Heaven Is Not A Reward, It Is a FREE Gift

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Romans 6:23

Romans Catholicism and every other worldly religion teaches that grace is earned by works. But grace from God is UNMERITED therefore it can not be earned.

Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. Noah’s faith in the coming Redeemer of mankind opened the door of grace through faith which means Noah was saved by faith just like Adam and Eve. In fact some indicate that Eve thought Cain was the man from the LORD that He promised, she realized later that she was mistaken about the WHO but not the WHAT; a SAVIOR. She and Adam had faith in God and his promise to send a deliverer and THAT was counted to them for righteousness, just like Noah, Abraham and all the OT saints.

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15

This is why Job said in faith: “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:” Job 19:25 and Abraham was waiting for a heavenly city not just an earthly blessing.

“For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Hebrews 11:10

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” Hebrews 11:13-16

And Moses did not know His name yet however he still put his faith in Christ the coming redeemer of all mankind.

“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” Hebrews 11:24-26

The reward spoken of above is not everlasting life, he already had that by believing in the coming Redeemer, the reward speaks of that which he would receive one day for his good works in choosing to suffer affliction with the people of God instead of living on easy street as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12

Salvation has always been and will always be by grace through faith and never of works so that no one can say they have earned the FREE GIFT.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

“Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.”  Romans 3:27

No person will ever be able to say that they earned everlasting life (heaven). Therefore, God gets all the glory which only He deserves!

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Romans 10:9-10, 13

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. … For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  Romans 10:9-10, 13

Any person can call on God and if God so chooses to answer an unsaved person, it will be to send them the gospel so they can believe on the Lord first to be saved and after the person is a believer he can call upon the Lord in Jesus name for healing, deliverance etc.

“And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” Acts 10:30-33

Calling on God didn’t save Cornelius with the sense of ETERNAL salvation.
However God did send him the gospel message and AFTER Cornelius BELIEVED on the Lord Jesus Christ for eternal salvation, he was saved. Cornelius didn’t ASK God to save him from eternal damnation, as soon as he believed he was immediately born again and then could call on the Lord and be confident in being heard for any petition.

“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever BELIEVETH in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?” Acts 10:43-47

Cornelius heard, believed and was instantly saved from eternal damnation right then, so there was no need to call upon the Lord for forgiveness of sins and everlasting life.

If you go through the New Testament you will see that the word for “saved” and it’s meaning can be determined by it’s context. Saved can mean physical healing, deliverance from demonic powers, healing of mind and body, being made whole and physical protection from the perils of persecution like Paul was delivered. In order to understand what kind of salvation is being referred to in Romans 10:13, we have to see the context. The context is referring to a believer calling on the Lord for deliverance, protection, etc. It can NOT mean eternal life in that verse because Scripture doesn’t contradict itself. And we know that ONLY believing on the Lord Jesus Christ brings forgiveness of sins and everlasting life.

I used to think that Romans 10:9-13 referred to eternal salvation but now I realize that there is another kind of salvation being referred to because Scripture teaches there is only one way to be saved which is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, period.

The King James Bible Is The Grace Bible

The King James Bible Is The Clearest English Bible On The Gospel Of Grace

https://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202%3A14&version=KJV;NIV;NKJV;ESV;NASB

Reprobate Does Not Mean Irredeemable

Reprobate Does Not Mean Irredeemable Because Paul said it was possible for himself to become a castaway, in which he uses same Greek word as he does for reprobate.

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27

ἀδόκιμος adókimos, ad-ok’-ee-mos; from G1 (as a negative particle) and G1384; unapproved, i.e. rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally):—castaway, rejected, reprobate.

We know that Paul was not concerned about losing his salvation because he taught that if a man’s works amount to nothing they will burn but the individual shall still be saved however he will suffer loss of rewards.

“If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:15

Paul was talking about his becoming a castaway. Meaning that he could end up as useless to the Lord by ruining his reputation through some type of sinful conduct. He didn’t want to be set aside or be put on the shelf so to speak.

When God gives someone over to their sin it’s a strategy to get them to come to the end of themselves and realize that God’s way was right all along. Sometimes people will only learn the hard way. And when someone gets their fill of what they want, hopefully they will realize the consequences of their downward spiral to destruction. Remember that the prodigal son had to “come to himself” (Luke 15:17) by experiencing the consequences of his actions and THEN it dawned on him that he should return to his father!

The children of Israel complained in the wilderness that all they had was manna to eat and they wanted to go back to Egypt for a “better” menu.

“And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes. … Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased. … And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the LORD, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well with us in Egypt: therefore the LORD will give you flesh, and ye shall eat. Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days; But even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the LORD which is among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt?” Numbers 11:4-6, 10, 18-20

Afterwards the children of Israel became so sick of quail it became loathsome to them and they never complained about manna again!
Paul was led by the Lord to use this tactic as well on the Corinthian brother who was in flagrant sin.

“In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 5:4-5

This course of action was eventually very successful. Romans 1:28 describes people alienated from God and are referred to as reprobates.

“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;” Romans 1:28

God is active in the life of EVERY person giving them every opportunity to believe on Jesus as Saviour. Jesus is seeking to save the lost. Their opportunity is NEVER over until they take their last breath.

“Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:” Acts 17:25-27

God through His Divine Son, Jesus is not far from every one of us. We don’t know the day of our last breath. Jesus is seeking to save every sinner. He shed His blood on the cross for all the sins of every person. No matter what you have done, He calls you to respond to Him today!

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:” Acts 17:30

Comprehensive Discussion About Protein in Relation to Health & Fitness

The human body can be described an a living, organic machine with numerous processes operating all at the same time to maintain functionality.  But without two elements our bodies would crumble to nothing: over 60 percent of the human body is comprised of water and over 20 percent is protein.  Without having to read numerous studies, the “average Joe” can assume that humans need to consume water and protein daily to maintain normal body functionality.  Similar to water, protein can be consumed from nutritional sources but there are specific sources that are considered “optimal” for protein absorption.  The higher quality the protein is, the better the body can use to for function.  A list of optimal sources include:


Primary
-Chicken (Breast, Cutlet, Thigh)
-Beef (Lean Cuts of Sirloin, Rump)
-Eggs (One egg equals 6-8 grams of protein, this protein is typically more quickly absorbed than Beef & Chicken)
-Turkey (Breast, Thigh and lean ground)
-Dairy sourced protein (Milk, Whey Protein is a fast absorbed protein; Casein Powder is slower absorbed protein; Yogurt and Cheese are not always great sources of protein due to how they are processed in factories or the ingredient source is “synthetic milk product”)

Secondary
-Pork (Pork Chop is considered a good protein source while most pork products are high in fat content)
-Beans (Kidney Beans and Black Beans are high in quality protein)
-Rice (Rice is a low source of protein and high source of easy to digest carbohydrates; Brown Rice is seen as the best rice option by many nutritionists)
-Fish (Salmon, Flounder, Tuna, for example, are solid protein sources but not very high in number of grams per serving)

The Recommended Daily Amount (RDA) by U.S. Food and Nutrition Board is 0.8 grams per pound of body weight for sedentary adults; that number doubles or triples for young children and teenagers because the body is in a growing/development phase.  The “downside” of these RDA numbers is that the body loses some lean muscle mass daily and some protein does not get absorbed by the body depended on the quality of the protein and how backed up the GI Track is.  Note the phrase above: “sedentary adults”.  Being sedentary is not recommended by any health and fitness professional so these estimates are subjective.

The Recommended Amount of Physical Activity (RAA) per day is 60 minutes.  When we estimate the average person gets 7 hours of sleep, then you have 1 hour of activity, allowing for 16 hours in the rest of your day.  But how you eat during the rest of your day makes the biggest difference in your daily life: how well your brain functions, your mood, emotional and hormonal balance, etc.  Also, getting in physical activity every day taxes the body, accelerating the need for Macro-nutrients (Protein along with Good Carbohydrates and healthy Fat) and Micro-nutrients (Vitamins, Minerals, Fiber).  Since the food we eat is the fuel for the living machine that is our body, how do we get what we need each day if the amount of protein that is recommended to us is based on a sedentary lifestyle?

What Does Science Tell Us
Well let’s look at the science, starting with the study done at Kent University, where their researchers did a study with six test groups, divided into 3 sets of two categories: sedentary adults and weightlifting adults.  Each set of adults were given different amounts of protein:

1. One was given a low protein diet which was 0.9 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight.
2. Another group was given 1.4 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight.
3. The third ate 2.4 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight.
Groups 2 and 3 showed higher levels of protein synthesis in the body, less protein “wasted” during digestion, and groups that had regular exercise combined with the higher protein diets were healthier at the end of the study compared to the beginning of the study.

Furthermore, numerous research scientists in the field of science physiology and other related fields such as Dr. Peter Lemon, Dr. Susan Kleiner, Dr. Jacob Wilson, and Dr. Jim Stoppani all recommend that no matter what your activity level is, the RDA of 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight is far below what the human body really needs.  Depending on who you ask, the latest science shows us that we need between 1-2 grams of protein per pound of body weight for optimal health results.
Studies by University of Tampa and University of Oklahoma have shown that the quality of protein and eating of protein throughout the day has shown to result in optimal health benefits in numerous test subjects.  The results show that when you have protein with every meal throughout the day your body will absorb and utilize it better.

Finally, a study from University of Texas Medical Branch show that post-exercise the body needs three types of protein: Fast absorbing, Medium Absorbing, and Slow Absorbing.  They found this was the case because when the body has multiple types of protein post-exercise optimal protein synthesis and recovery continues throughout the day.  This leads to less muscle fatigue later in the day and the body will not Catabolize muscle (Catabolism is when your metabolism  breaks down muscle tissue to release energy.  Breaking down muscle is counterproductive to maintaining low levels of body fat and results in less skeletal muscle functionality and stability).

The value of Protein Powders

In the daily diet, packing enough protein in our meals is difficult because unless you are eating 8 meals per day like a bodybuilder or professional athlete who trains twice a day, getting enough protein into your day is difficult.  This is where protein powders come into play.  A good protein powder can inject 24-30 grams of protein into a meal without having to cook anything.  Protein powders can be consumed by mixing with water or blending into a smoothie.  Depending on your flavor of choice, you can get very creative with utilizing protein powder.  I know some people who put protein into pancakes, cookies, or other baked items as a way of getting more protein in their diet while also not consuming empty calories like white sugar or box batter mixes. 

Protein Spiking and allergen concerns

The concern with protein powders is the issue of protein spiking.  Protein Spiking is when a supplement company puts into its protein blend incomplete proteins then claim a product has a certain number of grams of protein.  An example of this is if a company claims one serving of their product has 30 grams of protein, but when you read the ingredients you find part of the protein blend is an Amino Acid like Leucine.  Leucine is important for enhanced protein synthesis and absorption in the body, but it is not a complete protein like Whey, Casein, Soy, or Egg Albumin.  The danger of taking a product that has incomplete proteins in their blend is metabolic imbalance, which can lead to less protein synthesis and more fat storage.  One of the reasons these companies get away with this deceptive labeling is by using testing that measures the level of nitrates in the powder instead of measuring of actual grams of complete proteins.  Also, any company that claims that their protein blend or Whey/Casein is a proprietary blend or special formula, not telling the consumer how much is actually in the ingredients, instead giving percentages.  These companies will not tell you what the percentages are based on within the ingredients, another way of getting away with not putting quality ingredients in their products.

Lets not forget about people with Gluten or Lactose allergies.  These individuals will have allergic reactions or Gastro Intestinal Track issues if they use some of these products.  Some companies are not transparent about how their protein is manufactured or the sources used for the protein powders.  This lack of honesty with the consumer is indicated by the basic warnings on the back of containers that state how the product was made is a factory that also manufactures products that contain nuts, dairy, etc.  This is their fall back to avoid legal issues and to tell the consumer “Hey, we warned you on the label!”.  The solution to dealing with potential protein spiking is to do your homework on a product before ingesting; anyone with food allergens should also never ingest anything without doing some investigating of the product and company first.

So How Does a Certified Nutritionist Get In a High Amount of Protein Each Day?

An example of a day of eating that I have done to ingest a high amount of protein is as follows:

-Breakfast – 1.5 Scoops of MTS Whey Peanut Butter Fluff Protein mixed in 16 oz. of water, 1 Apple (37 grams of protein)
-Post-workout Meal – 1.5 Scoops of MTS Whey Cookies N Cream in fruit smoothie with large banana, 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup raspberries; 2 slices of Ezekiel Bread Toast with natural extra crunchy Peanut Butter (50 grams of protein)
-Lunch – Bed of Romaine Lettuce with Grilled Chicken (24 grams of protein)
-Snack Meal – 20 gram Protein Bar, 11 gram Protein Bar, 1 Orange
-Dinner –  10 Turkey sausage Links; Bowl of Organic Brown Rice, Black Eyed Peas, & Broccoli; 2 raw carrots (38 grams of protein)
Total protein for the day – 180 grams of protein; 2,000 Calories

In conclusion, we all need protein in our diets, but getting that protein is easier said than done.  You may not always get enough protein, but the more you try, the closer you will get to your goals.  Do not be fooled by the media headlines that make claims such as “Can Too Much protein Kill You?” because it’s hard enough to get 1 gram of protein per pound of your weight.
As a disclaimer, people with specific chronic illness or who have had surgery to remove a GI Track organ needs to consult a doctor on how much protein they can consume without becoming sick.

References/Further Reading
* http://www.prweb.com/releases/dupont-nutrition-health/protein-blend-muscle-mass/prweb11788928.htm
* http://www.outsideonline.com/fitness/bodywork/performance-plate/The-New-Rules-for-Protein.html
* http://www.jissn.com/content/4/1/8
* http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/the-basic-structure-of-proteins.html
* http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/9/1/5
* http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3133534/
* Applied Physiology Research Laboratory, Kent State University, OH 44242.
International journal of sport nutrition 07/1991; 1(2):127-45.
Source: PubMed
* Nutrition in Exercise and Sport, Third Edition
edited by Ira Wolinsk; Nutrition in Exercise and Sport, Third Edition
edited by Ira Wolinsk
* http://www.jimstoppani.com/home/articles/a-high-protein-diet-will-kill-you?preview
* http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10357740

Posted by Joshua Hennig  
http://joshhennig.blogspot.com/2015/06/comprehensive-discussion-about-protein.html 

Truth About Israel Being Denied By More Evangelical Christians

Hatred for Israel is infesting Christianity at a alarming rate, replacement theology, dominion theology, preterism and partial preterism are mostly to blame. Hatred for a literal interpretation of the Scripture and proper eschatology inevitably lead to a belief that the Church replaces Israel.

So many are duped by blood libel deception and believe the Jews are to blame for almost all the worlds ills. Christian Palestinian-ism is a “truther” lie. 

Billings Bible Church Sermons

Billings Bible Church Sermons on the sacrifice of Christ & the book of Hebrews.

Billings Bible Church Sermons

 

Jesus Everlasting Father

How And Why Jesus Is Called Everlasting Father

“So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.”  Matthew 1:17

If you count from Abraham to David and from David until Babylon there are 14 generations.  If you count from Babylon unto Christ there are 13 generations.  Where is the fourteenth generation?  

1. Abraham                   Solomon                    Salathiel 

2. Isaac                           Roboam                       Zorobabel

3. Jacob                          Abia                                Abiud 

4. Judas                           Asa                                Eliakim

5. Phares                       Josaphat                   Azor

6.  Esrom                        Joram                          Sadoc

7. Aram                            Ozias                            Achim

8. Aminadab                 Joatham                     Eliud

9. Naassom                   Achaz                          Eleazar

10. Salmon                      Exekias                       Mattthan

11. Booz                           Manasses                   Jacob

12. Obed                           Amon                            Joseph, husband of Mary

13. Jesse                          Josias                          Jesus

14. David                         Jechonias                   14th Generation of Jesus

“A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.” Psalms 22:30

“Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and
for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.” Isaiah 8:18

“And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children
which God hath given me.” Hebrews 2:13

“Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou
shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall
prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.” Isaiah 53:10

 “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”  John 1:12

ALL who receive Christ are sons of God.  They are the fourteenth generation.  The children the Heavenly Father gave to Christ.  The seed that shall serve Him is accounted to the Lord as a generation.

“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 one God eternally existent in three persons:

God the Heavenly Father,

God the Word (the only begotten Son of the Heavenly Father)

God the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is the everlasting father in that he GIVES everlasting life to ALL who believe in him.

 

 

 

 

Most People Don’t Like Me

Most people don’t like me; No I’m not suffering from delusions, it’s really true;
When people meet me, most of them walk away and want nothing to do with me; There are others who accept me at first but after a while,
they decide they don’t like me either!

Whenever I go somewhere, and I’ve traveled extensively, I try to make friends;
because I really care, but I’ve found that there are very few who want to be my friend; Even though I don’t do anything to hurt anyone, they blame me for being mean to them and causing all sorts of trouble!

I must admit, I am different and because of that people don’t accept the kind things I do for them, They think I have ulterior motives for the kind way I treat them,
but I really don’t!

I must say also that since I’ve been around for a while, I have a lot of good advice for others; But most of the time when I share that advice, people don’t want to hear it! They won’t even try my idea of how to go about doing something; Of course when everything goes wrong, I try to explain that I was right and they should have listened to me but then they tell me I’m full of pride! It’s so frustrating when you know so much and people won’t let you help them, you know what I mean? They go around calling me a know it all, but can I help it if I know more than anyone? No, I really do know everything! Now you’re beginning to not like me anymore, I can tell, but I’m not prideful at all, I’m just being honest!

Speaking of honesty, that’s the thing people seem to hate the most about me! Whenever someone asks me my opinion, I don’t hold back, I can’t help it, I want to be completely honest, isn’t that the way to have an open relationship? But when I’m completely honest about what I’m thinking, well, let’s just say people have actually
tried to kill me!

There are those who spread lies about me too, No, I’m really not paranoid, I have proof! So many lies have been spread about me that before I even try to befriend certain people, As soon as they find out who I am, they already don’t like me and won’t even give me the benefit of the doubt! I’m guilty before their eyes without any concrete evidence!

I even wrote a book about myself explaining my side of the story; Some people bought the book and some people read it; but deep down inside, I know they really don’t believe me because they don’t act like it! Even the people I call my friends don’t always really believe what I say; Really it’s true! I know it’s true because even though they say they believe me, they show by their actions toward me that they don’t!

You know, just because I point out people’s faults all the time they think I am bad; But I’m only trying to help because I know how much what they’re doing is hurting them; Then they say I’m arrogant just because I insist I don’t have any faults! But it’s not pride it’s just a fact, why should I deny it? Sometimes it’s awful lonely at the top!

Do you know what it’s like to love someone, yet they have so many walls built up against you that you can’t get in? Then you know what I go through all the time! Now I could just burst through those walls but I know that they would get hurt in the process; And I don’t go around hurting anybody! Contrary to what you may have heard; No, I’ve never hurt anyone! I’ve never done anything wrong to any one; I’m even good to the people who don’t like me!
Really it’s true!

Oh by the way let me introduce myself, I really want you to give me the benefit of the doubt for your own good because you will really miss out on all that I can offer you in our friendship. Now before I tell you my name brace yourself because you’ve probably heard of me, And I don’t want you to hold any of
those things against me. They really are lies.

I want you and I to be the best of friends, and I really am glad you took the time to hear me out because maybe YOU AND I can have that kind of relationship few people will have with me; You know: I really must say that I love you already, just the way you are, I really mean it, and I hope you can love me too and not hold my reputation or my different ways against me, my name is God, Give me the benefit of the doubt
and I promise I won’t let you down and in the end,
You will realize that I was right all along!

“But this cometh to pass,
That the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law,
They hated me without a cause.”
John 15:25

 

“The Naked Gospel” Just Another False Gospel Of Works by johninnc

“The Naked Gospel”: Just Another False Gospel of Works

by johninnc

My wife and I were recently introduced to a book called “The Naked Gospel,” written by Andrew Farley.

The first thing I do when I hear about a biblical book or author is to deteermine where they stand on the gospel. If someone gets the gospel wrong, I am not interested any of their biblical teaching.

Unfortunately, Farley clothes a false gospel of works under the clever guise of grace. Nowhere is this more telling than in his section called “Looking for Evidence” (pages 197-199).

Farley spends close to 200 pages beguiling the reader with personal yarns and anecdotes, mixed with some scripture, before finally coming to his false gospel.

Following are extensive excerpts, with my comments (interspersed, parenthetically, in bold):

James 2 clearly says we’re justified by works too, not by faith alone. To dance around this passage by saying it refers to works after salvation is faulty. The passage specifically asks, “Can such faith save them?” (James 2:14). In addition, it repeatedly addresses being justified before God, a status that occurs at salvation. Without a doubt, James says we’re justified by works and not by faith alone. But, the important question is: What does James mean by works?

(James 2 NEVER says that one is justified before God by works. Farley has simply invented this into scripture. Romans 4:2 gives the real story: For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.)

I believe the key to understanding this passage is to avoid bringing our twenty-first century mind-set to the table, especially with regard to the term works. Rather than assuming that works should be understood as a life-long record of religious activity, one should consult the biblical text and let the writer himself define the term. James own use of the term works is quite different from how we use it today.

(Nonsense. “It depends what the definition of is is”).

James explains that even the demons can believe the basics of Christianity – that there is one God, and so forth (2:19). He shows us the difference between nodding with your head with dead faith versus expressing living faith. The purpose of the passage is to communicate that faith without decision or response is dead faith.

(There is no “…and so forth.” Again, Farley has fabricated scripture. James 2:19: Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.)

James uses two Old Testament examples, Rahab and Abraham, to explain justification by works. Both characters actively responded to God’s message. They didn’t sit back passively and claim they believed God. Rahab decided to open her door to the spies (Joshua 2:1), and Abraham chose to offer his son on the altar (Genesis 22:3). They went beyond mere intellectual assent and did something in response to God’s message.

(Neither Abraham, nor Rahab, receieved eternal life by these acts. They were not justified before God for these acts. Nor does this imply that good works are automatic in the life of a believer. Rahab and Abraham were faithful when their faith was tested. James is using their examples to exhort the BELIEVERS to whom he is writing to an active faith).

But, how many times did Rahab open the door? Once. And how many times did Abraham hoist his son Isaac on the altar? Once. Hence, works in this passage is really not about a lifelong track record of good behavior. It’s actually about the importance of responding to the truth – an act that goes beyond mere intellectual agreement. James 2 might be summarized by the following train of thought:

• We’re justified by works (but works needs to be defined in context).
• Works are like what Rahab and Abraham did.
• Living faith involves opening a door (of your life) – a work.
• Living faith involves offering someone (yourself) – a work.
• So living faith involves decision – a work.
• Any faith without decision is just dead faith.

(So, Mr. Farley, we’re not saved by works, but by a single work that proves our faith? Would I have to be willing to kill my son to receive the free gift of eternal life? Do I have to be willing to let Jesus come in and change my life? Or, would some other work of righteousness be acceptable to God to prove I wasn’t exercising mere intellectual assent?)

James 2 communicates that personal decision is necessary in order for true salvation to occur. Those who appear to fall away from belief in Jesus are those who merely associated themselves with certain doctrines for whatever reason. They may abandon Christianity the movement. They may abandon Christians, sometimes accompanied by personal resentment. But, they don’t abandon Christ, since they never knew Him. Ascribing to certain doctrines is one thing, but opening the door of your life and receiving the life of Christ is altogether different.

(Farley has cleverly redefined decision to include WORKS. One receives eternal life by believing in Jesus as his Savior. The content of that belief is that Christ – God our Savior – died for our sins, was buried, and was raised from the dead. As soon as one believes that Jesus’ death and resurrection were sufficient to take away his sin and give him everlasting life, he is saved.

In addition, the parable of the sower teaches that some believe only for a while. Farley seems to have re-written this part of scripture as well.)

Once James 2 is seen in context, it doesn’t conflict with Romans or any other faith-centered passage. We need to recognized that this passage in James does not seem to be referring to a post-salvation experience. It’s specifically addressing the question, “Can such faith save them?” (James 2:14). From there we must grasp James’s own use of the term works by consulting the examples he gives. James’s purpose is to contrast mere intellectual agreement with active, saving faith that involves receiving the life of Christ. When Christ stood at the door and knocked, did you respond by opening the door, as Rahab did? If so, I think you’ve met the requirement of this historically controversial faith-works passage.

James 2 is not inviting us to introspect and assess our long-tem track-record of good works; in context, it appears to be contrasting dead faith (intellectual assertion only) with living faith (true conviction followed by decision).

We must never forget that truth is supposed to set us free!

(We receive the life of Christ when we believe the gospel. We do not have to “open the door” or any other such nonsense.

Yes, the truth is supposed to set us free. The truth starts with the gospel. If one thinks that he must do works (or make a decision), as defined by Farley, to receive eternal life, he does not believe the gospel.)