The Truth About Faith The Gospel Of Salvation

False Teachings 2

This page will shed the light of the word unto the teachings and or beliefs surrounding these topics:

Born Again

A false teaching that has been and still is being taught about "a prayer" being called "born again" about being saved by either God the Father our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus is a distortion and corruption of the truth. They have distorted the gospel of salvation with man-made doctrine.

These next examples and prayer are nothing but a distortion, and a corruption of the inspired word of God. They are from the Billy Graham Evangelical Association

“What does it mean to be Born Again” Billy Graham Evangelical Association

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Our first birth gave us physical life; the new birth gives us spiritual life and membership in God’s family (John 1:13). To be born again is to have the Holy Spirit transform our hearts from indifference and hostility toward God to a love of God and a desire for righteousness and holiness. The only way one can come to God and experience what it means to be “born again” is through repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ; read John 14:6.

The Bible clearly teaches in Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:5 and Romans 10:13 that salvation is a gift; it cannot be earned in any way. To receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord means more than accepting Him as a fact of history, a teacher, or an example. It means more than giving mental assent to the fact that Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world. It means that one turns from sin and with his or her whole heart trusts in Christ as personal Savior and Lord. God makes that one a new person; see 2 Corinthians 5:17. The Bible says, “To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

The Billy Graham Evangelical Association suggests this prayer.

Pray now "Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that you raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."

The previous examples and prayer are nothing but a distortion, and a corruption of the inspired word of God.

As we look into the truth given us to receive salvation through the Inspired word of God, we find that through study of why being born again based solely on the inspired word of God and not the doctrine of men and not their distortion and corruption of the context is so important (John 3:1-12, John 4:24, Acts 2:38, Acts 2:41, Acts 8:12, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:1-17, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14).

Understanding that the word of God is truth (2 Samuel 7:28, Psalms 119:160 KJV, John 17:17, 1 Peter 1:22) and Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 1:14-17, John 11:25-27, John 14:6, 1 John 5:20) we need to read and listen to words spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 17:1-5, Hebrews 1:1-13) and observe all that he has commanded us (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:14-16) so we can be part of the kingdom of Christ and God (Ephesians 5:5). To be part of the kingdom of Christ and God our Lord Christ Jesus tells us we must be born again (John 3:1-12) so that we can see and enter into the kingdom of God and to eternal life (Matthew 19:29, Acts 13:47-48), our new walk of life after being born again and being forgiven for our sins, and have received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), and an appeal to God for a good conscience (Hebrews 10:22, 1 Peter 3:21), we begin our walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4-13 NASB) and serve in the newness of the spirit and not the oldness of the letter (Romans 2:29 NASB, Romans 7:6 NASB), we have become a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB, Galatians 2:20 NASB, Galatians 6:15 NASB, Ephesians 4:20-24 NASB, Colossians 3:10 NASB).

We need to learn and obey the commandments and the teachings from our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 1:1-4, Mark 16:14-16, John 14:15, Acts 1:1-4, Romans 10:17), and His Apostles teachings (Acts 1:1-2, Acts 2:42, Romans 1:1-6), and the Hebrews writer (Hebrews 1:1-4), and the Lord’s brothers James and Jude ((Matthew 13:55 NASB, 1 Corinthians 9:5, James 1:1, Jude 1:1), and the former teachings and examples of the Old Testament revealed by the Holy Spirit (John 16:5-15, Romans 15:4, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:19-21 NASB).

The Gospel is God's power for salvation because it shows us God's righteousness through faith for all those who believe (Romans 1:16-17 NASB).

These are just but a few of the scriptural references that instruct us how to receive the Gospel of our Salvation:

Hear the Gospel: (Matthew 4:23, Matthew 7:24, Matthew 9:35, Matthew 24:14, Mark 4:20, Mark 8:35, Luke 20:1, Acts 15:7, Romans 1:16-17 NASB, Romans 10:14-17 NASB, Ephesians 1:13, Philippians 1:27, Colossians 1:3-5, Titus 1:1-3).

Believe the Gospel: (Matthew 24:14, Mark 1:15, Mark 16:15-16, John 3:36, John 6:68-69, John 8:24, John 11:25-27, John 20:30-31 NASB, Acts 8:12, Acts 10:34-43, Ephesians 1:13, 2 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 John 5:10-13).

Repent of your Sins: (Psalms 7:12, Ezekiel 18:23, Ezekiel 33:11, Matthew 13:15, Matthew 18:3, Luke 13:1-5, Luke 22:32, Acts 2:38, Acts 3:17-23, Acts 5:31-32 NASB Acts 26:15-20, 2 Corinthians 7:10).

Confess “Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God”: (Matthew 14:31-33, Matthew 16:16, Matthew 26:63-64, Luke 4:41, John 1:29-34, John 6:49-54, John 11:25-27, John 20:30-31 NASB, Acts 10:34-43, Romans 10:8-10, 1 Corinthians 6:11, 1 John 5:13).

Be Baptized: (Matthew 3:13-17, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:31-34, Acts 2:36-38, Acts 8:12, Acts 8:26-39, Acts 9:15-18, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Galatians 3:23-29, Ephesians 4:5, 1 Peter 3:18-22).

Be Faithfull Unto Death: (Matthew 16:26, Luke 8:15, Luke 21:19, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 8:18-25, Hebrews 10:35-39, Hebrews 12:1-17, James 1:3-4, James 5:10-11, 1 Peter 2:19-25, 1 Peter 3:14-17 KJV, 1 Peter 4:12-19, Jude 1:17-25, Revelation 2:10-11, Revelation 3:10-13).

These are just but a few of the scriptural references that shine the light of truth so that we can understand the grace of God (Romans 3:21-24, Romans 4:16, 2 Corinthians 4:13-15, Ephesians 1:4-7, Colossians 1:3-6, 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 1 Peter 4:7-11, Revelation 1:4-8 that is being offered to us through salvation and through our faith in Jesus Christ (John 1:14-17, Romans 5:1-5, 1 Corinthians 1:4-9, Ephesians 1:7 NASB, Ephesians 4:7-13, 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 2 Peter 3:14-18), and become obedient from our heart to God the Father, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. (Exodus 24:7, Isaiah 1:19, Acts 2:38-42, Acts 6:7, Acts 14:22, Romans 1:5, Romans 6:16-17, Romans 15:18, Romans 16:26, 2 Corinthians 7:15, Titus 3:1, Philemon 1:21, Hebrews 5:8-9, 1 Peter 1:2,14,22).

1 John 2:28-29

28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.

Conclusion

Our God and Father has told us to listen to His Son our Lord and Christ Jesus as written in (Matthew 17:5-7 Mark 9:7-8, Luke 9:28-35, Acts 3:22-23, Hebrews 1:1-3). Our Lord Christ Jesus has told us that to be saved one needs to be born again through baptism to be part of the body in Christ (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16, John 3:1-7, Acts 2:38, Ephesians 5:22-27, Titus 3:4-8, Hebrews 10:22), and these will be our first steps in the newness of life as a Christian towards the Kingdom of God in Heaven (2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:3-4, Galatians 6:15, Ephesians 4:17-24, Colossians 3:1-4).

Apologetics Press "Believing in John 3:16"

Apologetics Press "Baptism and the New Birth"

Apologetics Press "Is Baptism a Symbol"

"What Does It Mean To Be a Born Again Christian?" Christian Courier

“New Testament Baptism: In Water or the Spirit?” Christian Courier

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The Enemy

In order to defend something, we first must acknowledge that an attacker threatens. The battlefield upon which we make our defense is not a fanciful gaming board or a plastic-soldier playground. Our feet have been planted in the bloodiest trench the world has ever known. The devil, our adversary, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). He sinks his teeth into the world through atheism, evolution, egotism, materialism, selfishness, and a host of other vicious vices. Once his teeth are embedded firmly, he rips and tears human souls away from their Creator, leaving fang-holes that fester and infect everything around them. He is real, he is malicious, and he is determined. Every child beaten, every woman raped, every baby aborted, every foul word uttered—is the result of his offensive tactics. Yet, fortunately, we are not ignorant of his devices. We have been placed on the defensive by the supreme menace of mankind. As we defend what is right and good, we offend all that is wrong and evil. Until we recognized that Satan and his cohorts have initiated a battle that jeopardizes the souls of all mankind, we never will be ready, nor able, to defend the Lord’s cause.

(cited “The Biblical Mandate to Defend the Gospel” Apologetics Press, Author Kyle Butt

Satan or the devil is a liar, a whisperer of poison, the father of lies who doesn’t know the truth because the truth is not in him, he is a murderer, a murderer from the beginning (Genesis 4:8, 1 John 3:12,15, John 8:44) and an evil wicked creature that has caused those who have sinned to do disgraceful and under-handed ways, ungodly things and worldly passions (2 Corinthians 4:2, Titus 2:12), that prowls around looking for someone to devour (Job 1:7,9-12, Job 2:2, Luke 10:18-19, 1 Peter 5:8, Revelation 12:7-12). Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light and his servants can disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, they will try to get you to believe in their spiritual presence as being either God the Father, Jesus the Son of God, or the Holy Spirit. (Acts 26:18, 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, 1 Timothy 3:7, 1 Timothy 5:15, 1 Peter 5:8-9). He can whisper into your ears, he can deceive you trying to get you to lust after or desire the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life (ego) (Genesis 3:6, Matthew 5:28,13:18-23, Romans 13:14, 1 Corinthians 10:6-14, Galatians 1:10,5:16-21, Ephesians 2:3, 1 Timothy 3:2-7,6:10, James 1:2-15 NASB, 2 Peter 1:4, 1 John 2:16 NASB), and trying to poison your love, faith and obedience in God the Father, Christ Jesus His Son, and the Holy Spirit (John 3:35-36,15:19, Acts 11:23, Acts 14:22, Romans 1:5,17, Romans 3:22, Romans 6:16-17,12:2, Romans 14:13-19,22, Colossians 3:1-16, 1 Timothy 5:1-20, 2 Timothy 2:18-26 NASB, Titus 3:1-5, James 4:4, 1 Peter 1:14,22, 1 John 2:15-17 NASB) as well as all the people that you hold dear to you. Satan or his servants will try to sway your thoughts and devotion away from Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 4:1-16, Colossians 2:8).

The devil and his messengers and servants will also try to convince you to do things which are contrary to the wisdom of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:20-31), he will also try to convince you that he or his servants are the spirit of wisdom, which would be the earthly wisdom, the earthly wisdom is demonic or devilish as written and it is not from God (James 3:14-16).

The wisdom that comes from God, comes down from above (James 3:17-18) also as written from the Father of lights (James 1:5-6,17, 1 John 1:5).

As you pray and seek discernment in what pleases the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Proverbs 14:8,16:21,17:24,23:4, Isaiah 27:11,44:18, Hosea 14:9, 1 Corinthians 2:14,11:29, Ephesians 5:6-14, Philippians 1:9, Hebrews 4:12,5:14), he will try to get you to stop worshiping God the Father, Christ Jesus His Son, and the Holy Spirit. He will use anything and everything to get you to blame and curse God (Job 1:18-22 NASB, Job 2:9-10) and give up your faith in God the Father, Christ Jesus His Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 7:27, Luke 22:31-32, Hebrews 6:1-6, Hebrews 10:26-30,38-39).

Satan knows your past, your sins, and weaknesses, he will try to use them and other devices (Psalms 5:10 NASB, Psalms 81:12 NASB, Proverbs 1:20-32, Proverbs 14:17, Ecclesiastes 7:29 NASB Micah 6:16 NASB), and temptations against you (Matthew 26:41, Mark 4:19, Luke 4:13, Luke 22:46, Acts 5:3, Acts 8:20, Romans 6:19-23, Romans 13:14, 1 Corinthians 7:1-5 ASV, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Ephesians 4:26-27, 1 Timothy 6:9, Hebrews 13:4-5, James 1:14-15).

Satan will try to convince you not to forgive others so that your sins will not be forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15. Luke 11:4, 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 NASB, Colossians 3:12-13),

Satan will try to stop you in believing in the promises of God and will also try hindering you (Romans 4:20-24, 1 Corinthians 7:1-24, 1 Thessalonians 2:17-19, 2 Peter 1:3-11), so let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, let us walk properly as in the daytime and put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15-16, Luke 9:23-26, Acts 2:38, Romans 3:24, Romans 13:12-14, Colossians 1:13) stay strong in the Lord and the strength of his might put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Satan has power but it is limited (Luke 22:53, John 14:30, Ephesians 2:1-2, 1 John 4:4, Revelation 12:9), resist him and stand firm in the faith (Romans 16:20,12:3,6-8 NASB, Ephesians 6:12-13) and he will flee from you (James 4:7) and do not give the devil an opportunity (Psalms 37:8, Proverbs 16:32, Proverbs 21:23, Matthew 15:18-20, Ephesians 4:26-27,31-32, Colossians 3:8, James 1:19-20, James 3:1-18, Jude 1:4).

While you are suffer waiting for the God of all grace, you need to pray and endure (James 1:2-4,12 NASB, Hebrews 11:25-26, James 5:7-11,13 NASB 1 Peter 2:19-21, 1 Peter 3:12-17) for all who desire to live a godly life will be persecuted (Matthew 5:10-12,16:24, Acts 14:22, 2 Timothy 3:12, 1 Peter 2:20-21,3:14.4,12-16, Revelation 2:10).

What Satan doesn’t know is what is in your heart, and thoughts, and your silent prayers, only God the Father, His Son our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit know them (1 Samuel 16:7, Psalms 7:9, Psalms 139:2,23-24, Proverbs 17:3, Jeremiah 17:10, Matthew 9:4,12:25, Luke 6:6-8, John 2:24-25, Acts 1:24, Romans 8:27, Hebrews 4:12-13, Revelation 2:20-24).

The next several paragraphs from this article have been cited “Who is Satan” LaVista Church of Christ

In essence, Satan became the arch-criminal of this universe. Jesus called him a murderer in John 8:44. Because of Satan, sin and death were brought into the world (Genesis 3:1-7). Satan continues to encourage people to sin, leading many to eternal death (Romans 6:23). In a very true sense, Satan arranged the ultimate murder when he arranged Christ's death upon the cross (Luke 22:3).

Satan holds men and women captive to do his will through their own fears, especially their fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15, II Timothy 2:25-26). The reason Satan worked so hard to stop Jesus' mission was to prevent him from freeing us from Satan's rule. He tried to corrupt the Son of God by trying to lead him into sin (Matthew 4:1-11). When he failed, he set about arranging Jesus' death. Eventually, Satan managed to kill Jesus upon a cross after only three short years of preaching in this world (Luke 22:3-23:56). It is ironic that in stopping Jesus, Satan enabled the very thing he was trying to prevent -- the salvation of mankind. Because of Satan's sins, a grievous punishment in H*** is awaiting him when this world ends (Matthew 25:41).

Meanwhile, Satan is the self-made ruler of this world. He could not defeat God in heaven, but he can hold mankind under his thumb. All people who sin are under his dominion (Ephesians 2:1-2, Colossians 1:13). He manipulates and controls the world's nations (Luke 4:5-7). Satan's strength is in his power of deception (Revelation 12:9). He is able to make sin, corruption, and ultimate death look desirable. He is able to make people desire the very things that ultimately destroy them both physically and spiritually. Satan is powerful in this world. Our only hope of escape is through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:13).

Because Christians have escaped the dominion of Satan, he has become the enemy of every child of God. He scours the world looking for ways to overcome Christians (I Peter 5:8-9). Paul talked about the Christian's war with Satan in Ephesians 6:10-18. It is not a physical war. This is a war that is fought on the spiritual plain. It is a war for the hearts and souls of men. Satan cannot force men into his service. God has limited Satan's power in this area (I Corinthians 10:13). Instead, Satan must encourage people to want to do his will instead of God's Will. The basis of his persuasion is our own desires (James 1:13-15). We are forewarned. As Christians, it is our duty to resist the efforts of Satan (James 4:7).

Unfortunately, Satan does not fight fairly. He uses countless tricks. Many of his weapons are not easily identified (II Corinthians 11:13-15). He does not appear before us in a red suit with forked tail and a pitchfork demanding that we sin. He uses cunning and deception to make sin look attractive and appealing (Ephesians 6:11). It is not a one time battle either. He uses many traps (I Timothy 3:7). If one doesn't get us, perhaps another will snare the unwary. You see, Satan has never given up his battle for supremacy against God. He has been thrown out of heaven, along with the other angels that followed him, but he carries on his war in this world. Every person he corrupts is a blow against God.

In the truest sense, Satan has already been defeated. Christ came into our world for the express purpose of destroying Satan's work (I John 3:8). Satan killed Jesus, but by his resurrection, Jesus spoiled the principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15). Jesus broke Satan's power of death. He now holds the keys to death and the grave (Revelation 1:18). Satan's doom is sealed and he knows it. Like a cornered, maddened animal Satan is trying to take as many people down with him as he can (Revelation 20:10,15). If he can't win, he is out to spoil God's victory.

Satan is a powerful enemy. We can't hope to fight him on our own and win. Instead, we need to draw near to God and lean on his strength (James 4:7). Only through Jesus can we defeat Satan (John 14:6). Jesus broke Satan's power through the sacrifice of his own life. When we join with Christ's shed blood by our full obedience to God's Will, we can overcome the power of Satan. (Romans 6:3-6,17-18). End citation

A blessing that is in Christ Jesus is that we have died to sin (Romans 6:3-11, Colossians 2:20-3:4, Colossians 3:5-17, 1 Peter 2:24, 2 Timothy 2:11, 1 John 2:28-3:3).

Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Conclusion

In (Romans 10:14-17 and 1 John 5:4) our faith that comes from the word of God (Romans 12:3 NASB) about our Lord Christ Jesus as He is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), has overcome the devil (1 John 4:4, 1 John 5:4-5), and has destroyed the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). The devil who is the ruler of this world has been judged (John 16:11), and has been cast out of (John 12:31), and has been condemned (John 16:7-11, Revelation 20:7-10).

Our Lord Christ Jesus sits at the right hand of God the Father (Matthew 22:44, Matthew 26:64, Ephesians 1:20, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 1:3) the creator of all (Ecclesiastes 12:1, Isaiah 40:21-23,28, Romans 1:25) as our King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16), and who planted the good seed in the world His word (Matthew 13:37) and He will judge the world by His word (Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 3:10-13).

Galatians 4:16

16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?

“Satan: Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid To Ask” Christian Courier

“Spiritual Warfare Is Real, Difficult, and Dangerous” Christian Courier

Eastend Church of Christ “The Devices of Satan”

“Who is the god of this world?” LaVista Church of Christ

“Satan, the enemy of all that is right” Granby Church of Christ

Church of Christ of Greater Daytona “The Devil Is Our Adversary”

References

Greenbriar Church of Christ Glen Elliott "The Power of the Unseen 5”

“Spiritual Warfare Is Real, Difficult, and Dangerous” Christian Courier

Oak Grove Church of Christ “The Devil’s Lies”

“James Coffman Commentaries on the Bible_Revelation 2” StudyLight.org verse 24.

“James Coffman Commentaries on the Bible_Revelation 12” StudyLight.org verse 12.

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Jesus Returns to Reign on Earth?

There are these man-made religions that have false beliefs and teachings associated to our Lord Christ Jesus return, these false religions teach that Jesus will return to reign on the earth. When our Lord Christ Jesus appears in the clouds in His glory with the holy angel's it is to bring His people home to heaven (Matthew 13:36-43, Matthew 16:27, Matthew 24:29-31, Matthew 26:64, Mark 8:38, Luke 9:26, Luke 21:27-28, Acts 1:6-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). He is coming to separate the saved from the lost (Matthew 25:31-40, Acts 17:31 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10), and redeem those who are waiting for him (1 Corinthians 1:7-9, Philippians 3:20-21, Titus 2:11-15, Hebrews 9:22-28, Jude 1:20-21), he is not returning to deal with sin but save those eagerly that are waiting for him (Romans 8:23, Hebrews 9:28, Revelation 1:5-7).

Our Lord and Christ Jesus had established a reign on earth roughly 2000 years ago on the day of Pentecost when He built His church, Church of Christ, in Christ (Matthew 16:15-20, Luke 1:32-33, Acts 2:38-41, Acts 2:42-47, Romans 5:12-21, 2 Timothy 2:8-13, Revelation 5:6-10, Revelation 22:6-15).

Conclusion

There is no other truth than the word of God and one must consider the consequences when they decide to believe either God or man for it is a decision that will last for all eternity.

What Will Happen When Jesus Christ Returns? Granby Church of Christ

“Looking For Jesus’ Return” Southside Church of Christ

“Facts About the Second Coming of Christ” Christian Courier

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Which Belief leads to Eternal Life?

There are all these man-made religions with all these false beliefs about God. They have created a god or gods and or goddesses. They have created a new heaven and eternity that includes a way to eternal life, they are all false and deceitful. They are false teachers, false prophets, blind guides, doctrines of men, doctrines of demons and deceitful spirits.

There is only one true God, and that true God has been there before the foundation of the world began and his word is true and he is a shield for all who take refuge in him (Genesis 1:1, 2 Samuel 22:31, Psalms 18:30, Proverbs 30:5, Jeremiah 10:10, Matthew 13:35, Matthew 25:34, John 17:24, 1 Peter 1:16-21).

The one true God has given us in his inspired word (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB, Hebrews 1:1-14, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Peter 1:20-21) as spoken through the prophets (Numbers 12:6, 2 Kings 17:23, Joel 2:28-29, Matthew 2:23, Matthew 23:29-31, Matthew 26:56, Acts 2:29-30, Acts 3:22-26, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB, Hebrews 1:1), and the words given us by our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:24-27, Matthew 16:18, Matthew 11:28-30, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, John 15:1-12, Hebrews 1:1-14) and the Lords’ Apostles (Acts 1:1-2, Acts 2:42, Romans 1:1-6), and the Hebrews writer (Hebrews 1:1-4), and the Lord Jesus’ brothers James and Jude (Matthew 13:55 NASB 1 Corinthians 9:5, James 1:1, Jude 1:1), to show us His love for us that we are born in their image, and have been given a soul that lasts for eternity (Genesis 1:26-27, Matthew 16:26, Romans 5:8-10, Ephesians 2:4-9, Colossians 1:26-27, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, Hebrews 4:12-13, 1 Peter 2:11, 1 John 4:7-9), and that He sent His Son our Lord Jesus Christ to die on the cross for all mankind so that we should not perish and not be condemned to everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-9, Hebrews 10:26-31, Jude 1:5-7 NASB), but provide a way to eternal life (Matthew 25:46, Mark 16:15-16, John 3:16-17, John 10:27-30) into the heavenly kingdom (Daniel 7:14, Daniel 7:27, 2 Corinthians 5:1, 2 Peter 1:1-11) and to warn us about the wrath of God to come.

In these self-made religions that gather in these city, or community churches, chapels, worship centers, synagogues, mosques, temples, spiritual centers, or monasteries and denominational churches that are named as Catholic, Protestant, Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Seventh Day Adventists, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jehovah Witnesses, the Mormons, Anabaptist Christian, Mennonites, etc.…they do not worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24), and for God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:26-27, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 1:35, John 1:1-5, 1 Corinthians 6:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Ephesians 2:22) to accept our worship we must worship them in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).

In these self-made religions their worship is not acceptable (Hebrews 12:28). They are self-made religions (Colossians 2:20-23) which many have woman preachers (1 Corinthians 14:33-35, 1 Timothy 2:12-14), and many use musical instruments, church choirs and bands (Matthew 26:30, Mark 14:26, Acts 16:25, Romans 15:9-11, 1 Corinthians 14:15,26, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 2:12, Hebrews 13:15, James 5:13, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 14:3, Revelation 15:3). They have distorted the truth on the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:26-28, Acts 2:38, Acts 5:29-32, Acts 13:38-39, Ephesians 1:13-14, Colossians 1:13-14, 1 John 1:1-10) and they do not follow the command from the Lord on the Lord’s supper to be observed (Matthew 23:8-9, Acts 2:42, Acts 20:7-11, 1 Corinthians 11:20-34, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2), and they preach another gospel that is contrary to the gospel that was given us in the inspired word of God (Romans 16:17-18, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, 1 Corinthians 11:17-26, Galatians 5:19-24, Jude 1:17-21), and they are to be accursed (Galatians 1:6-12).

In the Lord’s Church we come together in unity (John 17:11, Acts 1:14,2:42,2:46,4:24,6:3-5,15:22-25, Romans 15:5-7, 1 Corinthians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Ephesians 4:1-3, Ephesians 4:11-13, Philippians 2:1-5 NASB, Colossians 3:12-15), to worship God the Father, the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit on the Lord’s day in spirit and in truth (Matthew 3:16, Matthew 28:19, John 4:23-24, John 17:22-23, Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, Philippians 3:3), as we strive to present our bodies holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1-2) we strive to show God our reverence in our hearts and minds and appearance (Exodus 31:10, Revelation 1:6, Luke 8:15, 1 Timothy 2:9-10, Hebrews 8:10-13,10:8-16), as God the Father, the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit are Holy, the life we strive to live is holy (Leviticus 20:7, Psalm 29:1-2, Psalms 24:3-6, Matthew 5:8, 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 1:14-16), we sing praises (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:14), we pray (Acts 1:14, Acts 2:42, 1 Timothy 2:1-5 KJV), and we honor the Lord’s supper, “on that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” (Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:18-21, John 19:20-20:18, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, 1 Peter 1:3). The bread and fruit of the vine are symbolic representing the flesh and blood of our Saviour (John 6:27-40,48-58), we need to be thankful to God and ask God to bless the bread and the fruit of the vine (Matthew 26:26-29, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17). We need to partake in the bread and the cup of the Lord in a worthy manner because those who eat and drink in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:27), we also need to examine ourselves then, eat of the bread and drink of the cup (1 Corinthians 11:28), and be aware that anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgement on themselves (1 Corinthians 11:29). This is why many are of you are weak and ill and why some have passed away (1 Corinthians 11:30), we need to discern ourselves and judge ourselves truthfully so that we would not be judged (1 Corinthians 11:31), if we are judged by the Lord and we will be disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world (1 Corinthians 11:32), so when we come together to partake of the Lord’s Supper we need to wait for one another and if anyone is hungry they need to eat at home (1 Corinthians 11:20-22) so that when we come together it will not be for judgement (1 Corinthians 11:33-34). For as often as we eat this bread and drink this cup we are proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26).

We also learn of God's inspired word (Acts 2:42, Philippians 1:9-10, Colossians 3:16, Titus 2:11-14, 2 Peter 1:1-11) and fellowship with each other (Acts 2:42, 1 Corinthians 1:4-9, 2 Corinthians 6:14, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Philippians 2:1-5 NASB, 1 John 1:1-10), and sharing from our prosperity for the ministry of the Gospel, to aid missionaries, to aid communities visited by calamity or disaster, and to help those outside the body in need especially those of the house of faith (Proverbs 3:27, Matthew 25:31-40, Acts 2:42, Romans 12:13, Romans 15:16, 1 Corinthians 16:2, 2 Corinthians 8:1-4, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Galatians 6:6-10, Titus 2:11-14, Hebrews 13:16, James 2:14-18, 1 John 3:17-18), and to strengthen others and be strengthened, to encourage and be encouraged (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11, Hebrews 10:19-25).

There is an invitation to visitors and listeners to be part of the body, the church, Church of Christ, in Christ, to begin a walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4, Romans 7:6, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15, Ephesians 4:17-24, Colossians 3:5-11) being faithful until death (Matthew 16:26, Luke 8:15, Luke 21:19, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 8:18-25, Hebrews 10:35-39, Hebrews 12:1-17 ASV, James 1:3-4, James 5:10-11, 1 Peter 2:19-25, 1 Peter 3:14-17 KJV, Revelation 2:10-11, Revelation 3:10-11).

There is also an invitation for any brother or sister in Christ that needs encouragement, prayers, or help with coming back to the Lord (Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 18:21-22, Mark 11:25, Acts 14:22, Acts 15:30-31, 2 Corinthians 2:5-11, Galatians 6:1-2, Colossians 3:12-14, 1 Thessalonians 3:2-4 NASB, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15).

The day of celebration that has been given to us as written in the New Testament consists of one day that is celebrated fifty-two times a year as a Holy Day, known as the Lords Day, the First Day of the Week, Sunday (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-16 NASB, Luke 24:1-26, John 20:1-20, Acts 2:42-44, Acts 20:7, Romans 12:1-13, Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 11:17-31, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 9:1-12, Galatians1:8-9, Hebrews 10:&24-25, Revelation 1:10).

We also need to be of sound and sober mind striving to live a life closer to the honor and glory that is part of the body, the church, Church of Christ, in Christ, for the sake of our prayers along with keeping fervent in our love for one another (Romans 2:1-10, 1 Corinthians 10:31-33, Ephesians 5:15-21, Colossians 3:1-24, 1Peter 4:7-9).

We are warned through the Holy Spirit as written in the inspired word of God, that there will be antichrists, false prophets, and false teachers, enemies of cross of Christ, and ungodly people within the body, the Church, Church of Christ, of our Lord (Matthew 7:15-20, Matthew 24:4-5,11, Acts 20:29-31, Philippians 3:17-19, 1 Timothy 1:3-11, 2 Timothy 3:1-9, 2 Timothy 4:3, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Peter 2:1-3, 1 John 2:18-19, 2 John 1:7,), and we need to heed these warnings and take care that we are not carried away with the error of lawless people (2 Peter 3:17) and lose our own stability but we need to avoid such people (Romans 16:17, 1 Timothy 6:20, 2 Timothy 2:16, 2 Timothy 3:5, Titus 3:2,9) and keep building ourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:3-4,17-21) keeping ourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life (Jude 1:21).

There are all these false beliefs and each and every one of these will only lead you to an eternal that is condemned to for all eternity (Jeremiah 5:3, Matthew 7:15-20, Luke 21:8, Romans 16:17-18, 2 Corinthians 4:1-4, Galatians 1:6-9, 1 Timothy 1:3-11, 1 Timothy 4:1 NASB, 2 Peter 2:1-3, 1 John 4:1, 2 John 1:7, Jude 1:4,17-21).

There is only but one way that will lead you to heaven with an eternal life of peace and that one way is through our Lord Christ Jesus (Matthew 7:13-14, 7:21, John 8:12, John 11:25-26, John 14:6, Romans 12:1-4 NASB, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, Ephesians 2:8-10) and this way can only be found with the written inspired word of God in the gospel of God’s beloved Son. Only by hearing or reading the message of truth the gospel of salvation (Matthew 4:23, Matthew 7:24,

Matthew 9:35, Matthew 24:14, Mark 4:20, Mark 8:35, Luke 20:1, Acts 15:7, Romans 1:16-17 NASB, Romans 10:14-17 NASB, Ephesians 1:13, Philippians 1:27, Colossians 1:3-5, Titus 1:1-3), and believing the gospel of salvation from your heart (Matthew 24:14, Mark 1:15, Mark 16:15-16, John 3:36, John 6:68-69, John 8:24, John 11:25-27, John 20:30-31 NASB, Acts 8:12, Acts 10:34-43, Ephesians 1:13, 2 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 John 5:10-13), and to repent of your sins (Psalms 7:12, Ezekiel 18:23, Ezekiel 33:11, Matthew 13:15, Matthew 18:3, Luke 13:1-5, Luke 22:32, Acts 2:38, Acts 3:17-23, Acts 5:31-32 NASB Acts 26:15-20, 2 Corinthians 7:10), and confess in your belief that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God (Matthew 14:31-33, Matthew 16:16, Matthew 26:63-64, Luke 4:41, John 1:29-34, John 6:49-54, John 11:25-27, John 20:30-31 NASB, Acts 10:34-43, Romans 10:8-10, 1 Corinthians 6:11, 1 John 5:13), and be baptized (fully immersed in water) for the forgiveness of your sins (Matthew 3:13-17, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:31-34, Acts 2:36-38, Acts 8:12, Acts 8:26-39, Acts 9:15-18, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Galatians 3:23-29,

Ephesians 4:5, 1 Peter 3:18-22), and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38, Acts 26:18, Galatians 3:5, Galatians 5:5, Ephesians 4:4-7), and be faithful unto death (Matthew 16:26, Luke 8:15, Luke 21:19, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 8:18-25, Hebrews 10:35-39, Hebrews 12:1-17, James 1:3-4, James 5:10-11, 1 Peter 2:19-25, 1 Peter 3:14-17 KJV, 1 Peter 4:12-19, Jude 1:17-25, Revelation 2:10-11, Revelation 3:10-13). is the only way to eternal life.

Conclusion

Only by following the message of truth, the gospel of our salvation will anyone be able to be saved from the wrath of God to come and be worthy to stand in front of the Son of Man (Luke 21:36 KJV).

Northwest Church of Christ "Christ & His Church"

Northwest Church of Christ "DO YOU BELONG TO A DENOMINATION?"

"Denominational Doctrines" Washington Street Church of Christ

Apologetics Press "3 Good Reasons to Believe the Bible Has Not Been Corrupted"

Apologetics Press "The Trinity"

Apologetics Press "The Essentiality of Evidence in Christianity"

"The Establishment of the Church of Christ" Christian Courier

"The Indestructible Church of Christ" Christian Courier

"The Biblical Doctrine of the Godhead" Christian Courier

“Must We Do Something To Receive the Free Gift of Salvation?” Christian Courier

“The Wages of Sin and the Free Gift of God” Christian Courier

“A Divine Platform for Christian Unity” Christian Courier

“Have You Considered The Consequences Of Sin?” Christian Courier

“False Teachers; Destructive Heresies – 2 Peter 2:1” Christian Courier

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Being an Ambassador of Christ?

Acts 26:15-23

15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ 19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

Romans 1:1-7
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:21-31

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

Romans 5:12-21

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. 18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 12:3-16

3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

1 Corinthians 12:12 - 13:13

12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be?

20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”

22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.

11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

2 Corinthians 3:1-6

1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. 3 And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

James 1:19-27

19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. 26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

This next passage is cited from West Palm Beach Church of Christ “2 Corinthians 5:18-20, Be Reconciled To God”

Ambassadors For Christ (5:20)

Paul establishes his authority throughout this paragraph. Paul says that he and the apostles are counted as ambassadors for Christ. An ambassador speaks authoritatively for the ruler, as if the ruler were there in person. The ambassadors of the United States speak authoritatively for the president and the nation in their meetings in other places. This was the role of the apostles. They are able to speak on Christ’s behalf. This has been an important message that Paul is communicating to these Christians. The apostles have been given this ministry of reconciliation. Paul needed to defend the message he proclaimed to them. He and his fellow apostles “are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:17). They should not need to commend themselves to these Christians again (3:1) because they are their letters of recommendation. So the apostles are proclaiming a glorious message with the authority of Christ, functioning as ambassadors for him. God makes his appeal to the world through the gospel message given to the apostles which they wrote down and we have in our hands. God is not making his appeal to the world another way. This is the means of his appeal: through the apostles’ message.

These next passages are cited from James Burton “"Coffman Commentaries on the Bible 2 Corinthians 5 ASV"

Burton Coffman (May 24, 1905 – June 30, 2006) was "one of the most influential figures among Churches of Christ in the 20th century." He was known throughout the Churches of Christ for his exhaustive writing and study of Old Testament and New Testament scriptures.

Verse 20

We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.

Ambassadors ...Throughout history, the office of an ambassador has been one endowed with plenary authority; and it is this aspect of Paul's ministry which is stressed here. David Lipscomb laid heavy stress upon this most important office of Christ's apostles. He said: The apostles were and are the ambassadors of Christ. They sustained a relation to the gospel that no other preachers in their day or since ever sustained or could sustain. They were the REVEALERS of the gospel. All others are only proclaimers of what the apostles revealed. No preacher today has any revelation, nor can he claim to be a witness of the resurrection. He has no authority to declare remission of sins; but he can only point to the apostles' declaration on the subject. He may preach the gospel, but he cannot reveal it. He has no message that is not already made known. He does not have the credentials of an ambassador; he cannot work miracles; and God will not work with him in signs and wonders confirming the word that he preaches ... We may not expect any more ambassadors until the Lord has a new message for mankind.[33]

Be ye reconciled to God ... People can be reconciled to God in only one way, and that is by complying with the conditions God has laid down in the gospel, which conditions are antecedent and prerequisite to salvation. "There are conditions on the part of man. Christ died for all, but not all will be saved."[34] The ambassadors of Christ, in the New Testament, have made it clear what people should do to be reconciled to God. There is no other way.

Christ ... God ... "The apostle makes no difference between Christ and God, Christ himself being the Second Person of the eternal Godhead."[35] As Christ's ambassador, Paul could declare the conditions of reconciliation with God.

[33] David Lipscomb, op. cit., p. 83.

[34] Raymond C. Kelcy, op. cit., p. 36.

[35] Philip E. Hughes, op. cit., p. 210.

This next passage is cited from James Burton “"Coffman Commentaries on the Bible Matthew 10 ASV

Verse 40-42

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward: and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you he shall in no wise lose his reward.

These words conclude the charge of Jesus to the Twelve as they were about to depart on this mission. The principle taught here is that receiving the apostles is equivalent to receiving Christ, and that receiving Christ is equivalent to receiving God. The importance of the apostolic mission is underscored by these words. It is "through their word" (John 17:20) and "through your apostles" (2 Peter 3:2) that all the benefits of the Christian faith may be acquired. Note also the limitation, "in the name of a disciple," equivalent to "for my sake" in Matthew 10:39. All spiritual blessings are of and through Christ; and unless related to him, the best of good works must fail of any heavenly reward. On the other hand, the least of good works, even a cup of cold water, "in his name," is sure of eternal acceptance and credit.

These next passages are cited from “Ambassadors with a Message” La Vista Church of Christ

Because a Christian’s outlook changes when he becomes a follower of Christ, he is a new person (Romans 6:3-4; Psalms 51:10; Ezekiel 18:31; Galatians 6:15). The old way of life is gone (Romans 6:5-11; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:1-10; I Peter 4:1-3). Paul emphasizes the point by alluding to two prophecies: Isaiah 43:18-19 and Isaiah 65:17.

What caused the change belongs to God (I Corinthians 3:5-7; Romans 1:16). The word “reconcile” translates the Greek word katallasso which literally means to exchange coinage. Our salvation was gained by exchanging the old man of sin for a new man who can have a relationship with God. God doesn’t need to change. God is involved in changing people Jesus and the apostles and other preachers serve in aiding that exchange between the dead man of sin and the living man of righteousness (Romans 5:10-11; Colossians 1:20).

God was joined with Christ in reconciling the world to Himself (John 10:38; 14:10; Colossians 1:19-22). The availability of being saved was not limited to a few but offered to all of mankind (I John 2:1-2). It was a work of God and not man. Man was the one who offended God, but it is God who seeks the reconciliation (Isaiah 43:25; 44:22).

The reconciliation was accomplished by being able to justly not count man’s sins against them because Jesus paid that price (Romans 3:24-25; 4:6-8;). Justice was upheld. And the message of that reconciliation was committed to the apostles to tell the world.

Blameless ambassadors (II Corinthians 5:20-6:10)

The apostles function as ambassadors for Christ. Christ is begging, through the medium of the apostles, for people to be reconciled to God. An ambassador is a representative of a country’s leader. He presents the king’s will, explains it, and seeks to enforce it. Yet, he cannot change the terms or create new decrees, he must stay within the guidelines given to him by the king. They do not promote their own welfare but seek for the honor of the one who sent them (I Thessalonians 2:6-7).

God has made reconciliation possible by having the sinless Son of God to be sin on our behalf. This is not to say that Christ became sinful or guilty of sin (I Peter 1:19; 2:22; Hebrews 7:26; I John 3:5), but that Jesus became the sin offering on behalf of our sins. There are a number of verses in the Old Testament where the word “sin” is used to refer to the sin offering – the Hebrew word chattath can be translated as either sin or sin-offering, see Leviticus 4:23-24 where it is used both ways (Hosea 4:8; Ezekiel 44:29). In doing so, we are able to become righteous in Christ (Romans 5:19; Colossians 1:21-22). One way to read this is that Christ was treated as if he were sin, though he was without sin so that we who are in him might be treated as if we were righteous, though we are sinful (Isaiah 53:12; I Peter 2:22-24).

These next passages are cited from “The Unique Church” Apologetics Press

With the appearance of John the baptizer and Jesus on the Earth, the church of Christ entered a new phase of existence. Now, more than ever before, the kingdom was presented with a sense of immediacy, nearness, and urgent expectation. Now, God’s emissaries actively prepared for its imminent appearance. John exclaimed: “[T]he kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). Jesus echoed His harbinger with precisely the same point: “[T]he kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). As John made preparations for the Lord (Matthew 3:3; 11:10; Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1), so the Lord made preparations for the kingdom. He announced His intention personally to establish His church (Matthew 16:18). He declared that it would occur during the lifetime of His earthly contemporaries (Mark 9:1).

Just prior to His departure from Earth, Jesus further noted that the apostles would be witnesses of His death and resurrection, and would preach repentance and remission of sins in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. He would even send the promise of the Father upon them, which would entail being “endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:46-49). This power was to be equated with Holy Spirit immersion (Acts 1:4-5,8).

Now that the kingdom had existed in purpose, promise, and prophecy, and in preparation, the time had come for the church to come forth in perfection. After urging the apostles to “tarry in Jerusalem,” Jesus ascended into a cloud and was ushered into heaven. The apostles returned to Jerusalem and for ten days awaited the fulfillment of the Savior’s words.

Then it happened. With stunning splendor, after centuries of eager anticipation (1 Peter 1:10-12), God poured out His Spirit upon the Twelve on the first Pentecost after Christ’s resurrection (Acts 2). This miraculous outpouring enabled these one dozen “ambassadors” (2 Corinthians 5:20) to present a stirring defense of Christ’s resurrection, convicting some in the audience with the guilt of the crucifixion. Peter then simultaneously detailed the conditions of forgiveness and the terms of entrance into the kingdom of Christ. These terms consisted of being pricked in the heart, repenting of sins, and being immersed in water (Acts 2:37-38). The church of Christ was now perfected into existence on the Earth, consisting of approximately 3,000 members—all of Jewish descent. From this moment forward, the kingdom of Christ on the Earth was a reality. To its Jewish citizenry, were added the first Gentile converts in Acts 10, when those of the household of Cornelius obeyed the same terms of entrance that their Jewish counterparts had obeyed some ten to fifteen years earlier. By the cross, Christ had made “in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body” (Ephesians 2:15-16). This “one body” is totally unique, and is unlike any other entity on the face of the Earth. She is distinguished by several unique and exclusive characteristics:

First, she wears the name of her head, owner, and savior—Christ (Daniel 7:14; Matthew 16:18; Romans 16:16; Ephesians 1:23; 4:12; Revelation 11:15). Her members wear the divinely bestowed name of “Christian” (Isaiah 62:1-2; Acts 11:26; 1 Peter 4:16).

Second, her organization was arranged by God to consist of Jesus as head, elders/pastors/bishops as the earthly overseers or managers, deacons as the designated workers/ministers, evangelists as the proclaimers of the good news, teachers as instructors in the faith, and all the other members, who are active in serving the Lord (Acts 6:1-3;14:23;20:17:28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-4).

Third, her unique mission consists of bringing glory to God (1 Corinthians 6:20). As Peter explained: “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11). This task is accomplished by disseminating the Gospel of Christ to the human race (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-47; Acts 8:4; Romans 10:14; Philippians 2:15-16; Hebrews 5:12-14); by endeavoring to keep Christians faithful (Romans 14:19; 15:1-3; Ephesians 4:12; Jude 20-24); and by manifesting a benevolent lifestyle (Matthew 25:31-46; Galatians 6:10; James 2:1-17). In short, every member of the church is to strive for complete conformity to the will of Christ (Matthew 22:37-38; 2 Corinthians 5:9; 10:5; Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Fourth, her entrance requirements are unlike any other entity on the face of the Earth. The individual who is struck with the heinousness of sin, recognizing the purpose of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice through His death upon the cross, comes to believe in Jesus as the Son of God and the New Testament as the only authentic expression of His will. This belief leads him to repent of his sins, to orally confess Jesus as the Christ, and to be baptized in water, with the understanding that as he rises from the waters of baptism, he is forgiven of sin and added to the church by Christ (Mark 16:16; Hebrews 11:6; Acts 2:38,47; Romans 6:1-6; 10:9-10). These terms of entrance were given by Jesus to the apostles, who declared them on the occasion of the establishment of the church (Matthew 16:19; Acts 2).

Fifth, her instruction manual is likewise exclusive and unique. The Bible, consisting of both Old and New Testaments, constitutes her one and only authentic and authoritative guide (Galatians 1:6-9; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:11; 2 Peter 3:16). These 66 books, written by some 40 men over a period of 1,600 years, are actually the product of the Holy Spirit, Who empowered the writers to pen only what God wanted written (2 Samuel 23:2; 1 Corinthians 2:9-13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:10-12; 2 Peter 1:20-21). The Bible is thus verbally inspired of God, inerrant, and all-sufficient.

Many other characteristics of the church of Christ could be cited. But these five are sufficient to show that the church is easily identifiable and not to be confused with any other religious group. It was inevitable that people would deviate from the simple guidelines given in Scripture (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1-2). The result has been the formulation of unbiblical doctrines, unscriptural practices, and unauthorized churches (Matthew 15:9,13; 2 John 9-11).

The Scriptures make clear that God never has and never will sanction such a state of affairs. The only hope of any individual is to be in the one true church living faithfully to God’s desires. Many in our day are working overtime to obscure and blur the distinction between the New Testament church and the manmade, counterfeit churches that exist in abundance. They seem oblivious to the fact that no denominations are ever found in the Bible. Many people do not seem even to be aware of the fact that the Bible describes a single church—Christ’s church.

Yet anyone who cares to consult the inspired guidebook can see that the church described in the Bible is easily identifiable today. The matter may be easily determined upon the basis of two criteria. First, can one know how to become a Christian? If so, then the church can be identified, i.e., those who have obeyed the one and only Gospel plan of salvation. Second, can one know how to live the Christian life faithfully and obediently before God? If so, one can identify those who continue to constitute the saved body, the church.

In light of these simple truths, no legitimate claim may be made by denominational bodies to consider themselves as churches of Christ. The pluralistic mindset that has permeated our thinking has prodded us to be more accepting of other viewpoints and to “lighten up” in our opposition to false religion. For some years now, we have been goaded and prodded into feeling guilty about claiming certainty about anything, let alone biblical truth. But the truth continues to be that denominations are manmade divisions, unmitigated departures from the faith.

Denominationalism is about the best thing Satan has come up with to subvert the truth of the Bible and to bring otherwise religious people under his influence. The world religions, as well as those who embrace humanistic philosophies like atheism, by definition, have rejected the one true God and have capitulated to Satan. So where do you suppose Satan is going to focus the brunt of his assault upon the Earth? The more he is able to muddy the waters and to obscure the certainty of the truth, the more chance he has of luring people into his clutches.

We are at a moment in history when Satan is making great inroads into the church, and scoring impressive victories against the cause of Christ. As the book of Judges records a cyclical pattern among God’s people of apostasy, punishment, repentance, faithfulness, and then back into apostasy, we are at the point in history where apostasy holds sway. This periodic purging process seems to be an inevitable recurrence. What God would have us to do is to stand confidently and courageously upon His will, unmoved and unintimidated by the overwhelming forces that pressure us to succumb. In this fashion, the justice of God will be made evident at the Judgment and, in the meantime, impetus is given to the redeemed to strengthen themselves in the struggle to stay loyal to the Master. Every possible soul must be “snatched out of the fire” (Jude 23).

While the Lord would have us to demonstrate concern and compassion for the lost denominational world, He also would have us exercise discretion in the extent to which we fellowship and affiliate with such groups. Regardless of the fashionable sentiments prevalent among some in our day, the Bible still delineates God’s disapproval of the righteous associating with error and false religion. When we become proud of our ability to mingle with denominationalism—manifesting acceptance and tolerance of their unbiblical beliefs—we are guilty of the very attitude that Paul condemned in 1 Corinthians 5:2, that Jesus condemned in Revelation 2:15-16, and that John condemned in 2 John 11.

We need to return to the Old Testament, and learn afresh the lessons that Israel failed repeatedly to learn. We need to stand at Elijah’s side and breath deeply his spirit of confrontation as he boldly distinguished between true and false religion (1 Kings 18:17-40). We need to follow Phinehas into the tent and learn to identify with his jealous intolerance of disobedience and defiance to the will of God (Numbers 25:1-15). We need to step across the line to stand at Moses’ side and witness the calm fury with which he sought to expunge sin (Exodus 32:25-28). We need to identify ourselves with the young king Josiah and feel the same sense of horror and tearful concern as we watch him burn, break, desecrate, destroy, cut down, stamp, and slay everything and everyone who represented unauthorized religious practice (2 Kings 22 and 23).

Perhaps once we have honestly filled our minds with these inspired accounts, and allowed these truths to penetrate and permeate our being, we will possess the proper frame of mind to view denominationalism, and all other alternatives to the one church, in the same way that God views them. Maybe then we will perceive counterfeit churches and rival religions with the depth of righteous anger and displeasure that God perceives them. Until then, we will be gripped by an unconcerned, blasé, live-and-let-live mentality that will allow Satan to proceed with his subversion of humanity. If we do not stand up and proclaim the distinctiveness of the one true church of Christ, nobody else will, and we will lose our souls along with them. If Noah had not been comfortable with standing in a minute minority in an effort to stem the tide, the tide would have swept him away in the Flood along with the rest.

Do you love the church for which Jesus shed His blood? Do you? Do you love the body of Christ deeply enough to temper your concern for the lost with a righteous regard for the purity and loyalty of that body? Rather than obscure the reality and identity of the unique church of Christ, we would do well to take note of the clearly defined borders of the kingdom, that we might be able to give our attention to bringing in those on the outside. Fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness is not the answer; teaching and exposing them is

(Ephesians 5:11).

If we would truly fathom that the church of Christ is distinctive, exclusive, and unique; if we would truly view fraternization with the denominations as traitorous; if we would love the genuine body of Christ with the same fervency and jealousy with which Jesus loves her; then we would be in a position to proclaim with Paul: “Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end” (Ephesians 3:21).

RFERENCES

Hardeman, N.B. and Ben M. Bogard (1938), The Hardeman-Bogard Debate (Nashville, TN: Gospel Advocate).

Conclusion

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NASB)

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Based on the Scriptures revealed by the Holy Spirit that the Apostles were counted as or considered to be the Ambassadors of Christ for they brought the message to mankind being guided by the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.

Acts 11:26

26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

The Ambassadors of Christ were revealing the message as they were part of the Gospel message and not just proclaiming the (Gospel) message, they were given divine authority that no one today would be given or have based on the word of God, and what person can not only reveal a message that is directly given to them from God the Father and have the Son of God confirm it.

Matthew 16:16-17
16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

The Ambassadors of Christ were witnesses to the Church of Christ being built from the beginning and were also giving the keys to the kingdom of heaven with authority given them by the Son of God to bind and loose on earth and be bond or loosen in heaven.

Matthew 16:18-20
18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. “And I tell you, you are Peter, 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

"Coffman Commentaries on the Bible 2 Corinthians 5" Studylight.org

(Cited Article)

“Coffman Commentaries on the Bible Matthew 10” Studylight.org (Cited Article)

West Palm Beach Church of Christ “2 Corinthians 5:18-20 Be Reconciled To God" (Cited Article)

“The Unique Church” Apologetics Press (Cited Article)

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Once Saved Always Saved?

Fall from Grace

Galatians 5:1-11 (NASB)

1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. 2 Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. 3 And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. 4 You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. 7 You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. 10 I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is. 11 But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished.

Hebrews 12:15-17 (NASB)

15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; 16 that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.

2 Peter 3:17-18 (NASB)

17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Willfully and Deliberately Sin

Hebrews 10:26-39 (NASB)

26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES. 28 Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.” And again, “THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.” 31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32 But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, 33 partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. 34 For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. 35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 37 FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY. 38 BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND 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 preserving of the soul.

Apostate or Rebellion

Titus 1:5-6 (NASB)

5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.

Titus 1:10-16 (NASB)

10 For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain. 12 One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.

Hebrews 2:1 - For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

Hebrews 10:39 NASB. – But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

Hebrews 12:25 NASB – See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven.

Hebrews 3:12-15 (NASB)

12 Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, 15 while it is said, “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME.”

Hebrews 6:4-8 (NASB)

4 For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. 7 For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; 8 but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned.

2 Peter 2:1-22 (NASB)

1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3 and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. 4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter; 7 and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men 8 (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds), 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties,

11 whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord. 12 But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed,

13 suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, as they carouse with you, 14 having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children;

15 forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 but he received a rebuke for his own transgression, for a mute donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet. 17 These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. 18 For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error,

19 promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved. 20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. 22 It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.”

Revelation 2:1-7 (NASB)

1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this: 2 ‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; 3 and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent. 6 Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.’

Revelation 2:12-17 (NASB)

12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this: 13 ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality. 15 So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.’

Revelation 2:18-29 (NASB)

18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this: 19 ‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first. 20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality. 22 Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. 24 But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them—I place no other burden on you. 25 Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come. 26 He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS; 27 AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON, AS THE VESSELS OF THE POTTER ARE BROKEN TO PIECES, as I also have received authority from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Revelation 3:1-6 (NASB)

1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. 3 So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. 4 But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Revelation 3:14-22 (NASB)

14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: 15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.

17 Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. 21 He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Conclusion

God is confident that you can endure to the end. You don’t need to quit. If you have fallen away repent and Look to Jesus – the author and perfecter of your faith.

Southside Church of Christ “The Threat of Apostasy”

Woodland Hills Church of Christ “Apostasy: The Ease And Possibility Of”

Christian Courier “Apostasy: A Clear and Ever-Present Danger”

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The Restoration Movement

The Restoration Movement False View to the Church of Christ

Some allege that the church of Christ, as established on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), has not existed in an unbroken line since that time. The allegation is false if the testimony of Scripture is dependable.

Have there been members of the true church of Christ since Pentecost? Some

answer yes, based upon certain biblical texts. Others doubt it since there appears to be no continuous historical record of such.

Daniel, in considering the future administration of the Roman Empire 63 B.C.-A.D. 476, declared:

And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty thereof be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever (Daniel. 2:44 ASV).

Scripture is explicit: once the kingdom was established, it would "never be destroyed,” but would “stand Forever"

At Caesarea-Philippi (Matthew 16:13-18 ASV), Christ promised to build his church. In connection therewith, he pledged “the gates of Hades” would not “prevail against it” (v. 18).

The expression “shall not prevail against” may signify not prevent its establishment, or never demolish it. Both may be included. McGarvey suggested it embraced the promise that the church would never be “depopulated by the death of all its members” (n.d., 146).

In a prophecy in which John foretold the persecution of the church under the figure of a woman, he declared: “[T]he woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared of God” (Revelation 12:6). The imagery would appear to suggest that even in a time of severe hardship (cf. 11:2; 13:5) Christ’s church would not become extinct.

False View

In contrast is the common allegation that the church of Christ is a relatively modern phenomenon, substantially beginning in America with the Stone-Campbell movement of the early 1800s (Ross 1976, 19).

To the people who profess to be Christians only, sometimes the pejorative term

“Campbellites” is attached — “ignorantly by the non-church public . . . viciously, as well as ignorantly, by the less enlightened members of less enlightened sects” (Ferm 1945, 116).

Reflections on History

History at best is a sketchy record of human achievement. This is particularly so

before the invention of the printing press (ca. 1445). There are many movements that cannot be traced in an unbroken line throughout the centuries of the post-apostolic age.

The fact is, since God took his church into “the wilderness” during those bloody

epochs of persecution, it is not to be expected there would be a definitive chronology of the historical movement. It clearly is the case, however, that genuine churches of Christ can be documented significantly preceding the Stone-Campbell movement, and far beyond this continent.

A widely-circulated quotation from Dr. William Robinson (1888-1963), principal of Overdale College in Birmingham, England, contains the following statement:

In the Furness District of Lancashire in N.W. England there existed in 1669, during the reign of Charles II, a group of eight churches of Christ. Most of them are not now in existence. An old minute book has been found of the year 1669 and it shows that they called themselves by the name church of Christ, practiced baptism by immersion, celebrated the Lord's Supper each Lord's Day, and had elders and deacons. There was also a church of Christ in Dungannon, Ireland in 1804 and in Allington, Denbeighshire. In 1735, John Davis, a young preacher in the Fife District of Scotland was preaching New Testament Christianity twenty-five years before Thomas Campbell (Alexander Campbell's father) was born (Rushmore 2000, 18).

Dr. Hans Grimm, a German scholar born in 1899, wrote a book titled Tradition and

History of the Early Churches of Christ in Central Europe. The narrative begins:

It has always been a real church of Christ in this world since Pentecost, and this means: a church believing in faith, repentance, confession and immersion for the remission of sins-a church which worshipped at least the first day of the week, with hymns, prayers, the Lord's Supper, Bible study and contributions for the saints-a church which worked under the oversight of bishops, deacons, and evangelists-a church-not some isolated seekers, but an organized church, which trusted in the Lord's promise that "the powers of death will never prevail against it” (nd., 5).

This work contains valuable information regarding Christian movements in Europe.

Leslie G. Thomas, in his book, Restoration Handbook (1971, 73), cites instances of churches of Christ in Glasgow, Scotland (1778); Edinburgh, Scotland (1798); Criccieth, North Wales (1799); Tubemore, Ireland (1807); Manchester, England (1810); and Dublin, Ireland (1810). None of these congregations was in any way connected with either Thomas or Alexander Campbell.

The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church acknowledged churches of Christ in Dungannon, Ireland (1804), and Auchtermuchty, Scotland (1807). The author states that in 1842 there were fifty congregations with 1,300 members (Douglas 1974, 227). For their doctrinal beliefs, see this work by William Robinson.

As early as 1807, a congregation was formed in Jackson County, Alabama, near present-day Bridgeport. It is considered to be the oldest church of Christ continuing to meet regularly (Hooper 1979, 7).

There was a church of Christ in Morrison, Tennessee as early as 1810 (two years

before Alexander Campbell was immersed).

The history of the Lord's Church in Morrison dates back to the settlers in Vervilla about 1800. Several people from various faiths were without a religious leader and simply turned directly to the Bible itself for their guide. By 1810 they were worshipping as one body, a church different from any they had known before, subscribing to no creed, and wearing no distinctive name. They called themselves "Christians" and designated the church only, "The Church of Christ." They learned, contrary to former belief and practice, that baptism was a burial and for the remission of sins, and began to practice it in that manner and for that purpose.

Of interest is a letter of recommendation written in 1818 to the Antioch Church in Alabama on behalf of one Elizabeth Brown, as follows: “State of Tennessee, Warren County, October 22, 1818.

The Church of Christ at Philadelphia commends to the fellowship of the faithful in Christ Jesus our beloved Sister Elizabeth Brown, as a faithful member of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Signed George Stroud, David Ramsey, Bishops.”

In 1828 the Clear Creek church of Christ was formed at Stantonville, in McNairy County, Tennessee (Howell 2009, 1).

The Seed-Soil Principle

In the parable of the sower, Jesus described a man who sowed seed, some of which fell upon good soil. In explaining the parable he identified the seed as “the word of God” (Luke 8:11 ASV) and the “good ground” as “an honest and good heart” (v. 15). Or, as Mark expressed it, those who “hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit” (Mark.4:20 ASV).

It necessarily follows, therefore, that whenever (within the past two millennia) and wherever (over the entire earth) the word of God has come in contact with an honest and good (receptive) heart, a Christian has been the result. A group of Christians constitutes a church. Churches of Christ, therefore, could have existed at any place or at any time over the past twenty centuries where those components happily were combined.

Churches of Christ have functioned as a brilliant galaxy of Christian influence in a world shrouded by the darkness of human rebellion. Christians have regularly assembled in caves, barns, storefronts, and schoolhouses. They have met in dirt- floor, thatched-roof hovels, as well as in fine buildings.

In the antique Roman world, millions crowded beneath the imperial city in the catacombs to worship as Christians. Pliny, governor of Bithynia, wrote to the emperor Trajan (ca. A.D. 112), asking for advice about how he should deal with Christians who regularly met on an appointed day before daybreak to worship Christ as God (Epistle of Pliny to Trajan X.96).

The testimony of Tertullian (ca. A.D. 160-220) is most dramatic:

Men proclaim that the state is beset with us, Every age, condition, and rank is coming over to us. We are only of yesterday, but already we fill the world (Apology 37.4).

To suggest that non-denominational churches did not exist until modern times is the epitome of pseudo-scholastic irresponsibility. Just because one cannot exhume a written record from the trash heaps of antiquity with an unbroken listing of congregations of Christ affords no proof of the absence of such.

Sources

Douglas, J. D. ed. 1974. The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan..

Ferm, Vergilius, ed. 1945. An Encyclopedia of Religion. New York, NY: Philosophical Library.

Rushmore, Louis, ed. 2000. Gospel Gazette

Online. August. https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2000/aug/page18.htm

Grimm, Hans. n.d. Tradition and History of the Early Christians in Central Europe. Austin, TX: Firm Foundation. http://www.netbiblestudy.net/history/

Hooper, Robert. 1979. Crying in the Wilderness. Nashville, TN: McQuiddy.

Howell, Ellenor Hardeman. 20090. Hardeman/McClure Newsletter. Summer.

McGarvey, J. W. n.d. Commentary on Matthew and Mark. Des Moines, IA: Eugene Smith.

Ross, Bob. 1976. Campbellism. Pasadena, TX: Pilgrim Pub.

Thomas, Leslie G. 1971. Restoration Handbook. Nashville, TN: Gospel Advocate.

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“Alexander Campbell and Christ’s Church” Christian Courier

“History of the Church of Christ” Cas Grande Church of Christ

“Church History” Church of Christ Articles

"The Unique Church" Apologetics Press

"The Indestructible Church of Christ" Christian Courier (Cited Article)

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