Lesson 1-16 Water Baptism? Part 1 Modes of

I have been asked to give my understanding on water baptism and its relationship to the Body of Christ. And should we be practicing it today?

As always I will be sharing the teachings and understanding as I believe the Lord Jesus has shown to me by study, and through the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

I never encourage anyone to believe anything that I believe without them first studying it out for themselves. If you come to a different understanding than myself, that is ok, as there is liberty in the Lord for us to not see all things the same, at the same time.

I have shared teachings that I came to understand very early in my Christian life, with some of my sisters and brothers in Christ who did not see or understand the same teachings as myself for 20 plus years.

True Story; 

I had been sharing with one of my fellow Christians for ~20 years that we get our doctrine for the Body of Christ from Paul’s epistles, and not the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and the first 8 chapters of Acts, which are for the nation Israel.

One night I had the privilege to teach the word at a Wednesday night Bible study where I made the comment “Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and the first 8 chapters of Acts are really Old Testament books and do not apply to the Body of Christ”. I kid you not, my fellow Christian yelled from the back of the room why didn’t you ever say it that way before.

My fellow Christian that night came to see the Bible rightly divided, although I had been sharing that same information for ~20 years with that person. It wasn’t until that night that the Holy Spirit enlightened their eyes to that truth.

I don’t know why and have no explanation as to why it took ~20 years for them to see it and why others see it right away, but I can tell you this when you see the word of truth rightly divided, it is impossible to study it any other way!

2Tim.2 [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

As a baby Christian grows and even sometimes after we are mature Christians, we have to change our position on certain subjects as we study and grow in our understanding of the word of truth rightly divided.   

1Cor.3 [1] And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. [2] I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

When we are babes in Christ, we need milk to grow and as we grow spiritually, we are weaned off the milk of the word, and move on to the meat of the word.

As a young Christian I was very fortunate to have had good teachers who taught me how to study and rightly divide the word of truth. When you rightly divide the word of truth not every verse in the Bible will apply to Christians today. Because we are living in the dispensation of the grace of God, as given to the Apostle Paul.

Rightly dividing the Bible simply means you are able to discern the instructions that apply to the Body of Christ today, versus the instructions given to the nation Israel (past, present, and future).

Eph.3 [2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward:

Col.1 [25] Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

As a teacher of God’s Holy Word, I will be presenting you with differing views and ask you, to ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten your eyes to the truth as we go along.

I will also be sharing things from my own life experiences that many of you will be able to relate to in your own life as we search the scriptures to determine whether these things are so.

Acts.17 [11] These were more noble 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.

Now lets start our study and see if we can determine with the help of the Holy Spirit the answer to the questions, “Is water baptism for today?” “Should the Body of Christ practice water baptism?” “What did Paul believe and teach concerning water baptism as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus?”.

I personally believe when we get to the end of this study, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will have a clear understanding of the doctrine of water baptism.

Introduction: Guidelines for this study:

1. We will treating the living words of the living God, as spoken by the Lord Jesus, and given to the Apostle Paul for the Body of Christ as having the same importance, as the words of the Lord Jesus recorded in red letters in the books of Matthew – Acts Chp. 8, as what should be known as the instructions to the nation Israel.
2. We will not be wresting the scriptures against each other, we will look at the verses in their context, and we will not try to make them say anything but what they say.
3. We will be using the verses out of the Authorized Version, commonly known as the KJV. It is fine if you want to look the verses up in other translations if you like, but we will consider the Authorized Version as our final written authority.
4. We will not be using the Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, or Latin languages to prove any points, or give any indication that the Authorized Version has been incorrectly translated.

Different types of baptisms that are recorded in the scriptures and definitions.

1. Water Baptism – The practice of the religious rite of sprinkling water onto a person's forehead, or of immersion of a person in water, or dipping a person in water, or pouring water on a persons head and body.
2. Baptism of John – This is the practice of water baptism as performed by John the Baptist. (Matt. 3;11 Matt. 21;25 Mark 11;30 Luke 7;29 20;4 John 1;31 Acts 1;22 Acts 18;25 )
3. Baptism of Repentance – This also is water baptism as practiced by John. (Matt. 3;11 Mark 1;4 Luke 3;3 Acts 13;24)
4. Baptism of the Holy Ghost – This is spiritual baptism with the Holy Ghost. (First mentioned by John the Baptist in reference to Jesus. Pay attention and notice John said that Jesus would be the one baptizing with the Holy Ghost, not water.) (Matt 3;11 Mark 1;8 Luke 3;16 John 1:33)
5. Baptism of the Fire –  Dictionary definition; an introductory or initial experience that is a severe ordeal, (this baptism is spiritual in nature and does not include any water, it is judgmental in its nature). (Matt. 3;11)
6. Baptism of Moses – This applies to the nation of Israel who was baptized in the cloud and sea. (1^st Cor. 10;2) (This is an Old Testament event and happened when Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt.)
7. Baptism for the dead – vicarious baptism or proxy baptism today commonly refers to the religious practice of baptizing a person on behalf of one who is dead—a living person receiving the rite on behalf of a deceased person. Baptism for the dead is best known as a doctrine of the Latter Day Saint movement, which has practiced it since 1840. (For this study we will not be dealing with this subject, I only include it so that you know I am aware of this practice. I don’t believe it was something Paul believed the Body of Christ was supposed to be performing. (1^st Cor. 15:29)

First up let us look at one of the commands that Jesus gave to the 11 Apostles. At this time Jesus was talking to only 11 of them, (see Matt. 28 verse 16). Judas Iscariot had already hanged himself, and a replacement apostle had not yet been chosen.

Matt. 28 [19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Verse 19 & 20 has come to be known as the Great Commission, the majority of Christian religious systems have laid claim to these verses, and use them as their marching orders to preach, and take their particular beliefs into the world.

Of course there is little agreement among the different Christian organizations on exactly what teachings they are to be communicating to the world, other than baptizing them in water, but after that, whatever particular belief each denomination or non-denominational group holds in highest regard is what they teach.

Funny thing is, in my 42 years as a Christian, I have discovered these Christian organizations are not even consistent when it comes to the first one “baptizing them in water”.

Let me share with you, the following experiences that I personally have had, and take this section to introduce you to the some of the many different modes of water baptism.

I want you to know I am not making fun of these Christians at all, but I think this is one of  the best ways to teach you how to compare, spiritual things with spiritual, and exercise your spiritual discernment. 

1Cor.2 [13] Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. [14] But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

When I was a child, I was in a denomination that utilized sprinkling with water on the top of the head for baptism.

Later on I was associated with a denomination that believed you had to be fully immersed in the water in order to be properly baptized.

The next denomination I was introduced to believed that just being fully immersed was not good enough, but you had to be fully immersed in the water by one of their church elders, or you would die and go to hell. 

Next I ran into a group that  believed, if you had been fully immersed in the water, but the preacher baptized you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, instead of just using the phrase “in the name of Jesus” your baptism didn't count, and it would have to be redone if you wanted them to accept you as a real believer.

Just one more, I had a person tell me that their denomination baptized their new converts by full immersion, three times face forward, when I asked why, I was told Jesus never did anything backwards.

We see in the Old Testament when the Lord Jesus gave the Nation Israel instructions on how to perform animal sacrifices, they were clear, step by step instructions, so the people would not have any problem following them. 

Personally, I think if the mode of water baptism had been as important as people try to make it out to be, that the Lord Jesus would have provided clear, and specific instructions on how this water baptism was to be accomplished.

There also is subset of water baptism: infant baptism, teenager baptism, re-baptism after someone has been a really bad person.

Also re-baptism if you try and join a different Christian group with a different name than the one you previously were associated with. This new Christian group will want to make sure you have submitted to their particular way of baptizing, and these groups get real serious over who, how, and when a person was baptized.

This lesson is the first of several that will deal with baptism so I encourage you to get an Authorized Bible (KJV) and look up all the places the word baptism appears as it will aid in our upcoming studies on this subject.

We are more dedicated than ever to help people understand Pauline doctrine for the body of Christ, and to help young Christians grow and be built up in their faith, and to equip them to win others to the Lord Jesus.

Hopefully this study and the future studies will provoke you to become a more dedicated, and consecrated Christian, who will study and become a strong witness for the Lord Jesus in this upcoming year.

I encourage you to not just mention that Jesus was born, but share with your friends, loved ones, and anyone else that you come in contact with that Jesus died for their sins, was buried, and rose again and in Jesus they can have eternal life.

Romans 10 [8] But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; [9] 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. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

The Bible is an easy book to understand when you just read, and believe it, not try and make it say things it doesn’t say.

As far as spiritual discernment, when you know where to get your doctrine from, you will not be an easy target for men trying to deceive you.

The words of our Apostle Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles!

2Tim.2 [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Come join with us as we study God’s Holy Word!

Remember most unsound Bible Doctrine, is sound Bible Doctrine misapplied to the wrong time period, or wrong group of people.

The next lesson is in work, and will be posted when done!  

Please Subscribe by email, and you will notified when new lessons are posted 

Remember if you like these lessons, don't just like them, share them!

Contact us at: biblerightlydivided@gmail.com

Happy New Year! 2016

I would like to take this time to give thanks for all the wonderful blessings we have received from the Lord of Glory, the Lord Jesus Christ in 2015. 

As we enter this New Year 2016, I pray that we as Christians might once again become a mighty force in this world, to win the lost and dying to the Lord Jesus!

I thought it would be appropriate as we begin this New Year to look at all the places that the Lord Jesus, speaking though our Apostle (Paul), used the word new when speaking to the Body of Christ.

What I found, the word new is used in 11 verses in the Pauline epistles, and are a great summary of becoming a Christian, living the Christian life, serving as ministers of the Lord Jesus, as well as remembering the Lord Jesus and what he did for us.

Jesus through the Apostle Paul says that we “put on the new man”, that we become “a new creature in Christ”, and that “all things become new”.

The Apostle Paul continues that we “should walk in newness of life” and as such “we should serve in newness of spirit”, because he “hath made us able ministers of the new testament”!

To finalize we are to remember the Lord Jesus, and what he has done for us, every time we partake of the Lord’s Supper we should remember him who died for us, “this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.”

I have included the 11 verses and recommend that you go to each epistle and read the verses to get the full context of each passage. This will greatly help you in becoming the best Christian minister of Jesus that you can be.

Rom.6  [4] Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Rom.7  [6] But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

1Cor.5  [7] 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:

1Cor.11  [23] For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: [24] And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. [25] After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

2Cor.3   [6] Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

2Cor.5  [17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Gal.6 [15] For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Eph.2  [15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Eph.4  [24] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Col.2  [16] Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

Col.3  [10] And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

The Lord has brought many new people into our lives in 2015, all younger than myself and Theresa, and has allowed us to minister and share with them Paul’s message for the Body of Christ, as given to him by the Lord Jesus.

If you are new to this website, you should know it is dedicated to the study of God’s Holy Word rightly divided, and “the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,” as given to the Apostle Paul.

Romans 16 [24] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. [25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, [26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: [27] To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

This website is not affiliated with any particular denomination, and only seeks to help young Christians, and mature Christians alike, to be edified, equipped to be soul winners, and to stand against the wiles of Satan.

2Tim.3   [14] But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;  [15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. [16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

I am glad and thankful that the Lord Jesus has provided us a Bible (KJV) in the English language that is without error. My trust in the Authorized Versions accuracy has only grown over the years of study, which has greatly helped me in my ability to witness for him, and share his holy word with believers, as well as the lost.

As Paul told Timothy to continue, I encourage all my Christian friends to continue in the study of God’s word. I encourage you not to be discouraged when oppression comes, or if you loose friends over your stand for the Lord Jesus, stand strong and keep the faith.

Philippians  [4] Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.  [5] Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.  [6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Just a quick update on the website that so many of you pray for and help us with. As we approach being online six months we are fast approaching 5000 visits. 

I just stand amazed at the wonderful way that the Lord Jesus has worked in our lives, I give him thanks for my family, and friends daily.

We continue to add to our reach into other lands, we are now up to 42 countries.

As we approach this new year we are looking at new ways to get the word out, please continue your prayers for us.

Also, if you would like to become a fellow worker with us please email us.

We are more dedicated than ever to help people understand Pauline doctrine for the body of Christ, and to help young Christians grow and be built up in their faith, and to equip them to win others to the Lord Jesus.

Hopefully this study and the future studies will provoke you to become a more dedicated, and consecrated Christian, who will study and become a strong witness for the Lord Jesus in this upcoming year.

I encourage you to not just mention that Jesus was born but most of all to share with your friends, loved ones, and anyone else that you come into contact with that, Jesus died for their sins, was buried, and rose again and in Jesus they can have eternal life.

Romans 10 [8] But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; [9] 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. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

The Bible is an easy book to understand when you just read, believe it, and not try and make it say things it doesn’t say.

As far as spiritual discernment, when you know where to get your doctrine from, you will no longer be a confused Christian, or an easy target by the sleight of men to deceive you.

The words of our Apostle Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles!

2Tim.2 [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Come join with us as we study God’s Holy Word!

Remember most unsound Bible Doctrine, is sound Bible Doctrine misapplied to the wrong time period, or wrong group of people.

The next lesson is in work, and will be posted when done!  

Please Subscribe by email, and you will notified when new lessons are posted 

Remember if you like these lessons, don't just like them, share them!

Contact us at: biblerightlydivided@gmail.com

Jesus Birth or Jesus Death; Should One Be The Christian’s Focus More Than The Other? Lesson 28

I ask that as we go through these lessons, that you get a Bible, read it, pray, study, and ask the Holy Spirit of the Living God, to help guide you into truth.

We believe comparing scripture with scripture, and comparing spiritual things with spiritual things, is the only correct way for Christians to discern truth from error.

If you fail to understand, or fail to learn how to rightly divide the word of truth, you can never come to the knowledge of the truth and sound doctrine.

Once again we will not be going to scholars for an answer to the question, as you can never know who Jesus is through intellect, but only by the Holy Spirit of the living God, thus we will go to no other place than the Holy Scriptures, the Bible (KJV) to find out our answer to this weeks lesson.

I believe anyone living in the world today would not disagree that the Birth of Jesus gets a lot of attention around Christmas time.

Manger scenes with the baby Jesus go up all around town. I actually see people who want nothing to do with Jesus on a daily basis in their life, that will have all kinds of lights and decorations in their yard that appear to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Before we get too far along, I want you to know that I don’t see anything wrong with putting manger scenes up, and lights in your yard if that’s what you want to do. Personally I think you should leave them up all year long, not just at Christmas, take a stand for Jesus all year, not just at Christmas.

Also I am not trying to down play the importance of the Birth of Jesus, but I want us to look at this subject from the scriptural point of view.

Let’s see if by telling people that you believe that Jesus was born of a Virgin, and placed in a manger, if you have told them anything that will change their life or provide them any hope.

Horus was one of the many Egyptian Gods. This is probably one of the best-known and contested deities that is often compared to Jesus Christ. Some translations and Egyptian myths say that he had 12 disciples, and was born of a virgin in a cave.

Buddha was considered and believed by his followers to have been begotten of God and born of a virgin whose name was Maya.

Mithra was an ancient Zoroastrian deity, yet another example of virginal birth, Mithra was born to the virgin Anahita on December 25th. He was swaddled and placed in a manger, where he was tended to by shepherds.

Krishna was born of a chaste virgin called Devaki, Who on account of her purity was selected to become the mother of God.

Romulus was born of a vestal virgin, which was a priestess of the hearth god Vesta sworn to celibacy. His mother claims that the divine impregnated her.

Dionysus was born of a virgin on December 25 and, as the Holy Child, was placed in a manger.

Attis was born on December 25 of the Virgin Nana. He was considered the savior who was slain for the salvation of mankind

Alright time for some Bible study for spiritual guidance, as all of the above false Christ showed up on planet earth prior to Jesus being born.

1Tim.3 [16] And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (KJV)

We see in 1^st Tim. the verse clearly identifying the Lord Jesus, as God manifest in the flesh!

This is a very important point so that when you compare Jesus to the false Christs, and false prophets that he warned would arise you can spot them.

Matthew24 [24] For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Ok how about this, you and I were born into this world, and if you are reading this you are currently alive! So we see that just because a person is born into this world it really is not that big of an event.

Now if you have a new translation of the Bible copyrighted after 1976, there is a 95% chance that in 1^st Tim. Chp. 3 verse 16 that the word “God” has been replaced with the word “He”. So the verse reads “He was manifested in the flesh” and this is an attack by the enemy Satan the great deceiver on the Deity of the Lord Jesus.

What do I mean well lets look at what I mean;

After all, Muhammad was manifest in the flesh, and I quote; “is considered in Islam to be the greatest messenger (Quran 48:29) and prophet sent by God to guide humanity to the right way (Quran 7:157). Muslims believe that Muhammad is the final prophet sent by God; and the Quran, which is the central religious text of Islam, was revealed to Muhammad by God.”

After all, Buddha was manifest in the flesh, and I quote; “was a sage on whose teachings Buddhism was founded."

After all, Confucius was manifest in the flesh, and I quote; "was a Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher of the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history."

After all, you and I are manifest in the flesh. But we are not God. When you change just one word you can destroy the meaning and corrupt the word of God.

2 Corinthians 2:17 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.

But this study is not on Bible translations, it is on whether we should focus on Jesus's Birth or Jesus's Death. 

Let’s look at some Bible verses about the Lord Jesus, and what we should be doing to remember him. First up is just prior to the Lord being killed by wicked men. Jesus meets with the disciples to eat the Passover, and here Jesus explains to them that he is that Passover Lamb that was to be sacrificed for the sins of the world.

When John the Baptist first saw Jesus, he said “…behold the Lamb of God…”.

John.1 [29] The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Luke records for us the events in the upper room. Jesus tells the disciples, they should break bread and drink the cup in remembrance of him.

Luke.22 [18] For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. [19] And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. [20] Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

Now many Christians are stuck in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and the first 8 chapters of Acts, these are great reading, but they doctrinally apply to the Jews and the earthly kingdom that Jesus promised to their father Abraham. 

If you don’t move on to the epistles given to Paul by the Lord Jesus and written to the Gentiles, you can never get your Bible doctrine correct.

All of the confusion amongst Christianity today can be attributed to the fact that the church, the Body of Christ, does not recognize the separate, distinct, and unique apostleship, ministry and message of Paul.

Now lets look at what the Apostle Paul said we should be doing to remember the Lord Jesus.

1Cor.11  [1] Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.  [23] For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: [24] And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. [25] After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. [26] For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

Notice that Jesus through Paul provides further information, and tells the Christians that when partake of the Lord’s supper that we are shewing the Lord’s death till he come.

Now let’s look at some Bible facts. I cannot find one verse where Jesus ever encouraged any Christian to remember, celebrate, or make any kind of commotion over the fact that he was born.

What I do find is that we are to preach, and teach people about his death, burial, and resurrection from the dead for the remission of sins.

Romans 5 [6] For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. [7] For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. [8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. [9] Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. [10] For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Romans 10 [8] But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; [9] 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. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

1Cor.15  [1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; [2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. [3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Hopefully this study will provoke you to become a more dedicated, and consecrated Christian who will study and become a strong witness for the Lord Jesus in this upcoming year.

I encourage you to not just mention that Jesus was born, but share with your friends, loved ones, and anyone else that you come in contact with that Jesus died for their sins and in him they can find and have eternal life.

The Bible is an easy book to understand when you just read, and believe it, not try and make it say things it doesn’t say.

As far as spiritual discernment, when you know where to get your doctrine from, you will no longer be a confused Christian, or an easy target by the sleight of men to deceive you.

The words of our Apostle Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles!

2Tim.2 [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Come join with us as we study God’s Holy Word!

Remember most unsound Bible Doctrine, is sound Bible Doctrine misapplied to the wrong time period, or wrong group of people.

The next lesson is in work, and will be posted when done!  

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Lesson 27 Can I Be Forgiven? Have I Committed The Unpardonable Sin?

I ask that as we go through these lessons, that you get a Bible, read it, pray, study, and ask the Holy Spirit of the Living God, to help guide you into truth.

We believe comparing scripture with scripture, and comparing spiritual things with spiritual things, is the only correct way for Christians to discern truth from error.

If you fail to understand, or fail to learn how to rightly divide the word of truth, you can never come to the knowledge of the truth and sound doctrine.

This lesson is for one of my brothers in the Lord who recommended this for a lesson topic.

Occasionally I run into people who for one reason or another believe they have committed the unpardonable sin, or are so bad that they cannot be forgiven.

We will look at where the unpardonable sin, as it has come to be known, appears in the Bible and then we will look at whether a person can be so bad they cannot be forgiven.

Matt.12 [22] Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. [23] And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?  [24] But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. [25] And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: [26] And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? [27] And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. [28] But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. [29] Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. [30] He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. [31] Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. [32] And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Alright now when we look at these verses we see that the Lord Jesus healed a blind and dumb (not able to speak) man and he was then able to speak and see. The people who witnessed this immediately said “Is not this the son of David?” and in posing that question were implying that Jesus was the Christ foretold of in the Old Testament.

By this time any student of the Bible is aware that the Pharisees (the religious leaders of Israel) were so spiritually bankrupt that they could not see the handwriting on the wall that Jesus Christ was indeed Israel’s promised messiah.

As you may have read in previous lessons, one of the proof texts that Jesus was the God of the Old Testament in a human body, is the fact that he was able to open the eyes of the blind.

Psalms [8] The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:”

In verse 25 the scripture gives us another proof text that Jesus is more than just some common man, it reveals that he knew and could read the very thoughts of people “And Jesus knew their thoughts”, we are not talking about some circus side show psychic trickery. Jesus could read every thought of the Pharisees, and didn’t ask “is this what your thinking” but immediately gave them an answer to what they were thinking, he said “if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?”

Jesus simply appealed to their common sense, if his healing people meant he was working for Satan, and undoing Satan’s work, that would mean Satan was divided against himself and Satan’s kingdom would not be able to stand.

Jesus then makes the statement “But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.” he now brings the Pharisees back to the fact of his ministry to the Nation Israel and the fact that he is the “King of Israel the Son of David” and that they are accountable. He then makes the statement “He that is not with me is against me”.

In verse 31 Jesus says “Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. [32] And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. ”

We now see Jesus make the statement and define what has become known as the unpardonable sin, and it was the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost.

Now I am going to tell you that it is currently impossible to commit this unpardonable sin in the same fashion that Jesus was accusing the Pharisees of doing. The Pharisees attributed to Satan, the healing of the blind man by the very God of Heaven (Jesus Christ), who by the Holy Ghost gave sight to the blind! (Psalms [8] The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind:)

In order to repeat this sin you would have to be standing in the very presence of Jesus who just healed a person and tell him that he performed the miracle by the power of Satan. Jesus is currently back in heaven preparing for his return back to planet Earth so it is physically impossible to currently repeat this act in like manner as the Pharisees did.

Now lets look and see if it is possible for a person to be so bad that they cannot be forgiven today.

To answer this question we must leave the Old Testament teachings of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the first eight chapters of Acts and look to the teachings that the Lord Jesus gave to the Apostle Paul for the Body of Christ, in the dispensation of grace, the time period that we are currently living in.

Romans [23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;   [24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:   [25] 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;   [26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Paul speaking the words the Lord Jesus gave him, and him only for the body of Christ in Romans establishes the following facts in verse “[23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” simply put every person living today is a sinner.

Then in verse we read “[24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” Paul shares that it is by grace that anyone can obtain redemption in Christ.

In verse 25 we are informed “[25] 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;” we see that God set forth these things for the remission of sins.

In verse 26 “[26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” we see that God declared his righteousness so he could be just and the justifier of sinners that believe in Jesus.

In case you didn’t notice verses 24-26 are all one sentence and covers the entire plan and purpose of the Lord Jesus Christ’s Death, Burial, and Resurrection from the dead, which was to save sinners.

1Cor.6 [9] Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, [10] Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.  [11] 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.

I believe that in the above verses Paul pretty much covers every kind of sin a man can commit and in verse 11 he declares that the believers he was talking to were washed, sanctified, and justified, “in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God”.

Romans 10  [8] But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; [9] 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. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

In Romans 10 verses 8-10 Paul tells in simple words how a sinner can be saved, and I find no where in the all the words given to Paul to preach to the Gentile’s where anyone was such a bad person that they could not be saved.

So I encourage anyone reading this to understand that we are all sinners and God said that no one can be saved by being good or doing good things, it is only through faith in what Jesus Christ did for us can one be saved.

The only sin that I can find a person can commit today, and not be forgiven of is to reject the the Holy Ghost's prompting to accept the free gift of salvation offered to all people by the Lord Jesus. If you refuse to be saved then there is no hope for you.

The Bible is an easy book to understand when you just read, and believe it, not try and make it say things it doesn’t say.

As far as spiritual discernment, when you know where to get your doctrine from, you will no longer be a confused Christian, or an easy target by the sleight of men to deceive you.

Romans 10 [8] But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; [9] 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. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

  

The words of our Apostle Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles!

2Tim.2 [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Come join with us as we study God’s Holy Word!

Remember most unsound Bible Doctrine, is sound Bible Doctrine misapplied to the wrong time period, or wrong group of people.

Lesson 28 is in work, and will be posted when done!  

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