Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures —
Narrow is the Way
By Jeff Fenske
Probably the greatest and most serious deception in the world is the misconception about what the Bible really teaches about who goes to heaven.
Many are being deceived, having not been taught the truth about what Jesus’ requires so that we will have boldness (and I’m hoping even a very big smile) when we stand before Jesus.
What follows is what I’ve learned from more than 30 years of studying and prayerfully thinking this through. I’ll start with a few words about being born-again, and then jump into the texts.Being born-again is the start, but just the start—as is belief. We must abide in Him.
And infant baptism doesn’t qualify, because the person must make the decision, him or herself. “You must be born again” – Jesus.
John 3:1-8
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 The same came to him by night, and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Most assuredly, I tell you, unless one is born anew ['again' KJV], he can’t see the Kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can’t enter into the Kingdom of God! 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Don’t marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew ['again' KJV].’ 8 The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but don’t know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
I found Hebrews 10:26 in 1975 as a senior in high school, having just earlier made a serious decision to live my life for Christ. I read through the entire New Testament to see if what a friend told me about eternal security is true. This cinched it for me.
Hebrews 10:26-39
26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which will devour the adversaries. 28 A man who disregards Moses’ law dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will he be judged worthy of, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant with which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance belongs to me,” says the Lord, “I will repay.” Again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32 But remember the former days, in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle with sufferings; 33 partly, being exposed to both reproaches and oppressions; and partly, becoming partakers with those who were treated so. 34 For you both had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an enduring one in the heavens. 35 Therefore don’t throw away your boldness, which has a great reward. 36 For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise. 37 “In a very little while, He who comes will come, and will not wait. 38 But the righteous will live by faith. [Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11] If he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” 39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.
This is an amazing, seldom taught verse that says so much.The assembly in Sardis actually had a reputation for being alive. What church in America can say that today? Yet only the “few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments” were walking with Christ, “for they are worthy,” and their names are the only ones told they won’t be blotted out from the Book of Life.
Rev. 3:1-5
1 “And to the angel of the assembly in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars says these things: “I know your works, that you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and keep the things that remain, which you were about to throw away, for I have found no works of yours perfected before…God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If therefore you won’t watch, I will come as a thief, and you won’t know what hour I will come upon you. 4 Nevertheless you have a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Jesus said some pretty profound things about salvation in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). I’ll say more about this when I write the commentary for “Let Us Be ONE,” especially regarding what Jesus said about what happens to those who willfully look at a woman to lust in their heart. I had a dream about this, that Jesus is deadly serious about the consequences if we continue to willfully do this.
Matt. 5:1-30
Matt. 5:1 Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 He opened his mouth and taught them, saying,
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the gentle,
For they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, [compare to 5:28]
For they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called children of God. [like Rom. 8:16-17]
10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. …20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
21 “You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever shall murder shall be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Racaa!’ shall be in danger of the council; and whoever shall say, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.
23 “If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are with him in the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison. 26 Most assuredly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there, until you have paid the last penny.
27 “You have heard that it was said, a ‘You shall not commit adultery;’ 28 but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. 30 If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you: for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not your whole body be thrown into Gehenna.
Matt. 7:13-27
13 “Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. 14 How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. 16 By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore, by their fruits you will know them.
21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ 23 Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’
24 “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. 25 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”
Jesus actually taught the opposite of what is commonly taught today in word and in music. One song that is currently being heavily rotated on “positive, encouragement” radio is “East to West.” One of the lyrics says: ” I’m not holding on to you,but you’re holding on to me.”Jesus said just the opposite: “Abide/Remain in me, and I in you.” “He who remains in me, and I in him….” “If a man doesn’t remain in me….”See also: The CHIEF PILLAR of Eternal Security (OSAS) Toppled!, which explains the “no one will snatch them out of my hand” scripture. It’s up to us to abide in Christ, and then Christ will automatically stay in us. That our joy may be full!
John 15:1-14
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer. 2 Every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already pruned clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If a man doesn’t remain in me, he is thrown out as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you. 8 “In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples. 9 Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and remain in his love. 11 I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full. 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you.
Galatians 5 and 6 is probably the clearest list of who goes to heaven and who doesn’t. “Abide in Me,” written through Paul, the grace teacher, who actually taught this about “grace.”
Titus 2:11-15
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; 13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; 14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works. 15 Say these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise you.
Who goes to heaven? Who will “inherit the Kingdom of God,” “reap eternal life?” Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.
Gal. 5:13-6:10
13 For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you don’t consume one another. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one other, that you may not do the things that you desire. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, 21 envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another. …
6:7 Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that will he also reap. 8 For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.
Here is Paul, the grace teacher using the sandwich technique, starting out with the positive (chapter 2) before he then gives the warning in chapter 5. Salvation is a gift that we must abide in Christ to not forfeit.
Eph. 2:1-10
2 You were made alive when you were dead in transgressions and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the powers of the air, the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience; 3 among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; 8 for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, that no one would boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
Eph. 5:1-6
1 Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance. 3 But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints; 4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks. 5 Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.
Romans 8:1 is one of the most commonly mistaught scriptures: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,” because they don’t usually quote the full verse. The “no condemnation” from being “in Christ Jesus,” is considered automatic because Christ died for us and we accepted his free gift, that is commonly taught to not have strings.
But the strings are in the second part of the verse. Those “who are in Christ Jesus” have “no condemnation” because they “don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit”—by God’s grace, of course.Verse four explains this further, stating that there is “no condemnation” because we are no longer under the law when we’re walking “after the Spirit.”
Romans 8:1-19
Rom. 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the law couldn’t do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh; 4 that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace….
12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if you live after the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God. 15 For you didn’t receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abbaa! Father!”
16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God; 17 and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us. 19 For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.
Rom. 11:1; 20-23
1 I ask then, Did God reject his people? May it never be! For I also am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. …
20 True; by their unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by your faith. Don’t be conceited, but fear; 21 for if God didn’t spare the natural branches [the Jews], neither will he spare you. 22 See then the goodness and severity of God. Toward those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness; otherwise you also will be cut off. 23 They also, if they don’t continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.
The New Testament teaches that Jesus was an example on earth that we should follow in his steps. And having read the warning scriptures that describe what will happen to us if we fall away, “working out our salvation with fear and trembling” as the Holy Spirit enables us to makes total sense.
Phil. 2:5-16
5 Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputes, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world, 16 holding up the word of life….
That we may have boldness on the day of judgment.
1 John:
2:28 Now, little children, remain in him, that when he appears, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
4:16 We know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and he who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. 17 In this love has been made perfect among us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, because as he is, even so are we in this world.
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Since I’ve written Asbury Revival, 1970: “Dr. Kinlaw, I am a liar. Now what do I do?”, I’ll now include Jesus’ words about the consequences of lying.Revelation 21:
2 I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. 3 I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away from them every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.”
5 He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” He said, “Write, for these words of God are faithful and true.” 6 He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give freely to him who is thirsty from the spring of the water of life. 7 He who overcomes, I will give him these things. I will be his God, and he will be my son.
8 But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers ["everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment" (Mt. 5:21,22)], sexually immoral ["everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Mt. 5:27-30)], sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
All of my Who Goes to Heaven Posts
How Many Will Be in Heaven? How Many Find the WAY? Only 1 in 40 — 2.5%!?!!
Greetings Jeff and all, in my new book “Eternal Security Proved!” I address many of the Scripture passages presented in this post. I also refute many Arminian arguments used against the truth of unconditional eternal security.
The book should be available by the end of June this year, but 4 chapters totaling 88 pages can be freely read online now at http://www.EternalSecurityProved.com
Phil
Comment by Phillip M. Evans — April 27, 2008 @ 1:35 pm
Dear Phil,
I looked through the chapters you have posted at your site. You say above that you address many of the scripture passages in my post, but I don’t see even one of the *key* scriptures that I cite addressed [I don't consider Mt. 7 to be a key text unless what Jesus said earlier in this same Sermon on the Mount is included—which I did above, highlighting the key who-goes-to-heaven points from Mt. 5].
If I’m missing something, please let me know. And I realize that I’m only able to look at the 88 pages you’ve so far posted.
Your technique reminds me of the main textbook we were assigned to read regarding salvation in systematic theology in seminary. The author claimed to be presenting both sides of the argument, but didn’t mention many of the key we-must-be-right-with-man-and-God-to-be-saved texts, such as Heb. 10:26-39. I see that you cite Heb. 10:9-11 without mentioning verses 26-39 from the same chapter. Do you cite them elsewhere? How about Rev. 3:1-5, and the others?
This is very serious business:
“My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a STRICTER JUDGMENT” (James 3:1).
And Jesus said: “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea” (Mark 9:42).
We need to be absolutely sure we are presenting the truth that “holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit”—especially when it comes to this crucial topic that hardly anyone adequately studies.
I was very blessed to have a teacher in the early ’80s [Thank you, Jerry!!!] who warned me of the pitfalls of systematic theology technique, and introduced me to the concept of biblical theology. Systematic theology is mostly concerned with accumulating the texts that address a given subject, and then sorting out what is truth based upon what these texts say. But too often, key texts go ignored and passages are taken out of context.
Biblical theology takes into consideration the writer’s style and his development of a concept throughout his writings. Both should be used together.
In studying “who goes to heaven,” I did two things that I don’t see done enough—and hopefully this will change.
I carefully read through the entire New Testament twice (many years apart) and marked every scripture that had anything to do with who goes to heaven. Other methods like word studies and/or considering texts mentioned by others aren’t thorough enough. Not all of the key texts will come up through word studies, and leaning on the database that others have assembled is dependent upon them doing the job correctly to begin with.
The other thing I did was to consider the writer’s style. For example, I talk about Paul’s use of the sandwich technique, in which he begins with the positive, before getting heavy further into the letter with the specific truths, and then he ends with the more optimistic, endearing remarks.
For example, I state above what Paul says in Ephesians 2: how the Ephesians, being sin overcomers were seated with Christ in the heavenly realms, but then in chapter 5 he gets into the meat of the situation, specifically who has an inheritance and who does not—how overcoming is mandatory. He then ends the final chapter by talking about peace to the brethren, and grace; though, he does qualify who the grace is towards: “who LOVE our Lord Jesus Christ IN SINCERITY.”
The proponents of the once-saved-always-saved concept seem to like to emphasize the first and last layers of the sandwich (those that are easy to chew), and ignore the meat in between (where Paul gets into the specific and more complex, harder-to-swallow details).
There is another factor that I haven’t discussed much on this site yet, but plan to. James talks about how ‘Christians’ curse people in chapter three of his letter. He asks: “how can this be?” But it is, especially today in the United States under this license-to-sin theology. This is what I’ve noticed.
People who are born-again, including many born-again pastors, pray all kinds of things for especially those in their flock—or who they think threaten their flock’s adherence to their teaching, and even themselves. Too many aren’t always careful that what they wish on others in the name of prayer. ‘Prayers’ that God doesn’t condone are curses.
James 3:15 says the source of the ungodly wisdom that drives unbiblical prayers/’curses’ is demonic. Demon-driven and demon-executed prayers are curses, even if they come from a born-again “Christian.”
It is clear to me that once-saved-always-saved is a doctrine of demons which has and is deceiving many millions of God’s people—sending many to hell. And doctrines like this can be reinforced by simple prayers that are actually James-3 curses.
For example, the love-of-money thing—which Jesus said is a big deal! A pastor may preach that everyone in the congregation is required by God to give 10% of their income, which is clearly unbiblical for new covenant, supposed-to-be-Holy-Spirit-led believers http://onecanhappen.wordpress.com/2007/11/26/the-day-that-tithing-ended-to-now-be-led-by-the-holy-spirit, and then he prays that the people will believe this false teaching. But God won’t honor this prayer to move a person to do something contrary to his will. But demons will—and the person has been James-3 cursed—often by his own ‘pastor,’ and/or others on the payroll.
But many Christians don’t understand that THE FEELING THEY HAVE TO TITHE never did come from the Holy Spirit. For many pastors teach another false doctrine: that evil spirits can’t affect Christians directly—which they reinforce with more James-3 prayers/curses—so the people feel compelled to unquestionably follow. But it’s more like being driven—because demons drive; the Holy Spirit entreats. it’s not a gentle thing. And many ‘Christians’ have not become gentle people.
[No wonder so many 'Christians' have become strongly preemptive war—the opposite of what Christ taught: "Blessed are the peacemakers." This is more demon-driven stuff.]
And few pastors really teach the people how to be led by the Holy Spirit, because they’re teaching the old covenant law of tithing instead, regarding this exceedingly important, personal issue of how we decide what to do with our money.
But Paul said in Romans 8 that “those who are led by the Spirit are the sons of God,” and that “there is NO CONDEMNATION to those who are IN CHRIST JESUS, who do not walk according to the flesh, but ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT.”
But the church has changed “in Christ Jesus” to mean merely those who are truly born-again. Because through the years, someone [perhaps even Luther] stopped reading the rest of Romans 8:1, that says being “in Christ Jesus” are those “who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” And phrases that Paul teaches later in this same chapter are also ignored, like “those who are led by the Spirit are the sons of God,” and that the requirement for being God’s children/heirs is that “we suffer with Him.”
And now we have once-saved-always-saved, or eternal security, or “it’s hard to lose one’s salvation;” though, the Bible doesn’t teach we’re secure unless we’re truly “in Christ”—as Robert Shank so aptly teaches (and took tons of flack for) in “Life in the Son—A Study of the Doctrine of Perseverance” http://www.amazon.com/Life-Son-Robert-Shank/dp/1556610912/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209482347&sr=8-1.
I don’t know how much of a role that the church teaching the law of tithing has played in the adoption of the OSAS teaching by evangelicals in the United States today. But I think it’s a huge factor. And I’m convinced that James-3 curses reinforce the acceptance of these doctrines of demons. And James-3 curses are sent to fight off those who would say otherwise.
[I can tell this from lots of personal experience.]
And now the church is mostly a mess. And America is a mess. And the world can see the ‘church’ in America is a mess.
So what is the solution? Sound doctrine, carefully praying prayers (not curses), a lot of praying in the Spirit, and forgiving EVERYONE from the HEART, so we can be ONE with each other, in Christ—Jesus heart-cry for us in John 17: “Let Us Be ONE” http://onecanhappen.wordpress.com/let-us-be-one—which is what this site is all about.
Freedom!!!
Jeff Fenske : )
Comment by tobefree — April 29, 2008 @ 6:29 am
Thank you Jeff, for this excellent catalogue of Scripture verses.
For many years, I completely ignored such verses or “reinterpreted” them according to my Protestant/Lutheran/Presbyterian bias. What really began to wake me up to the truth of Scripture was the witness of the early church and some modern biblical scholarship.
When I began looking at the Church Fathers – the Apostolic Fathers, the Apologists (Justin, Irenaeus), Athanasius, and especially Augustine – I realized that the people who had known the apostles (like Ignatius of Antioch and Polycarp), those taught by them, and those who were only a few generations removed from them had no concept of “justification by faith alone,” or of “OSAD.” The church fathers did insist on the need for grace, but they never saw grace as something that would co-exist with sin. Grace, for them, brings forgiveness and holiness and enables the Christian to merit (yes, I used the “m” word), eternal life. [By the way, 'merit' simply means -something for which you are rewarded. Nothing is clearer in Scripture than that we will be rewarded or punished according to our works. See Romans 2]
I also found it very useful to dig into the Scholarship of the “New Perspectives on Paul” school of biblical study. Writers like E.P. Sanders, Krister Stendhal, James Dunn, and N.T. Wright. These are Protestant scholars who have shown pretty convincingly that the Lutheran and Protestant traditions have misinterpreted Pauline teaching on grace and justification.
Thanks for your good work.
-David
Comment by David Anders — September 18, 2008 @ 6:22 am
Jeff,
Very good response to Phil. I went to the website Phil directed the readers and I saw no key verses addressed. It was the same old party line. This doctrine of OSAS is leading so many to Hell. It puts the Christian off his spiritual guard. Why worry about getting drunk….it’s forgiven! If I steal this, God has forgiven me already! Etc. Etc. Etc.
I know of someone hooked on drugs and prostituting her body, but she claims Jesus loves her and she will still enter through the pearly gates! She got a does of the OSAS doctrine taught in a Baptist church. This doctrine is so crazy. It defies logic as well as the word of God and damns many souls.
Blessings,
Sandy
Comment by Sandy — September 23, 2008 @ 4:45 pm
[...] Who Goes To Heaven? [...]
Pingback by Eternal Pleasures from God’s Hand : Thinking it through… or Just something to think about… — January 11, 2009 @ 11:59 pm
Actually, all mankind will be saved through he grace of God. Every single human will one day praise God and be reconciled.
Comment by Ray S — January 12, 2009 @ 6:01 pm
I came across this URL in Google searching for Luther’s statement about sinning boldly. And I am just amazed. The notion of salvation by faith alone, the rejection of the concept of merit and good works remains a steadfast basis for so many of my Protestant friends, desptie the distortion of holy writ to get there, and despite the witness of the early fathers. I did find the comment by Ray S for Jan 12, 09 to arrest me. It was the opinion of Francis de Sales, a doctor of RCC, that few will be lost, nor has his communion ever identified anyone who is in hell. Augustine put it this way: Ordinarily, he who prays is saved. I like to think with Ray S, that God can save after death. Nonetheless, this is an intruiging site.
Comment by Charles N — January 17, 2009 @ 4:19 pm
Dear Charles,
Thanks for posting. In this 1/18 rewrite to your comment, I think I may just now have a clear answer to your idea that perhaps “God can save after death.”
First, Augustine: I also find the “church fathers” interesting, but mainly those who are called the “early church fathers,” those who wrote soon after the Biblical period and before Constantine nationalized the church in the fourth century, after which seemed to be the dark ages for the church.
I haven’t read much Augustine, because I’ve seen a lot of disinfo coming from him that apparently is a basis for some of the doctrines of demons that are commonly taught and destroying the church, today.
For one thing, Augustine was a cessationist, whereas many of the early church fathers wrote a lot about the gifts of the Spirit. When one minimizes the role of the Holy Spirit, it’s easy to fall into false doctrine, because the Holy Spirit was in part given to us ~”to lead us into all truth” (John 16).
As far as most people being saved, this totally contradicts what Jesus said in Mt. 7 and many of the texts I quote in this article.
Also, besides trying to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading, myself, I try to learn from others’ experiences and leadings, for God doesn’t tell everything to just one person.
One such example is Howard Pittman’s experience, in which he, a pastor, actually died 30 years ago. And at the gates of heaven, he saw 50 people enter while he was told that 1,950 people entered hell during this same period, which amounts to only about 2 1/2% of the people going to heaven. And that was in 1979, before the internet, while decency on TV was more common, and before “once saved, always saved” and “it’s hard to lose your salvation” had flooded the airwaves as much as it has today. ‘Christian’ music was far more Christian in content and much more Holy Spirit empowered. ‘Christian’ music, today, is mostly a farse.
This is what Howard Pittman wrote about his experience in his book, “Placebo,” part of which is online here.
Based upon what the Bible really says about who goes to heaven, 2 1/2% is not surprising to me at all. Easy believism has done a work on America, and America has spread crossless Christianity around the world—’crossless’ in that we don’t have to do what Jesus said, to take up our cross and follow Him, because we’re taught that He did it all, so we don’t have to do anything. But the only guarantee to born-again Christians to not have their names removed from the Book of Life is to those who overcome (Rev. 3:1-6).
The main reason I’m delighted to respond to your comment is to try to address this idea that it may be possible to be saved after one dies in an unsaved, “not right enough with God and man to go to heaven” state. I attempted to answer yesterday, but today I think it dawned on me what’s going on with the idea of purgatory.
Even just a few years ago, I would have totally dismissed the purgatory idea, and I still mostly do, but there may be one aspect of it that is true.
Again, Hebrews 10:26 says: “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins….” What if a person is born-again and is unknowingly sinning sins that lead to death, sins that would ordinarily disqualify one from entering heaven, like those in the Gal-5, works of the flesh list, or unknowingly doing something that the Bible clearly forbids? Please consider this:
I am honored to personally know an amazing pastor, who in almost every way, definitely has impeccable, Biblically ‘above reproach’ (one of the qualifications for an overseer/elder in 1 Tim. 3 & Titus 1) character. There are very few pastors whom I would comfortably call a “man of God,” but this church leader truly is. I have great respect for this man of God! It would be wonderful if he and his wife lived in Alaska, so I could see him more often, but this isn’t the case. He told me this just a couple of years ago. You’ll see why I’m not naming his name.
He had a vision in which he saw a wall, which is perhaps near, or maybe even in part of heaven, which had a terrible, loud ruckus going on behind it—disturbing sounds of people going through really heavy stuff. If I remember correctly (I have this conversation taped, which I could check someday—if I can find it), he asked God what was going on behind that wall, and God told him these people were working things out that they hadn’t worked through on earth so they could go to heaven, eventually.
This pastor then asked God for scriptural support, and God gave him some scriptures of which I don’t recall. I didn’t see totally obvious proof from these texts, which is probably why he likely still isn’t teaching this publicly, and is why I haven’t pursued this further, myself. But maybe these scriptures weren’t total proof for me because I misunderstood the concept, thinking that this place was a way for some to get around the otherwise clear teaching of Heb. 10:26-39, etc.. But today, this very day, 1/18/09, I think I may be for the first time, understanding how this wall fits within the parameters of scripture. Because of this incredible pastor’s very close relationship with God, his rare-for-this-day high level of holiness, and his keen gift of discernment of spirits, I am very much inclined to believe that this place he saw really does exist, that his vision is from God and not the dark side. I wish you could all meet him someday. I really do.
It occurred to me today what God may have been trying to tell this pastor by showing him this dream. And I’m going to tell him what I’ve written here, so he can consider this interpretation, himself. I could be wrong, but here it is.
Even though this man of God’s character is virtually impeccable—I mean he actually told me once that he had no willful sin in his life. And he wasn’t bragging, for he doesn’t brag. I believe he was trying to teach me that I needed to be able to say this too. And at that particular time, I couldn’t totally say his same statement back. Years later, I admitted to him this. This time, I was able to say ~”I don’t knowingly have any willful sins [that lead to death] in my life, either.”
What I’m trying to carefully get to here is that I think at the time he got this vision, there was possibly an area in his life that would have ordinarily kept him out of heaven. He may have been sinning a sin that leads to death without knowing this was sin, and maybe this could have put him with the others behind this wall, had he died having not overcome in this area while still on earth.
In one of the teachings I have of his on CD, which is otherwise thrillingly excellent, he taught something like: in some cases, it may be love to put back on people what they put on us, referring to when we’re cursed by people, perhaps with a disease. And this pastor wouldn’t have publicly taught this if he believed this wasn’t the right thing to do.
I believe the Bible is very clear that we should never curse anyone no matter how much they are cursing us. Maybe the person deserves it, but only God has the right to decide, for only He sees the whole picture. This is one of the reasons why I believe it’s important to pray in tongues a lot, especially if one is cursed a lot, for then God prays perfectly through us without us having to make these decisions that we’re not designed to be able to make. Paul said he had to pray in tongues a lot, and this preacher is definitely Paul-like, so maybe tongues is the answer here, instead of what this pastor was teaching.
In this same CD teaching series, this man of God had talked about how he had battled with cancer for days until it finally left him. Smith Wigglesworth, an also incredible man of God, was at one point deathly sick. A man came over and rebuked the demon, and Wigglesworth was instantly healed!
A Gift that Will Set Many Free, part of my Let Us Be ONE prophecy, talks about how curses can make Christians sick to the point they can’t even walk, and how praying in tongues is a significant way to be set free. I believe the most significant reason God gives us (available to everyone!) this peculiar gift is because He doesn’t want us to see and even understand all of the demonic yuck we’re dealing with when we’re praying in this supernaturally perfect way that gets right to the heart of the matter. And we can pray for others in this way, to set them free!!
Smith Wigglesworth learned the incredible importance of praying in tongues a lot: Smith Wigglesworth: “With a CONSTANT FILLING, You Will SPEAK IN TONGUES Morning, Noon and Night”
So I think, from a Biblical perspective, that if there is a purgatory-like place that people go to before they are allowed to enter heaven, it is only for those born-again believers who are not knowingly willfully sinning sins that lead to death. If someone has additional insight, I’m interested.
To add further clarity as to where the dividing line is, that ‘Christians’ who willfully sin sins that lead to death (Hb. 10:26-39) will indeed go to hell and not purgatory, here is an example of a pastor who died and came back to tell us where he would have spent eternity—and why. And he is reportedly very much a changed man when it comes to willful sinning in any area. Reinhard Bonnke has an excellent DVD on this amazing story, entitled: “Raised from the Dead.”
(By the way, Dr. Maurice Rawlings has documented how when people have NDEs, near death experiences and come back to life, if they had actually been in hell and aren’t interviewed within 24 hours, the severe trauma of that experience will ordinarily cause the person’s body to totally block out its memory. So, many of the interviews that are done long after the fact, where the person only remembers bliss, is probably from what they experienced before they reached their final destination.)
Here is one paragraph of David Servant’s report of this African pastor who died, and whose body was even partially embalmed, as he was dead for three days before coming back to life. The angel told him he would have gone to hell because he refused to forgive his wife. It’s crucial that we’re right with everybody!
So what about death-bed confessions? Can we just ask God to forgive us when we’ve knowingly hurt people, not having gotten right with them? It’s interesting what this pastor was told. If we’re not like the thief on the cross, who just found out the truth moments before he died, would waiting till the last minute work for us too, having willfully, knowingly sinned for years…?
So that’s my take on this. I know very well that it really is hard, right now, to live the way Jesus requires. Swimming against the powerful, deadly, and even attractive currents we face every day is not easy. But really, is giving into sin really even an option? To me, the question now should rather be: how will I overcome? What do I need to do to live right with God and people? How do we do real Christianity?
“Who-Goes-to-Heaven Scriptures” should have been 101 teaching that we all were taught as little children. It can be a shocker to now just see this for the first time as adults. But this isn’t the only issue we’ve been misled in.
This is how active, demonic deception works. And this is why praying in tongues is still very important—a gift that I need to write more about. If Luther and his followers prayed in tongues often, and especially had they learned how to forgive all of those ‘church’ leaders who hated Luther, he probably would have seen what we are now seeing, and wouldn’t have entertained the idea of sinning boldly. This is so sad. I greatly admire Luther’s stand against false teaching. But the poison Luther ended up teaching may have even been worse, and has clearly led millions astray.
The darkness was so dark in that day, he tragically never did get free enough to have eyes to see and ears to hear what the Word of God really says, and what the Holy Spirit was trying to tell him, trying to lead him into all truth, as Jesus said the Comforter would. but we must have ears to hear.
It appears that we have an opportunity right now to see real Christianity happen among large communities. Because we’re finally seeing what the Bible really does say AND we have the threat of social unrest at our doorstep. God is saying our cushy lifestyles are gone. But these could be the best days of our lives! For once ‘ONE’ happens (Jesus’ prayer for us in John 17, that we would be one with each other, in Him), it will probably become relatively easy to live holy lives, pleasing to the Lord. Because we’ll be a group, each member doing the tasks they’re gifted to do. And the presence of God will be so strong among us. We’ll be able to go through everything—as a knife through butter—I imagine. See part 3 of: ALCC Reinstates Group Prayer | My Thoughts on the Worship Room Concept | One of the Greatest Adventures of All Time.
The main thing is right now, during this still dark period: let’s persevere and “work out our salvation through fear and trembling” as the Holy Spirit will enable us to, as Paul clearly said. Through Him, we can do it. And the results will be glorious! I think people will come from all around to experience what we have.
Paul guaranteed that “When the sufferings of Christ flow in our lives, His comfort flows” (2 Cor. 1). We will be so blessed!
Let’s keep our eye on the prize and the joy that is to come. Knowing what the minimum requirements are to enter eternal life with our heavenly Father is very important, but I think our goal should be to “make our calling and election sure” by aiming to hit the bulls-eye of what God is leading us to be and do. And together, it will be so much easier, and so much more fun—fullness of joy!!!
All of what the devil offers is a delusion that isn’t really fulfilling even now. How many Americans are really happy with all their stuff? The only way to be happy is to jump in and totally shut the door to the devil.
It’s time to really get serious, and the more of us that totally jump in and shut de do’, the easier it will be for each of us, working together in our unique giftings, all led by the Holy Spirit and learning from each other. Awesome!! Awesome! I can’t wait.
Freedom in Christ realized — together as ONE!!!!!!!!!!
Praise God! ONE can happen!!!
Jeff Fenske : )
Comment by Jeff Fenske — January 17, 2009 @ 7:08 pm
God Bless you Jeff!It is so refreshing to hear these truths! God woke me up to the lies in christianity 3 years ago and told me to write a short book calle”Once saved always saved” the greatest lie in Christianity- Can I send you the rough draft for your review and comments? You have quoted the exact same scriptures I use in my book- I have tried to share these truths with many pastors and churches, they are not interested and have practicaaly thrown me out- it is very sad how decieved and stubborn they are-
Jason
Comment by Jason Stoddard NYC — January 19, 2009 @ 4:44 am
Jeff, Great post, it is nice to see truth being boldly proclaimed. I went down a similar path to you and have been fighing an uphill battle to bring the truth to the “many” that are deceived. As the world calamity grows, people are yearning for rest and peace and Jesus is the only way, but they must understand they will face tribulation and they need to endure (abide in Him) till then end. God Bless
Comment by pete — February 27, 2009 @ 3:54 am
Dear Pete,
I appreciate *very much* your encouragement! It’s amazing how ‘uphill’ this battle is, because of how unfathomably powerful and widespread the deception truly is. How can so many preacher/teachers be wrong?
Who would have ever imagined? And the consequences….
And for many, it’s too late.
But the more of us that get it the less strong the stronghold will be. And once ‘ONE’ happens, what a JOY that will be!!!!!!! We’ll be on Cloud 9, eh?
Then the world will know (John 17). What a joy that will be — the responsibility lifted.
FREEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee———–dom!!!!!!!
God speed and wisdom to you, brother!
And to all others on this path.
“Power to the Peaceful!”
Jeff Fenske : )
Comment by Jeff Fenske — February 27, 2009 @ 4:49 am
Brother Jeff,
I find it a blessing to see a brother who sees the truth of God from God. Many are led astray, the blind leading the blind, and there is little truth left in this world with the many having and wanting their ears tickled massing doctrines of lies to themselves for comfort and ease of life in this present age.
We ARE to walk in a manner worthy of the the LORD in all our ways, not sinning willfully, for if we do so after we know the truth we surely trample down the blood that has set us free and treat it as worthless.
Many are teaching the first lie in the word of GOD, ” Eat the fruit of the tree, for surely you will not die” ,akin to ” Sin all you want, Jesus covered it all – you will still go to heaven – you wont die ” this is the common message by todays “churches”, I have been ostracized in many churches for speaking against this, and even for helping the poor. There are a constant barrage of scriptures that teach directly against wilfull sinners inheriting the kingdom, and only selectively and distorted teachings of man that seem to approve it ( but indeed scrpture in no way teaches such filth )
May God bless you in all ways and in ever increasing wisdom .
Your brother in Christ
Adrian
Comment by Adrian — September 19, 2009 @ 5:45 am
Adrian,
Thanks for taking the time to share your kind and wise perspective!
Your Garden of Eden analogy is interesting: “Eat the fruit of the tree, for surely you will not die.” It’s interesting that this is similar to the theme in the Satanic Bible: “Do what thou wilt,” And so many songs say, “it can’t be wrong if it feels so right.”
And I wonder what percentage of the songs played on “positive and encouraging” K-LOVE are about the theme: God loves us and we’re going to heaven no matter what. It’s pretty obvious the percentage of songs they play that call for repentance to get right with God and people.
It’s like this syrupy glaze that has put a spell on the populace, and then when people obediently point out that this is not what the Bible says, then we’re the enemy; though, very few people will research what the Bible really says about who goes to heaven.
This is an example of how few people are studying and writing about this subject. If you (and others reading) would like, type “who goes to heaven” into Google. This post is number 2, and it’s not even that well read, a couple of thousand hits.
Why oh why aren’t the vast majority of ‘Christians’ willing to research this crucial subject in order to make sure of their eternal destiny? This is maybe the most baffling thing to me.
I’ve been thinking about this for a long time, and the only logical explanation to me is that most people are demonized, spiritually empowered from the dark side to accept the lie at the gut/heart emotional level.
Parents ‘praying’ for their loved ones believe the Lutheran doctrine or crossless evangelicalism; pastors ‘praying’ that ‘their’ people believe their doctrine without question (including tithing — non-Holy-Spirit-led giving); and evangelistic oriented people who ‘pray’ that people believe that they are saved merely because accepted Jesus as their personal savior.
I put ‘praying’ in quotes, because I believe these are to a large extent James-3 curses, wishing things on other people that aren’t based on truth, ‘prayers’ that God doesn’t answer, but Satan does. And it wouldn’t surprise me if just about every American has had people pray for them that they’d drink in and adhere to these false doctrines of demons.
And then it’s no wonder we’re ostracized and ‘prayed’ against (cursed). We’ll spoil the party. The familiar spirits (too familiar to even be noticed) have them where they want them, thinking they’re going to heaven and fighting against those who teach the truth.
It’s almost as if Satan prefers it this way. Those who haven’t “found Christ” are probably more aware of their vulnerable position eternally. And I’m finding some of them to be more loving and open to truth than many ‘Christians.’ To me, some of the most pleasant people are the yoga-type people. They’re more into doing Jesus’ second greatest commandment than most “Christians,” it seems. And they’re certainly not for killing people militarily who didn’t even do anything to us.
It is my opinion that if just one church would get their doctrines right, their lives would line up, and God would show up in somewhat of a permanent Asbury Revival (which I mention at this site).
“God resists the proud.” (current state of the American church)
“But gives grace to the humble.” (‘ONE’can happen. “Then the world will know,” Jesus said in John 17 — when we become ‘ONE’ in Him!)
I think doctrinally is where the main solution lies. But lots of prayer will also be required for people to get deprogrammed enough to even be able to comprehend what the Bible really says about this and other key issues.
And if we can only live, breath and move in the concept that people aren’t the enemy, that our warfare is against the unseen, dark spiritual forces that really, literally have blinded the majority of the people, that even born-again Christians can be so deceived by demons that they really don’t know what they’re doing — then it’s so much easier to forgive them (“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do) when they ‘pray’ against us, try to make sure that good things won’t happen in our lives.
Like for me, I’ve never been able to get married, which is so hard for me. I haven’t dated anyone in 25 years. But had I married the wrong person would I have been able to accomplish what I have through His grace and leading? I don’t think so. One pastor wanted me to get married so I’d be ‘normal’ and I think so I’d drop this ‘unity’ (let’s get right with others so God can move) thing. But then he would ‘pray’ against the right things happening in my life.
Because I believe from lots of experience that the ‘Christians’ cursing people thing is so big, I have a category on this site regarding this 24/7 happening phenomenon. And ‘freedom’ for me is largely about being demon free.
But how do I present the full truth about this epidemic without totally turning people off? I have so much more to say. Some exposés may require more prayer and more time and maybe America losing it all in the natural. But maybe I’m just using this as an excuse so I won’t get busy and write more of what I know.
It’s a lonely world out here, but I really do believe that once the truth happens in just one church, the truth will become mainstream. At least to the point of “then the world will know.”
It’s going to be fun. If we built it He will come.
The problem isn’t with our analysis, for no one seems to be able to refute it. The problem is that most people won’t investigate what the Bible really says. How can this spell be broken?
Cheers to you, Adrian! May we fight this fight together and win!
Jeff Fenske : )
Comment by Jeff Fenske — September 21, 2009 @ 4:54 am
Hi Jeff,
At this particular moment i dont have time for a lengthy reply, However but one comment struck me as interesting, One i ponder almost every day of my life
Quote ;”Why oh why aren’t the vast majority of ‘Christians’ willing to research this crucial subject in order to make sure of their eternal destiny? This is maybe the most baffling thing to me.”
Well the Word tells us that “To whom much is given, much shall be received” I think they dont study and meditate on GOD’s word through fear and guilt , The more we know the more is expected of us ! Hence the Servants with the talents were EXPECTED by their Master to use the talents. Indeed let Christians look at the outcome for the servant who did not use his talent! Assigned a place with the unbelievers. The scripture States so obviously that we need to be “careful to engage in good deeds”
Excessive Grace Teaching is the root of many evils! God clearly says fornicators, Liars , Adulterers etc WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM – to anyone doubting this read , study and meditate on he who sows to the flesh in Galatians ch5 , 6, Then turn to Jude whom tells us clearly , ” AFTER saving a people out of egypt he destroyed them for unbelief”
Now many would say “I believe in Jesus so i am saved” Active faith is neccesary not simply words !! If you belive in Jesus you also belive every word he spoke and adhere to His words lest he come at judgement and say to you or i “Why do you call me Lord Lord and not do as i say”
I hope to speak at length concerning these things brother but at this moment i have study and prayer time.
May God guide you into all peace and strengthen you until the hour arrives
Your brother in Christ
Adrian
Comment by Adrian — September 21, 2009 @ 9:12 am
Thank you Lord Jesus again for leading me here to read about the truth that i have been pondering about. I know you are with me guiding me to the right path. You have been with me and still showing me the way. Thank you Jesus.
Comment by kong wee — October 10, 2009 @ 4:51 am
here it is again for follow up comment.
Comment by kong wee — October 10, 2009 @ 4:53 am