliest servants of Christ who lived to carry forth
the Gospel and work of Jesus after the twelve were deceased.
One should witness a consistency in these words with the doc-
trine of Christ and His holy apostles as recorded in the New
Testament Scriptures. These early disciples spoke in accord-
ance with the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11). Regrettably, as time
went on under this New Covenant era, the prophesied apostasy
638
in the church world began to transpire and escalate. Deceivers
began to wax worse and worse and they will continue until the
return of our LORD and the ultimate setting up of His eternal
kingdom (2 Tim. 3:13).
These men, whose words you are about to read, were not far
removed from the original apostles of our LORD and His Gospel
and held fast to His Word the apostles doctrine. (Acts
2:42)
Perhaps these words, since they are consistent with what we

read in the whole of the Word of God, are worthy to be accepted
as supplemental, yet not on the same level of authority as the
truth of Holy Writ. The purpose of placing these words in this
volume is to show a preponderance of witnesses to the divine
truth once delivered to the saints of Christ (Jude 3-4). This is
an historical witness to the truth of Scripture. Some who read
this will have been surrounded by those who espouse Calvins
teachings and have had little exposure to the words of other
men and their view of Bible truth.
Knowing truth from error is the result of becoming intimately

and personally familiar with the contents of the New Testament
Scriptures. As we behold what Christ and His apostles taught
we are then able to rightly divide the Word of truth and discern
who is and who is not teaching and speaking according to the
original Gospel (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16; Heb. 5:11-14).
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all accepta-

tion 1 Timothy 1:15
Today, many who are within Christendom, go back to Calvin, a

man with no genuine kingdom authority whatsoever because
he simply did not honor the counsel of God (Isa. 8:20; 1 Pet.
4:11). If we are going to look back to mere men for inspiration
and authority, why not go a little further back than Calvin?
Why not do the right thing and look to holy men of God who
spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost? (2 Pet. 1:20
-21) When we do, we will find John Calvin to be a heretical
false teacher who spent his years poisoning the church world
with his private interpretation and outright and outlandish
falsehoods.
No mans teachings or view are on the same level as Holy Scrip-

ture (Prov. 21:30; Rom. 3:4).
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Lie of Ages
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scrip-

ture is of any private interpretation. For the prophe-
cy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy
men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy
Ghost. 2 Peter 1:20-21
It is unfortunate that some people follow the teachings of this

mere man when they have complete access to the very Word of
God. We make the word of God of no effect when we place the
words of mere men above the truth given us of the Almighty.
This people honoureth me with their lips, but their

heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they wor-
ship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments
of men. For laying aside the commandment of God,
ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots
and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the com-
mandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradi-
tionMaking the word of God of none effect through
your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many
such like things do ye. Mark 7:6-9, 13
It can be perhaps witnessed, when studying the Church as it

functioned through the New Testament centuries, that after
Christ and His apostles left the earth, there was a steady de-
cline in doctrinal purity leading up to our day. This was long
ago prophesied Evil men and seducers shall wax worse
and worse. (2 Tim. 3:13) It is interesting to observe the words
of some of the leaders in the Church world throughout these
New Testament centuries. Many of these men held to the bibli-
cal revelation of salvation - how it is received and how it is
maintained. It may interest you to know that Polycarp was the
direct disciple of the apostle John. These men addressed this
unconditional eternal security matter that had already sprung
forth from diabolical origins soon after Christ had risen again
from the dead. Later, John Calvin came on the scene and
grossly perverted the grace of God as foretold by Jude in Jude
3-4. Calvin set forth and re-established the lie that would con-
tinue through the centuries to be responsible for the damna-
tion of millions of souls who believed and died believing they
were eternally secure no matter what spiritual state they died
640
in.
QUOTES FROM EARLY CHURCH FATHERS BEFORE THE

CORRUPTION OF UNCONDITIONAL ETERNAL SECURITY
SET IN: (in quoting these men, we are not condoning every-
thing they might have taught in other areas of doctrine)
And pray ye without ceasing in behalf of other men; for

there is hope of the repentance, that they may attain to
God. For cannot he that falls arise again, and he may
attain to God. (Ignatius of Antioch, To the Ephesians,
A.D.110)
Watch for your lifes sake. Let not your lamps be

quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ye ready, for
ye know not the hour in which our Lord cometh. But of-
ten shall ye come together, seeking the things which are
befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith
will not profit you, if ye be not made perfect in the last
time. (Didache, A.D.140)
That eternal fire has been prepared for him as he apos-

tatized from God of his own free-will, and likewise for all
who unrepentant continue in the apostasy, he now blas-
phemes, by means of such men, the Lord who brings
judgment [upon him] as being already condemned, and
imputes the guilt of his apostasy to his Maker, not to his
own voluntary disposition. (Justin Martyr, fragment in
Irenaeus Against Heresies, 5:26:1, A.D.156)
Christ shall not die again in behalf of those who now

commit sin, for death shall no more have dominion over
Him; but the Son shall come in the glory of the Father,
requiring from His stewards and dispensers the money
which He had entrusted to them, with usury; and from
those to whom He had given most shall He demand
most. We ought not, therefore, as that presbyter re-
marks, to be puffed up, nor be severe upon those of old
time, but ought ourselves to fear, lest perchance, after
[we have come to] the knowledge of Christ, if we do
things displeasing to God, we obtain no further for-
giveness of sins, but be shut out from His kingdom. And
therefore it was that Paul said, For if [God] spared not
the natural branches, [take heed] lest He also spare not
thee, who, when thou wert a wild olive tree, wert grafted
641
Lie of Ages
into the fatness of the olive tree, and wert made a par-
taker of its fatness. (Irenaeus, Against Heresies, 4:27:2
A.D. 180)
But some think as if God were under a necessity of be-

stowing even on the unworthy, what He has engaged (to
give); and they turn His liberality into slavery. But if it is
of necessity that God grants us the symbol of death,
then He does so unwillingly. But who permits a gift to be
permanently retained which he has granted unwillingly?
For do not many afterward fall out of (grace)? Is not this
gift taken away from many? (Tertullian, On Repentance,
6 A.D. 204)
Therefore, the ones who are pardoned are those who

slip into sin unintentionally and incautiously. He who
sins willfully has no pardon. (Lactantius, A.D. 304)
By believing in Him you will live. But by disbelieving

you will be punished. (Apostolic Constitutions, A.D. 390)
Grace with the Lord, when once learned and undertak-

en by us, should never afterward be cancelled by repeti-
tion of sin. (Tertullian, A.D. 203)
He who keeps them will be glorified in the kingdom of

God. However, he who chooses other things will be de-
stroyed with his works. (Barnabas, A.D. 70)
Only those who fear the Lord and keep His command-
ments have life with God; but as for those who do not
keep His commandments, there is no life in
them. (Barnabas, A.D. 70)
We ought therefore, brethren, carefully to inquire con-

cerning our salvation. Otherwise, the wicked one, having
made his entrance by deceit, may hurl us forth from our
life. (Barnabas, A.D. 70)
Let us therefore repent with the whole heart, so that

none of us perish by the way. (Second Clement, A.D.
150)
I hold further, that those of you who have confessed

and known this man to be Christ, yet who have gone
back for some reason to the legal dispensation [i.e. the
642
Mosaic Law] and have denied that this man is Christ,
and have not repented before deathyou will by no
means be saved. (Justin Martyr, A.D. 160)
Rather, we should fear ourselves, lest perchance, after

we have come to the knowledge of Christ, if we do those
things displeasing to God, we obtain not further for-
giveness for sin, but are shut out of His king-
dom. (Irenaeus, A.D. 180)
He who hopes for everlasting rest knows also that the

entrance to it is toilsome and narrow. So let him who
has once received the gospel not turn back. (Clement of
Alexandria, A.D. 195)
God gives forgiveness of past sins. However, as to future

sins, each one procures this for himself. He does this by
repenting, by condemning past deeds, and by begging
the Father to blot them out. (Clement of Alexandria,
A.D. 195)
The world returned to sinand so it is destined to fire.

So is the man who after baptism renews his
sins. (Tertullian, A.D. 198)
Rather they must be preserved. It is not the actual at-

tainment, but the perfecting, that keeps a man for
God. (Cyprian, A.D. 250)
A son who deserts his father in order not to pay him

obedience is considered deserving of being disinherited
and having his name removed forever from his fami-
ly. (Lactaintius, A.D. 304)
He who sins after baptism, unless he forsakes his sins,

will be condemned to Gehenna. (Apostolic Constitutions,
A.D. 390)
These things, beloved, we write unto you, not merely to

admonish you of your duty, but also to remind our-
selves. For we are struggling on the same arena, and the
same conflict is assigned to both of us. Wherefore let us
give up vain and fruitless cares, and approach to the glo-
rious and venerable rule of our holy calling. Let us at-
tend to what is good, pleasing, and acceptable in the
643
Lie of Ages
sight of Him who formed us. Let us look stedfastly to the

blood of Christ, and see how precious that blood is to
God, which, having been shed for our salvation, has set
the grace of repentance before the whole world. Let us
turn to every age that has passed, and learn that, from
generation to generation, the Lord has granted a place of
repentance to all such as would be converted unto Him.
Noah preached repentance, and as many as listened to
him were saved. Jonah proclaimed destruction to the
Ninevites but they, repenting of their sins, propitiated
God by prayer, and obtained salvation, although they
were aliens [to the covenant] of God. (Clement to the Co-
rinthians, 7:33-36)
Day and night ye were anxious for the whole brother-

hood, that the number of Gods elect might be saved
with mercy and a good conscience. (Clement to the Co-
rinthians, 2:7, 8)
On account of envy, Aaron and Miriam had to make

their abode without the camp. Envy brought down Da-
than and Abiram alive to Hades. (Clement to the Corin-
thians, 4:20, 21)
Having obtained good proof that thy mind is fixed in

God as upon an immovable rock, I loudly glorify [His
name] that I have been thought worthy [to behold] thy
blameless face which may I ever enjoy in God! I entreat
thee, by the grace with which thou art clothed, to press
forward in thy course, and to exhort all that they may be
saved. Maintain thy position with all care, both in the
flesh and spirit. (The Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp, 1:1)
What we gather from all these quotes is that the early

Church believed one was saved by faith in Christ and
His blood, apart from works. That were redeemed and
washed from our sins, there must be repentance, if one
sinned and did not repent they would be lost. They be-
lieved Gods foreknowledge and predestination, and they
believed by blaspheming the Holy Spirit and/or forsak-
ing God that one would lose salvation. unknown
God is a God of mercy and compassion, He is long suf-

fering, patient, and willing to call you back, but if one
persists in willful abandonment and blasphemy against
644
His Spirit, how can He put up with that? unknown
PRAYER: Holy Father, I love You supremely. Savior of my soul,

thank You for coming to die for my sins for redeeming my life.
Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. I cling to Thee alone and to
the words of Your holy truth. You promised that as I stand upon
Your unchanging truth, that I would forever stand in Thee!
Thank You! On Christ the solid rock I do stand and all other
ground is sinking sand! So be it Jesus!
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER FIFTY TWO
THE SECURITY IDOL

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nev-
ertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have
believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep
that which I have committed unto him against that
day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou
hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ
Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto
thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. 2
Timothy 1:12-14
Paul said he was boldly unashamed of the LORD and His Gos-
pel. His whole life was in the hands of the Savior. This man
truly knew the LORD I know whom I have believed. Faith
was more than a sideline to Paul. He had committed all to
Christ. Nothing of self was in reserve as is the case for many
who claim to be saved today. This follower of Jesus was there-
fore able to soundly and resolutely declare I am not
ashamed: for I know whom I have believed and he is able to
keep that which I have committed unto him against that
day.
Unabashed perseverance is a New Testament theme. If such

were not essential and important, why would the Holy Spirit
have repeatedly woven this truth into His Word?
646
But continue thou in the things which thou hast
learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom
thou hast learned them. 2 Timothy 3:14
Here we are instructed to continuein the things which we

have learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom
we have learned them. We are to get to know and love the
One in whom we have initially believed (Hos. 6:3; Jn. 17:3).
This is the divinely-given and exact the reason we were created
and saved. If we follow on to know the LORD we will pos-
sess the deep assurance that cannot be argued out of the true
believer and be received upon His soon return.
Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the

LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning;
and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter
and former rain unto the earth. Hosea 6:3
Many today want to be secure in their faith without securing

their relationship with the One who bled to rescue them. In
other words, they want the absolute guarantee that they are as
sure for Heaven as if they were already there no matter how
they might choose to neglect and turn against Jesus and live in
sinfulness against Him. The LORD gave no such guarantee. Be-
cause the masses of the populace want to live any way they so
choose and still be assured Heaven, many leaders have capital-
ized by accommodating them with the once saved always
saved heresy. God forbid! Because this lie has been so ram-
pantly taught, many have been intoxicated and deceived by it. I
have met several people over the years who immediately turn
off and tune out anyone who speaks the biblical truth about
conditional eternal security. These people stop their ears at the
truth instead of receiving it humbly.
Conviction upon an unrepentant heart can provoke a violent

reaction. Consider what the religious Jews did upon hearing
the message that Jesus was their Messiah who died for their
sins:
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears,

ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers
did, so do yethen they cried out with a loud voice,
and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one
accord. Acts 7:51, 57
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Lie of Ages
Like these rebellious Jews whose hearts were

uncircumcised, some today are bent upon believing they
possess a license to live in sin. They will stand there and open-
ly deny Scripture upon Scripture that clearly refute an uncon-
ditional eternal security. These people have come so under the
influence of this false teaching (OSAS) and the false security if
brings them, that they cannot bear to think of accepting the
notion that salvation can be lost if neglected (Heb. 2:1-3). Be-
cause of this, they harden their hearts and stop their ears at
the mention of the truth (Prov. 29:1; Acts 7:51; Heb. 3:7).
Some today have the distinct paradigm of Give me the crown -

never mind the cross! I just want to miss hell and go to Heaven
but I dont want to get to know and obey the Door to Heaven! I
dont want a relationship, I just want the reward! See Matthew
7:21-23 for the ultimate end of those who do not sincerely and
intimately know the LORD.
To the honest Bible student, it is crystal clear that those who

neglect to know the LORD and return to the vomit of their sin
forfeit their previous place with God (2 Peter 2:20-22). Gods
Word instructs us to follow on to know the LORD. (Hos.
6:3) The LORD would have us follow through into a deeply
rooted and intimate relationship with Him. This is the reason
He made and redeemed us (Jn. 17:3).
Blessed Assurance
Knowing the LORD is what Christianity is all about (Phil. 3:10).

Instead of shepherding people to love and obey the LORD su-
premely, some in ministry instill a casual, careless disposition
toward the LORD in those they influence (Matt. 22:37-39).
In many cases, the chief and supreme goal of those who teach
this doctrine (OSAS) becomes the feeling of security it gives
those who hear it. This elated feeling of security can be addict-
ing and intoxicating. Some of these who teach OSAS become so
dead-set on making everyone feel secure in their salvation
(which no man can do) that it becomes an idol or an agenda
that drives their ministry. Do we see in Scripture any apostle
or the Lord Himself with such a goal or emphasis? We simply
dont. Those the Holy Spirit saves and assures are comforted
and granted assurance due to their own relational love for and
obedience to Him (Jn. 16:7, 8, 10; Rom. 8:16; 1 Jn. 5:11-13).
648
OSAS despises the cross of Christ and therefore brings no per-
secution, which alone testifies to its falsity (Matt. 10:22; Gal.
5:11; 6:12; 2 Tim. 3:12). Could there be big money and amaz-
ing accolades associated with teaching unconditional eternal
security? Is self-promotion, affluence, and self-preservation the
reason some teach the diabolical doctrine of unconditional eter-
nal security?
Protection, soundness of heart and mind, security, and assur-

ance, can only come from God safety is of the
LORD. (Prov. 21:31) Such a blessing is granted exclusively to
those who truly know Christ and are currently in right stand-
ing with Him (1 Jn. 3:18-21).
And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall

assure our hearts before himHe that hath the Son
hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not
life. These things have I written unto you that believe
on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that
ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the
name of the Son of God. 1 John 3:19; 5:12-13
Note the phrase of the Holy Spirits choosing here that ye

may know that ye have eternal life. Knowing one possesses
eternal life comes from having the Son, fully believing upon
Him in the heart.

tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we
know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our
hearts before him. 1 John 3:18-19
The heart of the true believer is comforted and assured before

the LORD by His present faith and obedience And hereby
we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our
hearts before him.
The kept one or the one kept under the shadow of the Al-
mighty is blessed by the power of God through faith.
We must never forget nor let drop the truth that the individual
is justified by faith and that without faith it is impossi-
ble to please him. (Rom. 5:1; Heb. 11:6) The unchanging God
made up the rules and requires faith to grant His grace, justifi-
cation, and assurance (Rom. 3-5).
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Lie of Ages
The one who believes upon Christ is absolutely justified and

fully in His kingdom as long as he remains or continues in
faith toward God. Saved faith can be departed from or cast
off. (Jn. 15:6; 1 Tim. 4:1; 5:12; Heb. 3:12-15)
The divinely desired posture is that of blessed assurance. Are

we living in such a manner as to possess this blessed keeping
and assurance? Such is not automatic. Faith and obedience
involves and requires the involvement of the individual (Isa.
1:19-20).
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus

Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath
begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrec-
tion of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance
incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not
away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by
the power of God through faith unto salvation ready
to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly
rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in
heaviness through manifold temptations: That the
trial of your faith, being much more precious than of
gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire,
might be found unto praise and honour and glory at
the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not
seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not,
yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and
full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even
the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9
Yes, this inheritance is incorruptible (cannot be ruined),

yet it is not un-forfeitable. It is reserved in heaven for those
who meet the requirements both initially and ongoing in their
earthly life. The state in which one dies will determine his eter-
nal destiny (Ezek. 33:12-13). We who are saved are justified by
the grace of God through faith and are kept by the power of
God through faith unto salvation. Gods power to keep is
never in question. It is in the exercise of the free that deter-
mines the keeping. God is always willing are we? If one turns
away from the LORD in unbelief and doesnt return to saving
faith, doom will be his end he will not be kept by the power
of God through faith unto salvation. See Hebrews 3:12-15.
The Almighty requires faith to be initially justified and to be
kept. Loving and serving Him in the faith that is essential
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to being kept, is left up to the individual (Heb. 11:6). Love is
by nature volitional, which means it is never forced.
By faith one is saved and by unbelief that same person can be

lost again (Heb. 3:1, 6, 12-15).
There is joy unspeakable to those who believe in, love, and

know the LORD Jesus Christ, and they will receive the end
product of faith, even the salvation of their souls (1 Per.
1:3-9).
So, in their vain quest to quiet every human insecurity and

conviction, these men study and teach certain Scriptures
which seem to confirm that one is unconditionally eternally se-
cure. Only the unlearned are beguiled by this (Matt. 22:29).
This they do to the exclusion of the whole of Scripture, in order
to convince those who hear them that they are secure, no
matter how they live after being saved. Denial of the unrest and
conviction upon the transgressors heart is simply not Gods
method of assuring the hearts of His people. Repentance alone
brings the refreshing and restoration of comfort and assurance
(Acts 3:19). Someone might ask, Does God want us to have
assurance? The Biblical answer is a resounding Yes. Check
this out:

tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby (by lov-
ing God and men in deed and in truth) we know that
we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts be-
fore him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater
than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if
our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence
toward God. 1 John 3:18-21
How is it that we know that we are of the truth, and shall

assure our hearts before him? According to 1 John 3, we
have assurance as we love not in word (mere lip service) but in
deed and in truth.
The next question should be, How does the Lord want to grant
us the assurance of salvation and right standing with Him?
The Lords people are cleansed on the inside, in their con-

science, by repentance and confessing of their sins initially and
on an ongoing basis (Heb. 9:14; 1 Jn. 1:7-9). Humbling ones
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Lie of Ages
self before a holy God who demands consecration is essential

to possessing a clear conscience (1 Tim. 1:5). We certainly are
not cleansed by denying the conviction of the Spirit of the
LORD leading us to live a pleasing life of repentance for sins we
commit. As the believer walks in the light of His revealed will
(the Word), he is continually cleansed by His holy blood and
thereby experiences the precious peace and assurance the
LORD desires to give us which He wrought through the blood
of His cross. (Col. 1:12-23)

Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin...IF we
confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous-
ness. 1 John 1:7, 9
A clear conscience is the seat of the assurance God desires His

children to possess (1 Tim. 1:5; Heb. 9:14). This benefit of a
clear conscience only comes via the blood of Christ, clean
hands, and a pure heart (Ps. 24:3-6).
A pure heart is a requirement and condition for salvation (Jer.

4:4; Matt. 5:8).
Note here that IF we confess our sins, the Lord is faithful

not only to forgive us our sins, but also to cleanse us
(conscience) from all unrighteousness.
One of the incredible blessings of the New Covenant revealed in

the book of Hebrews, is that God not only forgives our con-
fessed sins, but cleanses the guilt-ridden conscience which
would otherwise hinder the peace and assurance He desires for
us.
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who

through the eternal Spirit offered himself without
spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works
to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:14
Backsliding Denied
Indigenous in the unconditional eternal security theology, is

the clear denial of the Bible doctrine and potential of backslid-
ing.
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In the divine economy, security does not exist for any person
who is not wholly given over to the LORD.

thee. Psalms 73:27

inhabited. Jeremiah 6:8
Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the

LORD hath rejected them. Jeremiah 6:30

Concerning the idol of the OSAS teaching and the blessed privi-
lege and necessity of following Jesus to the end of ones life,
Jeff Paton writes:
Nothing is more senseless than to create a god with

ones own hands, only to bow down to worship it as
mighty and powerful! Christians assurance can only be
based on a vital, living and trusting faith in the one true
God, Jesus Christ. If there is a break in this relation-
ship, there cannot be any hope of assurance. To claim
assurance while one does not have a relationship with
God is equal to worshiping something other than God,
whether it be a doctrine or a piece of wood. Some will
claim that fellowship with God can be severed but not
the relationship to God. This statement is the same as
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Lie of Ages
calling God a liar! For it is written But if we walk in

the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship
one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his
Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7). Notice
that cleansing for sin is conditioned upon fellowship
with God, and that fellowship is conditioned upon walk-
ing in the light. If the blood of Christ is not cleansing us
from all sin, it is impossible to be in a relationship with
God! Fellowship and relationship are inseparable from
the saving work of Christ. Being out of fellowship with
God is the same as being out of the grace and relation-
ship with God.
My friend, cast away the false god of assurance that has

been fashioned with the hands of men! Do not trust in
lofty and eloquent pleas to trust in a false eternal securi-
ty, but put all of your trust in Him who keeps us
through a genuine, trusting, and abiding faith, that we
may one day hear those wonderful words well done,
good and faithful servant.
False Security Zone

ah 5:31
In Jeremiahs day, the people of God were living in sin. Here

the Holy Spirit exposes the inner workings of the relationship
between the evil wolves in sheeps clothing who were leading
Israel astray and the people themselves (Isa. 9:16).
The depraved nature of man has not changed So many want to

believe that they are free to sin and have no responsibility to
resist and overcome the flesh, the world, and the devil. They
want to sit under men who will tell them they are secure no
matter what. The people are told that once they have had that
one moment of faith in Christ, there is no further responsibility
and that God sees all their sins through the blood of Christ.
These leaders never tell them that the LORD requires that they
forsake all and follow Him, remain in the light and relationship
with Him, confess sin, bear fruit, and live holy (Lk. 14:33; Jn.
15; Heb. 12:14; 1 Jn. 1:7, 9). Those who love this fleeting world
and the lust of it will perish regardless of their previous place
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with God (James 4:4; 1 Jn. 2:15-17).
After reading in Jeremiah 5:31 that The prophets prophesy

falsely, two phrases of great alarm strike me in this verse:
My people love to have it so so many who claim to

know the LORD love to have it so they love to hear
their false prophets prophesy or teach the falsehoods that
enable and justify their sins.
What will ye do in the end thereof? what good will it

have been, when they die and immediately awake to the
horror of the fires of eternal damnation? What will they do
after purposely denying the truth of God and living a lie that
brought temporary earthly pleasure yet eternal misery?
There is a fear-provoking truth in 1 Peter 4. It coincides with

the truth of the narrowway which Jesus said is inhabited
by only a few.


leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Mat-
thew 7:13-14
The Son of God made it clear that there are only two roads, one
that many occupy and leads to eternal damnation and one
that only a few tread upon that leads to eternal life. Accord-
ing to 1 Peter 4:18, only scarcely will even those made right-
eous be saved. This is because like the ten virgins of Mat-
thew 25, only some who are brought into the kingdom of God
continue to the end of their lives and receive final salvation.
For more than two decades I have personally had the oppor-
tunity to converse with hundreds upon hundreds of people who
claimed to be saved and yet believed that there was no danger
at all of losing out in the end with God. On many of these occa-
sions, after unveiling several Bible texts refuting this matter,
their countenance would drop. This seems to occur when the
OSAS adherent realizes from Holy Scripture that there is no
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Lie of Ages
license to sin and that they are personally responsible to live a

holy life before a holy God or forfeit eternal life in Heaven (Heb.
12:14; 1 Pet. 1:16). The revelation of this divine truth seems to
strip the false euphoric joy that has enveloped their thinking.
Truth cuts through the lies and strips this falsehood. The
word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any
twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of
soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a dis-
cerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb. 4:12)
When communicated, the truth pierces and arrests people who
live under this false pretense that they are once saved always
saved. Many of these proponents of the unconditional eternal
security teaching have for years built up a hypnotic fortress of
falsehood around themselves. When they realize that Jesus
Christ stated that to be in Heaven with Him, one must know
Him, have a pure heart, obey Him, and endure to the end,
the thin veneer of dishonesty and deceit begins to fall. The one
who will overcome and victoriously triumph with Christ, will
live in faithful obedience to Him (Matt. 7:21; 10:22; Heb. 10:26-
39; Rev. 2-3).
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny

him, he also will deny us. 2 Timothy 2:12
By which also ye are saved IF ye keep in memory

what I preached unto you, UNLESS YE HAVE BE-
LIEVED IN VAIN. 1 Corinthians 15:2

heirs with Christ; IF so be that we suffer with him,
Here is what has been happening throughout history and is

happening in our day:
Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princ-

es of Judah, and made obeisance to the king.
Then the king hearkened unto them. And they
left (departed from) the house of the LORD God of
their fathers, and served groves and idols
(spiritual adultery; idolatry): and wrath (reaping;
judgment) came upon Judah and Jerusalem (God
covenant people) for this their trespass (sin). Yet
he sent prophets to them, to bring them again
unto the LORD; and they testified against them:
656
but they would not give ear. And the Spirit of God
came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the
priest, which stood above the people, and said un-
to them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the
commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot
prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he
hath also forsaken you. And they conspired
against him (righteous Zechariah, Gods spokes-
man), and stoned him with stones at the com-
mandment of the king in the court of the house
of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 24:17-22
These covenant people of God were backslidden and did not

want to endure sound doctrine. (2 Tim. 4:2-4) No, in-
stead they sought to kill the messenger instead of circum-
cising their wicked hearts and seeking the LORD that He
might have His mercy and the rain of His righteousness
poured upon them (Hos. 10:12). The man that the LORD
sent to them showed them the sins they were committing
and how they was hindering them from prospering (moving
forward spiritually). They had forsaken the LORD and
were cut off from His presence and in need of returning
to Him in repentance (Hos. 14:1; Rom. 11:22).
The relationship between the LORD and His people had

been severed through sin. The blessings ceased.
You only have I known of all the families of the

earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniq-
uities. Can two walk together, except they be
agreed? Amos 3:2-3
Impending Danger Denied
In stark contrast to the ministries of Jesus and His apostles,

we should observe that those who pervert the grace of God are
seldom if ever heard warning of any danger for those who have
been saved and are now living in sin. In their corrupted minds
the backslider is in no danger of losing out because they be-
lieve he is eternally secure due to his one time profession of
faith and reception of salvation. This is completely inconsistent
with the apostolic faith once delivered to the saints and the
myriad of warnings Jesus and His apostles gave to the Church.
In the false theology of these men, they cannot see that sin
contaminates ones relationship with the one true and Holy,
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Lie of Ages
holy, holy God, thereby endangering ones position with Him,

especially if the transgressor refuses to return in repentance
(Prov. 28:13; Isa. 6:3; 1 Jn. 1:7-9; Rev. 4:8). In their system of
belief, built upon notions inconsistent with Holy Writ, there is
no danger of losing out once one is initially saved.
The perspective of many who teach once saved always saved,

is that God has saved us to go to Heaven, but in no way to
sanctify us and conform us to the image of His Son in this life
on earth (Tit. 2:11-14). Such a person when asked will deny
such, yet the absence of the essential of holiness and continu-
ing faith tells a different story of his real belief. The purveyor of
OSAS theology intentionally ignores volumes upon volumes of
Bible truth in order to make his unconditional eternal security
falsehood palatable.
The apostle Paul labored and strove for one central purpose
that we may present every man perfect in Christ Je-
sus. (Col. 1:28) Preparing and presenting believers perfectly
was Pauls purpose and God-given objective in ministry. This
was the goal of his ministry that every born again believer
might be presented perfectly holy and pleasing to God in that
final Day (2 Pet. 3:10-14). Make no mistake: This is the goal of
any true servant of God. In fact, if such is not the goal of a per-
son in ministry, he is a hireling who has his own agenda at
heart and not Gods.
The apostle Paul did 3 things to prepare the believers he minis-

tered to for their meeting God in judgment.

warning every man, and teaching every man in all
This apostle of Jesus gave us the clear example of a true Christ

-centered leader. Preaching, warning and teaching are essential
mandates for all overseers, yet it seems that few leaders today
ever warn. No God-fearing leader leaves people defenseless
against the grievous wolves who are feverishly operating in the
Christian world to deceive and lead astray (Acts 28:27-32;
Rom. 16:17-18; Eph. 4:14; Col. 1:28; 1 Jn. 4:1-3).
658
Any deluded leader who believes in an unconditional eternal
security will not preach, warn or teach the Bible doctrines of
sin, repentance, holiness, righteousness, and judgment to
come. In his belief system, there is no thought of soul endan-
germent. The many warnings of Paul alone underscore his full
realization of the soul jeopardy involved when one who is saved
goes back into sin without repenting. This great apostle himself
told us that he was aware of the fact that it was his duty to
keep under subjection his own body lest after he had
preached to others he himself would become a castaway
one cast away from God eternally (1 Cor. 9:27).
PRAYER: LORD, there is a firestorm of deception in the church

world and I know Your desire is to protect and preserve the eter-
nal souls of Your beloved people. Convict my heart deeply. Un-
earth all that does not belong to You. Let me be assured only
through Your Word and not mans artificial way. Create in me a
clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Search me O God
and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts and see if
there be any wicked way in me. Lead me in the way everlasting
holy Father. Teach me to discern Your way. In Jesus name.
Amen.
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER FIFTY THREE
CHURCH DISCIPLINE
Love that Restores
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which

are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of
meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be
tempted. Bear ye one anothers burdens, and so fulfil
the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be
something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth him-
self. Galatians 6:1-3
The Holy Spirit of God is addressing the Brethren and not

the worlds people. He acknowledges that any of Gods people
can be overtaken in a fault and that one who is spiritual or
spiritually mature should approach the erring saint in the
spirit of meekness while considering that he also is capable
of the same offense. In restoring a brother to his rightful rela-
tionship with Christ, the restoring agent is keeping the law of
Christ by doing for him what he should want done if he him-
self were backslidden.
Personal pride and self-righteousness immediately disqualifies

one from being a restorative agent For if a man think him-
660
self to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth
himself. (Gal. 6:3) Lets take a quick glimpse into our own
depravity and perpetual need for humility and the LORDs mer-
cies:
I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and

of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy
servant. Genesis 32:10
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desper-

ately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search
the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man ac-
cording to his ways, and according to the fruit of his
doings. Jeremiah 17:9-10
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,)

dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with
me; but how to perform that which is good I find
not. Romans 7:18
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me

from the body of this death? Romans 7:24
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you

seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a
fool, that he may be wise. 1 Corinthians 3:18
Self-righteousness was one of the cardinal sins Christ con-

demned the religious Pharisees for (Matt. 23). Truly under-
standing how deeply depraved we ourselves are without the
present grace of Christ, is to realize our own desperate need
before the one, true God who is Holy, holy, holy. (Isa. 6:3;
Rev. 4:8). This realization will keep us from approaching others
in a self-righteous, condemning demeanor which would be
pharisaical (Eph. 4:32). Yet the Bible tells us to restore fallen
believers (see also Matt. 7:1-6).
Bringing a Brother or Sister Back to Christ
In order to approach this ministry topic correctly, one must

identify with some foundational truth revealed about the LORD
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Lie of Ages
in His Word. We should eagerly seek to discover and under-

stand the heart of the LORD. He gave us His Word for this ex-
press reason (Ps. 33:11). His divine attributes scream from the
pages of Scripture. He is grieved when His children hurt be-
cause of their sin and delivers and restores them when they
willingly offer themselves to Him afresh (Judges 5:2; 10:16).
One of His divine attributes is His restorative love. The LORD is
not out to condemn but rather rejoices to restore and bless.
God really is good (Ps. 86:5, 15) Remember the announce-
ment of the angel and heavenly host at first coming of Christ to
the earth for us? Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace, GOOD WILL toward men. (Lk. 2:14) The LORD
Almighty has good will toward men and not bad will (Jer.
29:11). Remember also that Jesus Christ made intercession
and mediation for mankind after he had sinned and that from
the very foundation of the world the Father had slain His only
begotten Son to restore His relationship with His alienated cre-
ation (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 53; Rom. 5:6, 8; Rev. 13:8).
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying,

Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love:
therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
Jeremiah 31:3
It is very important to possess the heart of the Great Shep-

herd of the sheep who gave His life for and to restore His
sheep (Jn. 10; 15:13; Heb. 13:20). The father was in Christ rec-
onciling the world unto Himself and has now sent you and I
forth, filled with His Spirit, to be the ambassadors of His holy
and restoring love (2 Cor. 5:18-20). This ministry is to the
backslidden as well as those never saved both are in danger
(Lk. 15:24, 32). The LORD Jesus is the good shepherd who
actively seeks to restore that one wayward sheep that has won-
dered off into sinful living (Lk. 15). Each soul is of the greatest
importance to the LORD (Lk. 15:7, 10; Ps. 49:7-8; 1 Tim. 2:4; 2
Pet. 3:9). Dying in the grace of God is of the utmost importance
to the heavenly Father and such should underscore the pur-
pose of restoring members of the body of Christ back to Him
(Matt. 10:22; 1 Pet. 1:5, 9; 2 Pet. 2:20-21; Rev. 16:15). It really
662
is true that Jesus would have come to the earth and died for
one sinner without the guarantee that that one sinner
would ever repent and receive His offer of salvation.

verteth the sinner from the error of his way shall
save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of
sins. James 5:19-20
There will be heavenly rewards for every time we are used to

bring a backslider back to Jesus. To the brethren of the
LORD, James says that an eternal soul is saved from death
when the sinner (transgressor) who has erred from the
truth, is restored to his relationship with the LORD. Note that
the Holy Spirit is addressing any of you among the
brethren and so He is clearly not speaking to the lost who
are not in the truth so could not depart from or err from the
truth.
The phrase shall save a soul from death reveals the critical
nature of the ministry of the body of Christ in restoring fallen
Christians.
Saving souls from spiritual death is the exact goal of church

discipline. Such was initiated out of the heart of a loving God
who is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing
that any should perish, but that all should come to repent-
ance. (2 Pet. 3:9)
Twofold Reason for Discipline:
To bring about repentance in the transgressor whose soul is

in danger of hell fire.
To inform believers and the world that such behavior is not

tolerated by the Church.
1 Corinthians 5 and 6
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Lie of Ages
Lets look at 1 Corinthians 5 and some of chapter 6 (5:1-6:11).

This passage is all important and central in the study of the
topic of restoring a brother or sister to the LORD (church disci-
pline). Read these words carefully to procure an understanding
concerning how a sinning member of the body of Christ is to be
dealt with:
It is reported commonly that there is fornication

among you, and such fornication as is not so much
as named among the Gentiles, that one should have
his fathers wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not
rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed
might be taken away from among you. For I verily,
as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged
already, as though I were present, concerning him
that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my
spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To
deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of
the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of
the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye
not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a
new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our
passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep
the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leav-
en of malice and wickedness; but with the unleav-
ened bread of sincerity and truth. I wrote unto you
in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet
not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or
with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters;
for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now
I have written unto you not to keep company, if any
man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covet-
ous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an
extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For
what have I to do to judge them also that are with-
out? do not ye judge them that are within? But
them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put
664
away from among yourselves that wicked person.
Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go
to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the
world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye
unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye
not that we shall judge angels? how much more
things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judg-
ments of things pertaining to this life, set them to
judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak
to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man
among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge
between his brethren? But brother goeth to law with
brother, and that before the unbelievers. Now there-
fore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go
to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take
wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be
defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that
your brethren. Know ye not that the unrighteous
shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not de-
ceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adul-
terers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves
with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunk-
ards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the
kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye
are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified
in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of
our God. 1 Corinthians 5:1-6:11
There was a fornicator in the church at Corinth. He was one of

the members of that local body. In the face of the truth in this
explicit chapter (1 Cor. 5), the eternal security crowd would
have us believe that this fornicator was still safe and eternally
secure though he had not repented of his sin. How dishonest
can one be!
Some things to acknowledge from this passage:
I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company

with fornicators (v9) those who live in blatant sin
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Lie of Ages
without repentance are to be shut out until they re-

turn to the LORD in repentance and bring forth fruit
to prove such (Matt. 3:7-8).
Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this

world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or
with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of
the world (v10) not sinners who dont claim to be
saved, if so you would have to leave the world be-
cause sinners will sin but saints are to be set apart.
But now I have written unto you not to keep

company, if any man that is called a brother be a
fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer,
or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an
one no not to eat (v11) do not keep company or
even have lunch with one who is called a brother
and yet is living in open sin. This would give open
approval and endorsement to such sin which would
bring reproach against Christ and His people by
sending the wrong message to those outside the
kingdom.
Do not ye judge them that are within? (v12)

there is to be accountability among the brethren of
the LORD, always motivated out of the love of God
and zeal to keep His name from being used in vain
(profaned).
In light of the fornicator in their midst and knowing

that the unrighteous shall not inherit the king-
dom of God (v10), Paul instructs the believers at
Corinth to execute judgment and discipline upon sin-
ning Christians. This saves them from the soul en-
dangerment sin brings. The Holy Spirit tells the
saints of the whole New Testament era to Be not
deceived and even names the exact sins that will
disqualify any saved person who departs from Christ
without returning from inheriting the eternal
kingdom of God:
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Fornicators
Idolaters
Adulterers
Effeminate
abusers of themselves with mankind
thieves
covetous
drunkards
revilers
extortioners
The message is clear: Of these among us who commit such sins

without truly repenting, the LORD says that they shall not
inherit the kingdom of God. Yet, the ultimate goal of the
LORD is to restore the wayward one back to the fellowship with
Him and His people. Church discipline is a clear manifestation
of the mercy and love of God. It serves to bring the transgressor
to repentance and restore his faith in God. In order to do this,
there are instances where the transgressor, if un-repentant,
must be dis-fellowshipped. If he will not return to the LORD in
repentance, he is to be put outside the company of believers so
that he will hopefully realize his offense against the LORD and
hopefully repent.
The victory and ultimate goal of the LORD in church discipline

was successfully accomplished in this sinning man in Corinth.
In his next letter to this same group of believers at Corinth, and
concerning this man, Paul writes:
Sufficient to such a man (the now restored fornica-

tor) is this punishment, which was inflicted of
many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to for-
give him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one
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Lie of Ages
should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your
love toward him. For to this end also did I write, that
I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedi-
ent in all things. To whom ye forgive any thing, I for-
give also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I for-
gave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of
Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for
we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians
2:6-11
This punishment, which was inflicted of many the

whole group of believers at Corinth agreed with the LORD and
executed the excommunication of the fornicator in their midst.
The result was the repentance of the sinning person and he
was restored to fellowship with Christ and His body.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says Be not deceived: neither fornica-

torsshall inherit the kingdom of God because of the
widespread false teaching of unconditional eternal security,
many today have been deceived into thinking that people once
saved who are now living in sin will enter Gods holy Heaven.
Such a cancerous myth has contributed greatly to the damna-
tion of millions of precious souls and the virtual absence of
biblical church discipline in the modern church world.
The self-evident truth of this whole Corinthians passage is that

a member of the body of Christ can fall out of fellowship with
Christ through sin and be in need of being spiritual necessitat-
ed. When this happens, it is the responsibility of those believ-
ers around such a person, to seek to restore that person to re-
lationship with Jesus. The whole point of this kind of discipline
is to bring back a fallen member which in itself reveals the po-
tential of a saved person becoming spiritually dead again (Ezek.
33:12-13; 2 Pet. 2:20-22; Jude 12). Paul even enumerates a
specific list of sins that if committed and not repented of, cause
one to forfeit his place with the LORD (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-
21).
The LORD is holy and so is His true body (Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet.
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1:15-16). He is soon to return for a bride that is presently and
willingly being washed by His Word, without spot, holy and
without blemish. (Eph. 5:25-27) One component of His plan
to make men holy and ready for His all-important, soon return,
is church discipline. As He sent His angels to help Lot, so the
LORD is so gracious and loving that at times He seems to go to
great lengths to rescue His people. Yet, He says His Spirit will
not always strive with men. Lots wife is to be remembered for
her refusal to continue in the truth, persevering to the end, and
how she was prevented from being fully delivered and receiving
the heavenly reward (Gen. 19; Lk. 17:32; Heb. 10:26-39). The
disciplining of an individual member of the body of Christ is a
token of the love of God (Rom. 2:4; Heb. 12:5).
The Loving Nature of God
The Bible is the unfolding story of Gods redemption of precious

souls. Remember that He could have ended it all after Adam
and Eve sinned and also after His fury concerning the earths
inhabitants in the days of Noah. But He didnt! He is merciful!
His mercy triumphed over His judgment and He saved eight
souls from which we all emanate (See Genesis 6-9).
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready (postured) to

forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that
call upon thee. Psalms 86:5
Notice here that the Bible tells us that the LORD is not bad but
rather good, and ready (postured) to forgive. Note this
nugget revealing the nature of our Savior He is intent upon or
ready to forgive and not condemn. As one who has trans-
gressed numerous times after being saved, my heart rejoices at
this truth! Does yours? He has restored me many times. To re-
alize His forgiveness of our own sins should help us deal much
more tenderly with others.
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, for-

giving one another, even as God for Christs sake
hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
It is the LORDs good pleasure to forgive and restore and not to

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Lie of Ages
condemn (Lk. 9:56; Jn. 3:17). Jesus came to restore, rescue,

and save (Matt. 1:21; Jn. 1:29; 1 Tim. 1:15). Remember that
Christ, the only sinless One to ever walk the earth, openly for-
gave the adulterous woman in John 8 as she came to Him
humbly and repentant. He released her with Neither do I
condemn thee: go, and sin no more. (Jn. 8:11) It is interest-
ing to note that the religious hypocrites who sought to con-
demn her left unrepentant and un-forgiven. Gods goal is to
freely forgive and restore and not to condemn. Since He is holy
and just, He must condemn when there is not repentance.
The restoring love of God and the governing truth that fills the
heart of the spiritual man sends him forth like the Good Sa-
maritan to bear the burdens of the fallen ones, lifting them up
to the Savior out of the mire clay of sin (Lk. 10:29-37; Gal. 6:1-
2).
There is a divine mandate and purpose for disciplining sinning

saints Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inher-
it the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornica-
tors, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor
abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor cov-
etous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall
inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Cor. 6:9-10)
Make no mistake: The establishment of holy accountability

among believers will be responsible for many souls being in
Heaven instead of eternal hell. The lack of obedience to disci-
pline sinning saints will tragically result in the eternal damna-
tion of many.
Initially the believers at Corinth were allowing sin in their

midst and for that the apostle Paul was furious. He said they
should be mourning for such sin (1 Cor. 5:1-2, 6, 12). Con-
cerning the fornicator in 1 Corinthians 5, Donald Stamps, in
HAVE NOT RATHER MOURNED. Paul expresses

what should be the normal reaction of a Spirit-filled
church to the immorality found among its professing
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members. Those who embrace the Biblical view of Gods
holiness and His revulsion to sin will be moved to sorrow
and regret (cf. Is.6). They will remove wickedness from
among themselves (vv. 2, 4-5, 7, 13).
Such an-repentant person was to be turned over unto Sa-

tan. This is so that he would hopefully repent and escape
judgment to come.
DELIVER SUCH AN ONE UNTO SATAN. To deliver

one to Satan means that the church must remove the
immoral person from its fellowship and to return him to
Satans domain. This will, in turn, expose him to the de-
structive influences of evil and the demonic (vv. 7, 13).
(1) This discipline has two purposes: (a) That the offend-
er, by experiencing problems and physical suffering,
may repent and ultimately be saved (cf. Luke 15:11-24);
(b) that the church may purge out therefore the old
leaven (v. 7; i.e., sinful influences), so that the people of
God might become a new bread of sincerity and
truth (v. 8). (2) The same action can be taken by the
church today in seeking the salvation of one who has
forsaken the Christian life and returned to the world (cf.
1 Tim. 1:20). Life in the Spirit Study Bible
Jesus taught:
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee,

go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone:
if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one
or two more, that in the mouth of two or three wit-
nesses every word may be established. And if he shall
neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if
he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee
as an heathen man and a publican. Matthew 18:15-
17
Goal if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother

gaining a brother is important to the LORD and the peace
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Lie of Ages
among His beloved people (Eph. 4:3).
If a trespass is committed against a brother, here is the se-

quence of steps in order to bring peace:
Step 1: tell him his fault between thee and him

alone - The goal is to keep the matter of offense as un-
known as possible.
Step 2: But if he will not hear thee, then take with

thee one or two more one or two more believers are
to then be brought into the matter if the offender will not
hear the brother he has offended.
Step 3: And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it

unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the
church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and
a publican if the transgressor will not acknowledge
his offense to the first person or the others brought in to
help him realize his offense, such a matter and person
are to be brought before the church and if he still
wont repent, he is to be considered to be an heathen
man and a publican. If he wont repent, it is clear that
he is to be considered outside the kingdom.
The Church of the LORD is to know His Word and who is in-
side and who is outside His holy kingdom. Leaders are called to
teach the difference between the holy and profane. (Ezek.
44:23). As this passage and many others clearly reveal, no per-
son living in the sins listed here, has any inheritance in the
kingdom of God and such is to be made known openly. The
LORD is holy and will not tolerate sin among His people.
Summation: The whole reason for church discipline is to re-

store a sinning member of the body of Christ to his rightful re-
lationship with the Savior because his soul is in danger of hell
fire. This is a divinely-initiated and enabled mission of mercy
to rescue again a fallen saint who will otherwise perish if not re
-converted (Lk. 15:24, 32; 22:31-32; James 5:19-20). Whether
we understand church discipline or not, when necessary, be-
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lievers are to render obedience to the LORD in executing this
discipline just as Scripture clearly prescribes.
PRAYER: LORD Jesus, thank You for Your ultimate sacrifice and
infinite wisdom and how You gave us all things that we need in
Your Word. Teach us Your perfect ways and grant our hearts
grace to stay before Thee and to be used by You to bring men
back to You. Thank You so much for finding me and saving my
wicked soul from sin and eternal damnation. I love You Jesus!
Amen.
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Lie of Ages
CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR
VICTORIOUS FRUIT BEARING

Results that Remain
But that on the good ground are they, which in an

honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep
it, and bring forth fruit with patience. Luke 8:15
It is erroneous to believe that one is right with God when

there is no fruit in that persons life. In many circles today
eternal security is sold to the unknowing as something peo-
ple irrevocably receive as a guarantee no matter what their
behavior is like after that initial decision for Christ. Is this
what Jesus and His apostles taught?
Jude states:

clouds they are without water, carried about of
winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit,
twice dead, plucked up by the roots. Jude 12
One main theme of the book of Jude involves apostates (those

who left their faith in Christ after having saving faith 1 Tim.
4:1). Lets observe a portion of what Jude says concerning be-
lievers who having accepted Jesus as their LORD and Savior,
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are not currently observed bearing fruit in their lives:
trees whose fruit withereth these people obvi-

ously had fruit at one time. This we know because it
says that the fruit they had withereth.
without fruit some were fruitless instead of

fruitful.
twice dead these apostates he addresses were

like all men born dead in their trespasses and sins.
They obviously got saved and then died spiritually
again due to not continuing in their relationship with
the LORD and not repenting of their sins.
plucked up by the roots a plant that is not first

planted cannot be plucked up by the roots. It
would be absurd to say that the plant (represents
people) addressed here was not first planted in the
kingdom. No plant could possibly be uprooted if it
were not first planted in the ground. In the same
way, no person could be removed from the vineyard
of the LORD having not first been planted there by
Him.
An authentic walk with the LORD is characterized and au-

thenticated by the bearing of good fruit (Gal. 5:16, 22-23).
When we flourish in our relational walk with the precious
Savior, He grants us His enabling grace and we bear His
fruit (Jn. 15).
Conversely, if the person once saved does not abide in

Christ he forfeits the forgiveness he once received (2 Pet. 1:9
-11). We are not free to live in sin and remain justified
(Matt. 1:21; Jn. 1:29; Rom. 6:1-2, 15; Tit. 2:11-14; 1 Jn. 3:1
-15). God dealt with sin at the cross when Jesus who
knew no sin became sin for us in order to redeem us (2
Cor. 5:21). At the cross the Father momentarily turned His
holy face from Christ who had become sin for us (Matt.
27:46).
Why did Jesus Christ come and die?
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from

all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people,
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Lie of Ages
zealous of good works. Titus 2:14
Burned or Blessed
Good fruit is the proof that there is relationship.
Regrettably, some want to believe they are insulated from judg-

ment whether they continue to trust Christ or not. Jesus gave
the promise of eternal assurance to those who are currently in
relationship with Him and also guaranteed that those who do
not abide (remain, continue) with Him will become spiritually
withered and castinto the fire, and they are burned.
Notice the curse pronounced upon those who do not continue

with Jesus and the abundant blessings for those who do:

cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye
abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask
what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is
my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall
ye be my disciples. John 15:6-8
Obviously it is possible for a man to abide not in the rela-

tionship with the Vine (Jesus) or such a statement would never
have been made by our LORD. Lets look at two of the blessings
bestowed upon the lives of those who abide in Christ:
Answered prayer If ye abide in me, and my

words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and
it shall be done unto you.
Fruitfulness that ye bear much fruit.

Bearing fruit in Gods kingdom is very important to Him, and
in particular, fruit that remains (Jn 15:16). Fruit bearing is the
premium measure of His abiding and sanctifying presence and
work in each of His saints. He produces His holy and good fruit
as the believer abides in fellowship with and obedience to Him.
In Scripture we never witness the slightest hint that abiding is
automatic and salvation an involuntarily fixed state. The initial
and perpetual involvement of the recipient is required by the
One who so loved that He gave His life for us. Like a good
farmer, the LORD told us that He prunes or purges His own so
that they bear even greater fruit whereby He is glorified.
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every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it,
that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:2
So, the child of God should rejoice that He is being purged. It

reveals that the LORD is pruning him to be a vessel to bear
even more of His fruit.
The Vine also tells us in John 15 of the end of those who do not
remain or abide in Him.
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh

awayIf a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a
15:2, 6
According to the LORD Jesus Christ, the person who does not
continue to love the LORD supremely after He saves that soul,
is taken away from the Vine, withered, and cast into the fire to
be burned.
Notice closely in the above passage that it is the man who

does not remain in Christ who is cast forth into the fire and not
the branch. Our LORD only uses the imagery of the branch
burning to help the hearer understand that He will cast forth
into the eternal fires of damnation all who do not bear His fruit
on that final Day. Gods Word is full of warning words like
these about being burned up in unquenchable fire (Mk. 9:42-
49).
Christ speaks in John 15 of fruitmore fruitmuch fruit,

and that your fruit should remain.
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and

ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit,
and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever
ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it
you. John 15:16
Fruit and fruit that remains is of premium value in Christs

kingdom (Jn. 15:16).

with) repentance. Matthew 3:8
Who spoke these words? To whom was he speaking?
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Lie of Ages
It is intriguing to note that John the Baptist spoke these words

as he was speaking to men who were highly religious but not
righteous in the eyes of God.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Saddu-

cees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O gen-
eration of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from
the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet
for repentance. And think not to say within your-
selves, We have Abraham to our father (religious af-
filiation): for I say unto you, that God is able of these
stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now
also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: there-
fore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is
hewn down, and cast into the fire. Matthew 3:7-10
Didnt Jesus tell us to know or discern others by their fruits?

Also, arent we known by others by the fruit our lives bear?
(Matt. 7:16, 20) He also informs us: Every tree that bringeth
not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the
fire. (Matt. 7:19)
We are told to bring forth the real and tangible evidence (fruit)
that we have answered the divine call and laid down our lives
to follow Christ. The focus, affections, and actions of our lives
are to conform to that inward work Christ began in us when He
saved us (Phil. 2:12-13). This fruit will be that which is con-
sistent with the grace of God which granted genuine heart re-
pentance. We are dead and our lives are hid with Christ in God
(Col. 3:3). We no longer live He does (Gal. 2:20). The fruit of
the true believer will be divine grace at work. His life will be
marked by certain landmark, irrefutable characteristics. For
the one who is truly in Christ, old things are passed away and
all things are become new (2 Cor. 5:17-18).
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that

not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works,
lest any man should boast. For we are his workman-
ship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which
God hath before ordained that we should walk in
them. Ephesians 2:8-10
The Tempter
For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I
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sent to know your faith, lest by some means the
tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in
vainTherefore, brethren, we were comforted over
you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. 1 Thes-
salonians 3:5, 7-8
After Paul had been to Thessalonica and the LORD had saved a
people into His kingdom, the apostle Paul fretted concerning
their continuing in Christ (Acts 17). If there were no danger of
these people drawing back and being lost again, why such a
concern from this great apostle of Jesus Christ?
So, Paul sent messengers to find out where their hearts were.
After the messengers found enduring faith in the Thessaloni-
can Christians, Paul rejoiced and said now we live, if ye
stand fast in the Lord. In other words, he was saying that
his initial ministry to them was not in vain (futile) as long as
they continued in the faith (Gal. 5:4; Col. 1:23; Heb. 10:34-39).
The book of Galatians along with this text in 1 Thessalonians
underscore the need for under-shepherds of Jesus to see that
their fruit should remain. (Jn. 15:16)
Satan hindered us. 1 Thessalonians 2:18
Jesus told us that there is a tempter who has come to steal,

kill, and destroy (Matt. 4:3; Jn. 10:10; 1 Thess. 3:5). The ene-
mys goal and occupation is to hinder and prevent victorious
fruit bearing, yet as we abide in Jesus fully He will enable that
precious fruit to be borne and remain (Jn. 15). This dark and
dastardly evil tempter is Satan and he walketh about
seeking whom he may devour. (1 Pet. 5:8) According to the
divinely breathed record, the Devil seeks to steal Gods Word
out of the hearts of those who hear it lest it germinate and
begin to root them in his enemy Jesus Christ (Mk. 4:11-20; 1
Pet. 5:8).
Once I spoke with a man who said he was saved and knew
most of the correct things to say. He has been an active mem-
ber of the most popular evangelical denomination in America,
and has been taught that as long as he believes, he is saved.
Yet, saving faith is defined much differently in Scripture. Sav-
ing faith is always seen in the fruit of the possessors daily life.
This mans perspective is all too common.
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Lie of Ages
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest

well: the devils also believe, and tremble. James
2:19
Its not enough to just say one has faith. In Gods economy,
good fruit is an earmark of kingdom citizenship. Father, please
bless us to abide in Christ and to bear His fruit.
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh

away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he
purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John
15:2
The fruit of being born again and remaining in Christ, is al-

ways according to Galatians 5:22-23. (love, joy, peace)
The life that is truly submitted to Christ bears unmistakable

telltale fruit. Every one of us can be known by our fruits.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-

suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness,
temperance: against such there is no law. And they
that are Christs have crucified the flesh with the af-
fections and lusts. Galatians 5:22-24
Hindrances to Fruitfulness
Jesus has a question for us to ask ourselves - before it is too

late:
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the

things which I say? Luke 6:46
Why lie? Why pretend? Not remaining in fellowship with Christ

means we are not abiding (remaining) in Him. Living in blatant
disobedience to the commands of the LORD is clear evidence
that ones heart is not in fellowship with Him. The lack of fruit
is the attestation of the lack of relationship. The existence of
good fruit is the verification of a life-giving relationship.
The Alpha and Omega (Christ) told us exactly why a person be-
comes unfruitful after hearing the Word.
And these are they likewise which are sown on

stony ground; who, when they have heard the word,
immediately receive it with gladness; And have no
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root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: af-
terward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for
the words sake, immediately they are offended. And
these are they which are sown among thorns; such
as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and
the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other
things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh
unfruitful. Mark 4:16-19
If I have more time to pursue the pleasures of this sinful world

than I do to seek the face of the Savior I profess to know, I have
deceived myself.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves. James 1:22
The one who truly loves the LORD, counts Jesus Christ to be of
supreme importance. All else in his life is less important.
Through loving the LORD with all of His heart, soul, mind, and
strength, he is blessed to ward off the many false prophets and
temptations that call him to worship at the altar of false gods
(idols).
Affliction or persecution will ariseth for the words

sake. (Mk. 4:17) In the Mark 4 text above, did you catch the 3
things Christ told us choke out the life of God in us making
us unfruitful?
Cares of this world
The deceitfulness of riches
The lusts of other things
Jesus said that these 3 things entering in, choke the word,
and it becometh unfruitful. Unfruitful here means lacking
the fruit consistent with a life that is rooted, grounded, and
abiding in Christ and therefore assured and blessed. Beloved,
we should stop here to examine whether or not the evidence of
our lives reveals us to be real believers. Please show us Jesus!
When I am not putting first His kingdom by seeking His face

and doing His will, the cares of this world, and the deceit-
fulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in,
choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
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Lie of Ages
Remember what the Holy Spirit told us through Jude?

clouds they are without water (have the talk but not
the walk), carried about of winds; trees whose fruit
withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by
the roots. Jude 12
Jude tells us that those who once knew Christ and have since
fallen away, have withered fruit that was once healthy, are
without fruit, twice dead, and plucked up by the roots. Scary
isnt it?
This world and all the sinfulness in it will soon pass away. The
message of Holy Writ tells us beforehand that the King of all
kings is coming soon and will separate the wheat from the
tares, sending the tares to a burning and eternal inferno. Our
LORD was intent upon us understanding this truth. In Mat-
thew 13s account, He summed up His long parabolic dis-
course concerning the eternal separation of the real and coun-
terfeit (wheat/tares) with these words:
So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels

shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among
the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire:
there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Jesus
saith unto them, Have ye understood all these
things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. Matthew
13:49-51
Is He Truly First?
Truly placing the LORD first in our lives and setting our affec-
tions daily upon Him and His kingdom work is paramount to
our fruitfulness. What a blessed privilege to know Him and be
known of Him! Help us love You more LORD Jesus!
In Matthew 6 Jesus was speaking to us about food and cloth-

ing and said (For after all these things do the Gentiles
those who do not have a covenant relationship with the
LORD seek:)... (Matt. 6:32) He was conveying to us that
which is characteristic of those who do not know Him to greed-
ily pursue the menial, material things of this fleeting life. Then
He told us that as we His children seek first His kingdom,
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all these things shall be added unto you. (Matt. 6:33) The
question really is this; is the insatiable, endless appetite and
pursuit of that which will perish with the using ever going to fill
or satisfy us? What is driving us? What do we lack inside that
would drive us to chase these things which those who do
not know Christ strive after as if there is an answer in these
things? Do we really think material possessions provide the
answers?
Learning to be thankful and content with what we currently

have is not only a test, but it is also essential to kingdom living
and the fruit of an abiding life.
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have

learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be
content. Philippians 4:11
And having food and raiment let us be therewith

content. 1 Timothy 6:8
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and

be content with such things as ye have: for he hath
said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. He-
brews 13:5
The secret to keeping our relationship alive with Christ is the

daily, ceaseless pursuit of Him with joyful thanksgiving for the
great salvation He has graciously purchased for us with His
own blood (Heb. 2:3, 9). The best defense against evil weeds in
the garden of our heart and mind truly is a powerful, militantly
advancing offense. As we awake each morning to burst forth in
exuberant praise to our God, the enemy is hindered in his work
and our day begins with advancing and conquering faith. Daily
prayer and searching His Scriptures provide the means of our
strength and advancing offense.

him. Hebrews 11:6
A person only falls into the pursuit of earthly pleasures when

he is not seeking first as his ultimate life priority the King
and His kingdom.
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But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his right-

eousness; and all these things shall be added unto
you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for
the morrow shall take thought for the things of it-
self. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Mat-
thew 6:33-34
If I do not daily seek Him in intimate prayer and in His Word, it

is because I am engrossed in self-idolatry, seeking my own self-
ish ends, and not truly and duly worshipping, and upholding
the God who made and bought me. Thou shall have no other
gods before me. (Exod. 20:3) If I do not sincerely seek His ho-
ly face, I allow my soul to rule instead of my spirit which is
where the Holy Spirit bears witness (Rom. 8:16). The soul is
only fruitful when guided by the spirit which is to be in com-
munion with the Holy Ghost (2 Cor. 13:14). When the Holy
Spirit and the spirit of man are not ruling, the result is selfish-
ness and pursuit of earthly pleasures.
Maintaining the good works, the disciplines of a holy life

that is in communion with Christ, is essential to fruitfulness in
Gods kingdom.
And let ours also learn to maintain good works for

necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. Titus
3:14
Maintaining the first fruit time of Bible study and prayer com-
munion is indispensable to continuing to keep our lives in vital
union with the Vine Himself. Nothing can be more rewarding
now and forever. Rendering to the Master the first minutes of
our day, our very initial waking moments, is crucial to abiding
close with our Savior.
And in the morning, rising up a great while before

day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place,
and there prayed. Mark 1:35
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD;

in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and
will look up. Psalms 5:3
If I dont spend time with the Father in prayer communion, it

must be due to the fact that something or someone else has
become more important than Him. Heal our idolatry LORD! If
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my life is one endless pursuit to fulfill my own needs and de-
sires (spiritual adultery and idolatry), it is because Jesus is not
truly my first love. First means first.
Let each day have its value from your calling to abide in
Christ. As its light opens on your waking eyes, accept it
on these terms: a day, just one day only, but still a day,
given to abide and grow up in Jesus Christ. Whether it
be a day of health or sickness, joy or sorrow, rest or
work, struggle or victory, let the chief thought with
which you receive it in the morning thanksgiving be this:
This is a day that the Father has given; in it I may, I
must, become more closely united to Jesus. As the Fa-
ther asks, Can you trust Me just for this one day to
keep you abiding in Jesus, and Jesus keep you fruit-
ful?, you cannot help but give the joyful response: I will
trust and not be afraid. Andrew Murray, Abide In
Christ, pgs. 114, 115, Whitaker House
Though they had works which looked good on the outside, the
people in the church at Ephesus had faded from upholding Je-
sus Christ as Head of their lives. This is exactly what inevitably
occurs when the believer neglects to experience Christ in per-
sonal communion. To this gathering of believers at Ephesus,
Jesus said:
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because

thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore
from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the
first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and
will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except
thou repent. Revelation 2:4-5
The divine promise here is that if we do not repent and return

to our first love, God will remove His holy presence
(candlestick) from our lives - quickly.

Whats the real score? Do I genuinely possess a relationship

with Him or just profess or pretend to have one?
Our view of the One who is Judge of all is ultra important. He
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sees not as men see. Men see not as He sees (1 Sam. 16:7; Isa.
55:8-9). Jesus told us that those who are born again can
see (perceive) the kingdom of God. According to how the
born again believer lives in and by the Spirit and the Word, he
is able to see or view or perceive the things the way God does.
PRAYER: Holy Father, grant my eyes to see and ears to hear

what is priority to You. Do Your work in my heart and make me
to be a rich and increasingly fruitful field for Your eternal glory.
Please fill my heart afresh with Your love. Also, grant me the
privilege to help others to be fruitful and that that fruit might re-
main to the end. LORD Jesus thank You for saving me and for
continuing Your good pleasure in my life. I love You. Take full
possession of my life and produce Your holy fruit in me. In the
name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE
APOSTASY IN THE CHURCH WORLD

The Lie Prospers from Pulpits

to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking
lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared
In light of the numerous end-time warnings concerning the ex-

ponential deception to be circulating among those who claim to
know the LORD, we should not be surprised that this lie of the
ages has gained such prominence.
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day

shall not come, except there come a falling away
first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of per-
dition. 2 Thessalonians 2:3
The Holy Spirit foretold of treacherous times coming in the fi-

nal days of this age, where there would be a whole generation
of people who were supposedly Christians and yet lived to serve
their own selfish interests and their leaders would endorse
and affirm this lawlessness in them in order to accomplish
their own selfish agendas. In other words, these people would
688
deny Jesus instead of self and justify themselves with impartial
and false doctrines they have received from the false teachers
they purposely placed themselves under because they refuse to
obey and endure sound doctrine. (2 Tim. 4:2-4).

our God into lasciviousness (lawlessness; license to
sin), and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord
Jesus Christ. Jude 3-4
Instead of giving warning, modern deceivers (serving them-

selves, not Christ) confirm people in their sins, sealing their
damnation.

True believers are responsible to give warning to those

among Gods people who commit iniquity. The blood of the
slain will be required of us on Judgment Day if we do not warn
them.
Our LORD told us that in this last day generation, there would
be counterfeit Christians who would be pure in their own de-
ceived eyes and yet not washed from their iniquities.
There is a generation that are pure in their own

eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
Proverbs 30:12
These are they who have a form or formula of godliness

(religious regiment, outward show without a real relationship)
and yet deny Christ the place of Lordship in their personal
lives. Jesus is not their first love.
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Lie of Ages
Lets look at a detailed description of what the moral landscape

will be and is in the very latter days leading up to the return of
Jesus Christ:
This know also, that in the last days perilous times

shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own
selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, diso-
bedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without nat-
ural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, inconti-
nent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Trai-
tors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more
than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but
denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2
Timothy 3:1-5
Behold closely the fruit of those who have the image of a false
god in their hearts and love pleasure more than Christ. Here
we are told 19 specific things that In the last daysmen
shall be:
Lovers of their own selves spend their time and ener-

gies to embellish and pleasure themselves.
Covetous can never have enough or be content with

what they have; insatiable greed for more.
Boasters boastful about selfish, unimportant things.
Proud full of pride; puffed up in self.
Blasphemers using Gods name in vain by professing to

know Him and yet serving self.
Disobedient to parents do not honor their father and

mother.
Unthankful do not truly have a broken heart of humili-

ty and therefore cannot render gratitude to the One from
whom all blessings flow.
Unholy not sanctified, not set apart.
Without natural affection do not possess simple affec-

tion for God and others.
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Trucebreakers people who do not keep their word.
False accusers blamer; issuing forth railing accusa-

tions against others.
Incontinent no control of appetites and passions.
Fierce burst out in anger (think about how we act in

traffic or if we erupt in anger for small things).
Despisers of those that are good (false accusers and

persecutors of the righteous).
Traitors not loyal or faithful.
Heady rash, hasty, reckless, headstrong.
Highminded arrogant; the opposite of a humble servant

who looks upon others with Gods love and renders simple
acts of charity to help them.
Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God self-

seeking and self-focused idolatry.
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power

thereof they have the outward Sunday morning show of
being a Christian, but do not truly know or serve Him daily.
They deny His authority to rule supreme in their daily lives,
taking up the cross and following Him.
In what is perhaps the most frightening passage in all of Holy

Scripture, Jesus foretells that it will be too late for many on
that Great and Terrible Day of reckoning with the Judge of the
earth:
knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 7:21-23
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Lie of Ages
We are told in Revelation 14 that any person, with no respect

to them being saved previously, who takes the mark of the
beast will be eternally doomed (also see Ezek. 33:12-13).
And the third angel followed them, saying with a

loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his im-
age, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his
hand, 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: And the
smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and
ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who wor-
ship the beast and his image, and whosoever re-
ceiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience
of the saints: here are they that keep the command-
ments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation
14:9-12
This is but another clear refutation to the beguiling and erro-

neous teaching of an unconditional eternal security. Once
again, the lie is slain by the sword of divine Truth. Here, in the
case of sure damnation to any person taking the mark of the
beast, we see the same inferred condition of enduring faithfully
to the end as a requirement to enter the pearly gates into eter-
nal glory. This is consistent with the whole of Holy Scripture.
And we desire that every one of you do shew the

same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the
end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them
who through faith and patience inherit the promis-
es. Hebrews 6:11-12
The promise of everlasting bliss with Jesus is reserved for

those who inherit the promises of God through faith
and patience (enduring to the end).
Persevering in the Truth
Anyone who vainly believes that the LORD will somehow par-
don the sins of His own people that are not repented of, is de-
luded and in wholesale denial of the entire Word of God (Exod.
34:7; Rom. 11:22; 1 Jn. 1:9; Rev. 21:8, 27). Such a person has
fashioned the image of a false god in his mind and is in great
692
danger.
Those who do not possess and persevere in the love of the truth
will absolutely be deluded and deceived and believe a lie so
that they are ultimately damned.
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in

them that perish; because they received not the love
of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this
cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they
should believe a lie: That they all might be damned
who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in un-
righteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
Is there a reason people are deceived and ultimately incarcer-

ated in eternal hell? Is this Gods will or is it the deliberate de-
cision of the deceived?
This daunting passage in 2 Thessalonians clearly reveals that

ones belief about God will save or damn him. See also Proverbs
13:13, Isaiah 5:20-24, Mark 16:16, 2 Corinthians 2:15-16; and
2 John 9.
Did you observe here in 2 Thessalonians 2 that God Himself does

not take it lightly when men do not love His Word? So much so
that He personally sends to their hearts a strong delusion and
leads them to eternal damnation if they dont repent and believe
according to what is written in His Word.
And for this cause (that they did not believe His Word)
God shall send them strong delusion, that they should
believe a lie. 2 Thessalonians 2:11
Why does the Bible tell us that many will believe a lie and
be damned? because they received not the love of the
truth, that they might be saved. Those who refuse to be
possessed like David by a love for Gods holy Word, will follow a
false god, one concocted out of fables even using Scripture, and
will be deceived and ultimately damned.
Who did Jesus say is of God and who is not of God?
He that is of God heareth Gods words: ye therefore

hear them not, because ye are not of God. John
8:47
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Lie of Ages
Here the Son of God clearly defines who is right with God and
who isnt based upon who hears (and obeys) His Word and
who doesnt.
He blessed us with His precious Word that we might know His

truth and be comforted and assured in Him and kept from de-
ception.
For whatsoever things were written aforetime (the

Scriptures) were written for our learning, that we
through patience and comfort of the scriptures
might have hope. Romans 15:4
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I want to know You more. Forgive

the idolatry of my life. I have sought my own way and to fulfill
my own needs and desires. Help me to without reservation give
my life to You and then others in service. I choose this day to
honor You first in my life and to prefer and elevate others above
myself. I love You Jesus. Thank You for giving Your life for me.
Grant me Your grace through the blood of the cross of my Savior
and do Your good pleasure in my life. Amen.
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CHAPTER FIFTY SIX
THE SPIRIT OF HOLINESS

Romans 1:4
And declared to be the Son of God with power, ac-

cording to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection
from the dead: Romans 1:4
Jesus Christ died on the cross and then was raised from the
dead to redeem all. After a person comes to Him in repentance
and faith and is born again, the Holy Spirit possesses that per-
son and seeks to lead him into holy conformity to the Son of
God (Rom. 8:29). The same Spirit that raised up our LORD
dwells in us to bring about His holy will (Rom. 8:11).
Any person in ministry work or claiming to have a relationship

with the LORD who is not on the relentless pursuit of personal
holiness through the power of Christ is either backslidden or
was never saved in the first place (Lev. 19:1-5; Ps. 93:5; 2 Cor.
7:1; Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 1:15-16). It is only when a man is made
to realize his own utterly depraved state outside of Christs pre-
sent grace, that he will cry out to the LORD in repentance (Jer.
17:9; Acts 3:19). As Paul did, the repentant soul will then cry
out daily to his LORD to wash him (Ps. 51; Rom. 7:18, 24; 1
Jn. 1:9). Only as he is being washed can one be ready for min-
istry to the saints who also have flesh that wars against their
696
spirit (Gal. 5:16-17). This same man, true and transparent to
the LORD, will unceasingly endeavor to see Christs body
washed and made holy and ready for His return (Eph. 5:25-27).
Peter, one of the very twelve of our Savior, discovered the need
for perpetual cleansing which can only come from Jesus Christ.
He (Jesus) riseth from supper, and laid aside his

garments (prepared to serve); and took a towel, and
girded himself. After that he poureth water into a ba-
sin, and began to wash the disciples feet, and to
wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith un-
to him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus an-
swered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest
not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith
unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus an-
swered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part
with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my
feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus
saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to
wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are
clean, but not all. John 13:4-10
Jesus told Peter here that he was washed yet that he must be
perpetually washed Jesus saith to him, He that is washed
needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit:
and ye are clean, but not all. When our feet are cleaned we
are clean every whit. Christ would never have used this
term clean every whit, if He were not intent upon the per-
sonal, meticulous, and microscopic holiness of His beloved
saints. Selah!
Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh

thine house, O LORD, for ever. Psalms 93:5
The personal holiness of His beloved people has always been of

the utmost importance to the LORD.
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto

all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say
unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God
am holy. Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his
father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.
Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten
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Lie of Ages
gods: I am the LORD your God. And if ye offer a sacri-

fice of peace offerings unto the LORD, ye shall offer it
at your own will. Leviticus 19:1-5
Have you noticed that walking through this life causes the dis-
ciple, whose feet tread upon the narrow road, to pick up dirt
which must be washed? Has the filth of sin not touched each of
us?
Peter wisely chose to answer the call of Christ to be perpetually

washed Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet
only, but also my hands and my head. Unlike Judas, the
one Christ refers to here when He inserts but not all (are
washed), Peter answered the LORDs call to be washed of his
filth - perpetually. Was this not the very difference between Pe-
ter and Judas? Is this not the reason that only one of these two
men is in Heaven and the other in the bowels of eternal dam-
nation?
You may wish to pause and remember how that the LORD
promised Peter and Judas an eternal throne, so we know they
were both equally a part of His kingdom initially (Matt. 19:28).
Both of these men were actually active in Jesus ministry (Lk.
9:1-6). Jesus also sent both of these men out to do His work
which He would have never done if both men were not His at
the time (Matt. 10:1-8).
If I Wash Thee Not, Thou Hast No Part with Me
Beloved, you are the basin, the vessel, which must first be
washed out and then filled with the water of Christs holy pres-
ence in the divine Person of the Holy Ghost. From that wash-
ing and filling you will be enabled to wash the feet of others
which relates to helping them realize their great need to be
cleansed and filled by someone outside of themselves the
LORD Jesus. Like Peter was taught by the Savior, so we must
learn that one must be cleansed first to be blessed to be used
by the Master (2 Tim. 2:21). All the saints of Christ are washed
and yet they must like Peter, continue to be washed and filled
up. There is the vital necessity for the continual flow of the life
and cleansing stream of Christs washings to make us holy and
meet (fit) for the masters use. (2 Tim. 2:21)
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he

shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet
698
(fit) for the masters use, and prepared unto every
good work. 2 Timothy 2:21
In an hour when the idea of personal holiness is either com-

pletely ignored or even mocked at in the modern church, there
is the dire need for men and women who truly love the holy
LORD of all creation, to speak His truth in love (Eph. 4:15).
God demands personal holiness the holiness that He alone
can bring about in the humble, broken servant who is crucified
with Christ (Rom. 8:13; 2 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 2:20; 5:24). It appears
that many in leadership positions today, who mislead by with-
holding such paramount biblical truth, desperately need to be
cleansed of their sins and the evil of their self-serving lives.

us cleanse ourselves from ALL filthiness of the flesh
Corinthians 7:1
The LORD would wash the body of Christ, His Bride, from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit and perfect in each member the
fear of God and His holiness.
The Bride must have His perfect Word that they might be
washed. Gods Word has been corrupted in the new versions of
the Bible in English and such must eventually reflect upon the
health of the Church. (See BIBLE VERSIONS button at
www.SafeGuardYourSoul.com) The purity of the Word of God is
of the utmost importance (Ps. 12:6-7; Prov. 30:5-6; 1 Pet. 2:2;
Rev. 22:18-19).
In this late hour, God-fearing overseers who live and operate in

leadership to glorify Jesus Christ alone are rare (1 Cor. 2:2;
Gal. 3:1; 6:14). Men who are true to God in this apostate gener-
ation are unique and this writer believes very precious in the
eyes of the LORD. These men truly watch after the souls of
those they are blessed to lead and fervently preach the Word of
God to His people (2 Tim. 4:1-4; Heb. 13:7, 17). Their deep de-
sire and focal point of service to the LORD is to see Jesus
Christs holiness exalted and He alone glorified among His be-
loved people as Savior and LORD (Col. 1:22, 27-29). This was
Pauls goal in light of the return of the LORD (Eph. 5:25-27;
Col. 1:27-29).
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Lie of Ages
The Bridegroom
He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the

friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and
heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bride-
grooms voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He
must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:29-30
In human relationships, the friends of a bridegroom rejoice to

see the bridegroom and His bride brought together in holy mat-
rimony. Those who are true friends of Jesus Christ rejoice to
see Him and His Bride united. That day draws near. The great-
est of human joy is associated when a new family is formed at
a wedding celebration.
For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy

sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth
over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.
Isaiah 62:5
We all understand that the consummation of a new family is

the occasion for great rejoicing, hence the marriage celebration
and coming together of a man and woman in holy matrimony.
Leading up to the marriage is great preparation. Is it not true
that if one loves Christ he will rejoice to see the Bride of Christ
prepared for coming together with the Bridegroom (Jesus)?
This will be the ultimate marriage celebration. Those who love
the Bridegroom (Jesus) also rejoice to decrease that He, the
Bridegroom, might increase and use them to prepare the Bride
in humble, obedient service.
Abrahams servant rejoiced to see Isaac and Rebekah brought

together (Genesis 24). Naomi rejoiced to see Boaz and Ruth
united in fruitful marital relationship (book of Ruth).
In cultures across the world, especially in ancient times, wom-

en purified themselves for months in preparation for their
bridegroom.
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for

the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath
made herself ready. And to her was granted that she
should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the
fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith
unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto
700
the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me,
These are the true sayings of God. Revelation 19:7-9
Of the bride of Christ, the Bible tells us his wife hath made
herself ready.
Like the bride who extensively prepares to be united with her

beloved bridegroom, so the true Bride of Christ purifieth him-
self (prepares herself), even as he is pure. (1 Jn. 3:3) In or-
der to be holy, one must have his garments washed. Garments
are used allegorically in the Bible to depict righteousness and
unrighteousness (Eph. 5:25-27; James 5:2; Jude 22-23; Rev.
3:4; 16:15). Spotted garments represent the stain of sin upon
ones life while pure, white garments depict the righteousness
of the saints who are washed afresh in the blood of the Lamb.
The Son of God warned:

Beware of the many leaders who refuse to teach this ultra-

important truth out of the Word. According to the New Testa-
ment record, the believers life is one of perpetual preparation
and eagerly awaiting the soon return of the Savior (Lk. 21:28,
34-36; Tit. 2:11-14; Heb. 9:28; 1 Jn. 3:3).
False leaders will offer salvation and cheap grace and

ignore Christs demand for repentance, separation
from immorality, and loyalty to God and His stand-
ards. False gospels centering on human desires,
needs, and goals of self-interest will become popular
(see 2 Tim. 3-4). Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 1896
When Gods people are misled by their leaders the worlds

people look on and mock (Isa. 9:16). When His beloved people
are led into the worship of self (psychology, etc.) and things
pertaining to greed and self-interests, and not after a life giv-
en to Christ, judgment and chastening will come from Heaven
(Rev. 3:19).
What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what

thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusa-
lem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort
thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach is
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Lie of Ages
great like the sea: who can heal thee? Thy proph-
ets (leaders) have seen vain and foolish things for
thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity,
to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee
false burdens and causes of banishment. All that
pass by clap their hands at thee; they hiss and wag
their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, Is
this the city that men call The perfection of beau-
ty, The joy of the whole earth? Lamentations 2:13
-15
In Jeremiahs day, sin had separated Gods covenant people

from Him. The problem? Their leaders were not discovering or
uncovering their sins which were the very cause of the LORD
forsaking them and allowing them to be under the captivity
(bondage) of other heathen nations. Why would any leader do
this? Because he is serving himself and not Christ. One will
observe while reading the history of Gods covenant people,
that sin breaches and brings the curse and all its evil effects
upon Gods people (Isa. 9:16; 59:2; Jer. 3:15). God is eternal-
ly holy. As in Jeremiahs day, so today, many who lead are
busy building their own church kingdom business and in or-
der to do so, they must take the conviction and offense out of
the true Gospel (Gal. 5:11; 6:12). If hirelings dont remove
conscience-stinging doctrines of Scripture, they will not be
successful in winning friends and influencing the carnal
masses to give their money and keep coming and rendering
their support. Such popularity gives the hireling pastor a
sense of success. As foretold in Scripture concerning the last
hour of this age, many will be misled to their own destruction
(2 Thess. 2:3, 10-12; 1 Tim. 4:1-6; 2 Tim. 4:1-4). In this last
hour, self-serving hirelings, willing to twist and omit and ma-
nipulate the truth, are very common in the church world (1
Tim. 4:1-6; 2 Tim. 3:1-13). Beware!
Beware of the leader who does not preach, warn, teach, and
does not possess the ironclad, apostolic goal of making ready
the Church to meet Christ at His soon return (Col. 1:22; 28-
29; 2:4-8; 1 Jn. 2:24-3:3; 4:1-3; 2 Jn. 7-11; Jude 3-4).
The Beauty of Holiness
Holiness is of prime importance to God and to all those who

truly know Him.
702
Authentic holiness is beautiful and not drudgery. Any notion or

brand of so-called holiness that is tainted with religious legal-
ism and dread is not of divine origin.
Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name;
worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Psalms
29:2
O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear

before him, all the earth. Psalms 96:9
From the perspective of the saint who is presently on earth, one

of the many beautiful things about the beauty of holiness is
that personal holiness does not come merely by human effort.
Ultimately only God can make a man holy and perhaps this is
one way that His holiness is so beautiful (Prov. 20:9). Though
only Christ can sanctify and make a man holy, He must of ne-
cessity have the individuals participation (2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Pet.
1:16). We know this plainly because He would never command
men to be holy (as He has done) if such were not a personal re-
sponsibility and also a distinct possibility.
May our LORD give us grace to cease from seeking to be justi-

fied, righteous, or holy by mere self-effort and not out of a
grace relationship with Him (which is by faith not works). Sug-
gested prayer: LORD grant me the spirit of Your holiness to
please You through relationship faith. I love You Jesus and I
know that it is not by works of righteousness which I have done
but according to Your mercy that You saved me through the
blood of Jesus Christ. Amen.
God does not make us holy in the sense of character;

He makes us holy in the sense of innocence, and we
have to turn that innocence into holy character by a se-
ries of moral choices. My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald
Chambers, p. 252
Paul severely rebuked the bewitched Galatians for being de-

ceived by the evil of forsaking the Gospel of grace and going
back under law-righteousness (see Gal. 3). He poses the follow-
ing question to the believers at Galatia who after being saved
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by grace through faith went back to seeking to be justified by

their own good works: Are ye so foolish? having begun in
the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (Gal. 3:3)
Going back to self-works to remain justified is gross sin and

displeasing in the sight of the LORD. Personal works can nei-
ther save nor set a man free or separate him to God.
Now to him that worketh (to gain or maintain salva-

tion) is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of
debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on
him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted
for righteousness. Romans 4:4-5
The believer in Christ must learn to perpetually cast himself

upon the LORD and cease from seeking to be kept or sanctified
merely by his own self-effort. It is Gods power that justifies
and keeps the saint as he trusts fully in the LORD (1 Pet. 1:5).
Self-righteousness was one of the cardinal sins of the Pharisees
whom Christ said were going to damnation (Matt. 23). There
can be no peace outside of personally possessing this truth (of
the Gospel of grace by faith in Christ alone) revealed in our
hearts by the Holy Spirit. We cannot save nor sanctify our-
selves.
But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is
godly for himself. Psalms 4:3
Ultimately, it is only Christ who can save and sanctify (Ps. 4:3).
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteous-

ness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. O
foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye
should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus
Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among
you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the
Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of
faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit,
are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suf-
fered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He
therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and
worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the
works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as
Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him
for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they
704
which are of faith, the same are the children of Abra-
ham. Galatians 2:21-3:7
Justification and salvation are by faith not self-effort nor works

(Rom. 3:28). The Holy Spirit of holiness fills and propels the in-
dividual saint toward authentic holiness (sanctification). Just
as we are justified by the grace of God through faith in Christ,
so we are set apart to Him in holiness (consecrated) by grace
through faith (Eph. 2:8-10). Through relationship and com-
munion with the LORD, the deeds of the fleshly/sinful nature
are to be crucified (Matt. 26:41; Rom. 8:13; Gal. 5:16, 24).
When Jesus reigns in a person, His resurrection life will be
found present, propelling that saint on to a life of inward holi-
ness that manifests in the actions and is pleasing to the LORD.

It is through the Spirit of God that men are blessed to glori-

fy the LORD as they present their bodies as living sacrifices to
Him and are transformed to have a renewed mind (Rom. 12:1-
2). The sinful nature is insatiably evil (Jer. 17:9; James 4:5). It
must be crucified and cannot be negotiated with. The life of the
disciple must be wholly released to the LORD (Lk. 14:33;
17:33). It clearly takes the power of God to bring the implacable
sinful nature of men under subjection to the Spirit of God
(Rom. 8:13; 1 Cor. 9:27). Such occurs when the saint fully co-
operates with the LORD by commending his spirit into the per-
fect hands of the Father (Lk. 23:46; Rom. 8:13-14).
Jesus instructed those who would follow Him fervently and ho-
ly to the end to watch and pray.
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation:

the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Matthew 26:41
Positional and practical holiness are accomplished through

the spirit of holiness. For the justified disciple of Christ, it
is through watching and praying in the communion of the
Holy Ghost that the sinful nature is put under (mortified;
rendered powerless) so that the life of Jesus might be manifest-
ed in that life (2 Cor. 4:10-11; 13:14, etc.).
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Always bearing about in the body the dying of the

Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made
manifest in our body. For we which live are alway de-
livered unto death for Jesus sake, that the life also
of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal
flesh. 2 Corinthians 4:10-11
Our LORD is calling us to sentence our sinful nature to

death that His holiness might be realized and accomplished
in our lives. The self-live must be sacrificed.
But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that

we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which
raiseth the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:9
Can there be a resurrection without there being first a death?

Obviously not.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of

wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone:
but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that
loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his
life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
John 12:24-25
This writer would offer the following encouragement to those

who want more on this important topic:
Pour over Romans 6-8. Memorize key verses in theses chap-

ters.
Endure sound doctrine. (2 Tim. 4:3)
Flee from moral cowards who refuse to preach the full-

counsel of the Word, line upon line, precept upon precept -
directly out of the Scriptures (Isa. 28:10).
Migrate to and fellowship with men with God-fearing forti-

tude who truly and uncompromisingly embrace and
preach the Word and nothing else (2 Tim. 2:2-3, 22).
Ask Jesus to make you holy. Ask Him to give you the
spirit of holiness. (Rom. 1:4)
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John Wesley exhorted:
Love the strictest preaching best. That which most

searches the heart, and shows you wherein you are un-
like Christ. That which presses you most to love Him
with all your heart, and serve Him with all your
strength.
More exhortation:
Ask the Father to fill and possess you afresh with His Holy
Spirit the spirit of holiness. (Rom. 1:4)
Cry out to the Father to change your heart. Humbly and

boldly ask Him to bless you to obey and endure sound
doctrine. (Jn. 7:16-17; 2 Tim. 4:2-3)
Ask His help to grant you keen discernment concerning

true and false teachers who operate among His people
(Acts 20:27-32).
Pray for a man (or men) of God who speaks out of a true
fear of the LORD with Scripture preaching.
When you find such a man, get behind the LORDs work
in him with prayer and generous financial support (1
Cor. 9:1-14; Gal. 6:6; 1 Thes. 5:25; 2 Thes. 3:1; Heb.
13:17-18).
Desire and pursue the LORDs holiness break up

your fallow ground and sow not among
thorns. (Hos. 10:12)
PRAYER: Grant me Father to have Your Spirit of holiness work-

ing deep within. Help me to lay down my life that You alone
might reign in resurrection power. Bless me to never rely on my
own self-effort or righteousness which are all as filthy rags. This
moment I sanctify my life afresh to You LORD Jesus. I am cruci-
fied with Christ, yet nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ that
lives in me. Jesus, I choose to live this hour and day in light of
Your soon return. Amen.
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CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN
THE LAID DOWN LIFE

And they that are Christs have crucified the
flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in
the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Gala-
tians 5:24-25
Living in the Spirit and not in the flesh is a settled issue

with the remnant. They have crucified the flesh and
the evil the sinful nature would do. Its a done deal
They HAVE crucified the flesh that Christ the LORD
might reign in heir mortal body.
Likewise reckon (count) ye also yourselves to be

dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign
in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the
lusts thereof. 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. For sin shall not have
dominion over you (because you have accounted
yourself dead): for ye are not under the law, but
under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we
are not under the law, but under grace? God for-
708
bid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield your-
selves servants to obey, his servants ye are to
whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of
obedience unto righteousness? But God be
thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye
have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine
which was delivered you. Being then made free
from sin, ye became the servants of righteous-
ness. Romans 6:11-18
The form of doctrine delivered by Christ and His holy apos-

tles in the original Gospel, included the accounting of ones life
now dead and then being raised up by Christ, with His life-
giving grace operating within to please Him fully (see also Rom.
12:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 12:9).
For if by one mans offence death reigned by one;

much more they which receive abundance of grace
and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by
one, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17
Lets peer again into the words of our LORD found in John 12:
And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is

come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Veri-
ly, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall
into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it
die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his
life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this
world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve
me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall
also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my
Father honour. John 12:23-26
Laying down our lives is paramount to walking with Jesus. It is

His command (Lk. 9:23-24; 14:33, etc.). He raises up in new
life those that are bowed down before Him (Ps. 146:8). The seed
(corn) is planted or buried alive, and is resurrected by God
to a life of glory and blessing. Without a death, there can be no
resurrection. This death to the self-life is volitional and ongoing
in this life I die daily. (1 Cor. 15:31)
He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30
As we are blessed to be planted together in the likeness of
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Lie of Ages
his death, so we shall be also in the likeness of his resur-

rection.
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized

into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into
death: that like as Christ was raised up from the
dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also
should walk in newness of life. For if we have been
planted together in the likeness of his death, we
shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. Ro-
mans 6:3-5
This is rightfully the most popular Bible passage on water bap-

tism and what the meaning and purpose of water baptism is.
At water baptism, we are buried in water, figuratively dying to
the old man, the man of sin, and being resurrected by the risen
Savior and LORD to a new life where He reigns supreme.
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of

sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the
dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the
dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his
Spirit that dwelleth in you. Romans 8:10-11
There are symptoms in the life of one who is not buried. The
disciple who is buried with Christ is dead to sin. (Rom. 6:2)
When we argue to justify the things we do in this life and call
those who point them out legalistic, it is symptomatic of a life
that is not laid down. When we argue against the truth (the Bi-
ble says Lie not against the truth -James 3:14) when we
are shown it, we manifest the rebellion in our hearts because
our lives are not authentically laid out before the LORD. The
corn of wheat (dead seed) must be planted and remain
planted in order to bud and bring forth new life. The laid down
life does not make excuse when he realizes that he has sin. No,
instead he rejoices to be yet more delivered and in the place of
blessing and holiness with the One He delights to please and
serve.
Arent we the temple of the Holy Ghost and commanded to

cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spir-
it, perfecting holiness in the fear of God? (2 Cor. 7:1)
710
If we still have habitual sin in our lives, we should know that
we are not buried with Christ. If we were, His life would be
teeming in us and causing us to put away sinfulness. Overcom-
ing sin happens when we bury the old man of sin by nailing it
to the cross. God is with us to do such (Rom. 8:13; Phil. 2:12-
13).
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ

also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye
should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was
guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled,
reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened
not; but committed himself to him that judgeth
righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his
own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins,
should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye
were healed. 1 Peter 2:21-24
The LORD looks upon the hearts of men (1 Sam. 16:7). Getting
our hearts right with God begins with laying down the right to
ourselves and releasing ourselves into the unfailing hands of
the One who made us and gives us the breath of life (Lk.
23:46). This is in following the ultimate example of our LORD
Jesus who came and laid down His sinless life for us (1 Pet.
2:21; 4:1).
Lets check our deadness. Lets see how dead we are to this
world system and all of its arrogant rebellion against the God of
the universe and all that is: Do we defend our right to fill our
minds and hearts with the evil things that are blatantly and
subtly portrayed on some TV and radio programming (and oth-
er forms of modern media)? If so, the fleshly nature is not dead
but is still alive and we are therefore not raised to new life.
Perhaps it is true (as has been stated by some) that a person

can be known by what he laughs at or finds humorous. What
do we laugh at? What do we find entertaining? Charity
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth. (1
Cor. 13:4, 6)
Laying down our lives requires a deliberate, willful decision. Be-

lievers are called to be circumspect (fully orbed in holiness) and
not glorify anything the LORD calls profane (Prov. 17:15; 24:24;
Isa. 5:20-24; Ezek. 44:23; Eph. 5:15-17).
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Lie of Ages
Why crucify the flesh when there is no reason to do such?

When a new believer is told that he is eternally secure or
OSAS, why then should he get sanctified, live a repented life,
be wholly set apart to the LORD, be matured and equipped to
do ministry, or prepare for the soon return of Jesus Christ?
Apparently, according to the Word of God, returning laughter

when we witness foolishness (folly) confirms the person we are
laughing at in his folly and causes us to partake of his foolish-
ness and deeds.
The following brief and poignant commentary is taken from the

Life in the Spirit Study Bible concerning Romans 1:32. First
lets view the Biblical text, then the commentary.
Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which

commit such things are worthy of death, not only do
the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Romans 1:32
HAVE PLEASURE IN THEM THAT DO THEM. Pauls

last word on general human sinfulness is Gods condem-
nation of a condition even more damning than the prac-
tice, i.e., supporting, approving, and encouraging evil by
taking pleasure in the immoral actions of others. This
disposition is the ultimate in depravity - vicarious enjoy-
ment of lust and evil. Sin becomes entertainment. (1)
The word have pleasure (Gk. suneudokeo) means are
pleased with, delight in, or give approval to, and
points to the casual enjoyment of the sins of others that
prevails in human society. (2) Today we know that great
harm is produced by the portrayal of immorality that
dominates the entertainment media; yet many consent
to it and derive pleasure from it. Being entertained by
watching other people sin and engage in ungodly ac-
tions, even while you yourself abstain, brings you under
the same condemnation of God as those engaging in
such evil practices. Iniquity is intensified in any society
where sin meets with no inhibition from the disapproval
of others and where people enjoy watching it. (3) Hence,
those (and especially those who profess faith in Christ)
who use the immoral actions of others for entertainment
and enjoyment are directly contributing to public opin-
ion favorable to immorality and, therefore, to the corrup-
712
tion and eternal damnation of an indefinite number of
other people. This sin is worthy of death and will be ex-
posed and judged at the final day of judgment (2 Thess.
2:12). p. 1729
Concerning the many things in this sinful world that would

draw our affections away from Jesus Christ and blur that pure-
focused disposition, the Psalmist wrote:
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate

the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave
to me. Psalms 101:3
Do we seek to protect our right to continue relishing the

things of this world which are despised of God? See 1 John
2:14-17. The Bible tells us that those who love this world sys-
tem and the things in it, hate God and are His enemies re-
gardless of what they profess (Tit. 1:16; James 4:4).
When we live out the Word, He promised persecution and in-

structed us to rejoice (Matt. 5:10-12; Mk. 4:17; 1 Pet. 4:12).
Have you ever been persecuted by other believers and called
legalistic because you chose not to watch a movie that mocks
at what God calls sin? I guess I have seen people do this to
truth-speakers for so long, that it has little affect anymore, oth-
er than inducing a concern for where they really are in their
hearts. Seeking to be upright in ones ways in not legalistic it
is biblical. The Word instructs us to walk circumspectly
which means fully obedient exactly, diligently, perfectly.
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools,

but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days
are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understand-
ing what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk
with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the
Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in
your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all
things unto God and the Father in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:15-20
And in all things that I have said unto you be cir-

cumspect: and make no mention of the name of oth-
er gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.
Exodus 23:13
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Lie of Ages
What the LORD tells us in Proverbs 26:4-5, is that when we

join a fool in his folly (foolishness), we become as guilty as he is
and perpetuate this sinfulness in his life and more importantly
we offend the holiness of the LORD we claim to be serving.
What we partake of and/or laugh at reveals who we really are.

If all these sinful things and justification of them are still alive in
us, we do not have a laid down life.
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous

there is favour. Proverbs 14:9
Folly (foolishness) is joy to him that is destitute of

wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh up-
rightly. Proverbs 15:21
Yes, laughter is a blessing and there is a time to laugh and

to rejoice, yet we are not made free from sin by the blood of
Christ to laugh at evil things (Eccl. 3:4). LORD please bless us
to be purified in our hearts and to rejoice and laugh more for
the right reasons! Please grant us Your joy Jesus! Amen.
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a

broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and

knowledge and those who have it walk uprightly - they walk
biblically in the Holy Spirit of grace and not legalistically. They
have joy from Jesus and are the most blessed people in the
world.
The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all

those that be bowed down. Psalms 145:14
Beloved, our LORD is calling us to lay down our lives like Christ
did that He might fully possess us. Bow down before His holi-
ness that He may raise you up His way. Let it all go. Die to justify-
ing your sins. Before this day expires, get alone with the Savior
and release the life He gave to you back to Him. Completely relin-
quish control as you cry out like Jesus did on the cross when dy-
ing for us - Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. (Lk.
23:46) Give up the ghost. Cease living life on your terms. Lay your
whole life at His feet and let Him raise you up in newness of life in
the Holy Spirit and reign supreme in your body.
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The Path of Our LORD Jesus
Jesus was to be glorified by the Father in laying down His life

for all men (Jn. 15:13).
nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done...

Luke 22:42
He laid down His own will because of the immeasurable love He

has for each of us.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay

down his life for his friends. John 15:13
Do we love Jesus Christ in return? How much do I love Him?

Will I lay down my whole existence before Him, knowing He will
raise me up to new life and fruitfulness as He lives His life
through me? Is this not the essence of Galatians 2:20?
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet

not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I
now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of
God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Gala-
tians 2:20
He must increase and we must decrease, that He might be glo-

rified in us, and we might be the living epistles He has called
us to be. When the King of saints is reigning in a persons
life, it is obvious His light shines brightly (Matt. 5:16; Rev.
15:3).
Much more they which receive abundance of grace

and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by
one, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17
His holy, impelling presence is the life that exudes from the
truly justified person, instead of the self-centered and selfish
nature (Jn. 3:30). As His resurrection life teems within, His
works will be manifested through us.
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and
hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice
to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Ephesians 5:1-2
Jesus Christ gave Himself for us and this ultimate sacrifice
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Lie of Ages
to God is a sweetsmelling savour to the Father. Finding

that place of intimacy with God is where the laid down life be-
gins. May I suggest that you begin with prayerfully, and from
deep within, citing Galatians 2:20 aloud.
Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy water-

spouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over
me. Psalms 42:7
PRAYER: Please draw me deeper in You LORD Jesus. Father in

Heaven, You sent Your only begotten Son to die for me in order
that I might be raised up in new life in this brief life and eternal-
ly. I love You Jesus and ask You to lead me to that crucified life
that you lived when here on earth. Quicken me by Your Holy
Spirit and fill me afresh O LORD, that this life You gave might be
fully fruitful and pleasing to Thee. Lord, I am watching and
praying in light of Your soon return. Amen.
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ADDENDUM
MAKING PEACE WITH GOD

Entering the Kingdom
But your iniquities (sins) have separated between

you and your God, and your sins have hid his face
from you, that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:2
God is holy and our sins separate us from Him. We have all
broken Gods laws by lying, dishonoring our parents, cheating,
hating, committing a sex act in our mind with someone we are
not married to, stealing, coveting, taking His holy name in
vain, etc. These are all sins against God and we are all guilty.
Committing any single one of these sins makes us guilty of
breaking the whole law and worthy of death.
Divine justice demands that our violations be punished. Be-

cause we are guilty of breaking Gods holy law, we deserve to
be fairly repaid for our offenses. God doesnt want us to be
punished in hell forever though, so He sent His Son to pay the
debt for us, so we would not have to pay for our own sins in
eternal hell as we clearly deserve, but rather live now and for-
ever with Him. What love!
At the end of a perfect (sinless) life, Christ carried the very

cross He was to be nailed to. His infinite love for you, along
with the nails driven through His hands and feet, held Him to
718
that cross as He agonized for 6 hours in pain to pay for your
sins. He was crucified to make peace between God and man.
The Son of God bridged the gap that sin had caused. This won-
derful man named Jesus chose to shed His life blood (die - in
excruciating pain) for you rather than live without you. He
loves you.
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is

eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans
6:23
Christ died to fully pay for the sins of the human race (John
19:30). God loves all men and wants us to experience relation-
ship with Him, now and forever (John 17:3). Friend, who else
has ever died for you but Jesus, the Good Shepherd?
For when we were yet without strength, in due time

Christ died for the ungodly (thats you). Romans 5:6
Christ Jesus came into the world to save (rescue)

sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15
No religion or religious figure can save your soul from hell (no
matter what they claim). Jesus didnt come to start of religion
but rather to establish His eternal kingdom in the hearts of
men, granting them a relationship with God. Jesus Christ is
the only One who bears nail-scarred hands and feet for your
sins. He is the only way to God and your only hope.
For there is ONE God, and ONE mediator between

God and men, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5
The Son of God died and rose again to take away all your sins.
He was the only One qualified for the job and He is the only
One worthy of your worship. Peace with God happens when we
meet the Prince of Peace.
Now apply His holy blood to your life so that you may live now
and eternally with Him. You must completely turn your life
over to Him and turn away from all your sins repent. Now,
pray this prayer to God with all that is within you, from your
heart and out loud: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for shedding
Your holy blood for my sins to save me from eternal damnation
in hell. You are my only hope. Heavenly Father, I acknowledge
all my sins against You right now, and ask Your forgiveness
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through the precious blood of Jesus, who died and rose again
for me. Lord Jesus, take over my life right now and forever-
more. I love You Jesus. Amen.
Tell another Christian. Find a group of Christ-centered believ-

ers who love Gods Word. Be water baptized. Read your King
James Bible daily and talk with God in prayer. Follow Christ to
the end of your life. Sign up for the free email devotional at
SafeGuardYourSoul.com.
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FROM SAFEGUARDYOURSOUL
LOSER
Jesus told us all that only the losers will gain eternal life (Matt. 10:38-39).
With the holy law to convict of sin, the necessity of repentance toward
God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, and the holiness of our Maker
emphasized, this Gospel tract has already blessed tens of thousands of
souls with the knowledge of God. Its very well received among people. The
ease of handing this one out is second to none. May God bless the conver-
sations we are able to engage in when handing this one out to the lost and
when supplying other Christians.
Read and Order Your Supply Today at

www.SafeGuardYourSoul.com
Diary of a Dead Man

With the horrible cover image, this tract instantly grabs attention of the
recipient. While handing it out, one may choose to ask, Thats a horrible
image huh? The person receiving the tract will then say, Yes it sure is. To
this the believer can respond with, Please dont end up like that guy. This
is also a very easy Gospel tract to distribute with wide and virtually flawless
response and receptivity sure to make your seed sowing journey very
fruitful.

JESUS: Why Did This Man Die On A Cross?

With millions in print, the JESUS Tract is reaching thousands of lost souls
globally and is perhaps the most condensed and complete presentation of
the holy law and Gospel available in tract form today. This tract contains a
glorious exaltation of the Great Shepherd of the sheep, the Good Shep-
herd who came to pay the complete price for the sins of His fallen creation
(Heb. 13:20; Jn. 10:1-10). Order your supply today and begin using these
messengers to reach those for whom He died and rose again.

SECRETS From Beyond the Grave

Shocking and thought-provoking secrets about the after life. Contains a
blistering menu of what awaits all who are not born again. This message is
not for those who wish to hide the whole truth about eternal things. SE-
CRETS is a tract few can resist reading with its aesthetic wickedness which
reeks of death, and the curiosity provoking title. The message is 100% Gos-
pel!

ANO T H E R B OO K FR O M SAFE GUAR DY O UR SO UL
LIE of the Ages

Historys Fatal Falsehood
Lie of the Ages is a sound and extensive biblical expose and annihilation of
the first lie told to mankind a falsehood that has rung through the corri-
dors of history bringing devastation to all who believed it. This volume is a
thorough revelation of why this dangerous, diabolical falsehood, still wide-
ly taught today, is so destructive to the eternal souls of men and the true
Church of Jesus Christ.
740 Pages
Contains more than 57 life-changing chapters and prayers.
Read more about and order your copies of this book at

ANO T H E R B OO K FR O M SAFE GUAR DY O UR SO UL
Soul Damning Sins

Are there sins listed in God's Word that will damn ones soul to eter-
nal hell? This is shocking revelation sure to strike the fear of God in
the hearts of any who dare read this brief book. Great to read and to
order copies to give away to others.
Find out more about this book at

ANO T H E R B OO K FR O M
SAFE GU AR DY O UR SO UL
Predators in Our Pulpits

Invasion of the End Time Wolves
The prophesied great falling away is upon us its in our very

Christian pulpits, books, and programs. As promised by our LORD
and His apostles, evil men and seducers are waxing worse and
worse in this late hour before our Saviors return (2 Tim. 3:13).
Posing as ministers of righteousness, they have crept into the midst
of biblically illiterate audiences on the wheels of their Trojan horse
subterfuge and are promulgating poisonous pabulums in the pond
of the heart of the people. These beguilers are depositing horrid
heresies in the hearts of their hearers (1 Tim. 4:1-3).
Millions are becoming casualties of their war on the God of truth as
they feverishly prey upon unlearned and unstable souls. Our only
protection from the father of lies and his emissaries is to go deeper
into the LORD ourselves, learning His truth and walking in the Holy
Spirit. The contents of this volume will greatly enlighten the reader
and direct his steps down the narrow road of light and truth, ever
deepening His roots in the King of the soon coming, conquering
and eternal kingdom of God .
What should the God-fearing do in response to this epidemic of

evil that has invaded the modern church? How can we discern who
and what teachings are true or false? Discover these answers in
this timely, epic volume permeated with rarely revealed truth sure
to nourish and sharpen any heart that hungers for more of Christ
and His righteousness.

ANOTHER BOOK FROM
SAFEGUARDYOURSOUL
This volume centers upon the essential cross and resurrec-

tion power of the Most High, raising upward the bowed
down disciple who waits upon Him in fervent expectancy of
His divine life and soon return.
The call of God upon every believer to die downward that
He might raise them upward to fruitfulness in His life and
power.
And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah
shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward.
Isaiah 37:31
Upward fruit bearing occurs as the disciple takes root down-
ward, being buried down deeply into the death and burial of
Christ. The One who is the resurrection, and the life then
simultaneously raises up that downward dying saint to new-
ness of life in His Spirit (Jn. 11:25; Rom. 8:11).
Here is some of what you will learn in the pages of this volume:
How to sink down deep into the death and burial of Christ, that
God might raise you upward to bear abundant fruit for His glory
The importance of loving and honoring the LORD above self, and
seeing His grace and power work in you in ministry to others
How to discern which leaders are teaching the truth from the
many wolves among us
How to incorporate the cross in your personal life daily, and live a
life fully pleasing to God
The importance of prayer as you expectantly look for the soon
and glorious return of the LORD Jesus Christ
In this poignant and timely volume, the person who is possessed
by a self-serving Whats in it for ME mentality instead of How
can I most please my LORD Jesus, is going to discover just how
Luciferic his current views are. It is hoped that he will then be
brought to repentance and a laying down of his life, that Christ
alone might reign (Isa. 14:12-15; James 4:6-10). Ready or not -
Jesus is coming (Lk. 21:34-36). Are you ready?


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Lie of the Ages

Historys Fatal Falsehood

Todd Tomasella. All Rights Reserved.

Any part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval

Printed in the United States of America

All Scripture quotations deliberately taken from the Author-

Cover Design by Bill Wegener.

Do you desire to learn Gods Word? To begin receiving the

In grateful tribute to the God of all creation whose salva-

The mercy of God, shed upon us through the blood of

Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted,

For thou art great, and doest wondrous

All comments concerning this book are welcomed. If

The deep concern of this writer and an army of God-

Thanks to the friends who helped with the produc-

To best understand and appreciate the contents of this

That we henceforth be no more children,

We are saved by His grace through faith, but does it end

Do you truly desire to know what the LORD Himself says

Could it be that there exists a deadly deception so wide-

Regrettably, many who outwardly claim to believe the

For when they (false teachers) speak great

Many are being or have been overcome by the lies

Of these ungodly men in leadership who corrupt the

These are murmurers, complainers, walking af-

The intent of the author is not to spend undo time ex-

It is unfortunate that the erroneous teachings of men

Certain verses and passages will purposely be repeated

Furthermore, the aim of this book is not to establish or

LIE OF THE AGES

According to the Genesis account, the Garden of Eden was the

Enter the lie.

Enter the seduction.

Enter no fear of God.

Enter stolen restraint.

Enter the fall of man.

Enter alienation from the Creator.

Garden Scene The First Lie

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of

In the book of origins (Genesis) where every major biblical doc-

Perhaps there could be no greater occupation than for the stu-

endeavor he will gain insight into the origins and purpose of

Sin entered the human experience through the temptation and

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desper-

Someone has wisely stated:

The heart of the human problem is the problem of the

From the very beginning, Satan has tempted man to believe

Cain was a religionist. He refused relationship with the LORD

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,

Satan Said (Gen. 3:4)

And the serpent said unto the woman, YE SHALL

Mankinds enemy led him to believe that he could violate the

Concerning this most insidious and destructive lie of the ser-

YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIEThe first lie proposed

Because sentence against an evil work is not exe-

Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said

Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God?

he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.

Lucifers lure capitalizes on the sinful nature of men, preying

If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and

In context, the LORD says to Cain If thou doest well, shalt

This is a classic example of how the enemy led a man to believe

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only