Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Whats MISSING in the New Bibles?
Brief Sermon Overview:
**WHY HAVENT CHRISTIANS BEEN WARNED**
Learn the dark history behind the NIV,NASB,NKJV and other new Bible translations, and how these new bibles are being used to divide the church and pave the way for the One World Religion by slowly changing Christian doctrine with every new bible version. the changes they have made will shock you..
this is a MUST for ALL CHRISTIANS,
EXTREMELY INFORMATIVE!!! PLEASE DONT AVOID THIS MESSAGE!!!
share this info your pastors, friends, elders, ministers of all kinds.
Comments:
Gregory A. M from Worthington, Ohio (7/20/2008)
“ Great Sermon! ”
Defending new translations is the work of Satan. How sad to see those who profess to love Jesus Christ defending the Satanic corruptions. Learn the truth about WHERE Siniaticus and Vaticanus came from. Your new "bible" came from the POPE. Everyone using a NASB or other new bible should write the Pope a letter of THANKS. Then CC Satan on that same letter.
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Michael Kosman (4/17/2008)
“ AMEN ”
Don't listen to Tom Johnson from LA, CA. He is a wolf in sheep's skin. Gail Riplinger is right on the money, AMEN!
Thank you his message from satan deleted.
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Robert R from Tampa, Florida (1/26/2006)
“ Great Sermon! Amen and Amen!!! ”
The Devil is unrelenting in his attack upon the God's word, and sadly most pastors and churches are cooperating in this by using corrupted versions of the Bible. The NIV, NASB, NKJV, The Message, and other new Bible translations belong in the trash, pure and simple! ANY CHRISTIAN WHO DOES NOT PRAYERFULLY LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE IS IN GRAVE SPIRITUAL DANGER!
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peterbabu (9/28/2005)
“ Great Sermon! ”
this sermon is really an eye opener.kjv-will keep you in the right track.other new versions-will take anybody away from Exact God"s words.result-very worrying,as it leads to many confusion,lack of focus on where it should be!
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Unknown (7/22/2005)
“ Great Sermon! ”
thank you for the message.. very informative
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Nina from Baltimore, Maryland (3/1/2005)
“ Great Sermon! ”
I stumbled upon this broadcast by accident and I am grateful for Gail's work. Her comments echo many of my own suspicions about various versions of the bible and I'm glad that someone has dealt with the issue. Thanks again.
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Vincent M. C. from Memphis (3/1/2005)
“ Great Sermon! ”
please read the Bible Believer's Bulletin from Bible Baptist Bookstore P.O.Box 7135 Pensacola, FL 32534 1-800-659-1478. Any work by David Otis Fuller, Edward Hills, William p. Grady, Ed Devries, Peter S. Ruckman, Jack Hyles,Barry Burton, Chick Publications (www.chick.com) and www.biblebelievers.com-Real Audio link. There are 74 messages defending the KJV 1611 A.V.!!! Even the Catholic Church knows that the King James Bible IS the Word of God and they are doing everything in their power to put out so many "new versions" that the average Christian won't know what to do. The one question that can never be refuted in regard to the King James Version is, "What Bible has produced the fruit of millions of souls and great soul winning revivals all over this world?" That King James, God-honored, Black-backed 66 caliber Book! Praise God that King James had more sense than to give us a Catholic bible! It was never "communism" that we had to fear, it was, is, and has always been "Catholism"!!! The Jesuits are still at it brothers and sisters. Unless we start making a stand on the Book we will see the dark ages once again in this once great country that we call America! HEED THE WARNING! WANT POWER? GET THE BIBLE! The Bible that God uses and the Devil hates!
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e.s.v.l from London (1/3/2005)
“ Great Sermon! ”
This is a great sermon. You that love the Word of the living God need to hear this.
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Leslie from Ca (11/28/2004)
“ Super Informative ”
eye opening information !!share it with others
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Jim from Va (11/10/2004)
“ Eye Opening !! ”
If you love the Word of God, this is one you must hear and tell your friend about !!
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Billy W. from Carlsbad N.M. (10/11/2004)
“ A little known TRUTH among God's People ”
There is a book by the title God Wrote only one bible;- Have you read it and do you know how to get it/
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Yamil Luciano (10/9/2004)
“ Sola Escritura ”
Every reformed Christian should be aware of the Bible Version Debate. If they trully side with Sola Escritura then I believe they will side with the supremacy of the KJV position.
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Laura from Missouri (10/9/2004)
“ Please, LISTEN to this Broadcast! ”
Thank you for standing up for the truth! We must have a standard or we will fall for anything. When comparing Scripture with the other versions, in a side by side comparison, the truth is clear. The King James Version protects the holiness of God's Word. Why do the other versions take out the word Holy so many times? Why do they omit Jesus Christ's name and God so many times? Does this make things more clear? NO! And why in some of the other versions has the passage in Isaiah, referring to Lucifer and his fall, been changed to where he is now called the Morning Star instead of Lucifer or Satan, when we know that only Jesus Christ is the Bright and Morning Star as stated in Revelation? May God wake up His Church to the craftiness of Satan.
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Laurel from Maryland (10/6/2004)
“ Great Message! ”
much needed message
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Clark from AZ (9/18/2004)
“ Well Spoken ”
well spoken
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Charlotte from Alaska (8/23/2004)
“ Valuable Information ”
Thank you for this audio.
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David from Columbia SC (8/7/2004)
“ Recommend book: God's Word in our Hands ”
Concerning "Whats MISSING in the New Bibles" I would recommended two books: 1. "God's Word in our Hands" - The Bible preserved for us Chapter 7 How much difference do the differences make - Mark Minnick 2. And an earlier book "From the Mind of God to the Mind of Man" - a laymans guide to how we got our bible Both General Editor: James B. Williams Publisher: Ambassador Emrald International. Greenville SC and Northern Ireland www.emerldhouse.com
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Candace Lee from AZ (8/2/2004)
“ I never knew about this ”
Thank you so much for this mesage, It leaves me with much to think about. This message is life changing. I look forward to part 2.
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Phillip from Hazelton PA (7/19/2004)
“ Great Sermon! ”
POWERFUL..if your a Christian you NEED TO HEAR THIS!! dont pass this by. This may be the second most important message you ever hear next to the message that led you to Jesus!!!
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Shiela from Houston Tx (7/15/2004)
“ Powerful.. ”
This is the message to hear, I really didnt know just how much had been removed and changed in the new bible versions, you really need to hear this one!!! and spread the word!!!
Errors In New Bibles
Brief Sermon Overview:
The deepest look into the new translations of the Bible, many have worked hard to keep this information hidden from christians but we think you deserve to know this information. there is a video avaliable for this audio, it is called TRANSPARENT TRANSLATORS it cannot be purchased from the Underground Christian Network but from Ms.Riplingers website
www.avpublications.com
Friday, July 17, 2009
The English Bible - Does it Matter Which One?
Brief Sermon Overview:
Sermon was given at a Trinitarian Bible Society meeting at the
Pilgrims Covenant Church.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
RACISM in the Church.{Article}
RACISM: THE NEW DIVERSION
by Dr. Ken Matto
Well Satan has done it again! He has found another way to divert the church from preaching the true gospel to preaching a political, non-salvation gospel. It is true that racism is wrong and is sinful. If a person is a Christian and still holds to racist views, they must really check to see if they are saved, (2 Cor 13:5 KJV) "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"
As Christians why does it surprise us that the unbeliever is a racist? Remember in 1 Corinthians 6 where God through Paul gives a list of heinous sins and then in verse 11, God states "that such were some of you." Racism is sin and because it is sin, it will never be abolished from this earth until the Lord returns and ushers in the new heaven and new earth. Why should racism be any different than any other sin and be given a prominent exposure? Let me illustrate:
God created sex,
Sin created fornication.
God created men and women,
Sin created homosexuality and lesbianism
God created grapes,
Sin created wine.
God created the tobacco leaf
Sin created cigarettes.
God created the races,
Sin created racism.
Racism is just another sin which has to be killed but it cannot be killed by running to a stadium and holding hands with other races. It is killed by the preaching of the true gospel which replaces the heart of stone with a heart of flesh (Ezek. 36:26) which is another way of saying salvation.
In the past Satan has engineered false gospels which have been accepted by the church without any investigation. Let me name some: Political gospel, Social gospel, Ecumenicalism, Ritual gospel, Cultic exclusivity gospels, and now the gospel of Racial Reconciliation. Faith comes by hearing the true Word of God and any additions or subtractions to it constitutes adultery. An adulterated gospel is a weak substitute and can save no one.
Satan is a master of diversion. He has driven the church off track thousands of times. Why? Ignorant church leaders either will not check things out in the Scriptures or they fear if they don’t join the ranks of the mentally unemployed they will not be considered good guys and will lose their position.
The most culpable group for defrauding the church is the clergy. They rely on their seminary education and degrees rather than the Bible alone. Their walk with the Lord is not important as long as they have enough degrees to impress the naive sheep.
If the Scriptures were used by the clergy as a the final authority, the church would be a strong, vibrant entity rather than a weak, vulnerable target for every evil movement that surfaces.
A church which diverts from the true gospel is a false church and this is Satan’s goal to make as many true churches into false churches as he can before the Lord’s return. I am sorry to say that the church will never progress with so many Jeremiah 23 and Ezekiel 34 clergy in the pulpits.
If I go to a Promise Keepers meeting as a racist, and I leave that meeting not as a racist, am I saved? The answer is no! When racism or any other sin becomes the focus of any church or spiritual meeting, it has ceased to become spiritual and is become secular, which means of no value, not little value, of no value. I feel sorry for Christians who go to church Sunday after Sunday and are bombarded with secular subjects. Most of it just plain guilt manipulation.
Secular preaching does not build up a Christian in the most holy faith, (Jude 1:20 KJV "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost").
If your church has ceased preaching the true gospel for the social gospel, then for your own spiritual growth, you must leave that church, even if it is the church your parents grew up in.
Racism is evil and there is no two ways about it and all races are guilty of it, not just a single one. When I read the biography of Al Capone I learned in 1920’s Chicago that the Irish and the Italians hated each other. Why? Racism! Yet, these are two fine races of people.
When Jesus was on earth, He encountered racism between the Jews and the Samaritans. He did not try to mend it according to worldly ways. This is why He gave the parable of the Good Samaritan, to show us that we need to be kind to all. The only way racial barriers are broken down biblically is through the teaching of the true gospel. When someone becomes saved, they receive a new heart and this heart enables them to see past skin color or ethnic origin.
The old unregenerate heart still holds to all the prejudices and hatreds it has been taught and no amount of psychological or guilt manipulation will ever change that heart, only Christ can change it. This is why it is mandatory that the church does not turn from its "first love." When we preach against certain sins, this adds to the message of salvation and causes us to lose our divinely appointed mission and that is to preach the gospel.
Preachers who focus on racism use 2 Cor. 5:19-20 as their source. This is a blatant misuse of God’s Word. The ministry of reconciliation we have is preaching the gospel so the sinner will be reconciled unto God. Reconciliation among the races comes after as a fruit of true conversion (fruit of the spirit). This is why racism is another diversion from truth.
by Dr. Ken Matto
Well Satan has done it again! He has found another way to divert the church from preaching the true gospel to preaching a political, non-salvation gospel. It is true that racism is wrong and is sinful. If a person is a Christian and still holds to racist views, they must really check to see if they are saved, (2 Cor 13:5 KJV) "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"
As Christians why does it surprise us that the unbeliever is a racist? Remember in 1 Corinthians 6 where God through Paul gives a list of heinous sins and then in verse 11, God states "that such were some of you." Racism is sin and because it is sin, it will never be abolished from this earth until the Lord returns and ushers in the new heaven and new earth. Why should racism be any different than any other sin and be given a prominent exposure? Let me illustrate:
God created sex,
Sin created fornication.
God created men and women,
Sin created homosexuality and lesbianism
God created grapes,
Sin created wine.
God created the tobacco leaf
Sin created cigarettes.
God created the races,
Sin created racism.
Racism is just another sin which has to be killed but it cannot be killed by running to a stadium and holding hands with other races. It is killed by the preaching of the true gospel which replaces the heart of stone with a heart of flesh (Ezek. 36:26) which is another way of saying salvation.
In the past Satan has engineered false gospels which have been accepted by the church without any investigation. Let me name some: Political gospel, Social gospel, Ecumenicalism, Ritual gospel, Cultic exclusivity gospels, and now the gospel of Racial Reconciliation. Faith comes by hearing the true Word of God and any additions or subtractions to it constitutes adultery. An adulterated gospel is a weak substitute and can save no one.
Satan is a master of diversion. He has driven the church off track thousands of times. Why? Ignorant church leaders either will not check things out in the Scriptures or they fear if they don’t join the ranks of the mentally unemployed they will not be considered good guys and will lose their position.
The most culpable group for defrauding the church is the clergy. They rely on their seminary education and degrees rather than the Bible alone. Their walk with the Lord is not important as long as they have enough degrees to impress the naive sheep.
If the Scriptures were used by the clergy as a the final authority, the church would be a strong, vibrant entity rather than a weak, vulnerable target for every evil movement that surfaces.
A church which diverts from the true gospel is a false church and this is Satan’s goal to make as many true churches into false churches as he can before the Lord’s return. I am sorry to say that the church will never progress with so many Jeremiah 23 and Ezekiel 34 clergy in the pulpits.
If I go to a Promise Keepers meeting as a racist, and I leave that meeting not as a racist, am I saved? The answer is no! When racism or any other sin becomes the focus of any church or spiritual meeting, it has ceased to become spiritual and is become secular, which means of no value, not little value, of no value. I feel sorry for Christians who go to church Sunday after Sunday and are bombarded with secular subjects. Most of it just plain guilt manipulation.
Secular preaching does not build up a Christian in the most holy faith, (Jude 1:20 KJV "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost").
If your church has ceased preaching the true gospel for the social gospel, then for your own spiritual growth, you must leave that church, even if it is the church your parents grew up in.
Racism is evil and there is no two ways about it and all races are guilty of it, not just a single one. When I read the biography of Al Capone I learned in 1920’s Chicago that the Irish and the Italians hated each other. Why? Racism! Yet, these are two fine races of people.
When Jesus was on earth, He encountered racism between the Jews and the Samaritans. He did not try to mend it according to worldly ways. This is why He gave the parable of the Good Samaritan, to show us that we need to be kind to all. The only way racial barriers are broken down biblically is through the teaching of the true gospel. When someone becomes saved, they receive a new heart and this heart enables them to see past skin color or ethnic origin.
The old unregenerate heart still holds to all the prejudices and hatreds it has been taught and no amount of psychological or guilt manipulation will ever change that heart, only Christ can change it. This is why it is mandatory that the church does not turn from its "first love." When we preach against certain sins, this adds to the message of salvation and causes us to lose our divinely appointed mission and that is to preach the gospel.
Preachers who focus on racism use 2 Cor. 5:19-20 as their source. This is a blatant misuse of God’s Word. The ministry of reconciliation we have is preaching the gospel so the sinner will be reconciled unto God. Reconciliation among the races comes after as a fruit of true conversion (fruit of the spirit). This is why racism is another diversion from truth.
John Todd:Satanism & the Illuminati
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Evils%20in%20America/Rock-n-Roll/john_todd.htm
His name was John Todd, a former member of the illuminati. He warned us against their plans for world domination before he was framed and effectively discredited by the illuminati. The words that he left on his audio tapes are still coming to fruition, which puts lots of credibility on his claim that he was an insider. These audio tape speak about the evil plans of the illuminati for world control. This is just another piece of the puzzle that explains what’s going on today’s world. Few people have any clue as to the deliberate Satanic subversion of America by the Illuminati.
{NOTE:}
Here are some related Links to John's Todd's testimonial FOLLOW LINK ABOVE. It's not good to believe every article about the Illuminati that you may find on the Internet. Some disinformation is deliberately fabricated to confuse the public. Below are some of the most trustworthy sites. Beware of those authors who receive little or no opposition for their message, like David Icke!
His name was John Todd, a former member of the illuminati. He warned us against their plans for world domination before he was framed and effectively discredited by the illuminati. The words that he left on his audio tapes are still coming to fruition, which puts lots of credibility on his claim that he was an insider. These audio tape speak about the evil plans of the illuminati for world control. This is just another piece of the puzzle that explains what’s going on today’s world. Few people have any clue as to the deliberate Satanic subversion of America by the Illuminati.
{NOTE:}
Here are some related Links to John's Todd's testimonial FOLLOW LINK ABOVE. It's not good to believe every article about the Illuminati that you may find on the Internet. Some disinformation is deliberately fabricated to confuse the public. Below are some of the most trustworthy sites. Beware of those authors who receive little or no opposition for their message, like David Icke!
Voices from Hell and What They Have to Say to America Today
Luc A from Ottawa Canada (3/23/2007)
“ Very Sobering! ”
Where are they now? Where are the mighty men and mighty kingdoms of old? They have all gone down to the pit. God will rain fire and brimestone on all that do wickedly. The rich man who was tormented in the Bible remains there to this day and will be tormented forever. Powerful sobering message.
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Daniel M L from Altoona Pa. (1/7/2007)
“ Great Sermon! ”
America is at war with the Almighty God. America proudly displays its sins of immorality, abortion and sodomy without any remorse. This is a war America cannot win and will not win. But God is merciful, Ezekiel 33:5 but he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. Thank You Dr. Cairns for having the courage to preach this sermon.
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Emmanuel from India (11/10/2006)
“ Great Sermon! ”
Dear Dr.Alan Greetings in the name of our Lord Your message to Americans in voices from Hell.....is thought provoking &timely We the christian in India are much distressed by the sexualSodomic abomination sins in USA such as allowing Gay marriages in churches under the name of freedom I believe that Second coming of Christ is linked with The fall of USA If USA christians repent the fall of USA will be postponed and the whole humanity will be blessed let us pray for it May God bless you.your family& internet ministry Emmanuel Rtd. Prof.of maths Tamil Nadu India
The Funeral Message of an Unbeliever
Brief Sermon Overview:
What should a pastor do or say when he is faced with the responsibility of preaching the funeral of one who has passed away in unbelief, having no interest in the things of God.
Should you lie . . . or tell them the truth about God?
If you have 22 minutes to consider eternity, it might well mean your eternal welfare.
Brewa J C from Nepal (11/2/2008)
“ An Inconvienent Truth ”
Yes! let the Body of Christ knows that, its not the amount of people that attend one funeral or the praises of men for the decease, that matters but only by receiving The Lord as our Saviour whilst alive backed up by total obedience to the word of God can one make it for heaven. Moreover, in funeral sevices, the fate of an unbeliever in eternity should be preach undiluted as stated by the word of God.
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Thomas M S from Jenison, MI (6/28/2008)
“ Great Sermon! ”
The message was great, I wish I could have been there, praying that God would allow it to make its proper impression on me to be more concerned for the lost. Richard Baxter wrote in 1656, Shall thousands die and go to hell before thou wilt speak one serious word to prevent it ? Will they not there curse thee for ever that thou didst no more in time to fave them ?" I confess that I seldom hear the bell toll for one that is dead but conscience asks me, "What hadst thou done for the saving of that soul before it left the body? There is one more gone into eternity ; what didst thou do to prepare him for it ?" — When you are laying a corpse in the grave, how can you help reflecting with yourselves to this purpose : " Here lies the body, but where is the soul?
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plw from Mo (6/26/2008)
“ Great Sermon! ”
This is a great sobering message. We need all pastors to preach this message at unbelievers funerals. You have a captive audience so why not. I think the Lord would be very pleased with the message.
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Berean Wife from Alabama (6/26/2008)
“ Great Sermon! ”
Thank you for your teaching of the Truth of the Bible. I have been to so many funerals where the pastor essentially told everyone that they would all see the departed when they get to heaven, with no gospel given. The church today has deceived so many into thinking they are saved because they said a little prayer when nine at VBS.
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Wayne from Oregon (2/25/2008)
“ Great Sermon! ”
WOW! A sermon which should be preached at all unbelievers funeral's and a wonderful example of the Gospel being proclaimed like a trumpet! Christ exalting and man debasing! Preach on Brother Fortner!!!
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Sabet from Toronto (12/31/2007)
“ Great Sermon! ”
Dear Bro. Fortner, I have learned to cherish your Sermons and recommend that others listen. But today, I listened to the message preached at a funeral and I am stunned to find that you put forth the question and the answer that I am trying to deal with. Based on a message I heard in church yesterday I told the Pastor I needed to talk with him. It seemed to me he was giving unsaved people assurances meant only for God's redeemed people. Thanks to you I have my answer. I am so glad for the internet. I would otherwise starve for good teaching. God bless you in all His good things.
The Lie of Most Churches
Brief Sermon Overview:
God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie. The lie is that man has done something to merit God's favor. He is sitting in the temple of God shewing himself that he is God.
Rita B from New Jersey (10/12/2007)
“ Great Sermon! ”
TWO YEARS AGO I WOULD HAVE STRONLY FOUGHT YOU ON THIS SERMON LARRY, BUT PRAISE THE LORD, THAT "HE" BRINGS THOSE THAT ARE TRULY "HIS" TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH. ONLY BY READING AND STUDYING GOD'S WORD, CAN WE FIND THIS TRUTH AND ONCE WE FIND IT, I CAN SAY OF MYSELF, HOW WERE YOU SO BLINDED BEFORE? AMEN AND GOD BLESS
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Rita B (8/29/2007)
“ Great Sermon! ”
It is never a waste of time to listen to your sermons. They are packed full of truth. God Bless You
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plw from Mo (1/9/2007)
“ Refreshing!! ”
Arminian, synergism,and semi-pelagianism, is running full force in the churches today. We live in an anti-Calvinistic area. It is SO dry here. Reformed Theology is out and we are in a huge spiritual war. Why people think they can take some of the credit for being saved is beyond us. False conversions, and 'decisional' regeneration' are in and the Spurgeons, Calvins, Pinks, Knoxs, Augustinians, and etc. are out. People get really upset with you when you tell them God did it all. Go figure!! And no we don't believe in the 'free will'lie.
Billy Graham Robert Schuler-False Prophets
Brief Sermon Overview:
Jeremiah lived in a time like today when there were many false prophets preaching lies saying they had received a revelation from God in a dream and telling everyone what they wanted to hear rather than the truth.
This is exactly what is happening in our world today. God is angry at the so-called preachers and leaders today who are going against the very Word of God in their messages of tickling people's ears.
The New World Order Rockefellers, Rothschilds, DuPonts, Bundy, Collins & Kennedy Synagogue of Satan
Brief Sermon Overview:
Are the Masonic Lodge, the Knights Templar, the Illuminati and the 13 ruling families of the world a part of Satan's master plan?
Mike H from Toronto (7/27/2008)
“ Great Sermon! ”
There ought to be more preachers who expose the New World Order. After all, it is this group of people who plan on bringing about the Antichrist's government. Even the best churches totally ignore the issue, and refuse to talk about it in church. I guess they don't want to lose their status as a nonprofit if they speak out against the government. Is there no good church these days? They are all corrupt!
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Rita B from New Jersey (10/12/2007)
“ Great Sermon! ”
I ASK WHY THERE ARE SO FEW OF US WHO ARE AWARE OF ALL THESE THINGS LARRY. WHY AREN'T THE CHURCHES EXPOSING THIS KIND OF INFORMATION? WHEN I FIRST WAS TOLD OF THESE THINGS BY A DEAR FRIEND OF MINE, I THOUGHT HE WAS CRAZY UNTIL I STARTED TO DO MY OWN RESEARCH AND WITH AN OPEN MIND BEGAN TO SEE THE TRUTH. I'M AFRAID THE MAJORITY OF SO-CALLED CHRISTIANS, ARE JUST TOO BUSY BEING IN THE WORLD TO EVEN CONSIDER FOLLOWING UP ON ANY OF THIS AND IT IS A SHAME. I'M SO GLAD I AM NOT IGNORANT AND HAVE GOD FEARING MEN LIKE YOU IN MY LIFE TO BRING THE TRUTH TO LIGHT. GOD BLESS
The Word of Faith Deceptions
Brief Sermon Overview:
The prominent TV preacher's exposed for the deceptive wolves they are. These few elitest "Christians" are well known to everyone and are in the loop of the illuminists "Christian" branches of the occult to deceive Christians and put them to sleep to the things concerning their control and plans toward a one world order with a one world religion.
You can be set free from drugs.
You dont have to recover from drug addiction you can be set free.
If the Son therefore shall make you free,ye shall be free indeed.{John 8:36}KJB
501c3 Church myths {Article}
1.A church or church ministry must be 501c3 in order to avoid paying taxes.
2.A church or church ministry must be 501c3 in order to be tax deductible.
3.Churches should comply with all the laws of the land because Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” (Mr 12:17). Therefore, it is only right for a church to become a 501c3.
4.Being a 501c3 helps to legitimize a church in the eyes of the world. After all, Paul said, “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” (2Co 8:21)
Myths #1 & 2 have been promulgated for years by swarms of attorneys, as well as some accountants. Both myths are patently false. When it comes to legal and tax matters, most people just assume that the “licensed professionals” know what they're talking about. Little do people realize that far too many attorneys never personally study the law for themselves, and are merely parroting what they've heard other attorneys say. Once a myth gets started in the legal profession, it tends to spread like a wildfire, particularly when the myth can make a lot of money for the tens of thousands of attorneys who want to take advantage of it. We’ll debunk these myths using the IRS’ own publications.
Myth #3 is often promulgated by folks who misconstrue the statements of Jesus to justify placing His church under State authority. Theologically, this is referred to as “Erastianism,” a position that holds that the church is, and ought to be, subordinate to the State.
Myth #4 is often promulgated by those who are preoccupied with pleasing men in order to win their approval. This is problematic because it inevitably results in worldly compromise. The emphasis in Paul's teaching is first upon doing what is honest “in the sight of the Lord.” Only then are we enabled to do what is honest “in the sight of men.”
Myth #1. Tax Exempt:
The IRS has acknowledged for decades that it is completely unnecessary for any church to apply for a tax-exempt status. According to IRS Publication 557, as well as IRS Code § 508, churches and church ministries are “exempt automatically.” Application for an exempt status is not only superfluous, but to do so subordinates that church to the IRS. Churches in America have always been nontaxable anyway. It simply makes no sense for a church to go to the IRS and seek permission to be exempted from a tax the government can’t impose in the first place.
The church in America is protected from the government by the First Amendment:
“Congress shall make NO law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
It would be absurd to suppose that you could have free exercise of religion if you had to pay for it (taxes). If Congress can make NO law respecting the church, it can make NO law to tax the church.
The IRS lacks the jurisdiction necessary to tax the churches in America. The IRS has no more jurisdiction over the churches in America than it does over the churches in Canada. It would be as absurd (and tyrannical) for the IRS to tax the churches in America, as it would be for the IRS to tax churches in Canada. They don't have jurisdiction.
Myth #2. Tax Deductible:
Whether or not a church or church ministry applies for and receives a “501c3 tax-exempt recognition letter” from the IRS, any contributions made to a church are “automatically qualified” as a tax write-off to the contributor, pursuant to IRS Publication 526, and IRS Code § 170(c)(2)(B). A church does not have to be a "nonprofit charitable organization" to be tax deductible, nor does it need IRS authorization to be tax deductible. According to the IRS, churches have that status “automatically.”
Myth #3. Render To Caesar:
Jesus did indeed say, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s;” but that’s only half the verse! Jesus went on to say, “and to God the things that are God’s.” The obvious question to be asked is at what time did Jesus place His church under the authority and jurisdiction of Caesar (the State)?
Mark 12:17 is the most brilliant teaching on lawful authority and legal jurisdiction that anyone has ever uttered. We can properly interpret Jesus’ teaching in this way, “Don’t render to Caesar the things that don't belong Caesar.”
Only the "sovereign" (the supreme power) has the authority to impose a tax, and he may do so only upon his own citizen and subjects. Is the State sovereign over Jesus Christ and His body, the church? No, the civil government has no such lawful authority, biblically or constitutionally. If the civil government has the authority to tax the church, the church is a subordinate and a subject of the State.
God ordained both the church and the civil government, and has delineated their respective spheres of authority. There should be mutual accountability between the church and the State, but one is not an underling of the other.
America's Founding Fathers forever abolished the old State-Church and Church-State systems. However, those who would now advocate that the church should be subordinate to the State are, in reality, calling for a return of that old State-Church system.
For the church to apply to the government to be exempt from taxes presupposes that the government has legitimate authority to impose taxes on the church to begin with. Such thinking smacks of Erastianism.
“It should wrong our consciences.”
The clergy in America have not always been so confused on the issue of State taxation of the church. For many years it was understood that the church cannot and must not go to the State with hat in hand and ask permission to be exempted from taxes. To do so would be an admission that the church was under State jurisdiction. Instead, the church must refuse such an admission. The Rev. Isaac Backus was one such clergyman. In September of 1775 he preached a sermon to the Massachusetts Assembly in which he stated:
“Yet, as we are persuaded that an entire freedom from being taxed by civil rulers to religious worship is not a mere favor from any man or men in the world but a right and property granted us by God, who commands us to stand fast in it, we have not only the same reason to refuse an acknowledgment of such a taxing power here, as America has the abovesaid power, but also, according to our present light, we should wrong our consciences in allowing that power to men, which we believe belongs only to God.”
Myth #4. 501c3 Status Legitimizes the Church
It's a sad commentary on the church of our day when any church feels compelled to go to sinners to seek legitimacy. The church of Jesus Christ is in no way legitimized by the license, approval, acknowledgement or permission of wicked men (those who don't appreciate how corrupt the IRS is haven't taken the time to study the public record).
For any church to submit to the IRS for 501c3 approval in an effort to be perceived by the world as being honest ("Providing for honest things"), even if it is well-intentioned is, nonetheless, completely illogical. Accountability is a good thing, but only when we make ourselves accountable to those whom the Scriptures call us to be accountable, and to those who are honest and trustworthy themselves.
Is it biblical for a church to make itself accountable to the IRS? Is the IRS honest and trustworthy? Is the IRS itself legitimate such that it can, with any genuine sense of credibility, legitimize anyone else as legitimate?
le•git•i•mate, adj. 1. Being in compliance with the law; lawful: a legitimate business. 2. Being in accordance with established or accepted patterns and standards.
Let's examine the IRS' own track record to determine its legitimacy: The last time that the Government Accounting Office even attempted to audit the IRS' books was in 1996 (they're supposed to audit the IRS every year, but they are no longer able to do so). In that year, GAO audits determined that over $13 billion of the taxes that the IRS had collected (in 1995) could not be accounted for. Thirteen-billion dollars had vanished, and the IRS offered no better explanation than to shrug their shoulders! The GAO found the IRS's books in such a shambles that they declared the IRS to be "unauditable." Furthermore, the IRS refused to be held accountable for the "loss."
How could 501c3 recognition from such a corrupt entity, an agency that literally holds itself to be above the law, and accoutable to no one, result in "legitimacy"? It's simply illogical to hold that recognition from any agency that isn't legitimate itself could result in legitimacy.
Is “honesty” (morality) a prerequisite for 501c3 recognition? If it were, then only honest and moral groups would be approved; but that is simply not the case at all. Even just a cursory review of IRS Publication 78 (an annual list all 501c3 organizations) reveals that many thousands of 501c3's are immoral and wicked organizations. These include:
Satanists
Wiccans
Homosexuals
Pedophiles
Pornographers
Pro-Aborts
Pagans
Atheists
and thousands of other organizations which are hellbent on destroying the moral fabric of this nation
Becoming a 501c3 places any church in very sordid company. It is both unbiblical and illogical to claim that a church becomes "legitimate" by receiving a 501c3 status.
2.A church or church ministry must be 501c3 in order to be tax deductible.
3.Churches should comply with all the laws of the land because Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” (Mr 12:17). Therefore, it is only right for a church to become a 501c3.
4.Being a 501c3 helps to legitimize a church in the eyes of the world. After all, Paul said, “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” (2Co 8:21)
Myths #1 & 2 have been promulgated for years by swarms of attorneys, as well as some accountants. Both myths are patently false. When it comes to legal and tax matters, most people just assume that the “licensed professionals” know what they're talking about. Little do people realize that far too many attorneys never personally study the law for themselves, and are merely parroting what they've heard other attorneys say. Once a myth gets started in the legal profession, it tends to spread like a wildfire, particularly when the myth can make a lot of money for the tens of thousands of attorneys who want to take advantage of it. We’ll debunk these myths using the IRS’ own publications.
Myth #3 is often promulgated by folks who misconstrue the statements of Jesus to justify placing His church under State authority. Theologically, this is referred to as “Erastianism,” a position that holds that the church is, and ought to be, subordinate to the State.
Myth #4 is often promulgated by those who are preoccupied with pleasing men in order to win their approval. This is problematic because it inevitably results in worldly compromise. The emphasis in Paul's teaching is first upon doing what is honest “in the sight of the Lord.” Only then are we enabled to do what is honest “in the sight of men.”
Myth #1. Tax Exempt:
The IRS has acknowledged for decades that it is completely unnecessary for any church to apply for a tax-exempt status. According to IRS Publication 557, as well as IRS Code § 508, churches and church ministries are “exempt automatically.” Application for an exempt status is not only superfluous, but to do so subordinates that church to the IRS. Churches in America have always been nontaxable anyway. It simply makes no sense for a church to go to the IRS and seek permission to be exempted from a tax the government can’t impose in the first place.
The church in America is protected from the government by the First Amendment:
“Congress shall make NO law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
It would be absurd to suppose that you could have free exercise of religion if you had to pay for it (taxes). If Congress can make NO law respecting the church, it can make NO law to tax the church.
The IRS lacks the jurisdiction necessary to tax the churches in America. The IRS has no more jurisdiction over the churches in America than it does over the churches in Canada. It would be as absurd (and tyrannical) for the IRS to tax the churches in America, as it would be for the IRS to tax churches in Canada. They don't have jurisdiction.
Myth #2. Tax Deductible:
Whether or not a church or church ministry applies for and receives a “501c3 tax-exempt recognition letter” from the IRS, any contributions made to a church are “automatically qualified” as a tax write-off to the contributor, pursuant to IRS Publication 526, and IRS Code § 170(c)(2)(B). A church does not have to be a "nonprofit charitable organization" to be tax deductible, nor does it need IRS authorization to be tax deductible. According to the IRS, churches have that status “automatically.”
Myth #3. Render To Caesar:
Jesus did indeed say, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s;” but that’s only half the verse! Jesus went on to say, “and to God the things that are God’s.” The obvious question to be asked is at what time did Jesus place His church under the authority and jurisdiction of Caesar (the State)?
Mark 12:17 is the most brilliant teaching on lawful authority and legal jurisdiction that anyone has ever uttered. We can properly interpret Jesus’ teaching in this way, “Don’t render to Caesar the things that don't belong Caesar.”
Only the "sovereign" (the supreme power) has the authority to impose a tax, and he may do so only upon his own citizen and subjects. Is the State sovereign over Jesus Christ and His body, the church? No, the civil government has no such lawful authority, biblically or constitutionally. If the civil government has the authority to tax the church, the church is a subordinate and a subject of the State.
God ordained both the church and the civil government, and has delineated their respective spheres of authority. There should be mutual accountability between the church and the State, but one is not an underling of the other.
America's Founding Fathers forever abolished the old State-Church and Church-State systems. However, those who would now advocate that the church should be subordinate to the State are, in reality, calling for a return of that old State-Church system.
For the church to apply to the government to be exempt from taxes presupposes that the government has legitimate authority to impose taxes on the church to begin with. Such thinking smacks of Erastianism.
“It should wrong our consciences.”
The clergy in America have not always been so confused on the issue of State taxation of the church. For many years it was understood that the church cannot and must not go to the State with hat in hand and ask permission to be exempted from taxes. To do so would be an admission that the church was under State jurisdiction. Instead, the church must refuse such an admission. The Rev. Isaac Backus was one such clergyman. In September of 1775 he preached a sermon to the Massachusetts Assembly in which he stated:
“Yet, as we are persuaded that an entire freedom from being taxed by civil rulers to religious worship is not a mere favor from any man or men in the world but a right and property granted us by God, who commands us to stand fast in it, we have not only the same reason to refuse an acknowledgment of such a taxing power here, as America has the abovesaid power, but also, according to our present light, we should wrong our consciences in allowing that power to men, which we believe belongs only to God.”
Myth #4. 501c3 Status Legitimizes the Church
It's a sad commentary on the church of our day when any church feels compelled to go to sinners to seek legitimacy. The church of Jesus Christ is in no way legitimized by the license, approval, acknowledgement or permission of wicked men (those who don't appreciate how corrupt the IRS is haven't taken the time to study the public record).
For any church to submit to the IRS for 501c3 approval in an effort to be perceived by the world as being honest ("Providing for honest things"), even if it is well-intentioned is, nonetheless, completely illogical. Accountability is a good thing, but only when we make ourselves accountable to those whom the Scriptures call us to be accountable, and to those who are honest and trustworthy themselves.
Is it biblical for a church to make itself accountable to the IRS? Is the IRS honest and trustworthy? Is the IRS itself legitimate such that it can, with any genuine sense of credibility, legitimize anyone else as legitimate?
le•git•i•mate, adj. 1. Being in compliance with the law; lawful: a legitimate business. 2. Being in accordance with established or accepted patterns and standards.
Let's examine the IRS' own track record to determine its legitimacy: The last time that the Government Accounting Office even attempted to audit the IRS' books was in 1996 (they're supposed to audit the IRS every year, but they are no longer able to do so). In that year, GAO audits determined that over $13 billion of the taxes that the IRS had collected (in 1995) could not be accounted for. Thirteen-billion dollars had vanished, and the IRS offered no better explanation than to shrug their shoulders! The GAO found the IRS's books in such a shambles that they declared the IRS to be "unauditable." Furthermore, the IRS refused to be held accountable for the "loss."
How could 501c3 recognition from such a corrupt entity, an agency that literally holds itself to be above the law, and accoutable to no one, result in "legitimacy"? It's simply illogical to hold that recognition from any agency that isn't legitimate itself could result in legitimacy.
Is “honesty” (morality) a prerequisite for 501c3 recognition? If it were, then only honest and moral groups would be approved; but that is simply not the case at all. Even just a cursory review of IRS Publication 78 (an annual list all 501c3 organizations) reveals that many thousands of 501c3's are immoral and wicked organizations. These include:
Satanists
Wiccans
Homosexuals
Pedophiles
Pornographers
Pro-Aborts
Pagans
Atheists
and thousands of other organizations which are hellbent on destroying the moral fabric of this nation
Becoming a 501c3 places any church in very sordid company. It is both unbiblical and illogical to claim that a church becomes "legitimate" by receiving a 501c3 status.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Speaking in Tongues
Speaking in Tongues
By James M. Frye
A Grace Bible Church Publication
You can find more articles by James M. Frye at our website: http://www.mydoctrine.com
We pray this information helps you in some way.
COPYRIGHT ©1998 - James M. Frye
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: All scripture quotations are taken from the Authorized King James Bible. Any deviations are not intentional. All underlines, bold and items within parentheses are the author's.
_______
Introduction
Let me begin by saying that I used to speak in what people call "tongues" today. As a new Christian, I became involved in the Charismatic movement and came to believe all of the modern Charismatic teachings on tongues. But as I continued to study my Bible and other materials on the subject, I soon realized that what I was doing was not the biblical gift of tongues.
What were tongues in the Bible? What was their purpose? Is the gift of tongues still in existence today? If not, then what are those who claim to speak in tongues actually doing? In an area that is often filled with much confusion and misunderstanding, it will be the purpose of this booklet to examine what the Bible says about this subject. What is the biblical teaching on tongues?
What Were Biblical Tongues?
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
Acts 2:4,6
This passage tells us what tongues were. Tongues were languages. The following verses go on to list numerous groups whose languages were being spoken.
Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues [languages] the wonderful works of God.
Acts 2: 9-11
The word tongue, then, means language. This is confirmed by many other passages of scripture.
... I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Acts 26:14
... and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.
Ezra 4:7
... whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
Revelation 9:11
Tongues, wherever you find them in the Bible, are languages. This is important to note, for those who claim to be speaking in tongues today are not speaking in actual languages.
There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification [significance of the differing sounds].
1 Corinthians 14:10
One thing that makes a language a language is that each sound has an agreed-upon meaning. "Up" means up and never means down. "White" means white and never mean giraffe. But the gibberish that is spoken by modern so-called tongues speakers is not a language at all.
People have taped those who claim to have the gifts of both tongues and the interpretation of tongues. What they have found without fail, when matching up the words of the speaker with the words of the interpreter, is inconsistency. One time the sound "ato" supposedly means "God", but the next time it is used to mean "pray", and the time after that "repent". This is not possible with any true language. So modern so-called tongues speakers, although they may claim to be speaking in actual languages, are not.
Are There Two Kinds of Tongues?
Some people will object at this point. They will say "But there are two kinds of tongues in the Bible. One is a language, but the other is an ‘ecstatic utterance’ (gibberish)". It is often said that the tongues in Acts chapter 2 are different from the tongues in 1 Corinthians chapter 14. But where in the Bible does it say that there were more than one type of tongues? It doesn’t. This confusion is brought about by the fact that in 1 Corinthians chapter 14 the Bible says that tongues needed to be interpreted to be understood. But in Acts chapter 2, they were understood without interpretation. Does this indicate that there were two different types of tongues?
It must be pointed out that a person who spoke in tongues was supernaturally gifted by God with the ability to speak in a language that he did not know. The person speaking didn’t even know what he himself was saying — unless, of course, God also gave him the gift of interpretation. Then why didn’t the tongues in Acts chapter 2 need to be interpreted? A careful reading of the text will reveal why.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
Acts 2:4-6
You see, on the day of Pentecost, there were people present (in Jerusalem) from "every nation under heaven". So many languages were being spoken that each person present heard his own language being spoken, so no interpretation was needed. But this was not the case in Corinth (1 Corinthians 14). When the local Christians in Corinth gathered together and a person began to speak in a language that he did not know, the others in Corinth didn’t understand the language either. It therefore needed to be interpreted. The tongues in 1 Corinthians 14 were the same as the tongues in Acts 2. Both were languages. The Bible knows nothing of two different types of tongues.
What was the Biblical Purpose of Tongues?
In the law it is written, WITH MEN OF OTHER TONGUES AND OTHER LIPS WILL I SPEAK UNTO THIS PEOPLE; AND YET FOR ALL THAT WILL THEY NOT HEAR ME, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not:
1 Corinthians 14:21-22
This passage tells us the biblical purpose for tongues. "Tongues are for a sign". This is not for believers but for unbelievers (a sign to unbelieving Jews). Verse 21 is a reference to Isaiah chapter 28.
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
Isaiah 28:11-13
This passage says that God will cause people to speak to the Jews (this people) with another tongue. Yet they will not hear, but will fall backward and be broken and snared (judgment will come).
On the day of Pentecost, after the apostles spoke in tongues, a great crowd gathered to see what was going on. The Apostle Peter then spoke to this Jewish crowd. One thing he told them was:
This Jesus hath God raised up, where-of we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear [tongues]. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, THE LORD SAID UNTO MY LORD, SIT THOU ON MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I MAKE THY FOES THY FOOTSTOOL. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Acts 2:32-36
This same Jesus whom the Jews had crucified was now in Heaven, exalted at the right hand of God. His foes (including the Jews who had crucified him) will be made his footstool. Peter, therefore, warned them in verse 40 to "save yourselves from this untoward generation (from the judgment to come upon it)". The evidence (sign) that this judgment would come was that Jesus had "shed forth that which ye now see and hear (tongues)". Tongues were a sign to the Jews who had rejected and killed their Messiah, that God’s judgment was going to come. More will be said about this in the next section.
Is the Gift of Tongues Still in Existence Today?
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
1 Corinthians 13:8
This passage tells us that tongues were to cease (pass away). But when were they to cease? Tongues were to cease when their purpose had been fulfilled.
We made reference in the last section to the purpose for the gift of tongues. The purpose was as a sign to the unbelieving Jews who had rejected their Messiah, that God’s judgment would come. Once this judgment came, the purpose for tongues would be fulfilled and tongues would cease.
When did this happen? Again, let us look to the new Testament.
But when the king [God] heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. [Jerusalem]
Matthew 22:7
And when he was come near, he beheld the city, [Jerusalem] and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation [Rejected your Messiah].
Luke 19:41-44
And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
Luke 21:20,22,24
All of these passages refer to 70 AD The Jews rejected and killed their Messiah, and God sent judgment in 70 AD by allowing the Roman armies to destroy Jerusalem.
Tongues were for a sign to unbelieving Jews that these things would come to pass. Once this judgment came, the purpose for tongues was fulfilled and tongues ceased. This is consistent with the writings of the Early Church, for after 70 AD, no one was any longer said to have been speaking in tongues.
What About Today’s "Tongues"?
If biblical tongues were languages, but today’s "tongues" are not languages, and if biblical tongues ceased in 70 AD but people still claim to be speaking in tongues today, what is going on? There are two explanations for modern tongues.
A Supernatural Explanation
Although biblical tongues were always languages, there is obviously another type of "tongues" present in the world today, but it is far from biblical. This type of "tongues" is an "ecstatic utterance" (gibberish). But where is it found? It is found, not only among Charismatics, but also among those in false religions. Ecstatic speech is common today among Muslims, Eskimos, Tibetan Monks (Buddhists), and even among those in the occult.
One can’t help but notice the obvious ramifications of this. If these "tongues" are the biblical gift of tongues, is God also giving this gift to those in pagan religions, cults, and the occult? No! Jesus Christ only gives spiritual gifts to those within the Christian Church. (Ephesians 4:8,11; 1 Corinthians 12:28). Therefore, since these "tongues" also exist outside of the Christian Church, they cannot be the biblical gift of tongues. It seems that the same spirit that is misleading those in false religions is also misleading those within the Christian Church. (1 Corinthians 10:20; 1 Timothy 4:1)
A Natural Explanation
As I stated in the introduction, I used to speak in what people call "tongues" today. At first I desired to speak with tongues and prayed to God that he would enable me to do so. But nothing happened. I read about the people in the Bible who spoke in tongues, and with them it just happened. In most cases, they had no idea that they were going to speak in tongues until after it had already happened.
I finally came across a booklet written by a popular Charismatic teacher which taught me how to speak in "tongues" (so called). That is exactly what the booklet did — these tongues were not a supernatural gift from God. It was something that could be learned. I was coached to begin speaking nonsensical syllables and let my tongue go. The booklet said that God would take over and control what I spoke. I think that I was aware all along that I was the one doing it — not God — but I had been conditioned to believe that I needed to do this in order to be "spiritual". Now looking back, I see how unscriptural all of this was. No one in the Bible was ever coached or taught how to speak in tongues. As I said before, it just happened to them. They did not expect, tarry, or do anything.
Biblical Restrictions on Tongues
Even the use of true biblical tongues was restricted in the Bible.
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course [one at a time]; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church ...
1 Corinthians 14:27-28
This passage gives the following restrictions for the use of tongues in the church:
No more than three may speak.
Only one at a time (by course).
Tongues must be interpreted or not spoken at all.
Every one of these restrictions is broken on a regular basis in many Charismatic churches. In the one I used to go to, people (more than three) would stand in a circle at the front of the church building. Then they would all speak in "tongues" (gibberish) at the same time (not one at a time), and in most cases nothing was interpreted. This was clearly a violation of all three of the above restrictions. Paul foresaw this kind of chaos.
If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
1 Corinthians 14:23
What is the priority of speaking in known languages as opposed to speaking in tongues?
Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
1 Corinthians 14:19
Misunderstood Verses
There are many verses that are misinterpreted by teachers within the Charismatic Movement today. In this section we will look at a few of them.
Praying in the Spirit
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Jude 1:20
The common Charismatic interpretation of this verse says that praying in the Holy Ghost (praying in the Spirit) refers to speaking in tongues. Well the Bible also tells us to walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16). If to "pray in the Spirit" means to pray in tongues, then to "walk in the spirit" must mean, to walk in tongues?
How silly. To walk in the Spirit means to walk "according to" the Spirit’s leading. To pray in the Spirit then, means to pray "according to the Spirit’s leading". The Holy Spirit will prompt us to pray for certain things. When we follow that prompting, we are praying "in the Spirit". This verse has nothing to do with speaking (or praying) in tongues.
Tongues of Angels
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
1 Corinthians 13:1
The common Charismatic interpretation of this verse says that tongues is a heavenly prayer language spoken by angels. We need to make a distinction between the word "tongue" and the word "tongues". When the word tongue (singular) is used, it is a reference to a single language. When the word tongues (plural) is used, it refers to more than one language. So, we must remember to define our terms properly according to the Bible.
Tongue = one language.
Tongues = more than one language.
To say that, "Tongues is a heavenly prayer language." doesn’t make sense. To use proper English, we would have to say, "Tongues are heavenly prayer languages." But no one says that tongues are prayer languages (plural). They (misunder-standing the terms) use the word tongues as if it were the same as the word tongue. This results in a twisting of scripture.
This passage says "tongues" (plural), not "tongue" (singular). It says "tongues of men and of angels". There are tongues (plural) of men and there are tongues (plural) of angels. This passage does not say that angels speak in "a tongue" (one language). It says that angels speak in "tongues" (more than one language). This passage, then, does not say that angels speak in a heavenly language.
What, then, is this passage saying? It says that if a person were able to speak with all the tongues (languages) that a man might be able to speak with (some men know over a dozen), and even with all the tongues (languages) that angels are able to speak with (they undoubtedly know thousands), but if they do not have charity (love), they are just making a lot of noise. This verse is making the point that love is far more important than speaking in tongues (languages).
No Man Understandeth
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
1 Corinthians 14:2
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
1 Corinthians 14:14
The common Charismatic interpretation of these verses says that speaking in tongues is a private prayer language. It is further stated that the tongues spoken of here could not be languages, for no man was able to understand them.
What a twisting of the texts. Paul is not saying that tongues is a private prayer language that cannot be understood. Paul is pointing out the futility of speaking in a language that is UNKNOWN to the hearers.
The context of this passage has to do with edification. If someone is speaking in a language that is UNKNOWN to the hearers, how is that edifying? That person is left speaking to the only one who can understand — God. This is why Paul forbade speaking in tongues without an interpreter (1 Cor. 14:28).
Groanings Which Cannot be Uttered
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Romans 8:26
The common Charismatic interpretation of this verse says that since we often don’t know what to pray for, we should speak in tongues and the Holy Spirit will pray through us the very thing that needs to be prayed.
Is that what this verse is talking about? No it is not. This passage says that the Holy Spirit will pray FOR us not "through" us. It further states that what is prayed are "Groanings which cannot be utterered (spoken). Since tongues are uttered they cannot be what this verse is referring to.
What then is this verse saying? Exactly what it says. Since we do not always know what to pray, the Holy Spirit prays FOR us. His groanings cannot be uttered.
Edifieth Himself
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
1 Corinthians 14:4
The common Charismatic interpretation of this verse says that tongues is a private prayer language which strengthens and edifies the believer.
It is interesting to note that 1 Corinthians chapter 14 was written to rebuke the Corinthians for their misuse of the gifts, especially tongues. The Corinthians were each trying to take center stage and show themselves as the most spiritual. Paul rebukes them for this and tells them that this is not edifying for others in the church (1 Cor. 14:12, 26).
By trying to flaunt their gifts, the Corinthians were "edifying" themselves. This verse is not a commendation. It is a rebuke.
Speak with New Tongues
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Mark 16:17-20
This is another passage that is commonly misinterpreted by Charismatics today. They tell us that these signs (including tongues) will follow all believers. But 1 Corinthians 12:29-30 makes it clear that not all believers could speak in tongues nor perform healings. So we know that this cannot be the correct interpretation of the passage. Secondly, this passage not only lists tongues as one of the signs, but also the ability to drink poison and not be affected by it as well. Few who claim this passage as proof that they possess the gift of tongues today, would also be willing to claim that they can drink poison and not be affected by it. But consistency in their interpretation would require it.
Since the Charismatic interpretation of this passage is obviously wrong, what then is this passage saying? Verses 17-19 speak of the signs that would be taking place in the early days of the church as the gospel went forth during the days of the apostles. Verse 20 speaks of these events in the past tense - they went (past tense) forth and this did happen. People did speak with tongues (Acts 2:4), the apostles and those whom they commissioned did cast out evil spirits (Acts 5:16, 8:7) , and Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake and lived (Acts 28:3). But by the time we come to the writing of the book of Hebrews these signs are once again spoken of as having passed.
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
Hebrews 2:3-4
Here the "confirmation", previously spoken of in Mark, is once again said to have already passed. If these things were still happening, the passage would have said "is being confirmed". But, since these signs were no longer taking place, it says "was confirmed". The time for these signs had already passed. Mark gives us a description of how the gospel went forth in the early days of the church under the ministry of the apostles. But it is Matthew who tells us how the gospel is to go forth until the end of the world.
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
There is no reference to signs or miracles here. There is no reference to this going forth of the gospel as being past. This is the way the gospel was, and is, to go forth unto the end of the world.
Summary
Many people claim to speak in tongues today, but these "tongues" have nothing to do with the biblical gift of tongues.
Biblical tongues were languages — modern tongues are not.
Biblical tongues were a sign to unbelieving Jews — modern tongues are not.
Biblical tongues ceased in 70 AD — the modern tongues movement did not begin until 1900.
Biblical tongues were a supernatural gift that came upon people unexpectedly — modern tongues are often a learned behavior. Even unbelievers can learn to do it.
Biblical tongues were found only within the Christian church — modern tongues are also found in pagan religions, cults, and the occult.
What will you believe? Will you believe what the Bible says about tongues?
-------------------------------------------------
Our Vision
There are many false doctrines being taught today, both inside and outside of the Christian Church. We at Grace Bible Church have a great desire to see that these false teachings are exposed and refuted by the Word of God. It is our desire to produce articles that may be placed (free of charge) in the hands of God's people - to enable them to share the truth with those who have been misled by false doctrine.
Would you like to have a part in this ministry and help us get this message out to others? If so, you may make as many copies of this article as you need to give to those who have been misled by the false teaching exposed here. To place this article on your webpage in its entirety, write to Grace Bible Church. Permission is usually granted.
May God bless you as you do His work.
By James M. Frye
A Grace Bible Church Publication
You can find more articles by James M. Frye at our website: http://www.mydoctrine.com
We pray this information helps you in some way.
COPYRIGHT ©1998 - James M. Frye
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: All scripture quotations are taken from the Authorized King James Bible. Any deviations are not intentional. All underlines, bold and items within parentheses are the author's.
_______
Introduction
Let me begin by saying that I used to speak in what people call "tongues" today. As a new Christian, I became involved in the Charismatic movement and came to believe all of the modern Charismatic teachings on tongues. But as I continued to study my Bible and other materials on the subject, I soon realized that what I was doing was not the biblical gift of tongues.
What were tongues in the Bible? What was their purpose? Is the gift of tongues still in existence today? If not, then what are those who claim to speak in tongues actually doing? In an area that is often filled with much confusion and misunderstanding, it will be the purpose of this booklet to examine what the Bible says about this subject. What is the biblical teaching on tongues?
What Were Biblical Tongues?
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
Acts 2:4,6
This passage tells us what tongues were. Tongues were languages. The following verses go on to list numerous groups whose languages were being spoken.
Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues [languages] the wonderful works of God.
Acts 2: 9-11
The word tongue, then, means language. This is confirmed by many other passages of scripture.
... I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Acts 26:14
... and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.
Ezra 4:7
... whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
Revelation 9:11
Tongues, wherever you find them in the Bible, are languages. This is important to note, for those who claim to be speaking in tongues today are not speaking in actual languages.
There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification [significance of the differing sounds].
1 Corinthians 14:10
One thing that makes a language a language is that each sound has an agreed-upon meaning. "Up" means up and never means down. "White" means white and never mean giraffe. But the gibberish that is spoken by modern so-called tongues speakers is not a language at all.
People have taped those who claim to have the gifts of both tongues and the interpretation of tongues. What they have found without fail, when matching up the words of the speaker with the words of the interpreter, is inconsistency. One time the sound "ato" supposedly means "God", but the next time it is used to mean "pray", and the time after that "repent". This is not possible with any true language. So modern so-called tongues speakers, although they may claim to be speaking in actual languages, are not.
Are There Two Kinds of Tongues?
Some people will object at this point. They will say "But there are two kinds of tongues in the Bible. One is a language, but the other is an ‘ecstatic utterance’ (gibberish)". It is often said that the tongues in Acts chapter 2 are different from the tongues in 1 Corinthians chapter 14. But where in the Bible does it say that there were more than one type of tongues? It doesn’t. This confusion is brought about by the fact that in 1 Corinthians chapter 14 the Bible says that tongues needed to be interpreted to be understood. But in Acts chapter 2, they were understood without interpretation. Does this indicate that there were two different types of tongues?
It must be pointed out that a person who spoke in tongues was supernaturally gifted by God with the ability to speak in a language that he did not know. The person speaking didn’t even know what he himself was saying — unless, of course, God also gave him the gift of interpretation. Then why didn’t the tongues in Acts chapter 2 need to be interpreted? A careful reading of the text will reveal why.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
Acts 2:4-6
You see, on the day of Pentecost, there were people present (in Jerusalem) from "every nation under heaven". So many languages were being spoken that each person present heard his own language being spoken, so no interpretation was needed. But this was not the case in Corinth (1 Corinthians 14). When the local Christians in Corinth gathered together and a person began to speak in a language that he did not know, the others in Corinth didn’t understand the language either. It therefore needed to be interpreted. The tongues in 1 Corinthians 14 were the same as the tongues in Acts 2. Both were languages. The Bible knows nothing of two different types of tongues.
What was the Biblical Purpose of Tongues?
In the law it is written, WITH MEN OF OTHER TONGUES AND OTHER LIPS WILL I SPEAK UNTO THIS PEOPLE; AND YET FOR ALL THAT WILL THEY NOT HEAR ME, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not:
1 Corinthians 14:21-22
This passage tells us the biblical purpose for tongues. "Tongues are for a sign". This is not for believers but for unbelievers (a sign to unbelieving Jews). Verse 21 is a reference to Isaiah chapter 28.
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
Isaiah 28:11-13
This passage says that God will cause people to speak to the Jews (this people) with another tongue. Yet they will not hear, but will fall backward and be broken and snared (judgment will come).
On the day of Pentecost, after the apostles spoke in tongues, a great crowd gathered to see what was going on. The Apostle Peter then spoke to this Jewish crowd. One thing he told them was:
This Jesus hath God raised up, where-of we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear [tongues]. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, THE LORD SAID UNTO MY LORD, SIT THOU ON MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I MAKE THY FOES THY FOOTSTOOL. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Acts 2:32-36
This same Jesus whom the Jews had crucified was now in Heaven, exalted at the right hand of God. His foes (including the Jews who had crucified him) will be made his footstool. Peter, therefore, warned them in verse 40 to "save yourselves from this untoward generation (from the judgment to come upon it)". The evidence (sign) that this judgment would come was that Jesus had "shed forth that which ye now see and hear (tongues)". Tongues were a sign to the Jews who had rejected and killed their Messiah, that God’s judgment was going to come. More will be said about this in the next section.
Is the Gift of Tongues Still in Existence Today?
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
1 Corinthians 13:8
This passage tells us that tongues were to cease (pass away). But when were they to cease? Tongues were to cease when their purpose had been fulfilled.
We made reference in the last section to the purpose for the gift of tongues. The purpose was as a sign to the unbelieving Jews who had rejected their Messiah, that God’s judgment would come. Once this judgment came, the purpose for tongues would be fulfilled and tongues would cease.
When did this happen? Again, let us look to the new Testament.
But when the king [God] heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. [Jerusalem]
Matthew 22:7
And when he was come near, he beheld the city, [Jerusalem] and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation [Rejected your Messiah].
Luke 19:41-44
And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
Luke 21:20,22,24
All of these passages refer to 70 AD The Jews rejected and killed their Messiah, and God sent judgment in 70 AD by allowing the Roman armies to destroy Jerusalem.
Tongues were for a sign to unbelieving Jews that these things would come to pass. Once this judgment came, the purpose for tongues was fulfilled and tongues ceased. This is consistent with the writings of the Early Church, for after 70 AD, no one was any longer said to have been speaking in tongues.
What About Today’s "Tongues"?
If biblical tongues were languages, but today’s "tongues" are not languages, and if biblical tongues ceased in 70 AD but people still claim to be speaking in tongues today, what is going on? There are two explanations for modern tongues.
A Supernatural Explanation
Although biblical tongues were always languages, there is obviously another type of "tongues" present in the world today, but it is far from biblical. This type of "tongues" is an "ecstatic utterance" (gibberish). But where is it found? It is found, not only among Charismatics, but also among those in false religions. Ecstatic speech is common today among Muslims, Eskimos, Tibetan Monks (Buddhists), and even among those in the occult.
One can’t help but notice the obvious ramifications of this. If these "tongues" are the biblical gift of tongues, is God also giving this gift to those in pagan religions, cults, and the occult? No! Jesus Christ only gives spiritual gifts to those within the Christian Church. (Ephesians 4:8,11; 1 Corinthians 12:28). Therefore, since these "tongues" also exist outside of the Christian Church, they cannot be the biblical gift of tongues. It seems that the same spirit that is misleading those in false religions is also misleading those within the Christian Church. (1 Corinthians 10:20; 1 Timothy 4:1)
A Natural Explanation
As I stated in the introduction, I used to speak in what people call "tongues" today. At first I desired to speak with tongues and prayed to God that he would enable me to do so. But nothing happened. I read about the people in the Bible who spoke in tongues, and with them it just happened. In most cases, they had no idea that they were going to speak in tongues until after it had already happened.
I finally came across a booklet written by a popular Charismatic teacher which taught me how to speak in "tongues" (so called). That is exactly what the booklet did — these tongues were not a supernatural gift from God. It was something that could be learned. I was coached to begin speaking nonsensical syllables and let my tongue go. The booklet said that God would take over and control what I spoke. I think that I was aware all along that I was the one doing it — not God — but I had been conditioned to believe that I needed to do this in order to be "spiritual". Now looking back, I see how unscriptural all of this was. No one in the Bible was ever coached or taught how to speak in tongues. As I said before, it just happened to them. They did not expect, tarry, or do anything.
Biblical Restrictions on Tongues
Even the use of true biblical tongues was restricted in the Bible.
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course [one at a time]; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church ...
1 Corinthians 14:27-28
This passage gives the following restrictions for the use of tongues in the church:
No more than three may speak.
Only one at a time (by course).
Tongues must be interpreted or not spoken at all.
Every one of these restrictions is broken on a regular basis in many Charismatic churches. In the one I used to go to, people (more than three) would stand in a circle at the front of the church building. Then they would all speak in "tongues" (gibberish) at the same time (not one at a time), and in most cases nothing was interpreted. This was clearly a violation of all three of the above restrictions. Paul foresaw this kind of chaos.
If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
1 Corinthians 14:23
What is the priority of speaking in known languages as opposed to speaking in tongues?
Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
1 Corinthians 14:19
Misunderstood Verses
There are many verses that are misinterpreted by teachers within the Charismatic Movement today. In this section we will look at a few of them.
Praying in the Spirit
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Jude 1:20
The common Charismatic interpretation of this verse says that praying in the Holy Ghost (praying in the Spirit) refers to speaking in tongues. Well the Bible also tells us to walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16). If to "pray in the Spirit" means to pray in tongues, then to "walk in the spirit" must mean, to walk in tongues?
How silly. To walk in the Spirit means to walk "according to" the Spirit’s leading. To pray in the Spirit then, means to pray "according to the Spirit’s leading". The Holy Spirit will prompt us to pray for certain things. When we follow that prompting, we are praying "in the Spirit". This verse has nothing to do with speaking (or praying) in tongues.
Tongues of Angels
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
1 Corinthians 13:1
The common Charismatic interpretation of this verse says that tongues is a heavenly prayer language spoken by angels. We need to make a distinction between the word "tongue" and the word "tongues". When the word tongue (singular) is used, it is a reference to a single language. When the word tongues (plural) is used, it refers to more than one language. So, we must remember to define our terms properly according to the Bible.
Tongue = one language.
Tongues = more than one language.
To say that, "Tongues is a heavenly prayer language." doesn’t make sense. To use proper English, we would have to say, "Tongues are heavenly prayer languages." But no one says that tongues are prayer languages (plural). They (misunder-standing the terms) use the word tongues as if it were the same as the word tongue. This results in a twisting of scripture.
This passage says "tongues" (plural), not "tongue" (singular). It says "tongues of men and of angels". There are tongues (plural) of men and there are tongues (plural) of angels. This passage does not say that angels speak in "a tongue" (one language). It says that angels speak in "tongues" (more than one language). This passage, then, does not say that angels speak in a heavenly language.
What, then, is this passage saying? It says that if a person were able to speak with all the tongues (languages) that a man might be able to speak with (some men know over a dozen), and even with all the tongues (languages) that angels are able to speak with (they undoubtedly know thousands), but if they do not have charity (love), they are just making a lot of noise. This verse is making the point that love is far more important than speaking in tongues (languages).
No Man Understandeth
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
1 Corinthians 14:2
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
1 Corinthians 14:14
The common Charismatic interpretation of these verses says that speaking in tongues is a private prayer language. It is further stated that the tongues spoken of here could not be languages, for no man was able to understand them.
What a twisting of the texts. Paul is not saying that tongues is a private prayer language that cannot be understood. Paul is pointing out the futility of speaking in a language that is UNKNOWN to the hearers.
The context of this passage has to do with edification. If someone is speaking in a language that is UNKNOWN to the hearers, how is that edifying? That person is left speaking to the only one who can understand — God. This is why Paul forbade speaking in tongues without an interpreter (1 Cor. 14:28).
Groanings Which Cannot be Uttered
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Romans 8:26
The common Charismatic interpretation of this verse says that since we often don’t know what to pray for, we should speak in tongues and the Holy Spirit will pray through us the very thing that needs to be prayed.
Is that what this verse is talking about? No it is not. This passage says that the Holy Spirit will pray FOR us not "through" us. It further states that what is prayed are "Groanings which cannot be utterered (spoken). Since tongues are uttered they cannot be what this verse is referring to.
What then is this verse saying? Exactly what it says. Since we do not always know what to pray, the Holy Spirit prays FOR us. His groanings cannot be uttered.
Edifieth Himself
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
1 Corinthians 14:4
The common Charismatic interpretation of this verse says that tongues is a private prayer language which strengthens and edifies the believer.
It is interesting to note that 1 Corinthians chapter 14 was written to rebuke the Corinthians for their misuse of the gifts, especially tongues. The Corinthians were each trying to take center stage and show themselves as the most spiritual. Paul rebukes them for this and tells them that this is not edifying for others in the church (1 Cor. 14:12, 26).
By trying to flaunt their gifts, the Corinthians were "edifying" themselves. This verse is not a commendation. It is a rebuke.
Speak with New Tongues
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Mark 16:17-20
This is another passage that is commonly misinterpreted by Charismatics today. They tell us that these signs (including tongues) will follow all believers. But 1 Corinthians 12:29-30 makes it clear that not all believers could speak in tongues nor perform healings. So we know that this cannot be the correct interpretation of the passage. Secondly, this passage not only lists tongues as one of the signs, but also the ability to drink poison and not be affected by it as well. Few who claim this passage as proof that they possess the gift of tongues today, would also be willing to claim that they can drink poison and not be affected by it. But consistency in their interpretation would require it.
Since the Charismatic interpretation of this passage is obviously wrong, what then is this passage saying? Verses 17-19 speak of the signs that would be taking place in the early days of the church as the gospel went forth during the days of the apostles. Verse 20 speaks of these events in the past tense - they went (past tense) forth and this did happen. People did speak with tongues (Acts 2:4), the apostles and those whom they commissioned did cast out evil spirits (Acts 5:16, 8:7) , and Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake and lived (Acts 28:3). But by the time we come to the writing of the book of Hebrews these signs are once again spoken of as having passed.
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
Hebrews 2:3-4
Here the "confirmation", previously spoken of in Mark, is once again said to have already passed. If these things were still happening, the passage would have said "is being confirmed". But, since these signs were no longer taking place, it says "was confirmed". The time for these signs had already passed. Mark gives us a description of how the gospel went forth in the early days of the church under the ministry of the apostles. But it is Matthew who tells us how the gospel is to go forth until the end of the world.
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
There is no reference to signs or miracles here. There is no reference to this going forth of the gospel as being past. This is the way the gospel was, and is, to go forth unto the end of the world.
Summary
Many people claim to speak in tongues today, but these "tongues" have nothing to do with the biblical gift of tongues.
Biblical tongues were languages — modern tongues are not.
Biblical tongues were a sign to unbelieving Jews — modern tongues are not.
Biblical tongues ceased in 70 AD — the modern tongues movement did not begin until 1900.
Biblical tongues were a supernatural gift that came upon people unexpectedly — modern tongues are often a learned behavior. Even unbelievers can learn to do it.
Biblical tongues were found only within the Christian church — modern tongues are also found in pagan religions, cults, and the occult.
What will you believe? Will you believe what the Bible says about tongues?
-------------------------------------------------
Our Vision
There are many false doctrines being taught today, both inside and outside of the Christian Church. We at Grace Bible Church have a great desire to see that these false teachings are exposed and refuted by the Word of God. It is our desire to produce articles that may be placed (free of charge) in the hands of God's people - to enable them to share the truth with those who have been misled by false doctrine.
Would you like to have a part in this ministry and help us get this message out to others? If so, you may make as many copies of this article as you need to give to those who have been misled by the false teaching exposed here. To place this article on your webpage in its entirety, write to Grace Bible Church. Permission is usually granted.
May God bless you as you do His work.
Is the Trinity Biblical?
Is the Trinity Biblical?
By James M. Frye
A Grace Bible Church Publication
You can find more articles by James M. Frye at our website: http://www.mydoctrine.com
We pray this information helps you in some way.
COPYRIGHT ©1998 - James M. Frye
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: All scripture quotations are taken from the Authorized King James Bible. Any deviations are not intentional. All underlines, bold and items within parentheses are the author's.
_______
Introduction
Most "Christian" groups today believe in the doctrine of the Trinity, while other groups, such as the Jehovah Witnesses and the Mormons, do not. The important question, however, is not what various groups believe, but what the Bible teaches. In this article we will examine this doctrine to see if it is taught in scripture. Is the doctrine of the Trinity biblical?
The Doctrine Stated
The Trinity is often misrepresented by those who set out to disprove it. Many create a definition of the Trinity that is not entirely accurate and then begin to refute what they have misdefined. So, it is important that we begin with a proper definition. The doctrine of the Trinity is as follows:
There is only one God. This God exists eternally as three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each of these three persons is fully God.
This definition breaks down into three parts.
1) There is only one God.
2) The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are each distinct persons.
3) Each person is fully God.
We will examine each of these three points one at a time.
Is There Only One God?
Does the Bible teach that there is only one God?
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
Isaiah 44:6
I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
Isaiah 45:5
Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
Isaiah 46:9
As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
1 Corinthians 8:4
As you can see, the Bible clearly teaches that there is only one God. So the first part of our definition is obviously true. Let's look at the next part of our definition.
Are The Father, Son and Holy Spirit Each Distinct Persons?
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:16-17
We see from the verse above that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are each distinct. That is, the Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Holy Spirit, etc. For example: in the verse above, who was it that was baptized? It was the Son [Jesus], not the Father nor the Holy Spirit. Who was it that descended? It was the Holy Spirit, not the Father nor the Son. Who was it that spoke? It was the Father, not the Son nor the Holy Spirit. We see then that each of the three persons are distinct.
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Luke 1:35
Here again we see that the three persons are distinct. So part two of our definition is correct as well.
Are the Father, Son and Holy Spirit Each Fully God?
The Father
Let us look at the Father first. What does the Bible say about Him? Is he God?
For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
2 Peter 1:17
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
John 6:27
Here we see that the Father is called God. So we know that the Father is God.
The Son
But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
Hebrews 1:8
Here we see that the Son is clearly called God.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten [Son] of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 1:1,14
Here Jesus [the Son] is referred to as the Word. It is not only stated that he was with God (a reference to the fact that he is distinct from the father), but it is also stated that he is God (For more information on this subject, see our article "Is Jesus Christ God?").
The Holy Spirit
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit], and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
Acts 5:3-4
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:30
Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit and the Bible says that he lied to God. So we know that the Holy Spirit is God as well.
Fully God
We have seen that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are each God. We must also note that they are each fully God. For example, concerning the Son we read:
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. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead [deity] bodily.
Colossians 2:8-9
It is not that we have one God divided into three parts with each of the three being 1/3 God. No. Each are fully 100% God. Yet we do not have 300% God, but only 100% God. It is not 1+1+1=3 but 1x1x1=1. All the fulness of deity (that which makes God, God) is in Jesus. And all the fulness is in the Father and in the Holy Spirit as well.
In this section, we have seen that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are each fully God. So then we must conclude that the final point of our definition is correct as well.
All three points of our definition are true. The doctrine of the Trinity is biblical. We even find this truth recorded for us in a single verse of scripture.
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word [Jesus], and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
1 John 5:7
Common Objections
There are a number of objections that have been raised against the doctrine of the Trinity. We will look at a few of the more common ones in this section.
I Can't Understand It
Sometimes people will respond with the objection: "But I don't understand it, and if I can't understand it, then it can't possibly be true". Does the fact that we have difficulty understanding something mean that it cannot be true? Of course not. There are many things in the Bible that we do not fully understand that are none-the-less true. For example, the Bible tells us that God is eternal - that He has existed forever and has no beginning and no end. How is that possible? We don't know. God did not tell us, and if he did we probably couldn't understand it anyway. But even though we do not understand it, it is still true. There are many such things in the Bible.
Isn't this what we should expect about God? Since God is so much higher than we are, shouldn't we expect that there would be some things about Him that we can't fully understand? I think it must be somewhat like our relationship with an ant. Can you imagine a little ant looking up at us and trying to understand us? His puny little mind could not begin to comprehend us. And how much greater the distance between us and God. The Bible tells us that God's ways are higher than our ways.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Romans 11:33
Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?
Job 11:7
The question, then, is not whether or not we can understand this doctrine, but does the Bible teach it? Since the Bible does teach it, we are obligated to believe it - whether we understand it or not.
The Word Trinity isn't in the Bible
It is proposed by some that since the word Trinity is not found in the Bible, the doctrine of the Trinity cannot be true. How foolish. The word Bible is not in the Bible. Does this mean that there is no such thing as a Bible? Of course not. This objection is based on a faulty principal and should therefore be rejected. The word Trinity may not be in the Bible but the teaching that it represents surely is.
The Bible Teaches that Jesus is Inferior to the Father
People often point out verses which say that Jesus is inferior to the Father to try and disprove the doctrine of the Trinity. For example, people often quote John 14:28 where Jesus says "my Father is greater than I" or John 20:17 where Jesus calls God his God. Do these verses disprove this doctrine? We must keep in mind that Jesus is not only fully God, he is also fully man (Col. 2:8-9). Jesus sometimes speaks from his humanity and at other times from his deity. In his humanity, Jesus is inferior to the Father. But in his deity, he is Equal.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Philippians 2:5-6
Common Errors
There are three common errors today (regarding the doctrine of the Godhead) among groups that claim to be Christian.
Tritheism
Tritheism teaches that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are each three separate Gods. Mormonism holds to a modified form of Tritheism. They believe that God the Father and Jesus Christ are separate Gods.
Modalism
Modalism teaches that there is one God that reveals himself in three ways: sometimes as the Father, sometimes as the Son, and sometimes as the Holy Spirit. They believe he is never all three at the same time. Some Apostolic Churches and other churches affiliated with the United Pentecostal Church (UPC) hold to this belief.
Arianism
Arianism teaches that the Father is God, the Son is a created being, and that the Holy Spirit is a non-personal force. The Jehovah Witnesses hold to this belief.
The three views listed above are all incorrect. Each of them denies one or more parts of this doctrine and should therefore be rejected.
Summary
1) Most "Christian" groups today believe in the doctrine of the Trinity.
2) Those who set out to disprove this doctrine often misdefine it.
3) The doctrine of the Trinity states:
There is only one God. This God exists eternally as three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each of these three persons is fully God.
4) This doctrine breaks down into three parts, each of which is backed by scripture.
5) The objections that are raised against this doctrine do not set aside the fact that the Bible does indeed teach it. We must therefore believe it whether or not we can fully comprehend it.
6) There are three main errors today regarding this doctrine: Tritheism, Modalism, and Arianism. All three of these are contradicted in scripture and should be rejected.
Finally, belief in the Trinity is necessary for one to be a Christian. Matthew 28:19 says that we are to be baptized "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost". Christians are to be baptized in one name but three persons. Groups that do not believe in this doctrine nor baptize by this formula are not truly Christian.
-------------------------------------------------
Our Vision
There are many false doctrines being taught today, both inside and outside of the Christian Church. We at Grace Bible Church have a great desire to see that these false teachings are exposed and refuted by the Word of God. It is our desire to produce articles that may be placed (free of charge) in the hands of God's people - to enable them to share the truth with those who have been misled by false doctrine.
Would you like to have a part in this ministry and help us get this message out to others? If so, you may make as many copies of this article as you need to give to those who have been misled by the false teaching exposed here. To place this article on your webpage in its entirety, write to Grace Bible Church. Permission is usually granted.
May God bless you as you do His work.
By James M. Frye
A Grace Bible Church Publication
You can find more articles by James M. Frye at our website: http://www.mydoctrine.com
We pray this information helps you in some way.
COPYRIGHT ©1998 - James M. Frye
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: All scripture quotations are taken from the Authorized King James Bible. Any deviations are not intentional. All underlines, bold and items within parentheses are the author's.
_______
Introduction
Most "Christian" groups today believe in the doctrine of the Trinity, while other groups, such as the Jehovah Witnesses and the Mormons, do not. The important question, however, is not what various groups believe, but what the Bible teaches. In this article we will examine this doctrine to see if it is taught in scripture. Is the doctrine of the Trinity biblical?
The Doctrine Stated
The Trinity is often misrepresented by those who set out to disprove it. Many create a definition of the Trinity that is not entirely accurate and then begin to refute what they have misdefined. So, it is important that we begin with a proper definition. The doctrine of the Trinity is as follows:
There is only one God. This God exists eternally as three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each of these three persons is fully God.
This definition breaks down into three parts.
1) There is only one God.
2) The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are each distinct persons.
3) Each person is fully God.
We will examine each of these three points one at a time.
Is There Only One God?
Does the Bible teach that there is only one God?
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
Isaiah 44:6
I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
Isaiah 45:5
Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
Isaiah 46:9
As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
1 Corinthians 8:4
As you can see, the Bible clearly teaches that there is only one God. So the first part of our definition is obviously true. Let's look at the next part of our definition.
Are The Father, Son and Holy Spirit Each Distinct Persons?
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:16-17
We see from the verse above that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are each distinct. That is, the Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Holy Spirit, etc. For example: in the verse above, who was it that was baptized? It was the Son [Jesus], not the Father nor the Holy Spirit. Who was it that descended? It was the Holy Spirit, not the Father nor the Son. Who was it that spoke? It was the Father, not the Son nor the Holy Spirit. We see then that each of the three persons are distinct.
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Luke 1:35
Here again we see that the three persons are distinct. So part two of our definition is correct as well.
Are the Father, Son and Holy Spirit Each Fully God?
The Father
Let us look at the Father first. What does the Bible say about Him? Is he God?
For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
2 Peter 1:17
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
John 6:27
Here we see that the Father is called God. So we know that the Father is God.
The Son
But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
Hebrews 1:8
Here we see that the Son is clearly called God.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten [Son] of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 1:1,14
Here Jesus [the Son] is referred to as the Word. It is not only stated that he was with God (a reference to the fact that he is distinct from the father), but it is also stated that he is God (For more information on this subject, see our article "Is Jesus Christ God?").
The Holy Spirit
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit], and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
Acts 5:3-4
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:30
Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit and the Bible says that he lied to God. So we know that the Holy Spirit is God as well.
Fully God
We have seen that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are each God. We must also note that they are each fully God. For example, concerning the Son we read:
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. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead [deity] bodily.
Colossians 2:8-9
It is not that we have one God divided into three parts with each of the three being 1/3 God. No. Each are fully 100% God. Yet we do not have 300% God, but only 100% God. It is not 1+1+1=3 but 1x1x1=1. All the fulness of deity (that which makes God, God) is in Jesus. And all the fulness is in the Father and in the Holy Spirit as well.
In this section, we have seen that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are each fully God. So then we must conclude that the final point of our definition is correct as well.
All three points of our definition are true. The doctrine of the Trinity is biblical. We even find this truth recorded for us in a single verse of scripture.
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word [Jesus], and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
1 John 5:7
Common Objections
There are a number of objections that have been raised against the doctrine of the Trinity. We will look at a few of the more common ones in this section.
I Can't Understand It
Sometimes people will respond with the objection: "But I don't understand it, and if I can't understand it, then it can't possibly be true". Does the fact that we have difficulty understanding something mean that it cannot be true? Of course not. There are many things in the Bible that we do not fully understand that are none-the-less true. For example, the Bible tells us that God is eternal - that He has existed forever and has no beginning and no end. How is that possible? We don't know. God did not tell us, and if he did we probably couldn't understand it anyway. But even though we do not understand it, it is still true. There are many such things in the Bible.
Isn't this what we should expect about God? Since God is so much higher than we are, shouldn't we expect that there would be some things about Him that we can't fully understand? I think it must be somewhat like our relationship with an ant. Can you imagine a little ant looking up at us and trying to understand us? His puny little mind could not begin to comprehend us. And how much greater the distance between us and God. The Bible tells us that God's ways are higher than our ways.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Romans 11:33
Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?
Job 11:7
The question, then, is not whether or not we can understand this doctrine, but does the Bible teach it? Since the Bible does teach it, we are obligated to believe it - whether we understand it or not.
The Word Trinity isn't in the Bible
It is proposed by some that since the word Trinity is not found in the Bible, the doctrine of the Trinity cannot be true. How foolish. The word Bible is not in the Bible. Does this mean that there is no such thing as a Bible? Of course not. This objection is based on a faulty principal and should therefore be rejected. The word Trinity may not be in the Bible but the teaching that it represents surely is.
The Bible Teaches that Jesus is Inferior to the Father
People often point out verses which say that Jesus is inferior to the Father to try and disprove the doctrine of the Trinity. For example, people often quote John 14:28 where Jesus says "my Father is greater than I" or John 20:17 where Jesus calls God his God. Do these verses disprove this doctrine? We must keep in mind that Jesus is not only fully God, he is also fully man (Col. 2:8-9). Jesus sometimes speaks from his humanity and at other times from his deity. In his humanity, Jesus is inferior to the Father. But in his deity, he is Equal.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Philippians 2:5-6
Common Errors
There are three common errors today (regarding the doctrine of the Godhead) among groups that claim to be Christian.
Tritheism
Tritheism teaches that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are each three separate Gods. Mormonism holds to a modified form of Tritheism. They believe that God the Father and Jesus Christ are separate Gods.
Modalism
Modalism teaches that there is one God that reveals himself in three ways: sometimes as the Father, sometimes as the Son, and sometimes as the Holy Spirit. They believe he is never all three at the same time. Some Apostolic Churches and other churches affiliated with the United Pentecostal Church (UPC) hold to this belief.
Arianism
Arianism teaches that the Father is God, the Son is a created being, and that the Holy Spirit is a non-personal force. The Jehovah Witnesses hold to this belief.
The three views listed above are all incorrect. Each of them denies one or more parts of this doctrine and should therefore be rejected.
Summary
1) Most "Christian" groups today believe in the doctrine of the Trinity.
2) Those who set out to disprove this doctrine often misdefine it.
3) The doctrine of the Trinity states:
There is only one God. This God exists eternally as three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each of these three persons is fully God.
4) This doctrine breaks down into three parts, each of which is backed by scripture.
5) The objections that are raised against this doctrine do not set aside the fact that the Bible does indeed teach it. We must therefore believe it whether or not we can fully comprehend it.
6) There are three main errors today regarding this doctrine: Tritheism, Modalism, and Arianism. All three of these are contradicted in scripture and should be rejected.
Finally, belief in the Trinity is necessary for one to be a Christian. Matthew 28:19 says that we are to be baptized "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost". Christians are to be baptized in one name but three persons. Groups that do not believe in this doctrine nor baptize by this formula are not truly Christian.
-------------------------------------------------
Our Vision
There are many false doctrines being taught today, both inside and outside of the Christian Church. We at Grace Bible Church have a great desire to see that these false teachings are exposed and refuted by the Word of God. It is our desire to produce articles that may be placed (free of charge) in the hands of God's people - to enable them to share the truth with those who have been misled by false doctrine.
Would you like to have a part in this ministry and help us get this message out to others? If so, you may make as many copies of this article as you need to give to those who have been misled by the false teaching exposed here. To place this article on your webpage in its entirety, write to Grace Bible Church. Permission is usually granted.
May God bless you as you do His work.
Is Jesus Christ God?
Is Jesus Christ God?
By James M. Frye
A Grace Bible Church Publication
You can find more articles by James M. Frye at our website: http://www.mydoctrine.com
We pray this information helps you in some way.
COPYRIGHT ©1998 - James M. Frye
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: All scripture quotations are taken from the Authorized King James Bible. Any deviations are not intentional. All underlines, bold and items within parentheses are the author's.
_______
Introduction
Many people today claim that Jesus Christ is God, while others say he is not. What difference does it make what we believe about Jesus Christ? Is it that important of an issue?
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
2 John 9
According to this passage, if we do not have the correct doctrine about Jesus Christ, we do not have God at all. What we believe, then, is critical. Our very salvation depends upon it.
Which Jesus Christ?
As we have already seen, it is critical who we believe Jesus Christ is. The Bible says that some people are preaching a false Jesus.
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
2 Corinthians 11:3-4
This passage warns us that not every "Jesus" that people believe in is necessarily the Jesus of the Bible. Let me give you an example to make my point. Let's suppose that I come to you and tell you about Jesus. I tell you that Jesus was a fruit farmer from Florida who taught that if you could pick 100 oranges in an hour, you would then be saved. Could you be saved by believing in such a Jesus? Of course not! But why not? After all, you would be professing to believe in Jesus.
This rather extreme illustration serves to make a point. Believing in someone called "Jesus" is not enough. It must be the right Jesus. It must be the Jesus of the Bible, for only he can save us from our sins.
Believing That Jesus Christ is God is Essential for Salvation
And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
John 20:30-31
This passage tells us we must believe that Jesus is "the Son of God" to have life (eternal life). That is, we must believe that Jesus is the Son of God to be saved. But what does this term "Son of God" mean? We may have various ideas about what this term means, but the important thing is not what you or I think it means. What does it mean in the Bible? We have already seen that we can use the term "Jesus" and not use it to mean the Jesus of the Bible.
So what does the term "Son of God" mean in the Bible? What did those who heard Jesus speak in person understand him to mean when he said that God was his Father?
But Jesus answered them, My father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
John 5:17-18
This passage tells us clearly what they understood him to mean. They understood he was "making himself equal with God." The term "Son of", in this sense, means "to have the same nature as". The Jews understood that for a person to claim that God was his Father was to claim that he himself was God. Jesus said,
I and my Father are one.
John 10:30
What did Jesus mean by this statement? Again, what did those who heard him in person understand him to mean? The passage goes on to tell us.
Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
John 10:31-33
When Jesus claimed "I and my father are one", he claimed to be God.
The New Testament Teaches That Jesus Christ is God
The New Testament is filled with the truth that Jesus Christ is both God and man. He is the God-Man.
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.
1 Timothy 3:16
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 1:1,14
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.
Acts 20:28
The last passage says that God purchased the Church with his own blood. Surely this is only possible if God became a man.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:5-8
We see, then, that in the beginning before Jesus came to Earth, he was "in the form of God" and "equal with God". That is, he was God. But then, in coming to Earth, he took upon himself the "form of a servant" and was made in the "likeness of men". That is, he became a man also.
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. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Colossians 2:8-9
"All the fulness" - Jesus Christ is not only 100% man, he is also 100% God.
The Old Testament Teaches That Jesus Christ is God
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.
Isaiah 9:6
There is to be a child born who is to be called The mighty God. Jesus was this child.
But unto the Son he saith, THY THRONE, O GOD, IS FOR EVER AND EVER: A SCEPTRE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS THE SCEPTRE OF THY KINGDOM.
Hebrews 1:8 (quoting Psalm 45:6)
Here we again have a Son who is also God.
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
Zechariah 12:10
God is speaking through the prophet Zechariah and saying "They shall look upon me (God) whom they have pierced." God is the one who is to be pierced. In the New Testament, this passage is said to be fulfilled when they pierced Jesus Christ.
But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A BONE OF HIM SHALL NOT BE BROKEN. And again another scripture saith, THEY SHALL LOOK ON HIM WHOM THEY PIERCED.
John 19:34-37
Worshipping Jesus
In Matthew chapter 4, Satan came to Jesus and tempted him.
And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, THOU SHALT WORSHIP THE LORD THY GOD, AND HIM ONLY SHALT THOU SERVE.
Matthew 4:9-10
In this text, Jesus refuses to worship Satan and states that God alone is to be worshipped.
In the book of Acts, Peter goes to a man named Cornelius to preach the Gospel unto him.
And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
Acts 10:25-26
Peter would not allow himself to be worshipped. Obviously, it is not proper to worship men.
In the Book of Revelation, John was given a vision by an angel.
And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
Revelation 22:8-9
From the verses above, we see that men and angels are not to be worshipped. Only God is to be worshipped. This is significant because although both Peter and an angel would not allow themselves to be worshipped, Jesus Christ allowed himself to be worshipped on multiple occasions. (See the following verses) Not only that, God commands all the angels to worship Jesus Christ.
And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, AND LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM.
Hebrews 1:6
And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
Matthew 8:2
While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
Matthew 9:18
Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
Matthew 14:33
Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
Matthew 15:25
And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
Matthew 28:9
And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
Matthew 28:17
And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
John 20:28-29
In the last passage, Jesus not only allows Thomas to worship him as God, he also pronounces a blessing upon all of us who will believe and do the same.
Some people say that Jesus is not God. They say that he was just a good teacher. But understand, if Jesus was not God yet allowed himself to be worshipped, he would not have been a good teacher at all. He would have been a sinner and a blasphemer.
Summary
We have seen that believing in "Jesus" is not enough. We must believe in the Jesus of the Bible, lest someone deceive us by preaching "another Jesus".
The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus Christ is God.
Jesus claimed to be God. (John 5:17-18; John 10:30-33; etc.)
The New Testament teaches that Jesus is God. (1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:8-9; etc.)
The Old Testament teaches that Jesus is God. (Isaiah 9:6; Zechariah 12:10; etc.)
Jesus allowed himself to be worshipped, (Matthew 8:2; John 20:28-29; etc.), despite the fact that the Bible says we are to worship God only. (Matthew 4:10)
So, is Jesus Christ God? Your eternal destiny hangs on how you answer this question.
-------------------------------------------------
Our Vision
There are many false doctrines being taught today, both inside and outside of the Christian Church. We at Grace Bible Church have a great desire to see that these false teachings are exposed and refuted by the Word of God. It is our desire to produce articles that may be placed (free of charge) in the hands of God's people - to enable them to share the truth with those who have been misled by false doctrine.
Would you like to have a part in this ministry and help us get this message out to others? If so, you may make as many copies of this article as you need to give to those who have been misled by the false teaching exposed here. To place this article on your webpage in its entirety, write to Grace Bible Church. Permission is usually granted.
May God bless you as you do His work.
By James M. Frye
A Grace Bible Church Publication
You can find more articles by James M. Frye at our website: http://www.mydoctrine.com
We pray this information helps you in some way.
COPYRIGHT ©1998 - James M. Frye
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: All scripture quotations are taken from the Authorized King James Bible. Any deviations are not intentional. All underlines, bold and items within parentheses are the author's.
_______
Introduction
Many people today claim that Jesus Christ is God, while others say he is not. What difference does it make what we believe about Jesus Christ? Is it that important of an issue?
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
2 John 9
According to this passage, if we do not have the correct doctrine about Jesus Christ, we do not have God at all. What we believe, then, is critical. Our very salvation depends upon it.
Which Jesus Christ?
As we have already seen, it is critical who we believe Jesus Christ is. The Bible says that some people are preaching a false Jesus.
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
2 Corinthians 11:3-4
This passage warns us that not every "Jesus" that people believe in is necessarily the Jesus of the Bible. Let me give you an example to make my point. Let's suppose that I come to you and tell you about Jesus. I tell you that Jesus was a fruit farmer from Florida who taught that if you could pick 100 oranges in an hour, you would then be saved. Could you be saved by believing in such a Jesus? Of course not! But why not? After all, you would be professing to believe in Jesus.
This rather extreme illustration serves to make a point. Believing in someone called "Jesus" is not enough. It must be the right Jesus. It must be the Jesus of the Bible, for only he can save us from our sins.
Believing That Jesus Christ is God is Essential for Salvation
And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
John 20:30-31
This passage tells us we must believe that Jesus is "the Son of God" to have life (eternal life). That is, we must believe that Jesus is the Son of God to be saved. But what does this term "Son of God" mean? We may have various ideas about what this term means, but the important thing is not what you or I think it means. What does it mean in the Bible? We have already seen that we can use the term "Jesus" and not use it to mean the Jesus of the Bible.
So what does the term "Son of God" mean in the Bible? What did those who heard Jesus speak in person understand him to mean when he said that God was his Father?
But Jesus answered them, My father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
John 5:17-18
This passage tells us clearly what they understood him to mean. They understood he was "making himself equal with God." The term "Son of", in this sense, means "to have the same nature as". The Jews understood that for a person to claim that God was his Father was to claim that he himself was God. Jesus said,
I and my Father are one.
John 10:30
What did Jesus mean by this statement? Again, what did those who heard him in person understand him to mean? The passage goes on to tell us.
Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
John 10:31-33
When Jesus claimed "I and my father are one", he claimed to be God.
The New Testament Teaches That Jesus Christ is God
The New Testament is filled with the truth that Jesus Christ is both God and man. He is the God-Man.
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.
1 Timothy 3:16
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 1:1,14
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.
Acts 20:28
The last passage says that God purchased the Church with his own blood. Surely this is only possible if God became a man.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:5-8
We see, then, that in the beginning before Jesus came to Earth, he was "in the form of God" and "equal with God". That is, he was God. But then, in coming to Earth, he took upon himself the "form of a servant" and was made in the "likeness of men". That is, he became a man also.
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. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Colossians 2:8-9
"All the fulness" - Jesus Christ is not only 100% man, he is also 100% God.
The Old Testament Teaches That Jesus Christ is God
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.
Isaiah 9:6
There is to be a child born who is to be called The mighty God. Jesus was this child.
But unto the Son he saith, THY THRONE, O GOD, IS FOR EVER AND EVER: A SCEPTRE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS THE SCEPTRE OF THY KINGDOM.
Hebrews 1:8 (quoting Psalm 45:6)
Here we again have a Son who is also God.
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
Zechariah 12:10
God is speaking through the prophet Zechariah and saying "They shall look upon me (God) whom they have pierced." God is the one who is to be pierced. In the New Testament, this passage is said to be fulfilled when they pierced Jesus Christ.
But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A BONE OF HIM SHALL NOT BE BROKEN. And again another scripture saith, THEY SHALL LOOK ON HIM WHOM THEY PIERCED.
John 19:34-37
Worshipping Jesus
In Matthew chapter 4, Satan came to Jesus and tempted him.
And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, THOU SHALT WORSHIP THE LORD THY GOD, AND HIM ONLY SHALT THOU SERVE.
Matthew 4:9-10
In this text, Jesus refuses to worship Satan and states that God alone is to be worshipped.
In the book of Acts, Peter goes to a man named Cornelius to preach the Gospel unto him.
And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
Acts 10:25-26
Peter would not allow himself to be worshipped. Obviously, it is not proper to worship men.
In the Book of Revelation, John was given a vision by an angel.
And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
Revelation 22:8-9
From the verses above, we see that men and angels are not to be worshipped. Only God is to be worshipped. This is significant because although both Peter and an angel would not allow themselves to be worshipped, Jesus Christ allowed himself to be worshipped on multiple occasions. (See the following verses) Not only that, God commands all the angels to worship Jesus Christ.
And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, AND LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM.
Hebrews 1:6
And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
Matthew 8:2
While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
Matthew 9:18
Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
Matthew 14:33
Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
Matthew 15:25
And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
Matthew 28:9
And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
Matthew 28:17
And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
John 20:28-29
In the last passage, Jesus not only allows Thomas to worship him as God, he also pronounces a blessing upon all of us who will believe and do the same.
Some people say that Jesus is not God. They say that he was just a good teacher. But understand, if Jesus was not God yet allowed himself to be worshipped, he would not have been a good teacher at all. He would have been a sinner and a blasphemer.
Summary
We have seen that believing in "Jesus" is not enough. We must believe in the Jesus of the Bible, lest someone deceive us by preaching "another Jesus".
The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus Christ is God.
Jesus claimed to be God. (John 5:17-18; John 10:30-33; etc.)
The New Testament teaches that Jesus is God. (1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:8-9; etc.)
The Old Testament teaches that Jesus is God. (Isaiah 9:6; Zechariah 12:10; etc.)
Jesus allowed himself to be worshipped, (Matthew 8:2; John 20:28-29; etc.), despite the fact that the Bible says we are to worship God only. (Matthew 4:10)
So, is Jesus Christ God? Your eternal destiny hangs on how you answer this question.
-------------------------------------------------
Our Vision
There are many false doctrines being taught today, both inside and outside of the Christian Church. We at Grace Bible Church have a great desire to see that these false teachings are exposed and refuted by the Word of God. It is our desire to produce articles that may be placed (free of charge) in the hands of God's people - to enable them to share the truth with those who have been misled by false doctrine.
Would you like to have a part in this ministry and help us get this message out to others? If so, you may make as many copies of this article as you need to give to those who have been misled by the false teaching exposed here. To place this article on your webpage in its entirety, write to Grace Bible Church. Permission is usually granted.
May God bless you as you do His work.
The End-Time State of the Church {Article}
The End-Time State of the Church
Part 1 - The Teachings of Paul
By James M. Frye
A Grace Bible Church Publication
You can find more articles by James M. Frye at our website: http://www.mydoctrine.com
We pray this information helps you in some way.
COPYRIGHT ©2000 - James M. Frye
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: All scripture quotations are taken from the Authorized King James Bible. Any deviations are not intentional. All underlines, bold and items within parentheses are the author's.
_______
Introduction
The Bible tells us many things about the End-Time state of "the church". In this 2-part series we will be looking at many of those things. Thoughout these articles, we will be using the term "the church" to speak of that which calls itself Christianity, whether it truly is or not.
Many people look around them at "the church" today and everything seems rosy. There are church buildings on every corner. Even many small towns, which may boast only one traffic light, contain two or more churches. All is well in Beulah Land, or is it?
The problem lies with the fact that most "Christians" get their view of things, not from the Bible, but from the world around them. This is a tragic mistake. Scripture tells us:
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 12:2
We as Christians are not to be conformed to the world in our thinking. That is, we are not to think like the world thinks. We are instead to have our mind renewed by scripture. We need to view "the Church" and its condition through the lens of scripture. That is what we will seek to do in this article.
The Falling Away
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2 Thessalonians 2:1
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 perdition;
2 Thessalonians 2:3
Before Jesus Christ returns and gathers believers unto himself (the rapture), there will be a "falling away". "Falling away" here translates the Greek word for apostasy (apostasia). Before Christ returns there will be a great apostasy. That is - a falling away from the true faith. Comparing scripture with scripture, we find that the Bible has more to say about this.
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 Timothy 4:1
Notice that it doesn't say that people will fall away from "faith". It says that people will fall away from "the faith". "The faith" refers to the beliefs that we are to hold as Christians. We see this phrase used elsewhere in scripture.
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.
Jude 1:3
Again, "the faith" refers not to a person's believing, but to what it is that they believe. So what is "the faith" and how was it delivered unto the saints? It was delivered to us in the New Testament and "the faith" is simply the truth that the New Testament teaches.
The Bible teaches that prior to Christ's return there would be a time of great apostasy. During this time, although people will still profess to be Christians, many of them will have fallen away from "the faith". They will no longer agree to many of the things that are taught in the New Testament. Why? Because they have been deceived by teachings that are spawned from the pit of hell by seducing spirits. All false doctrine comes from Satan who is a liar and the father of it (John 8:44).
Perilous Times
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, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2 Timothy 3:1-4
When reading the above passage, one almost feels like they are reading the headlines of this morning's newspaper. Just read the list of sins and ask yourself if this is not what society is like today.
lovers of their own selves
covetous
boasters
proud
blasphemers
disobedient to parents
unthankful
unholy
without natural affection
trucebreakers
false accusers
incontinent
fierce
despisers of those that are good
traitors
heady
highminded
lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God
There is perhaps no time in history when all these things were more true of society than they are in the world in which we live today. But the frightening thing is that this passage is not talking about the world. It is speaking of the end-time state of "the church". The passage goes on to say:
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
2 Timothy 3:5-8
These people are spoken of as "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof". This isn't talking about a bunch of people who profess to be unbelievers! They have a form of godliness, although it is just a form. That is, it is just in form only. They deny it (what they believe) any real power over their lives. They say they believe, but they do not act on it. The Bible has a lot to say about such people.
Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Titus 1:15-16
This passage describes people who "profess that they know God", but whose works (actions) show that they do not. Although they profess to know God, the passage says that they are actually unbelievers. They are also said to be "reprobate". That is the exact same thing that is said of the people in 2 Timothy. They are said to be "reprobate concerning the faith". Although they profess the faith (profess to be Christians), they are reprobate concerning it.
These people are also said to be "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth". As a matter of fact, they are said to "resist the truth". Although they may go to church, read their Bibles and sit in Bible studies, they never actually come to the knowledge of the truth. That is, they never act upon it. A person who says they know and believe something, but does not act upon it, doesn't really believe what they claim.
The Bible warns:
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
James 1:22
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
James 2:14
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James 2:26
We do not have time nor space in this article to do a detailed study of every verse in 2 Timothy chapter 3. But any serious study of the passage will reveal one thing. This passage is talking about people who profess to be believers.
Perilous times were to come, times (just as we saw earlier), in which there would be many people claiming to be Christians who really aren't. All one has to do is to read the long list of sins that we saw in chapter 3 and one thing will be obvious. Many people who claim to be Christians today live this way on a regular basis. This passage warns of a time such as ours.
Heaped Teachers & Itching Ears
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
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine". Who are "they"? "They" are the people referred to in chapter 3 who profess to be Christians but really aren't. Since chapter 4 is linked to chapter 3 with a "therefore", we know that it is talking about the same people. These people manifest themselves as unbelievers by their unwillingness to accept doctrinal truth. Jesus said to those Jews who claimed to be God's people but rejected the truth of God's word:
He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
John 8:47
The very fact that these people will not endure (put up with) sound doctrine, bears witness to the fact that they are lost. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine". Notice that it doesn't say that they will not endure "doctrine". It is only "sound doctrine" that they have trouble with. They undoubtedly love to go to church and hear Bible teaching, just not "sound" Bible teaching.
Since these people are not interested in Biblical truth - "they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears". These people have itching ears. That is, they want to be told what they want to hear. They like to have their ears tickled. Because of this they will heap to themselves teachers. They will create opportunities for any preacher who is willing to compromise the truth of God's word and just tell them what they want to hear.
There are many such preachers today. They are heaped teachers. You could just throw them all in a great big pile. They are all the same. Most every message they give is soft and syrupy. They very rarely, if ever, follow the admonition given in this passage - "Preach the word ... reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." The reproofs are rare and the rebukes are even rarer. They usually have huge congregations. Since there are so many people who want to have their ears tickled, they will flock to these sort of churches.
If a person were to point out some of these churches today by name, many professing Christians would have a fit. Why? Could it be that it is because they are the ones with itching ears? What do you think about these things? Are you able to view the churches in the world around you through the lens of scripture? Or are you conformed to the world in your thinking? Remember the passage we started with.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…
Romans 12:2
These heaped teachers are a dime a dozen, and they are standing in the pulpits of many of today's churches. So when you drive down the street and see a church building on every corner, do you realize that many of these churches are the kind of churches spoken against in this passage? If all of the churches are fine, where are the ones spoken of in this passage? Scripture tells us that the end time state of "the church" will be such that the vast majority of professing Christianity is not true Christianity at all. We will be talking more about this as we go along in this series.
Because of these people's "lusts" (desires) they will heap to themselves teachers. They are controlled by their own evil desires. They want what they want. Go and ask people today how they go about choosing a church. Most of them will tell you that they go to a particular church because they really "enjoy" the pastor's messages. Or they will say they picked the church that they are going to because they have good music. But the Bible tells us that sound doctrine is the most important thing in choosing a church.
"They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." Again it is the truth that these people have a problem with.
In 2 Timothy 3 & 4 these people are said to:
"resist the truth".
"turn away their ears from the truth".
Be "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth".
What a testimony. These people profess to be Christians but do not like the truth of God's word. They may profess to like God's word, but show them what the Bible truly says and they will hate you for it.
Paul the apostle wrote:
Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
Galatians 4:16
Paul had spent years teaching the people in the churches of Galatia the truth of God's word. But when they came under the influence of false teachers, they turned against Paul and treated him as an enemy. Why? Because he told them the truth. It was the truth they didn't like. What if he would have given them what they wanted to hear? They would have loved him.
Jesus had the same problem with people. He said to those who professed to be God's people in his day:
And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
John 8:45
Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
John 8:46
But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God …
John 8:40
Summary
So far in this series we have seen the following things about the end time state of "the church".
Prior to Christ's return there would be a time of great apostasy.
During this time, although people still profess to be Christians, many of them will have fallen away from "the faith".
"The church" will be filled with people who live no differently than the world around them.
People will not endure sound doctrine.
People will have itching ears and desire to hear what they want to hear.
Because of this, the opportunity will arise for "Heaped teachers" (false teachers) to build large ministries by telling people what they want to hear.
If this doesn’t describe "the church" (professing Christianity) in our day, I don’t know what does.
-------------------------------------------------
Our Vision
There are many false doctrines being taught today, both inside and outside of the Christian Church. We at Grace Bible Church have a great desire to see that these false teachings are exposed and refuted by the Word of God. It is our desire to produce materials that may be placed in the hands of God’s people — to enable them to share the truth with those who have been misled by false doctrine.
Would you like to have a part in this ministry and help us get this message out to others? If so, you may print out additional copies of this article from our web site listed in blue below. Please give this information to those who have been misled by the false teaching exposed here.
We also have articles on a number of other subjects that may be printed out as well. We make all materials available (free of charge) as we are trusting in God to meet our financial needs. To place this article on your webpage in its entirety, write to Grace Bible Church. Permission is usually granted.
May God bless you as you do His work
Part 1 - The Teachings of Paul
By James M. Frye
A Grace Bible Church Publication
You can find more articles by James M. Frye at our website: http://www.mydoctrine.com
We pray this information helps you in some way.
COPYRIGHT ©2000 - James M. Frye
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: All scripture quotations are taken from the Authorized King James Bible. Any deviations are not intentional. All underlines, bold and items within parentheses are the author's.
_______
Introduction
The Bible tells us many things about the End-Time state of "the church". In this 2-part series we will be looking at many of those things. Thoughout these articles, we will be using the term "the church" to speak of that which calls itself Christianity, whether it truly is or not.
Many people look around them at "the church" today and everything seems rosy. There are church buildings on every corner. Even many small towns, which may boast only one traffic light, contain two or more churches. All is well in Beulah Land, or is it?
The problem lies with the fact that most "Christians" get their view of things, not from the Bible, but from the world around them. This is a tragic mistake. Scripture tells us:
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 12:2
We as Christians are not to be conformed to the world in our thinking. That is, we are not to think like the world thinks. We are instead to have our mind renewed by scripture. We need to view "the Church" and its condition through the lens of scripture. That is what we will seek to do in this article.
The Falling Away
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2 Thessalonians 2:1
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 perdition;
2 Thessalonians 2:3
Before Jesus Christ returns and gathers believers unto himself (the rapture), there will be a "falling away". "Falling away" here translates the Greek word for apostasy (apostasia). Before Christ returns there will be a great apostasy. That is - a falling away from the true faith. Comparing scripture with scripture, we find that the Bible has more to say about this.
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 Timothy 4:1
Notice that it doesn't say that people will fall away from "faith". It says that people will fall away from "the faith". "The faith" refers to the beliefs that we are to hold as Christians. We see this phrase used elsewhere in scripture.
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.
Jude 1:3
Again, "the faith" refers not to a person's believing, but to what it is that they believe. So what is "the faith" and how was it delivered unto the saints? It was delivered to us in the New Testament and "the faith" is simply the truth that the New Testament teaches.
The Bible teaches that prior to Christ's return there would be a time of great apostasy. During this time, although people will still profess to be Christians, many of them will have fallen away from "the faith". They will no longer agree to many of the things that are taught in the New Testament. Why? Because they have been deceived by teachings that are spawned from the pit of hell by seducing spirits. All false doctrine comes from Satan who is a liar and the father of it (John 8:44).
Perilous Times
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, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2 Timothy 3:1-4
When reading the above passage, one almost feels like they are reading the headlines of this morning's newspaper. Just read the list of sins and ask yourself if this is not what society is like today.
lovers of their own selves
covetous
boasters
proud
blasphemers
disobedient to parents
unthankful
unholy
without natural affection
trucebreakers
false accusers
incontinent
fierce
despisers of those that are good
traitors
heady
highminded
lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God
There is perhaps no time in history when all these things were more true of society than they are in the world in which we live today. But the frightening thing is that this passage is not talking about the world. It is speaking of the end-time state of "the church". The passage goes on to say:
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
2 Timothy 3:5-8
These people are spoken of as "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof". This isn't talking about a bunch of people who profess to be unbelievers! They have a form of godliness, although it is just a form. That is, it is just in form only. They deny it (what they believe) any real power over their lives. They say they believe, but they do not act on it. The Bible has a lot to say about such people.
Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Titus 1:15-16
This passage describes people who "profess that they know God", but whose works (actions) show that they do not. Although they profess to know God, the passage says that they are actually unbelievers. They are also said to be "reprobate". That is the exact same thing that is said of the people in 2 Timothy. They are said to be "reprobate concerning the faith". Although they profess the faith (profess to be Christians), they are reprobate concerning it.
These people are also said to be "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth". As a matter of fact, they are said to "resist the truth". Although they may go to church, read their Bibles and sit in Bible studies, they never actually come to the knowledge of the truth. That is, they never act upon it. A person who says they know and believe something, but does not act upon it, doesn't really believe what they claim.
The Bible warns:
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
James 1:22
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
James 2:14
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James 2:26
We do not have time nor space in this article to do a detailed study of every verse in 2 Timothy chapter 3. But any serious study of the passage will reveal one thing. This passage is talking about people who profess to be believers.
Perilous times were to come, times (just as we saw earlier), in which there would be many people claiming to be Christians who really aren't. All one has to do is to read the long list of sins that we saw in chapter 3 and one thing will be obvious. Many people who claim to be Christians today live this way on a regular basis. This passage warns of a time such as ours.
Heaped Teachers & Itching Ears
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
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine". Who are "they"? "They" are the people referred to in chapter 3 who profess to be Christians but really aren't. Since chapter 4 is linked to chapter 3 with a "therefore", we know that it is talking about the same people. These people manifest themselves as unbelievers by their unwillingness to accept doctrinal truth. Jesus said to those Jews who claimed to be God's people but rejected the truth of God's word:
He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
John 8:47
The very fact that these people will not endure (put up with) sound doctrine, bears witness to the fact that they are lost. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine". Notice that it doesn't say that they will not endure "doctrine". It is only "sound doctrine" that they have trouble with. They undoubtedly love to go to church and hear Bible teaching, just not "sound" Bible teaching.
Since these people are not interested in Biblical truth - "they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears". These people have itching ears. That is, they want to be told what they want to hear. They like to have their ears tickled. Because of this they will heap to themselves teachers. They will create opportunities for any preacher who is willing to compromise the truth of God's word and just tell them what they want to hear.
There are many such preachers today. They are heaped teachers. You could just throw them all in a great big pile. They are all the same. Most every message they give is soft and syrupy. They very rarely, if ever, follow the admonition given in this passage - "Preach the word ... reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." The reproofs are rare and the rebukes are even rarer. They usually have huge congregations. Since there are so many people who want to have their ears tickled, they will flock to these sort of churches.
If a person were to point out some of these churches today by name, many professing Christians would have a fit. Why? Could it be that it is because they are the ones with itching ears? What do you think about these things? Are you able to view the churches in the world around you through the lens of scripture? Or are you conformed to the world in your thinking? Remember the passage we started with.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…
Romans 12:2
These heaped teachers are a dime a dozen, and they are standing in the pulpits of many of today's churches. So when you drive down the street and see a church building on every corner, do you realize that many of these churches are the kind of churches spoken against in this passage? If all of the churches are fine, where are the ones spoken of in this passage? Scripture tells us that the end time state of "the church" will be such that the vast majority of professing Christianity is not true Christianity at all. We will be talking more about this as we go along in this series.
Because of these people's "lusts" (desires) they will heap to themselves teachers. They are controlled by their own evil desires. They want what they want. Go and ask people today how they go about choosing a church. Most of them will tell you that they go to a particular church because they really "enjoy" the pastor's messages. Or they will say they picked the church that they are going to because they have good music. But the Bible tells us that sound doctrine is the most important thing in choosing a church.
"They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." Again it is the truth that these people have a problem with.
In 2 Timothy 3 & 4 these people are said to:
"resist the truth".
"turn away their ears from the truth".
Be "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth".
What a testimony. These people profess to be Christians but do not like the truth of God's word. They may profess to like God's word, but show them what the Bible truly says and they will hate you for it.
Paul the apostle wrote:
Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
Galatians 4:16
Paul had spent years teaching the people in the churches of Galatia the truth of God's word. But when they came under the influence of false teachers, they turned against Paul and treated him as an enemy. Why? Because he told them the truth. It was the truth they didn't like. What if he would have given them what they wanted to hear? They would have loved him.
Jesus had the same problem with people. He said to those who professed to be God's people in his day:
And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
John 8:45
Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
John 8:46
But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God …
John 8:40
Summary
So far in this series we have seen the following things about the end time state of "the church".
Prior to Christ's return there would be a time of great apostasy.
During this time, although people still profess to be Christians, many of them will have fallen away from "the faith".
"The church" will be filled with people who live no differently than the world around them.
People will not endure sound doctrine.
People will have itching ears and desire to hear what they want to hear.
Because of this, the opportunity will arise for "Heaped teachers" (false teachers) to build large ministries by telling people what they want to hear.
If this doesn’t describe "the church" (professing Christianity) in our day, I don’t know what does.
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Our Vision
There are many false doctrines being taught today, both inside and outside of the Christian Church. We at Grace Bible Church have a great desire to see that these false teachings are exposed and refuted by the Word of God. It is our desire to produce materials that may be placed in the hands of God’s people — to enable them to share the truth with those who have been misled by false doctrine.
Would you like to have a part in this ministry and help us get this message out to others? If so, you may print out additional copies of this article from our web site listed in blue below. Please give this information to those who have been misled by the false teaching exposed here.
We also have articles on a number of other subjects that may be printed out as well. We make all materials available (free of charge) as we are trusting in God to meet our financial needs. To place this article on your webpage in its entirety, write to Grace Bible Church. Permission is usually granted.
May God bless you as you do His work
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