Reformation Nation has moved to DefendingContending.com

Reformation Nation has moved and brought a few friends along. You can now find The Pilgrim along with The Desert Pastor, Bill Phillips, Coram Deo, Fourpointer, and Sicarri at Defending. Contending. (or DefCon for short).

I decided to create a new blog that is comprised of a community of believers who will add their very own posts for the purpose of defending truth and contending for the faith. Don’t worry, you will get the same great news and commentary that you’ve come to love on Reformation Nation.

Make sure you bookmark the new blog, add it to your favorite links, and tell your friends.

I want to thank all of you who have been faithful readers of Reformation Nation since its inception last August. RN will remain up but I will not be adding any more new posts here. I will begin doing all my posting over at DefCon now. Be sure to visit and say hi! See you there!

Sincerely,

- The Pilgrim

R.C. Sproul and Albert Mohler on the topic of “The Gospel.”

Confessing my addiction.

I must confess a little addiction I’ve acquired as of late, and it surprisingly has nothing to do with mint chocolate chip ice cream, Oreo cookies or peanut M&Ms.

It all started within the last couple months when Pilgrim Radio tweaked their format a little and began airing a little radio show called The White Horse Inn.

I began listening to it and after a few episodes I found myself craving it. Now I am an addict. I need to attend a12-step program for White Horse Inn Anonymous. For those of you who listen to the show, you can relate. For those who have never listened to it you can listen to past episodes here. But be warned, it’s addicting.

Below are a few episodes from the White Horse Inn to get your feet wet:

Gift Centered Churches

What are the gifts of the Spirit? Are they still for today? Even if they are, is it possible that Christians in our time have placed too much emphasis on individual gifts, all to the exclusion of the gift giver? On this edition of the White Horse Inn the hosts will talk about the ways in which “Gift Centered Churches” help to promote “Christless Christianity” in our time.

Good Advice vs Good News

At the core of just about every major religion is something we call advice, or a set of instructions intended to help you live a better life. But is that what lies at the heart of the Christian faith? Tips and instructions for personal transformation? Whatever happened to the Christian gospel?

That’s Entertainment

In order to attract larger numbers, many churches throughout America have made their services more upbeat and entertaining. On this edition of the White Horse Inn, the hosts examine this history of this confusion between Church and Theatre, as they continue their series “Christless Christianity.”

Happy Clappy Worship

Contemporary Christian worship is almost exclusively upbeat and “happy-clappy.” But is this the type of worship that is pictured for us in the book of Psalms? Tune in to this “best of” edition of the White Horse Inn to find out.

Why Faith Alone Justifies

The hosts continue to unpack the crucial doctrine of justification sola fide, (by faith alone) as they interact with various answers to some on-the-street questions on this important issue, from a recent Christian convention.

How an Atheist is born and maintained.

Interesting five-minute video entitled How Atheism is very, very convenient.

Glorious Resurrection Sunday; He Is Risen; Worthy is the Lamb!

He was pierced through for our transgression,

He was crushed for our iniquities;

The chastening for our wellbeing fell upon Him,

And by His scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray,

each of us has turned to his own way;

But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.

Isaiah 53:5-6

A little road called the Via Dolorosa.

Watch the Lamb.

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain

to receive power and riches

and wisdom and might

and honor and glory and blessing. . . .

To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb,

be blessing and honor and glory

and dominion forever and ever.

Revelation 5:12-13

An e-mail from a reader.

I received the following letter from Ken and was hoping that maybe one of you out there could help him.

In desperate need for a solid biblical church

Hello,
I know what you are thinking…Aren’t we all? But, the reason I’m writing you is because of the what you do with the website and the blog. I just moved to Augusta, GA. I’m in the Army. I need to find a solid church. I don’t want to spend a whole a lot of time at church that is bad. This is just a question. Do you have access to any lists of churches that follow your creed or John MacArthur, John Piper, R.C. Sproul, Paul Washer and etc? You know solid biblical doctrine being taught in or near Augusta, GA. In any help or direction would be greatly appreciated.

God Bless, Ken

The Jesus Tomb Hoax (Trailer).

From the folks who brought you the The Bible vs the Book of Mormon, DNA vs the Book of Mormon, and Lifting the Veil on Polygamy comes their newest documentary: The Jesus Tomb Hoax.

See another trailer for this film on the their website: SourceFlix.

Happy 100,000th!

On Wednesday, March 5th, this blog obtained its 100,000th hit in less than seven months since it began last August 10th. I want to thank all of my readers and especially those who have supported and encouraged me; even those who have contacted me via e-mail with their sincere words of encouragement and thankfulness to this blog’s tenacious defense of the gospel in the face of all variations of error so prevalent in the church today. Many times discouragement set in and contemplations of ending Reformation Nation were entertained. But the correspondences I have received have encouraged me to keep on contending for the faith. Thank you all, you know who you are.

- The Pilgrim

America’s most sinful cities.

Using the proverbial seven deadly sins, Forbes Magazine recently rated the most sinful cities in America. Below I have listed the city that ranked first in each category. You can click on the respective links to find out what other cities made the top ten (and how Forbes judged their sinfulness). I am certain you will be surprised at who ranked first in each category and who made the top ten.

Most lustful city: Denver

Click here to see the other cities that made the top ten and how they were judged.

Most greedy city: San Jose

Click here to see the other cities that made the top ten and how they were judged.

Most jealous city: Memphis

Click here to see the other cities that made the top ten and how they were judged.

Most wrathful city: Detroit

Click here to see the other cities that made the top ten and how they were judged.

Most gluttonous city: Memphis

Click here to see the other cities that made the top ten and how they were judged.

Most slothful city: Memphis

Click here to see the other cities that made the top ten and how they were judged.

Most prideful city: Salt Lake City

Click here to see the other cities that made the top ten and how they were judged.

Sermon of the week: “A Sermon That Has Angered Many” by Paul Washer.

This week’s sermon is entitled A Sermon that Has Angered Many by Paul Washer.

Click on the link to listen streaming, or right click on the link and click “Save As” (Internet Explorer) or “Save Link As” (Mozilla) to save to your computer. From there you can burn this to a CD or upload it to your MP3 player.

Can you guess where that verse is?

Can you cite me the book, chapter, and verse where the following passage can be found from The Message?

“How well God must like you–you don’t hang out at Sin Saloon, you don’t slink along Dead-End Road, you don’t go to Smart-Mouth College.”

Does this even seem vaguely familiar to you?

This would be funny if it weren’t so sad. Sad because people actually consider The Message to be a legitimate Bible “translation.” Rick Warren quotes from it often and XXXChurch passes it out as their “Jesus Loves Porn Stars” Bible.

Well, here’s the answer:

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! Psalm 1:1 (NASB)

Do you support your local Christian bookstore?

My recent visit to a local Christian bookstore got me thinking about something and I thought I’d pose the question to the readers of this blog:

Do you patronize your local Christian Bookstore? By patronize I specifically mean, do you make purchases from your local Christian bookstore?

Here’s my thoughts:

The Christian bookstore can be a light in the darkness of a somewhat spiritual desert in some communities. There are people who stumble into such establishments who would never darken the doors of a church. Usually the owner, and workers, are professing Christians who could help lead a lost soul to Jesus Christ.

On the other hand, every Christian bookstore that I’ve been in sells tons of literature and books that contain enough heresy to lead any seeking soul who finds them to Hell. Alongside great books of the Christian faith can be found almost every purveyor of false doctrine, every wind of doctrine, and every doctrine of demons imaginable.

So the question arises, how much poison is permissible in your glass of water? Do you support such a den of heresy? If so, why? If not, why?

Cleaning house. A letter to the readers of this blog.

This blog launched on August 10, 2007. Today, (our six-month anniversary), we reached our 80,000th hit. I have chosen today’s occasion to make a change to how things are done here. I am going to put a stop to the incessant anti-Christian, hate-mongering that some can’t seem to refrain from. In effect, I will begin cleaning house.

Many come in here and get angry with what has been posted. (Then they judge me, my intentions, and my heart while telling me not to judge.) They can’t see to figure out how to stop visiting this blog (like those who can’t find the power button on their TV and so complain about the content that they’re “forced” to watch). So in spite of being offended and despising what is said in here, for some reason they are driven to return time and time again. While here they spew their venom as they are “forced” to read these posts. In doing so they are compelled to leave their hateful, arrogant, condescending, and rude remarks wherever they see fit. It ’s their way of being an example of “love” while they instruct us to be more loving.

Others come in here just to tell me–ad nauseum–what I should or should not blog about.

So I go to thinking, hey, whose blog is this anyway? And who is this blog for? As the tag line says, it’s for the “fellow Pilgrim” not the pagan rock worshipers, God-hating atheists, and any other group whose sole purpose in life is to take their anger and hatred for God and project it onto Christians. You see, they have no problem with nominal Christians, cultists, and any other group as long as they’re all fighting against those who are on the narrow path.

It’s also very quaint and apropos how each of these groups give the other little pats on the back in appreciation for one another. It’s amazing to see how nothing brings so many diverse and opposing groups together in harmony like their common hatred for genuine, non-conforming, non-compromising Christians. Nothing binds their hearts together quite like their common hatred for God’s elect.

I originally set a standard on what comments were acceptable, but I allowed that bar to be lowered for comments directed toward myself. For example, I have not allowed people to insult Mormons in here and have actually deleted comments in which the whole purpose of the comment was to make fun of Mormons. (Ironically, as I was writing this post I had to remove a comment that was hostile to Atheists that I felt was inappropriate. If any of you are interested in seeing what I deemed “inappropriate” I will be more than willing to e-mail the entire comment to you.) I understand that most don’t know these things because they don’t see what happens behind the scenes, but it wouldn’t matter anyway, because they think they’ve got me all figured out.

I, on the other hand, have put up with the insulting, rude, and vitriolic comments directed toward me and this blog, allowing them to remain in the public domain. (This type of abuse by those who keep claiming they’re loving–I understand–is part of the reason Ingrid stopped allowing comments on Slice of Laodicea.)

Well, starting today, this will change.

One individual who prowls around this blog like a roaring lion to plant his “seeds” has this very disclaimer on his own blog: “Contributing to this site is a privilege, not a right. If you are unable or unwilling to exercise tolerance for perspectives that differ from your own, I reserve the right to limit or restrict your access.” Of course this same standard of tolerance is not extended to me when he’s on my blog: It’s the classic “do as I say, not as I do.”

I also found this disclaimer by fellow Pilgrim, Jim Bublitz, on his blog Old Truth: BE OUR GUEST, NOT OUR TROLL. You are a guest on this privately owned website, but that doesn’t mean that you must agree with our views. However, if you find that your comments disagree more often than not, or if you think that you should hang-out here for the purpose of providing a regular, ongoing, “counter-balance” to our views, then this site is not for you. In such a case, we recommend that you open your own blog, and use it to express yourself there. In return, you can expect that our authors will abide by this same rule on your blog.

So after pondering these ideas, I have decided to follow suit and apply the same rules as these experienced bloggers have done. If you cannot comment on here respectfully and without personal attacks, or if the whole point of your comment is an attack itself (like this one: “What kind of false doctrine do you follow? Apparently you know more about my church than myself so enlighten me.”) then expect your comment to be deleted. I will also moderate some commenters specifically due to their incessant hateful comments.

I am happy to announce that as of today I am returning this site to its original purpose and intention; a lifeline for fellow Pilgrims. Does this mean that I will not accept any opposing views? Certainly not. It’s not the opposing views I have issue with, it’s the few people (normally Atheists, Agnostics, and the occasional Witch) who vicariously spew their hatred for God by attacking His people. You don’t have to agree with everything in here, in fact you don’t have to agree with anything in here, just as long as your comments are respectful and add to the discussion. If, however, you choose to camp on this blog just to insult everyone else, then I suggest getting your own blog if your addiction is that incurable.

In this world we live in everyone is permitted to have their own opinion on any subject, now matter how corrupt, perverse or outlandish that opinion may be. Everything is now acceptable and tolerated. However, Christians are supposed to conform to the “wisdom” of this world or “keep their mouths shut.” This of course is called “tolerance.” The views and opinions of those who have such a hate for Christians can be found just about anywhere in this world, but I will no longer provide a platform for their scoffing. I know some will be grateful for this decision; wondering what took me so long, and others will be angry; demanding that they have carte blanche access to say what they want. Well, you have abused that privilege and it is now henceforth revoked.

If there’s any parting words I can give to those who loath Christians, it’s this: Just hang in there, a time will come–and it won’t be very long–in which you can act out that blind rage and burning anger. The day will come when people like you will be permitted to put people like me to to death (Matthew 24:9-11). Granted, you may not be the one to pull the lever, but the powers that be will do so with your hearty approval and while you think you’re doing God a service (John 16:2). That time is approaching and it will come. You just have to be patient.

 

If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. – Jesus Christ

John 15:18-19

 

A test: Are you loving or unloving?

Here’s a quick and simple six-question test to see if you’re loving or unloving.

1). You’re sitting in a coffee shop when a woman at another table gets up–leaving her coffee unattended–to get a napkin. As she does, a man walk by her table, drops some pills into the woman’s coffee, and quickly exits the shop. You immediately warn this woman of what just happened. This is:

A. Loving

B. Unloving. This is none of your business. Quit interfering with other people’s lives.

2). A small child runs toward a bush to retrieve his ball that rolled into it. You know that the bush contains a rattlesnake nest. You yell out for the kid to stop! This is:

A. Loving

B. Unloving. Who are you to impose your “beliefs,” “values,” and “morals” onto this kid. His parents have a right to raise him how they see fit without your close-minded views being forced down his throat.

3). You are woken to the sounds of fire alarms and the smell of smoke in your apartment complex. As you hastily exit your apartment, you notice that no one has alerted your neighbors who are elderly and very hard of hearing. You bang on their door (and even kick it in if necessary) to alert them of the pending doom. This is:

A. Loving.

B. Unloving. Have you considered that perhaps this couple is happy where they are? Why wake them from their slumber? If they’re happy, then leave them be.

4). On a dark and rainy night you observe a family in a car heading home in the direction of a washed-out bridge. You holler and flail your arms–making every effort you can–to get their attention to warn them. This is:

A. Loving

B. Unloving. All roads lead to their house. Who are you to tell them that the way they’ve chosen is wrong?

5). While sitting in your car waiting for a friend who’s in a bank, you observe a man walk into the bank holding a shotgun and wearing a ski mask. You call 911. This is:

A. Loving

B. Unloving. “Judge not lest ye be judged!” Who are you to judge this man’s heart. Maybe his intentions are good and he will do no harm to those inside. You’re always so negative and have no faith in other people. You’ve condemned this man already. Jesus would have never done that, He would have befriended him. You need to be more like Jesus.

6). Your friend, neighbor, coworker, local cultist, etc. is going to die in his sins and find himself in Hell for eternity. You share the fact that their sins will condemn them before a holy and just God and that we deserve His very wrath because we’ve transgressed His laws. You further explain that any of his attempts to purchase God’s forgiveness by his own obedience to the Law or good works is futile because not only are we are saved by faith–apart from the works and the Law–but His grace is a gift. You share with them that God has provided grace, mercy, and unmerited favor, but his is only found in His Son, Jesus Christ who ransomed us with His own blood. You tell him that Jesus became a propitiation for sinful mankind to absorb the wrath of God that we rightly deserve. You urge him to repent; putting his trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. This is:

A. Loving.

B. Unloving. Insert any or a combination of all the other “B” answers from above here: _____.

Denying Hell: The bandwagon is getting quite full.

The topic of Hell came up in another post (read the comments here). One commenter–a Mormon–has found himself on the side of Universalists, Agnostics, Atheists, Wiccans, Jehovah’s Witness and Carlton Pearson in either down-playing, altering or denying the existence of Hell. Regardless of whether this is just his personal view or the LDS organization’s new PR move, either way, the denial of hell is beginning to gain in popularity.

For clarification, the denial of the doctrine of Hell doesn’t have to be confined to denying the existence of Hell. There are multiple ways of twisting, spinning, and distorting Scripture all while asking, “Hath God really said?” These include questioning the duration, the type of punishment, the degree of punishment, adding the teaching of purgatory to it, denying that most people will find themselves there (usually preceded with “A Loving God would never do that,” or “My God would never do that“), etc.

As the ecumenical movement gains momentum we find more and more beliefs merge in areas where they once found themselves in disagreement. The doctrine of Hell is yet another “politically incorrect” orthodox teaching of Christianity that is being discarded for the more modern, God-light view shared by an ever-increasing number. As people continue to form a personal, conscience-easing god in their own image tailored to suit their own tastes, we will continue to see more and more people denying biblical doctrines such as Hell. It usually starts with “I just can’t believe ______ ” fill in the blank.

Compromising biblical doctrines (like the deity of Christ, the atonement of Christ’s shed blood, the Trinity, the authority of holy Scripture, etc.) are frequently being done now in the name of the new Greatest Commandment: Unity.

I welcome your comments.

Are you holding onto “Dirty” and “Pretty?”

Where do you fit in?

Are you part of the minority or majority where you live?

I’m swimming in Catholics.

(Click on the picture to enlarge).

I wonder how the map would look if they charted by lukewarmness.

HT: Strange Maps

Reformation Nation has moved. Please visit us at our new blog: Defending. Contending.

The hypocrisy of Atheism.

I have a personal rule: I never debate with an Atheist. Why? Because it has been my experience that more often than not, they aren’t interested in open and honest discourse, but prefer to take a condescending, argumentative stance. Secondly, I can’t prove the existence of God to someone who denies His existence anymore than they can prove to me there is no God. Now, with that said, I wanted to share with you something that occurred recently, and the conclusion I’ve come to.

While at a local coffee shop awaiting my decaf, hazelnut latte, I posted this tract on the bulletin board:

Shortly thereafter, a woman in her thirties entered the shop and found her way over to the bulletin board. Upon seeing the tract, she quickly removed it and promptly found a table where she sat and thumbed through the little booklet. Her behavior caused me to speculate that she was familiar with these kinds of tracts. I began to observe.

This woman then took pen in hand and began to write on the tract; both the front and rear covers. This really piqued my interest. I continued to observe.

A short while later, another woman entered and approached the table where the woman–with tract in hand–sat. The second woman greeted the first and the first gleefully showed the second woman the cover of the tract. The second woman gave a smirk while the first had a grin ear to ear. She then returned to the tract to the bulletin board.

My party and I left at the same time these two women left and my curiosity got the best of me. I returned into the establishment to retrieve the tract. And there I read what the woman in all her giddy-like-a-school-girl excitement had written on the front of the tract:

There is no God!

I then turned it over to the back cover and read:

“Shame on God!”

I immediately felt pity for her. Then, like a ton of bricks, I was struck with an epiphany. All of my previous experiences with Atheists came rushing back to me with what this woman wrote and it was as if a light bulb went on.

How can you on one hand say, “There is no God!” then on the other hand say, “Shame on God!”? That is either blatant hypocrisy or a mild case of schizophrenia. (Now, do I believe that Atheists as a whole suffer from schizophrenia? No. So please spare me the hate mail.)

You can’t claim that someone or something doesn’t exist, then offer an opinion on that someone or something. Let me offer an example:

If I said that the Loch Ness Monster does not exist, but then warned you that you should be careful while swimming in Loch Ness because the Monster might get you, would you not be justified in questioning the truthfulness of my original claim that Nessie doesn’t exist?

So I came to realization that most self-proclaimed Atheists aren’t Atheists because they disbelieve the existence of God, but it’s simply because they hate Him. They don’t want to be limited in their lifestyles nor be confronted with their sin.

I would prefer if these pseudo-Atheists would be more upfront and honest about their beliefs and just come to terms with the fact that they hate God. It would be refreshing if they just shook their angry fists at their creator instead of playing the He doesn’t exist game.

When they decide to be honest with themselves (and others) they will not have to be so careful in the future that they might slip up–revealing their true beliefs of God–like the coffee shop woman did.

As always, I welcome your comments. So what do you think?

What’s your supreme authority for spiritual truth?

I found this poll over at Proclaiming the Gospel and thought that it would be a great poll to post here (with three of my own additions).

Which is your supreme authority for spiritual truth?

1). My experience and opinion.

2). My church and clergy.

3). My parents and family.

4). My heart.

5). What seems right to me.

6). Whatever works.

7). My Bible.

Of course, if your answer isn’t found here you can add it in your comments.

Satan’s meeting.

  

Good Search.

I found a new internet search engine that you may be interested in. Good Search sends money to charities / ministries of your choice with each search you make. Gospel for Asia and Voice of the Martyrs are two ministries that they donate to (if you choose them). Check it out and make good use of your Good Search.

Which is your preferred Bible translation?

Back in October I asked the question “What is your favorite Bible translation and why?” (See the post and comments by clicking here). With the increase in readership since then, I’d like to revisit the question. I’ve also added an audio clip from the Albert Mohler Program on the topic of which translation is best. Just click here to listen to the 26-minute discussion.

Additionally, I never divulged my preferred translation. So what better time than now? I prefer the New American Standard Bible (and use it for those posts in my Sola Scriptura category and anytime I quote the Bible on this blog unless otherwise noted). I also have in my library the ESV, KJV, NKJV, NIV, RSV, NCV, and The Message (just for laughs). I do all my studying and work from the NASB and prefer it.

Merry Christmas from Reformation Nation!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas. 

Christmas . . . it’s about the cross.

If it wasn’t for what happened on the cross, we wouldn’t be celebrating what happened in the manger.

The Christmas Story.

Faith vs Works (Part 1): The introduction.

Faith vs Works (Part 1): The introduction.

I’m in a rather unique position with this blog. I get hit from both sides of the Faith vs Works debate. On the one side are the Catholics, Mormons, and Jehovah’s Witnesses who claim that faith itself is insufficient without man working for his salvation (funny how these three groups tend to have so much in common). On the other side are the cheap-grace, easy-believism, lukewarm crowd who love to label me judgmental and a legalist when I say that there is not only a Biblical mandate for holiness and good works, but that these will be evident in the life of a true Believer.

Scripture is crystal clear on this issue, leaving no room for doubt (unless you choose to ignore the facts) that we are indeed saved by faith apart from works and separate from deeds. This can also be defined as “alone.” To deny Scripture’s clear teaching on this takes an unwillingness to part from former presuppositions and religious indoctrination.

With that said, I thought I’d cite numerous texts that deal directly with our salvation being through faith alone (Part 2); what the Bible says about those who rely on the law and their good works for salvation (Part 3); what place the Law and “good works” play in our faith (Part 4); and my conclusion (Part 5).

I am not posting this five-part series in an attempt to win any arguments or even to create more (although some will be inclined to do so). I will let the Scriptures speak for themselves with minimal commentary on my part. If you have reservations about their context, I encourage you to research them for yourselves.

If I can win 1,000 arguments but not change one mind, heart, and soul, I have done nothing. I am hoping that with the following posts I can put to rest the issue some may be struggling with when it comes to Faith vs Works. Thank you for your faithful readership and as always, your comments are welcome.

(All scriptures are quoted from the New American Standard Bible).

PART ONE

PART TWO

PART THREE

PART FOUR

PART FIVE

Faith vs Works (Part 2): For it is written, you are saved by grace through faith, not of works.

Faith vs Works (Part 2): For it is written, you are saved by grace through faith, not of works.

While every religion and cult on the planet teaches a works-based salvation (with assurance of salvation for none), Christianity is the only belief that is faith-based, trusting God at His Word when He says that we are saved by grace through faith, not of works. Praise God for His mercy, grace, and loving kindness.

Let us now turn to the Scriptures, for it is written:

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ . . . (Romans 5:1)

. . . a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified. (Galatians 2:16)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But The Righteous Man Shall Live By Faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being made justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:5-7)

Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:23-24)

But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through Faith. (Romans 3:21-25)

For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. (Romans 3:28)

. . . for “Whoever Will Call Upon The Name Of The Lord Will Be Saved.” (Romans 10:13).

But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. (Romans 4:5)

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. (Romans 10:4)

So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law or by hearing with faith? Even so, Abraham Believed God And It Was Reckoned To Him As Righteousness. (Galatians 3:5-6)

The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham . . . (Galatians 3:8)

. . . not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith . . . (Philippians 3:9)

Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if the law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. (Galatians 3:21)

But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound . . . (Romans 7:6)

Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for “The Righteous Man Shall Live By Faith.” (Galatians 3:11)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. – Jesus Christ (John 3:16)

PART ONE

PART TWO

PART THREE

PART FOUR

PART FIVE

 

Faith vs Works (Part 3): Warnings for those who rely on the Law and their deeds for salvation.

Faith vs Works (Part 3): Warnings for those who rely on the Law and their deeds for salvation.

As we saw in part two of this four-part series, the Scriptures teach that we are saved by grace through faith . . . apart from deeds or works of the Law! There is nothing we can add to that miracle of salvation that God alone hasn’t already provided for all those who trust in Him. Our sin was already paid for and nailed to the cross. (Colossians 2:13-14) Christ did not say from the cross that it had just begun, He declared from that cross that “It is finished!” (John 19:30)

But what about those who ignore the clear doctrine of justification by faith and think a gift is actually something you earn? What about those who choose to hold to their view that they have something of value and worth to offer God that His Son did not or could not pay for? What about those who put their eternal destiny in their own hands, believing that they can accomplish by deeds and the Law what the Scriptures say they cannot?

I fear for those who think they could possibly add to the greatest sacrifice ever offered because the Bible has warnings for those who still put their faith in the Law and strive to be justified by it. Take heed, for it is written:

You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. (Galatians 5:4)

I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly. (Galatians 2:21)

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us . . . (Galatians 3:13)

But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:23-24)

For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. (James 2:10)

For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under the law but under grace. (Romans 6:14)

For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment. (Isaiah 64:6)

Those who believe that it’s works that saves them or even faith and works that saves them are relying on the very thing that God said cannot and will not save you. Furthermore, you are rejecting the sacrifice of Jesus by virtue of your belief that the shedding of God’s own blood (Acts 20:2 was an insufficient payment for sin, necessitating that you need to add something to it by good deeds or observance of the Law.

Where people get tripped up is in the book of James. James only leaves us two options: either he contradicts the rest of Scripture (and if so, then the entire Bible cannot be trusted), or James is making the point that works will always follow a true and living faith whereas the absence of works will always follow a false and dead faith. In context—reading the entire letter of James—one can see that his purpose was to differentiate between true and false professors of the Faith.

The “fruit” we produce isn’t good until after we become regenerated (born again) believers in Christ, not before. And those “fruits” don’t contribute to our salvation, they are a product of our salvation.

Therefore my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. Romans 7:4

Let me ask a question of those who still rely on themselves for their own salvation. What exactly are the good works in your life that you think (by themselves or along with faith) are good enough for God? There is no one who does good, not even one! (Psalm 53:3) and what you consider to be good works are nothing but filthy garments (Isaiah 64:6). It’s not a matter of what we think is a fine and acceptable sacrifice, it’s what the one receiving this offering considers acceptable. Remember, Cain believed that what he brought before God was good in His sight. Sadly many today ignore what Scripture says is required and replaces it with what they think He requires.

Those who choose to focus on a few verses of James at the exclusion of the complete text of that letter and the entirety of the Bible, fail to realize that each sentence of the Scriptures needs to be translated in light of each paragraph. And each paragraph in light of each chapter. And each chapter in light of each book. And each book in light of the collection of the 66 books of the Bible. To ignore all the teachings that the Law and good works saves NO ONE is irresponsible at best, deceptive at worst. You have been warned that those who rely on the Law for justification have fallen from grace and are severed from Christ! (Galatians 5:4). The Law produces a curse, and Christ paid for that, having become a curse for us. (Galatians 3:13). If you choose to trust in that Law for salvation, whether solely or partly, you have put the curse of the Law upon yourself and you better have never stumbled in just one area or you’re guilty of all the Law (James 2:10). Those are frightening words.

PART ONE

PART TWO

PART THREE

PART FOUR

PART FIVE

 

Faith vs Works (Part 4): The purpose of good works in the life of the believer.

Faith vs Works (Part 4): The purpose of good works in the life of the believer.

As we saw in part three of this five-part series, the Law cannot save anyone. If you rely on keeping the whole Law but stumble in one area, you are guilty of it all. And the “good works” that we offer God thinking that it appeases Him (like pagans who offer fruits to an idol) are called “filthy garments.” So now we come to the question “what role does the Law and good works play in the life of the Believer?” Does this mean that we have completely done away with the Law, that our faith in Christ gives us license to sin? Certainly not!

. . . because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:20)

Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24)

This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. (Titus 3:8)

If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. - Jesus Christ (John 14:15)

Why do you call Me. “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say? - Jesus Christ (Luke 6:46)

If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth . . . (1 John 1:6)

Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. ( 1 John 3:18)

But prove yourself doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. (James 1:22)

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. (James 1:27)

Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. (James 2:17)

But someone may well say, You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the alter? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham Believed God, And It Was Reckoned To Him As Righteousness,” and he was a friend of God. You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. (James 2:18-24)

For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. (James 2:26)

For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under the law but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! (Romans 6:14-15)

. . . If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. – Jesus Christ (John 8:31-32)

He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me . . . – Jesus Christ (John 14:21)

By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him . . . (1 John 2:3-4)

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. – Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:19)

James made sure that those who claim to have a faith in Christ will also have fruits of that faith evidenced by their lifestyles and deeds (the letter of 1 John also makes this point rather soundly and I strongly encourage you to read it). The Christianity so many people practice today in Churches all across America can be summed up in this couplet of circular reasoning: I go to church because I’m a Christian. I’m a Christian because I go to church.

Works will be the clear evidence of our faith. Where there is no works that faith is a dead faith. Many today consider church attendance their proof of faith. Their lives remain unchanged, their hearts remain dark, and their sin remains unrepented of, but they hold onto a hope that sometime long ago they said a prayer. Jesus will tell those who claim to be His, but lived their own way, “I never knew you, depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” As Paul Washer says, Jesus is essentially saying here, depart from Me all of you who claim to be My disciples but lived as though I never gave you a law to obey.

God’s grace is not to be trampled under your feet. The price He paid to redeem us was priceless. It was God’s own blood (Acts 20:28).

For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. (Hebrews 10:26-27)

True Believers follow the Law and produce good works because of their obedience to the Savior whom they love. To proclaim in your erroneous understanding that “salvation is by grace through faith” which means that we can “live as thou wilt,” is not only wrong, but it will lead you to Hell.

PART ONE

PART TWO

PART THREE

PART FOUR

PART FIVE

 

Faith vs Works (Part 5): Conclusion.

Faith vs Works (Part 5): Conclusion.

Those who still believe salvation comes by works and observance of the Law, I have a final question. Based on your belief that it’s the good works you add to your faith that makes you justified, what good works did the thief on the cross perform? What about the man who genuinely puts trust in Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior (faith) for the first time in his life, only to be struck and killed by a bus before he has the opportunity to be baptized, take communion, go to church, partake of the sacraments, perform any good deeds (or whatever else you require of a man for salvation)? Where does that man stand before the very God that he just put his trust in?

If you say that there are exceptions to the rule, then that would mean that God is not just and He’d be a respecter of man—giving one man exceptions to rules, laws, and ordinances that He’d hold another man to.

In the Scriptures a question is posed to Paul and Silas in relation to what a man must do to gain eternal life. The jailer asks, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

What do you think Paul and Silas said? Observe the law? Do good? Get baptized? Partake of the sacraments? No! They answered him with the simplicity that is found in salvation, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:30-31)

God offers you salvation as a free gift (Ephesians2:8-9). How do you earn a gift? If you could earn a gift, then it would make that gift a wage, and thus, it would no longer be a gift; negating the very essence and definition of what a gift is. Those who continue to hold to the belief that we are saved by works, and continue in vain to add to a sacrifice that they can never add to, you must understand that you are putting faith in your own works which can never save you. You have severed yourself from Christ and have fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4). Please let these words echo in your ears now–leading to repentance–rather than ringing in your ears in Hell when it’s too late.

PART ONE

PART TWO

PART THREE

PART FOUR

PART FIVE

 

Christmas: All too Familiar?

Are you too familiar with the story of Christmas?

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

“The Lord spoke to me.”

 

 

Jim from Old Truth had the following great story from Steve Camp. I think it’s a fantastic approach to the “I have a word from the Lord for you” crowd. The very crowd I was associated with for several years in my early Christian walk. (Funny how so many of them had “a word” but so few of them read “the Word”). I wish more people would be this discerning.

A young man stood up in the middle of the auditorium and shouted to me, “Brother Steve, I have a word from the Lord for you.” Taken a bit back by his rudeness, but impressed with his courage, I asked him politely, “OK, what Bible verse did you want to share with me?” He said, “Oh no, this is a word directly from God for you personally.”

Steve Camp said back to him: “I know every verse is penned by the Lord–it is all directly from Him to us. So what Bible verse did you want to share with me?” Becoming more and more frustrated at his inability to ‘woo’ me to his words of “divine revelation,” I finally agreed to let him speak with one condition (and believe me, I was being generous in letting it go this far); I told him, “Everything you say must agree perfectly with God’s final revelation in His Word. If anything you say, no matter how trivial, disagrees with Scripture, then I will have to rebuke you in front of all these people and then we will all have to take you outside and stone you to death!” With those ground rules stated, he thought for a moment and then said these profound words, “Maybe it was a feeling I had?” I said, “Good answer man–now sit down.”

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